After the family members had given me gifts and I had taken their blessings, Shivansh led me to his room. He had already brought up all my suitcases and other belongings. I looked around, slightly overwhelmed, and asked, "Shivansh.... where should I keep all my stuffs....??"

He smiled and cleared more than half the space in the walk-in closet, helping me neatly arrange everything. Once that was done, I set up my makeup near the mirror, organizing it just the way I liked. After a while, we both sat down on the floor, just relaxing. Shivansh looked at me with concern and said, "Kavya.... you take rest for some time.... you look very tired...."

Before I could protest, he picked up a pillow and headed toward the couch. I tilted my head, puzzled. "Shivansh.... what are you doing....??"

He lay down on the couch, giving me a small grin. "I'll sleep here... you comfortably sleep on the bed...."

I just hummed in response, feeling a warmth in my chest, and soon sleep gently claimed me.

When I woke up, it was around 4 P.M. I went to the washroom, got freshened up, and changed into a comfortable kurti and palazzo. As I came downstairs, the aroma of tea greeted me, and I saw everyone gathered in the living area, sipping and chatting.

When Chacha ji saw me, he smiled warmly and asked, "Beta.... would you like to have some tea....??"

I returned his smile, feeling a wave of comfort and belonging, and said, "Yes, Chacha ji...."

💞💞💞💞💞💞

It was around 4:30 P.M. when I woke up from my sleep, feeling someone gently racing their fingers through my hair. For a moment, I thought it might be Kavya, but to my surprise, it was Nikhil. Annoyance immediately bubbled up, and I said, "Tu phir aagaya.... (You came again....??)"

I scanned the whole room, hoping to catch sight of Kavya, and added, "And what are you doing here?? Where is Kavyashree??"

Nikhil smirked and said, "Bhabhi has already went downstairs.... she's having tea with others...."

I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms. "And you took advantage of that.... and barged into my room.... right??"

He gave me a crooked look and said casually, "Leave all this.... you tell me.... why are you sleeping on the couch....??"

I got up, brushing off his comment. "That's none of your business.... come, let's go downstairs...."

We both went downstairs and joined everyone for tea. As the afternoon light streamed through the windows, I noticed Kavya slowly becoming comfortable with the family, her laughter mingling with theirs. We spent some time chatting, teasing, and sharing stories. Later, we had dinner together and retired to our rooms.

It was around 10 P.M., and Kavya had just finished arranging a few leftover items. I lay sprawled on the couch, she on the bed, but neither of us could fall asleep. After a while, I decided to break the silence. "Kavya...." I called softly.

She hummed, turning to face me. "Would you like to have coffee....??" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"Coffee.... that too at this time....??" she replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Why.... don't you like coffee....??" I asked, sitting up on the couch.

"No.... nothing like that.... I like coffee...." she said, sitting up on the bed, tucking her hair behind her ear.

"Then would you like to have a small coffee date with me....??" I asked, standing and offering a playful grin.

"Y.... yes...." she said hesitantly, and we walked together to the kitchen.

Kavya was about to start preparing the coffee, but I quickly stopped her. "Kavya.... not you.... I'll prepare the coffee...."

She raised an eyebrow, narrowing her eyes. "But why....??"

"Hmmm.... I ate the food prepared by you.... so.... you'll have the coffee prepared by me...." I said, getting busy with the coffee while she leaned back against the kitchen cabinet, a small amused smile on her lips.

Once the coffee was ready, I poured it into two mugs, and we carried them to the terrace. The evening breeze brushed past us as we sat down on the couch, the city lights twinkling faintly below. I took a sip and finally spoke, breaking the comfortable silence. "Kavya... how's the coffee....??"

She sipped slowly, savoring it. "Hmmm.... you can start a cafè.... instead of your job...."

I chuckled. "No... no... madam... not at all... I'm happy with my job..."

She laughed softly, her eyes twinkling. "Shivansh.... can I ask you something....??" I nodded, encouraging her.

"How was the food prepared by me....??"

"The food was very tasty.... what happened....??" I asked, smiling warmly as I took another sip of coffee.

Kavya hesitated for a moment, then looked at me. "Nothing.... just simply...." she started. I raised my eyebrows, urging her to continue.

"Actually.... no one at my home liked the things prepared by me...." she admitted softly.

I interrupted gently, "No Kavya.... you really cook well.... and no need to think about anything that demotivates you...."

She nodded, and we resumed sipping our coffee, the warm mugs comforting our tired hands. After a while, I asked, "By the way... why did you think we would not like the food....??"

Kavya opened her mouth to speak but stopped mid-thought. I raised my eyebrows in question. She sighed softly. "Mmmm... it's already very late... we should sleep now...." Saying this, she got up and walked away.

Shitt!!! I guess I said too much.... I should have given her time.... I thought, watching her retreat. I went back to my room quietly. When I entered, I saw her peacefully asleep. I didn't disturb her and laid down on the couch, a gentle smile tugging at my lips.

💞💞💞💞💞💞

I came to the room and laid down on the bed. After a few minutes, I heard footsteps approaching, so I covered myself completely with the quilt. The door opened, and Shivansh entered. Seeing me covered, he assumed I was asleep and didn't disturb me. When he laid down on the couch, I slightly lifted the quilt and thought to myself:

"I'm sorry Shivansh.... I don't know why I walked away.... I know you must be hurt by my behavior.... but I can't tell you how I agreed to this marriage.... yet I'll definitely be your wife... I'll not let you regret it.... but please, give me some time.... please...."

Exhaustion took over, and sleep consumed me gradually.

It was around 7 A.M. when I woke up. I quickly got freshened up, and by 8 A.M., I was ready. I chose a green sleeveless kurta and white palazzo. As I was putting sindoor in my hair partition, Shivansh woke up and started looking at me. I smiled softly and said, "Good morning, Shivansh...."

Still sleepy, he replied with a soft smile, "Good morning, Kavya..." God, his sleepy voice was so adorable.

I reached the door, but he called out, "Kavya, wait...!!" I turned around and hummed. He said softly, "I'm sorry..."

I was confused. "Why are you saying sorry??"

Shivansh sat up and said, "Simply..."

"No... then I won't accept your sorry..." I said, cocking my eyebrows.

He chuckled. "Actually..." I hummed, waiting for him to continue. "Let's begin from the beginning..."

Now I was even more confused. "Shivansh, you are confusing me a lot... can you tell me what exactly you want??"

Shivansh nodded and gestured for me to sit. I moved to the couch and sat beside him. He said softly, "Kavya.... I know everything happened very fast.... and we didn't get the time to know each other.... so.... let's start from the beginning.... let's become friends first.... what do you say??" He extended his hand for a handshake.

I smiled and shook his hand. "Okay!!"

After the handshake, when I was about to leave, he asked, "Where are you going this early....??"

"Shivansh, it's already 8 in the morning.... everyone will be awake at home...." I replied, turning toward him.

Shivansh checked the time and muttered, "Shittt!!!" I chuckled softly. "It's okay... now get ready and come..." He nodded and went to the washroom. I came downstairs and greeted Dad and Chachu with a "Good morning", and they smiled and returned the greetings.

I headed to the kitchen, greeted Maa and Chachi maa, and asked, "Maa... what should I do...??"

"Everything for today is done, beta.... you just come and enjoy with us..." Maa said with a gentle smile. I nodded.

We all enjoyed breakfast together. Almost two weeks passed like that - my days filled with the warmth of the family, and at night, Shivansh and I would have coffee, sharing our thoughts and interests.

It was Saturday when Papa called. Dad answered, "Namaste Shashi ji"

Papa replied, "Namaste Rajesh ji!! Hope everything is fine!!!"

Dad smiled. "Yes... how are you all??"

"We all are fine, thank you!!" Papa replied.

"That's great, Shashi ji..." Dad said.

"Actually... Rajesh ji..." Papa started.

"Yes... yes, Shashi ji... please tell..." Dad prompted.

"Rajesh ji... we had called you because we want you to send Shivansh and Kavyashree for pagphera."

Ma took the phone and said, "Yeah sure, Shashi ji.... why not..."

"Thank you very much!!" Papa said, and disconnected.

I had overheard everything. That's it - he didn't even ask about me. My parents had not called after I came here, and even my attempts to reach them went unanswered.

Shivansh came down for lunch, and Maa said, "Shivu... Shashi ji had called today.... he has called you and Kavyashree for pagphera.... so you both go after lunch, okay??"

I nodded with a faint smile. Shivansh replied, "Okay maa!!"

After lunch, we went to our room to pack our things, as we had to stay there for a day. Once packed, we got ready. I wore a yellow saree, and Shivansh wore a white formal shirt with grey pants. Around 5 P.M., we left the Singhania mansion. The journey took almost two hours to reach my apartment.

My parents welcomed us warmly. We sat and talked for some time. Later, I helped Mummy prepare dinner, and by 9 P.M., we all sat down to eat.

💞💞💞💞💞💞

After dinner, Kavya went to help Mummy in the kitchen while Papa showed me the guest room. After that, he went to sleep. Kunal too retired early - he had exams coming up.

I entered the room and began exploring it. It was simple yet filled with her essence - walls covered with medical term notes, a shelf full of old notebooks, a neatly placed stethoscope, her night lamp, and even a few crumpled sticky notes with formulas scribbled on them. Looking around, I finally understood how much effort she had put in to reach where she is. Every inch of that room screamed dedication.

I sat down on the study chair, scanning the table once more, when I realized I was thirsty. I searched for a water bottle but couldn't find one. Maybe I'll fetch it from the kitchen, I thought, getting up quietly.

As I neared the kitchen, I stopped. Voices echoed faintly - Mummy's and Kavya's.

"Kavyashree.... you still have time.... quit your job and focus on your married life...."

What the hell is she saying? I froze near the doorway.

Kavya's tone rose, holding back frustration.
"Enough, Mummy.... don't you have any other topic?? Always telling me to leave the job.... I've told you a hundred times.... I'm not quitting my job...."

Mummy's voice turned harsh. "Why don't you understand?? I'm saying this for your benefit only.... after some time, when you have kids, how will you make time for them?? And even now - when will you make time for your husband with your busy schedule??"

Her voice grew sharper, and I noticed Mummy's hand gripping Kavya's wrist tightly - so tight that her nails dug into her skin.

Something inside me snapped. Seeing Kavya's eyes glisten with tears she refused to shed, I couldn't hold back anymore.
"Kavya...." I said firmly, stepping forward.

Startled, Mummy immediately left her hand. Kavya quickly hid her tears, trying to compose herself.

She turned to me and said softly, "What happened, Shivansh...?? Do you want something...??"

I clenched my jaw, masking my anger with a faint smile.
"Hmm... yes... I was thirsty... so..."

Understanding my cue, Kavya said gently, "It's okay... I'll get water. You go to the room."

I nodded and turned away, but as I walked back, I caught Mummy's warning tone from the corner of my ear -
"Don't you dare tell him anything...."

Kavya gulped and nodded.

When she entered the room a few moments later, I closed the door behind her and asked, "Kavya... is everything alright...??"

She handed me the water bottle and said quietly, "Yes..."

I didn't believe her - her eyes said something else. Before I could say anything more, she quickly added, "Shivansh... I'll change and come..."

I just nodded. As she walked into the washroom, my blood boiled again.

What would have happened if I hadn't walked into that kitchen? Would Mummy have gone further?
How can they treat her like that - for refusing to quit her job? She's not wrong... she's just trying to live with dignity. She's fragile - like a flower - and yet, they crush her with words.

I never had anger issues before, I thought, gripping my fist. But it seems I'm developing some now.

Kavya, please... trust me once. I swear, I don't give a damn about anyone who hurts you. Just tell me once... and I promise, I'll take care of everything. You'll never be hurt again - by anyone. I swear.

My thoughts broke when her soft voice echoed, "Shivansh... you also go and change..."

I nodded silently and went to the washroom. The cold shower helped calm my nerves. When I came out, droplets of water still slid from my hair.

Kavya looked at me and frowned slightly. "Shivansh... why did you take a head bath at this hour?? You'll catch a cold!!"

Look at her. Even after all that, she's worried about me - someone who's almost a stranger to her.

Smiling faintly, I said, "No Kavya... I do this daily...."

She hummed softly and looked away. I began looking around, unsure where to sleep. She noticed and said, "Shivansh... you can sleep here on the bed."

I blinked in surprise. "B... but at home we sleep-"

She interrupted with a small smile, "Even roommates share the same bed... if you're not comfortable, I'll put a mattress on the floor and sleep there..."

"No... no need for that... but... will you be comfortable with me sharing the bed with you??" I asked cautiously.

Kavya smiled again. "Hmm... yes... after all, we are friends... right??"

I nodded with a smile. We lay down, maintaining a safe distance - I made sure she wouldn't feel uncomfortable. Soon, her breathing softened - she was asleep.

But my mind couldn't rest. Her mother's words replayed in my head. I glanced at her - her wrist still showed faint marks from Mummy's nails. My chest tightened.

Carefully, I took out an antiseptic cream from my bag and applied it on the wound. Even in sleep, she flinched and hissed softly. My heart ached. I gently blew on the wound, trying to soothe her pain.

When I was done, I lay back down beside her, staring at the ceiling.
I don't know why it hurts so much to see her hurt.... but I know one thing - I'll never let her suffer again.

Sleep finally took over me after that thought.

Author's Note

And that night, under the quiet hum of the ceiling fan, two hearts lay inches apart — one healing, one silently promising to protect. Neither spoke, yet everything between them was said… in the language of care, pain, and untold affection.

My dewdrops… sometimes love doesn’t arrive with fireworks — it tiptoes in with gentleness, doesn’t it? 💭
But tell me… when silence speaks this loud, do hearts really need words anymore? 💫💞