Vaidehi's POV,
I stepped into the room, expecting to find Ansh, but it was empty. Moving towards the balcony, I scanned the area, but he wasn't there either. As I approached the washroom, the sound of running water greeted me. He must be in there, freshening up. I resolved to give him the space he needed and settled onto the couch, patiently waiting for him. Today had been a monumental day for him, one that undoubtedly weighed heavily on his mind. To rid himself of nine years' worth of guilt in an instant must have been an overwhelming realization. For nearly a decade, he had carried the burden of self-blame, only to discover now that he was never responsible in the first place. Despite the weight of his past burdens, he welcomed me into his life with open arms and loved me in a way I had never experienced before. Now, it's my turn to reciprocate that love and ensure he feels cherished every single day. I am committed to treating him like the prince he is, the shining star that brightens my life. He deserves nothing less than the utmost adoration and respect, and I will make it my mission to give him exactly that. As I contemplated the chaos of the day, I glanced at the clock. It had been over 30 minutes since he had disappeared into the bathroom, and the sound of running water persisted. Typically, his showers lasted only 10 to 15 minutes. Concerned, I approached the bathroom door, knocked gently, and inquired.
Vaidehi: "Ansh aap thik hai na??"
(Are you ok?)
His lack of response and the partially open door alarmed me. Pushing it open gently, I peered inside, and what I saw sent a chill down my spine. There sat my Ansh, huddled under the running water, shivering, lost in his own world. Even through the cascade of water, I could see tears streaming down his face. Without hesitation, I hurried to his side and turned off the shower.
Vaidehi: "Ansh ye kya kiya aapne, bimaar pad jayenge uthiye."
(Ansh, what have you done? You'll get sick if you don't get up.)
With gentle urgency, I attempted to coax him out, but he remained unresponsive, lost in the depths of his sorrow. Finally, I settled in front of him, cupping his face in my hands and lifting his gaze to meet mine. As I wiped away his tears, my own eyes welled up with emotion. This sight of my husband, so vulnerable and distraught, was heart-wrenching. I made a silent vow in that moment to shield him from such pain in the future, to be his unwavering source of strength and solace.
Vaidehi: "Ansh, please get up and change ye kya kar liya hai aapne."
(What have you done?)
Not a single word escaped Ansh's lips as he enveloped me in a tight embrace, as if his very existence hung on the thread of that hug. I reciprocated, wrapping my arms around him, gently rubbing his back in soothing circles. The dampness of his tears seeped through my clothes, mingling with the warmth of our embrace. His quiet sobs echoed softly, a testament to the depth of emotion he held within.
Viyansh: "I... I'm so...sorry biwi"
I found it puzzling why Ansh was apologizing to me, but at the moment, his health takes precedence.
Vaidehi: "We'll talk later, Ansh. Please get up and change your clothes."
He embraced me even tighter, and I could sense that there's something else on his mind that I need to unravel.
Vaidehi: "Please Ansh, for me please."
As his grip on me weakened, I rose to my feet, extending a hand to assist him in getting up as well. Hastily, I retrieved his clothes from the closet and handed them to him, ensuring he had what he needed. Exiting the bathroom, I swiftly changed in the confines of the closet, a sense of urgency guiding my movements. Seated on the bed, I patiently awaited Ansh's emergence. Eventually, he emerged, though his gaze avoided mine. Without acknowledging me, he made his way to his side of the bed and settled down, his back turned away from me in silent communication of his inner turmoil.
Vaidehi: "Ansh???"
Viyansh: "I'm tired biwi, good night."
I found Ansh's demeanor puzzling, but I reasoned that he must be exhausted from the day's emotional turmoil. However, his lack of affectionate gestures, like cuddling, left me feeling unsettled. Despite my efforts to rest, sleep eluded me without his comforting presence.
After an hour of restlessness, I shifted closer to Ansh, seeking solace in his embrace. A glimmer of relief touched my lips as I hugged him, only to be swiftly replaced by concern. His body felt unusually warm, warmer than usual. Alarmed, I instinctively placed my hand on his forehead, confirming my fearsâhe was running a high fever. I carefully ensured Ansh was snugly tucked beneath the duvet, making sure he was comfortable before swiftly making my way to the bathroom. With urgency driving my actions, I retrieved a cloth and filled a bowl with cool water. Taking a moment to assess his condition, I gently placed the cloth on his forehead, noting with concern the heat radiating from his skin. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, I wasted no time in contacting the doctor, relaying Ansh's symptoms and the doctor's instructions. The doctor advised me to continue with the same and instructed me to give him the medicine. Despite his difficulty waking up, I persisted and managed to gently coax him into taking the medicine. Determined to prioritize his well-being, I resolved to take him to the doctor first thing in the morning.
Vaidehi: "Aise kaise aapne apni tabiyat kharab kar li Ansh, bahaut daat lagane wali hu main aapko kal."
(how did you manage to make yourself unwell? I'm going to scold you a lot tomorrow.)
With tears welling in my eyes, I continued to apply the wet cloth to his forehead. As time passed, his fever began to subside, but I persisted, not wanting to take any chances. It must have been well past midnight when exhaustion finally caught up with me, and I unknowingly drifted off to sleep while sitting beside him.
Viyansh POV,
Awakening to a pounding headache and aching limbs, I reluctantly opened my eyes, greeted by a haze of discomfort. Gradually, I became aware of a gentle weight on my chest and a soothing touch on my forehead. Peering through the fog of pain, I discerned Biwi's hand resting tenderly on my chest, prompting a faint smile to grace my lips despite the throbbing in my head.
Placing my hand on my forehead, I encountered the unexpected sensation of a wet cloth, momentarily perplexing me. Setting it aside, I mustered the strength to sit up, scanning my surroundings with bleary eyes. To my surprise, there sat Biwi beside me, her posture awkward and uncomfortable, her head resting against the headrest.
A flood of memories from the previous night rushed back, and with them, a familiar pang of regret gnawed at my heart. It wasn't the weight of nine years' worth of guilt that weighed on me now, but rather...
As her head began to droop, I quickly reacted, gently cupping her cheeks with my palm to prevent her from falling. It was a tender moment of care for my sleepyhead, whose slumber was famously impervious even to the shrill cries of an alarm clock. Yet, the simple touch of my hand was all it took to rouse her from her sleep.
With a flutter of her eyelids, she slowly opened her eyes, revealing a weariness that mirrored my own. Despite her fatigue, she reached out and placed her hand on my forehead, concern etched in her expression as she posed her question.
Vaidehi: "Ansh, how are you feeling now? Are you in any pain?"
I found myself unable to respond, but I didn't want her to become concerned. So, I simply nodded and rose from the bed. As she held my hand, I noticed tears in her eyes, causing me to quickly avert my gaze. Seeing tears in her eyes, especially because of me, was something I couldn't bear.
Vaidehi: "Aap thik hai na Ansh, aap baat kyu nahi kar rahe hai???"
(Are you okay, Ansh? Why aren't you talking?)
Viyansh: "It's nothing. I have an important meeting today, so I need to go."
As I was about to head towards the washroom, she reached out and grabbed my hand, causing me to pause and ultimately settle back onto the bed beside her.
Vaidehi: "You're not going anywhere. You had a fever all night, so we're going to see the doctor, and then you're resting the whole day."
Viyansh: "I'm fine, Biwi. I..."
Vaidehi: "I said no work today, that's final. Just be quiet."
She retrieved the thermometer and silently checked my temperature as I sat there, my gaze directed downwards.
Vaidehi: "Thank God, fever toh nahi hai. Freshen up while I make some soup for you."
(there's no fever.)
Viyansh: "Biwi it's not..."
Vaidehi: "Chup bilkul chup rahenge aap, ye jo apni tabiyat kharab karke baithe hai na iska jawab toh baadme lungi hi main aapse, filhal jitna keh rahi hu utna hi kijiye."
(you'll stay quiet. We'll discuss how you've been neglecting your health later. For now, just do as I say.)
As she scolded me gently before heading towards the washroom, I couldn't help but smile at her. Despite her moments of childishness, she always seemed to transform into this pillar of maturity whenever it came to me. Her efforts to uncover every detail about Shruti, all in an attempt to absolve me of guilt, filled me with gratitude beyond measure. Yet, despite her unwavering support, the weight of my actions weighed heavily upon me. How could I meet her gaze after what had transpired? The thought alone filled me with dread, as I lacked the courage to confront the consequences.
Author,
After some time, Vaidehi bought soup for Viyansh and insisted on feeding him by hand, despite his initial refusal. However, today she seemed determined not to heed his protests. Later, Vikram arrived with the three siblings to visit him upon learning about his fever. Although Viyansh claimed he was fine, everyone could tell that he was not his usual self. He didn't engage much in conversation with anyone, and no one pressured him, giving him the space he needed. Eventually, Vaidehi decided to call the doctor, who promptly arrived to examine him and provide medical assistance.
Doctor: "He's absolutely fine. If the fever comes again, give him this medicine. Let him rest today, and he'll be all good."
After the doctor left, Vaidehi turned her attention towards Viyansh.
Vaidehi: "Suna na aapne toh aaj aap office nahi jayenge aur Chaliye ab aap so jaiye, rest karenge toh jaldi thik ho jayenge."
(See, you're not going to the office today. Now come on, lie down and rest. The sooner you rest, the sooner you'll recover.)
She gently helped Viyansh to lie down and tucked him in with the duvet. Sitting beside him, she began to run her fingers through his hair, soothing him to sleep. Once he had drifted off, she pressed a tender kiss to his forehead before quietly slipping away to the kitchen to prepare lunch.
After she left, Viyansh opened his eyes, tears welling up in them. Sitting up, he reached for the photo frame resting on the side table. In the frame, he and Vaidehi were captured in a moment of affection, him embracing her from behind as she planted a kiss on his cheek. A tear trickled down his cheek, landing softly on the frame, a silent testament to the emotions stirring within him.
Viyansh: "I'm sorry, Biwi. You've relieved me of one guilt, but what I've done to you... I couldn't..."
He embraced the frame tightly, seeking solace in the captured memory. After a few moments, he carefully returned the frame to its place and made his way to the washroom. His mind consumed by the unsettling memories of the woman's unwanted advances, he couldn't shake off the feeling of violation. Turning on the shower, he stood beneath the cascading water, allowing it to wash away not only the physical residue but also the emotional turmoil swirling within him. Completely drenched, he stood there, lost in the tumult of his thoughts.
Vaidehi's POV,
In Kitchen,
As I prepared a light porridge for Ansh, ensuring it would be gentle on his stomach, I had already packed lunchboxes for the rest of the Singhania men. Just as I was about to serve the porridge onto a plate, a notification from Ahaan bhai popped up on my phone.
"The case has been filed against her for fraud, attempted murder, and molestation"
As I replied with a simple "okay" to Ahaan bhai, a wave of realization swept over me. The gravity of the situation sank in: that woman had indeed attempted to molest my husband, exploiting his vulnerable state after drugging him. It suddenly dawned on me why Ansh had apologized to me the previous night.
Vaidehi: "Oh no, he must be feeling like he cheated on me. Why didn't I think of this earlier?"
Abandoning everything, I sprinted towards her room, my heart racing with worry. As I entered, I noticed Ansh was not on the bed, and the sound of running water emanated from the washroom.
Vaidehi: "Oh no, he's sick and repeating his actions from last night."
Frantically, I rushed towards the washroom, only to find it locked. Panic rising within me, I began knocking on the door, calling out Ansh's name desperately.
Vaidehi: "Ansh please bahar aa jaiye, please jo aapne nahi kiya uski saza khudko mat dijiye"
(Ansh, please come out. Please don't punish yourself for something you didn't do.)
My heart clenched at the sound of his screams, each one piercing through me with a raw intensity. Determination surged within me as I vowed not to let that woman get away with causing my husband so much pain.
Ignoring my trembling hands, I pounded on the door once more, my voice trembling as I called out to him, praying for a response.
Vaidehi: "Ansh please come out, for me please."
As I continued to knock, my sobs blending with the echoes of his screams, the door finally creaked open. Ansh stood before me, clad in fresh clothes, yet his damp hair and avoidance of my gaze betrayed the turmoil within him. My heart sank at the sight of red scratches on his neck, marks of the ordeal he must have endured alone. As he emerged from the washroom, I enveloped him in a tight embrace, seeking solace in the familiarity of our connection. However, his lack of response, his arms remaining limp at his sides, pierced my heart with a sharp ache. Though I didn't hold it against him, understanding the depth of his struggle, I couldn't ignore the rising fever evident in his warm skin. I withdrew slightly and gently cradled his face in my hands. Rising onto my toes, I pressed a tender kiss to his forehead, but this time, he didn't reach out to hold me by the waist as he usually did. Though I felt a pang of sadness welling up inside me, I pushed it aside determinedly. He needed me in this moment, and I couldn't allow any unnecessary thoughts to cloud his mind.
Leading him gently to the bed, I guided him to sit down as I fetched a towel. Silently, I began to dry his hair, the entire time feeling the weight of his gaze fixed downward. Setting the towel aside, I approached him once more, cupping his face tenderly in my hands, hoping to coax him to meet my eyes.
Vaidehi: "Ansh main ek hi baar keh rahi hu aur aap sun lijiye meri baat, aapne kuch nahi Kiya hai, and kal kuch bhi nahi hua hai, she didn't do anything okay?? You are still mine and you always will be."
(Ansh, I'm telling you once, listen to me. You haven't done anything wrong, and nothing happened last night. She didn't do anything, okay? You're still mine, and you always will be.)
As I whispered softly while planting another gentle kiss on his forehead, I noticed his gaze fixed on me, his eyes glistening with tears. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around my waist, seeking solace in my embrace, and began to weep. Despite my efforts to remain composed, I found tears welling up in my own eyes; it was impossible not to cry when confronted with the sight of my beloved in such anguish. I tenderly rubbed his back, holding him tightly as he let out his emotions, offering whatever comfort I could in that moment of shared vulnerability.
Viyansh: "I'm so sorry biwi, bel.... believe m..me. She was the one t...to t...touch me. I didn't. I...am feeling s.. so disgusting. Believe me I didn't...."
Vaidehi: "Ansh aapko ye kehne ki zarurat nahi hai, aapne socha bhi kaise ki main aap pe Shak karungi??"
(Ansh, you don't need to say that. How could you even think I'd doubt you?)
Viyansh: "I'm fe... feeling like I have cheat..."
Vaidehi: "No, you didn't, and don't you dare say those words again."
Viyansh: "but she...she... touched me, she tried to k...k...kiss me. She forced hers... herself on me and I.... wasn't able to.."
Gently pulling back from the embrace, I held his face firmly in my hands, refusing to let him retreat into himself. Despite his attempts to hide, I met his gaze with unwavering determination, silently urging him to open up and share his pain with me.
Vaidehi: "She tried, but she didn't succeed. Stop blaming yourself and feeling guilty. You're not at fault, Ansh aur main kya janti nahi hu aapko. Mujhe aap pe sabse zyada bharosa hai Ansh, aap apne bare me Aisa keh bhi kaise sakte hai jo maine kabhi socha tak nahi???"
(and I know you better than anyone else. I have the utmost trust in you, Ansh. How could you say something about yourself that I've never even thought of?)
As he finally met my gaze, tears glistening in his eyes, he pointed towards his neck, wordlessly indicating the source of his distress.
Viyansh: "Sh..she touched me here then here, I'm not pure biwi."
As he pointed towards his cheeks and then his hands, my heart plummeted at the realization of his communication. Yet, I gently intercepted his hands, halting his gesture. Lowering myself to his level, I pressed tender kisses to his hands, then his cheeks, and softly on his neck before returning to his forehead. Kneeling before him, I looked into his eyes and spoke softly, conveying my love and understanding in every word and gesture.
Vaidehi: "You are the most pure and sacred thing to me. You're more pure than holy water, any sacred place, or anything else in this world. Pati hai aap mere, mere liye aapse pavitra aur kuch nahi hai. Humare rishte ki puja karti hu main and consider me old-fashioned or backward, but I worship you as my god. So don't you dare say anything like that about yourself again.'
(Ansh, you are my husband, and for me, there is nothing more sacred than you. I worship our relationship.)
He looked at me, his eyes searching for mine, and finally asked.
Viyansh: "You're not upset with me, right?"
Vaidehi: "I could never be. Promise me you won't dwell on last night's events, okay?"
As he nodded, resembling a vulnerable child in that moment, I felt a surge of compassion and understanding wash over me. Recognizing the importance of giving him the space and time he needed to heal, I resolved to be patient and supportive, standing by him every step of the way. Yet, beneath my concern lay a fervent hope that he wouldn't allow himself to be burdened by such thoughts again.
Vaidehi: "I'll bring lunch, and then you'll take your medicine and rest, okay?"
Viyansh: "Yeah."
I could tell he was still upset, but I reassured him silently, thinking, "Don't worry, Ansh, I'll cheer you up soon." Heading to the kitchen, I bought his lunch and fed him sitting beside him. Afterward, he obediently took his medicine. His silence unsettled me, prompting me to think of ways to lift his spirits.
Vaidehi: "Achcha ab yaha aaiye"
(Alright, come here.)
Feeling a flicker of confusion, Ansh raised an eyebrow, unsure of what I had in mind. In response, I simply patted my lap, inviting him to lean against my lap.
Viyansh: "No biwi it's ok."
Gently pulling him close, Ansh nestled into my embrace, resting his head upon my lap as I began to massage his tense muscles. With each soothing stroke of my fingers through his hair, I felt him relax, his eyes closing in surrender to the comfort I offered. As a lone tear escaped from the corner of his eye, I wiped it away tenderly, planting a gentle kiss on his closed eyelids, silently reassuring him of my unwavering love and support.
Vaidehi: "Don't think too much, just relax and sleep, Ansh. I'm here with you."
A faint smile graced his lips as he turned his face, burying it into my stomach. Seeing that small glimmer of happiness on his face brought warmth to my heart, and I continued to gently massage him, hoping to ease his tension and discomfort. Soon enough, I could hear the soft rhythm of his breath against my stomach, a sign that he was beginning to relax.
Glancing down at him, I felt a wave of emotion wash over me, and tears welled up in my eyes. It pained me to think of the turmoil he must be experiencing, knowing that someone had violated his trust and invaded his personal space. Yet, I was determined to be his source of comfort and strength, to ensure that he never again felt the taint of impurity or shame.
Whether it was a woman or a man, the scars of inappropriate touch could run deep, leaving lasting wounds on the soul. But I was resolute in my mission to erase those scars, to replace them with love, trust, and unwavering support. To me, Ansh was not impure; he was the epitome of divinity, the most precious and sacred being in my world. And I would do everything in my power to protect him and cherish him for all eternity.
Gazing at the marks on his neck, evidence of his desperate attempt to rid himself of her unwanted touch, my heart clenched with anguish. Retrieving an ointment from the drawer, I carefully applied it to the tender skin, mindful of his comfort even in his sleep. As I gently smoothed the ointment over the marks, he stirred slightly, hissing in discomfort. Quickly, I began to blow cool air on his neck, hoping to soothe the stinging sensation.
Gradually, I noticed his temperature starting to decrease, a small sign of relief amidst the turmoil. Yet, it was clear that he still bore the weight of his ordeal, his strength depleted both physically and emotionally. My heart ached as I watched over him, knowing that healing would take time and patience, both of which I was prepared to offer in abundance. In this moment, all I could do was be there for him, offering comfort, care, and unwavering support until he found his way back to himself.
As I felt Ansh's tension slowly easing under my touch, I realized that I needed to do something more to lift his spirits and bring back his cheerful demeanor. Storming my brain for ideas, I sought out ways to bring joy and laughter back into his life.
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