24
RUDRAKSH
I’ve never seen her this happy. We’re at a bookstore right now. I had some work here at the mall, so I thought it would be nice if she came along—we haven’t gone out after marriage anyway.
I recently took over this mall but haven’t had the time to go through the administrative changes.
After wrapping up my meeting with the management staff, all my attention was on my wife.
When I asked if she wanted to go on a shopping spree, she said yes.
That was just a random guess—a stereotype, maybe.
Most women do claim they like shopping. Can you blame me?
I expected her to walk into a clothing store, but instead, she walked straight into a bookstore. And we’ve been here for an hour.
An hour, that too, at a bookstore.
In my life, I’ve never met someone so fascinated by books. She told me I’d get bored and that I should get some work done. But I could watch my wife stare at a plain wall and still not be bored. She just makes everything better somehow.
After walking around for a while, she looked at me and said I should really work.
That’s when I realized she wanted me to go.
So now I’m sitting at a table in the store, checking my emails.
I glance up and see her making a beeline for the romance section—and she’s been standing there for half an hour.
No wonder she gets all shy and blushy when she’s reading.
A small smirk makes its way to my face as I keep staring at her.
My wife likes reading romance books. Great.
Now I won’t have to read them to find out what’s in them.
I watch her pick up books and then place them back on the shelf—she’s checking the prices.
I clench my jaw. I’ve told this woman countless times she can buy whatever she wants, yet she still worries about money.
How much could a book cost? It wouldn’t even make a dent in my bank account.
She picks up at least five books, but when she returns, she’s carrying only two.
My jaw tightens. I look at her intently but don’t say anything.
“I’m done,” she says.
I get up from my seat, and we pay for the books and step out of the store. “Let’s have lunch,” I trail off, my words low as I tighten my hold on her hand in one and her books in the other.
“No,” she replies in a squeaky voice. I turn towards her, look at her, and narrow my eyes. “I had lunch with everyone else before we left,” she adds quickly.
“Okay,” I mutter, studying her. Nervous energy radiates from her body, and I shake my head. “I’m hungry. Can we grab something on the way?”
She nods, and we walk to the subway. I don’t prefer greasy food, so I order a wrap—something mild and not too spicy.
As I take a bite, I notice Shivani looking at my wrap as if she’s never seen food before.
I can practically feel her salivating. I offer her a bite, but she shakes her head and looks away.
“What’s your favorite animal?” she asks suddenly, out of the blue, and I snap my head at her.
I’m taken aback by the question. “People have favorite animals?” Shivani gasps and looks at me like I’m from another planet.
“Can I say you? You’re an animal,” I mumble after gulping down my bite. She stares at me, mouth slightly open. Great, I probably offended her.
“I mean… humans are animals, right?” I clarify quickly. She’s quiet for a moment.
“Mine is a cat. I really like them. They’re adorable. I’ve wanted one since I was a kid,” she answers with a soft smile.
“Did you ever get one?” I ask. Her face falls, and the light in her eyes dims. It’s almost painful to watch.
“No, my parents didn’t like pets,” she says. Damn them. She would’ve been so happy.
“Did you know this is my first ever date?” She questions, her eyes bright again as she leans forward with interest.
I stop mid-bite. “Your first date? You’ve never been on a date before?” She smiles shyly and looks down at her lap, shaking her head.
“You should’ve told me, Shivani. I would’ve planned something special,” I tell her honestly. She deserves so much more.
“No, this was perfect. I liked it,” she assures, but guilt engulfs me. I shake my head. She deserves more than just a wrap and a mall visit, but before I can say anything, she adds, “I’m glad I got to spend time with you. You took me to a bookstore—that’s my heaven. What more could I want?”
She smiles at me, and I can’t help but smile back.
“You have a pretty smile,” she compliments quietly, as if she is shy to admit it. “You should smile more.”
“Maybe I will.” I look at her—she’s resting her head in her palm, a gentle smile on her lips. That’s the most beautiful sight in the world to me. “I have a reason now,” I say, and smile again. I can’t help it.
We sit there talking—well, mostly her. I’m not complaining. I love hearing her voice. Once we’re done, we walk back to the parking lot. As we near my car, I open the door for her and then get in on the driver’s side. I ignite the car, and we drive off.
“I have a meeting. I’ll be dropping you off and then heading to the office, okay?” I ask. She doesn’t answer. “Okay, Shivani?”
“Yes,” she replies softly, and we sit in silence again.
“Do you know how to drive?” I ask.
“No, I don’t,” she replies meekly, and I glance at her. She looks pale. The color of her face is dull, and there is no shine in her eyes.
“Are you okay, darling?” I ask, concern heavy in my voice.
She nods. “I think I’m just sleepy.”
I nod and speed up slightly. She’s been staying up late almost every night for the past two weeks.
I told her I’d come home early, but I couldn’t manage.
And my stubborn wife refuses to listen—she waits for me until I come, sits with me while I have my dinner, and still gets up early.
I’ve been functioning on little sleep for years, but she needs proper rest. I need to start coming home early—for her and for myself.
When we reach home, she unstraps her seatbelt and steps out of the car. Her fingers tremble slightly as she opens the door. A frown covers up my face as I see her walk. I roll down the window and call out to her. She turns around slowly.
“Go and have a good sleep, okay?” I smile at her, but she doesn’t return it. Her eyes look unfocused. Something’s definitely wrong.
I instantly get out of the car and walk quickly towards her. “Rudraksh,” she says softly, reaching her hand out toward me.
I rush to her side just as her knees buckle. “Shivani!” Her name rings in the air as I shout and catch her in my arms. My voice is thick with panic.
She feels so light—too light—as I lift her, cradling her close to my chest. Her head rests against my shoulder, her breath shallow and uneven against my neck.
Aarav and Maa come running towards us, alarmed by my shout.
“What happened?” Maa asks, crouching beside us.
“I don’t know. She said she was sleepy in the car. I dropped her off, but she couldn’t even make it to the gate. She fainted,” I say, my voice coming out in a rush as I steady her form in my arms.
“Take her to the hospital,” Maa says immediately. “I’ll call the doctor and explain everything. Aarav, you drive, beta.”
“Hang in there, darling,” I whisper, holding her tighter as I carry her to the car.