Devyani deliberately saw RIVAN NAKED
I stood in the middle of the room, staring at absolutely nothing.
But inside my head?
War.
"Devyani, you have to solve this mystery. Somehow you have to see. How does it even look like? How?"
I folded my arms.
"I am sure it is different from mine. Obviously different. That's what everyone says."
Then another voice inside me whispered
"But Devu... what if it's dirty? Why do you even want to see?"
I gasped softly at my own thought.
"No! It's not dirty. It's biology. Ma'am said reproduction. Science. Educational."
I started pacing again.
"But Devu... you only want to learn reproduction so you can get baby fast."
I stopped mid-step.
"...Yes."
"But Devu... why do you want baby so badly?"
I blinked.
"Because baby is good thing."
My heart softened at that.
He always says that.
Then what about... my baby?
I covered my face with both hands.
"Aaaaaahhhhh!"
Too many questions.
Too many thoughts.
Too much imagination.
My mind felt like a tangled thread ball.
Baby.
Reproduction.
Movie scenes.
Doctor words.
Pati ji's calm face.
His warmth.
His head resting on my stomach every night like I am already something precious.
I sat down on the edge of the bed quietly.
Maybe...
Maybe I don't just want to see.
Maybe I want to understand.
Maybe I want to grow.
Maybe I want to be ready.
I looked at him again, sleeping peacefully.
And suddenly...
My curiosity felt less like mischief.
And more like a step toward becoming someone new.
But still...
My brain whispered one last time
"It's okay, Devu... calm down."
I placed one hand on my chest dramatically like heroines do in serials.
"Take a deep breath."
Inhale...
Exhale...
Inhale...
Exhale...
"Yes. Very good. This is called... ummmm... respiration."
I nodded proudly.
"See? You are educated now."
Another deep breath.
Inhale confidence.
Exhale fear.
Inhale curiosity.
Exhale stupidity.
Wait... no, don't exhale too much curiosity.
That's the main reason I'm awake at 2 a.m.
I glanced at him again.
Still sleeping.
Peacefully.
"Okay Devu," I whispered to myself, pacing slowly. "Nothing will happen. Worst case scenario he wakes up. Then what? He will not eat you. He might scold a little. Maybe give that dark look. But that's it."
I stopped.
"What if he gives a lecture?"
I made a face.
"Shhh! Even respiration should be silent," I scolded myself.
I tiptoed back near the bed again.
Heartbeat: dhak dhak dhak.
Brain: mystery mystery mystery.
I pressed my palms together.
Then I squinted suspiciously at my own thought.
"Hopefully it doesn't look like a weird diagram."
Okay.
I slowly climbed onto the bed again.
He was sleeping on his stomach.
On his stomach.
What is the use of this position???
I am not interested in his back.
I stared at him.
"Pati ji... why are you sleeping like mountain?" I whispered angrily.
Very carefully, I placed both my hands on his shoulder and tried to roll him.
Nothing.
He did not move even one inch.
I pushed harder.
Still nothing.
"Why are you so heavy? Did you eat bricks for dinner?"
I planted my feet on the mattress for better balance and pushed again with full strength.
He slightly moved... and then flopped back into the same position.
"Ahhhhh!"
I looked at my tiny arms.
Then at his broad back.
Unfair.
Very unfair.
"Okay. Strategy change."
I tried lifting one side of him.
Bad idea.
I almost fell over him like a collapsing pillow.
I froze.
He stirred a little.
I stopped breathing completely.
Five seconds.
Ten seconds.
He settled again.
I exhaled dramatically.
I tried pulling his arm.
Nothing.
I tried tugging at the pillow under his head.
He grunted and hugged the pillow tighter.
"Even pillow is loyal to him," I muttered.
Then I got an idea.
I leaned close to his ear and whispered softly
Very gently, almost like telling a bedtime secret, I whispered near his ear
"Pati ji... listen... just one glimpse, okay? Don't be nervous..."
Why I was telling him not to be nervous, I don't know.
He was sleeping like the king of the world.
I was the one conducting midnight research.
I lightly touched his shoulder.
For a second, nothing happened.
Then...
He shifted.
Slowly.
Very slowly.
Like a giant tree moving in wind.
And then
He rolled onto his back.
In his sleep.
I froze.
Completely froze.
My eyes widened so much they almost forgot how to blink.
"Oh."
It worked.
It actually worked.
I looked up at the ceiling dramatically.
Then I looked down at him again.
He was still asleep.
Calm.
Trusting.
Unaware that his wife was standing beside him like a scientist about to make a discovery.
My heartbeat returned.
Loud.
Fast.
Nervous.
I smirked proudly.
I placed a hand on my chest dramatically.
My hands were shaking.
Why were they shaking so much?
I swallowed.
Nothing in this world had ever scared me like this tiny moment.
Not the doctor.
Not his anger.
But this?
This unknown mystery?
Terrifying.
And exciting.
Mostly terrifying.
Curiosity is a very stubborn thing.
It doesn't die.
It just sits there, poking you again and again.
"Just one look," I told myself softly.
Okay, so there I was, sitting right on Pati ji's legs like I owned the place, him sleeping all peaceful on the bed with his mouth a little open and snores coming out like a tiny train.
The room was quiet except for that, and the fan was going round and round like it was bored too.
My plan? Simple time to play detective and find out all about his secrets down there.
Heehee, I felt like a spy in one of those movie things. But shh, don't wake up, Pati ji, your wife is on a mission!
I reached for his pant button with my fingers shaking like leaves in the wind.
Oh boy, my heart was going dhak-dhak-dhak so loud I thought it would wake the neighbors.
I swallowed hard, telling myself, "Don't worry, Devu, you can do it. You're brave, you're smart, just like that cartoon mouse who outsmarts the cat."
Slowly, super slowly, I popped the button open.
Victory! Now for the zipper zip down, easy peasy.
But wait, his legs under me shifted a tiny bit, and I froze like a statue. "Please don't wake up," I whispered in my head, holding my breath.
Okay, pants next. I tugged them down bit by bit, inch by inch, like I was unwrapping a sneaky present. And then ahhhh! There it was, his underwear, that stupid thing always getting in my way.
Idiots, why do they even make those? Always blocking the view like nosy aunties at a wedding. I
leaned closer, squinting, trying to peek, but nope, not happening.
Just then, he stirred in his sleep, mumbling something about 'kitten' aww, even in dreams he's thinking of me.
Suddenly, it hit me like a bucket of cold water. Wait a minute, what was I doing? I remembered that talk he gave me once, all serious-like, about respect and boundaries.
"You can't touch someone without permission," he'd said and boom this was wrong! This was harassment, the bad kind people talk about in whispers.
So, brain, think fast! Let's flip this around.
Instead of me sneaking, I'll make him show me himself. Yeah! Something clever where he stands there naked all on his own, happy.
In that case, I'm not wrong I'm just... encouraging. I smirked in the dark, feeling like a total genius.
"Yeah, Devu, you are the smartest wife ever. Take that, sneaky plans!" But right then, he stirred again, and oh no! his bump popped out a little, like it was saying hello.
I quickly hit it gently, promise with my hand. "Common, Pati ji, wear your pant, besharam! Can't have you flashing around in sleep." he didn't even wake, just mumbled and rolled a bit.
I helped him pull the pants back up, tucking everything in like a good wife.
Pants zipped, button done. Phew, crisis over. Then, I gently lifted his head wait, no, I scooted so his head ended up on my lap. Soft pillow for my sleepy king.
I stroked his hair, feeling all warm inside. No more bad plans tonight. We slept peacefully, me with a smile, him snoring away like nothing happened.
The morning didn't arrive quietly.
It barged in.
The sunlight slipped through the curtains like a shameless, nosy guest who forgot to knock, sliding across the bed and landing straight on my face. I groaned, squeezing my eyes shut, turning my head into the pillow like that would magically cancel the sun's existence.
"No... five more minutes..." I muttered to absolutely no one.
But then
My brain woke up before my body.
My eyes snapped open.
"Oh shit."
I jerked upright, hair flying everywhere like I had just survived a cyclone. My heart started racing as I searched for the clock with wild panic.
My gaze locked onto the clock.
I blinked once.
Twice.
Then exhaled like I had just escaped death.
I dramatically fell back onto the pillow for exactly two seconds... before another realization struck me.
Wait.
Where.
Is.
Pati ji?
I turned my head toward his side of the bed.
Empty.
Cold.
Traitor.
Absolute traitor.
"How dare he abandon his legally wedded morning teddy bear," I whispered dramatically, clutching the blanket to my chest like a betrayed heroine from a serial.
Curiosity dragged me up anyway. I pushed myself onto my elbows and peeked across the room.
And there he was.
Sitting on the chair near the window.
Calm.
Composed.
Already fresh.
And that glowing rectangle sat on his lap like his second wife.
His laptop.
The screen light reflected on his face, making him look all serious and mysterious like those businessmen in movies who solve world problems before breakfast. His fingers moved swiftly over the keyboard tap tap tap like he was fighting an invisible war.
I squinted at him.
"Hmm."
I still remember when I used to call it the chamkili machine. Shiny, confusing, suspicious object that stole my husband's attention.
Now I knew the respectable name.
Fancy word for a glowing box that makes people forget food, water, and sometimes their wife.
Honestly, I still didn't understand half the things humans did on it. Typing endlessly like they were writing Ramayan part two. Staring at numbers like those numbers personally owed them money.
But I had discovered its true, noble purpose.
Movies.
My absolute favorite.
I watched him quietly for a moment, his jaw slightly tight in concentration, brows drawn together, shoulders straight.
He looked... powerful. Like the entire world existed inside that screen and he was controlling it.
And then suddenly
My chest warmed.
Because even in all that seriousness... he looked peaceful.
Safe.
Mine.
I pulled the blanket closer around me and tilted my head, studying him like he was the morning's main attraction.
Then I pouted.
He didn't even notice I was awake.
"Wow," I whispered dramatically under my breath, "laptop ji has stolen my husband again."
I crossed my arms, still half buried in the sheets, debating whether I should call him sweetly... or create chaos.
Because honestly...
Peaceful mornings were nice.
But slightly dramatic ones?
Much more fun.
I launched out of bed like someone had yelled "Free sweets!"
Water splash.
"Ahhh! Awake. Very awake."
Why the hurry?
Secret.
Highly confidential.
I stepped out of the bathroom trying to look calm, composed, normal.
He looked up from his laptop, eyebrows lifting slightly.
Ignore.
I adjusted my dupatta like I was in a slow-motion serial entry scene. Flip. Smooth. Adjust. Flip again for drama.
Inside my head?
Full villain laughter.
Hehehehehe.
Not telling you, mister.
I gave him a side glance.
Hair still slightly messy.
Morning face activated.
And most importantly...
He clearly hadn't bathed yet.
Perfect.
Absolutely perfect.
My plan sparkled in my brain like a cartoon light bulb.
A slow, dangerous smirk crawled onto my face. I could physically feel my cheeks stretching.
Oh yes.
This plan was good.
Super good.
Legendary good.
He tilted his head, studying me like I was a complicated math problem.
Confused?
If only you knew.
No, Pati ji. I am not confused.
I am terrifyingly clear.
Clearer than your laptop screen.
I turned away quickly before my smile betrayed me. I bit my lip hard to stop the giggle that was threatening to burst out like soda.
He leaned back slightly, eyes narrowing.
Oops.
Abort face. Abort face.
I widened my eyes innocently.
He stared.
I stared back.
Two seconds.
Three seconds.
He squinted slightly.
I coughed.
Totally normal.
Totally sane.
Inside my head, I whispered to myself
Devu, control your excitement.
But my brain was dancing.
Because today...
Pati ji had no idea.
He thought I was confused.
Little did he know
The confusion was his.
Fully ready.
Saree pleats sharp enough to cut tension.
Pallu set perfectly.
Hair combed, parted, behaving for once.
I looked at myself in the mirror and nodded.
Then I bounced toward him with the brightest, most suspiciously sweet smile in human history.
He was still on that chair. Still with that laptop. Fingers moving like he was hacking the government.
I stopped in front of him and tilted my head slightly.
"Pati ji..." I sang softly.
He hummed in response, eyes still glued to the screen.
I clasped my hands behind my back and fluttered my lashes like I was auditioning for an overdramatic serial.
"Did you bath yet?"
He didn't even look up.
"Yeah. Long hour before. Why?"
...
What?
My smile froze.
Long hour before?
Before?
My brain stopped working.
My plan.
My beautiful.
Strategic.
Well-designed.
Poof.
Gone.
Evaporated like morning mist.
"How could he?" I whispered internally, betrayal echoing through my soul.
He bathed.
Without informing me.
Without consulting me.
Without considering my... research purposes.
The audacity.
The absolute audacity.
Anger bubbled inside me like soda shaken too much. Fizz. Fizz. Explosion pending.
I wanted to grab his shoulders and shake him.
"Why are you efficient at wrong times?!"
But no.
Calm.
Control.
I inhaled deeply.
Like those yoga aunties on television.
"Nothing," I muttered stiffly.
That's when he finally closed the laptop.
The sound echoed louder than it should have.
He turned toward me fully now, brows knitting together.
Upset?
Upset?
Sir.
This is not upset.
This is a destroyed mastermind.
I crossed my arms tightly over my chest and huffed.
The words flew out before my dignity could stop them.
His expression?
Blink.
Blink.
Processing.
I turned dramatically on my heel and stomped toward the kitchen, my anklets clinking like warning bells.
Behind me, silence.
Then I heard him murmur softly, completely confused
I smiled to myself as I marched away.
Good.
Let him think.
Let him suffer in confusion.
But honestly...
Why can't husbands read minds?
Isn't that part of their training?
Shouldn't he know when his wife has secret educational plans?
I reached the kitchen, still fuming dramatically.
But deep down?
I was also sulking.
Breakfast time.
I marched toward the dining table like a soldier who had just lost a battle... but not the war.
And of course
Footsteps behind me.
I didn't turn.
Didn't need to.
I could feel him trailing after me.
Like a tall, confused shadow.
"Hmph," I muttered internally. "Always following."
We reached the table.
Plates clinked.
Chairs scraped.
The smell hit me first hot, buttery aloo parathas. Golden. Crisp at the edges. Steam rising like a blessing from heaven.
Maa placed one on my plate.
But today?
No savoring.
No slow tearing of pieces.
No dipping gently in curd like a cultured woman.
No.
I attacked.
Tear.
Dip.
Stuff.
Chew.
Repeat.
Fast-fast.
Like someone had pressed the 2x speed button on my existence.
Across the table
Stares.
Maa hand paused mid-air.
Papa eyebrows lifted.
Even Pati ji leaned back slightly, watching me with suspicious amusement.
"Devyani," maa said softly, patting my hand, "why the hurriedness? Slow down, beta."
If only they knew.
I swallowed a huge bite, almost choking on my own ambition.
I said brightly, cheeks full like a squirrel. "Just hungry! Big day ahead."
Pati ji's eyes narrowed slightly.
That smile.
That knowing smile.
He thinks he knows.
He thinks I'm up to something.
Good.
Let him guess.
Let him suffer in suspense.
I picked up another piece of paratha and stuffed it in dramatically.
Old Devu?
Would have blabbered everything by now.
But not anymore.
I have evolved.
Upgraded version.
Devu the best!!!!!!!.
I sipped water calmly, wiping my fingers with elegance that did not match the speed-eating disaster from seconds ago.
A small smirk crept onto my face.
Calm. Simple. Not too dramatic.
I picked up the bowl of sabji casually and stood near him.
"Pati ji... let me serve you," I said sweetly.
Everyone looked up.
Because I never say that in such a soft tone.
Maa paused.
Papa blinked.
He looked at me suspiciously but extended his plate anyway.
And then
Oops.
My hand tilted just a little too much.
The sabji slipped.
And instead of landing on his plate...
It landed straight on his lap.
We both froze.
"Oh!" I said quickly. "Sorry sorry! It slipped!"
He stood up immediately, shocked by the sudden warmth.
He muttered something under his breath, probably about carelessness.
For half a second I thought
Now he will scold me.
But instead he looked at me first.
"It's okay, baby. It's okay," he said calmly. "You okay? It didn't fall on you?"
I blinked.
Even now, he was asking about me.
He nodded once. "I'll go change."
And walked toward the room.
I turned to the table.
"I'll go help him," I added casually.
Everyone was staring at me.
Not shocked.
Just... suspicious.
Maa eyes slightly narrowed.
Papa looked like he wanted to say something but didn't.
I gave them a normal, innocent smile.
Then quietly followed him toward the room.
By the time Devyani reached the room, the bathroom door was already shut.
Water could be heard running inside.
She stopped mid-step.
Her lips pressed into a thin line.
"Can't he just wait for me? Shameless pati ji..." she muttered under her breath.
For a moment she stood there, hands on her hips, irritated at how perfectly her timing kept failing her.
She inhaled deeply.
Her eyes slowly shifted toward the drawer.
And then
A tiny, dangerous smile appeared.
The spare key.
Of course.
She moved quietly, almost theatrically, pulled it out, and walked back toward the bathroom door.
The sound of water hitting tile echoed softly.
She bent slightly, slid the key in, and turned it with careful precision.
Click.
The door opened just a little.
Inside, Rivan stood under the shower, unaware.
Cold water streamed down from above, gliding over his shoulders and tracing the lines of his back. Droplets gathered along the curve of his neck before slipping downward in silent trails. His posture was relaxed, head slightly tilted forward as water ran through his hair.
His frame was strong broad shoulders, defined arms, the quiet strength of someone used to control. The muscles along his back shifted subtly with each movement, water catching along the contours before sliding down.
He looked calm.
Unbothered.
Completely unaware of the small storm of curiosity standing at the half-open door.
Steam rose lightly despite the cold water, mixing with the early morning light filtering in from the frosted window.
Devyani stood there for a second too long.
Not dramatic.
Not shocked.
Just... observing.
Her earlier irritation faded into something else entirely focused curiosity, mixed with a strange flutter in her chest.
Devyani froze.
For a second, she forgot why she had even come inside.
All she could see was his back.
Bare.
Uncovered.
Real.
He looked... different like this.
Not the composed, suited man with a laptop.
Not the controlled, sharp-eyed Rivan everyone feared.
Here, under the steady rush of water, he looked almost untouchable.
Raw.
Powerful.
Unaware.
The cold shower sharpened every line of muscle along his back, the tension in his shoulders easing as he ran a hand through his wet hair. Water splashed against tile, echoing softly in the quiet room.
Devyani's breath caught.
She had never seen him like this before.
Not properly.
Not without layers.
Her curiosity, which had begun as childish mischief, now deepened into something heavier something she didn't fully understand.
It wasn't just about "seeing."
It was about realizing.
Realizing he was not just her calm pati ji who called her kitten.
He was a man.
And that realization sent a strange thrill through her.
Her fingers tightened slightly around the edge of the door.
The steam blurred the air, but not enough to hide the steady rise and fall of his breathing, the relaxed strength in his stance.
Her heartbeat quickened.
This was no longer a playful plan.
This was unfamiliar territory.
And for the first time
Her curiosity didn't feel silly.
It felt serious.
And a little dangerous.
The water kept falling.
Steady.
Rhythmic.
Unaware of the storm building at the door.
Rivan shifted slightly under the shower, turning just enough
And that's when it happened.
A glimpse.
Just a fraction of a second.
But enough.
Devyani's breath completely stopped.
Her mouth fell open.
Eyes widened so dramatically it felt like they might pop out.
The door, which had been barely open
Swung wider.
Completely.
Her fingers had loosened without her realizing.
She stood there frozen.
Not blinking.
Not breathing.
Just staring in pure, unfiltered shock.
Her brain malfunctioned.
System error.
This was not like movies.
Not like blurry scenes.
Her heart began pounding so loudly she was sure the sound alone would expose her.
Inside the shower, Rivan pushed his wet hair back, still unaware of the silent witness at the door.
Devyani's cheeks burned.
Her curiosity had dragged her here.
But now?
Now she felt like she had accidentally stepped into forbidden territory.
Her innocence collided with reality in one overwhelming second.
She tried to swallow.
Couldn't.
Her mind screamed
Close the door!
Move!
Run!
But her body refused to cooperate.
She was shocked.
Stunned.
Completely unprepared for the intensity of seeing him like that.
And for the first time
Her "round two" plan didn't feel clever.
It felt dangerously real.
And then
Rivan turned.
Slowly.
Unaware.
The water continued to fall as he shifted fully, facing the doorway
Facing her.
Devyani's entire world stopped.
Her breath locked in her throat.
Her fingers tightened against the edge of the door, but her body refused to move.
She should turn away.
She should close the door.
She should run.
But she didn't.
She couldn't.
Her mind was racing with a hundred chaotic thoughts all at once.
This is wrong.
Why am I still standing here?
Move, Devyani!
What if he sees you?
What are you even doing?
Her heart pounded so violently it felt like it might give her away.
Her cheeks burned.
Her ears turned red.
Heat rushed through her face even though the bathroom air was cool with falling water.
This was no longer playful curiosity.
This was real.
Too real.
She had wanted to "learn."
To satisfy that restless curiosity.
But standing there now frozen, exposed in her own guilt she felt small.
Overwhelmed.
Like she had stepped somewhere she didn't fully understand.
Rivan ran a hand over his face, still unaware of her presence.
And that made it worse.
The innocence of his unawareness.
The normalcy of his movements.
Her body felt heavy.
Her feet refused to obey.
Even blinking seemed difficult.
Fear slowly replaced curiosity.
Not fear of him.
Fear of being caught.
Fear of crossing a line he had once clearly taught her about respect, boundaries, permission.
The words echoed in her head.
And here she was.
Not touching.
But watching.
Her throat tightened.
Rivan's hand paused mid-motion.
Slowly
He lifted his eyes.
And they met hers.
For one suspended, breathless second
Silence.
The water continued to fall, but everything else froze.
Devyani stood at the doorway, eyes wide, face flushed, lips slightly parted in absolute shock. She looked like she had been caught stealing something precious.
Rivan didn't move immediately.
His expression shifted from confusion... to realization.
His voice was calm.
Too calm.
That made it worse.
Her throat went dry.
Words? Gone.
Brain? Empty.
She tried to step back but the door was already fully open.
There was no hiding.
No pretending.
No dramatic escape.
She was standing there. Fully exposed in her mistake.
"I—I—" she stammered, hands trembling slightly at her sides.
Rivan reached for a towel without breaking eye contact, wrapping it around himself with steady composure.
The air changed.
Not angry.
Not explosive.
But serious.
He stepped out from under the shower, water still dripping from his hair.
"Why are you standing there?" he asked quietly.
Her heart pounded against her ribs.
"I... I was just..." she tried again, but even she didn't know how to finish that sentence.
Just what?
Just spying?
Just curious?
Just being foolish?
Her cheeks burned deeper.
Her confidence from breakfast gone.
Her clever plan destroyed.
She looked smaller now.
Not mischievous.
Not bold.
Just caught.
Rivan walked closer not threatening, not aggressive but firm.
"Devyani," he said again, softer this time.
And that softness made her eyes sting slightly.
She finally whispered, barely audible
The confession hung between them.
Raw.
Honest.
Childlike in its innocence.
His expression shifted again.
Not fury.
Not disgust.
But something else.
Something conflicted.
He exhaled slowly.
And in that quiet bathroom, filled with fading steam and heavy silence
The playful game she had started had turned into something real.
And neither of them could pretend it hadn't happened.
The sound of the hinge.
Soft.
Almost lost under the water.
But I heard it.
I looked up.
And my heart actually stopped for a second.
She was standing there.
At the door.
Eyes wide.
Face flushed.
Frozen.
For a split second, shock hit me like cold water.
What is she doing here?
How long has she been standing there?
Did she just—?
A hundred thoughts rushed through my head at once. Instinctively, I reached for the towel, wrapping it around myself without breaking eye contact.
She wasn't smirking.
She wasn't being mischievous.
She looked... stunned.
Like a child who touched fire just to understand what it felt like.
And suddenly I understood.
This wasn't boldness.
It was curiosity.
Dangerous, innocent curiosity.
I stepped out of the shower slowly, keeping my voice steady.
"Devyani?"
She didn't answer.
Her lips parted slightly, but no words came out.
She looked guilty.
And scared.
Not of me.
But of being wrong.
And that's when the shock inside me settled into something calmer.
If I react harshly right now... she will shut down.
If I shout... she will think curiosity is a crime.
I can't let that happen.
I exhaled quietly.
"Why are you standing there?" I asked not accusing, just asking.
She swallowed.
See.
That word said everything.
For a brief second, my mind flashed back to all her strange questions these past days. The hospital drama. The baby argument. The awkward innocence behind everything.
I walked closer slowly, deliberately making sure she didn't feel cornered.
"Curiosity is not wrong," I said calmly.
Her eyes flickered up to mine.
Not harsh.
Not loud.
Just clear.
She lowered her gaze immediately.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
That soft apology tugged at something inside me.
She really didn't mean harm.
She just doesn't understand the weight of these things yet.
I gently placed a hand on the door and pushed it slightly closed behind her so the space felt less exposed.
That made her look up again.
Her eyes softened.
The tension in her shoulders slowly eased.
Inside, I was still shaken.
Not because she saw me.
But because I realized how unaware she truly is about the weight of desire, of privacy, of adulthood.
And that responsibility?
It falls on me.
She looked like she was about to cry.
Not loudly.
Not dramatically.
Just that small tremble in her lower lip.
"Shhh," I said softly. "No need to get worried... hmm?"
Her brows immediately pulled together.
For a second, despite the situation, I almost smiled.
Even now caught, embarrassed, red as a tomato she was ready to argue.
I adjusted the towel properly and leaned slightly against the wall, keeping my voice calm.
"Because..." I paused.
How do I explain this to her?
I sighed quietly.
"Because you don't know what you're doing yet," I said finally.
Her eyes widened a little.
"I know!" she protested instantly.
I raised one eyebrow.
She opened her mouth to argue then stopped.
Silence.
Exactly.
I softened my tone.
"Devyani... curiosity is normal. I'm not upset about that."
She blinked.
Not upset?
She clearly expected anger.
"But," I continued steadily, "there's a difference between wanting to learn... and crossing into someone's private space without asking."
Her shoulders slowly dropped.
"I'm not worried for myself," I said quietly. "I'm worried for you."
That made her look up.
"For me?"
"Yes."
My voice lowered slightly.
"If someday someone reacts harshly to your curiosity... I don't want you thinking you deserve punishment for it."
Her eyes softened.
There it was.
That innocence again.
I reached out and gently tapped her forehead with my finger.
"Use this first," I said calmly. "Then act."
She pouted slightly.
I exhaled a soft breath through my nose.
"No," I corrected gently. "You were following impulse."
Silence stretched between us for a few seconds.
Then she whispered, almost shyly,
Her cheeks turned pink again.
Inside, I was still slightly shaken not by what she saw, but by how easily she walks into situations without understanding their weight.
I brushed a damp strand of hair off my forehead and stepped back slightly, giving her space.
"Now go outside," I said gently. "Let me finish."
She nodded quickly and hurried out, almost tripping over her own saree.
When the door closed, I stood there for a moment, staring at the floor.
I wasn't angry.
I wasn't embarrassed.
I was... aware.
This is not just about curiosity anymore.
She is changing.
Growing.
And I need to guide her through it without letting her burn herself in the process.
I ran a hand through my wet hair again and let out a slow breath.
This house is going to be very chaotic.
But I'll handle it.
Calmly.
I was just about to close the bathroom door.
Hand on the handle.
Mind finally settling.
When suddenly
Footsteps.
Fast.
Before I could react, the door pushed open again and she rushed inside.
"Devyani—"
But she didn't let me finish.
She came straight toward me, stood on her toes slightly, and leaned close.
Too close.
Her hand lightly caught my arm for balance.
And then
She whispered something in my ear.
Soft.
Breath warm.
Words innocent in tone.
But not innocent in meaning.
For the first time in my life
I felt heat rush to my face.
My cheeks.
Actually.
Turned red.
My heartbeat, which had been calm and controlled a second ago, suddenly lost its discipline.
What did she just say?
I blinked.
Completely unprepared.
Virendra's brows tightened slightly.
The question cut straight through the silence.
Virendra stared at her for a moment.
"Devyani..."
His voice was calm but concerned.
Her lips curved into a faint, painful smile.
Her voice trembled slightly despite her effort to stay composed.
Another tear threatened to fall but she blinked it away.