Chapter - 35

I shifted slightly in my sleep, feeling uneasy.

A dull pain spread through my stomach, making me frown.

I slowly opened my eyes and realized I was sleeping on Aarav's chest. His strong arms were wrapped around me, holding me close.

For a moment, I forgot about the pain.

But then, it worsened.

I bit my lip, trying not to make a sound. Shivji... why does it hurt so much?

And then it hit me—my periods.

They were already late, so I knew the pain would be worse this time.

I carefully lifted Aarav's arm and got out of bed without waking him up.

Holding my stomach, I slowly walked to the bathroom.

I changed into fresh clothes, used a pad, and splashed cold water on my face.

Maybe now the pain will feel less...

But when I came back to bed and lay down, it only got worse.

Tears filled my eyes.

The pain was too much. Too unbearable.

I curled into a ball, clutching my stomach. My body was shaking.

A small sob escaped my lips. I quickly covered my mouth. No, no, I can't wake him up!

But it was too late.

Aarav stirred beside me. "Angel?" his deep voice was laced with sleep. "What happened?"

I quickly wiped my tears, but my hands were trembling.

"Why are you crying, Angel?" he asked, fully awake now.

I couldn't answer. The pain was too much—I could barely speak.

Then, I felt his eyes on me. Maybe he noticed the way I was holding my stomach because his voice turned urgent.

"Are you having stomach pain?" he asked.

I nodded.

Without wasting a second, he sat up. "Let's go to the doctor."

Before he could get out of bed, I grabbed his hand, shaking my head.

"N-No..." I whispered, my voice barely coming out.

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I struggled to say the word.

"P...Periods."

Understanding flashed in his eyes.

For a second, he didn't say anything. Then, he gently squeezed my hand.

"I'll be right back."

I watched as he quickly got up and went to the bathroom.

A few moments later, he returned with a hot water bottle.

Carefully, he placed it over my stomach. "It's okay, Angel. This will help you."

The warmth spread through me, easing the pain a little.

He wiped my tears with his thumb and pressed a soft kiss on my forehead.

"Don't cry, hmm?" he whispered.

I closed my eyes, feeling safe in his presence.

Shivji... how can someone like him be mine?

He sat beside me, holding my hands, his grip firm and comforting.

Slowly, the pain became bearable.

"You rest, Angel," he said softly. "I'll be back in a little while."

I just nodded weakly, feeling exhausted from the pain.

I lay on the bed, my eyes closed, hoping the pain would let me sleep. Aarav had just stepped out, leaving me with the warmth of the hot water bottle and his comforting words.

But sleep didn't come.

Instead, my mind pulled me back... back to a time I wished I could forget.

A flash of memory hit me like a storm.

---Flashback---

It was evening, and I was lying on the bed, curled up because of the unbearable period pain. My stomach felt like it was being twisted, and I was sweating from the discomfort.

Just then, Taiji stormed into the room.

"Why are you lying here like a lazy girl?" she snapped. "You haven't started cooking yet! Your Tauji will be home soon!"

I wiped my tears quickly, hoping she wouldn't notice. But even if she did, I knew it wouldn't matter.

"Taiji... I-I have stomach pain... due to... my periods," I said in a weak voice, struggling to even form the words.

I thought maybe... just maybe... she would understand.

But what she said next hurt me more than the pain itself.

"So what?" she said, her voice filled with irritation. "Every girl goes through this. Do you think you're special?"

I felt my heart sink.

"This is normal, Siya! It happens every month. It doesn't mean you can just lie around and do nothing. Stop acting weak. You need to get used to it because I won't tolerate excuses in this house!"

Her words pierced through me, but I didn't argue. I knew there was no point.

I simply nodded. What else could I do?

"Good," she said coldly. "Now, get up and come to the kitchen. Cook fast."

She left the room without another glance.

I wiped my tears, forcing myself to get up. I had no choice. Pain or not, I had to obey.

---End of Flashback---

A soft touch on my hand pulled me out of the painful memory.

I blinked and saw Aarav sitting beside me, his eyes filled with concern.

"Are you still in pain?" he asked gently. "Do you want to go to the doctor? Or should I do something, hmm?"

I just stared at him for a moment. He was so different from them. He cared. He noticed when I was hurting.

I shook my head lightly. "No... I'm fine."

His gaze remained on me for a second, as if trying to read my thoughts. Then, without saying anything, he stood up and walked to the side table.

"Alright, Angel. Get up and drink this."

I looked at him confused, but then I saw what he was holding. A cup of hot chocolate.

I hesitated, but he didn't let me. He helped me sit up, placing a pillow behind my back.

I took the cup in my hands. The warmth felt comforting.

I took a small sip... and my eyes widened slightly.

It was delicious.

He watched me with a small smile. "Tasty?"

I nodded slowly.

After finishing it, he carefully helped me lie back down. He pulled the blanket over me, tucking me in like I was the most precious thing to him.

"Now, sleep. Hmm?" he whispered. "I'm right here."

I gazed at him for a moment.

How did I get him?

How did I get someone who understood me without me saying a word?

A silent prayer formed in my heart. Thank you, Shivji... for giving me Aarav.

He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on my forehead.

"Don't think about anything, Angel. Just sleep."

I closed my eyes, feeling safe in the warmth of his presence.

For the first time, period pain didn't feel so lonely anymore.

When I woke up the next morning, I felt much better. The pain had reduced, and my body didn't feel as heavy as yesterday.

But the moment I stretched my arms, a sudden thought hit me—my test!

I gasped and quickly sat up. Oh no! I have to get ready fast.

Without wasting another second, I rushed to the bathroom, took a quick shower, and changed into a simple black suit.

Wearing black always felt safer on these days. If I wore a light color, my mind would keep overthinking—Is there a stain? What if someone notices? But with black, I didn't have to worry.

Once I was ready, I stepped out of the closet, fixing my dupatta. That's when Aarav walked in.

"Oh, you're up. Good," he said with a small nod. "Come here, have this ginger tea. You'll feel better."

I looked at him in surprise. He was holding a cup, waiting for me.

A small smile crept onto my lips as I walked towards him and sat down. He handed me the warm cup, and I took a sip.

It was comforting.

As I drank my tea, I noticed something—Aarav was also drinking tea.

I frowned. But he doesn't like tea...

Curious, I tilted my head and asked, "Why are you having tea? You don't even like it."

He smirked slightly. "I'm just keeping my wife company. And when you're with me, I like everything."

My cheeks burned. Why does he say things like this so casually?!

I looked away, focusing on my tea, and quickly finished it.

Just as I placed the cup down, my eyes landed on the clock.

Oh no!

"Aarav,Let's go downstairs, otherwise, I'll be late for college!" I said hurriedly, standing up.

But before I could move, his voice stopped me.

"No. You're not going anywhere today."

I blinked. "What? But I have a test!"

He frowned slightly, crossing his arms. "You need rest, Angel. Skipping one test isn't a big deal."

I shook my head immediately. "No, no! I can't miss it. If I skip, I'll lose marks in my internal assessment!"

He sighed, rubbing his temple. Then, after a moment, he finally said, "Okay, okay. You can go. But only to give your test. Hmm?"

I nodded quickly, relieved.

He gave me a pointed look. "No running around after that, understood?"

"Yes, yes. Just the test," I promised.

He exhaled, shaking his head as if I was too stubborn for my own good.

"Alright. You go ahead. I'll come in a little while."

I smiled softly and walked towards the door.

I knew he was being overprotective, but deep down... I kind of liked it.

I sat down for breakfast, feeling a little hungry now. But as soon as I saw what was in front of me—a bowl of oats with nuts and seeds—my mood dropped.

"Oats?" I mumbled to myself, staring at it.

I didn't want to eat this. It looked bland and boring. My eyes wandered toward the plate of parathas, warm and golden, calling my name.

I reached out to take one, but before I could even touch it—

"You are not eating that," Aarav's deep voice came from behind me.

I stopped midway and turned to him, confused. "Why?" I asked, looking up at him.

He sat down beside me, his expression firm. "They are oily and not good for you. Eat this," he said, sliding the bowl of oats closer to me. "Finish it."

I made a face. "But I don't like this..." I mumbled, pushing the bowl slightly away.

He didn't care.

"It doesn't matter what you like or don't like," he said, his tone final. "You'll eat this because it's healthy."

I turned to Papa, silently pleading for help, but he just gave me a helpless look, signaling that he couldn't do anything.

I glanced at Dadimaa, Maa, Chachu, Chachi, and Arjun bhaiya—but they all had the same expression.

No one was going to save me.

I sighed and looked back at Aarav, hoping he would change his decision. But his face remained unreadable.

Then, suddenly, he leaned in slightly and spoke in a low voice, just for me to hear.

"If you finish this, I'll make you the same hot chocolate again."

I blinked at him in surprise.

Wait... Did he make that hot chocolate last night?

I had thought he told someone to make it, but now... was he the one who actually made it?

For me?

I didn't know why, but the thought made me feel special.

Without arguing further, I picked up the spoon and started eating. I didn't like it, but I still finished it.

Because now, he was going to make hot chocolate for me.

And somehow... I liked this deal.

After finishing breakfast, I went to my room to grab my bag.

Just as I was about to leave, my phone buzzed with a notification.

I unlocked it and saw a message from my college's official WhatsApp group.

Important Notice:

Today's test will be home-based. The paper will be shared here at noon, and you must submit your answers via email to the official college mail within the deadline.For any queries, contact us.

My eyes widened, and a big smile spread across my face.

I don't have to go to college today!

This was such a relief! I wouldn't have to travel, and I could give the test from the comfort of home.

Just then, Aarav walked in.

"Why are you smiling alone? What happened?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

I looked at him and said happily, "Ohh, I just got a message from college. Today's test will be home-based, so I don't have to go to college."

He nodded. "Okay, then. You rest. I'm also at home today."

Walking closer, he gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "I'm going to the study room. If you need anything, just call me. Otherwise, just rest, hmm?"

Before I could say anything, he leaned in and placed a soft kiss on my forehead.

I felt my cheeks heat up instantly.

He left the room, and I just stood there, my heart beating a little faster.

I always blush when he does that...

But I like it.

After Siya went downstairs, I took out my phone and dialed the number of Mr. Dhruv Sehgal, the director of her college.

He picked up after two rings. "How did Rana Sa remember me today?" he said, his tone laced with amusement.

I rolled my eyes. We studied in the same college, so he knew me well. He also knew that I don't like socializing, which is why he enjoys teasing me.

I ignored his sarcasm and got straight to the point. "Today, the second-year English Literature students have a test. I want it to be home-based."

There was a pause. Then he asked, "Why? Do you want to contact them?"

My jaw clenched. I hate when people question me.

"I am giving you orders, Sehgal. Do what I say." My tone left no room for arguments.

He sighed. "Okay, I'll arrange it. Anything else, Rana Sa?"

"Shut up," I muttered and cut the call.

I headed to the dining table. Earlier, I had already instructed the chef to prepare oats with nuts and seeds for Siya.

But as soon as I reached, I saw her reaching for parathas.

"You are not eating that," I said firmly.

She looked at me with a confused expression. "Why?"

I sat down beside her and pushed the bowl of oats toward her. "They're oily and not good for you. Eat this."

She made a face. "But I don't like this."

I almost gave in to her cute, pleading expression, but I controlled myself. If it's about her health, I won't compromise.

"It doesn't matter what you like or don't like," I said, my voice firm. "You'll eat this because it's healthy."

She turned to Papa,Dadimaa, Maa, Chachu, Chachi, and Arjun, silently pleading for help. But no one said a word. They wouldn't go against me.

Realizing that she had no support, she looked back at me, trying once again with her innocent face to change my decision.

I didn't budge.

I knew she wouldn't eat it willingly, so I made a deal.

Leaning in slightly, I whispered, "If you finish this, I'll make you the same hot chocolate again."

Her eyes widened.

She didn't know I made it last night?

For a second, she looked surprised. Then, without another word, she picked up the spoon and started eating.

I smirked.

Mission accomplished.

After breakfast, Siya went upstairs to grab her bag.

I received a message. The work was done.

Good.

I walked into our room and saw her smiling at her phone. I already knew why, but still, I asked, "Why are you smiling alone? What happened?"

She turned to me, her face glowing with happiness. "Ohh! I just got a message from college. Today's test will be home-based, so I don't have to go to college!"

I nodded. "Okay then. You rest. I'm also at home today."

Moving closer, I gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"I'm going to the study room. If you need anything, just call me. Otherwise, just rest, hmm?"

Then, without thinking much, I pressed a soft kiss on her forehead.

As I pulled away, I noticed her cheeks turning red.

She was blushing.

For a second, I thought about teasing her. But I let it go.

Without another word, I walked out and headed to my study.

Hey beautiful people, ??

I don't know why, but these days I just can't seem to focus on writing.

Every time I sit down to write, I start feeling sleepy.

?? God knows why I'm so sleepy all the time!

If you have any tips to beat this laziness, let me know in the comments.

Or maybe it's just my brain asking for extra rest? ?? Let's chat! ????

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