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15 Days Later

SHIVANSH'S POV :

"Inaaa, have you seen that blue file and the pendrive?" I called out, scanning the desk frantically.

"It's in the second cupboard from the right, first drawer," she replied casually from inside the washroom.

It's been days since I fully recovered, and I'm finally able to get back to my daily routine. I can return to the office, and Ina's starting with me again since she's been on leave, taking care of me all this time.

So much has changed in these past days. Inayat and I—well, we've grown closer, more understanding of each other.

It feels like we're in sync now, completely on the same page. We've become more intimate, and it's almost like she's become a part of me in ways I never imagined.

She's changing me, and I have to admit, in all the right ways. You won't believe it—she's even started calling me her "pookie bear."

According to her, I act like a baby around her, all soft and cute. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about that nickname, but I can't really argue with her when she says it with so much love.

But not everything is right. Aryan's been out of the country ever since that night—the night we fought. After Inayat talked some sense into me, I went to see him the next day, ready to fix things.

But by then, it was too late. He'd already left, catching a flight to the U.S. in the middle of the night. No warning, no explanation. He just slipped away, leaving everything unresolved. It's been sitting heavy on my chest ever since.

And then there's Ahana. She's not herself anymore. She's pulled away from all of us, barely eating, barely speaking, except when she's with Inayat.

Somehow, Inayat's the only one who can break through that wall she's built, the only one she'll even acknowledge. The rest of us? It's like we're invisible to her now. It breaks me to see her like this—so quiet, so unlike the Ahana I know—but I don't know how to reach her.

"Did you find it?" Inayat's voice cut through the thoughts that had been swirling in my head.

"Yes, see!" I showed her the file and pendrive like a kid, a grin on my face.

Maybe the name she gave me is fitting after all.

She smiled at my little display of excitement, shaking her head as she began drying her hair with the hairdryer.

I couldn't help but walk toward her, wrapping my arms around her waist from behind, pressing my body against hers. I felt her gasp at the sudden contact, her breath hitching in surprise.

With one hand, I gently swept her hair to the side, exposing her neck, my fingers brushing her skin and making her breathing uneven. A smirk tugged at my lips. Watching her expression in the mirror made it all the more irresistible.

I leaned down, burying my face in the curve of her neck, inhaling deeply. The intoxicating scent of her perfume overwhelmed me, drawing me in deeper, making it impossible to let go.

"Ansh..." she breathed out, her voice soft, but I was too lost in her to respond.

"We're getting late," she whispered, trying to pull away gently.

I growled low in irritation, refusing to let her go. Instead, I leaned in and bit down on her neck, making her yelp-though I could hear the pleasure in her voice more than the pain.

"Ahh!" she gasped, and I immediately soothed the bite with my tongue, trailing soft kisses along her skin.

Her breathing grew heavier, her chest falling up and down and I felt her nails dig into my hands, which were resting on her stomach. She wasn't resisting anymore, leaning back into my touch, giving in.

She tilted her head to the side, offering me more access, and I didn't waste a second. I kissed, sucked, and sometimes bit gently before soothing the marks with soft licks, savoring every reaction from her.

Each gasp, each tremble, pulled me deeper into her, making me lose myself in the moment.

Opening my eyes, I saw her reflection in the mirror—breathless and flushed. She was gasping for air, completely lost in my touch, her eyes closed. I smirked, watching her fall apart because of me.

I trailed my lips along her jaw, gently biting before kissing her there, then slowly moved to her ear, giving it a lingering lick before nibbling on her earlobe.

"Aren't we getting late, baby? But you seem to be enjoying yourself. Should we take another day off?" I teased, my voice low and playful.

Her eyes shot open, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Wide-eyed, she pulled herself away from me, unable to make eye contact, and bolted downstairs. I chuckled, thoroughly amused.

"Arey jaan, you left your bag!" I called after her, teasing her even more.

Shaking my head, I grabbed my phone and her bag, heading downstairs with a grin still plastered on my face.

Shaking my head, I grabbed my phone and her bag, heading downstairs with a grin still plastered on my face.

As I walked downstairs, I saw Inayat immersed in her prayers at the temple. Ever since she returned to this house, the sound of her melodious voice during aarti and bhajans has filled the air again.

It's the best way to start the day—peaceful and calming. The house feels alive and happy once more, and it's all because of her presence.

"Bhai, are you carrying a lady's purse?" Advay asked, pointing at the bag in my hand, a teasing grin on his face.

"It's not mine, idiot. It's Inayat's. She forgot it upstairs, so I brought it down. Why would I use a lady's purse?" I shot back, rolling my eyes.

Everyone was looking at me with such amusement, like I was holding a bomb instead of a purse.

Just then, Inayat finished the aarti and distributed prashad to everyone. We moved to the dining table for delicious breakfast made by her.

Even though I've been on a bland, patient-friendly diet, I have to admit—when Inayat made it, even that food, which I hated the most, tasted delicious.

I took my usual seat—the one reserved for the head of the family. There was something peaceful about slipping back into my daily routine, but this time, I had the woman who stood by me, supporting me through everything.

I couldn't be more grateful for Inayat. She's been my anchor, helping me see right from wrong.

"We really missed you, bhai. It's been so long since we've all had a meal together," Advay said with a warm smile.

I smiled back, my eyes drifting to Inayat as she brought over the food. Just then, we heard Ahana rushing down the stairs, heading for the door.

"Baccha, where are you going? Have your breakfast, then you can head to the office," Inayat called after her.

Since that day, Ahana hadn't left her room much. She'd come for the aarti or meals, only because of Inayat, but she hadn't been herself.

Today, however, was different. She was smiling, playful, and energetic—the way she used to be. This was the Ahana I had missed.

"Baccha, won't you have breakfast with your bhai? It's been so long since we've sat down together," I asked gently.

She hesitated but eventually sat beside me. But She was glued to her phone, though, which irritated me. Normally, she'd chatter on and on when she was with me, but today, she felt distant. It hurt.

"Baccha, what's going on? You are being so distant with me and It's hurting me. If it's because of that night, I'm really sorry for what I said that day.

I want to fix things. I will but Please don't punish your brother like this," I pleaded softly, searching her face for answers.

"It's nothing like that, bhai—" she began, but her phone rang. Aryan's name flashed on the screen, and Aahana quickly hid her phone, looking scared.

"Is Aryan back?" I asked, my heart racing.

"Y-yes," she stuttered, clearly nervous.

Hearing her say yes, relief washed over me. Finally, I could sort things out with him. Finally, I could apologize.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked, confused by her hesitation.

"Bhai... I..." She trailed off, unsure of how to continue.

"Okay, have your breakfast, then go meet him," I said casually, not wanting to pressure her.

She looked little confused and shocked listening this but didn't question anything further.

We all returned to our meal, and soon enough, the chatter picked up again. Advik and Advit couldn't stop praising Inayat's cooking, and even Advay and Ahana joined in, showering her with compliments.

Seeing everyone so close to Inayat brought me a sense of relief—things were finally getting back to normal.

Laughter filled the room as we enjoyed the delicious breakfast. Everything felt like it used to, except for one thing—my feelings for Inayat. They were deeper now. My love for her had only grown stronger.

After breakfast, Ahana hurried off to meet Aryan. Advay left for the office with Advik and Advit, who he'd drop off at college. And Inayat, of course, would be leaving with me. She wanted to come along, probably because she was worried I'd mess things up with Aryan.

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As we reached Aryan's office, I couldn't lie—I was nervous. Inayat gave my hand a gentle squeeze, her silent reassurance, but Aryan's expression showed a flicker of surprise when he saw us.

He didn't say anything, just stood from his chair, arms crossed, looking distant. The tension was suffocating.

I took a breath and started, "Aryan, I'm really sorry. I never meant to say those things. I didn't want to hurt you, but I was blinded by my fears and possessiveness when it comes to Ahana. I was too harsh, and I know that."

Aryan's silence felt like a heavy weight. His eyes didn't soften, just watching, waiting for more.

"I was out of line, and I regret every word," I continued. "You've done nothing but love Ahana and our family. I was too protective of her. She's my little sister, Aryan, and after everything... she never really got the love she deserved from our parents.

I tried to fill that gap for her. I thought you couldn't do the same, but then I realized—" I paused, my voice wavering, "—you loved her more than all of us combined. I'm ashamed I didn't see that sooner. Please, forgive me."

Aryan's face stayed unreadable, but after a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice cool. "You know, Shivansh, they say anger brings out the truth. Gusse mein insaan apne dil ki baat hi kehta hai."

His words hit like a punch to the gut, and I could feel the guilt sinking deeper. Before I could say anything, Inayat stepped in.

"Bhaiya," she said softly, "I get that what Shivansh said hurt you. But sometimes, when we're scared or angry, we say things we don't mean. Shivansh wasn't speaking from his heart—he was scared of losing Ahana.

But you've proven, time and time again, how much you care for her. She's happier with you than she's ever been. Shivansh knows that now."

Aryan looked at her for a moment, his expression softening just a little, but his voice was still tight. "Words leave scars, Inayat. You can't just take them back."

"I know," I replied quietly. "But I'll do whatever it takes to make up for it. You've been family to us. I don't want to lose that."

Aryan sighed, the tension slowly draining from his shoulders. "What hurt the most, Shivansh, was that you doubted me. You thought I wasn't good enough for her."

I nodded, the weight of his words pressing on me. "I messed up. I let my fears cloud my judgment. But I trust you, Aryan. I always have."

There was a pause before Aryan's expression finally softened. "I was mad, no doubt. But Ahana's your sister, and I get it. I probably would've reacted the same way."

Relief washed over me. "So... we're good?"

Aryan raised an eyebrow, a small smirk forming. "Let's just say I'm still pissed, but I won't hold it against you. Don't screw up again."

I couldn't help but smiled, the tension finally breaking. "Deal."

Just then, Inayat cut in with that playful, complaining tone. "And Aryan Bhai, how dare you say you don't have a family? Who am I then? Am I not your sister? I thought you considered me family too!"

She sounded exactly like Ahana when she's upset, which made Aryan's smirk turn into a real smile. "Oh, now you're pulling that card?"

Inayat crossed her arms, mock pouting. "You can't just say you're alone when I'm right here!"

Aryan shook his head, laughing softly. "Alright, alright. I get it. I'm sorry, Inu," he said, pulling her into a warm hug. For a moment, everything just felt right again.

The tension that had been so thick was now completely gone. We chattered away, Aryan teasing both me and Inayat at every opportunity.

Sometimes, they even teamed up against me and laughing. The room was filled with lighthearted banter, and the weight of everything that had happened started to fade away.

Things were back to how they should be—normal, easy, and filled with laughter. I could tell things were finally mending between us. We were family again.

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The rain was pouring down hard, making it difficult to see as I drove carefully. It wasn't just normal rain—it felt like a storm was hitting us. I held the steering wheel tightly and glanced over at Inayat, who was sitting calmly, not worried at all.

"I'll drop you off at your office first," I said, trying to focus on the road.

She nodded, but soon, we had to stop. A big tree had fallen in the middle of the road, blocking our way completely. I sighed, knowing we'd have to take a different route.

"Looks like we'll have to go another way. It'll take time, we might be late," I said, turning the car around.

As I drove, something about the road felt familiar. It led to the temple I had visited for Ina. Memories of that place came rushing back, but I shook them off. Now wasn't the time to think about it.

Suddenly, Inayat spoke up, "Shivansh, stop the car!"

I quickly pulled over, confused. "What's wrong?"

She pointed to a small, old-looking temple up the hill. "I saw that temple. I want to go and offer prayers to thank God for healing you and getting us back together. It looks special, and I want to see it."

My heart sank. I knew this wasn't a good idea. "Ina, the rain's too heavy, and it could be dangerous. Plus, we're already late—"

But she cut me off, determined. "I don't care. We need to thank God. Please, Ansh."

I felt a wave of anxiety. I couldn't let her go up there. What if the baba saw us and said something? But Inayat didn't give me a chance to stop her.

She was already out of the car and climbing the steps to the temple. This girl never listens to me—she'll get wet; what if she catches a cold?

I followed her quickly with an umbrella, watching her struggle as the steps became steeper. After a while, she stopped and winced in pain, rubbing her ankle.

I rushed over and helped her sit down on a step, handing her the umbrella.

"Are you okay?" I asked, concerned.

"Yeah, it's just my ankle, I think it got twisted," she said, trying to smile through the pain.

I gently massaged her foot, hoping to ease the discomfort. She looked at me with a soft smile, her eyes full of warmth.

"You don't have to do this," she said softly.

"I can't see you in pain," I replied, meeting her gaze.

"It's okay now, Shivansh, let's continue," she said, determined. She stood up, ready to keep going.

But before she could take another step, I scooped her up into my arms, carrying her bridal-style. She gasped and tried to protest.

"Shivansh! Put me down, you've just recovered. You shouldn't—"

"I'm fine, Ina. I'm not letting you walk when you're hurt," I interrupted, smiling down at her. "And you're not that heavy."

She huffed but wrapped her arms around my neck. Her eyes softened, and for a moment, there was nothing but admiration in her gaze.

As we reached the top, I was out of breath, soaked in sweat. We sat down on the temple steps to catch our breath. I looked at her, trying to shake off the nervousness building inside me.

This temple held too many memories, and I wasn't sure if I was ready to face them.

Just as I was about to suggest leaving, I saw him—the baba. My heart sank, and I tensed up instantly. Before I could react, he walked toward us with a warm smile.

"Shivansh beta, how are you? Is that child alright now? I haven't seen you in so long," the baba asked me, his voice gentle but loud enough to echo around us.

I closed my eyes, unable to answer, and opened them only to see Inayat's confused expression.

"What are you talking about, baba?" she asked gently, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern.

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So what do you think the baba will tell Inayat? And why is Shivansh so nervous? Share your thoughts..

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Next chapter will come tomorrow

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