Ekansh's eyes widened in astonishment, his mind reeling.
"You cooked that breakfast?" he asked, incredulous.
She nodded, a soft smile on her face.
"I had no idea," he said, his voice filled with wonder.
Memories of that morning flooded back â the flavors, the presentation, the delight on his palate.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
She shrugged. "I wanted you to enjoy it without bias. And I wasn't sure if you'd appreciate my cooking."
Ekansh's gaze softened. "I had no idea you were so talented," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.
A warm glow spread through her chest at his words.
"You should have told me," he teased, his eyes crinkling. "I would've asked for more."
Her smile grew, and she leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I wanted to surprise you. To show you I care."
Ekansh's heart skipped a beat. Her words, her actions â everything pointed to a deeper connection.
"Whether you accept it or not, I am your wife," she said, her voice filled with conviction and emotion.
Ekansh's eyes sparkled, his heart racing. "You're really my wife," he whispered, his voice trembling.
Their gazes locked, filled with a deep connection and love.
"I can never be apart from you," Ekansh declared, his words dripping with passion.
"I can never be apart from you either," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Their bond was entering a new phase, a love-filled journey where they belonged only to each other.
Ekansh's thoughts drifted back to Rihaan's advice: "Grow your bond, make her your best friend."
He recalled Rihaan's words: "A strong friendship is the foundation of a lasting relationship."
Inspired, Ekansh turned to her and asked, "Will you be my best friend?"
Her eyes sparkled with surprise, then warmth. "I'd love to," she replied, her smile radiant.
Ekansh's heart swelled. "From now on, no formalities. Just us, as friends."
Their hands instinctively intertwined, a gesture of newfound camaraderie.
"Tell me everything," Ekansh said, his eyes locked on hers. "Your fears, dreams, everything."
She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll share everything, if you promise to listen."
"I promise," Ekansh vowed, his grip on her hand tightening.
As they sat together, the distance between them dissolving, Ekansh realized Rihaan's wisdom.
Friendship was the key to unlocking their true connection.
She thought to herself, "I never thought this person could be so caring and understanding."
Her mind flooded with thoughts about Ekansh, "So much love, so much empathy, so much concern... Is this really for me?"
She listened to her heart and recalled every moment spent with Ekansh.
She realized her bond with Ekansh was not just as husband and wife but also as friends.
She thought, "Maybe I've finally found a true companion in life."
A gentle smile spread across her face, and she felt closer to Ekansh.
Ekansh's question caught her off guard. "Why did you marry me?" he asked, his eyes searching for answers.
She fidgeted, her hands trembling slightly. "I...I don't know what to say," she stuttered.
Ekansh's expression softened. "Tell me the truth," he coaxed. "Was it just a duty or obligation?"
Her eyes darted around the room, avoiding his gaze. "It was...complicated," she whispered.
Ekansh leaned in, his voice gentle. "I want to understand. Help me understand."
She took a deep breath, her voice barely audible. "I was expected to...my dadi needed..."
Ekansh's eyes widened, comprehension dawning. "You married me for your dadi's sake?"
She nodded, tears welling up in her eyes.
She took another deep breath, her voice laced with emotion. "Dadi was...ill. Cancer." Her voice cracked.
Ekansh's eyes filled with compassion.
"She needed treatment, expensive treatment," she continued. "I'm just a school teacher, Ekansh. I couldn't afford it."
Ekansh's grip on her hand tightened.
"Then Mahindra uncle came into our lives," she said, her voice tinged with resentment. "He offered to pay for Dadi's treatment, but at a price."
Ekansh's eyes narrowed. "What price?"
She looked up, tears streaming down her face. "He wanted me to marry you. In return, he'd cover all of Dadi's medical expenses."
Ekansh's face darkened, understanding dawning.
"You married me to save your Dadi," he whispered.
She nodded, her voice barely audible. "Yes."
Ekansh's heart swelled with emotion. He pulled her close, holding her tightly.
.
.
.
.
Flashback
Mahindra Rai, a famous businessman, walked to his car after attending a meeting. As he reached for the door handle, his wallet slipped from his pocket and fell to the ground.
Samyuktika, a school teacher heading home, witnessed the scene unfold. She swiftly ran towards Mahindra, dodging pedestrians.
Just as a beggar snatched the wallet, Samyuktika quickly retrieved it from the beggar's grasp.
"Sir, your wallet!" Samyuktika exclaimed, handing it back to Mahindra.
Mahindra's eyes widened in surprise, impressed by her quick thinking.
"Thank you," Mahindra said with a smile.
Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Samyuktika felt a shiver run down her spine.
Little did she know, this chance encounter would change her life forever.
The next day
Hospital Room
Samyuktika sat anxiously beside Dadi's hospital bed, clutching her frail hand. Dr. Kusum, a compassionate lady doctor, entered with a solemn expression.
"Samyuktika, I'm afraid Dadi's condition has worsened," Dr. Kusum said gently. "She needs immediate surgery."
Samyuktika's eyes widened. "What's the cost?"
Dr. Kusum hesitated. "Twenty lakhs, Samyuktika. It's a lot, butâ"
Samyuktika's face fell, despair washing over her. Twenty lakhs was an insurmountable sum for a school teacher like her.
"How can I arrange such a huge amount?" Samyuktika pleaded, tears welling up.
Dr. Kusum placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'll help you explore options, but time is crucial. Every minute counts."
Samyuktika felt the weight of responsibility crushing her. Dadi's life hung in the balance, and she was powerless.
Just then, a knock at the door interrupted their conversation.
"Dr. Kusum, may I have a word?" a nurse asked.
Dr. Kusum stepped outside, leaving Samyuktika alone with her worries.
The door creaked open again, and Dr. Kusum returned with a thoughtful expression.