Chapter 16

The day had been tiring, but I kept reminding myself that the dinner with Dadaji would be worth it. He rarely asked for anything, and his invitation was a welcome chance for us to spend time together. I had even called Veeranshu during my lunch break to make sure he knew how important it was, but when my call went unanswered, worry started to creep in.

I sent him a message instead:

Dadaji has invited us for dinner tonight at 7. Please let me know if you can make it.

Hours passed with no reply, and as the evening approached, my anxiety grew.

When I got home from school, I glanced at my phone repeatedly, willing it to light up with a response from Veeranshu. But there was nothing.

By the time I got ready and it was nearly time to leave, I decided to message him again:

I'm heading to Dadaji's now. If you're running late, come straight there.

Still nothing.

I debated calling him, but the memory of my unanswered call earlier made me hesitate. He was probably busy with work, too busy to pick up. I told myself it was fine.

I left the house alone, praying he would see my messages and make it in time.

The warmth of Dadaji's home was comforting as always, but tonight it did little to soothe my nerves.

"Where's Veeranshu?" my aunt asked the moment I walked in, her tone already teetering on judgmental.

"He's caught up with work," I replied, forcing a polite smile. "He'll join us if he can."

Dadaji gave me a knowing look, his kindness offering silent support. But my uncle and aunt were less forgiving.

"Too busy for family?" my uncle remarked with a smirk. "Or is it that he doesn't care enough to show up?"

Kiara added with a mocking laugh, "You're married to one of the richest men in the country, Didi. Can't you at least keep him interested enough to show up?"

Their words stung, but I refused to let it show. I kept making excuses for Veeranshu, explaining his packed schedule and important meetings, even as I began to doubt myself.

Time passed slowly, and with every minute that Veer didn't arrive, I felt my confidence slipping.

I glanced at the clock again, forcing another smile as my aunt needled me about why I wasn't "keeping my husband interested." My responses were growing thinner, my patience wearing out.

And then I heard it.

The sound of a car pulling up outside, followed by the sharp click of polished shoes on the front steps. My heart leapt as the door opened, and there he was—Veeranshu.

His tie was slightly loosened, a small detail that only I would notice, but it told me everything. He had rushed to be here.

"I'm sorry for being late," he said, his tone calm but apologetic. "Work ran over."

Veer sat beside me, effortlessly engaging with Dadaji as though he'd been part of the family for years. He asked thoughtful questions about Dadaji's youth, listened intently to his stories, and offered genuine interest.

But as expected, my uncle, aunt, and Kiara were quick to seize the moment.

"Veeranshu," my aunt began with a syrupy smile, "you know, we've been thinking of renovating the house. Some help from you would really make a difference."

"Of course," he replied simply.

"And Kiara has her eye on a new collection from Paris," my uncle added, his tone casual but greedy. "You know how talented she is in fashion. Supporting her dreams would mean a lot to us."

Once again, Veer agreed without hesitation, his polite demeanor never faltering.

I clenched my fists under the table, anger bubbling inside me. They had no shame, treating him like an endless source of wealth while I sat there helpless.

The ride back to the mansion was quiet at first. Veer seemed lost in thought, his gaze fixed out the window.

"What's wrong?" I finally asked, unable to bear the silence.

He hesitated before speaking. "I'm sorry I didn't see your message earlier. I was caught up with work and didn't realize... I should have been there sooner."

"You were there," I said softly. "That's what matters."

He turned to me, his expression filled with doubt. "Tara, do you think I'll ever fit into your world? Your family... it's different from anything I've ever known. Sometimes I feel like I don't belong."

His words hit me harder than I expected. I had never considered that Veer might feel out of place, that he might be struggling just as much as I was.

"Veer," I said gently, "you protect me in your world, and I'll protect you in mine. We're married—we're each other's family now. I'm always here for you."

He shook his head, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You don't know me, Tara. Not really. I'm not what you think I am."

I reached for his hand, holding it tightly. "I know enough, Veer. I know you care in your own silent way. And that's enough for me ."

When we arrived home, Veer was quieter than usual, the weight of his thoughts evident in his posture. As we stepped inside, he suddenly stopped, turning to face me.

"I don't want you to think I'm indifferent, Tara," he said. "But I've spent so long keeping my emotions locked away that I don't know how to... connect."

I stepped closer, my voice steady. "You don't have to explain yourself to me, Veer. I see the way you care, even if you don't say it. The little things you do—they don't go unnoticed  and you are not indifferent you are guarded and not wanting to be hurt is not a crime , what matters is trying and you are doing it and you did it again today ."

His expression softened, and for a moment, I thought I saw something vulnerable in his eyes. "Thank you," he said quietly.

I smiled, brushing away the heaviness of the evening. "But, Veer, please promise me one thing."

"What is it?"

"Don't give in to my uncle, aunt, or Kiara's demands. They don't deserve it."

He nodded, his gaze firm. "I promise."

As we stood there in the quiet hallway, he suddenly pulled me into a hug.

It was unexpected, but I didn't pull away. Instead, I wrapped my arms around him, offering what little comfort I could.

"You don't have to do this alone, Veer," I whispered. "I'm here. Always."

His grip tightened slightly, as though he needed the reassurance as much as I did. When he finally pulled back, his expression was lighter, the weight of the evening lifted just a little.

And for the first time, I felt like we weren't just two strangers sharing a house. We were starting to become something more. Something real. Something worth holding onto