[16]

It was a quiet night, the clock striking 11 as Vaani sat in the dining area, her eyes flitting anxiously between the clock and the untouched plates of food before her.

She was waiting for Rishit to return, the dinner now cold and uninviting, but her determination to see him remained unshaken.

As another hour crept by with no sign of him, her fatigue began to overpower her resolve. The weariness of the day caught up, and before long, her head gently drooped onto the dining table, succumbing to an uneasy slumber.

The soft click of the main door opening broke the stillness of the night at around 1 a.m. Rishit stepped inside, the weight of a long day evident in his stride. He used the spare keys to enter, careful not to disturb the anyone.

Heading toward his room, he froze mid-step when he noticed a figure hunched over the dining table. The dim light illuminated her delicate features, and confusion flickered across his face. His brows knitted together as he muttered under his breath, "What is she doing here?"

With quiet, purposeful steps, he approached her and called softly, "Vaani." His voice carried a mix of concern and hesitation, but she didn't stir.

"Vaani... wake up," he repeated, this time with more insistence, but her exhaustion was too deep to be roused so easily.

Rishit sighed, running a hand through his hair in exasperation. "Ab kya karu, ise yaha bhi nhi chhod sakta," he muttered, glancing around as though searching for a solution. After a brief moment of deliberation, he let out a resigned sigh, crouched down, and gently scooped her into his arms.

( What should I do now...I can't leave her here too )

Her head lolled against his shoulder, her soft breathing brushing against his collar as he ascended the staircase. The dim lighting of the hallway accentuated the quiet intimacy of the moment, his careful steps ensuring she wouldn't wake.

Once inside his room, Rishit laid her down on the bed with a tenderness that contrasted with his usually stoic demeanor. He adjusted the pillow beneath her head and draped a blanket over her, ensuring she was comfortably tucked in.

His gaze lingered on her peaceful face for a fleeting moment before he straightened, his expression unreadable. He turned toward the washroom, changing quickly into something more comfortable.

When he returned, he paused at the door, glancing at Vaani one last time before making his way to another room for the night. The door clicked softly shut behind him, leaving the room cloaked in silence once more, save for the rhythmic sound of her breathing.

*******************

When Vaani woke up the next morning, the soft rays of the sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow around the room. She blinked a few times, disoriented, her gaze scanning the surroundings.

"Main room mein kaise aayi... aur Rishit kaha hai?" she murmured to herself, her voice laced with confusion. Pushing the blanket aside, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stood up, determined to find him.

( How did I came here...and where is Rishit )

Her first stop was the washroom attached to the room, but it was empty. She frowned and moved on, checking the adjacent rooms, the living area, and even his study. Each search yielded the same result-Rishit was nowhere to be found.

Finally, she headed to the kitchen, hoping for some clue. As she entered, the aroma of freshly cooked breakfast greeted her, and her eyes fell on a neatly arranged spread on the counter. Next to the dishes lay a folded note.

Curiosity piqued, Vaani picked up the note and began reading. The first line made her pause, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I am going to the office." It wasn't much, but the fact that he had informed her brought a sense of relief.

However, as her eyes scanned the next line, the smile faded just as quickly. "Don't wait for me."

Her brows knitted in annoyance as she muttered under her breath, "Kis khushi mein? Main toh wait karungi." Her tone carried a hint of defiance as she folded the note and set it aside.

( I will wait for you )

Deciding not to dwell on it, she returned to her room to freshen up. After a quick shower, she changed into a comfortable outfit and headed back to the dining area. The breakfast laid out by Rishit was simple yet thoughtful, and as she took her first bite, a warmth spread through her chest.

Each morsel seemed to carry a silent message, and despite the lack of his physical presence, it felt as though Rishit had left a part of himself behind. A small smile crept back onto her face as she savored the meal, her thoughts lingering on him.

********************

Dehradun Office Building

"Sir aa rahe hain," a voice rang out, and like clockwork, the bustling chatter in the office shifted to a disciplined hum. Employees straightened their postures and immersed themselves in their tasks as if they'd been working diligently all along.

( Sir is coming )

Rishit strode into the building, his usual cold yet composed demeanor exuding authority. His sharp gaze swept across the room, ensuring everyone was at their stations, before heading directly to his cabin.

"Sir kitne hot hain na," a young female employee whispered to her colleague, unable to hide her admiration.

( Sir is so hot )

"Haan, sach mein... sir is so hot," the other replied, her eyes following his retreating figure.

Their quiet fangirling was interrupted by a male colleague sitting nearby. "He's married," he stated nonchalantly without looking up from his work.

The two women exchanged glances, their excitement quickly replaced with visible disappointment.

Meanwhile, Rishit reached his cabin and pushed open the door. His eyes widened in surprise as they landed on Kartik, lounging comfortably on the couch like he owned the place.

"Tu yahan kya kar raha hai?" Rishit asked, his tone sharp but tinged with curiosity.

( What are you doing here )

Kartik stood up, spreading his arms theatrically. "Saale kamine! Ek toh bina bataye Dehradun aa gaya, aur mujhse puch raha hai ki main yahan kya kar raha hoon?"

Rishit rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. "Pehle Vaani, ab tu... Mom-dad ko bhi bula leta, sab milkar bhajan karenge yahan," he retorted sarcastically, irritation evident in his voice.

"Irritate kyu ho raha hai?" Kartik asked, unfazed, as he flopped back onto the couch.

Rishit sank into his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Main yahan akele rehne ke liye aaya tha, par tum dono mujhe kabhi akela nahi chodte."

"Aur kyu chhodein tujhe akela?" Kartik countered, his voice steady but firm. "Rishit, Vaani teri biwi hai aur main tera bhai... kyun chhodein tujhe akela? Bata."

Rishit's irritation faltered as Kartik's words sank in. His expression softened, but he didn't respond, his silence speaking volumes.

Noticing the shift, Kartik chose not to press further. "Chal, ab kaam pe dhyan dete hain," he said, reaching for a file on the table. Rishit nodded and busied himself with his work, though his thoughts remained clouded.

********************

At Night

It was 10 p.m., and Vaani sat curled up on the living room couch, her sketchbook open as she worked on her designs. The room was quiet, save for the soft scratching of her pencil against paper.

Her eyes occasionally flickered to the clock, hoping Rishit would walk through the door any moment. But as the hours dragged on with no sign of him, her energy waned. Eventually, exhaustion claimed her, and she drifted off, her sketchbook slipping from her hands onto the floor.

Close to midnight, the main door creaked open, and Rishit stepped inside, his expression weary. As he entered, his eyes immediately landed on Vaani asleep on the couch. His brows furrowed in confusion.

"Why was she waiting for me even after I told her not to?" he muttered under his breath. He stood there for a moment, torn between annoyance and a strange sense of guilt.

Finally, he sighed, crouching down to lift her into his arms. She stirred slightly but didn't wake, her head instinctively resting against his chest.

Rishit carried her up the stairs with measured steps, his hold on her secure yet gentle. Entering the room, he carefully laid her on the bed, tucking the blanket around her to ensure she wouldn't feel cold.

His gaze lingered on her face for a moment, softening as he took in her peaceful expression. Without another word, he turned and left the room, heading to the another room for the night. The quiet sound of the door closing behind him was the only reminder of his presence, leaving Vaani to rest undisturbed.

********************

The next day unfolded much the same way. Rishit left for the office early, but not before making breakfast for Vaani and leaving her the same note.

It was 9 p.m., and the quiet hum of the office lingered as most employees had left for the day. Only the glow of a desk lamp illuminated Rishit's cabin, where he sat engrossed in work. Kartik, leaning against the doorway, watched him for a moment before speaking.

"Rishit, you should go now," Kartik said firmly. "It's getting late. Bhabhi must be waiting for you."

Without lifting his eyes from the documents spread before him, Rishit replied in his usual composed tone, "No, I have to finish this work."

Kartik narrowed his eyes, his intuition kicking in. He knew Rishit wasn't merely being diligent-this was avoidance. Rishit's meticulous focus on work wasn't unusual, but the subtle tension in his demeanor gave away his reluctance to go home.

Deciding to intervene, Kartik quietly stepped out of the cabin and retrieved his phone. After scrolling through his contacts, he dialed Meera's number.

The call connected after a few rings. "Kya hua, Kartik?" Meera's curious voice came through.

"Aapka beta abhi tak office mein baitha hai, Aunty," Kartik informed her, his tone laced with amusement.

"Aur toh aur, jaane ka plan bhi nahi hai," he added, emphasizing the last part.

There was a brief silence on the other end before Meera sighed in frustration. "Kya karoon main iska!" she muttered, irritation evident. "Kartik, ek kaam karo. Rishit ko any how ghar bhejo."

"Okay, Aunty," Kartik replied, a sly smile tugging at his lips as he ended the call.

Kartik returned to the cabin, this time with renewed determination. He plopped down on the chair opposite Rishit, crossing his arms.

"Rishit," he began casually, " Tera agar office me hi rehne ka plan h to me ek kaam karta hu, tere kapde bhijwa deta hu, yahi bas ja ".

( If you're planning on living here in the office, let me know. I'll send someone to deliver your clothes )

Rishit glanced up briefly, his brow furrowing. "Kartik, stop wasting time and get back to work."

Kartik leaned forward, his tone more serious now. "Bhai, ghar jaa. Bhabhi is waiting, aur tu yaha khud ko unnecessary busy kar raha hai."

Rishit exhaled deeply, irritation flashing in his eyes. "I'm not avoiding anything, Kartik. This work is important."

"Kaunsa kaam important hoga jab ghar par koi tera intezar kar raha ho?" Kartik countered. "You can finish this tomorrow. Abhi jaa, warna main tujhe forcefully bhejunga."

Rishit stared at Kartik, a mix of exasperation in his gaze. Kartik's persistence was relentless, and Rishit knew arguing further was futile.

With a resigned sigh, he stood up, gathering his things. "Fine," he muttered. "I'm leaving."

"Good choice," Kartik said with a grin. "Aur haan, Aunty ko update kar dena ki tu ghar pohonch gaya."

Rishit shot him a glare but didn't respond as he walked out of the cabin, leaving Kartik with a satisfied smile.

********************

Rishit parked his car in the quiet stillness of the night, the soft glow of the streetlights casting faint shadows across the parking lot. He leaned back in his seat, pulling out his phone to dial Meera's number. After a few rings, her familiar voice came through.

"Aapko kuch baat karni thi, Maa?" Rishit asked, his tone calm and composed.

"Kahaan par hai tu?" Meera's sharp question caught him slightly off guard.

"Ghar ke baahar hoon," he replied casually, glancing at the house through the windshield.

"Toh phir aaj raat wahi reh. Bahut shauk hai na ghar ke baahar rehne ka," Meera shot back, her words dripping with sarcasm.

Rishit straightened in his seat, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Maine Vaani ko inform kar diya hai," she added before he could respond.

"But Maa, main yahaan kaise rahunga?" Rishit asked, his composure slipping into a mix of concern and annoyance.

"Mujhe kya pata," Meera replied curtly before ending the call abruptly.

"Maa... Maa!" Rishit called out into the disconnected line, but the screen now displayed the call's end.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, Rishit tossed his phone onto the passenger seat, rubbing his temples as he muttered under his breath. "Yeh sab kya ho raha hai?"

For a moment, he sat there, contemplating his next move. Staying outside wasn't exactly a comfortable option, but Meera's words left no room for negotiation.

______________________________________

SPOILER :

"Is chudail ki himmat kaise hui mere pati par nazar dalne ki?" Vaani hissed, jealousy dripping from her tone as her piercing gaze locked onto the woman.

Rishit glanced at her, a chuckle escaping his lips. Vaani turned her sharp glare on him, silencing him instantly as he straightened up, attempting to mask his amusement.

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