RUDRAKSH
I blink open my eyes and wonder what woke me up. The sound of soft sobbing pulls me from sleep. I reach out instinctively for Shivani, but the space beside me is empty. My heart lurches as I see light spilling in from the balcony. I get up quickly, hastily, as I walk towards it. Worry churns my stomach. What is it that woke her up in the middle of the night?
There she is—wrapped in a blanket, her shoulders trembling as she cries. My chest tightens at the sight. She looks small and fragile. Her hair is a mess, tumbling around her face, hiding tear-streaked cheeks. I rush to her side, my steps padding against the floor.
“Hey, what happened, darling? Why are you crying?” I turn her gently to face me, and what greets me is her red face and eyes full of tears.
She looks up, managing a weak smile. Tears shine in her eyes as she looks at me, her eyes full of worry. “I’m sorry. Did I wake you?” she asks softly, her words cracking as she looks at me.
She’s been crying out here, in the cold, for who knows how long—and she’s worried about my sleep.
“I don’t care about my sleep,” I tell her firmly, pulling her into my arms and wrapping the blanket tighter around her.
“You matter more.”
She shivers slightly against me, her body still trembling as she clings to me. I can't bear seeing her like this—so upset, so broken.
“What’s wrong, baby? Tell me,” I murmur, brushing her hair back from her face, urging her to tell me, What is it that made her cry?
“It’s nothing. Really?” she replies, biting her lip. She’s clearly trying to downplay it, hesitant about the situation, but I need to know—for her sake and mine. For the sake of my sanity.
“Come on, let’s go inside. Are you cold?” I tighten the blanket around her, and she shakes her head positively.
I guide her back to the bedroom, slowly, closing the balcony door behind us. Carefully, I make her sit on the bed and take her hand in mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
“Okay. Now, tell me what’s going on in that beautiful head of yours.” She looks down and twists the wedding ring; my hands curl around her hand, and I trace random patterns on the back of her palm to calm her down.
She stays quiet for a moment before whispering, “I just got my period.”
I freeze for a second. Panic sets in. Then comes the train of questions, one by one.
“Are you in pain? Is it cramps? Or hormonal stuff? Whatever it is, we’ll deal with it.” She places a finger on my lips,cutting me off, then giggles. Her eyes glinting with a smile as she stares at me.
“You’re cute,” she says, eyes twinkling through the tears, and I don’t know how to react to that.
Heat creeps up my neck, and red covers me; she notices it. The absolute effect she has on me. Her eyes widen as she gasps, covering her face with her palms, “Are you blushing, Mr. Malhotra?”
When I don’t answer, she tugs playfully at my cheek. “You really are very cute,” she says again, grinning. A whole wide grin.
I’m stunned. No one’s ever had this effect on me. “I... I’m not blushing,” I deny, my words coming out hoarse.
She just shakes her head, clearly enjoying this. Then, out of nowhere, she wraps her arms around my torso in a tight hug. Okay—mood swings? Hormones? Whatever it is, I’m not complaining.
“Why were you crying, darling?” I ask, holding her close, giving her a tight but gentle squeeze.
She sighs, her head against my cheek. “I was craving paneer tikka.”
I blink, my arms freezing around her curves. “Wait... you were crying because you were craving paneer tikka?”
She nods solemnly, still leaning on my chest. “Yeah. I really wanted some.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “You could’ve just woken me up. I’d have made it for you.”
Her head jerks up, eyes wide, like I said something absurd. “You cook?” she asks, disbelief clearly plastered all over her face.
“I’m a good cook, Shivani. I can prove it.” I wink at her, my lips crooking into a wide smile. Before she can respond, I stand and pull her up with me, our fingers laced.
“Rudraksh, it’s okay. I can eat it tomorrow. Let’s sleep,” she tries to protest. But I lean in, stopping just where our noses touch. Her eyes flutter shut.
