2. The Comfort of a Stranger #3
Shivika's lips curved into a small smile as her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Someone other than Rakshit was actually caring for her… for them.
"I don't know how things work…" she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
Rashmi turned instantly, hearing the fragility in her tone. She walked back, wrapped her in a warm embrace, and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"Ohh, mera baccha… don't worry. I'm here, na. I will guide you."
After breakfast, Shivika spent hours sitting in the balcony, staring at the busy city below.
The last two days flashed before her-
the pain of being abandoned, and now the strange comfort of staying in a stranger's home.
Later, as she wandered inside, her eyes fell on a shelf neatly lined with books.
One title caught her attention,"The Palace of Illusions." She pulled it out and settled on the couch, losing herself in its pages.
Time slipped by until Rashmi aunty's voice pulled her back.
"Beta, come eat something."
Shivika smiled faintly and joined her for a simple lunch.
The afternoon passed quietly with her reading again, sometimes just sitting in silence.
By evening, the sun dipped low, and at around 7, the sound of the main door opening broke the calm.
Rakshit had returned.
"Rakshit, you came early today," Rashmi said as she saw him walking inside.
"Yes aunty, got free from a meeting early," Rakshit replied casually, his eyes immediately flicking towards Shivika, who stood up seeing him. He raised a hand lightly, gesturing her to sit back.
He settled on the opposite sofa, placing his car keys, phone, and medicines on the table. Rashmi quickly brought him a glass of water.
He drank, muttered a soft "thank you," and returned it.
Shivika's gaze lingered on the tablets.
"Are you not well? Whose medicines are these?" she asked hesitantly.
"They're yours," Rakshit said firmly, looking straight at her.
"Doctor told me yesterday, you need to take these vitamins until your proper check-up is done. And I've booked an appointment with a gynecologist for the weekend."
Shivika went silent, her eyes fixed on him, unable to form words.
Rashmi, who had been quietly observing, almost dropped the empty glass in her hand. In all her years of working with Rakshit, she had never heard him speak this much in one go.
And now here he was talking about vitamins, check-ups, appointments… things that had nothing to do with him, yet he spoke like they were his responsibility.
Her wide eyes shifted between Rakshit and Shivika, realization dawning quietly in her heart.
"You didn't have to… you're already doing so much for me, and here I am doing nothing. I feel like a burden-" Shivika's voice trembled as tears slipped down her cheeks.
"Stop." Rakshit’s voice cut firm and steady.
Her eyes lifted to meet his, startled.
"You are not a burden. Understood?" he said, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
Shivika quickly wiped her tears, forcing herself to stand straighter.
"I want to work," she said, her voice hoarse but determined.
Rakshit frowned. "Are you serious? You're already weak."
"I won't exert myself," she replied quickly.
"But I need to do something. If I just sit, I will overthink everything. I will even pay you rent."
"Shivika, you-"
"I will leave this place right now if you don't agree," she cut him off, her jaw set stubbornly.
Rakshit exhaled sharply, folding his arms.
"Fine. What do you want to do?"
"I want to teach classical dance to girls."
He shook his head instantly.
"No. Not until we consult the doctor. After your check-up, we'll see. Till the weekend, you rest. You can do after that according to doctor's advise." He turned to walk toward his room.
Frustration burned in her chest.
Rakshit froze mid-step. Slowly, he turned his head, his eyes calm but sharp.
Without waiting for her reply, he walked into his room, the door clicking shut behind him.
Shivika stood rooted, guilt washing over her. He wasn't trying to control her, he was only thinking about her well-being.
Shivika slowly walked back to her room, her steps heavy.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, she pressed her palms to her face, whispering, "Why did I speak like that? He was only worried…"
Her gaze fell on the coat folded neatly on the chair his coat that had covered her when she had nothing. The guilt pricked deeper.
She placed her hand protectively over her stomach.
On the other side of the flat, Rakshit stood by his window, tie loosened, staring out at the city lights.
He wasn't angry, just unsettled.
Why am I even interfering this much? Why does it matter so much if she eats, rests, or works? He rubbed his temple and let out a long breath.
She's fragile… and I can't see her break.
That was the truth l, even at the office, he couldn't focus. Every file, every meeting had been interrupted by the same thoughts, Did she eat? Is she fine?
It was the reason he had come home earlier than usual. Because no matter how much he told himself to stay away, his mind kept drifting back to her.
The night settled in heavy and quiet, both of them lost in thoughts they couldn't voice.