His Angel

Chapter - 49

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After changing into my comfortable clothes, I sat on the bed and picked up my phone. Trisha had made my Instagram account weeks ago, but I never posted anything. I wasn't even interested in doing so. The only thing I liked about that app was the reels.

Usually, watching funny or cute reels would make me smile... but not today.

I kept scrolling, but everything just felt annoying.

Ugh. Periods.

I shifted uncomfortably on the bed and let out a sigh, feeling that familiar cramp in my lower abdomen. I didn't even realize when I made that irritated sound, but I was just... annoyed. So. Annoyed.

Then I remembered what Trisha had said earlier—"Siya, you should try using a menstrual cup. It's more comfortable and better for the environment."

But just the thought of it made me uneasy.

What if it comes out randomly? What if I put it in wrong and it gets stuck? Or worse... gets lost inside me forever?!

I watched all those tutorials she sent me, even read the instructions twice, but no... I still couldn't bring myself to try it. I wasn't ready for that kind of change.

I tossed the phone aside with a frustrated "ugh" and lay back on the bed, pulling the blanket up to my nose. The soft fabric provided some comfort, but my mind just wouldn't shut off.

And on top of everything... Aarav!

After dinner, he disappeared into his study again. Work, work, work. That's all he ever does.

Why does he have to be so damn busy all the time?

And then... earlier, he again called my mind tiny brain. Hmph.

Tiny brain? Seriously?

He always says it like it's funny, but it's not! I have a good brain, okay? Better than his, even!

Now he's not even coming to the room. Fine! I won't talk to him. Let him stay busy with his files.

I puffed my cheeks and turned to the side, hiding my face in the blanket. The room was quiet, only the soft ticking of the clock was heard.

And then... after a few minutes, I heard the door open.

His footsteps.

I could feel my heart beat a little faster. His presence always did that to me, even when I was upset.

Then, his deep voice, softer this time, reached me.

"Siya baby..."

My heart did a little flip. Oh no, not this again.

No, Siya. You're angry. Don't melt this time. Stay strong.

I pulled the blanket up even more, covering almost my whole face, pretending to be asleep.

But then he said in that teasing tone of his,

"I know you're not sleeping, Ranisa. So get up and see—I made hot chocolate for you."

I shot up immediately, my eyes wide. I hadn't expected that.

"Hot chocolate?" I asked before my brain could even process the words.

He was standing by the bed, holding a mug carefully in his hand. The warm steam rising from the cup was inviting, and that smell... oh, it was my favorite.

He smiled just a little, that familiar, soft smile that always made my heart skip, before handing me the cup.

I wrapped both my hands around it like it was the most precious thing in the world.

I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips. He knew exactly how to calm me down, even when I was angry.

He didn't say anything else, just walked into the bathroom as if nothing had happened.

I took a small sip. Mmm.

Okay, I was still angry. But no one should waste food. Or hot chocolate, for that matter.

I mean, just because I was mad didn't mean my stomach needed to suffer too, right?

After finishing the drink, I placed the empty cup on the table and lay back down, pulling the blanket over myself again.

Yes, I'm still angry. I'm not going to sleep on his chest today. Even if I want to... a little bit. Okay, maybe a lot. But no! He needs to know I'm upset.

He came out of the bathroom and lay beside me. I could feel his warmth near me, but I didn't turn to face him.

And then, without any warning, he gently pulled me closer, wrapping his arms around me and resting my head on his chest.

His warmth wrapped around me like safety.

His heartbeat... it always did this. Soothing. Steady. Annoyingly comforting.

"So, my innocent angel is angry with me?" he whispered softly, his voice laced with that playful tone he always used.

I didn't answer with words. Just gave a small "Hmm."

He chuckled softly. "So you won't talk to me now?"

"No," I replied quietly, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

"Then tell me," he said, his voice teasing, "What should I do to pacify your anger?"

Excuse me?! He's asking me to tell him how to fix it? Shouldn't he just know?

Still, I stayed silent.

He sighed dramatically. "Okay. If you won't tell me... I'll use my way."

Before I could even think about it, he gently flipped me onto my back. Suddenly, he was hovering over me, his face close to mine. My heart skipped a beat, and I felt my breath catch in my throat.

I couldn't seem to focus on anything except him.

Then, slowly, he leaned down and kissed my forehead, lingering just a second longer than necessary.

"I'm sorry, Siya."

Then, his lips moved to my left eye, another kiss, and his voice soft as he whispered,

"I'm sorry, angel."

His lips moved again, this time to my right eye. He kissed me there, his voice sincere as he said,

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Rathore."

I could barely keep up with what was happening, my mind a haze of emotions. He kissed my right cheek next, his words warm and tender,

"I'm sorry, Ranisa."

Then, he kissed my left cheek, his touch soft and reassuring,

"I'm sorry, meri jaan."

His lips moved to my nose next, and he whispered softly,

"So now tell me... am I forgiven, or do I need to pacify you more?"

I didn't know how to answer. My mind completely stopped working. I just stared at him, lost in his gaze. My heart was racing, but it wasn't from anger anymore.

I wasn't really angry at him. It was just my periods making me irritable. He knew that, yet he was apologizing even though he hadn't done anything wrong.

Before meeting him, I always thought life was unfair. I'd ask myself, Why is my life like this? Why do I always feel unlucky? But now, as I lay there in his arms, I couldn't help but think about how lucky I was to have him.

What good deed had I done in my life to deserve someone like him?

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice his thumb gently brushing my cheek, bringing me back to the moment.

"Tell me, am I forgiven or not?" he asked again, his voice gentle, but with a touch of impatience.

And then, without thinking—without even planning it—I leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.

It was soft, almost like a promise.

I wasn't angry anymore. I didn't need to say anything more. My kiss was my answer.

I typed out a quick message to Siya as I was heading to her college.

"I'll come pick you up today. Also have some work at your college."

Her reply came almost immediately.

"Okay ??"

I put the phone away. That was all I needed to hear.

Fifteen minutes later, I was walking through the gates of her college. I didn't waste time scanning the campus or acknowledging anyone. My focus was set.

I went straight to the Director's office.

Dhruv Sehgal.

We were college mates once. That was where the familiarity ended. I had no interest in reliving old memories, nor did I entertain the banter he was known for.

I walked in without knocking. Took a seat. Got straight to the point.

"Let's begin."

I laid out the proposal for the Selective Internship / Research Program under Rathore Industries.

Only five students would be selected from this college.

They'd work on live projects, get monthly scholarships, and the best would receive a pre-placement offer.

The others would receive a certificate—signed by me.

The selection process was simple: written test—literary analysis, creative writing, and a business case study—followed by a personal interview and internal faculty recommendation.

Dhruv nodded along, listening, but his body language told me he was waiting for something else. He always was too casual for his title. That hadn't changed.

When I finished, he leaned back and smiled—too knowingly.

"You never showed up for college-level tie-ups before. So... what's the real reason, Aarav?"

I met his gaze, expression unreadable.

"Security."

He raised an eyebrow. "Security? For the program?"

I didn't blink. "For my wife."

He straightened just slightly in his chair. The grin remained, but it faltered around the edges.

"Is there a threat?"

"No." I paused. "It's not about need. It's about choice."

I leaned forward, my voice low but sharp.

"I'm not here to request it. I'm telling you."

He gave a half-chuckle, trying to brush off the tension. "Relax, Ranasa. You're talking like I'd say no. I figured something was up when you insisted the test be home-based... Siya Rajput, right?"

The sound of her name coming from his mouth struck harder than expected. I didn't even let him finish the sentence in my head.

"Don't take her name," I said coldly.

He blinked, thrown off. "Sorry—?"

"From now on, you'll call her 'bhabhi.' Understood?"

There was no rage in my voice. Just ice.

He hesitated—only for a second—but it was enough.

"I—of course. Bhabhi, right. Sorry."

I didn't speak. Just kept my gaze fixed on him until the apology settled.

"Whipped bastard..." he muttered, probably thinking I didn't hear.

I turned back to him slowly, letting silence settle before speaking.

"Did you say something else?" I asked, one brow raised. The kind of look that made people rethink their career choices.

Dhruv cleared his throat, quickly straightening up. "No. Nothing, Ranasa."

Silence filled the room for a beat longer.

His casual demeanor had cracks now. He wasn't scared. But he understood the line.

Good.

I stood up, fixing the cuff of my sleeve.

"Ensure the security upgrade is done by this week."

And then, without waiting for acknowledgment, I walked out.

As soon as I walked out of Dhruv's office, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Siya.

"Got free now."

I replied instantly.

"I'll be there in 5 minutes. Wait for me at the parking area."

I started walking towardthe parking lot, already picturing her face.

But the moment I reached there, I saw her standing near the car—with her friend Trisha. Both turned to look at me the second I arrived. My eyes went to the car first... and there it was. A fresh scratch. On ourcar.

I didn't say a word. Just looked at them. Once. Then again. My gaze sharp, silent.

Before I could open my mouth, Trisha panicked.

"I'm sorry, Ranasa! Please, it was my fault. Siya tried to stop me but I slipped and my bag touched your car—"

I looked at Siya. Her face said everything. Guilt. Fear. Worry. She didn't do a great job hiding it from me. I knew in a second—it was her.

I let out a breath.

"It's okay. You both can go. Not a big deal."

Trisha blinked like she couldn't believe her ears.

"Oh... okay, thank you! Thank you, really!"

She looked at Siya and whispered loudly, "Let's go before he changes his mind!"

That's the image I have in the world. The man no one wants to mess with. The one who doesn't forgive easily. But for my angel... things are different.

They both started walking off. Siya made Trisha goodbye, then walked back to me. I opened the passenger side door without a word. She slid in silently. I got in beside her. For a few seconds, neither of us said anything.

Then she spoke, voice soft.

"It was me..." she paused, "The scratch on your car... I didn't mean to. I just—"

I cut her off.

"I know."

She looked surprised. "You know?"

I turned to her, serious.

"It was all written on your face, Siya. That guilt, that fear... I could see it the moment I looked at you."

I paused, then added,

"And if it was anyone else, that person wouldn't have just walked away like that. But you're not just anyone, Siya. You're my everything."

Truth is, she could burn my whole car down and I still wouldn't raise my voice. I'd hand her the lighter next time if it made her feel better.

I glanced at her again. She looked... distracted. Tense. Like something was weighing on her.

I reached out and held her hand.

"What's going on in that overthinking mind of yours?" I asked. My tone firm, but gentler with her.

She shook her head. "Nothing."

Liar.

But I didn't push. I had already booked a restaurant for us. Quiet. Private. The kind of place where she could breathe and talk freely. I turned the car and drove us there.

Once we were seated, I didn't waste time.

"Tell me what's bothering you."

She hesitated, then finally said it.

"My friends..." she looked down, playing with the corner of her napkin. "I feel like I'm betraying them by hiding the truth about our marriage."

I sat back and looked at her.

"You're not lying, Siya," I said calmly. "You chose not to share. And those are two very different things."

She looked up at me.

"There's no shame in that. You don't owe anyone your truth until you're ready to share it. And when that time comes—if they're real friends—they'll understand. And if they don't..."

I leaned forward slightly, voice lower, firmer.

"Then maybe they were never meant to stay."

She didn't speak for a moment. I saw the fear in her eyes. Fear of losing someone again. Of being alone.

So I reached out, covered her hand with mine.

"You won't," I said softly. "Because I won't let you."

That seemed to calm her. She smiled faintly, and I knew she was starting to believe me.

Anyway, we were announcing our reception in a few days. She could invite them. Tell them the truth when she was ready. And if anyone dared to question her...

They'll have to face me first.

As I entered the dining area, I stopped at the doorway. Her voice caught my attention. Soft. Excited. Full of emotion.

Siya was sharing something with everyone—a story from her college.

She wasn't even part of the incident, yet the way she told it... animated, full of expressions, like it meant something to her. I didn't move. Just stood there quietly and let her finish.

Because I knew what this moment meant.

All her life, no one waited to hear what she had to say. No one asked, "How was your day?" or gave her time to talk about the small, silly things. Now that she finally has people around who listen, she's opening up. She's laughing.

And I should be happy about that. Right?

But I'm not. Not entirely.

Because the story she's sharing is about a guy. Some idiot from her class who gave a dumb excuse for not doing his assignment. Everyone's laughing. And she's laughing the most.

What's so funny?

I stepped forward once her story ended. Didn't say a word at first. Just walked behind her and stood still. The moment people saw me, silence fell.

Everyone looked at me. Then looked at her. Trying to warn her with their eyes.

But my Siya—so lost in her world—didn't notice.

I cleared my throat and said in a deep voice, loud enough for all to hear—

"So, you went to college for this and not to study, Ranisa?"

She froze.

Then slowly turned to face me.

Then looked down.

That part—I didn't like. I hate when she avoids my eyes. But what can I do?

I don't like her talking about another guy. Even if it's just a joke.

I walked to my seat, sat down, and started serving her favourite food. Still, she didn't look at me. Not even once.

So I held her hand and said to everyone,

"Dadi Maa, I was thinking... now we should plan for the reception."

Maa smiled. "Reception?"

"Yes," I said. "After Siya's final exams. You all can decide the date."

They all got busy discussing. Excited. Planning.

But my wife—my innocent overthinker—was still lost. Probably worried if I got upset or something.

I leaned a little closer, and in a low voice that only she could hear, I whispered—

"Where are you lost, Mrs. Rathore? Eat your food. And please, give rest to your tiny brain."

She looked up and tried to glare at me.

Tried.

But even her anger looked cute.

And now, I was sure—she was mad at me.

She didn't look at me once after that.

Just kept making those cute little annoyed faces, trying to act unaffected.

I sat there quietly, pretending I wasn't watching her.

But I was.

Always am..

After finishing the call in my study, I walked to the kitchen. I knew today was Siya's first day of her periods. And I knew, without a doubt, that it wasn't me teasing her that made her mad. It was the pain, the irritation... the emotions she kept hidden.

I made her hot chocolate. She always loved it when she wasn't feeling well. It was the one thing that would soothe her, even on the days when she was upset or in pain.

I walked up to our room with the mug in hand.

As soon as I entered, I saw her.

Lying on the bed. Back turned. Face covered with the blanket.

Pretending to sleep.

I stood at the door and smirked.

Oh? So madam is very angry with me today.

I walked closer and said in a soft voice,

"Siya baby..."

She didn't respond. Just covered her face even more.

So I used my teasing tone. The one that always gets to her.

"I know you're not sleeping, Ranisa. So get up and see—I made hot chocolate for you."

As expected, the moment she heard hot chocolate, she turned around and sat up like a little kid.

I handed her the cup without saying anything. She took it quietly. Didn't look at me.

I just smiled a little and walked to the bathroom.

By the time I came back, she was lying again—facing the other side, blanket up to her head.

Still pretending.

I climbed into bed beside her, pulled her gently towards me, and placed her head on my chest.

She didn't resist. But she didn't respond either.

I stroked her hair and asked softly,

"So, my innocent angel is angry with me?"

She just said a quiet—

"Hmm."

I smiled and asked again,

"So you won't talk to me now?"

She replied,

"No."

That made me chuckle a little.

Still holding her close, I said in a teasing tone—

"Okay... so tell me, what should I do to pacify your anger?"

No reply.

Just silence.

I tightened my grip around her waist.

"Okay. If you won't tell me... I'll use my way."

Before she could react, I flipped her gently and hovered over her.

She looked at me, wide-eyed.

But I didn't give her time to speak.

I started kissing her face softly—her forehead, her cheeks, her nose... every corner.

Between each kiss, I whispered,

"Sorry."

But then...

She did something I didn't expect.

She leaned in.

And kissed me.

Right on the cheek.

I froze.

That single moment...

Everything inside me just—stopped.

I looked at her. Her eyes were still soft, sleepy... but there was something else.

That silent forgiveness.

That unspoken comfort.

That innocent love.

And I realized again...

She's not just someone in my life.

She is my life.

For the past two weeks, my mind has been all over the place.

I've been trying to balance everything, but something always ends up getting left behind.

I've been overthinking a lot... and it's started to feel overwhelming.

So, I've decided to take a little break.

I'll be uploading the next update next Sunday.

I just need some time to calm my mind and breathe.

Honestly, the last few chapters didn't feel right to me.

I wasn't fully satisfied with what I wrote.

I want to give you all my best.

And for that, I need to be in the right headspace.

Thank you for being patient with me.

Your support means the world. ??