Chapter - 51
Hello, beautiful people! ??
After dropping Siya to college, I went straight to the office. My flight to New York is tomorrow morning, right after breakfast.
I know Siya is upset about me going for a week. She didn't say anything directly, but I could see it in her eyes. I wish I could take her with me, but I can't. Not yet.
First, she has exams.
Second... there are things I need to handle before the world knows she's my wife. Everything is almost in place. Just a few more steps.
I was going through some emails when Rohan knocked on the door and came in after I allowed.
"Sir," he said, "there's a private Business Gala tomorrow evening in New York. You've been invited."
"I know," I replied without even looking up from my screen. "I'm not going."
"Sir...," he hesitated.
I glanced up, giving him that look—the one that means say what you came to say without wasting time.
He swallowed, then continued, "Mr. Veerendra Rajvansh will also be attending... but only for one hour."
I stopped typing.
I missed him when he visited India. And now he's going to be at that gala... just for an hour?
Mr. Veerendra Rajvansh left for London 25–26 years ago with his family. He doesn't attend such events often, and getting a meeting with him—unless it's business-related—is nearly impossible.
This is the only chance I'll get to talk to him face-to-face.
I looked at Rohan and said in a firm voice, "Arrange everything. We leave at 4 p.m. sharp. The rest of the team will go as scheduled."
"Yes, sir," he replied and left quickly.
I leaned back in my chair, thinking. I don't like changing plans at the last moment, but I can't miss this.
I glanced at my watch. Siya's exam is about to get over. Without wasting a second, I stood up, picked up my keys, and walked out.
I needed to see her.
Before I leave...
I reached Siya's college ten minutes before her exam was supposed to end.
I was sitting in the back seat of the car she usually uses. I wanted to surprise her.
Ten minutes passed... then fifteen. Students started coming out, but Siya wasn't among them.
I called one of my men and said, "Check where Siya is."
Within a minute, he called back.
"Sir, she's in the cafeteria... with her friends."
I didn't say anything. I just cut the call.
I leaned back in the seat, arms folded.
I could've asked someone to call her. I could've sent a message. But I didn't.
I know what this means to her.
These small moments—laughing with friends, sitting in a college canteen, being free—she's missed all of it. She never had these simple joys before. No one gave her that.
But I will.
I'll give her everything she missed in these 21 years. One by one.
So, I waited.
Forty-five minutes later, the car door opened suddenly.
And there she was.
As soon as her eyes met mine, she smiled wide and quickly hugged me tightly.
I held her back, wrapping my arms around her small frame.
"How was your exam?" I asked softly, brushing my hand through her hair.
She looked up and said, "It was very good." Then added with a pout, "If I knew you were here, I would've come earlier..."
I smirked a little, "I know. You were with your friends."
She looked up, surprised. "You could've messaged me... I would've come."
I shook my head. "It's okay. You enjoy your time with your friends. I can wait for you."
She smiled and rested her head on my chest again.
I held her closer. But I didn't have much time.
And I hated what I had to say next.
"Siya..." I spoke gently, "I'm going to New York today. At 4 p.m."
She didn't say anything for a second.
Just held me tighter.
Then softly, "O...okay."
I tried to see her face, to read her expression. But she didn't let me. She tightened her arms around me even more.
She didn't want me to see her eyes. She didn't want me to see the sadness.
But I could feel it.
Every second of silence from her... I could feel it.
I closed my eyes and whispered against her hair, "You don't have to hide from me, Siya."
But she stayed quiet, holding me like she didn't want to let go.
And honestly, neither did I.
The moment he said it—
"Siya... I'm going to New York today. At 4 p.m."
—the smile on my face slowly disappeared.
For a few seconds, I couldn't say anything. My throat felt tight. But somehow, I managed to whisper,
"O... okay."
He tried to look at my face, but I didn't let him.
I quickly hugged him tighter... hiding my face in his chest.
My eyes were already moist.
He softly said,
"You don't have to hide from me, Siya."
But I stayed like that. I didn't want him to see me like this. Maybe I was being childish...
I know he's only going for a week.
I know it's for work.
I know all that... but what should I do with my heart?
It hurts when he's not around.
He kept rubbing my back gently and held me even closer.
I tried my best not to cry. Really, I did.
But suddenly... a small sob escaped my lips.
He immediately held my face in his hands.
But I didn't open my eyes.
He wiped my tears with his thumb and whispered,
"Please don't cry, Siya. I can't see you like this."
I shook my head slightly and said in a trembling voice,
"I... I'm not c-crying... the tears are coming on their own."
He leaned forward and kissed both my eyes. Then my cheeks. Then my forehead.
Slowly... all over my face like he was trying to take my sadness away with his lips.
He whispered again,
"I didn't want to go, but it's urgent. I have to. But I promise, when I come back... I'll take days off and spend all my time with you."
I didn't say anything.
Because... I didn't know what to say.
If I opened my mouth, I might start crying again.
Then he softly asked,
"Tell me... where do you want to go now? Want to eat something? Or buy anything?"
I shook my head quickly,
"No... I don't want anything."
He gave a small nod.
"Okay then, I'll drop you home."
Before he could complete his sentence, I asked,
"Can I... can I come to drop you at the airport?"
He looked at me with that same intense gaze and said,
"Siya, you—"
"Please... please," I said again, before he could finish.
He pulled me close again and held me tightly.
Then said softly in my ear,
"I told you... you don't have to request me. Just give an order. Hmm?"
I nodded slowly against his chest.
Then he called out,
"Kaka, airport chalo." ("Kaka, let's go to the airport.")
The car moved... and I held his hand tightly, as if it was the only thing keeping me together.
We reached the airport. The clock showed 3:30 p.m.
But neither of us got out of the car.
I was sitting close to Aarav, my head resting on his chest. His arms were wrapped around me, warm and strong, like a shield from everything outside.
Neither of us said anything.
There was just silence.
But it didn't feel heavy... it felt comforting. Safe.
Then suddenly, he softly said, "Ranisa..."
I smiled a little and replied, "Hmm..."
He gently lifted my face with his hand, making me look at him.
"Now promise me... you will eat on time, study properly, and take care of yourself," he said seriously.
I nodded. "Promise. And... you too, okay? Eat properly, and take care of yourself too."
"Okay," he smiled.
I looked at him seriously and added, "Promise me."
He chuckled and said, "I promise."
I hugged him again tightly. I didn't want to let go.
Then he said, "Tell me, what do you want me to bring for you? Anything you like."
I shook my head gently. "I don't want anything... just you."
He looked at me with a surprised smile and teased, "What kind of a wife have I got? She never demands anything from me."
I blinked, looking at him.
He continued with a light laugh, "I had so many dreams... that I would fulfill every little wish of my wife. That I'd do this, I'd do that. But you... even when I ask, you don't want anything."
I smiled softly and said, "Because I already got what I wanted. Now I don't need anything else."
He paused.
His eyes softened.
He cupped my face again and asked gently, "And what is it that you got?"
I looked into his eyes, shy but honest, and said, "You."
And then... for a moment... everything felt still.
His face was so close to mine.
The space between us was slowly disappearing.
I could feel his warm breath on my lips.
My heart was beating so fast. I closed my eyes.
But just then... his phone rang.
He quickly picked it up. "I'm coming," he said in his usual serious tone, and I felt a little disappointed.
Before I could say anything, he kissed my forehead gently, his lips warm against my skin.
"I have to go now. You take care of yourself, alright? And I promise, I'll complete what I left in between," he said, his voice sincere.
I blushed, feeling my heart flutter at his words, but all I could do was nod.
He opened the car door, and as he stepped out, he turned to look at me one last time, his eyes full of love.
"Take care, Siya."
I watched him leave, my heart still racing, knowing that even though he was leaving, he'd be back, and the time we spent together was always worth it.
It was evening. I was in my room, trying to study, but honestly... my mind was somewhere else. Aarav's voice, his touch, everything was still fresh. I missed him already.
Just then, there was a soft knock on my door.
I got up and opened it. A lady from the staff stood there politely.
"Ranisa, Rajmata has called you in the living room," she said with a gentle smile.
I nodded, "Okay, I'm coming."
I kept my books aside and straightened my dupatta before walking towards the living room. As I entered, I saw Dadi Maa, Maa, and Chachi sitting together, having tea.
Maa looked at me and smiled warmly, "Come Siya, sit here."
I quietly sat beside her, and she handed me a cup of tea. I wrapped my hands around the cup, taking in its warmth.
Then Chachi turned to me and asked sweetly, "Tell me, Siya, what do you want to eat for dinner? I'll make it for you."
I smiled softly and said, "Whatever you make, Chachi. I'll eat it."
Maa smiled too. "Okay then, we'll make your favourite food today."
I looked at her, a little surprised, but nodded. They were being so sweet today... more than usual. Maybe they could feel I wasn't feeling like myself.
After they finished their tea, Maa and Chachi got up and went to the kitchen, talking and laughing softly as they left.
Dadi Maa slowly came and sat closer to me. She placed her hand gently on mine.
"You know, Siya beta," she began, her voice calm and full of warmth, "I'm also like you."
I looked at her, curious.
"When your Dadaji used to go out of town for work, I used to feel very sad too. At that time, there were no mobile phones—only landline or letters. And even those took days. I had to wait for so long... just to hear his voice."
She smiled at the memory, but I could see the emotion in her eyes.
"But with time, I got used to it," she continued. "You will too. It's not easy in the beginning, but it becomes a little better with time."
She softly touched my cheek. "Don't be sad, beta. You look your best with a smile on your face."
I felt a lump in my throat, but I nodded gently. "Ji, Dadi Maa..."
Her words were simple, but they made me feel a little better. A little lighter. Maybe I wasn't alone in feeling like this. Maybe love... always comes with a little waiting.
After dinner, I was back in my room. But sleep felt far away tonight.
I tried to close my eyes, but all I could think about was Aarav.
The whole family had tried so hard to make me smile, to make me feel better, but no matter how much I tried, I just couldn't laugh the way I usually do. It felt forced.
I miss him so much. It's only been a few hours, but it feels like a lifetime. I'm used to him being with me, his presence, his warmth. Sleeping without him now feels strange. I'm already feeling the emptiness.
I blinked a few times, trying to stop the tears, but they just kept coming. It felt like my heart was heavy, like I couldn't breathe properly. How will I survive the next seven days without him? I don't know. It already feels so hard.
As I wiped my eyes, I heard my phone buzz. I picked it up, hoping it was something to take my mind off the loneliness.
It was a voice note from Aarav.
"Ranisa... Did you eat your food properly?
And please don't cry. You promised me you would take care of yourself, so don't break that promise.
I'm also missing you so much. I don't know how I will spend the next seven days without you, jaan.
But listen, if you cry, then I won't talk to you. So you better not, okay?"
His voice was soothing, like a warm embrace. Just hearing him made me smile, even though I was still holding back my tears. I wiped my face quickly, trying to control the sobs that were threatening to escape.
I took a deep breath, and then I recorded a voice message.
"I ate on time, Avi. I'm taking care of myself, don't worry. You take care of yourself too. And don't worry about me, I'll be okay."
I hit send, feeling a little lighter.
With that, I laid back down, the weight on my chest easing just a bit. The last thing I wanted was to make him worry about me. I closed my eyes, clinging to his voice as my only comfort, and slowly drifted off to sleep.