Twisted Hearts – Chapter 13

A month passed, yet nothing truly changed between them. Aditya had begun working from home on alternate days and life settled into a quiet rhythm. They spent time together in simple, comfortable ways, watching movies, going out for shopping or taking evening walks in the nearby park. There was laughter, companionship and an ease that came from years of friendship. Yet, beneath it all, something remained unspoken and untouched.

Aditya maintained a careful distance, never cold, never distant but always restrained. Pallavi noticed it at times, but she chose patience over questions.

One Sunday, they decided to go out for a movie.

Pallavi was excited, almost like a child experiencing something for the first time. As they made their way to the theatre, she spoke nonstop and her voice was filled with enthusiasm.

“Aadhi, it’s been so long since I watched a movie in a theatre. Infact this is our first movie after our wedding, everything feels so different and special,” she said, her eyes sparkling and Aditya smiled at her excitement. He was happy to be able to give her the least happiness she deserved.

Inside the dimly lit theatre, as they settled into their seats, Pallavi instinctively reached for his hand and intertwined their fingers. It was a simple gesture, natural and affectionate but for Aditya, it wasn’t simple. His breathe hitched feeling the warmth of her palm.

His attention drifted away from the screen almost immediately. Instead, his gaze fell on their joined hands. Her fingers fit so perfectly between his and he swallowed hard. His mind and heart seemed to be locked in a silent battle.

He shifted slightly in his seat, but didn’t pull his hand away.

Pallavi, unaware of the storm within him, leaned a little closer, still watching the screen. Occasionally she whispered her reactions, laughed softly and gasped at scenes, completely immersed in the moment.

Aditya, however, remained trapped in his thoughts. Every slight movement of her fingers sent an unfamiliar tension through him. He could feel her presence more acutely than ever, the warmth of her hand, the closeness of her shoulder, the soft brush of her arm against his.

He clenched his jaw slightly and forced himself to stay still.

” Why does this feel so overwhelming? “, his heart whispered and he closed his eyes for a brief second and took a slow breath, trying to steady himself.

Beside him, Pallavi tightened her grip unconsciously, as if grounding herself in his presence.

As the movie ended, they arrived at a bike showroom where Aditya had booked a new bike for their use in Delhi. He completed the paperwork and asked the manager to hand over the keys to Pallavi.

Pallavi took the key and immediately placed it in Aditya’s palm.

“Best wishes to us, Aadhi. May our life be filled with more love and success.” she said with a bright smile.

Aditya started the bike and Pallavi happily climbed on behind him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and through the rearview mirror, he caught sight of her glowing face.

She looked genuinely happy. His gaze dropped briefly to her hands around his waist before he drove them to a nearby temple for the pooja of their new bike. After offering prayers, Aditya took her to a restaurant.

“So… do you like our new bike?” he asked, sitting comfortably beside her with his arm resting along the back of the sofa.

“I love our new bike. But it’s you who make the ride special. This isn’t the first time we have been riding a bike together but today felt different. Every ride from now on will feel special.” Pallavi replied softly, holding his hand.

“I used to dream about sitting behind you and hugging you while you drive. Today that dream came true and from now on, I’m going to hug you even tighter “, she said and smiled shyly.

Aditya’s heart skipped a beat. He could feel both his mind and heart slowly melting under the warmth of her love.

After dinner, they returned home. Aditya placed the bike key on the table when Pallavi suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck.

Under the dim lights, her face looked calm and beautiful. She gently swayed them from side to side and looked at him with a soft smile, tilting her head slightly.

“I love you, Aadhi,” she whispered and brushed her nose playfully against his.

Aditya froze at the closeness. Her fragrance clouded his senses and he swallowed hard, overwhelmed by the intensity of her affection.

“Why do you love me so much?” he asked softly, the words left his lips before he could stop them.

“Because you are my Aadhi. And I don’t need a reason to love you.” she answered immediately.

She looked into his eyes for a moment before asking quietly, “Can you imagine a world without me in it?”

Aditya instantly shook his head and a smile bloomed on Pallavi’s lips at his answer.

“Just like that, I can’t imagine a world without my Aadhi either. I would do anything for you.” she whispered, gently cupping his face.

She leaned forward and softly kissed his cheek. The air between them turned warm and heavy with emotion. Their faces remained dangerously close as Pallavi’s gaze slowly drifted from his eyes to his lips.

Aditya’s throat went dry, his Adam’s apple bobbed as he realized what might happen next. Suddenly, he pinched her nose lightly and stepped away from her embrace.

The warmth in Pallavi’s eyes faded instantly and disappointment washed over her like cold water.

“Pavi, it’s time for your medicine. Go change. I’ll bring your medicine and milk.” Aditya said quickly, avoiding her gaze and with that, he walked into the kitchen.

Pallavi returned to the bedroom and walked into the bathroom with her night clothes. Standing before the mirror, she stared at her reflection as tears slowly rolled down her cheeks.

” Is he avoiding me? Didn’t he say he loved me? But… he doesn’t say “I love you” to me except fo the one time. What is going on in his mind? Does he really love me? ” she thought painfully.

She quickly washed her face but her eyes remained red from crying. When she stepped out wearing her night clothes, she avoided looking at Aditya. She didn’t want him to notice her tears. More than anything, his rejection had hurt her deeply.

She silently took the medicines from him without meeting his eyes and swallowed them.

Aditya picked up the glass of milk to hand it to her, but she shook her head and refused. Without another word, she lay down on her side facing the wall and pulled the blanket tightly to her chest.

“Pavi…” Aditya called softly as he sat beside her.

“Good night, Aadhi,” she whispered and closed her eyes.

Aditya walked out of the room and slapped his forehead in frustration. He ran a hand through his hair and wiped away his tears.

” Why am I hurting her like this?”, he thought miserably.

After calming himself, he returned to the room and lay down beside her. He waited for her to move closer and hug him the way she did every night. But Pallavi simply hugged a pillow to her chest and stayed turned away from him.

The next morning, Aditya had to leave for work. Pallavi was already in the kitchen helping Rani prepare breakfast and lunch. Aditya hadn’t seen her even once since the moment he woke up. Every time he called out to her asking for something but she answered only from the kitchen without coming near him.

Aditya sat on the bed and rubbed his forehead in frustration.

“Pavi, where’s my wallet? Can you come here for a minute?”  he called out and expected her to walk into the room like she normally would. Instead, her voice came from the kitchen.

“Aadhi, I have kept everything on the table in the hall. Breakfast and lunch are ready too.”

Aditya walked out, disappointment weighing heavily in his chest.

Pallavi served breakfast onto both their plates and quietly sat down to eat. Aditya watched her in shock. Usually, she would wait for him to feed her at least the first few bites.

“Are you okay, Pavi? Are you upset with me? I’m sorry if I hurt you “, he asked softly, holding her hand on the table.

Pallavi smiled faintly but avoided his eyes.

“Aadhi, I’m completely fine. Finish your breakfast and give me my medicine before leaving for work. Don’t worry about me. I will be responsible and won’t trouble you anymore “, she replied calmly.

Her words pierced his heart.

“You can even call Rani aunty to check if I’m behaving well. I will eat on time and sleep properly “, she said further with a smile.

With that, she finished eating and walked back into the kitchen. Aditya felt a painful ache in his chest as he watched her pack his lunch bag neatly.

After getting ready, he was about to leave when her soft voice stopped him.

“I’m sorry, Aadhi. You asked me for space but I made you uncomfortable. Please forgive me.”  she whispered and the pain in her voice shattered him.

He immediately pulled her into a tight hug and closed his eyes as tears burned behind them.

“You don’t have to apologize, Pavi. I’m the one who should be sorry. Please forgive me.” he said hoarsely.

Pallavi gently patted his back before pulling away from the hug.

“We are Pavi and Aadhi. We don’t have to say sorry to each other.” she said with her usual sweet smile and her words instantly eased the heaviness in his heart.

“I booked your appointment with the doctor for Saturday. After the consultation, we shall go shopping and buy a swing for you”, Aditya said softly and Pallavi frowned immediately.

“Why do we need to see a doctor now? I’m perfectly fine, Aadhi. Let’s stop these medicines “, she whined, lightly hitting his chest.

“The doctor advised us not to stop them suddenly. We need to consult a specialist and reduce the dosage slowly.” Aditya explained patiently.

Then he smirked mischievously, “Besides,  I wanted to check if you still have a brain.” he said and Pallavi instantly glared at him.

She folded her arms and turned away from him, pretending to be angry. Aditya held her elbow gently and tried to turn her toward him, but she stubbornly refused to budge.

Giving up, he stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her from behind. Pallavi’s breath hitched as she felt his warm breath against her nape. The words she wanted to say died in her throat.

“Sorry, Pavi but you know what I said is true “, he whispered softly near her ear.

Pallavi immediately turned around and slapped his arm lightly. Aditya chuckled at her angry expression before saying goodbye and leaving for work.

By evening, Pallavi entered the kitchen and sat on the counter, watching Rani wash the vessels.

“Rani aunty, can you teach me cooking? I want to cook for Aadhi and surprise him. Start with simple dishes, I’ll learn slowly. I have always dreamed of cooking for him “, Pallavi asked shyly and Rani smiled teasingly at her.

“Men love surprises. I’ll teach you. Maybe I’ll even leave early sometimes so you will have time to get ready for him too ” Rani said knowingly.

Pallavi blushed instantly at her teasing. Rani taught her how to knead dough, prepare simple dal and make kheer. Pallavi struggled while rolling chapatis and frowned at the uneven shapes.

“These don’t even look round,” she complained.

“Shape doesn’t matter. Your love matters. Keep rolling. He’ll love the effort you put into cooking for him.” Rani said caressing her head.

By the end, Pallavi had managed to create chapatis shaped like every country on the world map.

Rani left early and Pallavi eagerly waited for Aditya to return. The moment she heard the sound of his bike, she rushed outside and took the lunch bag from his hands.

“Where’s Rani aunty?” Aditya asked while unbuttoning the cuffs of his shirt.

“Idiot, usually men ask for their mother or wife after coming home but here you are asking about Rani aunty. Aren’t you happy your wife welcomed you?” Pallavi huffed and handed him a glass of water.

“I’m very happy my wife welcomed me. Now tell me, where is Rani aunty?”, he asked with a smile.

“I sent her home early. I planned a surprise for you “, Pallavi said proudly and Aditya stopped in his tracks immediately.

“Why did you send her early?” he asked and his expression changed immediately.

“Didn’t I tell you not to stay alone? What if something had happened to you? Pavi, you never listen to me.” he said and the excitement on Pallavi’s face faded instantly.

“I’ll speak to her tomorrow and if she doesn’t listen, I’ll find someone else”, Aditya said firmly.

He walked into the room, clearly upset. He returned refreshed and Pallavi silently followed him and served dinner onto their plates.

Aditya took a bite and paused. The taste was different and he slowly looked up at her.

“If you don’t like it, don’t eat. I tried cooking for you. Rani aunty taught me everything and she left only a few minutes before you arrived.” Pallavi said softly and tears gathered in her eyes.

“I’m sorry, Aadhi. I always end up troubling you”, she said and her voice trembled.

Aditya immediately regretted his harsh words and pulled her into a tight hug.

“No, Pavi… I’m sorry. I keep hurting you again and again. I’m just scared for you. You know I can’t live without you… that’s why I worry so much.” he said, guilt heavy in his voice.

He pulled back slightly and wiped her tears gently.

“And this food? I absolutely love it. Thank you so much, Pavi ” he said and to prove it, he served himself more dhal.

“Do you really like it?” she asked hopefully and instead of answering, Aditya licked his fingers dramatically.

Pallavi burst into a smile and served another chapati onto his plate.

“Which country is this one?” he asked teasingly, tearing off a piece and fed her.

Pallavi laughed softly and her heart felt lighter again. A few moments later, Aditya tasted the kheer and let out a pleased moan.

“This is amazing.” he said and Pallavi smiled proudly.

“I get bored staying home all day. So I asked Rani aunty to teach me cooking. From now on, I want to cook dinner for us every day. Please don’t say no.” she admitted softly and looked at him pleadingly.

Aditya stared at her for a moment before finally nodding in acceptance.

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