The rainy season had arrived, and heavy rain was pouring outside. Raindrops splattered against the glass windows, tracing tiny rivers as they slid down the panes, mirroring the storm raging inside their hearts. Jay stepped out of the washroom and went into the closet attached to it. After changing his clothes, he returned and approached Shivani, whose eyes seemed distant, lost in a sea of unspoken thoughts.
"Shivani Ji, I've kept your clothes in the closet. You can freshen up and change," he said gently, his voice softer than usual, almost as if afraid of shattering the fragile silence that hung between them.
Shivani nodded, her movements delicate and hesitant. She got up from the bed, lifting her lehenga slightly, and walked towards the washroom. Her steps were slow, almost reluctant, as if each step carried the weight of a thousand memories. A few moments later, she emerged from the washroom, droplets of water still clinging to her hair, and headed to the closet.
Time passed, but Shivani did not come out. Jay grew anxious, his mind swirling with thoughts of her fragility, the sadness she carried like an invisible veil. He walked quickly towards the closet door, ready to knock, but then he noticed it was slightly open. His heartbeat quickened, and without hesitation, Jay stepped inside.
Inside, Shivani was struggling to remove the blouse of her lehenga, her back facing Jay. She hadn't noticed him entering. Her hands shook slightly as she fumbled with the hooks, her arms straining as she reached back repeatedly. Shivani continued her attempts, but the effort caused sharp pain in her arms, and she let out a soft gasp, a whisper of agony that barely escaped her lips. Jay's chest tightened at the sound.
Without thinking, Jay approached her, his footsteps light and careful. "Would you like me to help you change?" he asked softly, his voice laced with tenderness and concern.
Startled by his voice, Shivani turned around abruptly, finding Jay standing right behind her, his eyes soft and filled with genuine worry. She was dressed only in her lehenga and blouse, her cheeks flushing with sudden embarrassment. Quickly, she pulled her dupatta over her head and lowered her gaze, her hands trembling slightly.
"Sir! How did you..." she began, her voice trembling like the rain tapping against the windows.
Understanding her hesitation, Jay smiled gently, his eyes never leaving her face. "Don't worry, I won't look." His words were a promise wrapped in kindness. Saying this, he grabbed a black cloth from the closet and tied it over his eyes. His hands moved gracefully, searching for her clothes as if guided by instinct.
As he did, Jay suddenly felt something warm and wet drip onto his hand. His heart skipped a beat—was she bleeding? Worry flickered across his face, and without thinking, he quickly removed the blindfold, turning to look at her. What he saw stole the breath from his lungs.
Shivani stood there, dressed only in a two-piece, her slender frame trembling slightly, and her eyes glistening with tears. At that moment, a bolt of lightning flashed outside, casting fleeting shadows across her face, amplifying the fragility she tried so hard to hide. She looked so delicate, like she might shatter with just a whisper. Before he could process it, she rushed towards him, clutching his chest tightly. Her body shook with fear, and Jay instinctively wrapped his arms around her, shielding her from everything that might harm her.
His hand gently stroked her back, his touch warm and protective. "Shh... it's okay. Nothing will happen. I'm here," he whispered, his voice a soft caress against her fear.
As he comforted her, his hands moved slowly, tracing delicate lines across her back, feeling the rhythm of her heartbeat against his chest. Her breaths came out shaky, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she held on tighter, as if letting go would mean losing everything. His heart pounded, each beat echoing with unspoken promises.
Suddenly, Jay pulled away slightly, wiping her tears with his thumbs, his hands cradling her face as if she were the most precious thing he had ever held. "Shivani, look at me. Don't be afraid. I'm here," he assured her softly.
Her eyes met his, and for a long moment, they were lost in each other's gaze. The storm outside raged on, but inside, time stood still. Jay's eyes drifted to her lips, red and trembling slightly. His breath hitched. A surge of emotion washed over him, raw and powerful. Without thinking, he cupped her face in his hands and leaned closer. His lips brushed hers softly at first, then more deeply, capturing the longing and pain that had simmered for so long. Shivani did not resist; instead, she responded, melting into the moment as if it were the only truth she had ever known.
Jay's kisses trailed down her neck, to her collarbone, and then to her back. His fingers traced gentle patterns across her skin, leaving trails of warmth wherever they touched. His desires grew stronger, pulling him deeper into her embrace. Just as he was about to take the next step, a child's cry echoed from the bedroom door.
Reality crashed back in an instant. Jay and Shivani sprang apart, both flustered and avoiding each other's eyes. The moment hung between them, delicate and unspoken. Jay quickly moved to the closet, pulled out a blue nightgown, and helped Shivani slip it on carefully, his hands gentle and respectful. He then wiped away the smudged lipstick from her lips and his own, ensuring everything appeared normal.
When Jay opened the door, Aditya ran in, crying, and clutched Shivani's waist tightly. The innocence of his tears melted away the tension. Shivani knelt down, gently wiping his tears. "What happened, dear? Why are you crying? Are you hungry?" she asked softly.
Aditya sniffled and shook his head. "No, Aunty already fed me. I'm not hungry."
"Then why are you crying?" Shivani asked again, concern etched on her face.
Tears rolled down Aditya's cheeks as he replied, "Because... I miss my mom."
Hearing this, Shivani's eyes welled up with tears, and she immediately pulled him into a tight hug. The sight filled Jay with guilt, and his eyes misted as well.
At that moment, Divya Ji walked in, her face apologetic. "I'm so sorry, Jay. I didn't mean to—" she began.
Jay shook his head. "There's nothing to be sorry for, Maasi," he said firmly.
Divya Ji looked at them, her eyes softening. "I'm sorry, dear. Today was supposed to be your first night, and because of me, you both couldn't even share that special moment..."
To be continued....