3. Marked by Him #2
The committee members, silenced and shaken, hurried out without daring to look back.
The door slammed shut. Rakshit immediately turned to Shivika. Her head was bowed, her shoulders trembling.
"Shivika-" his voice softened for her, but before he could say more, her body swayed.
"Shivikaaa!" Rakshit shouted, catching her just as she fainted in his arms.
His heart lurched, fear gripping his chest like never before.
"Open your eyes, Shivika… please, open your eyes!" he tapped her cheeks desperately, his voice cracking with urgency.
Rashmi aunty stood frozen in shock, her hands trembling.
"Aunty! Get water, fast!" Rakshit's sharp command snapped her out of it.
He lifted Shivika swiftly, carrying her to her bedroom. Laying her gently on the bed, his hands shook as he tried to wake her.
Rashmi aunty came rushing back with a glass of water. Rakshit quickly sprinkled drops on Shivika's pale face.
Her lashes fluttered weakly, and when she finally opened her eyes, she saw those same blue eyes and in that instant, tears spilled from her eyes, sliding silently down her cheeks.
He swallowed hard, then glanced at Rashmi aunty, his eyes silently pleading. He gestured with his hand for her to leave.
Rashmi aunty hesitated for a moment, then quietly stepped out, leaving the two of them alone.
As the door closed behind Rashmi aunty, Shivika's eyes darted to Rakshit. Her trembling fingers rose shakily to her forehead, touching the fresh streak of blood that had marked her sindoor.
Her breath caught in her throat. Her lips quivered as she whispered, brokenly,
"Y–you… what have you done?"
Rakshit's throat tightened. His hands curled into fists by his side, searching for the right words, but nothing seemed enough.
Tears streamed down Shivika’s face, her shoulders shaking as she tried to push herself up on the bed.
She buried her face in her palms, her cries muffled, but the pain in them stabbed at him mercilessly.
Rakshit's chest heaved, his eyes glistening. He leaned closer, his voice hoarse yet firm,
"I didn't ruin anything, Shivika."
He paused, his throat choking with emotion. "I just gave you back what this world tried to snatch away-your dignity, your right to stand with your head high."
Her hands slipped from her face, her tear-stained eyes meeting his. For a second, neither spoke, their breathing heavy, their emotions raw.
Then suddenly, Shivika broke. She fell forward, her body trembling, sobs tearing out of her chest as if all the pain she had been holding in finally found release.
Her head collapsed against his chest, her fists clutching his shirt desperately.
Rakshit froze, his arms hanging in the air, helpless.
Unable to stop himself any longer, Rakshit finally wrapped his arms around her trembling frame.
"Whyyy, Rakshittt?" she cried into his chest, her fists clutching his shirt.
Rakshit's jaw clenched, his throat burning. He tightened his hold on her, one hand rubbing gently over her back, desperate to calm her down.
A single tear escaped his eye, sliding silently down his cheek.
Her body shook with exhaustion, her sobs turning into weak hiccups as her energy gave out.
"Shhh… bas," Rakshit whispered, his voice rough with restrained emotion.
Exhaustion had finally pulled her into sleep, her fragile frame still curled into itself.
Rakshit carefully laid her down, adjusting the pillow beneath her head. He pulled the blanket over her gently, his fingers lingering for a second as if making sure she was safe.
Then, with one last glance at her face, he turned and walked out, closing the door softly behind him.
The moment the door clicked shut, Rakshit's strength crumbled. He slumped down against it, his back hitting the wood, his hands trembling.
The tears he had been holding back all along finally broke free, running hot down his face.
His fists tangled in his hair as he pulled at it, his head bowing low.
The walls offered no answer, only reflected the anguish of a man who had carried silence his whole life until her pain became his own.
Rakshit stood up and went into the washroom, splashing cold water on his face, trying to shake off the storm inside him.
Shivika's eyes fluttered open. The afternoon sun had already spilled across the room. Her head felt heavy, her body still weak from crying herself to sleep.
She washed her face quickly and stepped out of her room. The moment she entered the living room, she saw him.
Rakshit was sitting with his laptop on his lap, but it wasn't work that occupied him, it was the stillness, the quiet after the storm.
When he looked up, their eyes met. He noticed the red mark of his blood still faintly visible in her hairline.
Rakshit carefully set the laptop aside. He didn't speak. He just waited.
Shivika walked forward and sat down on the sofa across from him, her fingers clasped tightly in her lap.
"I canceled your appointment with the doctor… that was today. We'll go tomorrow," Rakshit said.
"Hmm," Shivika only murmured, her mind elsewhere, not focusing on his words.
"Shivika," Rakshit said, rubbing his forehead. He knew what she was thinking.
Still decision is hers...
Shivika turned her face toward him.
"I don't know what to do… or not," she said, her voice trembling.
Rakshit didn't reply. He just stared at her, silent and steady.
"Do you want that?" he asked, his voice calm but careful.
"Yes… I don't want anyone to raise their finger at my child," she said, rubbing her hand gently over her belly.
"But if you don't… then it's okay. I understand. Maybe you'd take that step in anger… you don't have to do anything for me-" she spoke rapidly, words tumbling out.
"Shivika," Rakshit said firmly, "I only do things with complete presence of mind."
Without another word, he walked toward the kitchen.
"Where's Rashmi aunty?" Shivika asked, following him.
"I gave her a holiday. I can cook for us today," Rakshit said.
"I… I want to cook today," Shivika said softly, almost a whisper.
"You can do that tomorrow. Today was already tiring for you," Rakshit said while placing a pan on the stove.
Shivika frowned slightly, watching him. "That's tea leaves… you drink coffee."
"I know," he replied calmly, pouring water into the pan.
"I'm making tea only."
"But-" she began, confused.
"I'm making it for you," Rakshit cut in, his tone quiet but firm.
"Huh?" Shivika blinked, startled.
"You're having a headache… that's why," he said simply, not looking at her.
Her lips parted in shock. She hadn't even said a word about it, hadn't even touched her head in front of him.
"How… how do you know?" she murmured, her voice trembling.
Rakshit stirred the tea gently, his eyes fixed on the boiling water.
"Just know," he whispered, choosing not to explain further.
Shivika's heart skipped a beat. For the first time, she realized this man who barely spoke, who hid every emotion behind silence, had noticed the tiniest detail about her.