𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟒|𝐏𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫

Saanvi POV -

I sat in my cabin finally able to breathe after hours of  surgeries. My body ached and I barely had time to breathe. I reached for the glass of water on my table when my phone suddenly rang.

I glanced at the screen it flashed "Tanvi ", I

straightened up immediately.

A small smile tugged at my lips. I hadn't spoken to her in 2 weeks.

She must be fuming.

I picked it up and was about to say hello when her voice boomed through the speaker before I could even breathe.

"OH BEHAN KI PAKORI !Where the hell have you been?

You're married now, not missing from the planet.

Do you know how many times I've called you?

Not even one call from your side. And today morning too, where the hell were you?"

I groaned and leaned back against the chair, rubbing my temples. "Will you let me speak?"

" Bhonk", she huffed, and I could imagine her rolling her eyes dramatically.

"I've been with Raj for the last two weeks. He's not letting me go anywhere alone. Even if I want to step outside, he insists on coming along."

Tanvi let out an exaggerated gasp. "Umm umm, Possessive much?"

I chuckled under my breath, "You've no idea. And this morning I was going to call you, but I completely forgot. I swear".

"Mmm-hmm, "she said, her voice laced with mock judgment. "That's what happens when a girl gets married. She forgets all her friends."

I laughed softly. "Maybe"

"By the way"she started, her voice dropping into a teasing tone.

"Hm?"I responded lazily.

There was a beat of silence, and then she asked, a little more seriously this time,

"Is your husband treating you well? I mean, Raj bhai? Is he good to you?"

I paused for a second, looking down at my lap, my fingers grazing the edge of my white coat.

"I used to think I wanted someone to give me roses but instead, I found someone who treats me like rose."

There was a dramatic gasp from the other end.

"OH. MY. GOD. Who even talks like that?

Are you sure Raj Bhai isn't some fictional man from a romance novel?

The bar is so high now.

What the hell.

I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my lips. "I mean he's definitely something else."

And then, as expected, Tanvi's voice took on that suspiciously curious tone I knew all too well.

"Okay but listen have you had sex?"

I nearly choked on air. My eyes widened, and I sat up straight in my chair like someone had just thrown a bucket of ice-cold water on me.

"What the Tanvi" I gasped. "Aaj sabko kya ho gaya hai? Did everyone get a memo to talk about sex with me today?"

There was a pause, and then she said, "Wait what do you mean? Someone else asked you too?

Who was it?

TELL ME."

I groaned, rubbing my forehead and covering my face with my hand. "I swear, you're too much sometimes. I'm trying to have a normal adult day here."

"You love me, behan ki pakori admit it," she teased, and I could hear the laughter in her voice. "Now stop changing the subject.

So? Tell me

Was it awkward, sweet, rough, romantic? I want full details. Was there background music? Did he lift you or push you against the-"

"OH MY GOD, TANVI" I hissed, glancing toward the cabin door to make sure it was shut. "We didn't do it. Yet."

There was a full five seconds of stunned silence.

"WHAT?! You've been married for weeks now! What do you mean yet? Rajveer Bhai looks like he could burn a forest down with just one glare he hasn't even tried"

I rolled my eyes and laughed despite myself. "Tried? Of course, he's tried. and honestly I'm still healing, remember?"

"Oh yeah right. You were hurt." Her voice softened, just a bit. "But seriously, you both need a mini honeymoon or something. I'm already planning your escape route."

"Tanvi, relax," I chuckled. "It's not a race. Raj's been patient. Honestly sometimes he looks at me like I'm made of glass. It's sweet. Intense, but sweet."

"Damn, he really is fictional boyfriend material,"she muttered. "But also, you need to stop looking so kissable. Poor man probably cries in the shower."

I burst out laughing, resting my head against the back of the chair.

She sighed dramatically again. "Okay, fine. I won't press for now. But if nothing happens in the next 72 hours, I'm personally coming over to lock you both in a room with candles, soft music, and maybe a bottle of wine."

"Bye, Tanvi," I said, trying not to laugh as I ended the call, her laughter still ringing in my ears.

And then I glanced at the my phone 6:00 PM. The hospital corridors were slowly quieting down, and I leaned back in my chair, tired from the day's work. My fingers dialed Raj's number almost on reflex.

Once

twice

three times.

No answer.

I stared at the screen, my lips forming into a small angry pout.

Seriously, Raj?

Not even a text back? I crossed my arms, frustration bubbling inside me. I could imagine him, probably in some important meeting, ignoring his phone.

And then, right on cue, a dull ache twisted in my lower belly. I winced slightly and placed a hand over my stomach. Great. Of course, now my stomach wants to join the rebellion.

Wait could it be? My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly got up, walking briskly to the washroom. It might be my period maybe that's why the sudden ache. But after checking, I let out a huge sigh of relief.

"Thank God"I muttered under my breath. Not that.

Still, the pain was lingering. Not unbearable, but enough to make me uncomfortable.

With Raj still unreachable, I gave up and dialed the second-most reliable person Dhruv.

"Dhruv? Can you please come pick me up? Raj isn't answering his phone."

He didn't even ask twice. "On it, Bhabhi. Kiara's with me too. We're nearby."

Ten minutes later, their car pulled up at the hospital entrance, and I carefully made my way to it, trying not to let the ache show on my face.

As I slid into the back seat, Kiara turned around and gave me a look.

"You okay bhabhi ? You look a little pale."

I smiled faintly, brushing it off. "Just a little tired, that's all."

"Or maybe someone's missing their hubby too much," Dhruv teased from the driver's seat.

I rolled my eyes. "No, I'm mad at your brother today. He didn't even pick up my call."

Kiara chuckled softly. "That's rare. Raj Bhai never misses your calls."

"Well, he just did. And I was waiting at the hospital alone for nearly 40 minutes."

The car grew silent for a moment, the road stretching ahead. I leaned back into the seat, rubbing my belly gently. The pain was there, dull but persistent.

"You sure you're okay bhabhi?" Dhruv asked again, concern now replacing his teasing tone.

"Yeah I think so. Maybe I just need to eat and rest. But thanks for coming, both of you."

Kiara reached over and gently squeezed my hand. "Always."

I closed my eyes briefly, trying to breathe through the discomfort. By the time we reached home, the ache in my belly had dulled, but not disappeared. It was like this quiet throbbing, lingering low and strange not like my usual period cramps, and definitely not from being on my feet all day at the hospital.

Kiara and Dhruv parked the car in the driveway and immediately helped me out. I insisted I was fine, but Kiara still held onto my arm like I was a weak vase.

"Stop treating me like I'll shatter any second kia," I muttered, half-amused, half-tired.

"You looked like a literal ghost in the car. I'm not taking chances bhabhi," she replied, guiding me toward the entrance.

The living room was warm . My mother-in-law was giving instructions to the servants, and my chachi was sitting with a basket of flowers, preparing them for the evening prayer. I offered them both a weak smile and slipped past.

But my heart?

It was restless. Where was Rajveer?

He hadn't picked up my calls, and now he wasn't even home. He hadn't called back, hadn't messaged. Not even a simple "I'm in a meeting."

It wasn't like him.

As I reached my room and finally lay down, my fingers instinctively reached for my phone again.

No missed calls.

No texts.

Nothing.

I lay back on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, one hand still pressed lightly against my belly. The pain had gotten worse cramping, and stubborn. I sighed, letting out a frustrated breath as I shifted slightly, but it only made my legs ache more.

"Uff ," I muttered under my breath. Why does this feel like someone's twisting my insides with a fork?

Wearing a saree suddenly felt like torture too much. I pushed myself up slowly, groaning as the pain shot down my legs and lower back. I needed to change into something comfortable.

Dragging my feet to the washroom, I was just about to undrape the saree when I caught a glimpse of the red stain spreading across the fabric.

Wow.

Perfect timing.

Just perfect.

I rolled my eyes, now understanding the reason behind the pain. Of course, it had to be my period. I muttered a sarcastic "thank you" to the universe.

Without wasting another second, I peeled the saree off and threw the stained fabric straight into the laundry basket . My movements were slow, almost robotic, as I slipped into a loose cotton kurta and pajama.

I splashed some water on my face, patted it dry with a towel, and stared at myself in the mirror for a second. I looked drained. And no wonder I had surgeries all day, barely ate, and now this. My uterus clearly had a vendetta.

I stepped out of the washroom and walked over to the bed, collapsing onto the mattress like my body had been begging for it all day.

The second my back hit the pillow, I let out a groan.

"This pain ," I whispered, curling into a slight fetal position, my hand still resting protectively over my stomach.

I wanted to call Raj, to tell him how horrible I was feeling but some stubborn part of me was still annoyed he hadn't picked up earlier. So I didn't. Instead, I closed my eyes and let the dull throb of the cramps take over, hoping sleep might numb it for a while.

_____🦋

Rajveer Pov ~

I stepped into the mansion, My tie was loose, my hair a mess from running my hands through it too many times during meetings and my phone God, I hadn't checked it since afternoon. As I pulled it from my pocket, the screen lit up with notifications.

15 missed calls.

30 messages.

All from her.

I groaned, dragging a tired hand over my face. "I'm dead," I muttered to myself.

And then the messages hit me like bullets

"Raj, where the hell are you?"

"I called you so many times"

"Do I have to hire a detective to find my husband now?"

"Forget sleeping next to me tonight. Sofa looks comfortable, doesn't it?"

And then the last one the deadliest of all

"You promised to pick me up in the evening. Don't show your face unless it comes with an apology and food."

I swallowed hard, shoving the phone into my pocket again like hiding it would erase my sins.

As I stepped inside, the familiar scent of dinner hit me but it brought no comfort.

Kiara was seated on the couch, laptop balanced on her legs like always, casually sipping tea. She didn't even look up before she said, "Bhai, Bhabhi was going to murder you today. Honestly, I told her to aim for the leg so you can still crawl to your meetings."

Dhruv was leaning against the wall nearby, arms crossed, wearing a smirk that was just begging to be wiped off.

"Enjoy your last few minutes, Bhai," he added.

I shot them both the deadliest glare I could muster. The same one that made grown men flinch in boardrooms and enemies tremble in courtrooms. They both immediately straightened up, lips zipped.

Because the storm waiting upstairs wasn't going to be easy to survive.

I loosened the cuffs of my shirt, took a deep breath, and started walking toward our room.

"Rajveer, you better be ready for war," I mumbled under my breath.

I pushed open the bedroom door slowly, half-expecting a flying pillow or her icy glare to greet me.

But the room was too quiet .

I stepped in, eyes darting toward the dressing table empty. Not even the sound of bangles clinking or her anklets jingling.

My heartbeat picked up.

Where is she?

And then, I turned fully and my eyes landed on the bed.

There she was. My jaan. Curled up slightly, one hand resting protectively over her belly, the other tucked under her cheek. Her brows were slightly furrowed in discomfort even in her sleep. A soft sigh left her lips and my heart squeezed.

Damn it, Rajveer.

I stepped closer and whispered under my breath, guilt wrapping around me like a noose. "Sorry baby I'm so sorry. But I swear, now I'll make it up to you."

Trying not to wake her, I quietly slipped into the washroom to freshen up. My hands unbuttoned my shirt almost on autopilot until my gaze fell on something that made me freeze.

Her saree.

Red-stained.

The realization hit me like a punch in the gut.

She was on her period and I wasn't there.

No wonder she looked pale and exhausted, her body curled like she was trying to ease the cramps. And here I was, caught up in meetings, ignoring her calls like a damn idiot.

My jaw clenched.

I didn't waste a second after that. I took the quickest shower of my life and threw on a casual t-shirt and track pants. Without even drying my hair properly, I dashed downstairs with one mission in mind.

Take care of my wife like she deserves.

I rummaged through the kitchen cabinets and fridge, pulling out all her comfort things dark chocolate, her favorite chamomile tea, a hot water bag, a soft towel. I even made a quick call to the in-house maid to bring her sanitary pads if she needed extra.

With everything gathered in my hands her favorite chocolate bar, the hot water bag warm and ready, a fresh pad just in case, and that cup of chamomile tea. I climbed the stairs two at a time.

I entered the room slowly, careful not to startle her. She hadn't moved from where she was still lying on her side, clutching her belly. Her hair was a little messy, and I could tell she'd been tossing and turning in pain before finally giving in to sleep.

I placed everything gently on the side table and sat down on the edge of the bed, watching her for a second.

"Jaan" I whispered, brushing a loose strand of hair from her forehead.

She stirred, blinking her eyes open groggily. The moment she saw me, she frowned and turned her face away with a pout. "Now you remember you have a wife?"

God, that tone soft but disappointed was enough to break me.

I leaned closer and placed a soft kiss on her shoulder. "I'm so sorry. I saw your missed calls too late. Meetings ran over time, and I-"

"I was in pain, Raj,"she interrupted, her voice small and tired.

"I know, baby... I saw the saree." My hand gently moved to her waist, my thumb stroking in slow circles. "I should've been here with you. From now on, I will be."

She didn't say anything for a moment, just stared at the ceiling, her face still holding that quiet anger.

"Here," I whispered, picking up the hot water bag. "Lift your kurti a little, let me place this on your tummy."

She hesitated, then did as I asked. I carefully placed the warm bag against her belly, watching her flinch slightly before her body relaxed into it.

"Better?" I asked.

She nodded faintly.

I reached for the chocolate next and broke off a piece, holding it near her lips. "I know you didn't eat properly either."

She opened her mouth, accepting the chocolate without looking at me.

I smiled a little. "You'll forgive me soon, right?"

Still no answer.

I brought the tea next, gently blowing over the rim before offering it to her. "One sip? For me?"

She finally looked at me, her lips twitching. "You're lucky you're cute, Mr. Rajawat."

I laughed softly. "You married me, jaan. I must be more than just cute."

And finally, she smiled small, tired, but real. That was all I needed.

I climbed into bed beside her, letting her rest her head against my chest. My arm wrapped around her, and my other hand kept the hot bag in place.

She whispered, "You really brought a pad?"

I chuckled. "Of course I did. I Googled which ones to bring."

She let out a laugh, muffled into my shirt. "You're such a dramatic idiot."

"Your dramatic idiot,"I corrected, kissing her forehead. "I will Forever pamper you sweetheart."

She was curled into me now, her cheek against my chest, one leg lazily flung over mine, the hot bag tucked between us still doing its work.

I gently brushed my fingers through her hair, letting her tangle them up in her half-sleep state like she always did.

She mumbled something.

"Hmm?" I tilted my head a bit to catch her words.

"You really brought everything?"

I smiled. "Everything a husband should bring and more. You name it I'd bring you the moon if it would make that pain stop."

She looked up at me then, her eyes glossy, a little guilty. "Sorry for being so moody..."

I placed my finger on her lips. "Shhh. Don't ever apologize for that. It's not moodiness, it's you surviving something painful every month. And still looking like a damn goddess while doing it."

She laughed softly, burying her face in my neck. "You sound like those dreamy guys from romance novels.

I chuckled. "Maybe I'm trying to be the man your hormones are craving."

"Raj," she whispered seriously after a moment. "What if you hadn't come tonight?

What if I had to go through it all alone?"

I pulled her tighter. "That will never happen. I might mess up, I might be late, but I'll always come back to you. No matter what. You come first always."

There was silence for a beat. Then she said the words that always turned me into absolute mush.

"I'm glad it's you. Even when you annoy me, even when you forget to check your phone it's always you for me."

I kissed the top of her head, my throat tightening. "And you're mine, jaan.

I stayed there, holding her through the pain, through the cramps, through her exhaustion until her body relaxed completely and I knew she had drifted into sleep.

And even then, I didn't move.

__🦋

Author Pov ~

The room was soaked in light from the bedside lamp, casting a soft glow across the bed where she lay curled up, wrapped in his arms. Rajveer sat quietly beside her, his fingers gently combing through her hair as she slept peacefully against his chest .

But then, the peace was broken by a sharp buzz.

His phone vibrated on the nightstand, its light flashing in the semi-darkness. Without disturbing her, Rajveer leaned over and answered it, his voice dropping into that cold, commanding tone he reserved for business.

"I'm coming next week."

"Everything is going well," he said curtly before ending the call, sliding the phone back into its place.

The moment the call ended, a soft grumble came from saanvi in his arms. She stirred, blinking drowsily, her voice heavy with sleep and slightly annoyed.

"Damn it that call woke me up," she mumbled, rubbing her cheek against his chest before wrapping both her arms around his neck and tugging him closer. "Raj"

He glanced down at her and smiled, brushing her hair back. "Hmm? Bolo, jaan."

She blinked slowly, her lashes fluttering, before she whispered, "Kuch meetha khana hai mujhe"

That cute pout formed on her lips, the same one that always melted him no matter how serious he was a moment ago.

He chuckled, dipping his head to peck her soft pout with his lips. "Kya khana hai meethe mein meri jaan ko?"

She blushed instantly, burying her face in his neck like a child caught stealing chocolates. Her shyness was adorable, especially at this hour when her sleepy innocence made her look ten times cuter.

"Hmm maybe chocolate," she whispered, her voice barely audible against his skin.

Chocolate abhi le aata hoon," he smirked, slipping out of bed with a groan, but not before placing a kiss on her forehead. Bas ek minute, sweetheart.

Don't fall asleep again, okay?"

She nodded, eyes half-lidded, watching him disappear out of the room.

And as he walked down to the kitchen at 10:30 in the night, barefoot, shirtless, hair a little messy, searching through the fridge for anything sweet he didn't feel like the CEO of Rajawat Enterprises, or the mafia boss that others feared.

No.

Rajveer was simply a husband trying to find dessert for the woman he loved more than life itself.

He returned to the room with his hands full of fancy dark chocolates. As soon as he entered and placed them gently on the bedside table, her face scrunched up in visible disapproval. Her nose twitched, her lips curled into a dramatic frown, and she crossed her arms over her chest like a sulking child.

"I don't want to eat this," she said, pouting harder than before.

Rajveer blinked once, then again, and sighed inwardly. Of course, he thought. It wasn't just chocolate she wanted it was the right thing, the exact thing her mood swings demanded.

And she was on her periods. Mood swings were as unpredictable .

Placing the chocolates aside, he leaned down beside her, brushing her hair behind her ear.

"Okay then, what does my sweetheart want?" he asked, his tone gentle, almost amused.

She turned toward him slightly as she mumbled, "Ice cream. Mango flavor."

His brows lifted slightly. "Mango icecream ? At this hour?"

He looked at the clock it was well past 10:30 PM. Jaan, it's night. You might fall sick...

But she had already turned her face away from him, her back to him now, arms still folded.

Rajveer stood there for a second, watching her dramatic little tantrum unfold, and despite everything, a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. No matter how fierce he was outside these walls, no matter how powerful, one little pout from her turned him into a man ready to conquer a battlefield of ice cream.

Without saying another word, he turned and walked out of the room. His footsteps echoed softly down the staircase as he made his way to the kitchen. Opening the freezer, he scanned through containers until he found it the mango-flavored ice cream.

He grabbed it immediately, along with a couple of spoons, and made his way back upstairs.

Rajveer returned to the room with one hand holding the bo of mango ice cream and the other balancing two spoons. As he nudged the door open with his elbow.

He didn't say anything at first.

Instead, he walked over quietly and sat beside her, placing the cold bowl gently on her lap. She turned, slowly and the moment her eyes landed on the icecream .

"You didn't even get mad when I asked for ice cream instead of the chocolate," she said, holding the mango ice cream in her hands.

He sat beside her, kissed her cheek softly, and replied, "I've got a thousand reasons to be mad at you, jaan but dealing with your mood swings isn't one of them."

As they finished the last few bites of ice cream, Saanvi placed the empty tub on the nightstand and snuggled deeper into Rajveer's arms. He adjusted the blanket over both of them, gently rubbing her back in slow, calming .

Her breathing slowly evened out, soft and steady against his chest, and soon, his own eyes began to close. they both drifted off to sleep.

____🦋

Next morning

Rajveer Pov :

I had taken the day off from work cancelled meetings, all because my jaan wasn't feeling well. Period cramps were cruel, and there was no way I was going to leave her.

I had just stepped into the corridor, phone pressed to my ear while I spoke to Abhimaan about some updates .

"I'll send you the documents by evening," I said, adjusting the tone of my voice as I kept my eyes on the hallway.

That's when I saw her.

Saanvi my gorgeous wife was running after Kiara looked like she was trying to save her life, laughing nervously and darting around corners before finally hiding behind me.

"Raj, move aside" Saanvi said, breathless, her eyes narrowed .

I blinked at her, confused but intrigued. "What's going on?"

Kiara popped her head out from behind my shoulder and quickly said, "Bhai, don't move. If you move, bhabhi will kill me."

Saanvi crossed her arms, glaring at both of us. "Is it true, Raj?"

"What?" I asked, completely lost.

"Tell him, Kiara" she ordered, eyes blazing.

As I was about to speak, Kiara beat me to it. "Bhai, I told bhabhi you were flirting with the new intern at your office. You know that girl who wears red lipstick and keeps adjusting her saree like she's in a movie."

I stared at her in disbelief. "What? Kiara"

But the damage was already done.

Saanvi's nostrils flared, her lips pursed, and I swear if looks could kill, I'd be buried six feet under.

Kiara slipped away quickly, saying with a victorious grin, "All the best, bhai. Bhabhi is not going to talk to you for at least a day. Revenge taken".

And she disappeared around the corner.

I turned back to Saanvi and raised my hands. "Sweetheart, listen to me-"

"Listen? Oh, now you want me to listen? Maybe you should go tell her whatever you wanted to say" she snapped.

I took a step forward, trying to calm the storm. "Calm down, sweetheart. I don't wanna fight with you."

Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "So, you want to fight with another woman, huh?"

I sighed, but a small smile tugged at my lips. She was fiery, even when in pain. "No, I want to spend my day cuddling with my woman, giving her a massage, feeding her chocolate, and watching her favorite series while keeping a hot water bag on her stomach."

That caught her off guard.

Her brows furrowed. "You're not off the hook."

"I know," I said gently, stepping closer. "But at least let me plead my case while rubbing your back."

She stared at me, then rolled her eyes and turned to walk away.

The second I stepped into the room, her back was to me. She was standing by the dresser, brushing her hair, every stroke a little more aggressive than the last. I knew I was doomed the moment I opened the door.

"Jaan ," I said softly, walking in like I was entering a war zone.

She didn't even look at me. Just kept brushing.

I tried again, a little closer this time, "Sweetheart"

"Don't call me sweetheart " she snapped, spinning around with fire in her eyes. "I'm not talking to you."

I opened my mouth, but she raised a hand.

"No. Nothing . I don't want to hear your 'jaan' or your 'baby' You're officially in time-out, Mr. Rajveer Singh Rajawat."

I held back a laugh at how cute she looked when she was mad. "Okay, I deserve that. But Kiara was joking, and you believed her without-"

"Without what? Proof?" she scoffed. "You should be thankful I'm not throwing your clothes out of the balcony."

I took a slow step toward her. "So you're not entirely against the idea of resolution?

She narrowed her eyes. "Till I forgive you which may take days, by the way you're sleeping on the couch. And don't you dare try sneaking into the bed at night, Raj. I will push you down like in those soap operas."

I raised both hands in surrender. "Alright, couch it is. But I'm telling you, you'll miss me."

"I'll sleep like a baby then," she said, turning around and flipping her hair dramatically.

I walked over to the couch with sadness, plopping down on it like a defeated man. "This couch doesn't even love me back."

"Good. Now you know how betrayal feels," she mumbled under her breath and went to washroom.

I scoffed under my breath, careful not to let her hear it."

She and her periods".

I sat up slowly, then-

An idea sparked in my mind. A stupid, brilliant idea.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a real, live cockroach crawling beside the bed.

Most people would scream.

Me? I grinned like the devil.

"Oh my jaan,"I whispered, scooping it up with a tissue, "now you have to come into my arms."

I placed it delicately on the edge of the bed, exactly where she'd walk by to grab her phone. The perfect trap. A harmless scare, a dramatic scream, and then BAM she'd leap into my embrace, and her anger would vanish into thin air.

Genius, right?

Wrong.

And then the door creaked open just a bit and she emerged like a storm cloud in the shape of my wife.

I didn't move.

I didn't breathe.

I didn't dare blink.

Because I knew one wrong move and she'd slice my ego into thin strips of regret. She passed by me without a word.

She looked straight at me.

"Phone. On the bed."

I crossed my arms, leaning against the wall. "Then go get it."

She narrowed her eyes, giving me that deadly glare. But my inner devil whispered She's gonna scream and jump into your arms. Just wait for it, Raj.

And then, she walked over.

I stood there, arms still folded, barely hiding the grin threatening to explode on my face. But just as her hand reached out to grab the phone

And then she saw the cockroach.

She paused.

Looked at the insect.

Then picked it up.

With her bare freakin' hands.

My smirk froze on my face.

She walked toward me, slowly, like in a horror movie.

My body stiffened.

She stopped in front of me, held out the cockroach like an offering, and said, with the straightest face ever.

"Keep your family members to yourself, Mr. Rajawat."

I blinked. "What the-?"

She placed it on my hand, patted my cheek, and turned around. I yelped, threw the cockroach away.

"What the hell," I cried.

She didn't turn back. "You thought I'd scream? Forget I'm a cardiologist?"

Oh.

Right.

I groaned and slumped back down.

She and her medical degree.

And I mumbled under my breath like a man preparing for vengeance, "Once these periods are over I swear, I'm taking my revenge. My way. She'll regret ever giving me that look."

A small smirk tugged at my lips as I imagined it her pinned beneath me, trying to talk back but breathless, me reminding her exactly who she married.

But for now?

Yeah.

I shut my mouth.

Because one thing I've learned over time You don't mess with a woman on her period unless you have a death wish.

But soon

Very soon

She'll be the one speechless. And I'll make damn sure she never forgets what happens when you push Rajveer Singh Rajawat too far.

"Jaan , I'm sorry, okay?" I said, rising from the couch and following her. "I didn't mean to make you mad. I was just trying to lighten the mood. But I get it my attempts were ridiculous."

She didn't turn around, but I could see her shoulders relax slightly. She wasn't entirely cold anymore, but she wasn't exactly warm either.

"I get that you were trying to fix things, Raj. But sometimes, you need to realize that I'm not your damn pet that you can scare with cockroaches." She said ."I'm not in the mood for jokes right now."

I winced. She was still upset, but at least she was being honest.

That was something, right?

"I know. And I won't pull any more stunts like that." I took a step closer.

"But can I make it up to you?"I asked, my voice a little softer this time.

She raised an eyebrow, folding her arms across her chest ,"How?"

I didn't say a word.

Instead, I walked over to the cupboard in the corner of the room and pulled it open. Saanvi leaned forward and then her eyes widened.

"I never saw that in our cupboard" she said, pointing at the guitar I carefully pulled out.

I simply gave her a sly grin and didn't answer. Let her be surprised for a while. Sometimes mystery was necessary for survival especially when your wife was already plotting your murder in her head.

Without another word, I moved to sit across from her on the sofa. She was perched on the edge of the bed now, watching me with interest. I strummed the strings lightly, checking the tune.

Her mouth parted slightly in surprise.

And then I began to play, my fingers moving instinctively across the strings. The familiar melody filled the room, and I saw her posture soften instantly.

I looked into her eyes as I sang, voice low and a little shaky at first, but steadying as I saw the way she was watching me.

"Na ho tu udas tere pass... pass"

Mein rahunga zindagi bhar

Her lips quivered, almost like she was trying not to smile. Her eyes, that had been throwing daggers at me just ten minutes ago, now looked gentle.

Soft.

I continued, pouring every ounce of apology and love I had into the music

"Sare sansar ka pyaar, Maine tujhi mei paya ...

She blinked rapidly, as if trying to hide the emotions welling up inside her.

My heart thudded in my chest. This wasn't just a performance. This was me telling her everything I couldn't put into words.

That I was sorry.

That I loved her.

That she was my fucking world.

" Tu mile dil khile , or jeene ko kya chaiye ha tu mile dil khile"

When I finished the last chord, silence settled in the room, thick and heavy, but somehow sweet.

Saanvi didn't say anything at first. She just sat there, staring at me like she was seeing a new side of me for the very first time.

Finally, she whispered, her voice thick with emotion, "You really sang for me."

I set the guitar down gently beside me. "I'll sing for you every day if that's what it takes to see you smile again."

She didn't move for a second. And then, slowly, she got up and crossed the room toward me. I thought she might slap me out of habit considering our earlier banter but instead, she just knelt down in front of me, placed her head softly on my knee closed her eyes.

As soon as I felt the weight of her head gently resting on my knee, my heart clenched. My sweet, stubborn wife she didn't need to kneel in front of anyone, not even me.

Without thinking twice, I immediately placed the guitar aside, slipped my arms under her, and stood up, lifting her effortlessly into my arms.

Startled, her eyes flew open as she clutched onto me, her soft palms pressing against my chest.

"Raj," she whispered.

I stared into her innocent eyes, feeling an rush of emotions flood through me. Tightening my grip around her waist, I leaned down, pressing my forehead against hers.

"Never kneel in front of me ever again, jaan," I said, my voice deep and rough with emotion.

"You don't bow to anyone. You own my heart and that's where you'll always stand right beside me, not beneath."

Her cheeks flushed a soft shade of pink, and she bit her lower lip to hide her shy smile.

God, she looked so adorable.

"You say such big things, Mr. Rajawat," she murmured, trying to tease me, but her voice betrayed the lump in her throat.

"I mean every word," I said seriously, brushing my nose against hers.

Still holding her close, I walked toward the bed and gently laid her down not to hurt her, remembering she wasn't feeling well. She clutched onto my shirt when I tried to pull away, refusing to let go.

"Stay," she whispered.

A small smile curved my lips.

How could I ever deny her?

I kicked off my shoes and lay down beside her, pulling her into my arms. She snuggled into my chest, her fingers curling into the fabric of my shirt. For a while, we didn't say anything. Just the sound of our breathing. I stroked her hair gently, placing a soft kiss on the crown of her head.

"I love you, jaan," I murmured against her hair.

She didn't reply immediately, but I felt the way her fingers tightened around me, her body melting even closer against mine.

After a moment, she tilted her head up slightly or whispered, "I love you too, Raj."

Without saying another word, I leaned down, closing the gap between us, and kissed her.

My lips pressed against hers intense, as if I wanted to take her breath away. My hands moved to her face, holding her cheeks, pulling her closer.

She responded right away, as if she had been waiting for me to make the first move. Her hands grabbed my shirt, her fingers pressing into the fabric as she kissed me back with the same intensity. 

I couldn't stop myself. My mouth moved from hers to her lower lip, where I bit down gently. She gasped, and I took the chance to deepen the kiss, gently urging her to open up and fully let me in.

Her fingers ran through my hair, pulling me closer, I leaned back a little, my lips still touching hers, just enough to catch my breath. I looked into her eyes , Her cheeks were red, her lips slightly swollen from kiss.

"Are you mad at me?" I whispered, my voice thick, my hand resting on her waist.

She looked at me for a moment.

"Not anymore," she whispered back, pulling me back in for another kiss. She pulled away, just enough to look at me, a soft smile playing on her lips.

"Now, you've made it up to me," she said, her voice low, teasing. "But you're going to have to work a little next time Mr Akdu."

I laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll take that as a challenge, sweetheart."

She kissed me again, this time gentler, and I knew I had won her back.

____🦋🦋🦋