The following day, Mohit arrived at the office, diligently filled out his attendance, and proceeded to his cabin. On his way, he noticed that Samarth's cabin was conspicuously empty. Curiosity piqued, but unable to discern more, he continued to his own cabin, placed his bag down, and settled into his chair. At that moment, Piyush arrived.

"Hi," Piyush greeted with a warm smile.

"Oh, Piyush, hi," Mohit responded, a hint of distraction in his tone.

"How are you, brother?" Piyush inquired, his gaze keen.

"I'm fine," Mohit replied, though Piyush's perceptive eyes saw through his facade.

"You don't look fine. It seems like you're lost in thought," Piyush teased.

"Come on, man... What can I say?" Mohit sighed, his mind clearly elsewhere.

"This is what happens after marriage," Piyush winked knowingly.

"What do you mean?" Mohit asked, puzzled.

"Let me explain. It's natural, Mohit. You're missing her badly, and she must be missing you just as much. Long-distance relationships are challenging, even for newlyweds living together. Missing each other is part of the deal," Piyush explained with a knowing smile.

Mohit listened, amused by Piyush's marital wisdom. "You seem to know a lot. How many marriages have you had?"

Piyush laughed heartily. "You don't know? I'm already in a live-in relationship. I adore her deeply. I can't imagine a day without her. She knows me better than I know myself. She understands what I want and when I want it, what's right for me and what's wrong. It might sound odd, but men need women more than women need us. They have this innate quality that makes us rely on them. Remember, never let her go. She has the power to make you a better man. They say she can transform your world. And you two make a stunning couple. You're both incredibly attractive."

Piyush rose to leave but turned back with a grin. "Oh, and don't tell Kesha any of this. She'll go crazy. By the way, she's rejoining today." He winked and exited, leaving Mohit deep in thought.

In the afternoon, Mohit's phone lit up with Shikha's call. Leaning back in his chair, he answered with a smile, "Hello."

"Hi, how are you?" Shikha's voice was cheerful.

"I'm fine, and you?" Mohit responded, his tone warm but distracted.

"I'm good too," Shikha said.

"Did you apply for resignation?" Mohit asked.

"Yes, that's actually why I called. My boss isn't happy with my decision. He's offering me all sorts of incentives to stay, even a 40% salary increase and a car. But I've declined," Shikha explained, a touch of disappointment in her voice.

Mohit, sensing her underlying feelings, replied, "I'm sorry, Shikha. I know you're giving up a lot for me."

"No, Mohit, it's fine. Don't feel bad," Shikha reassured him.

"Hmmm," Mohit murmured, contemplating.

"I have something else to tell you," Shikha began hesitantly.

"What is it?" Mohit asked, concern evident in his voice.

"Actually, Mohit," Shikha's voice trembled slightly, "I need to share something with you."

"What's wrong, Shikha? Is there a problem? Do you need something?" Mohit's worry grew.

"No, Mohit, I don't need anything. I just want to tell you something. But first, promise me you won't get angry or upset," Shikha pleaded.

"What's going on that you need my promise?" Mohit teased, attempting to lighten the mood.

"I'm not asking for permission, just informing you," Shikha responded, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

"Okay, okay, I was joking," Mohit said, trying to ease the tension.

"Sunday is Neha's wedding. Neha's parents are family friends. I went to my mom's house today, and they were there. They invited me, so I'll be going this Sunday. Actually, I'll be there from Friday through Sunday," Shikha explained.

"Shikha, are you serious? Did you think I'd be mad about that?" Mohit chuckled.

"Mohit, stop it. Let me finish," Shikha insisted.

"Alright, alright, go on," Mohit encouraged.

"Neha is Samarth's sister," Shikha revealed.

Mohit's smile faded, and he clenched his fist, gritting his teeth. "So that's why he didn't come to the office today," he thought.

"Mohit, are you there? Hello?" Shikha's voice broke through his thoughts.

"Yeah, I'm here," Mohit replied, his tone strained.

"Are you okay?" Shikha asked, her concern palpable.

"If I say no, will you not go?" Mohit asked, tension in his voice.

"I would still go, Mohit. He's my best friend. But if you say yes, I'll go happily. I didn't want to hide anything from you. You should know everything," Shikha explained.

"Hmmm," Mohit nodded, unable to conceal his frustration. He made an excuse, "Listen, Shikha, my boss is calling. I have to go. Bye." Before she could respond, he hung up. Shikha understood his frustration.

Mohit slammed his fist on the table, his anger evident. He didn't want to confront Shikha harshly, so he opted for silence. That night, they did not speak. Shikha tried calling him, but he did not answer. She knew he was upset but also understood that giving in to his demands now would mean losing her autonomy forever. She wanted to convey that not everything could be on his terms; she was his wife, not his subordinate.

Shikha attended all the functions, exchanging minimal words with Samarth. With Mohit, however, there was a cold silence. Weeks passed, and their longing for each other grew, but their pride kept them apart.

On the 25th day, Shikha, desperate to hear Mohit's voice, called him. Unaware of her call due to a meeting, Mohit returned home that evening to find a missed call from her. He called back, but Shikha, hurt and annoyed, chose not to answer. Five more days passed, and Shikha decided to return to Mumbai. She texted Mohit, informing him of her arrival. He replied, promising to pick her up from the airport.

When she arrived in Mumbai, her emotions were different. She felt neither excitement nor joy. Standing outside the airport with her bags, she refrained from calling Mohit to hurry. After half an hour, he arrived. They exchanged a simple "hi," and he took her bags, placing them in the car. The drive to his home was filled with unspoken words, both yearning for each other's presence but remaining silent.

Upon reaching the house, Mohit opened the door and placed her bags in the living area. Shikha noticed the changes in the house since her departure. They stood there, eyes meeting, their silence conveying everything. Tears streamed down Shikha's cheeks, and Mohit, unable to bear the sight, embraced her tightly. She buried her face in his neck, clinging to him. After a month apart, they were finally reunited, holding on to each other with renewed fervor.

"I'm sorry," Mohit whispered, regret lacing his voice. "I know I've hurt you deeply."

Shikha pulled him closer and whispered back, "It's okay," then gazed up at him, her eyes still glistening. "I'm sorry too."

Mohit wiped away her tears. "No, you don't need to apologize. I promise this won't happen again."

She nodded and nestled her face in his neck once more, finding comfort in his embrace.

___