16. Emergency Call #2
Once she was done, he guided her back to the bed and helped her lie down. He pulled the blanket over her and brushed her hair away from her face.
"Sleep," he whispered.
"I'm right here."
She nodded faintly, her eyelids growing heavy.
Rakshit lay down beside her, keeping a little distance at first, careful not to make her uncomfortable.
Within minutes, her breathing evened out but just when he thought she had fallen asleep, he felt a small hand clutch the fabric of his shirt.
She moved closer.
It was slow, hesitant, almost shy.
Shivika shifted until her head rested against his chest, one arm wrapping around his waist.
It was she who initiated it, instinctively seeking his warmth.
Being in his arms made her feel safe, protected… like nothing in the world could hurt her anymore.
Rakshit froze for a second.
Then, slowly, he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer without waking her. His chin rested lightly on her head, his thumb tracing gentle patterns on her arm.
A small smile curved on his lips.
He stayed awake for a while, listening to her steady breathing, before sleep finally claimed him too.
The soft glow of the evening sun filtered into the room when Rakshit opened his eyes again.
The first thing he noticed was Shivika still curled up against him, her face peaceful, one leg tangled with his. She hadn't moved at all.
Carefully, he shifted slightly and immediately felt her hold tighten.
He chuckled softly.
"I'm not going anywhere," he murmured.
She stirred, eyes fluttering open, still sleepy.
"You promised shopping," she said drowsily.
He smiled. "I did."
After freshening up, they stepped out together in the evening, hand in hand.
At the mall, Shivika hesitated at first, unsure, but Rakshit made sure she didn't overthink even for a second.
He picked comfortable clothes, soft fabrics, loose fits things that made her feel at ease.
"Try this," he said, handing her another outfit.
"And this."
"And this one too."
She laughed. "Aksh, I'll have no space left in my cupboard."
"That's fine," he replied easily.
"We'll get a bigger cupboard."
Her smile widened.
Every time she stepped out of the trial room, he looked at her like she was the most beautiful thing in the world, no judgement, no comparison, only admiration.
"Are you comfortable?" he asked every single time.
She nodded, feeling lighter with every answer.
By the end of it, his hands were full of shopping bags and her heart was even fuller.
By the time they were done shopping, Shivika was walking a little slower, tired but content.
Rakshit noticed immediately and slid his hand into hers without saying anything.
(This man notice everything??)
She looked up. "I'm fine."
He nodded. "I know. Still holding your hand."
She smiled but pretended not to care.
"You're getting too habitual."
"Your fault," he replied easily. "You keep holding back."
She scoffed. "I do not."
He stopped walking suddenly. "Then let go."
She looked at their hands.
Didn't.
Rakshit smirked. "Exactly."
She rolled her eyes, but her cheeks warmed. "You're enjoying this."
"Very much," he admitted.
Her eyes widened.
"I did not-"
"You did," he cut in softly.
"You pulled me closer."
She looked away, embarrassed.
"I was sleepy."
"Of course," he said seriously.
"Sleepy wifes grab husbands. Very common."
She laughed despite herself and nudged his shoulder.
She smiled quietly, resting her head against his arm as they walked.
They were just about to step outside the mall when Shivika suddenly stopped.
So abruptly that Rakshit halted too.
"What-" he began, then followed her line of sight.
She was staring at a couple standing a few steps away. Nothing unusual about them. They were laughing softly, the woman leaning into the man as he spoke to her gently.
But Shivika's face had gone pale.
That's what made Rakshit's chest tighten.
Her eyes, already sensitive from crying earlier were now shimmering again, red and glossy, filled with a pain that came too fast, too deep.
"Ika," Rakshit called softly.
She blinked, as if waking from a trance, but the tears escaped anyway. Rakshit stepped closer instantly, wiping them away with his thumb, his touch gentle, protective.
"Let's go, hmm?" he said quietly, unsure but careful.
Shivika didn't trust her voice. She only hummed in response.
Rakshit didn't ask anything.
Not here. Not now.
Whatever had shaken her this badly was clearly sensitive, something she wasn't ready to explain in a crowded place.
As they walked away, Shivika slipped her hand into his and held it tighter than before. Her nails dug into his skin, grounding herself through him.
Rakshit felt it.
He glanced back once, briefly, at the couple she had been staring at trying to understand, trying to connect dots but then he turned away and focused entirely on her.
At the car, he opened the door for her and waited until she sat properly, his eyes never leaving her face. Only when he was sure she was settled did he move to the driver's seat.
He started the engine, but the silence between them felt heavier than any noise.
Rakshit looked at her.
She was staring out of the window, face blank, eyes distant.
Just a while ago, she had been smiling, teasing him, laughing freely. And now, this was the Shivika he remembered from the early days of them sharing their home.
Withdrawn. Guarded.
Carrying something alone.
And he hated that something had returned.