Important-

I just wanted to apologize for the delay in updates, even though the target has been completed

And just a quick note: I always try to update between 9 to 11 PM, and if you'll finish the target around 7 or 8, I won't upload that day; I'll update the following day instead. This is due to personal reasons, as I need time for editing and I live with my family, which can be difficult at times.

If I delay more than a day, check my message board-I always leave updates there.

About the recent delay: first-day period blues hit hard. I was emotional, frustrated, and couldn't edit properly. Even wattpad was testing my patience & wasn't letting me upload pictures. So, no uploads happened. Hope you understand.

To those questioning the point of targets-chill. I always upload, even if it's a bit late. Patience, people. Now, enjoy the story!
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Now the next chapter after this target is completed.

Today's target -
‼️2.9k votes & 500 comments on this chapter.‼️

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सांसों में तेरी नज़दीकियों का
इत्र तू घोल दे.. घोल दे
मैं ही क्यों इश्क़ ज़ाहिर करूं
तू भी कभी बोल दे.. बोल दे

लेके जान ही जाएगा मेरी
क़ातिल हर तेरा बहाना हुआ
तुझसे ही शुरू तुझपे ही ख़त्म
मेरे प्यार का फ़साना हुआ

तू शमा है तो याद रखना
मैं भी हूँ परवाना
ओ ज़ालिमा ओ ज़ालिमा

जो तेरी ख़ातिर तड़पे पहले से ही
क्या उसे तड़पाना ओ ज़ालिमा, ओ ज़ालिमा
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Morning came softly, with the faintest rays of sunlight slipping through the curtains. My eyes fluttered open, heavy with sleep, but the moment I moved, I froze.

Something-or rather someone-was behind me.

It didn't take long for the warmth of his touch to register. His hand rested on my stomach, firm yet comforting, as if claiming that space like it had always belonged to him.

Like he has been doing it for a few days now.

But this morning, it was different. His grip was tighter, possessive almost, as though even in his sleep, he refused to let go.

Like he was afraid.

I swallowed hard, my breath catching in my throat. My heart decided to betray me, hammering against my ribs like it was running a race I hadn't signed up for.

Was it always this loud?

If he woke up now, I'd probably die from the embarrassment alone.

Why is he holding me like this?

And why am I not moving away?

My thoughts scrambled as I tried to keep my breathing even, though the blush creeping up my cheeks wasn't helping. My skin burned where his hand rested, and the sensation was too much and too little all at once.

Slowly, cautiously, I turned my head just enough to catch a glimpse of him. His face was buried in my hair, his nose brushing against my back where my saree had slipped slightly during the night. The sight made my blush deepen, spreading down my neck.

I blinked, startled, as realization dawned.

I had slept in my saree.

Why?

Then, like a dark cloud creeping over a sunny day, the memories from yesterday hit me.

The gloominess of the yesterday's realization, the weight of unspoken words.

It wasn't loud or dramatic-it was quiet, settling heavily in my chest like a stone.

I sighed, closing my eyes for a moment, letting myself feel everything at once. The warmth of his hand, the chill of the air, the ache of yesterday still lingering like a bruise.

What are you doing, Noorie?

My inner voice piped up as if to remind me I was supposed to be more composed than this.

But how could I be when the man I wasn't even sure how to define had wrapped himself around me like this was the most natural thing in the world?

Yesterday, unknowingly, I realized the reality of my marriage. Where I thought we were making progress, I realized I stood exactly where I never wanted to.

Still looking at his face, now hidden under my hair, I noticed how peaceful he looked. So calm, nothing like yesterday.

For a few more minutes, I just stared at him. It was hard not to. There was something about the way he looked in his sleep, as if none of the weight of yesterday existed for him. And maybe it didn't. Maybe I was the only one carrying it.

May be he doesn't care at all.

After what felt like too long, I decided to get up. Today, I didn't feel like talking to him like I had been doing. Yesterday, I thought we were building something, making a connection.

We already had.

But unknowingly, his actions gave me a reality check. One I hadn't asked for but couldn't ignore. Quietly, I slipped out of bed, trying not to disturb him.

As I moved, my eyes caught sight of my hand. I frowned.

It was wrapped in fresh bandages.

Who did this?

The question barely formed in my mind before my eyes drifted back to him. My husband is still sleeping, but it still looks like nothing in the world could touch him.

The thought tilted my head slightly, and a smile-a mocking, bitter smile-appeared on my face before I shook my head.

Of course, I thought.

Getting up, I walked to the bathroom. In between I again saw my pillow, my cherry thrown away in the corner of the room. I frowned but didn't said anything. Picking it up I placed it on the sofa & walked to bathroom.

There air felt heavier today, pressing down on me in a way that made it hard to breathe. I wasn't smiling. I didn't feel like smiling.

There was an unfamiliar sadness sitting in my chest, like a weight I hadn't noticed before. Maybe it was the realization that I was living the very thing I had feared my entire life.

I shook my head, trying to push the thoughts away. There was no use thinking about it. I knew, deep down, that even though I was getting exactly what I feared, I couldn't complain.

I can't.

I have to keep going. Keep trying.

But what about my heart? What about the part of me that was quietly breaking?

I came out of the bathroom, and the yellow saree wrapped around me. Its bright color felt out of place against the dullness weighing on my heart. My eyes fell on the dressing table, and I walked toward it, brushing a hand over its surface as if grounding myself.

As I reached for my comb, my hand accidentally hit a small bottle of perfume, making it fall over the surface. I sighed, My fingers stilled for a moment.

Signing, I gathered the perfulr bottle & kept it where it was.

Do I even want to get ready today?

Pushing the thought aside, I turned away. "Aakriti," I whispered to myself. I needed to check on her first.

Everything else could wait.

When I stepped into her room, she was sitting on the bed, her hand resting protectively over her stomach. The sight made me pause for a second. Her face looked bright & happy. As soon as she saw me, she smiled.

"Aakriti, kaisi ho app aab?" I asked, moving closer and sitting beside her.

(Akriti, how are you now?)

She gave me a small smile. "Bhabhi, main theek hoon."

(Sister-in-law, I'm fine.)

Her words made me breathe in relief.. I frowned, tilting my head. "Subah se kuch khaaya aapne?"

(Have you eaten anything this morning?)

She hesitated, then shook her head. "Nahi, bhabhi. Man nahi kar raha tha."

(No, sister-in-law. I didn't feel like it.)

A sigh escaped me.

"Aapko ab apne liye nahi, uske liye sochna hoga," I said softly, my eyes glancing toward her stomach.

(You have to think not just for yourself now, but for the baby.)

Her expression softened, and she nodded slightly.

"Ha bhai, ab ye bhi to hai khane wale!."

( Yeah, but he/she is also who'll eat..")

I gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before standing up.

"Main kuch laati hoon aapke liye. Tab tak aaraam karo."

(I'll bring something for you. You rest in the meantime.)

I had barely taken a step when her voice stopped me. "Bhabhi, ruko!"

(Sister-in-law, wait!)

I turned back, surprised. "Kya hua?"

(What happened?)

Her face lit up with a mischievous grin. She grabbed her dupatta and started tying it around her head like she was about to play dress-up.

"Khana wana choro, aaj aapko main tayaar karungi."
(Leave food today, I'll make you ready.)

I blinked, taken aback.

"Nahi, Askriti. Aap aaraam karo. Mujhe kaam hai."

(No, Akriti. You should rest. I have work to do.)

"Arey, bhabhi, please mana mat karo," she said, pouting like a child.

"Main kitne din yahan hoon, pata nahi. Mujhe wapas jaana padega. Aaj mujhe tayaar karne do."

(Oh, sister-in-law, please don't say no. I don't know how many more days I'll be here. I'll have to go back. Let me get you ready today.)

Her excitement made it impossible to refuse. I sighed, shaking my head.

"Theek hai, par aab pakka theek ho na?"

(Fine, but you sure you are fine)

She clapped her hands together, grinning from ear to ear.

"Ha bhabhi yaar"

(Yes, bhabhi)

"Main abhi sab le kar aati hoon!"
(I'll be back with everything!)

I watched her leave, my heart lighter than it had been all morning. Maybe letting her fuss over me won't be so bad.

Aakriti stepped back, her hands holding the final pin she had just secured in my hair. Her face lit up as she looked at me, and she clapped her hands together, her excitement bubbling over.

"Bhabhi, aap toh itni sundar lag rahi ho! Main toh bol rahi hoon, aaj bhaiya aap se nazar hi nahi hata paayenge!"

she exclaimed, her voice full of mischief.

(Sister-in-law, you look so beautiful! I'm telling you, brother won't be able to take his eyes off you today!)

I smiled despite myself, the warmth of her words melting the remnants of the gloom that had clouded my heart all morning. I turned to the mirror, my gaze catching my reflection.

Akriti was right-the soft yellow saree suited me, and the subtle makeup she had insisted on made my features softer. A faint blush crept to my cheeks, and I had to look away.

For a moment, I felt... happy. My fingers absentmindedly played with the edge of my saree. A strange thought crossed my mind-Will he notice me?. The thought made my cheeks warm even more.

But I quickly shook my head.

"Thank you, it's really so beautiful but aab chahiye. Aap breakfast kar lijea"

I said in a hurry. Her statement was already messing my mind.

"Chaliye, bhabhi! Kitchen mein chaltein hain," Aakriti said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

(Come on, sister-in-law! Let's go to the kitchen.)

We made our way downstairs, and as soon as we entered the kitchen, my mother-in-law turned to us. Her eyes lit up when she saw me, and she stepped forward, cupping my cheek in her warm hand.

"Noor, beta, aaj toh mere bache chaand se bhi zyada khubsoorat lag rahi ho," she said, her voice filled with affection.

(Noor, dear, today my kids look more beautiful than the moon.)

I felt a rush of warmth spread through me. The sincerity in her voice made me feel like a child again-giggling, blushing, and shy under the weight of a genuine compliment.

"Thank you, Maa," I said softly, lowering my gaze as a smile tugged at my lips.

Akriti nudged me playfully.

"Dekha, bhabhi? Maine kaha tha na!"
(See, sister-in-law? I told you!)

I laughed lightly, shaking my head. The kitchen felt warm, not just because of the stove but because of the people in it.

"Beta, tumhe kaam karne ki zarurat nahi. Baith jao, main sab dekh loongi," my mother-in-law said as I reached for the counter.

(Dear, you don't need to do any work. Sit down, I'll handle everything.)

"Maa, please," I said, looking at her with a small smile.

"Mujhe cooking karna pasand hai. Yeh ghar jaisa lagta hai jab main khana banati hoon."

(Ma, please. I love cooking. It feels like home when I make food.)

She gave me a fond look, her hand resting lightly on my shoulder.

"Agar tumhe itna hi pasand hai, toh main tumhe kabhi mana nahi karungi," she said with a smile.

"Jo mann kare karo, beta."

(If you love it so much, I'll never stop you. Do whatever your heart desires, dear.)

With her approval, I started gathering the ingredients, humming softly to myself. The clatter of utensils and the familiar aroma of masalas filled the kitchen, bringing a sense of normalcy that I didn't realize I craved.

Just as I was slicing vegetables, Adarsh walked in, his phone pressed to his ear. His brows were furrowed as if he were deep in thought. Without even looking at us, he said into the phone,

"Haan, main abhi baat karta hoon."

(Yes, I'll talk about it now.)

He ended the call and finally looked up. His eyes landed on me, and then he glanced toward the stairs.

"Bhai ko kya ho gaya? Did he wake up on the wrong side of the bed?"

(What happened to brother?)

I stilled for a moment, my hand hovering over the chopping board. His words made my heart skip a beat. But I quickly shook it off, returning to the task at hand.

Aakriti shot him a look, her usual playful tone returning.

"Bhaiya ko chhodo. Bhabhi ko dekha tumne? Aaj kaun so payega!"

(Forget brother. Have you seen sister-in-law? No one will be able to sleep today!)

I unknowingly blushed again, trying to hide my face as I focused on the vegetables. They don't have any filter in there moutgh.But her words lingered in the back of my mind, and for the first time in a while, I didn't allowed myself to feel anything

Adarsh and Akriti burst into laughter, their giggles filling the kitchen. It wasn't just ordinary laughter; it was the kind of teasing, mischievous laughter that made me feel like I was a part of some inside joke I didn't fully understand.

"Bas karo tum dono," Maa said softly. But they didn't stop; if anything, their laughter grew louder.

(Stop it, you two.)

Adarsh's phone buzzed suddenly, cutting through their giggles. He picked it up, glancing at the screen, and his expression instantly changed.

"Bhai ka phone hai!" he exclaimed dramatically, his voice pitching higher like a kid caught in the act.

(It's brother's call)

He held the phone up, waving it slightly, before groaning theatrically.

"Yaar, bhabhi... aap... aap chalo warna woh mujhe maar daalenge jab unko pata chalega ki maine unka diya hua kaam nahi kiya"

(Oh man, sister-in-law... brother... brother... you go, or he'll kill me when he finds out I didn't do the work he assigned me.)

I was about to respond, to reassure him, but before I could, Adarsh grabbed my hand. "Chaliye na, bhabhi," he said, and without waiting for a reply, he pulled me out of the kitchen.

(Let's go bhabhi)

"Adarsh, ruko!" I protested, but he didn't stop, his grip firm yet playful as he guided me toward the hall. My heartbeat quickened as we stepped into the space, my saree rustling softly with each step.

(Wait Adarsh)

And then I saw him.

Sidharth ji stood in the center of the hall, one hand casually tucked into his pocket, his white shirt slightly unbuttoned at the collar. The crisp fabric contrasted with his tanned skin, and a few strands of his hair fell messily over his forehead, as if he had run his fingers through it in frustration.

But it wasn't just his appearance that caught my attention. There was something about his presence-his aura. He didn't look like the calm, composed Siddharth I was used to. No, today, he looked... different".

Like a man who had woken up on the wrong side of the bed and wasn't even trying to hide his irritation.

Adarsh, oblivious to the shift in the air, stopped right in front of him, his laughter bubbling up again.

"Bhai, bhabhi ne bulaya tha kitchen mein... help ke liye!" he said, his tone mock-innocent.

(Brother, sister-in-law, called me to the kitchen... for help!)

I blinked, startled by the sudden accusation, my lips parting as if to deny it. But before I could find the words, Sidharth's eyes locked onto mine.

For a moment, I couldn't move. His gaze swept over me slowly, deliberately, as if he were taking in every detail-the way the saree hugged my frame, the softness of the fabric against my skin, the faint color on my cheeks.

His expression shifted, and I caught a glimpse of something raw and unguarded in his eyes.

And my breath hitching.

There was an intensity in his gaze, something mysterious and almost unreadable, that made my chest tighten. And then, just as quickly as it appeared, his expression softened. The tension in his shoulders eased, and for a fleeting second, he looked... calm.

Like a whiff a air took all his frustration, irritation.

I felt my cheeks burn under his scrutiny, a mix of nervousness and something I couldn't quite name. My fingers clutched the edge of my saree as I looked away hurriedly, breaking the spell.

But even as I turned, I could still feel his eyes on me, like a weight that refused to lift.

"I... I'll just bring breakfast," I stammered, my voice barely audible. Without waiting for a response, I spun on my heel and rushed back toward the kitchen, my heart pounding wildly in my chest.

What just happened? The question echoed in my mind as I leaned against the counter, trying to steady my breath. My hands trembled slightly as I reached for the pan, desperate to focus on anything but the lingering heat of his gaze.

But no matter how hard I tried, the memory of his eyes-dark, blue piercing, and so full of unspoken emotion- surprisingly refused to leave me.

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As I stirred the dal simmering on the stove, a smile tugged at my lips. Cooking always brought me a strange sense of peace, like everything would fall into place as long as the spices did.

The gentle bubbling of the pot and the warmth of the kitchen felt oddly comforting. I wasn't just making dinner; I was making a space where I could forget the tension of the day, at least for a little while.

I reached for the rolling pin, starting on the chapatis, when Aakriti's voice broke through my thoughts.

"Bhabhi!" She burst into the kitchen like a gust of fresh air, her excitement so palpable it made me pause.

I turned to see her leaning against the counter, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Bhabhi, what do you think about a sleepover in my room tonight? Movie dekhte hain, ya phir woh naye makeup products try karte hain jo maine mangwaye the?"

(Let's watch a movie or try the new makeup products I ordered!)

Her excitement was infectious, and I couldn't help but smile wider.

"Theek hai, Aakriti," I said, nodding.

"Mujhe toh achha lagega."
(Okay, Akriti. I'd really like that.)

She grinned like she'd just won a battle, clapping her hands.

"Yay! Main sab arrange karti hoon, Bhabhi. Aap bas time pe aana."

(Yay! I'll arrange everything, Bhabhi. You just come on time.)

As she dashed out of the kitchen, I turned back to the stove, her energy still lingering in the air.

For a moment, I allowed myself to feel the happiness that came from her love, her warmth. But as I wiped my hands and leaned against the counter, my thoughts began to shift.

Maybe it was better this way-staying with Aakriti tonight. The phase my relationship with Sidharth ji was going through... staying away felt like the right thing to do.

It's not like he cares anyway.

The thought came unbidden, and I frowned, brushing it off quickly.

No, I wasn't going to dwell on him. If he didn't care whether I stayed in the room or not, or I'm safe or not. why should I?

Staying with Aakriti, with people who made me feel valued, was better. It wasn't complaining-it was a decision. I wasn't going to think about Sidharth ji tonight.

As I turned off the stove and began cleaning up, I nodded to myself. Yes, this was the right choice. Aakriti's room would be my escape, at least for now.
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As I set the plates neatly on the counter, I heard Ma step into the kitchen. Her warm, affectionate voice broke the quiet hum of my thoughts.

"Noor beta, aaj hmare dinner nahi karogi?"

(Noor dear, won't you do dinner for us?)

I smiled, turning to her, the weight of her kindness settling softly in my chest. "Maa, woh-"

Before I could finish, Aakriti's voice came rushing in like a whirlwind, full of its usual excitement.

"No, Ma! Aaj toh me aur bhabhi ka stayover hai. We're having dinner together because we have a lot to talk about!"

(No, Ma! Today, Bhabhi and I are having a stayover. We're having dinner together because we have a lot to talk about!)

She grabbed my hand, her energy contagious, and I couldn't help but smile.

As we began to walk out of the kitchen, Adarsh, who seemed to appear out of nowhere, stopped in his tracks and looked at us with a dramatic expression.

"Kya bhabhi? Aap dono mujhe bina le jaaye enjoy karengi?"

(What, Bhabhi? You both will enjoy without me?)

Before I could say anything, Akriti jumped in again, her sass fully intact.

"No, you are not coming! And don't look at bhabhi like that. Aaj ka plan sirf hamara hai."

(No, you are not coming! And don't look at Bhabhi like that. Today's plan is just for us.)

Adarsh folded his arms, feigning a pout. "Bhabhi, I'm way more fun than her. Please let me in. Mujhe sone ka mann nahi hai. Aap log bina mujhe maze kaise kar sakte ho?"

(Bhabhi, I'm way more fun than her. Please let me in. I don't feel like sleeping. How can you both have fun without me?)

Akriti shook her head with exaggerated finality.

"Tonight is just for me and Bhabhi. Maybe kal tumhare saath dekhenge."

(Tonight is just for me and Bhabhi. Maybe tomorrow we'll see about including you.)

Adarsh, not one to give up, grinned. "Fine, bhabhi. Tomorrow, we'll have a hangout, and you'll decide who's more fun."

Akriti rolled her eyes, pulling me closer. "Tumhare aur bhabhi dono ke plans mein main involved ho jaungi, samjhe? Don't bother us tonight!"

(I'll involve myself in both your and Bhabhi's plans, understood? Don't bother us tonight!)

I couldn't help it; a laugh bubbled out of me before I realized. It was loud, genuine, and surprising even to myself. For a moment, I felt... open, like I belonged, as though these weren't in-laws but my own family.

The realization warmed me from within, and I followed Aakriti to her room, the weight I hadn't noticed lifting from my shoulders.

Once inside, Aakriti busied herself, picking out clothes to change into, leaving me momentarily alone with my thoughts.

I leaned against the edge of the bed, my smile slowly fading as my mind wandered. I hadn't seen Sidharth ji all day-not even a passing glance after that. My thoughts lingered on him longer than I liked. Does he even notice? Does he even care? I shook my head. Of course not.

Why would he?

It was better this way, I told myself. Better to avoid him, it is better to stay with people who made me feel wanted. My heart hardened with determination, but just as quickly, the resolve felt fragile, like it might crumble if I thought about it too much.

I straightened up when Aakriti emerged, her cheerful energy filling the room again. Her smile made it easier to shove the thoughts aside, easier to forget, for now, everything else.

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The garden was calm tonight, wrapped in the soft whispers of the evening breeze. I walked beside Maa, her steady presence always comforting. This little walk had become a ritual since the day I got married. I still remember how she had taken my hand that first evening and brought me here, saying it would refresh my mind. She wasn't wrong.

The garden had always been my sanctuary, a place to breathe, to think, and to find peace. The flowers were beautiful-roses in every shade, marigolds glowing like little suns and jasmine filling the air with their gentle fragrance. My fingers trailed along a nearby bush, brushing against the delicate petals.

But as much as I loved the flowers here, my heart ached for another. Tulips. Pink tulips.

The thought brought a bittersweet smile to my face. Back at my father's house, tulips were everywhere. Rows and rows of soft pink blooms, swaying gently in the wind. They weren't just flowers to me; they were a symbol of his love. He had planted every single one for me, his little girl who adored them. I could still picture him crouched in the soil, his hands tenderly patting the earth around the bulbs.

Why don't we have tulips here? The question slipped into my mind, unbidden, but I quickly shook my head.
I asked gardener chacha about this.

I reached out to caress a red rose, its velvet softness under my fingertips momentarily soothing. But then, a strange shiver ran down my spine, halting my hand.

The feeling was sudden, like being watched, a pair of eyes were on me, heavy and unrelenting. My chest tightened, my breath catching as I glanced around. No one was there. Yet the weight of that unseen gaze didn't lift.

I shook my head, trying to dismiss the feeling, but it only grew stronger. Slowly, cautiously, I turned toward the mansion.

And then I saw him.

Sidharth ji

He stood at the second-floor window, his figure tall and imposing against the backdrop of the house. His eyes-sharp, intense, and unyielding-were fixed on me.

My breath hitched, my heart stuttering painfully in my chest. For a moment, I couldn't move. His presence was overpowering, his gaze like a silent command I didn't know how to disobey.

I stared back, feeling my cheeks flush. My entire body felt hot and cold at once, as though his eyes were tracing every inch of me. I felt exposed, vulnerable, like he could see through every wall I had carefully built.

There was something different about him tonight. His body was rigid, his stance brimming with barely contained tension. His face wore a frown, one he wasn't trying to hide.

He looked...frustrated. Angry. Yet utterly composed.

I couldn't understand him. The way he stared at me from his blue eyes-it was intense, dark, and unwavering, like he was trying to say something without words. My knees felt weak under the weight of it.

Why does he have this effect on me? I wondered, my pulse racing. With just one look, he had unraveled me completely. I couldn't think, couldn't breathe properly. All I could feel was him-his presence, his gaze, his silent command.

I wanted to look away, to break free from the spell he had cast over me. But my eyes betrayed me, locking with his in a battle I was destined to lose.

His gaze grew heavier, darker, as though he were daring me to move. And yet, even in the intensity of it, there was something deeper, something I couldn't name.

My lips parted slightly, but no words came. My hands trembled, and my heart pounded so loudly I was sure he could hear it. I felt like a fool, standing there frozen under his scrutiny.

But then, just as I thought I might crumble, a hand grabbed mine.

"Noor bhabhi, let's go!" Akriti's cheerful voice cut through the haze. I flinched, snapping out of the trance, and turned to see her tugging at my hand.

I glanced back at the window, my breath hitching again when I saw Sidharth ji still there. He hadn't moved. His gaze hadn't softened. If anything, it had grown darker, more unreadable.

"Bhabhi, come on!" Akriti's pull was firmer this time, and I had no choice but to let her drag me away.

As I walked with her, my chest still heaving, I couldn't shake the feeling of his eyes on me. His presence lingered, even though I was out of his sight. My cheeks burned, and my thoughts spun wildly.

Sidharth ji... what are you trying to say to me?
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I tiptoed through the corridor, clutching the edge of my saree pallu tightly in my fists. My heart raced as I neared my room, carefully avoiding every creaky spot on the floor. For some reason, tonight, I didn't want to see him. I didn't want to face Sidharth ji

Not after what happened in the garden. Not after what happened yesterday.

The thought made me tighten my lips and quicken my pace. I wasn't angry-no, not exactly. But I didn't want to talk to him either. Maybe I was angry. My heart couldn't decide, but my actions were clear.

Sliding the door open as quietly as I could, I peeked inside. The room was dim, the faint light from the bedside lamp casting soft shadows. My eyes immediately darted to the bed, and there he was.

Sidharth ji

Sleeping on his side, his hand tucked under his cheek, his face peaceful and calm. I paused for a moment, biting my lower lip. He looked so... soft, so unlike the man I saw in the garden earlier. Unlike the man I know.

The tension, the frown, all of it had melted away.

But I quickly shook my head, silently scolding myself. Why am I staring? Focus, Noorie!

I tiptoed toward the wardrobe, determined to grab my night clothes and escape before he stirred. Reaching inside, I pulled out a cotton kurta and pajama set, soft and comforting, perfect for sleep.

As I turned to leave, my eyes caught sight of something on the floor-my cherry-My pillow. It lay there in the corner of the room, mercilessly thrown away, like it didn't matter. My mouth fell open slightly, and I glared at it.

"Hey Bhagwan," I muttered under my breath, frowning. How did it even get there?

I didn't even touched it today.

I glanced back at Sidharth, my gaze softening despite myself. But then I looked away. Ahh, focus, Noorie.

His face was turned toward me, his features relaxed. For a brief second, I felt that same intensity from the garden, the feeling of being watched. I quickly turned toward him again to see him, but he was still. Peaceful. His breathing even.

You're imagining things again, Noorie.

With cautious steps, I moved toward the pillow, careful not to make too much noise. The pile of books next to the bed made a tiny sound as I nudged them accidentally, and I froze, holding my breath.

Ahh!! I even opened my payal so I won't make sound but now this??!!! I glance at him again.

Sidharth ji didn't stir.

I crouched down, picking up the my pillow and dusting it off lightly.

"How do you end up on the ground every night?" I whispered to it, frowning.

"Even today? Who throws you away like this?"

I glanced at the bed again, confusion swirling in my mind. Shaking my head, I hugged the pillow close to my chest and tiptoed toward the door. My heart felt lighter now, my irritation fading as I held my favorite little companion.

I looked at my husband one last time & then turned my face away. I won't look at him. No. With a determined face, I turned away.

Quietly, I slipped out of the room, the door clicking softly behind me.

As I walked out, clutching my cherry pillow tightly, I glanced down at it, a small smile tugging at my lips.

"I missed you," I whispered softly, brushing my fingers over its fabric like it was a long-lost friend.

But before I could take another step, a loud thud echoed from behind me, from inside my room. My heart jumped, and I froze for a moment, the smile vanishing.

Thinking that Sidharth Ji was awake, I quickened my pace & walked away.
____________________________________

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