You Dont Get to Care Now
Meanwhile···
Aarav had also returned from the office.
The entire day had drained every ounce of patience from him.As soon as he entered the mansion, he looked around for his mom.
There was no sign of his mom or his sister.. And his dad was still in office.
"Mom? Are you here!!" he called out.
His voice carried mild irritation and fatigue as he loosened his tie.
No answer.
He removed his suit jacket and and put it on sofa and walked toward the kitchen.
His stomach growled painfully.He hadn't eaten lunch. The endless meetings had left him exhausted.
As soon as he entered the kitchen, he spotted one of the maids.
"Where is my mother? Did she went somewhere?"His tone was tired.
"Mrs. Oberoi went shopping with Miss Riddhita, Sir. "The maid answered nervously.
" Okay but what's for dinner tonight?"He asked while rubbing the back of his neck, clearly exhausted.
"Janvi Ma'am asked us to prepare butter chicken, rice , vegetable curry, and soup, Young Master."The maid replied respectfully.
"Fine. Serve my dinner in twenty minutes. I'll take a shower and come back."His voice was short and hunger making him grumpier than usual.
"Yes, Young Master. We will bring it ."The maid nodded immediately.
As Aarav turned around, his eyes landed on Meera.
She was standing near the water dispenser with a hotpot.
But something seemed off about her today.
Her hands were moving but her eyes stared blankly into space.She wasn't paying attention at all.
Aarav frowned.
'What is wrong with her now?'He thought.
The pot kept filling . The hot water reached the edge.
Still...
Meera didn't notice and the boiling water overflowed.
Suddenly····
"Ahhhhhhh!"A sharp cry escaped her lips.
Pain instantly shot through her hand.
The scalding water splashed across her skin.
The entire kitchen froze.
Aarav's eyes widened and pure panic flashed across his face.
Without thinking, he rushed toward her.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?!"His voice exploded through the kitchen.
Fear and anger mixed together inside him as he grabbed her wrist.
Before she could react, he pulled her away from the hotpot and dragged her to the sink.
Cold water rushed over her injured hand.
Meera gasped. The sudden cold stung almost as much as the burn.
Aarav looked furious.His eyes blazed with panic disguised as anger.
"Where was your mind, Meera?! Do you even know what are you doing!!"His voice shook with frustration.
"I swear, you make stupid mistakes every single time! Do you leave your brain upstairs, or do you just lack basic common sense?!" He shouted at her.
The care between his angry voice still showed . The thought of her getting seriously hurt had shaken him more than he wanted to admit.
Meera blinked at him. She had never seen him this worried after came here from abroad.
"I..I'm okay sir..It's just a splash. It's fine after some time..."She whispered softly.
"No, you are not okay!"Aarav barked immediately.
"Look at your hand! You burned yourself because you were standing here like a brainless statue! What if it had spilled all over your hand?!"His voice rose even louder.
"But it didn't!"Meera shot back defensively.
Embarrassment and frustration suddenly surfaced on herself.
"It was an accident, Sir! You don't need to yell at me like I'm a child!"Her cheeks burned with shame.
"Clearly, I do, because you act like one!" He said.
Aarav's patience completely disappeared.He grabbed her wrist again and put it back under the water.
"You can't even fill a simple pot of water without turning it into a burning hand..!!!" He said out angry at her .
The kitchen staff exchanged stunned glances.They had never seen Aarav react like this.
"Sir, please, it's really okay."Meera pleaded quietly.
Embarrassment flooded her chest as she noticed everyone staring.
"Stop it. I can take care of it myself. Let me go." She said.
She desperately wanted the ground to swallow her whole.
The moment she tried pulling away, Aarav's expression darkened.
"Did I give you permission to move?"
His voice dropped dangerously low.
"You!!!...Bring ice. Now."He turned sharply toward one of the maids.
The maid nearly jumped.
"Y..Yes.. sir i will bring it."Her voice trembled.
The maid rushed away immediately.
Seconds later she returned with a bowl full of ice.
Aarav snatched it from her.
Without hesitation···
he carefully placed Meera's injured hand into the bowl.
The freezing sensation made her flinch.
"Ah..It's too cold! It hurts now..."She protested softly.
"I'm really okay, Sir, please..i don't need it."Her voice sounded almost pitiful.
"Keep your hand in there. And you're not. You don't take care of yourself for even a second!"Aarav interrupted sharply.
"I do! I was just distracted! I had a bad day, okay?!"Her voice cracked slightly at the end.
The sadness she'd been hiding all day finally slipped through.
"I don't care about your day! And you never pay attention to anything!"His emotions were completely out of control now.
"You don't listen to a single word I say! You just stumble around waiting for disaster to strike!" He said to her.
Between his anger and care and he didn't understand that staffs were looked at them.Which he never cared about.
The kitchen had gone completely silent.
Everyone watched.Nobody dared interrupt.
"Aarav please, look around. They are looking at us."Meera whispered near him which he only could hear.
She hated being the center of attention.
Aarav finally noticed the staffs staring.His temper instantly exploded again.
"What the hell are you all staring at?!Is this an entertainment show to you?! Do you get paid to stand around and gawk?!" He shouted at the staff members.
The staff members immediately looked down.Fear spread across their faces.
"Get back to work before I fire every single one of you by tonight!"His voice carried enough authority to send everyone scrambling.
The kitchen instantly returned to life.
Nobody dared look up again.
Meera finally took normal breath as
the attention was gone.
Aarav looked back at her.He noticed the sadness in her eyes.
The anger slowly began fading.Only worry remained.
"Just sit quietly for once. And rest . Others will do the work."His voice was noticeably softer now.
Though he tried to sound annoyed, the concern underneath was there.
Meera blinked..
"What?"She asked quietly.
Aarav rolled his eyes dramatically.
Trying very hard to hide his concern.
"I said, stop creating problems for a grand total of five minutes. Is that too much to ask?"His voice carried reluctant affection hidden beneath sarcasm.
A tiny smile appeared on Meera's lips.
Aarav noticed immediately.The tight knot of anxiety inside his chest finally loosened.
After coming back he noticed the first time since he saw her get hurt physically.
He then went out of the kitchen and went to his room.
The Dining Table :??????
___________________________
About thirty minutes later...Aarav walked into the dining room after his shower.
His damp hair still clung slightly to his forehead, and he wore a simple black t-shirt and gray lounge pants.
he looked relaxed physically .He pulled out a chair and sat down.
" please serve me dinner."His voice was calm, but tired . And he started using his phone.
"Yes, sir. Just wait a little bit. I will bring it."A maid immediately stepped forward.
Her voice was quick, obedient...Before she could move..
"Wait. Didi , let me do it."Meera's voice cut in suddenly, fragile but urgent.
The maid froze.
Meera stepped forward slowly, forcing a small smile . The maid immediately frowned.
"No, Meera .Your hand is injured, and I don't think you should do it."Her tone softened.
"You're not understanding how serious it is. It can worsen if you keep using it. You should sit rest now ."Her words came out rushed like she was trying to convince just Meera.
Meera shook her head quickly.
" It's just a small burn. I can manage it. I don't want anyone else doing my work when I'm sitting here perfectly capable."Her voice tried to sound firm.
The maid tightened her lips.
"That's exactly what people say before it gets infected . Resting doesn't that."she said tried to make her understand.
Meera swallowed.
" I just don't want to sit around doing nothing while I can still work. Let me at least do this one thing."Her voice rose slightly at the end.
The maid hesitated, glancing toward Aarav nervously.
"If Aarav sir gets angry. You can't blame me ."Her voice dropped.
Meera immediately cut in.
"I'll handle him. Don't worry about me. Just... let me do this."Her tone softened at the end, almost begging.
The maid didn't look convinced, but she stepped back reluctantly.
A few moments later...
Aarav looked up from his phone.His eyes locked onto Meera instantly.
She was carrying food toward him.
"What are you doing here?"His voice was low and a warning was hiding under irritation.
Meera flinched slightly, but kept moving to serve him dinner.
"I'm serving dinner, Sir."Her voice was polite.
"I also can see that."Aarav leaned back slightly, his eyes narrowing.
"What I'm asking you... Why are you doing it when I clearly told you to rest?"His tone was calm.
"Are you deliberately ignoring me, or do you just not think my words don't matter when I say them?" his voice was a little bit angry.
Meera set the plate down carefully.
"I heard you, Sir. But it's just a small burn on my left hand. I can still use my right hand perfectly fine. "Her voice trembled slightly.
Aarav's eyes flicked to her hand.
"That's exactly the problem. You keep reducing it like it's nothing. Do you think pain becomes less just because you keep minimizing it?"His voice sharpened and frustration building on her.
Meera let out a breath.
"I'm not minimizing it. I'm just... used to it. I don't want special treatment. I just want to do my job."Her words carried quiet exhaustion.
Aarav's jaw tightened.
"There are more than ten maids in this house. Any one of them could serve dinner. But you have to do just to prove some point I'm not even aware of."His tone rose slightly now.
Meera's grip tightened on the tray.
"It's not about proving anything to you. It's about me who wants to do it."Her voice broke slightly at the end.
Aarav stared at her.
"I didn't ask what you wanted. I told you to rest."His voice suddenly dropped colder, sharper.
He was almost protective but wrapped in frustration.Meera's eyes hardened slightly.
"I already rested. But I can't just sit and do nothing while everyone do."Her voice rose slightly.
Saw Meera argued with him.Aarav leaned forward.
"There is a difference between being independent and being stubborn enough to ignore your own condition." Aarav said and his eyes held hers firmly.
Meera's hands trembled.
"I'm not ignoring it.It's a small burn. I don't need any rest ."Her voice cracked at the end.
Aarav's expression tightened. His eyes widened slightly.
"Asha!"His voice snapped across the room as he called the head maid.
The maid rushed forward instantly.
"Yes, Young Master!"Her voice shook violently.
"What is she doing here serving dinner when I explicitly told her to rest?"His tone was sharp, controlled anger.
The maid's lips trembled in fear.
"Sir... I told her to sit and rest, but she insisted. She said she was fine and wouldn't listen to me .."Her voice broke slightly.
Meera immediately stepped forward.
"Sir, don't blame her. She told me but I was the one who insisted. She didn't do anything wrong."Her voice rushed out, panicked and protective.
"Quiet. I wasn't talking to you."His voice was low but firm.
Meera went silent instantly.Aarav turned back to the maid.
"If I give an instruction in this house, it is not optional. It should followed. Do you understand what that means?"
His voice was controlled but heavy.
The maid nodded quickly.
"Yes, Sir... I understand. I'm so.." she apologized
"I don't want you to be sorry. Just what i said."Aarav cut her off coldly.
"I said don't blame her!"Meera suddenly burst out again.
Aarav turned slowly toward her.
"Excuse me?"His voice was dangerously soft.
Meera's breath shook.
" She told me not to do it. I didn't listen. So if anyone is responsible, it's me. Not her."Her voice cracked badly at the end.
Aarav stared at her.Something in his expression shifted.But he didn't speak immediately.
Meera lowered her gaze.
"If you don't want me here... I'll go. I just... don't want someone else to suffer because of me."Her voice was barely audible now.
Aarav's expression was slightly cold.
"I'm sorry, Sir. It will never happen again."She whispered.
Then she turned and walked away.
Aarav didn't move.But his eyes didn't leave her until she disappeared.
After Dinner···
Aarav stood outside Meera's bedroom door.For several long seconds, he simply stared at it.
Ever since he had seen her tonight. Something was off about her today...
Which had been bothering him too.
Finally°°°
he raised his hand.
Knock. Knock.
Aarav frowned.Then, after a few moments, the door slowly opened.
Meera stood there.The sight of her made his chest tighten instantly.
Her eyes were swollen from crying.
Her nose was red.Her cheeks looked pale and exhausted.
For a moment...
Aarav forgot how to breathe.
"Aarav?" Meera asked in shock, her voice rough and weak from crying.
Her eyebrows immediately pulled together with anxiety as she glanced nervously down the hallway.
"Why are you here? What are you doing outside my room at this hour?" she asked worriedly.
"You shouldn't be here. What if someone sees you!! " She said.
Aarav didn't answer. His eyes remained fixed on her face.On her dry tears.
Without asking permission...
He stepped inside.Meera's eyes widened immediately.
"Aarav...wait! You cannot come here." she protested nervously.
"What are you doing? I don't have time for this.. please leave." She said.
Before she could stop him..
Click.
The door closed and the lock turned.
Meera's heart skipped a beat.She turned around quickly.
"Have you completely lost your mind?" she demanded anxiously, her voice rising.
"What are you thinking? If someone sees you coming out of my room, do you even know what will happen?" Meera shouted at Aarav.
Slowly...Aarav turned toward her.
His expression was unreadable.
"What happened today?Why were you crying?" he asked quietly, his voice unusually soft.
Immediately, Meera looked away.
"Nothing happened.You can leave now." Her voice turned cold and distant as she wrapped invisible walls around herself.
Aarav didn't move.
"Look at me, Meera." His voice became firm, though there was still concern.
Meera remained silent.Her eyes fixed stubbornly on the floor.
"Meera.Look at me when I'm talking to you." Aarav's voice hardened slightly.
After several seconds...She reluctantly lifted her gaze.
The moment Aarav saw her properly...
She looked devastated.
"Your entire face is red." His voice softened despite himself.
His eyes moved across her face carefully.
"Your eyes are swollen. You've clearly been crying for hours. You also don't mind your mind in the kitchen.." He said.
Meera folded her arms tightly across her chest.
A defensive shield.
"So?People cry, Aarav. It's not exactly a crime." she said bitterly, lifting her chin stubbornly.
Aarav stared at her in disbelief.
"So?That's your answer?" he repeated slowly, frustration beginning to build inside him.
"Yes.That's my answer." Meera laughed humorlessly.
Aarav exhaled heavily.His patience was already thinning.
"Meera. I think something made you off. Now tell me what happened??.." he warned quietly.
"No. Don't dare to do that again." She immediately shook her head.
Aarav frowned.
"Don't do what?" He asked her.
"Don't suddenly pretend you care about me ." Meera answered.
His eyebrows pulled together.
"What does that even mean?" he asked, genuinely confused.
"It means exactly what I said and you don't need to know what happened. You don't have the right to know." Meera's voice cracked slightly as old wounds resurfaced.
Aarav took a step closer.
"I do need to know. Tell me what happened. Did something happen in your college today?" His voice became more serious. "
"No. And even it does . There is nothing to do with you!!" She tried to fight back .
The room filled with tension.Neither looked away.
Finally...
Aarav lost patience.He gently grabbed her shoulders and turned her around.
"Aarav, stop it." Meera struggled immediately, irritation flashing across her face.
Ignoring her protests, he guided her toward the bed.
"Sit down. And stop believing like a child. You are already a grown up woman." His voice carried authority.
"I'm not a child." Meera snapped angrily.
"Then stop acting like one." Aarav shot back, frustration leaking into his voice.
Meera glared at him and then she sat down in front of him.
Aarav remained standing in front of her. Arms crossed. Eyes locked onto hers.
"Enough.Tell me now what happened today." His voice became firm.
Meera laughed. The kind of laugh that came from someone too tired to cry anymore.
"Why?Why do you suddenly start caring after coming here . You never care about those years when i suffer alone." she whispered bitterly.
"Because I'm asking now." Aarav replied.
"That's not the reason." Meera's eyes filled with tears again.
"Meera..iam just asking you something . Can't you tell me that simple thing."Aarav clenched his jaw.
Suddenly she stood.
"No!You don't get to do this! If i don't want to answer then you can't get the answer from me me .." she shouted, years of pain finally spilling out.
Aarav froze.
"Why?" Meera demanded emotionally. Tears streamed down her face.
"Why do you care now? Where were you all these years?"Her voice cracked.
"Where were you when people humiliated me?" she asked painfully.
"Where were you when everyone treated me like I was nothing?"Aarav looked away.
Guilt stabbed through him.
"Meera..." he began quietly.
"No!You don't get to walk into my room and suddenly act like some hero!" she shouted again.
Her breathing became uneven.
"I learned how to survive alone.Do you understand that?I learned how to fix myself alone." Her voice trembled violently.
A tear rolled down her cheek.Another tear followed.
Aarav's chest tightened painfully.
He had no argument.
"You have every right to be angry."His voice became softer than before.
Meera laughed bitterly.
"Wow.How generous of you. I am so surprised!!" Her eyes filled with sarcasm and clapped for him.
Ignoring her sarcasm, Aarav continued.
"I know I wasn't there.And I'll probably regret that for the rest of my life." His gaze dropped briefly. Regret filled his expression.
For a second....
Meera froze.Then the anger returned.
"Regret my foot . I just hate you.I hate all of you.I hate rich people like you, Aarav!!" Her voice grew louder.
Aarav didn't react and he sighed heavily.
"No.You don't mean that.You're just hurt and angry ." He shook his head.
Aarav stared directly into her eyes.
Then suddenly...
A thought crossed Aarav's mind.His eyes narrowed.
"Did Omkar do something in college?" he asked sharply.
Meera froze.The reaction was immediate.
Aarav noticed.And his heart began pounding.
"Did he or his friend , Meera?" His voice turned colder.
Meera slowly looked up.Something strange appeared in her eyes.
"Omkar?" she repeated.
Then laughed.
"Omkar?Why do you hate him so much? "Meera asked quietly.
Aarav felt uneasy
"What?"Aarav stiffened.
"Every time he is with me you get angry and you lose control .." she continued carefully.
"Why? Why you did that.Sometimes...i even think you're exactly like him."She stared directly into his eyes.
Aarav remained silent.
The words hit like a punch.Aarav's eyes darkened instantly.
" Do you know right now...I feel safer with him than with you.." Meera continued softly.
Something snapped inside Aarav. He lost his control and his hand grabbed her face.
His fingers tightened around her cheeks.
"Watch your tongue around me, or I won't hesitate to cut it off .You have absolutely no idea what you're saying." His voice turned frighteningly cold.
Meera winced...But instead of fear...
Anger exploded.She pushed his hand away.
"I'm not scared of you. " she said fiercely.
Aarav stared at her.His breathing grew heavier.
"You should be." He said.
She stepped closer.For the first time in years...She refused to retreat.
"I hate that I love you.I hate that i still want you no matter how much you hurt me..but you are all rascals."Meera's eyes filled with fresh tears.
Aarav froze completely.His entire body went still.
"...Hate me all you want but I still care about you."he said.
Aarav couldn't move.For the first time in his life...He was speechless.