27. Peaceful sleeps

Happy Wednesday ♪

〰・♡・〰

Aaryansh and Aditya were still at the reception area, cornered by their mischievous friends.

They had planned to head to their rooms right after the final rituals, but their friends were hell-bent on dragging the night out, throwing teases and jests at them.

“What’s the rush, Aaryansh? Eager to meet your wife?” Rishi smirked, leaning against the table. The rest of the group burst into laughter.

Aaryansh sighed, trying to keep his impatience in check. “It’s late, Rishi Bhai. Unlike you, some of us have important things to handle.”

“Oh, is it work? Or are you just trying to get to your room before she falls asleep?” teased Ashwin, his grin wide.

“For heaven’s sake, it’s nothing like that. There’s a business call pending, and I need to be there,” Aaryansh said, glaring at them, though his growing irritation only made them laugh harder.

Meanwhile, Aditya, the picture of calm, sat back, sipping his drink. His stoic expression remained unbothered by the playful jabs.

“Aditya, your silence speaks volumes. Don’t tell me you’re already regretting your marriage,” Vikrant teased, nudging his arm. Aditya gave him a flat look.

“Regret requires attachment,” he said dryly, which only elicited more giggles from the group.

“What a romantic,” Aarush said sarcastically. “And here I thought we’d get some mushy stories to tease you about.”

“Don’t hold your breath,” Aditya replied, setting his drink down. “If you’re done, I have a call to attend.”

“Oh no, you’re not going anywhere. We’re just getting started,” Vikrant said, blocking his path.

Aaryansh, meanwhile, had had enough. He shot up from his chair, his jaw tight. “I’m leaving. You can all sit here and waste time. Some of us have responsibilities.”

The group’s laughter followed him as he stormed off, muttering about how his friends were the actual bane of his existence.

Aditya, seeing an opportunity, slipped out quietly behind him, his calm composure intact.

〰・♡・〰

In Aaryansh’s Room

Amrita sat on the edge of the bed, her legs folded underneath her. She had changed into a loose cotton kurta and pajamas, seeking comfort after the exhausting day.

However, the ache in her stomach from last night’s fight refused to let her relax.

She pressed a hot water bag against her abdomen, wincing as the warmth tried to soothe the pain.

Her mind wandered to the events of the day. The grand wedding, the overwhelming rituals, and now, the quiet solitude of this unfamiliar room.

She groaned softly, frustrated not just by the physical discomfort but by the emotional exhaustion weighing her down.

Eventually, she lay down, adjusting the hot water bag carefully. Sleep didn’t come easily.

She tossed and turned for what felt like hours before fatigue finally pulled her into restless slumber.

〰・♡・〰

In Aditya’s Room

Ananya, on the other hand, was determined to make the most of her first night in her new room.

She looked around, assessing the space. It was luxurious, no doubt, but she wasn’t about to let the intimidating presence of her husband ruin her comfort.

She grabbed every available pillow in the room and stacked them in the center of the bed, creating a towering barrier. She stepped back, admiring her handiwork with a satisfied grin.

“Thank Bhagwaan, I’m so brilliant. Otherwise, who would sleep beside that grumpy guy?” she muttered to herself.

Pleased with her ingenious solution, she climbed into her side of the bed and pulled her favorite stuffed toy, Mr. Puppy, into her arms.

Hugging it tightly, she whispered, “Good night, Mr. Puppy. You’re the only one I trust here.”

Within minutes, she was fast asleep, her soft snores filling the room.

〰・♡・〰

Aaryansh’s Room

When Aaryansh finally entered his room, his frustration evaporated at the sight of Amrita.

She was curled up on the bed, her face pale and her brows slightly furrowed even in sleep.

His eyes fell on the hot water bag beside her, and concern flickered in his chest.

He approached quietly, careful not to wake her. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he adjusted the blanket over her, his movements gentle.

For a moment, he just watched her—the strong, unyielding woman who rarely showed weakness now lying in bed, looking so vulnerable.

“Stubborn,” he murmured under his breath, shaking his head in mild exasperation mixed with concern.

Aaryansh stood up, his jaw tightening as he pulled out his phone and dialed Ishika.

She picked up after a few rings. "Hello, Aaryan?" her voice came through, sounding slightly confused by the late-night call.

"Bhabhi..." Aaryansh hesitated, unsure how to phrase his concern.

Ishika immediately picked up on his unease. "What happened, Aaryan?"

"Bhabhi… What happened to Amrita?" he asked finally, his voice laced with worry. "She has a heat pad on her stomach. She never told me she wasn’t okay.”

She has a heat pad?  Ishika thought, alarmed.  So she lied about her pain…

"She told me it was just a small stomach ache," Ishika admitted after a pause. "But if she’s using a heat pad, maybe it’s worse than she let on."

Aaryansh ran a hand through his hair, frustration clear in his voice. "Thank you, Bhabhi. I’ll handle it. Sorry for disturbing you this late."

"Don’t worry about it, Aaryan. Take care of her," Ishika replied warmly before the call ended.

He turned back toward Amrita, his gaze softening as he watched her stir slightly in her sleep, her face still contorted with discomfort.

"Oh, Buttercup," he whispered, moving to sit beside her. "Why do you have to be so stubborn? I wish I could take this pain away from you."

Carefully, he slid onto the bed, lying beside her. As if sensing his presence, she let out a faint grunt in her sleep and turned toward him instinctively.

Aaryansh hesitated for a moment, then gently pulled her into his arms.

His hand moved to her stomach, massaging it in slow, soothing circles while the other tenderly brushed her hair away from her face.

Amrita's tense expression began to relax, the faint lines of pain easing as she nestled closer to him.

"That’s it, Buttercup," he murmured softly, his voice barely audible. "Just rest. I’ve got you."

He held her close, his heart aching at the thought of her hiding her pain from him. Soon, her even breathing signaled that she had drifted into a deeper, more peaceful sleep.

He observed her dry lips and decided to do something about it.

Feeling her warmth against him, Aaryansh felt his own eyelids grow heavy.

He tightened his hold on her slightly, as if silently vowing to shield her from every pain, and finally let sleep claim him.

〰・♡・〰

Aditya’s Room

Aditya entered his room to find Ananya’s pillow fortress standing tall. He froze, staring at it for a moment before shaking his head in disbelief.

“Seriously?” he muttered, a rare smirk tugging at his lips.

He walked over to the bed, examining her handiwork. The pillows were arranged meticulously, leaving no gap for even a finger to pass through.

On her side, Ananya was fast asleep, hugging her stuffed toy with a peaceful expression. Aditya let out a low chuckle.

“Childish,” he whispered, but there was no malice in his tone. He climbed into bed on his side, careful not to disturb her.

As he lay back, he couldn’t help but glance at her once more. Despite the chaos of the day, a faint sense of calm settled over him.

And for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to relax.

〰・♡・〰

For the people who voted 💝

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