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.”
