After finishing his breakfast, Ashwin returned to his room, only to find Divya lying on the couch, clutching her stomach. Her face was etched with discomfort, likely from hunger.

As Ashwin entered, Divyansh quickly sat up, his sari slightly askew. "Kuchh chahiye aapko?" he asked nervously, his voice soft but laced with worry. He had been trying to stay in Dadi’s good books, following her every instruction to avoid suspicion. (Do you want something?)

Ashwin frowned, his concern evident. "Beth jao… thumari tabiyat thik nahi hai," he said, locking the door behind him for privacy. (Sit down... You are not well to begin with.)

Divyansh shook his head, looking down to avoid eye contact. "Main thik hun… maaf kar dijiye… main aapka intezaar karne ki jagah soo gayi." He clutched the edge of his pallu tightly, not daring to step closer. (I am okay... Please forgive me... I feel asleep instead of waiting for you.)

Ashwin walked over and gently made her sit. "Tumhari galti nahi hai. Main hi late aaya. To tum raat bhar jaag ke kya karti? Balki sorry to mujhe bolna chahiye. Meri wajah se tumhe aaj bhi vrat rakhna pada," he admitted, guilt apparent in his tone. (It's not your fault. It was me who came late. What would you have done by staying awake the whole night? Instead it should be mentioned who should ask for forgiveness. It is my fault that you have to fast today too.)

Divyansh shook his head again, his voice soft but firm. "Aise mat kahiye… aap toh kaam se bahar gaye the. Yahan sabse bada kaam hor toh main hi hun. Waise bhi mujhe kya hi kaam hai… it’s not a big deal." He forced a smile, trying to reassure him. (Don't say like this... You were away for work. I am the most lazy person around here. And what work can I even have ..)

Ashwin sighed deeply. "Kisne kaha tum kaam chor ho? Dadi ke baat pe dhyan mat do. Wo thode purane khayalo ki hai aur ghussa hai ke unki gair mojudgi mein meri shaadi ho gayi." (Who told you that you are lazy? Don't listen to anything Dadi says. She is a bit conservative. She is mad that I got married in her absence.)

Hearing this, Divyansh’s eyes filled with tears. His voice cracked as he spoke, "Main kuch bhi karungi… bas mujhe ghar se mat nikaliye. Aap log jo kahe, jaise kahe, main karungi." He gripped Ashwin’s hands tightly, begging him with his eyes. (I will do anything... Please don't throw me out from this house. Whatever you say, however you say, I'll do it.)

Ashwin placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Shh… shant ho jao. Koi tumhe ghar se nahi nikal raha. Hmm, main hoon na? Shant ho jao…" He pulled her into a gentle hug, stroking her back. "Koi tumhe ghar se nahi nikalega," he said softly, meaning every word. (Calm down. No one is going to tell you to leave. Hmm, I'm here right? Calm down...)

Divyansh held onto him tightly, resting his face in the crook of Ashwin’s neck. "Wada kijiye… please… nahi nikalenge mujhe," he whispered. (Promise me... Please... You'll not abandon me.)

Ashwin promised, "Wada karta hoon. Tumhe is ghar se koi nahi nikalega." Stroking her back to calm her, he waited until Divya’s sobs subsided. Then, pulling away slightly, Ashwin noticed Divya’s palms were bare. "Tumne kal mehendi nahi lagai thi?" he asked curiously. (I promise. No one will ask you to leave this house. You didn't apply mehendi yesterday?)

Divyansh hesitated, then replied, "Kal kaam nipatane ke baad time nahi mila. Main abhi laga leti hoon," he said, quickly retrieving the mehendi cone from a drawer. (After doing the chores I didn't get the time. I'll apply it now.)

Ashwin took the cone from hee hands. "Tum betho. Main laga deta hoon," he said. (Sit down. Let me do it for you.)

Divyansh froze momentarily, but then quietly sat beside him. He watched Ashwin, a mix of awe and nervousness in his eyes, as Ashwin carefully applied intricate designs on his palms. Divyansh felt his heart race, unsure why this simple act felt so intimate.

After over an hour, Ashwin finally finished. "Lo, ho gaya! Kaisa hai?" he asked with a proud smile. (Done! How is it?)

Divyansh admired the design, his voice barely audible. "Bohot pyaara hai, lekin incomplete hai," he murmured. (It's beautiful, but incomplete.)

"Incomplete? Wo kaise?" Ashwin asked, examining the design, confused. (How do?)

"Aapka naam nahi hai isme. Aapka naam nahi hoga, toh meri mehendi adhuri reh jayegi," Divyansh replied shyly, looking up at him. (Your name is not there in it. Without it, my mehendi will always be incomplete.)

Ashwin smiled warmly, his heart softening. He carefully wrote his name on Divya’s right palm. "Lo, ab ho gaya complete?" (Now, is it complete?)

Divyansh blushed, whispering, "Haan."

Ashwin’s gaze lingered on the mehendi, his name etched in delicate strokes on her palm. He looked up at Divya’s blushing face and felt his chest tighten. Was he falling for her already? He dismissed the thought but couldn’t deny how strikingly beautiful she looked at that moment.

Divyansh, still admiring the mehendi, whispered, "Thank you…" He felt a deep warmth in his chest. Maybe his feelings for Ashwin had started when Ashwin protected him during the Ashtamangala. Ashwin was fighting for him, even against his own Dadi, and Divyansh couldn’t help but admire him for it.

"You’re looking beautiful," Ashwin whispered, unable to look away.

Divyansh blushed harder, shifting uncomfortably on the couch. The movement caused his pallu to slip slightly from his shoulders. "A-aap…" he stammered, struggling to find words. (Y-you...)

Ashwin reached out and adjusted the pallu over Divyansh’s shoulders. "Hmm… kya hua?" (Hmm... What happened?)

"K-kuchh nahi," Divyansh stammered, his face turning crimson. (N-nothing.)

Ashwin suddenly remembered something. "Ruko, mere paas tumhare liye kuch hai." He got up and retrieved a packet from his suitcase. Sitting beside Divya again, he opened the packet to reveal a saree. "Yeh tumhare liye," he said, holding it out. (Wait, I have something for you. This is for you.)

Tears filled Divyansh’s eyes as he looked at Ashwin. "Aap… iski kya zaroorat thi?" he asked, touched by the gesture. (You... What was the need to get this?)

"I wanted to give you something. Pasand aaya?" Ashwin asked softly. (Did you like it?l

"Bohot… but what did I do to deserve it?" Divyansh whispered, his voice trembling. (A lot...)

Ashwin smiled. "Can’t I give a gift to my wife? It’s your gift for Karwa Chauth. Wear it tonight," he said, placing the saree in front of Divya as her hands were adorned with mehendi.

"As you say…" Divyansh whispered, exhaustion evident in his voice. His eyes began to close from tiredness and hunger.

Ashwin noticed her fatigue and felt a pang of guilt. "Divya, tum thodi der so jao. Main yahi par hoon, hmm?" (Divya, you should sleep for a while. I will be here, hmm?)

Divyansh nodded and laid down on the couch, resting his head in Ashwin’s lap. "Lunch time se pehle jaga dijiyega. Maa aur Chhoti Maa ko kitchen mein help karne jaana hai," he murmured, his voice fading. (Wake me up before lunch. I have to help Maa and Chhoti Maa in the kitchen.)

"Hmm… ab aaram karo," Ashwin said gently, patting his head as he turned his attention to the project file in his hand. Moments passed in quiet companionship, the silence filled with unspoken promises and growing feelings. (Hmm... Rest now.)

As evening arrived, Divyansh busied himself preparing to complete the Karwa Chauth rituals he couldn't finish the previous day. His palms bore the deep stain of the mehendi Ashwin had lovingly applied, prompting Maa and Chachi to tease him about how such a rich color symbolized a husband’s profound love.

Now in their room, Divyansh was struggling with the heavy saree Ashwin had gifted him. The intricate fabric seemed impossible to manage. His hands trembled as he tried to pleat the garment, glancing nervously outside. The sky was overcast, and though the moon peeked through sporadically, he feared it might vanish again.

“Hey Bhagwaan!” he muttered, exasperated. “Aaj bhi agar chaand chhup gaya toh vrat nahi tod paungi...” His voice wavered, and his frustration grew as the pleats refused to cooperate. (If the moon disappears today too I won't be able to break the fast...)

Suddenly, the door creaked open. Ashwin entered without knocking, freezing in place when he realized Divyansh was mid-change. “Oh… sorry…” he murmured, stepping back to leave.

Divyansh turned to the mirror and spotted Ashwin. Desperation overcame his embarrassment. “Please meri thodi madat karenge?” he called out, blushing deeply but unable to manage on his own. (Please... Can you help me a bit?)

Ashwin hesitated, then turned to face him, their eyes meeting through the mirror. “Kaisi madat?” (What sort of help?)

“Pleats nahi bann rahe mujhse!” Divyansh whined, his voice tinged with frustration. “Dewarji hote toh itni mushkil nahi hoti mujhe… Unko aata hai…” He pouted without realizing it. (I can't get the pleats right! Had dewarji been here it would not have been this difficult... He knows how to do it...)

Ashwin’s jaw tightened. Hearing Arthit’s name stirred an unexpected wave of jealousy. His voice firm, he responded, “Mujhe bhi aata hai. Main bhi madat kar sakta hoon!” He closed the door firmly and approached Divyansh, standing before him. His gaze swept over Divyansh, taking in his flushed cheeks and slightly disheveled attire. (I can do it too. I will help you.)

Divyansh shifted nervously under his intense gaze, clutching the saree tightly. “A-aise kya d-dekh rahe hai?” he stammered, his voice barely audible as his heart raced. (W-what are you l-looking at like this?)

Ashwin folded his arms across his chest. “Isse utaro,” he said, gesturing to the saree with his chin. (Open it.)

Divyansh froze. “K-kya? K-kyun?” he managed to ask, his voice a mix of surprise and apprehension. (W-what? W-why?)

Ashwin smirked faintly. “Isse utaro aur petticoat neeche pehno, jaise Maa pehenti hai.” His tone was calm but commanding. (Open it and wear the petticoat lower, like Maa wears it.)

Blushing furiously, Divyansh hesitated but then began unwrapping the saree. Adjusting his petticoat nervously, he asked, “Itna neeche thik hai?” The garment rested modestly above his navel. (Is this low okay?)

“Thoda aur neeche,” Ashwin instructed, his voice steady but his gaze lingering. (A bit lower.)

Divyansh complied, lowering the petticoat further and tightening the string to ensure it stayed in place. “Please isse neeche karna ko mat kahiye…” he mumbled, his face and ears burning from embarrassment. (Please don't tell me to lower it anymore...)

Ashwin stepped closer, his expression softening as he saw Divyansh’s discomfort. “Itna thik hai,” he reassured, kneeling slightly to help with the saree. (This much is okay.)

As he worked, tucking the fabric around Divyansh’s waist, Ashwin’s fingers occasionally brushed against his bare skin. Divyansh gasped quietly, his breath quickening. The proximity and Ashwin’s focused attention made him feel both exposed and protected.

While adjusting the fabric, Ashwin’s eyes fell on a small mole near Divyansh’s navel. Without thinking, he poked it gently. “This is cute,” he remarked with a faint smile.

Divyansh instinctively placed a hand on Ashwin’s shoulder, his eyes closing as the unexpected gesture sent a shiver through him. “Please… Agar aaj bhi der ho gayi, toh kal raat tak vrat rakhna hoga mujhe…” he murmured, his voice pleading. (If we get late today, I'll have to fast till tomorrow night...)

Hearing the urgency, Ashwin’s expression turned serious. “Theek hai, ab jaldi karte hain,” he said, speeding up his movements. (Okay, then let's hurry.)

After Ashwin helped Divyansh with the saree, they made their way to the terrace, Divyansh carrying the thali for the puja. The moon had taken its sweet time appearing, and Dadi, already irritated, was waiting to rebuke Divyansh. The rest of the family was busy with dinner preparations downstairs.

Dadi’s scowl deepened as she saw the two arrive. "Aa gayi maha rani! Zara batayegi itni der kyun lagi? Mere Ashwin ko tujhe bulane jaana pada! Hey Ram, aaj kal ke ladkiyon ko zara bhi nahi pata ke apne sasural walon aur bado ka kaise izzat kare... yahan tak ki apne pati ka bhi!" (Oh, the queen has arrived! May I know what took you so long? My Ashwin has to go to call you! Hey Ram, girls these days don't know how to respect their in-laws and elders... Not even their husband!)

Ashwin stepped in, his voice calm but firm. "Bas kijiye, Dadi. Meri wajah se late hua hai. Mujhe ek call aa gaya tha, usi wajah se der hui." (Quit it, Dadi. We got late because of me. I got a call which caused the delay.)

Divyansh turned to look at him in shock, wondering why Ashwin was lying to shield him.

Dadi grumbled but quieted down upon hearing Ashwin’s explanation. "Aab jo bhi hai, jaldi se puja kar aur apna vrat khol. Mere paas puri raat nahi hai yahan pe khade hone ke liye!" (Whatever, quickly finish the puja and break your fast.)

Divyansh quickly performed the rituals, copying the steps he had seen Maa and Chachi perform the day before. Finally, it was time for Ashwin to open his fast.

Ashwin picked up the kalash and brought it near Divyansh’s lips. "Lo, apna vrat kholo," he said gently. (Here, break your fast.)

Divyansh, parched and famished, eagerly drank from the kalash. He couldn’t help but gulp down nearly half the water in one go, so thirsty that he didn’t notice Dadi’s disapproving gaze.

"Aaram se…" Ashwin murmured, feeling a pang of sympathy as he watched Divyansh’s desperation. (Be careful...)

Dadi, however, couldn’t keep her thoughts to herself. "Is ladki ko laaj sharam kuch bhi nahi hai... aise bartav kar rahi hai jaise humne ise do din se kuch khane ko nahi diya hai..." She rolled her Tulsi mala disdainfully. (This girl doesn't have an ounce of shame in her body... She's behaving as if we didn't give her anything to eat for two days...)

Hearing this, Divyansh immediately stopped drinking, feeling ashamed and hurt. He silently held the kalash to Ashwin’s lips, avoiding eye contact with Dadi.

Ashwin glared at Dadi, his frustration evident. He took a sip from the kalash Divyansh offered and then fed him some sweets. "Aab neeche chale? Dinner karne?" he asked gently. (Should we go down? To have dinner?)

Divyansh nodded, his stomach growling at the mention of food.

Dadi, seeing Ashwin’s unwavering support for Divyansh, stormed off in anger. Her eldest grandson was defying her yet again, and it was clear she had lost control over him.

"Chalo," Ashwin said, placing a comforting hand on Divyansh’s shoulder and guiding him downstairs. (Let's go.)

Once in the dining room, Divyansh instinctively headed to the kitchen to serve the food, as it was customary for Maa, Chachi, and him to eat only after everyone else.

But Papa stopped him. "Divya, beta, ruko. Apni Maa aur Chhoti Maa ko bhi bulake laao. Hum sab saath mein dinner karenge. We have enough maids to serve the food." (Divya, stop. Call your Maa and Chhoti Maa. We will have our dinner together.)

Dadi tried to interject. "Lekin niyam ke—" (But according to rules -)

Ashwin interrupted, his voice sharper than before. "Bas, Dadi! Usne do din se kuch nahi khaya hai aur na kuch piya hai. Aab toh maan jao! Aab kya uski jaan leke manengi? Kis baat ka gussa nikaal rahi hain aap?" (Enough, Dadi! She hasn't had anything since two days, neither did she drink anything. At least concede now! What sort of revenge are you taking from her? Why are you so angry at her?)

He turned to Divyansh. "Divya tum betho idhar mere sath," he said, motioning him to sit down. Then he turned to a maid. "Aap jaake Maa aur Chachi ko bula lijiye." (Divya sit down with me.) (Go and call Maa and Chhoti Maa.)

Divyansh quietly sat beside Ashwin as the maid brought Maa and Chachi into the dining room.

Dadi grumbled under her breath, "Kuch dino ke liye bahar kya chali gayi, yeh log toh meri izzat karna hi bhool gaye…" but she couldn’t do much more than that and quietly began eating. (I went away for a few days and they forgot to respect me...)

Papa announced, "Ab se hum sab saath mein dinner karenge." (From now on we all will have dinner together.)

The room fell into a peaceful silence as everyone sat down to eat together for the first time in years. As the family ate together, Divyansh stayed quiet, his emotions too tangled to untangle. Gratitude, vulnerability, and the faintest glimmer of hope lingered in his heart, all because of Ashwin’s unwavering support.

The weight of the day clung to Divyansh as he returned to the room. The soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated Ashwin, seated on the bed with his tablet, the faint light casting shadows across his sharp features. Divyansh sighed softly, gathering courage before approaching and gently taking the tablet from his hands.

Ashwin’s mild protest was almost endearing. “Kya kar rahi ho?” he murmured, his voice low and questioning. (What are you doing?)

“Bohot raat ho chuki hai. Abhi so jaiye. Jo bhi kaam hai, kal subah kar lijiye. Aap chahe toh main aapko jaldi utha dungi,” Divyansh replied, setting the tablet aside with a practiced gentleness. Moving to the dressing table, he adjusted his saree and applied sindoor, his hands trembling slightly from the unfamiliar yet intimate act. (It's late. Go to sleep now. Whatever work is left, complete it in the morning. If you want I'll wake you up earlier than usual.)

Ashwin’s voice, calm but insistent, broke the stillness. “Suno.” (Listen.)

“Haan, Ashwin? Kahiye.” Divyansh turned, expecting a mundane request. (Say.)

“Idhar bed pe so jao.” Ashwin’s tone left no room for argument as he shifted, creating space beside him. (Sleep here on the bed.)

Divyansh hesitated, his hands fidgeting with the fabric of his saree. “Lekin... Aapko aadat nahi hai bed share karne ki. Main couch pe theek hoon.” His voice was laced with genuine concern, the fear of overstepping his place evident in his tone. (But... You are not accustomed to share the bed. I am fine with sleeping on the couch.

Ashwin rose, towering over him, his presence commanding yet warm. “Main bol raha hoon na? Chalo, bed pe so jao,” he said softly, picking up Divyansh’s pillow and blanket and placing them on the bed. (I am telling you na? Come, sleep on the bed.)

Divyansh relented, sitting on the edge before lying down, every movement tentative. “Aaj achanak mujhe bed pe kyun bulaya aapne?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. (Why did you call me to bed suddenly today?)

“Kyun? Main apni biwi ko apne paas sone ke liye nahi bol sakta?” Ashwin countered, his gaze steady, his voice filled with an intimacy that sent a shiver down Divyansh’s spine. (Why? Can't I tell my wife to sleep near me?)

The word biwi felt like a caress, wrapping Divyansh in warmth and longing. He blushed, his eyes darting away. “Aap bhi na…” he murmured, a faint smile gracing his lips. (You na...)

Ashwin’s hand found its way around Divyansh’s waist, pulling him closer with a quiet confidence. His touch was firm yet gentle, his fingers grazing the soft silk of the saree. “Ek baat bolu?” Ashwin’s voice had softened, tinged with something deeper, something unspoken. (Can I say one thing?)

“Kahiye,” Divyansh replied, his breath catching as Ashwin tucked a loose strand of hair behind his ear. (Say.)

“Dadi ki baat ko dil pe mat lena,” Ashwin said, his eyes searching Divyansh’s face for any sign of pain. ( Don't take Dadi's words to heart.)

Divyansh looked away, his voice barely audible. “Mujhe pata hai ki woh aapke liye mujhse zyada suitable ladki dhoond sakti thi...” His voice faltered, the weight of his secret threatening to suffocate him. (I know that she could have found a more suitable girl for you than me...)

Ashwin placed his hand on Divyansh’s cheek, the warmth of his palm grounding him. “Mere liye tum hi sabse suitable ho. Mujhe pata hai mere liye kya best hai,” Ashwin said firmly, his thumb brushing against Divyansh’s cheekbone, igniting a fire in the pit of his stomach. (You are the most suitable for me. I know what's best for me.)

Divyansh met his gaze, his eyes wide, his breath uneven. “Ji…” he whispered, his voice trembling.

Ashwin hesitated, his voice dipping even lower. “Main tumhe kiss kar sakta hoon?” (May I kiss you?)

Divyansh’s lips parted, his heart pounding against his ribcage. “Y-yes…” he breathed, leaning in, the world around them blurring into nothingness.

Their lips met softly, the tentative brush of skin sending shockwaves through Divyansh’s body. Ashwin’s hand trailed down to his waist, his thumb grazing the mole he had noticed earlier, drawing a soft whimper from Divyansh’s lips.

The kiss deepened, Ashwin tilting his head to explore more of the sweetness that Divyansh offered. It was slow, deliberate, every movement of his lips claiming Divyansh in ways words never could. Divyansh’s fingers clutched the bedsheet beneath him as his world tilted, consumed entirely by Ashwin’s touch.

When Ashwin finally pulled back, Divyansh was breathless, his cheeks flushed a deep crimson. Overwhelmed, he turned to the other side, his back to Ashwin, his heart racing uncontrollably.

“Main zyada kar diya?” Ashwin asked softly, guilt creeping into his tone. “Agar tum uncomfortable ho, toh…” He began to withdraw his hand from Divyansh’s waist. (Did I do too much? If you are uncomfortable, then...)

“No!” Divyansh exclaimed, holding his hand in place, his voice trembling. “Y-yeh mera first kiss tha… I’m not ready for more. Mujhe maaf kijiye.” (T-this was my first kiss... I'm not ready for more. Forgive me.)

Ashwin’s heart clenched at the vulnerability in Divyansh’s voice. “Chinta mat karo,” he murmured, pulling him into a gentle embrace from behind, his face resting in the crook of Divyansh’s neck. “Main aur kuch nahi karunga.” His hand traced soothing circles on Divyansh’s waist, calming the tremors that wracked his body. (Don't worry. I won't do anything else.)

“I’m sorry for being a terrible wife…” Divyansh whispered, the weight of his secret crushing him.

Ashwin’s embrace tightened, his voice a soft reassurance. “Divya, tum abhi bhi bahut chhoti ho. Tumhe kuch bhi karne ki zarurat nahi hai jisme tum uncomfortable ho. Tumhare sapne, tumhari khushi sabse zyada zaruri hai.” (Divya, you are very young. You don't have to do anything you are not comfortable with. Your dreams, your happiness matters the most.)

Tears welled in Divyansh’s eyes as he whispered back, “Main bohot khush hoon. Yeh ghar mere liye jannat se kam nahi hai.” (I am very happy. This home is nothing short of heaven for me.)

Ashwin pressed a tender kiss to his temple. “Agar tum khush ho, toh main maan leta hoon. Lekin agar kabhi kuch bhi problem ho, mujhe zarur batana.” (If you are happy, then I'll take your words for it. But if you have the slightest problem, you must tell me.)

Divyansh intertwined their fingers, holding them close to his heart, his voice a silent prayer. 'Kash main aapko sach bata paata… Maaf kijiye mujhe.' (I wish I could have told you the truth... Please forgive me.)

Ashwin, feeling their connection deepen with the gesture, whispered a final “Good night,” his lips brushing against Divyansh’s hair.

“Good night,” Divyansh replied softly, his heart aching with emotions he could no longer contain. Wrapped in Ashwin’s warmth, he allowed himself to sink into the fleeting comfort of the moment, knowing it was all he could have.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Thanks a lot guys... The 1k votes mean a lot to me...

I have noticed that previous chapter has very few votes. Please show ZaynArthit some love, trust they deserve it...🥺

If you want, please do check out our other story "Echoes of the Moonbound Heart". Unlike this story which is written, edited and posted every week, "Echoes of the Moonbound Heart" is a complete one. It will be much easier for me to upload it regularly.

I know omegaverse isn't everyone's piece of cake. But if you love drama, you'll definitely love it. I am currently not updating it as I feel like no one wants to read it, but if you guys can confirm otherwise, I will give updates of both stories from now on.

Enjoy, Adiraj and Priya.