Chapter-31

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The kitchen was still, save for the rhythmic sound of my fingers tapping against the cool marble countertop.

My mind raced, a whirlwind of thoughts spiraling around one central theme: Abhimanyu. The words I said to him earlier replayed in my head like a never-ending loop, and no matter how hard I tried to shake it off, the guilt gnawed at me.

I bit my lip, glancing at the clock on the wall. It was past noon, and he hadn’t had breakfast or lunch. What if he didn't eat anything till now? I could almost hear my stomach growling in sympathy.

Suddenly, Badi Ma stepped in. Her gaze immediately fell on me, and her brow furrowed. "Aarushi, what happened?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

I pouted, shrugging my shoulders"Kuch nahi" I tried to dismiss her.Ab inhe kaise batau kya kand kare bhaithi hu mai....

Badi Ma didn’t buy it"Beta kuch to hua hai batao kya hua... Abhimanyu ne kuch bola ya koi or baat hai?” Her tone was firm, but I could see the warmth in her eyes.

I hesitated, the weight of my anger and regret settling heavily on my chest. "Vo na.... meri or unki thodi si ladayi hogayi or maine unko gusse mai suna Diya.... or upar se vo Bina breakfast Kiya chale gaye.” My voice trailed off, and I felt the sting of tears at the corners of my eyes.

Her expression softened. "Koi baat nahi beta, Pati patni ke bich mai ladayi to hamesha chalti rahti hai. Tum usse aaram se bhaith ker baat kerlo or ha vo vaise bhi tumse jyada der naraz nahi rahega.”

I nodded, but uncertainty twisted in my stomach. How many hurtful things had I said in the heat of the moment? I am such a fool ........

Badi Ma’s voice interrupted my spiraling thoughts. "Why don’t you go to his office with lunch? You both can have lunch together"

The suggestion sparked a flicker of hope within me. "Oh nice idea...Wait a minute, I’ll pack it" I dashed to the pantry, my heart racing with the thought of making it right.

I grabbed a lunchbox, and as I started packing different dishes, a smile crept onto my face.

"Take the driver with you "Badi Ma, her voice trailing off as she left to arrange lunch for everyone else. I could almost feel her encouragement wrapping around me like a warm blanket.

With the lunch packed, I rushed out of the mansion, my excitement building. I hopped into the car, my mind racing with possibilities, and instructed the driver"Take me to Hukum’s office."

As the car rolled through the familiar streets, I pulled out my phone, hoping to connect with Vivaan. I noticed that Kabir hadn’t called me since our last night. Did Abhimanyu already talk to him? The thought made me feel both relieved and anxious,but I pushed it aside and dialed Vivaan’s number instead.

After a few rings, he picked up"Yes bhabhi"

"Did you have lunch?" I asked, trying to sound casual. "Yes, bhabhi. Just a few minutes ago, Aaryan and I finished eating" he replied.

"What about your bhai ? I asked hesitantly. Vivaan paused before answering. "No, bhabhi. Bhai is in a meeting."

Relief washed over me, and I exhaled a contented sigh. "Okay, when will the meeting be over?"

"I think it’ll take another half hour," he said."Okay, I’m coming to the office with his lunch. Can you please meet me there? No one knows that I am his wife so they won't let me meet him" I said hurriedly.

"Thik hai bhabhi, aap mujhe phoch ker call ker dena" he replied. "Thank you" I said, cutting the call, my heart racing with anticipation.

Twenty minutes later, I arrived at the office. Stepping into the lobby, I called Vivaan. The air buzzed with activity, people moving around with purpose, and I felt a wave of nerves wash over me.

After a few moments, Vivaan appeared, a wide grin on his face. He greeted me, waving me over. I mirrored his smile, but I could feel the eyes of several employees on me.

"What will you say if they ask who I’m and why I am here?" I whispered, quickening my pace to keep up with him.

"Don’t worry, bhabhi. First of all, no one will know you came to meet him, and if anyone asks, I’ll just say you’re a family member" he assured me.

I nodded, grateful for his support. We finally reached his floor. As we walked, I noticed a cabin gate and a small cabin in front of it where a man stood. Aakash ,his PA. I remembered seeing him at our wedding.

Vivaan greeted Aakash. "Bhabhi, here’s Bhai’s cabin. You wait here; he will be here in a few minutes."

"Thanks" I said, feeling the excitement bubbling inside me. Aakash greeted me too and ushered me inside the cabin. I took a moment to absorb the surroundings.

The office screamed power and professionalism; everything was arranged neatly. Aakash gestured me to sit on the sofa.

"Do you want anything, ma’am?" he asked politely. I shook my head, the nerves bubbling inside me. "It’s fine; I’ll wait here. And please, don’t tell him I’m here, okay?"

Aakash frowned, unsure,and opened his mouth to say something, but I cut him in between and said, "Don’t worry; he won’t say anything,Trust me," attempting to ease his worried expression.

He nodded his head and left from there, and once the door clicked shut behind him, I couldn’t help but smile mischievously.

With a quick glance around to ensure I was alone, I stood up and stealthily placed the lunchbox under his desk.

The thrill of this little act made my heart race. I could already imagine his surprised face, and the thought of it sent warmth flooding through me.

Abhimanyu strode down the polished corridor of his office, the sharp click of his shoes echoing with authority. Behind him, Aakash,hurried to keep up.

"Schedule Mehta’s meeting for today at seven,"Abhimanyu ordered, his voice smooth yet commanding.

"Right away, sir," Aakash replied, jotting down the details on his tablet. He nodded, eyes focused, as he continued to trail behind, the hum of office activity buzzing around them.

With a dismissive gesture, Abhimanyu waved Aakash off as he reached his cabin door. "You can go now."

As he pushed the door open, a familiar aroma enveloped him, halting his steps. He took a deep breath, inhaling the soft, floral scent of his wife, Aarushi.

The fragrance filled the air like a warm embrace, and he felt a smile creep onto his lips. It was an unexpected comfort in the midst of his busy day.

His gaze swept across the room, landing on his desk. A shadow flickered beneath it, and he couldn’t help but smirk, a rush of playful mischief coursing through him.

He moved to the sofa facing the desk, settling into the plush cushions while his curiosity piqued.

Aarushi's smile turned into a frown when she didn't hear his footsteps anymore."He entered the cabin, but where did he go?" she questioned herself, all confused.

She decided to check if he was there or not . She peeked out from beneath the table, her eyes wide with surprise when she noticed him sitting on sofa , already looking at her.

She frowned, momentarily flustered, before her lips curled into a soft smile, transforming her expression.

"What a pleasant surprise, jaan. I didn’t know you liked my table that much." Abhimanyu said, leaning back with an air of amusement. "Well, it’s not every day I find my wife hiding under my desk" He watched as she stepped out, a nervous blush creeping onto her cheeks.

"What are you doing here?"he asked, a hint of genuine curiosity threading through his tone.He also stood up when she stepped in front of him.

Aarushi took his hand, guiding him back to the sofa. "Why can’t I visit my husband at work?" The way she said “husband” sent a thrill through him, a warmth that settled in his chest. It was the first time she had addressed him that way, and it felt remarkably significant.

She also sat beside him and  began to unpack her lunch, placing two steel boxes carefully on the table. "I wanted to surprise you, but my plans never seem to work out in front of you." She turned slightly away from him, her back to him as she opened the lunch boxes.

Abhimanyu raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you have in there?"

"Just a little something special," she said, glancing over her shoulder with a mischievous glint in her eyes. She handed him one of the boxes. "Open it"

He accepted it, a flurry of anticipation stirring in his stomach. Lifting the lid, he was met with a heart-shaped sandwich, decorated with the words, "Sorry, my dear ache wale bad man," scrawled in bright, playful letters.

His heart swelled with an unexpected surge of emotion, caught between amusement and tenderness.

"I know what I said before,” Aarushi began, her voice dropping slightly, sincerity etched across her features. "I can’t take those words back, but I genuinely regret them. I didn’t mean any of it."

Abhimanyu’s smile faltered for a moment, the sting of her previous words still fresh in his memory. But the effort she was making, the way she was trying to reach out, melted some of the frost that had settled in his heart.

" But I’ll do my best to earn your forgiveness."She said ,her voice filled with determination.

He couldn’t help but smile a little, the corners of his mouth lifting involuntarily. "Let's have lunch" she said shifting a little closer to him.

Aarushi reached for his plate, her hand brushing against his as she took it. "Let me feed you," she said, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief

Abhimanyu shook his head, a chuckle escaping his lips. "It’s okay baby, I can eat by myself."

But she was already lifting a morsel toward him, her expression pleading. "Please?"

With a resigned sigh, he opened his mouth slowly, accepting the bite from her hand. As the flavors danced on his tongue, a wave of comfort washed over him, a sense of peace. His heart fluttered in his chest, emotions welling up inside him, and he found himself clenching his fists to keep from being overwhelmed.

Aarushi watched him closely, a soft smile tugging at her lips as she continued to feed him. They exchanged a few more bites in silence, the atmosphere charged with unspoken feelings.

After a few moments, she finished her own lunch, packing the boxes once more. Abhimanyu felt a warmth spread through him, a sense of belonging that he had always longed for.

Once they stood up together, He gestured her towards washroom to wash her hands. After a minute Aarushi came there after washing her hands and looked around for a tissue.

But Abhimanyu stepped in front of her, pulling out his handkerchief. Gently, he wiped her hands, their eyes locking in a moment that felt both electric and intimate.

The air crackled with tension,peace and warmth. Aarushi broke the gaze first, her cheeks flushing. "I should go now."

He nodded, a reluctant acceptance settling in his chest. "Message me when you reach home."

As she stepped closer to him, he could feel the heat radiating off her. Without saying anything ,she wrapped her arms around him, standing on her toes to pull him into a tight hug.

Abhimanyu’s breath caught in his throat, surprise washing over him. But as she nestled against him, he instinctively placed his hands on her waist, drawing her closer.

They stood there, wrapped in the warmth of each other, time slipping away. "Thank you," they said in unison, laughter bubbling up between them, breaking the tension like a gentle breeze.

Aarushi pulled back, her smile radiant. "Take care, dear husband. You should work now." She turned to leave, her steps light, leaving Abhimanyu standing there, warmth blooming on his cheeks.

As she left from there , He sank back onto the sofa, a mixture of disbelief and joy flooding his senses. With a soft smile still playing on his lips, Abhimanyu picked up the sandwich and took a bite.

The soft glow of the night light bathed the balcony in a warm hue as I stood there, surrounded by a flurry of colorful balloons, each one emblazoned with the word "Sorry."

My heart thudded in my chest, a chaotic rhythm that echoed my racing thoughts. I couldn’t hold onto this guilt any longer. It gnawed at me, a relentless beast that feasted on my regrets. Abhimanyu deserved better, and today, I was determined to talk to him—to explain everything and to finally accept this marriage. I wanted to give us a chance.

The memory of my harsh words replayed in my mind, like a looping film reel. I had hurt him, pushed him away when all he had done was care for me. I thought about how he had been there for me since day one, always ready to lend a helping hand, always caring about me, but I had been blind, too caught up in my anger  to see the warmth of his intentions.

Now, as I waited for him to come home, I realized how much I had taken him for granted.He also deserves someone who genuinely cares about him.

I stood by the sliding door, the evening breeze tugging at my hair, my heart fluttering with anticipation as I saw his car pull into the driveway. My breath hitched.

He was here. I watched him step out, his tall frame silhouetted against the dimming light. He said something to The guard and went inside the mansion.

I took a steadying breath, willing my nerves to calm. As he walked into the room, I could see him scanning the space, his gaze landing on me. His expression softened, and he moved toward me, curiosity etched on his face.

I took his hand and gently pulled him towards me. As he stepped out onto the balcony, his presence enveloped me like a comforting blanket. He looked around, and his gaze fixed on the sorry balloons in front of him.

I took a moment, letting the gravity of the situation settle in. "I—I wanted to talk to you," I said, my voice trembling slightly.

His brows furrowed, and I could see the concern in his eyes, but he didn't say anything. I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat making it difficult to speak

"I wanted to talk about everything I said… I’m so sorry." My eyes filled with tears as I struggled to find the right words. "I said mean things, and I didn’t mean any of it. I always say rubbish when I’m angry. You’ve done nothing but care for me, and I only hurt you from the start."

" I am really really sorry for everything. I know I hurt you, but I never wanted to hurt you... It was unintentional, really. Let me tell you the truth.... you never made me feel uncomfortable. I never felt uncomfortable with you from day one , I don't know how but it's the truth. I never hated your presence...Ha shuru mai mujhe aapse thodi nafrat thi kyuki aapne mujhe is shaadi Mai majboor Kiya per pata nahi vo nafrat kab khatam ho gayi pata hi nahi chala. You didn't destroy my life in fact, I am grateful for your presence in my life. You were always there for me , helping me ,caring about me. You always respected me. Thank you so much." I said , my voice cracking in between. I accepted everything; I can't lie to myself anymore.

"It’s okay, jaan," he interrupted gently, but I shook my head fervently.

"No, it’s not okay! I hurt you. You can say anything to me if it helps you feel better. I’ll do anything to earn your forgiveness," I pleaded, my heart racing with desperation. "It’s not okay"

He looked at me, a mixture of sadness and understanding in his gaze. "I understand, love. Really, it’s okay"

"No, it’s not, and I can’t just let it go. I’ve been so caught up in my own head that I didn’t appreciate what was right in front of me. I never felt uncomfortable with you. You’ve always made me feel safe, and I pushed you away. I’m so sorry for everything. Please forgive me. I swear I didn't mean anything I said yesterday," I said, my voice breaking.

As I spoke, I could see the hurt reflected in his eyes. The pain of my accusations hung heavily between us.

He took a step closer, and before I could say anything more, he enveloped me in a warm embrace. I clung to him, my tears soaking into the fabric of his shirt. He didn't say anything just offering me his warmth as always." I am not angry at you..love i understand"

After what felt like an eternity, I pulled back, wiping my tears with the back of my hand. I searched his face, wanting to know if he had truly forgiven me. "Did you forgive me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He smiled gently, nodding. "I can’t stay angry with you. I know you regret what you said. It hurt to hear those words, but I understand your situation ." His voice cracked slightly, and I could see the pain flicker in his eyes. "I was scared, thinking what if you really felt uncomfortable because of me."

My heart ached for him, and I stepped forward, wrapping my arms around him again. "I’m so sorry for everything. I never meant to make you feel that way."

He pulled back slightly, looking deep into my eyes "Baby, please stop apologizing. You look beautiful even when you cry, but I don’t want to see those tears in your eyes again."

I nodded, the sincerity in his words wrapping around me like a lifeline " I–I wanted to give our marriage a chance."

His eyes widened, disbelief melting into joy. "You really mean that?"

"Yes, I do,"I affirmed, my heart racing at the prospect of what that meant for us. "I will try my best" The thought of us living our life happily as a couple made my heart skip a beat .

"Thank you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you so much,jaan"

A smile broke out on my face, and I felt lighter, as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. The air felt charged with a new energy, hope threading its way through our fragile bond.

After sometime ~

Later that evening, as I made my bed, I heard the bathroom door creak open. Abhimanyu stepped out, his hair still damp. He toweled his head dry and went towards the balcony.

Should I tell him to sleep on the bed....i don't want him to sleep on sofa anymore.

My heart raced as I watched him move towards the sofa, placing his pillow down. He was going to sleep there again.

"Suniye"I said softly, my voice catching in my throat.

He paused, glancing back at me"Sunaiye"

"Sleep on the bed with me," I whispered, my heart pounding. I wanted him close, to feel that warmth and comfort between us, like normal husband and wife.

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😙😁 Thank you for completing the target, everyone..... Here is the chapter💗

Are you happy that finally she is giving their marriage a chance?

The next update will be on 15feb

I can't able to give an early update this time.....

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