The tension within Arjun simmered like a storm waiting to break. Days passed, yet the weight on his chest only grew heavier.
Sia had always been an enigmaâgentle, selfless, and fiercely loyal. Her quiet strength had pulled him in from the beginning, but now, every glance in her direction sent his thoughts spiraling. He couldn't ignore her presence, nor could he reconcile it with the doubts planted in his mind.
And then there was Riya. She had been part of his life for years, her name tied to memories of simpler times. But the idea of loyalty to her now felt more like an obligation than a bond of the heart.
Arjun's Sleepless Night
That night, as the house fell silent, Arjun found himself pacing the length of their bedroom. Sia lay asleep on her side of the bed, her hair splayed across the pillow.
Candy and Snowy were sprawled on the rug, both sound asleep. For once, they weren't vying for Sia's attention.
Arjun ran a hand through his hair, glancing at her peaceful face. The sight made his chest ache. How could she seem so calm while he felt like his entire world was unraveling?
Maybe she doesn't feel the same way, he thought bitterly. Maybe this is just duty for herâa role she's playing because of the circumstances.
He clenched his fists. He knew he wasn't being fair. Sia had done nothing but give, quietly weaving herself into his life, even when he had given her every reason to walk away.
But the shadow of Riya's name loomed large, a reminder of promises he hadn't yet broken.
The Morning Tension
The next morning, Sia found Arjun sitting at the edge of their bed, his hands pressed against his temples.
"Arjun?" she called softly.
He looked up, his expression guarded. "What is it?"
Sia hesitated. "I... I was just wondering if you're okay. You seemâ"
"I'm fine," he cut her off, the edge in his voice sharper than he intended.
She flinched but nodded, turning away to continue her morning routine.
Arjun sighed, watching her pull out his shirt and tie for the day. The faint floral scent of her perfume lingered as she placed them on the bed, a simple act of care that made him feel both grateful and guilty.
Sia's Quiet Question
That evening, as they sat across from each other during dinner, Sia finally broke the silence.
"Arjun," she began, her voice steady but soft.
He looked up, his fork pausing mid-air.
"Will you ever see me for who I truly am?" she asked, her eyes searching his.
Her question hit him like a punch to the gut. He opened his mouth to respond but found himself at a loss for words.
"What do you mean?" he finally managed, though he knew exactly what she meant.
Sia smiled faintly, a sad, knowing smile. "Nothing. Forget I asked."
She rose from the table, leaving him staring at her retreating figure.
Arjun's Restlessness
Later that night, Arjun stood by the window, staring out at the moonlit garden. His thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and frustration.
Sia's words echoed in his mind. Will you ever see me for who I truly am?
He hated how much they stung because he didn't have an answer. He hated that he was still clinging to Riya's memory, even as Sia had become the anchor in his chaotic world.
Snowy padded over to him, nudging his leg with her nose. Arjun crouched down, scratching her ears.
"You're lucky, Snowy," he murmured. "Everything's so simple for you. You don't overthink or doubt. You just... trust."
Snowy wagged her tail, her bright eyes filled with affection.
Arjun sighed, glancing back at the bed where Sia was reading, Candy curled protectively by her side. He wanted to close the distance between them, to tell her everything that was tearing him apart.
But fear held him backâfear of losing her, fear of facing the truth about himself, and fear that it might already be too late.