chapter 10

Advik’s pov

It's been four hours. Four agonising hours of running through the streets, desperately searching for her. Since she left home, it feels like my breath has been ripped from my lungs, leaving me gasping for air.

The way she said Divya is special to me shattered me. If only she knew how deeply she resides in my heart, how much I've admired her since the day she entered my life. My wife, she's more than just a partner—she's my home.

And now, as I wander these streets aimlessly, I feel like a lost soul, homeless without her by my side

.How could I have let her slip away like this?I saw a Lord Krishna temple and made my way insideAs I stood before the temple of Lord Krishna, her words echoed in my mind: "Trust God. Ask him for something that doesn't harm anyone else, and he will surely give you what you ask for."

Joining my hands in front of the creator of this universe, I whispered a fervent plea,

"Lord, please help me find her." It was the only thing I could ask for in that moment, the only prayer that mattered. Leaving the temple, my heart heavy with hope and uncertainty.

I glanced across the street and saw a figure standing near the bridge. In the dim light of the evening, I couldn't make out who it was, but something inside me urged me to approach, to see if it was her. With a pounding heart, I crossed the street, each step bringing me closer to the unknown figure, and to the possibility of finding her.

As the realisation dawned on me, a surge of hope and fear flooded my heart. Could it be her, standing there on the bridge? With a newfound determination fueled by both hope and dread, I sprinted towards her, my feet pounding against the pavement.

But as I drew closer, a wave of horror washed over me. The way she stood there, her balance precarious, threatened to send her tumbling over the edge at any moment. Without a moment's hesitation, I closed the distance between us, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Anika!" I called out, my voice trembling with fear. With every step, I prayed fervently to the Almighty, begging for her safety, for her to turn and look at me, to let me know that she was alright

."Have you gone crazy? What were you trying to do?" I demanded, but she ignored me, her gaze fixed on the distance.

"Let's go home," I insisted once more, but Anika continued walking in the opposite direction, ignoring my pleas.

"Fine, then don't blame me for anything," I warned, frustration and concern mingling in my voice as I approached her.With a determined resolve, I scooped her up in my arms, holding her in a bridal style, despite her protests.

"Leave me!" Anika demanded, struggling against my hold, but I refused to let go.

"Never," I replied firmly, my voice laced with sincerity as I held her close, despite her attempts to push me away. "Darn, such a hard chest. I thought your heart was made of steel, but it turns out you are the one made of steel," Anika retorted, still seething with anger.

"And you? you are made of fire," I responded, adding fuel to her fury."Fire? i am fire?" Anika questioned incredulously

."Yes, you are," I affirmed. Anika seemed ready to argue, but she fell silent as soon as she heard my next words.

"A fire that melted steel like me. Advik Malhotra who was roaming the streets like a madman searching for his wife, and now he's carrying a 30-year-old like a 3-year-old," I explained.

"Excuse me, i am not 30. i am 25," Anika corrected me with a hint of amusement in her voice."And... and who asked you to carry me? I have legs. I can walk on my own," Anika protested.

"Sure?" I questioned, seeking confirmation, and Anika nodded in response.I gently set her down on her feet, respecting her independence.

"Where's your car?" she inquired, looking around."Where is your phone? Purse?" I countered. "I didn't bring them," she admitted.

"Exactly," I remarked pointedly.''Then how are we going home?" she asked, realising the predicament.

''I brought my wallet, so we'll book a cab," I explained, and she nodded in agreement, accepting the solution."i am sorry I let her presence affect me, and i am sorry for my behavior too," I apologised sincerely.

"Well, to be honest, i am sorry too. My hormones were acting up," Anika admitted, and suddenly everything made sense. Her overreaction was understandable.I smiled at her.

"About your work, I'll help you," I offered, and she looked surprised.

"How so?" she asked curiously.

"By waking up with you," I replied casually."Was that a joke? Very funny, Mr. Malhotra," she said sarcastically."Have you checked my phone? Was it okay?" she asked, changing the subject.

"Mom and Dad are very, very worried. Pragya was ready to kill Divya. But your phone is so important. i am sorry, ma'am, I didn't check your phone. I checked on those not-so-important people," I replied sarcastically, but then realised the seriousness of the situation. I needed to check her phone.

"Then call them and te...," Anika started, but stopped midway, remembering that I didn't bring my phone either.