14. The Day Roles Reversed #2
Rakshit closed his eyes, still holding Shivika's hand, a quiet smile lingering on his face, sleep coming easily this time, because he knew she was right there.
It was almost evening when Shivika finally stirred. She blinked a few times, disoriented at first, then slowly became aware of where she was.
Her eyes moved to their hands.
Rakshit was sleeping beside her, turned slightly towards her, keeping a careful one-hand distance—yet his fingers were still wrapped around hers, as if even in sleep he hadn't wanted to let go.
A soft smile curved her lips.
"How blessed I am," she whispered to herself.
She then glanced at the clock and sighed quietly, surprised at how long she had slept.
Carefully, she tried to slide her hand out of his grip, not wanting to disturb him.
But even that small movement was enough.
Rakshit stirred, his brows knitting slightly as his eyes fluttered open, still heavy with sleep.
"Ika," he murmured, his voice low and rough, eyes half-closed, searching for her hand again.
Shivika froze for a second, then looked at him softly.
"Go back to sleep," she whispered, brushing her thumb gently over his knuckles. "You need rest."
Rakshit tightened his hold just a little.
"What time is it?" he asked, his voice still sleepy.
"Almost evening," she replied quietly.
He frowned slightly, trying to sit up, but Shivika immediately placed her hand on his chest.
"No," she said firmly but gently. "Doctor's orders."
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"You're not a doctor," he murmured.
"I'm worse," she replied softly.
"I'm your wife."
That made him smile properly. He relaxed back against the pillow, eyes closing again for a moment.
"Did you sleep?" he asked after a pause.
Shivika nodded.
"I didn't even realize when."
"Good," he said, his thumb brushing over her fingers. "You were tired."
She studied his face carefully.
"How are you feeling now?"
"Better," he admitted.
"Still cold… but lighter."
She leaned closer, checking his forehead with the back of her hand.
"No fever."
He watched her quietly, something warm settling in his chest.
Shivika adjusted the pillow behind him a little more and sat back beside him.
"I'm going to make some tea for you," she said softly.
"And maybe a little soup again. You haven't eaten since morning."
Rakshit hummed in response.
Shivika stood up quietly, making sure the duvet was tucked properly around him.
She walked a few steps toward the door, then turned back just to look at him once more.
He was already drifting off again, but the faint smile on his lips stayed.
Time passed quickly.
Shivika stayed with him the entire evening, taking care of the smallest things—reminding him to drink water, adjusting the duvet, making sure he rested.
It felt like their roles had reversed completely, and for once, Rakshit didn't resist it.
She fed him dinner patiently while he sat quietly, accepting every bit of care and pampering without a word of protest.
There was a strange warmth in his chest—something he hadn't felt in a long time. Being cared for like this… it made him feel safe, wanted.
When everything was done and the house had settled into silence, they stood up to return to their respective rooms.
Just then, Rakshit reached out and stopped her.
"Ika…" he said softly, holding her wrist, his eyes searching hers.
"Ika… um…" he started softly, then stopped, blinking down at the floor.
Shivika turned, crossing her arms, her eyebrow raised.
"Yes?"
He shuffled his feet, voice barely above a whisper.
"I… I was thinking… maybe… we could… uh…"
He froze, clearly stuck.
Shivika tilted her head, pretending innocence.
"Could what?"
Rakshit rubbed the back of his neck, cheeks warming.
"I… uh… maybe… it would be… easier… if… we didn't… go to different rooms tonight."
Shivika blinked, eyes sparkling immediately.
"Ohhh… I see."
He looked at her, mortified.
"Don't… don't tease me!"
Shivika smiled wide, walking closer, slow and deliberate.
"Tease you? Me? I wouldn't dare."
He shifted from foot to foot, looking everywhere but her face.
"I mean… I just… I don't know how to say it…"
She leaned in slightly, whispering,
"You mean you want me to stay?"
His eyes widened, and a soft, helpless chuckle escaped him.
"Yes… I… uh… I guess I do."
Shivika laughed softly, shaking her head.
"So let me get this straight… the mighty, serious, protective Aksh… wants me to stay with him… and can't even say it out loud?"
He looked down, his ears slightly red.
"I'm not good at this… okay?"
"Not good at what?" she asked innocently.
"Not good at… asking for… comfort," he mumbled softly, barely audible.
Shivika bit her lip to keep from laughing.
"Comfort, huh? You mean… me?"
Rakshit's lips twitched into a shy smile.
"Yeah… you."
She grinned, reaching out to poke his shoulder.
He glanced away, a little embarrassed, but didn't pull back.
"I can't help it," he whispered.
"I just… like having you near."
Shivika's heart melted. She leaned closer, brushing her fingers through his hair.
"I figured that out already. Took you twenty minutes to say it, though."
He let out a soft laugh, shy and low.
"I told you… I'm not good at this."
Shivika grinned, walking past him toward the room.
"Don't worry. I got you. Tonight, no one's leaving."
He watched her, a small, content smile on his lips, feeling safe and cared for in a way he hadn't felt in years.
And Shivika? She silently decided to enjoy teasing him just a little more.
Shivika took two steps ahead, then stopped.
She turned back slowly and looked at him—not teasing now, just honest, calm, and warm.
Rakshit froze.
She took a breath and continued, her voice gentle but sure.
She smiled—small, sincere.