10

Chapter -9

Days pass like that.

She still hasn’t spoken a word to him. He tries every single day—hope unwavering in his eyes, in his tone, in his messages.

But she…

She doesn’t let herself admit how much his presence affects her. There’s a strange warmth in her heart every time he’s around, but she refuses to acknowledge it.

She fights the feeling like it’s a w@r. Her past has built strong walls, and she doesn’t dare to climb over them.

Her sisters leave for Bangkok after a few days.

Once again, her life resets—centered around children and Saumya. The house feels quieter, but her heart remains in chaos.

Almost five months pass…

And still, she doesn’t talk to him. Not a word. But—

She listens to his voice notes again and again.

She reads and re-reads his messages.

She watches from a distance every effort he makes.

He never misses a day.

And deep inside, she wishes she could let go of her past and fall into this new possibility.

But her past whispers louder.

Every time she thinks of him, the next thought drags her back to the day everything collapsed.

---

Meera: "Good evening, Mom."

Kk: "Good evening, love. How was your day?"

Meera: "It was good."

Jadav: "Did you eat dinner?"

Samar: "No."

Sahil: "We’re waiting for you and Dad."

Jadav: "Mass will be late, so we can have a dinner."

Kk: "We… CAN… wait..."

 The children exchange wide-eyed glances, surprised by her words—soft, hesitant, unfamiliar.

Meera: "Do you want to eat with Dad?"

Kk: "Umm… it’s not like that. I’m just… not hungry yet. If you want to eat, you can. I’ll eat later."

Jadav: "We’ll wait for him."

Kk: "I’ll check on the baby. Maybe she’s awake."

She escapes, her voice low, eyes avoiding theirs. Her heart pounds with emotions she doesn’t dare show.

She walks to her room, silence trailing behind her.

Samar: "What was that?"

Jadav: "I have the same question."

Sahil: "Did she… want to wait for Dad?"

Meera: "I think so…"

---

After a while, Kk walks back downstairs.

Just then, Mass enters the living room.

Jadav: "We’ve been waiting for you."

Mass: "For what?"

Jadav: "Dinner."

Mass: "You haven’t eaten yet?"

Meera: "No."

Mass: "Go ahead to the dining room, I’ll join you after I freshen up."

They move toward the dining room—everyone except Kk.

She sits silently, scrolling through her phone.

Meera: "Why aren’t you eating?"

Kk: "I will…

A moment of silence. Everyone exchanges stunned glances, a quiet astonishment dancing in their eyes.

Mass enters again, freshened up, and takes his seat.

Kk finally starts eating.

Everyone watches her in disbelief—except for Mass, unaware of what just unfolded.

---

After dinner, they all gather in the living room.

Mass plays with Saumya, laughter echoing between them.

Kk watches silently.

 Her eyes soften, unknowingly caught in the quiet beauty of the moment.

She forgets everything—the silence, the distance, the past—for just a second.

She gets lost in their game, her heart floating in memories that never happened but could have.

Suddenly, she hears her name.

Meera: "Mom? Why do you look so lost?"

Kk: "Nothing… I’m going to sleep now. Okay? Bye. Good night."

 She walks away before anyone can see the storm behind her calm expression.

Kk disappears into the hallway.

Leaving behind questions, silence, and something unspoken in the air.

---

Meera: "Dad, do you know… Mom waits for you at dinner every night."

Mass: "Don’t crack jokes this late, sweetheart."

Jadav: "She’s not joking. She doesn’t start eating until you sit at the table."

Mass: "That’s hard to believe."

Samar: "Maybe she’s slowly beginning to accept you again… trying to heal."

Mass: "I hope you’re right. I'm off to bed now. Good night."

He gently scoops up little Saumya and walks toward his room.

As he peeks inside, he notices Kat already asleep. If he puts Saumya beside her, she will undoubtedly wake up. And tonight, he doesn't want to disturb the peace.

Mass: "Tonight, baby sleeps with Dada."

He settles down on the couch, placing Saumya gently on his chest. The rhythmic rise and fall of his breathing comforts her, and within moments, both father and daughter drift into a deep, serene sleep.

---

Next morning,

Kk wakes up early, her eyes scanning the bed with mild confusion—Saumya isn’t there. Her gaze shifts instinctively across the room… and freezes.

There, just a few steps away, she sees a moment captured in time—Mass asleep on the couch with Saumya snuggled on his chest.

Her breath catches. Her eyes soften. Her heart whispers words her mouth is afraid to say.

She stands still, mesmerized.

Kk: "How beautiful they look… like a painting that breathes…"

She walks slowly toward them, every step delicate like approaching a sleeping dream. She kneels beside him, her eyes tracing his face—so peaceful, so genuine.

Kk: "I’ve never seen him this close before… not with these eyes…"

Her hand lifts, almost on its own. She gently tucks away a few strands of hair resting on his forehead.

Suddenly, his eyes flicker open.

Startled, Kk panics. Her heart leaps.

Without saying a word, she scoops Saumya into her arms and rushes out of the room.

He watches her go, still groggy and confused.

Mass in his thoughts: "What was that? Was she looking at Saumya… or was it… me? This is the first time… I’ve ever seen her this close after marriage…"

Outside, Kk leans against the wall, trying to still her racing heart.

Kk: "It was so close… too close to hide anymore..."

---

Later that morning, as Mass leaves for the office and the children head off to school, the house falls into a quiet lull. Kk is left alone with Saumya.

She sits with her daughter in her arms, speaking softly as if the baby could understand every word.

Kk: "Your dad… is handsome, don’t you think, Saumya? Especially in that black shirt, those perfectly pressed pants… and the blazer casually hanging from his arm. I never realized how sh@rp he looks… until now."

She pauses, her voice growing quieter, more vulnerable.

Kk: "Should I forgive him…? It’s been fourteen months. Fourteen long months…"

Days begin to pass like soft waves. Slowly. Silently. And though Kk remains guarded, her change doesn’t go unnoticed. The family sees the softening in her gaze, the warmth returning to her voice. But still, she refuses to accept what her heart already knows.

Her pride and past pa!n hold her back, chaining her lips from speaking the words that pulse through her chest every time she sees him.

---

It’s Sunday,

Everyone gathers at home—laughter echoing through the halls, warm conversations dancing in the air. Everyone is present... except Mass, who has traveled overseas on business.

Just as the house feels full of joy, Jadav’s phone rings.

He answers it casually.

Then… silence.

His face falls pale.

The phone slips from his hand and clatters onto the floor.

He c0llapses onto the sofa, eyes wide and hollow, as if life has just been drained from his soul.

Everyone rushes to him, pan!c rising.

Meera: "Chex! What happened?! Why are you crying?"

Samar: "Please Chex… say something… anything."

Jadav: (barely able to speak) "Mass’s… private jet… it cr@shed."

Sahil: "Dad?! What are you saying?! He’s okay… right? Right?!"

Everyone’s hearts pound, eyes locked on Jadav, waiting for him to say it’s just a mistake. A l!e. A misunderstanding.

But he slowly shakes his head.

Jadav: (voice cracking) "No... he... he didn’t make it..."

The world cr@shes into silence.

Tears brim in their eyes, and time seems to stop.

Kk: "That can’t be true… He’s al!ve. He has to be…"

Jadav: "He’s gone, Kk. He’s really gone…"

A single te@r escapes Kk’s eye, trailing down to her chin. Her chest heaves. She refuses to accept it.

Kk: "No… No! He cannot d!e! He can’t!"

Meera: "Why does it matter to you now? You said you’d rather see him de@d… that you wanted to live your life freely, without him."

Kk: "What…? Are you hearing yourself right now?!"

Meera: "What am I saying that’s wrong? You wished this… and now it’s come true."

Kk: "Watch your mouth, Meera!"

Meera: "You h@ted him. But he… he loved you, Mom."

Kk: "You think he meant nothing to me?!"

Meera: "Then tell me! What was he to you?!"

Kk: "He was the fu-king father of my child… He was my husband… and YES, I fu-king LOVED him!"

And suddenly, Meera bre@ks into sobs and throws her arms around her mother.

Meera: "I’m sorry, Mom… I’m so sorry…"

Jadav: "Finally. You said it… you finally said it."

Kk stands frozen. Confused.

Kk: "Wait… what are you talking about?"

Meera: "Dad is fine. He’s okay. We just… we played a prank. We needed you to say it. To finally admit it to yourself…"

Jadav: "We’re sorry… we just wanted you to break the walls around your heart."

Kk: (in disbelief) "This was all a prank… just so I’d confess?! Are you kidding me…?"

She looks around, still processing, fury mixing with heartbreak.

Kk: "Was this his idea?! Did he plan this?!"

Samar: "No, no… Dad doesn’t even know. This was just us."

Kk: "I don’t want to see any of your faces… not now."

She grabs Saumya and storms out of the room, retreating into the silence of her bedroom.

---

In the solitude of her room, she paces back and forth. Her emotions, a whirlwind.

Kk: "Unbelievable. How could they say he was de@d… just to make me speak my heart?"

Her hands tremble as she holds Saumya close.

Kk: "Why… why did it hu®t that much? Why did my soul sh@tter at the thought of los!ng him?"

Her voice breaks.

Kk: "Do I really love him that much…?"

A storm brews inside her—her mind trying to build walls, but her heart k!cking them down.

And for the first time in years, the heart wins.

Kk: "Yes… I love him. I really love him."

But even in that moment of truth, something inside her still holds her back. She isn’t ready to tell him yet. Not yet.

--

It’s evening,

Meera said with pleading urgency, "Mom, please eat something. You didn’t have anything in the morning."

Her voice softened, filled with guilt. "We’re really sorry..."

Kk, distant and shut off, didn’t meet her gaze. "I don’t want to eat. Please go from here."

Her words came out cold, her walls firmly back in place.

Just then, Mass stepped into the house, pausing as he felt the heavy air settle over him.

With confusion laced in his voice, he asked, "What happened? Why do your faces look so sad?"

They hesitated for a moment before explaining everything to him, their voices heavy with sh@me and regret.

Mass turned toward them, his expression hardening with disappointment.

"Why are you all doing this?" he demanded, his tone sh@rp. "And Jadav—seriously? They’re teenagers, but you?"

Jadav, head lowered, muttered, "Sorry..."

The weight of his own guilt was evident in the way he couldn’t lift his eyes.

Mass raised his voice, protective and fierce.

"First listen to me carefully—DON’T interfere in my personal space. When she feels comfortable, she’ll talk to me. I don’t have any problem waiting."

Then, turning to the maid with calm authority, he instructed, "Bring her dinner in the bedroom."

He walked off quietly to the room. Inside, Kk sat with the baby in her lap, gently playing with her, the only flicker of peace in her otherwise stormy mind.

But the moment Mass entered, she stopped, tension rising in her shoulders, retreating emotionally behind her silence.

Mass spoke with gentle concern, "Kat, I heard you didn’t eat anything. Please eat."

He placed the dinner tray in front of her, his gestures filled with care.

She didn’t respond, deliberately turning her attention to her phone, scrolling meaninglessly—anything to avoid him.

Mass, sensing her cold avoidance, said more firmly, "Hey, I’m talking to you."

Still receiving no reaction, he reached out and snatched the mobile from her hand.

Mass sat down on the edge of the bed, directly in front of her, his eyes soft but serious.

"I know what they did," he said, his tone calm yet heavy with apology. "And I’m sorry on their behalf."

His voice dropped into something more heartfelt.

"Look, I don’t care whether you confess anything or not. I’m already satisfied. You’re my wife, Saumya is our daughter—and no one can take that truth from me."

"You accepted my family..I’m not rushing you, I know I made a mistake... by forcing you, I am ready to wait my whole life until you accept me."

"Take all the time you need. The day you feel I am truly worthy of your love... that day, come to me and say it. That day will be the most precious day of my life."

He stood and softened his voice again.

"Now eat something. I’ll take care of the baby."

Gently, he took Saumya into his arms and left the room, leaving a silence that wrapped itself tightly around her.

His words echoed in her mind like a soft storm. Her heart ached, her chest tightening with emotions she couldn’t name.

Something shifted in her.

Quietly, almost absentmindedly, she picked up the spoon and started eating.

When her plate was empty, she lay down, her mind replaying every word he’d said—until sleep gently took over.

Three days later

the sun had barely stretched across the sky when Kk opened her eyes, a quiet confusion resting on her face. She blinked at the soft morning light spilling into the room—and then at the unexpected sight of Mass sitting near the window, working on his laptop.

Her brows furrowed slightly, and a single thought flashed across her mind—Why is he here? He usually leaves for office by now.

Mass, without lifting his eyes, said with a teasing calm, "Don’t look at me with those confused eyes. I don’t have too much work today, so I’m finishing my presentation from home."

Kk’s eyes widened slightly. Why the hell does he always know what I’m thinking?

He smirked, not even looking at her directly, and asked with a knowing grin, "You’re wondering how I knew what’s in your head, aren’t you?"

She stared at him, genuinely surprised.

Mass finally looked at her and said softly, with a hint of sadness in his voice, "Because you still don’t talk to me. So now I try to understand everything just by reading your face."

His words struck a ch0rd deep inside her. She hadn’t realized how much he paid attention—even in silence.

Soon, the house emptied. The kids left for school. Jadav went to the office. Only Mass, Kk, and little Saumya remained in the quiet home.

Mass looked up from his laptop and said with casual warmth, "It’s already lunchtime. Go freshen up—we’ll eat together. I need to finish this presentation in the meantime."

Saumya had already woken up, her tiny coos filling the room. Kk breastfed her, this time without hesitation—even with Mass nearby.

She had grown... not entirely comfortable, but at least no longer anxious.

She bathed Saumya gently, dried her off, and dressed her in a soft yellow romper before placing her safely on the bed.

Now it was Kk’s turn to bathe—but Saumya was wide awake, and there was no one around to watch her.

She looked toward Mass, who was immersed in work, his eyes fixed on the laptop screen.

She cleared her throat, fake-coughing twice to get his attention—but he didn’t even glance at her.

With a frustrated sigh and a flicker of nervousness, she finally said his name, loud and clear for the first time in years:

"Mass..."

He froze. Slowly turned his head.

His expression blanked for a moment as he looked around the room, confused. Did someone actually just call his name?

Kk, raising an eyebrow, said with mild sarcasm, "Can you look after Saumya for a while?"

Mass blinked, pointing to himself in disbelief. "Me...?"

Kk crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "No one else is here except you."

Mass’s face lit up like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. "You’re talking to me? Or am I dreaming?"

She gave him a blank stare and walked into the bathroom without another word.

Mass looked at Saumya and whispered to himself in awe, "She’s talking to me. Oh God, please don’t let this be a dream..."

To make sure he wasn’t hallucinating, he lightly p!nched Saumya’s chubby cheek.

She instantly started crying.

Mass jumped and exclaimed, "Ohhh fuc—this is not a dream!" He scooped her into his arms and spun her around, laughter bubbling out of him.

He whispered to Saumya, k!ssing her tiny forehead, "Your mom talked to me. I can’t believe this..."

Soon, Kk stepped out of the bathroom in fresh clothes, her wet hair dripping softly over her shoulders. She caught him mid-spin with Saumya, clearly ready to say something.

But before he could speak, she cut him off sharply, her expression unreadable. "I’m talking to you. That doesn’t mean I’m accepting you. Don’t forget the conditions."

Mass nodded with genuine respect in his voice. "I can spend my life without physical closeness, just by talking to you."

He smiled, holding Saumya gently. "Now let’s go have lunch."

After lunch, they settled into the living room, a subtle calm between them.

Mass, still riding the high of hearing her voice, asked lightly, "Do you want to go out?"

Kk narrowed her eyes. "For what?"

Mass shrugged playfully. "Shopping, movies, dinner... anything you want."

She tilted her head. "With you?"

He smiled. "If it’s a problem, you can go alone. I’ll take care of the baby."

She paused, then said casually, "Let’s go shopping."

His eyes lit up in surprise. "With me?"

She sighed dramatically and walked toward her room. "Yes."

Mass stood frozen for a second, joy sparking in every part of his body. That one word—yes—made the whole world shift under his feet.

He got ready quickly and waited in the living room. She came down holding Saumya, dressed simply but looking effortlessly beautiful.

Mass couldn’t help it. He whispered, admiring her, "You look gorgeous."

She looked at him with a cool smile. "Thanks for the compliment."

The word thanks from her lips felt like a victory in itself. It gave him hope—a flicker of something more.

They went down to the parking lot and Kk sat beside him in the car. He drove quietly, stealing glances at her through the mirror.

They reached a luxurious mall. Mass took Saumya in his arms while Kk looked around.

Suddenly, she cursed under her breath.

 "Ugh... I forgot my wallet at home."

Mass looked at her like she was being ridiculous. "Why do you need a wallet when I’m here?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Fine."

He handed her a sleek black card. She glanced at it suspiciously. "What’s the limit on this?"

He chuckled. "There’s no limit for you."

She smirked, poking her tongue against her cheek. "Alright. Meet you back here in a bit."

He nodded. "Enjoy."

She walked away with a bodyguard following at a distance. Mass sat on a nearby couch with Saumya, rocking her gently.

Two and a half hours passed. He spotted her returning—but she wasn’t alone.

A man was talking to her. They were laughing, casual and friendly. Something burned in Mass’s chest.

He stood up and walked over.

"Kk!" the guy said with surprise. "Are you here? How?"

Kk smiled faintly. "Oh, Dennis."

Mass’s brows tightened slightly.

Dennis said, "I’m here for my cousin’s wedding. What about you?"

Before she could reply, Mass stepped in, his presence sh@rp and terr!torial.

She said, "I live here."

Dennis asked, "If you're free, would you come to the wedding on Sunday?"

Before Kk could respond, Mass interrupted with a cold edge, "Sorry, we have plans on Sunday."

Dennis blinked. "You...?"

Mass placed his arm around her waist firmly. "She’s my wife."

Dennis’s jaw dropped. "What?! You’re married? Seriously?"

Kk answered calmly, "Dennis was my college friend. He shifted to London after graduation. Yes, I’m married. And this is my daughter, Saumya."

Dennis looked stunned. "Wow. Congratulations."

Mass nodded curtly. "Nice to meet you. Let’s go, Kat."

They walked away, his hand still resting on her waist.

Kk said without looking at him, "You can remove your hand now."

Mass, slightly flustered, said, "Oh—sorry."

She smirked, amused by his po0sessiveness.

They got into the car.

Mass behind the wheel, a soft buzz of energy still humming in his chest.

Kk sat beside him, buckling her seatbelt without a word.

The car rolled out of the mall’s parking lot, and silence settled—thick but not cold.

After a minute, Kk glanced sideways and asked, her voice laced with amusement,

"Why did you look je@lous when Dennis was there?"

Mass let out a deep breath, gr!pping the steering wheel tighter.

"Why wouldn’t I? It’s been over a year since we got married, and today was the first time you truly talked to me. Then this guy shows up, and you’re smiling, laughing... talking like it’s nothing."

Kk bit the inside of her cheek, trying to hold back a laugh.

She turned her face toward the window, hiding the smile that was blooming.

Mass glanced at her and frowned, "Don’t laugh at me."

That made her chuckle softly, eyes still facing the glass.

"It’s just... it was so funny. Anyone would laugh looking at your face at that moment."

He smiled quietly, watching her laugh—finally laugh.

For him, even her teasing was a gift.

---

By the time they reached home, night had already wrapped around the house.

Meera was the first to spot them. "Where did you go?"

Kk replied calmly, "Shopping."

Samar blinked in disbelief. "With Dad?"

Mass raised an eyebrow and responded with a hint of challenge, "Do you have a problem?"

Sahil quickly shook his head, "No... no, not at all."

Kk turned to Mass and said, her tone returning to neutral, "Give me Saumya. You all go and start dinner. I’ll join once she’s asleep."

Mass nodded. "Okay."

He handed over Saumya gently, watching her disappear down the hallway with their daughter in her arms.

Jadav narrowed his eyes at Mass, suspicious.

"Is there something you’re not telling us?"

Mass gave a small, hopeful smile.

"She’s talking to me now... but the conditions haven’t changed."

Meera let out an exaggerated gasp.

"Finally! Now only one step remains."

Mass smiled faintly, "I hope that happens too."

They all went to dinner, a newfound lightness in the air.

---

Later that night, Mass walked into the room after a long, hot shower.

His hair still wet, beads of water clinging to his toned chest.

A towel was loosely tied around his waist, revealing his ch!seled @bs and lean frame.

Kk, already sitting on the bed, froze for a second—her eyes involuntarily scanning him from head to toe.

She blinked hard and quickly looked away when their eyes met.

But he noticed. Every second of it.

Mass chuckled, walking toward the wardrobe.

"I’M YOUR HUSBAND, IN CASE YOU FORGOT. K!SS ME, E@T ME, SL@P ME—DO WHATEVER THE HE|| YOU WANT WITH ME. I’LL BE PLEASED."

She rolled her eyes but smirked, hiding her lips behind her hand.

He dressed quietly, then walked toward the couch with his pillow.

Kk spoke softly, "If you want, you can sleep on the bed."

Mass turned halfway, a teasing glint in his eye.

"What if I break the condition?"

She looked at him, her face serious.

"You never will. And if you even think about it, then the couch is where you stay."

He laughed, hands raised in surrender. "I’m just joking."

They both lay down on the bed.

Not touching.

Not close.

But still… together.

And for the first time in a long time, silence between them didn’t feel like distance—it felt like progress.


To be continued.......
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