16. Emergency Call #3
More than anything, he wanted to hear her happy voice again.
Wanted to see that smile.
Wanted her to pull his leg, to complain, to be her usual self.
Not this silence.
Not this distance.
Rakshit didn't know what to do.
The silence inside the car was suffocating, heavy with things unsaid.
After a few moments, he reached out and turned the music on, hoping it would distract her, hoping it would bring her back.
The first song that played was the very first song Shivika had made Rakshit listen to.
The moment the tune filled the car, Shivika's breath hitched.
A tear slipped from her eye, then another. She tried to control it, she really did but it was impossible.
Before Rakshit could even understand what was happening, she suddenly leaned across the console and threw herself into his chest.
Her hands clutched his shoulder tightly, the other arm wrapping around his waist as if letting go would break her. She buried her face into his chest, her sobs muffled against his shirt, tears soaking into the fabric.
Rakshit froze.
Shock coursed through him for a second before instinct took over. He immediately slowed the car and pulled over to the side of the road.
"Ika..." he whispered, startled.
He wrapped one arm around her back, the other rubbing soothing circles, trying to calm her.
"Shhh… it's okay. It's okay."
He tried to pull her back slightly, afraid she might hurt herself or the baby but she refused to move.
Her grip tightened instead, fingers digging into him as if he were the only thing keeping her upright.
She didn't lift her face.
She didn't stop crying.
Rakshit held her closer, abandoning any thought of moving her away. He rested his chin against her head, his hand firm on her back, letting her cry it out.
"It's okay," he murmured again and again. "I'm here. I've got you."
Her sobs echoed softly inside the car, breaking his heart with every sound.
He didn't ask questions. He didn't demand answers.
Because right now, she didn’t need words.
She needed him.
Rakshit's heart pounded in worry.
The way Shivika was sitting, half turned, twisted, clinging to him made him panic. In her state, she could hurt herself without even realising it.
Carefully, without breaking the hug, he leaned down and slid one arm beneath her legs. With slow, deliberate movements, he lifted them and guided her fully onto his lap.
At the same time, he adjusted the seat, pushing it slightly back so she could sit comfortably.
He positioned her carefully, one arm firmly around her waist, the other supporting her legs, making sure she was settled properly.
Only when he was sure she was safe did he relax a little.
Shivika didn't protest.
She only curled closer.
Her face remained buried in his chest, her arms tightening around him. Her sobs shook her entire body, each one sinking deeper into him.
Rakshit rested his forehead against the side of her head, his hand moving up and down her back in slow, reassuring strokes.
"Ika… enough now," he said softly, though the concern in his voice was impossible to miss. "You already cried so much in the afternoon, and now again."
He pulled back just enough to look at her face, his thumb wiping away the fresh tears at the corner of her eyes.
"It's not good for you. And it's not good for our baby either."
She didn't look at him, her lashes still wet, lips trembling.
Rakshit sighed quietly and reached for the water bottle kept beside the seat. He opened it and brought it to her lips.
"Drink some water," he coaxed gently. "Slowly."
She obeyed without arguing, taking small sips while he held the bottle for her. His other hand stayed firmly around her waist, grounding her, making sure she didn't slump or lose balance. When she was done, he capped the bottle and set it aside.
He cupped her face again, tilting it slightly upward so she had no choice but to look at him. His eyes were soft, full of care.
"Do you want to sit properly now?" he asked quietly.
For a moment, Shivika just stared at him.
Then she shook her head, the tiniest pout forming on her lips.
"I want to sit like this only," she murmured, her voice weak but stubborn.
Before he could say anything, she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly, her cheek pressing against his chest as if this was the only place she felt truly okay.
Rakshit let out a helpless breath, half worried, half smiling.
"Fine," he said softly, tightening his hold around her. "But hold properly."
She hummed in response, already settling back into him, her grip secure, her breathing much calmer now.
Rakshit adjusted her once more, making sure she was comfortable and safe, then gently shifted his focus back to the road.
He started the car, one arm still wrapped around her, the other steady on the steering wheel.
As the car moved forward, Shivika stayed curled against him, eyes closed, listening to his heartbeat.
He pressed a light kiss to her hair, careful not to disturb her, and whispered, almost to himself, "I've got you. Always."