A Week left...

I'm lounging on the couch, back propped up against the headrest as I review some files for the merger.

Tinkerbell is carefully folding and arranging her belongings in the large suitcase, kept on the bed

In the middle, Ivaan is sitting cross-legged, watching his shortie's every move with a curious expression. He hasn't left her side since she started the packing process.

"Mumma?" he pipes up suddenly, making me curious to hear his thoughts. It's soothing to hear him call Tinkerbell mamma, she is his little mother. I grin on my thoughts.

"How will I taste your food whenever you'll try some new dish, if you're gone?"

Ishika pauses, a soft smile playing across her lips as she turns to face the concerned little boy. "Don't worry bug, I'll make sure to share my recipes with Mala Amma before I leave. That way you can still enjoy my cooking while I'm away."

Tinkerbell appointed Amma as our cook.

Ivaan's brow furrows skeptically. "But it won't be the same."

I have to stifle a chuckle at not so hidden resistance. But I can't deny his fact- Tinkerbell cooks occasionally or when she is extremely delighted, and let me tell you she is a brilliant cook.

"You're so cute," Bella coos, kissing his plump cheeks affectionately. "I'll miss cooking for my cute little boy too, especially the praises I get. But don't worry, you'll be with me soon and then I'll spoil you again, okay?"

Ivaan lips thinned mulling over her words for a moment. Another second, his eyes widen as if he realized something. "Wait...but mumma, what if you dress pretty and look beautiful? How will I tell you that you look like a princess? I always do that." His words catches me off guard.

His concern is overwhelming. They do have a very special bond between them.

Tinkerbell's eyes softens with adoration as she scoops Ivaan up, settling him on her lap. "And your compliments always make me feel confident," she pecks his cheeks. "Tell you what - I'll always video call you whenever I'll dress special, and I'll send you pics of my outfits daily and you can tell me if I look pretty then, yeah?"

"Yes!" Ivaan screeches excitedly, bobbing his head up and down. "I'll do a great job mumma, you'll see!"

"I know you will," she laughs, hugging him tightly.

" But I don't have a phone."

" Oh you'll not be getting one. I'll message Mr.big." she whisper in his ears.

I feel a hollowness in my chest I've never felt before as I watch their tender interaction, losing the track of files kept in front of me. It's shocking how this little woman has wholly and completely become Ivaan's mother figure, I've never seen the kid longing for his real parents. He loves and depends on her so deeply already.

How is he going to handle her being gone for a year or more? My heart hurts for them both just thinking about it.

As if sensing the heaviness of my gaze, tinkerbell meets my eyes over Ivaan's head. Her eyes are filled with a thousand unspoken emotions - I fail at deciphering except for one, sadness it's dominating her beautiful irises.

I offer her a reassuring half-smile hoping my eyes will convey that my words can't. That I'll take care of Ivaan, that she can pursue this opportunity with my unwavering support, that our strange little family will be okay.

She returns my smile with her subtle yet hesitant one. She's cute, that I actually gave up being rude with her, after our initial interactions. And I still remember how her eyes filled up when I without a second thought discarded her feelings, even after that she was polite with me. Making me feel Guilty.

"Oh and mumma? Don't forget to bring me presents from America okay?" he demands. "Lots and lots of chocolate!"

We both laugh at his one-track mind.

"Not even for the world," She grins, hugging him even tighter.

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Four days left.

"Their past few year net sales have consistently ranged between $10 billion to $50 billion. Which is a pretty good milestone for a national company." I tell Virendra Desai, the head of corporate Development, over the phone. "And this robust track of theirs serves as an asset in mitigating the potential risk, given their substantial size and market share."

As I continue addressing his concerns of the finance company acquisition, Ishika enters the patio, instantly capturing my eye. She is wearing a garnet red silk chiffon saree. It has minimal designs with black thread, complimenting her black blouse covered in multicolored floral and leave motifs . She is looking elegant in it. Even though I'm in mid conversation I can't help notice how gracefully Tinkerbell carries herself in this saree.

She walks towards me with unsure steps. I raise my eyebrows at her in question. "I need to give you something," She mouths silently.

I nod and motion her to follow me, leaving the patio, "Agreed, you've to make sure they don't plan to step back." I answer Virendra.

I lead her to our bedroom, closing the door behind us.

"Mr, Desai let me stop you there- an issue just came up on my end that requires my attention. I'll reconvene this discussion in say, 45 minutes, will it work for you?"

"Of course no problem. I'll be available whenever you're free to continue this." His voice crackles through the phone.

"Okey." I end the call and turn around to give my full attention to Ishika.

She looks at me with unease, "What do you want to give me?"

"I'll give you, but please don't be angry with me."

My brows scrunch listening to her.

" I want you to accept it without scolding me." She says timidly.

I look at her with slight concern. "Alright." I say firmly. "What is it you need to give me?"

She heatitates for a moment, and walks towards the closet. She retrieves a pouch kinda bag and returns, placing it on the bed.

She deftly unzip the bag, revealing stacks of cash. She tilts the bag, letting the bundle of notes tumble on the mattress.

I feel a surge of anger rising within me, I told her I don't want the money back.

"Ishika what is this?" I demand."I told you I don't want the money back."

She flinches at my tone and look into my eyes. " I know. But this is your money. You helped when I was in need and I'm really grateful for that but I can't take advantage of your generosity."

" When did I say you're taking advantage? Stop interpreting things. You're my wife." I say frustratedly.

Listening my words, her lips press into a thin line. She clenches her fingers in irritation and looks at me with furrowed brows. "Stop doing that."

" What?"

"Using that wife card whenever you want me to abide by your words. Even the last time you did the same and next morning you disregarded me like some whore who was hungry for your touch." She says calmly.

" Disregarded you like a whore?" I repeat her words through gritted teeth, struggling to maintain my composure." How dare you use such vile word, Ishika?"

"That's how you made me feel," she retorts, her voice filled with hurt.

I take a step closer, my jaws clenched tightly. I don't want to put up a fight with her, she is going in three days and hurting isn't something I want her to remember.

"You're my wife. Why would you think I'll treat you like some common harlot?"

"That day without saying a word you were about to leave the room. It's me who provoked you and then you said how sorry you were for touching me. Did you even try to comprehend how will it make me feel?"

"I did make a mistake of touching you because it was in the heat of the moment and for you to agree to my demands," I admit in frustration. "But it doesn't give you the right to question my respect for you."

Her eyes fill with unshed tears,"Respect?" She breathe. "Please let's not delve into that. And if you really do respect me then accept this money."

" I won't. And don't force me." I warn, my voice low and dangerous.

She comes near me, and hold my left hand in a soft grip pulling me towards the bed. "Sit."

I take a deep breath, willing myself to hear what she wants to say.

Settling myself on the bed, I look at her, feeling immense guilt. How can I make her feel like a whore?

She settles on the bed criss crossing her legs, "I understand you feel a sense of responsibility towards me."

I nod.

"But look I did not take that money from you, and had to return it back to your friend anyways. It's just you got to know about it and you helped me. And now I have the money and want to return the debt. But now it's you whom I have to. I can't take your help for granted. I took the loan when I wasn't even married to you so you hold no liability towards the issues I created back then. Please accept it."

I frown, listening to her while she is trying to make me understand her point of view. A part of me understands where she is coming from but another part feels irritated at her seeming ingratitude.

" Ishika," I begin, " I appreciate your perspective, but I cannot do it."

She pouts in protest, " You're my wife, and it's my duty to provide for you, regardless of the circumstances."

There's a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features, however, I press on, wanting to make my stance clear.

"By taking my help you're not taking advantage of my generosity. But by returning the money you're denying me the opportunity to take care of you."
I grab a hold of her hands in a firm grip. Her hands are so tiny and soft.

" Now I want you to be a good girl and collect this money keeping it away, for I will not hear another word about it."

Ishika looks around pondering upon my words, she looks confused. But a few seconds later she turns her face to me, her eyes void, ready to resist me.

" Please for my peace take it. You don't know what kind of a person I am," she pauses. "My mi-nd won't stop overthinking about this whole situation and how I haven't returned your money. And it'll assume the worst situations the whole thing can result into." She whispers, biting her plump lower lip, her eyes drop to the bedsheet as she speaks.

I sigh. I am making her sad, and that was not my goal when I denied her.

"I don't wanna fight with you Tinkerbell," I say, my voice soft. "Come here," I whisper, tugging at her fingertips.

" I- we-" she resist, "Doesn't matter." I pull her close to me.

She somewhat reluctantly, lean into my body her chest hitting my front. I wrap my arms around her tiny naked waist careful not to make uncomfortable.

I make her sit on my lap sideways, and rest my chin on head. Her breath grows erratic.

I hug her tighter to calm her down. "Better?"

"Huh?"

"If it makes you feel at peace. I'll take it."

She tilts her face, noses inches apart, and whisper. "Why do you make me feel so many things? I feel angry but I hate fighting."
Her eyes are beautiful.

Not able to resist, I press my lips against her forehead, giving her a gentle kiss.

She closes her eyes, "It's so complicated." She whimper.

"I know."

" And I always loved simple." She wraps her hand around my nape.

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Night 1:30 am. One day left.

(Author's pov)

After taking a bath, Ishika gets under the bed pulling over the covers as shiver ran down her body in the chilled room.

She's tired and wants to sleep. Her eyes are dropping but her her mind is not ready to let her into a deep slumber.
And she knew it. Sleep won't come to her.

She'll be leaving tomorrow. It's scary. She'll be all alone after that. Alone. In a stranger state. No family, No friends, No Ivaan, No Abhiraj.

Her heart is pounding in her frail chest. Despite the low temperature her body is growing hot, hand turning clammy. Her mind is flashing several thoughts.

Getting up she search for the extra pillow she kept near her foot, and keeps it close to her chest. She hugs it tightly to calm her body.

But it did not work, instead her hands start shivering.

Breathe, Ishika.

She curls herself, clutching her feet close to the pillow and bury her face in it. In the fetal position.

Her movements disturbed Abhiraj who is busy reading an article on his phone.

"Hey..." He mumbles. "You alright?" He asks moving closer to her.

"Yeah I am." She whispers, bitting the pillow tightly, a single tear start running down her cheek. , Her stomach tightens, panic began to settle in.

She knows she's having an anxiety attack. It's rare but it happens when she is overthinking.

A new batch of tears rolled down as she thinks she'll have to live all alone for years. No one will be there to look after her. She bite the inside of her cheeks to curb her sobs. Her breath shortens.

Abhiraj sees her shaking and immediately moves closer to her, turning her to face him.

But she refuses and cling to the pillow. "Please..."

"Tinkerbell don't resist me." He warns, not able to handle tears nicely.

"I'm trying." She says trying to calm herself.

She does not want him to regret helping her when he deals with her anxiety. She gets clingy when her emotions are tattered around.

Not able to handle anymore, he forcefully turns her around and snatches the pillow from her.

She hides her blotchy face in the crook of his neck.

"Tinkerbell show me your face." She lifts her head slowly.

"Good. Now tell me what's making you anxious?" He demands.

" I'm not." She quickly denies, feeling embarrassed.

"Don't lie, Tinkerbell." He says sternly. Gently brushing the hair strands out of her face.

She gets a little scared hearing his dominant tone.

"I'm scared. I'll be all by myself after today." Ishika explains as the last of her tears trail down her face.

Wrapping his arms around her little body, he pulls her closer, her chest touching his torso.

"Bachha," her head snaps up to his. She felt flutters in her stomach listening him calling that.

"It's important for your future. And you'll get used to it, will make friends, meet new people. You'll be absolutely fine." Abhiraj explains trying to calm her racing thoughts.

She wraps her arms around him tightly. Abhiraj stiffens for a second before patting her back gently, comforting her body with gentleness.

"I have n-ever travelled ab-road. I don't even know h-ow things w-ork, how will I d-eal with all the for-malities?" Ishika sniffles in his chest, her legs pushed between his, blanket covering them to provide warmth.

She took decisions in haste but now she is clueless on how to navigate things. Scared.

She wanted this, but also didn't want it.

"Shh..." His threads his fingers through her hair, scratching her scalp tenderly.

"If you want I can come with you to Seattle, and get you all comfortable there. You wouldn't have to worry about anything." He offered, his smooth voice instantly calming Ishika.

" Please..."

"I'll look through it...now take rest. You're already tired."

His thumb softly caressing her eyebrows.

What is happening to him?

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          To be continued...

Hi people...

Hope you all are doing good.

So how was the chapter?

Next chapter we'll meet in Seattle.

Soooo Abhiraj...any change of perception reader's?

Will update next chapter soon till then don't forget to 👇