19

Ch-17 "Why did I fall in love, Kabir?"

Hello lovelies!

Happy reading!

Let's start,

The marble floors echoed with each step as Aditya descended the stairs, dressed in a crisp black shirt, sleeves folded to his forearms, the aura of command following him like a shadow. His eyes were fixed on his phone, jaw clenched with his usual intensity.

Riya, sprawled on the plush couch with a bowl of grapes beside her, looked up and grinned. "Bhai! I’m starving!" she called out, dramatically placing a hand on her stomach like child.

Aditya didn't even look at her. Instead, his voice sliced through the silence, sharp and impatient. "I told the staff clearly dinner should be ready before Riya arrives."

The house help standing nearby froze instantly, eyes wide with panic. A few of them exchanged anxious glances and rushed toward the kitchen.

Riya rolled her eyes and hopped off the couch. "God, bhai ka gussa."

Before things could escalate, she jogged over and hugged Aditya from behind, her arms wrapping snugly around his waist.

"Bhai, relax," she said, her voice playful but warm. "Why do you get angry? Calm down. I was just being my usual dramatic self."

Aditya finally glanced back at her, a small amused breath escaping his lips. His shoulders relaxed a bit. "Beta, I'm just talking to them."

"OHH...," she chirped, then grinned up at him. "Why didn't you bring Bhabhi downstairs?"

Aditya gave her a look. Then his lips curved slightly. "Bring her down yourself. Hmm?"

Riya saluted like a soldier. "Your wish is my command, Boss."

Aditya smiles softly only for her sister.

INT. MEERA'S ROOM – FEW MINUTES LATER

The soft ticking of a wall clock filled the quiet room. A thin stream of twilight filtered she was sitting on the bed with a book resting in her lap.

A gentle knock made her look up.

The door creaked open, and there stood Riya, leaning on the frame, a warm, goofy smile playing on her lips.

"Bhabhi, may I come in?" she asked, voice unusually soft.

Meera's eyes softened immediately. "Riya... do you really think you need permission?"

Riya stepped in with a teasing smirk. "Aap Meera Aditya Singhania iss House ki queen hain. Rules toh follow karne padenge na."

(Translation - You are Meera Aditya Singhania, the queen of this house the rules must be followed.)

Meera chuckled. "Then come in, Princess."

Riya sat beside her on the bed.

Meera smiled faintly, but there was a shadow of hesitation in her eyes.

"I'm sorry if I seemed distant earlier. It’s just..."

"Bhabhi," Riya interrupted, placing a hand on hers, "khabardaar jo sorry bola toh. Seriously. Not allowed."

Meera blinked.

RIYA,

"I get it. You're still adjusting. It's a lot. But from where I'm sitting? You're handling it like a warrior. A quiet, pretty, brave warrior."

Meera's heart fluttered slightly. It had been so long since someone her age talked to her like this.

"You're so sweet, Riya," Meera said softly, reaching out to gently hold her cheeks. "Truly, you're a beautiful person."

Riya beamed and tilted her head dramatically. "That's because you haven't met many awesome people like me yet, Bhabhi. I'm a rare gem."

Both laughed, and the room felt instantly lighter.

Then Riya clutched her stomach again, groaning dramatically. "But Bhabhi… all this heartfelt bonding is making me extra hungry. Come on, let's go eat!"

Meera laughed again and nodded, standing up. Riya eagerly held her hand, intertwining their fingers. "Let's go. Queen and Princess style," Riya said with pride as they walked hand-in-hand out of the room.

INT. DINING HALL – NIGHT

The hall shimmered in the golden glow of the chandelier above. A long table stretched across the room, filled with silver serving bowls, delicate cutlery, and fresh flowers arranged in a crystal vase.

As they entered, Riya raised her voice excitedly.

"Bhai! I brought Bhabhi down!"

Aditya and Kabir, both seated, immediately stood up as soon as they saw Meera.

Aditya's gaze remained fixed on Meera her simple pastel suit, the faint smile on her face, the way she walked slightly behind Riya. A softness passed through his eyes that only Kabir seemed to notice.

Kabir leaned closer to Aditya and whispered, "Boss, you look like you're seeing Bhabhi for the first time."

Aditya didn't answer.

The men pulled out chairs.

Riya saw Meera standing beside Aditya, and Chhaya was just about to walk past them. A flicker of mischief danced in Riya’s eyes. She took a deliberate step forward and gave Chhaya a subtle nudge  calculated, light enough to appear accidental, yet enough to cause imbalance.

Chhaya stumbled and collided directly with Meera, making her lose balance. Before Meera could even gasp, she was caught straight into Aditya's arms.

His reflexes were sharp as ever. He held her tightly, securely. Meera, shaken by the sudden impact, instinctively gripped his shirt with both hands, her fingers curling into the fabric as if anchoring herself to safety.

Aditya's brows furrowed with concern as he looked into her eyes.

"Are you okay, baccha?" he asked softly, his voice laced with worry.

Meera didn't speak she just nodded lightly, still holding on to his shirt, her breath slightly uneven. Her cheeks flushed with a mix of shock and the proximity between them. Her forehead gently touched his chest for a second before she straightened up.

Riya stood a few feet away, smirking inwardly, her head tilted like a satisfied chess player after a successful move. One step closer, she thought.

Aditya looked up and caught her smug expression. Narrowing his eyes slightly, he subtly raised a brow, silently asking  Was that your doing?

Riya clasped her ears playfully in mock apology, pouting with innocence while mouthing a silent "Sorry."

Aditya shook his head slightly but didn't push it. His attention returned to Meera. He helped her into the nearby chair with gentle hands, then, without caring who was watching, he kneeled before her. His hands reached up, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear tenderly.

"Careful, jaan. Okay?" he whispered, his tone affectionate and protective.

Meera nodded again, but this time her eyes briefly met his. Something warm flickered in them before she quickly looked away.

Riya, meanwhile, turned and walked toward Kabir with exaggerated cheerfulness.

"Riya, where are you going?" Meera asked, still slightly flustered.

"I'm going to sit with Kabir bhai," Riya replied sweetly. "You sit with Adi bhai. After all, you’re the Mrs. Singhania."

Aditya gave a proud smirk at the comment and comfortably took the chair beside Meera, casually resting his arm on the back of her seat.

Meera glanced sideways at him and whispered, "You didn't have to do that."

Aditya leaned in just a little and murmured, "But I wanted to."

They all began eating. Conversations flowed between Kabir and Riya silly jokes, old college memories, childhood fights.

Meera stayed mostly quiet, but she listened with interest, the corner of her mouth gently curved up.

Aditya’s eyes kept flicking toward her. Every few minutes. As if checking her breathing. Her comfort. Her space.

Finally, he asked in a low, husky voice,

"Baccha... are you okay?"

Meera looked up briefly, nodded once. "I'm fine."

Riya, without missing a beat, gently served her another spoonful of sabzi.

"Bhabhi, thoda aur."

Meera stopped her hand softly.

"No, Riya... I'll just take this much."

Aditya noticed, but said nothing. His hand clenched around the spoon for a second. His throat worked like he wanted to speak, but held it in.

And yet, his silence was louder than any words.

After dinner, Riya pushed back her chair and stretched with a small yawn. "Bhai, I should leave now. Early shift tomorrow at the hospital."

Aditya's eyes flicked toward her, then to Kabir beside him. His tone was quiet but commanding. "Kabir, drop her to the apartment. Make sure she reaches safely."

Kabir gave a small nod. "Of course, boss."

Riya stood up and walked over to Meera, arms wide. She hugged her tightly like they'd known each other for ages. Her hug was warm, full of sisterly affection.

"Bhabhi," she whispered with a grin, "it was so nice meeting you. You're even sweeter than I imagined. I'm definitely coming again soon."

Meera hesitated for a moment, then returned the hug gently, a faint but real smile tugging at her lips.

"I'll be waiting," she replied softly, still a little stiff but touched.

Aditya watched her closely.

There was something different in her smile this time flickering, unsure, but slowly blooming. He noticed everything.

Riya then walked to Aditya and hugged him too.

"Bye, bhai," she said with a pout. "Please take care of bhabhi. Don't scare her too much, hmm?"

Aditya chuckled under his breath, brushing her hair lightly. "Okay, princess. Bye."

He walked her to the door himself, making sure the car was ready outside.

Inside, Meera quietly rose from her chair and made her way upstairs towards Dadi's room.

She sat on the edge of the bed, folded her legs, and hugged a cushion close.

Her mind spiraled. "Did I speak too rudely to Maa and Papa today? What if they felt insulted? What if they think I’ve changed?

But… what else could I have done? If Mr. Singhania finds out, he'll be angry. Furious. I didn’t even ask for his permission to talk to them."

She bit her lip, looking toward the ceiling.

"Kanha, please… make sure I haven’t hurt anyone. Please, save me if something goes wrong again."

She whispered under her breath, "I'm trying… but I'm just so tired."

Suddenly, the door creaked.

Her heart skipped a beat.

She turned, startled.

Aditya stood at the entrance, tall, composed, his presence as heavy as always. He stepped inside and closed the door behind him locking it with a soft click.

Meera stood up quickly, her breathing shallow. She clutched her dupatta tightly to her chest, taking an involuntary step back.

Aditya didn't move.

He stood near the door silently for a few seconds, watching her.

Then in a slow, calm voice, he asked,

"You didn't eat properly. Why?"

Meera looked down and then up at him, eyes unsure, voice low. "I… I wasn't hungry."

He didn't reply immediately. His gaze didn't waver.

Silence stretched between them, heavy and tense.

He took a step forward.

Meera instinctively stepped back.

That slight motion made him stop.

A bitter pause. He understood more in that moment than any word could say.

"You're scared of me." His voice was soft.

Meera’s lips parted, but her voice was barely audible. "No…"

But her body spoke the truth. The way her shoulders were stiff, how her fingers trembled around the edges of her dupatta.

Aditya exhaled slowly.

"I never wanted this," he said. "Baccha, I never want you to feel afraid. Not in this house. And definitely not with me."

He stepped to the side now, not approaching her, just creating space.

"You know something?" he said gently, eyes still on her. "You're braver than you think, little one."

She glanced at him, stunned, unsure of how to process the softness in his voice.

"You're not a prisoner here," he continued. "You're not here because I want to control you. You're here because... you're my wife. Even if you hate that word right now."

His voice faltered for a moment. Then he added, "You're the queen of this house even if you don't accept the title."

A long silence followed.

"If you ever… want to talk. About anything. I'll listen. I can't promise I'll always understand, but I’ll never walk away from it."

She took a deep breath, then whispered,

"I don't want to share anything."

He nodded slowly, disappointment flickering in his eyes, but no anger.

He closed his eyes for a second, as if reining something back, and then smirked faintly masking his emotion.

"Alright."

He turned, walked to the door, opened it halfway. Then paused.

With a softer tone, he said,

"Good night, Dadi ki roommate. Go to sleep. It"s late."

And then he left, closing the door gently behind him.

 

She whispered to herself, "What does he want from me? Why doesn't he just… leave me alone?"

 

She wrapped her arms around herself and sat down again.

A single tear rolled down her cheek, landing silently on her hand.

"Why me… Kanha?" she whispered to the dark room. "I didn't ask for this life. I didn't ask for him."

 

She clutched her mangalsutra  and closed her eyes tight.

And then without realizing she whispered something so quietly it could barely be heard. "But he's not as cruel as I thought."

Almost as if admitting that thought made her weak.

 

Something was definitely storming in Aditya's mind. He sat alone in his dimly lit study, nursing a half-empty glass of whiskey. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, the first two buttons undone, hair slightly tousled he looked like a man battling a war no one else could see. He took slow sips, one after another, lost in a spiral of thoughts.

 

Kabir stepped in, the only one who could ever enter unannounced. His gaze immediately fell on the glass in Aditya's hand, then the unreadable storm in his eyes.

"Boss…" Kabir said softly, "you should get some sleep. You've had a long day."

Aditya didn't respond immediately. He kept his eyes fixed on the swirling amber in his glass before lifting his gaze. "You didn't give me today’s update, Kabir. Strange."

 

Kabir hesitated, unsure how to break it gently. "Boss… actually, I was going to tell you..."

 

But Aditya raised a hand and interrupted, his tone sharp but calm. "No need. I already know. Your bhabhi met her parents today. Right?"

 

Kabir shifted slightly, then stepped closer and sat down across from him. "Boss… bhabhi didn’t go to meet them. They came here. She didn’t want to see them. I swear."

 

Aditya scoffed lightly, his eyes dark with something unreadable. "I know, Kabir. Baccah doesn't go to meet anyone. But lately… so many people want to meet her. That's why I keep you by her side."

 

Kabir nodded, then cautiously added, "Boss… bhabhi was a little scared today. She didn't want to see them. That's why..."

 

Aditya's lips curled into a humorless smile. He leaned back, looking at the ceiling for a moment.

Aditya's grip on his glass tightened. Then, placing it down slowly, he leaned forward, his voice low and broken. "That's why she stopped you from telling me, didn’t she?"

 

Kabir blinked. "Boss, how did you know that?"

 

Aditya’s gaze fell back to his glass. "Kabir… do you really think I don't know my baccha?"

"Kabir, do you know... it hurts right here," he said, placing his hand over his heart, his voice heavy with emotion.

"Every time she pulls away from me, it's like something inside me tears apart. I want to see her smile, I want her to be free... but my baccha is scared of me."

His eyes filled with pain, lips trembling with restraint. "Why did I fall in love, Kabir? Why did she become the one thing that makes me feel weak in this entire world? I built empires without blinking... and now, I can't even hold her hand without fearing she'll flinch."

He took a deep breath, trying to keep his composure. "You know what's worse? I don't even want anything in return. I just want to be near her. I want her to feel safe... with me."

Then his voice cracked, raw and exposed. "I can't live without her, Kabir. She's not just someone I love... she's my peace. My everything. Why can't she see that? Why can't she feel what I feel?"

Kabir's throat tightened. "Boss… she's slowly adjusting. She needs time. She's not used to all this. She’s not scared of you, she's scared of what happened to her. She doesn't hate you, boss. I see it. She's confused, maybe. But I swear she doesn't hate you."

Aditya smiled faintly, but it never reached his eyes. "I'm not scared of her hatred, Kabir. I can fight that. What I can't handle… is her fear."

 

He just kept sipping his drink.

After a moment, Kabir stood. "Boss, please… you've had enough. Come to your room. Just for tonight, stop torturing yourself."

 

Aditya didn't resist. His steps were slow, heavy, almost reluctant. Kabir helped him to bed, removed his shoes with care, and covered him with the blanket like an older brother would for a younger one who had fought too hard that day.

 

Aditya's eyes were closed, but his fingers briefly gripped the edge of Kabir's sleeve.

"Do you think she'll ever see me differently?" he murmured, barely audible.

Kabir placed a hand on his shoulder. "She will. She just needs time. You're such a good person... you'll see, bhabhi will be with one day. Trust me.

 

As he watched Aditya's eyes flutter shut, Kabir sighed and whispered, "I never believed in God… never needed to. But… if You're real, if You're listening please, please do one thing fix this. Make things better between them. My boss deserves love, even if he doesn't know how to ask for it. And my bhabhi… she deserves peace. Let her see the man we all see. Let her stop being afraid of him… Show her that the man who was never soft or worried for anyone… is completely different when it comes to her. and let him smile again."

 

He turned off the lights and walked out quietly.

Morning,

It was early morning. Soft rays of sunlight slipped through the curtains as Meera stood in front of the mirror, finishing the final touch on her dupatta. She adjusted her bangles, took a deep breath, and reached for her books to pack them into her bag.

Just as her fingers brushed against the last book, her face changed. "Oh no…" she whispered, eyes widening. "Kanha, I completely forgot… the lecture today. That book I left it in Mr. Singhania's room."

Her hands froze mid-air as panic rose in her chest. That room… she didn’t want to step inside unless absolutely necessary.

She turned quickly. "Roop!" she called softly.

Roop entered with a puzzled look. "Yes, bhabhi?"

"Can you go and get a book for me from Mr. Singhania's room? I forgot it there."

Roop blinked. "Bhabhi… it's your husband's room. Why are you not going? You're not a guest anymore."

Meera sighed. "Still… I don't really fine. Just come with me."

Roop folded her arms, trying to hide a smile. "Okay, but first check whether Adi baba is still asleep or awake."

Meera nodded hesitantly. "Alright. Let's go."

They both walked toward Aditya's room, Meera's heartbeat increasing slightly with every step. The hallway was silent except for the soft clink of her bangles.

But just as they neared the door, Roop's foot slipped slightly on the glossy marble. She stumbled forward and her shoulder accidentally hit a hidden wall panel.

CLANG!

A sudden sharp alarm echoed through the hall.

"Unauthorized motion detected. Security breach triggered." Alexa's voice blared mechanically.

"What the...!" Meera stepped back in shock as red blinking lights activated across the corridor. Her breath caught as two black-suited guards rushed toward them, guns in hand.

"I didn't do anything!" she said instantly, hands half-raised, fear flashing in her eyes.

The guards recognized her and immediately lowered their weapons.

"Bhabhi, it's okay," one of them said. "The sensor got triggered when Roop bumped into the restricted door by accident. It's connected to Alexa's security system."

Meera turned toward the hidden door in disbelief.

"Toh darwaze se takra bhi nahi sakte?" She asks innocently.

(Translation - So we can't even bump into the door.)

Just then, Kabir appeared, pulling on his watch as he jogged toward them.

"What happened?" he asked, scanning the situation.

"Bhabhi didn't do anything," the guard explained quickly. "It was an accidental bump."

Kabir nodded, then turned to Meera.

"Don't worry, bhabhi. I'll reset the alarm system. Did you need anything?"

Meera pressed a hand to her chest and tried to breathe calmly. "Yes… actually, where is Mr. Singhania?"

Kabir checked his phone. "He hasn't come out of his room yet. He's probably still sleeping… or getting ready."

Meera gave a soft nod, still uneasy.

She turned to leave, but Kabir stopped her gently. "Bhabhi, are you going to Boss's room?"

"Yes… I left a book there. I need it for today's lecture."

Kabir quickly picked up a small tray from a nearby console and handed her a glass of lemon water. "Then take this too. He might wake up. If he does, give it to him. If not, just bring it back."

Meera hesitated but took it with a silent nod.

As they reached the door, she pushed it open softly.

The room was dim, quiet. Aditya was lying on the bed, one arm resting across his chest, his features peaceful, shadows of exhaustion beneath his eyes. His blanket was halfway off.

Meera whispered, "Come, Roop. He’s asleep."

They stepped inside quietly. The air smelled faintly of his cologne. Familiar, heavy, masculine.

Meera's eyes searched the room. "Where did I put that book…"

They were searching for the book when Roop accidentally knocked over Aditya's watch from the nightstand. The metal clinked against the floor, and though the sound was soft, it was enough.

Aditya stirred slightly, still half-asleep, and muttered in a low, sleepy voice, "Kabir…"

Meera froze for a moment. Then she turned sharply toward the bed, her jaw tightening as irritation flashed in her eyes.

"Dekho to iss admi ko," she whispered angrily. "Inhone mujhse shaadi kyon ki inko Kabir se shaadi karni chahiye thi jab dekho Kabir ye... Kabir wo... Kabir. Kabir. Kabir."

(Translation - Just look at this man! Why did he even marry me? He should've married Kabir instead. It's always Kabir this... Kabir that... Kabir. Kabir. Kabir.)

Roop bit her lower lip, trying not to laugh, and teasingly said, "Bhabhi, but Kabir ji is mine."

Meera snapped her gaze toward her. "Roop," she said, a little softer but serious, "don’t take this the wrong way… but if he's not interested, you shouldn't keep chasing him. Okay?"

Roop blinked, surprised by the sudden shift. "Bhabhi… I just joke with him. That's all."

Meera sighed, pulling the blanket slightly up to cover Aditya's shoulder then turned to her. "I know. But still… just make sure your joke doesn't become someone else's discomfort."

Roop looked down, quietly nodding. "You're right, bhabhi. I'll be careful."

Meera looked away, blinking quickly before the moment became too vulnerable. "Let's just find the damn book before the Kabir-fanclub president here wakes up again."

Roop chuckled under her breath and nodded. "Yes, bhabhi."

Meera was still searching for the book, her fingers moving across the surface of the side table near the bed. Her voice was low, almost a whisper, as if afraid to disturb the silence.

"Roop, can you please check near the window?"

Roop quietly tiptoed toward the large window, her bangles softly clinking as she moved the curtain aside. Meanwhile, Meera bent slightly over the table next to the bed, scanning each book and file. But her eyes… they couldn't help but shift toward him.

He looked different while sleeping so peaceful, so unguarded. The tension that usually hardened his face was gone. His hair, slightly tousled, and the faint rise and fall of his chest under the blanket gave him a boyish charm that tugged at her heart in ways she didn't understand.

His cologne still lingered faintly in the air sharp yet strangely comforting. She inhaled without meaning to.

Roop's voice broke her trance. "Bhabhi… I think this is the book."

Meera turned her head toward her and blinked, trying to gather her thoughts. She walked closer and saw the familiar cover.

"Yes… that's the one," she said, her voice a little softer than usual.

She glanced at the glass of lemon water in her hand. "Should I just leave this here?"

Roop nodded, still whispering, "Yes, maybe on the nightstand. Or… if he wakes up, you can give it to him."

Meera leaned over to place the glass quietly on the table. But as she did, her hand brushed against his phone. The screen lit up.

And there… was her photo.

Not a random one. A candid one she was smiling, not looking at the camera. It wasn’t taken secretly. It was saved intentionally.

She stared.

Roop moved closer and saw the same thing. Her voice dropped lower, full of wonder.

"Bhabhi… your photo…?"

Meera didn't answer. Her brows lifted slightly in surprise, but she quickly composed herself, pulling her hand back.

Something stirred in her chest an ache, confusion, and a strange flutter she wasn't ready to admit.

Without a word, she stepped back and turned toward the door.

Roop looked between Meera and the phone, then at Aditya's peacefully sleeping face. She followed Meera, a soft, knowing smile tugging at her lips as she quietly closed the door behind them.

Strange area,

Raman met Isha in the morning, smugness etched across his face. Leaning back with a crooked grin, he said, "So, you finally found out which university Meera goes to."

Isha gave a faint smile, calm but cold. "Yes. Everything's in place now."

He laughed wickedly, taking a slow drag of his cigarette. "You know, I could kill her. Just like that. No one would even find her body. But the real question is what about Aditya? If he loved you, darling, why would he marry her in the first place?"

Isha's fingers twitched near her waist. He didn't notice.

Raman continued mockingly, "Ye pyar nahi hai, Isha, ye pagalpan hai. Aisa na ho ki Meera ke marne ke baad tum Aditya ke loss ke liye uska dukh khatam karne jao aur wo tumhe hi khatam kar de."

(Translation - This isn't love, Isha it's obsession. What if, after Meera dies, you go to ease Aditya's pain... and he ends up destroying you instead.)

He threw his head back, laughing loudly.

But Isha was done smiling.

Her expression turned stone cold. Her eyes once playful turned venomous.

In one swift motion, she pulled out her gun and shot him directly in the chest.

The laughter died in his throat as he fell to the ground with a thud, eyes wide in shock.

Blood pooled beneath him.

Isha didn’t flinch.

She looked at her men and said sharply, "Get rid of him. Make sure no one finds a trace."

As they began to move the body, she adjusted her coat, her heels clicking on the floor as she walked away slowly.

Then she whispered to herself "I tried everything... I waited, I hoped. But maybe you are meant to die by my hands, Meera. I won't let anyone else do it. I'll do it myself."

Her voice was low but laced with a deadly promise. Her eyes burned with madness...

At Aditya's house,

Aditya hadn't woken up yet. Meera stood outside his room, shifting nervously, clutching her bag. She had to leave for college, but she didn't want to step into his space uninvited.

Just then, Kabir approached, holding a file and looking curious. "Bhabhi, kya hua? Aap yahan…"

(Translation - Bhabhi you're here...)

Meera gave a small sigh. "Mr. Singhania abhi tak uthe nahi hain…"

(Translation - Mr. Singhania still hasn't woken up.)

Kabir smiled faintly. "Ohh… toh aaiye na, main uthata hoon. Agar woh aapko chhodne chale gaye toh thik, nahi toh main chhod deta hoon aapko."

(Translation - Oh, I see. Come in, Bhabhi, I'll wake him up. And if he takes you to college, great - if not, I'll drop you myself.)

She nodded hesitantly. Together, they entered Aditya's dimly lit room. The curtains were drawn, the air carried a faint cologne that was unmistakably his.

Kabir walked over and softly called, "Boss… Boss, wake up."

Aditya was sprawled across the bed, face down, one arm over his eyes. His voice came out hoarse and tired. "Kabir… ahh… my head… it's killing me. Fix it…"

Kabir chuckled under his breath. "Boss, you really overdid it last night. Who drinks that much?"

Without opening his eyes, Aditya groaned again, "Kabir, don't start your lectures this early. I'll give you time later. Just fix this first."

Kabir picked up the lemon water on the table. "Boss, bhabhi..."

Before he could finish, Aditya interrupted with a sleepy smile, "Uth gayi tumhari bhabhi? You know Kabir… she's a very good girl. She's… special."

Kabir smirked. "Boss, she's right here."

Aditya’s eyes flew open. He sat up immediately, his messy hair falling over his forehead. Then, spotting Meera, his face lit up. "Ahhh… Good morning, jaan…"

He grabbed a pillow and threw it lightly at Kabir. "You couldn't have told me sooner, idiot?"

Kabir laughed and handed him the lemon water. "Boss, bhabhi's getting late for college."

Aditya turned toward Meera, his gaze softening. "Get the car ready. I'll be down in ten minutes and drop her myself."

Kabir nodded and left. Meera turned to go as well, but Aditya stopped her gently, "Where are you going?"

He walked toward her and asked softly, "Did you eat anything?"

She shook her head. He smiled and cupped her cheeks, brushing his thumb over her skin. "You should speak more often. You know, your husband is dying to hear that fierce little voice of yours, little one."

Meera remained quiet, eyes lowered. Aditya leaned in and kissed her forehead. "Go downstairs. I'll get ready and come right away."

Thank you for reading please vote and comment!

Write a comment ...

Write a comment ...