Author's POV:-

Agastya stands up from the sofa, moving towards the balcony as he wipes his tears, not wanting Naina to see him like this. The cool night air hits his face as he steps outside, hoping the darkness will provide him some solace.

As he looks out, his eyes land on his brother's balcony, where he sees them dancing together, wrapped in each other's arms.

His bhaiya whispers something into his bhabhi's ear, prompting her to giggle as she playfully pulls him closer by the neck. The sight is so intimate, so full of joy and warmth, that it strikes a deep chord within Agastya.

A lone tear escapes from his eye, trailing down his cheek as he watches the couple share a moment he longs for.

"Kash hum dono ka relation bhi bhaiya-bhabhi jaise hote," he thinks, a bittersweet ache settling in his heart.

He had always dreamed of sharing a life like that with Naina-filled with laughter, closeness, and unshakeable bonds.

Instead, he finds himself standing alone, yearning for a connection that seems just out of reach.

Naina's POV

I don't know why, but every time I see him making such an effort to make me comfortable and to feel special, it only deepens my guilt. Agastya does everything he can to bridge the distance between us-he plans little surprises, cooks my favorite meals, and always asks how my day was. Yet, instead of feeling grateful, I feel this overwhelming sense of guilt.

I know I'm pushing him away when he reaches out to me.

Each time he tries to touch me, I find myself retreating, concocting silly excuses to leave the moment. I can see the love in his eyes but ended up hurting him with my actions and it breaks my heart, but I can't seem to stop myself.

What can I do ?? I don't like his touches..I don't like him coming close to me.. Everytime he does..I feel irritated..and then ended up feel guilty for hurting him...

Next Day,

Evening had fallen, but Agastya still hadn't come out of his cabin. Today, he hadn't called Naina even once, nor had she called him back. A quiet tension filled the air, and he buried himself in work, hoping to escape thoughts that troubled him.

He and his brother, Aviraj, worked in the same office but in different departments. Usually, they would head home together, but today was different.

"Aree, tu ab tak kaam kar raha hai, Agastya? Ghar nahi jaana kya? Uth jaa! Baaki ka kaam kal kar lena," Aviraj urged, trying to pull him out of his fixation. But Agastya barely reacted, his gaze still glued to his laptop.

The truth was, he wasn't ready to go home-not to face her distant and withdrawn behavior again.

"Aap chale jaiye... main baad mein aa jaunga," he said softly, not looking up.

Aviraj could sense something was wrong. He'd noticed Agastya's strange behavior all day, and now, it was clear that something heavy weighed on him. Determined to get through to his brother, Aviraj moved over, shut the laptop, and gave Agastya a stern look. Agastya glared back, frustrated by the interference.

Why is he so stubborn? Aviraj wondered, but didn't let up. Gently, he guided Agastya to the sofa and handed him a glass of water. Agastya drank in silence, his tension visible in the way he held the glass.

"Ab batayega kya hua? Aise kyun behave kar raha hai?" Aviraj asked gently, his voice filled with concern.

Agastya was taken aback that his brother had noticed his mood. He felt his eyes sting, but he didn't know how to explain what was truly bothering him.

"Bata na? Ab mujhse chupayega tu?" Aviraj pressed, wiping away the silent tears that had begun to roll down Agastya's face.

A quiet sob escaped Agastya as he finally spoke. "Kuch thik nahi hai, bhai... kuch thik nahi hai hum dono ke beech. Maine bohot koshish kar raha hu... par humare beech kuch progress hi nahi hua. Naina doesn't like my touch, bhai... she's not comfortable with me." He buried his face in his hands.

Aviraj placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, understanding his pain.

"Aisa nahi hai jo tu samajh raha hai, bacha... ye sab kuch dhire dhire hota hai," Aviraj said softly, trying to console him. "It's only been a month since your marriage. Give her time."

Agastya looked up at him, the weight of the past month heavy on his shoulders, and began to explain everything he'd been feeling. Aviraj listened, his brows furrowing in concern.

"She doesn't even let me hold her hand, bhaiya. If I try to get close, she moves away. Sometimes, it feels like she's a different Naina... not the one I knew," Agastya said, his voice thick with pain.

"Ho sakta hai she just needs more time. Ek kaam kar, usse kahin acchi jagah le jaa... maybe a little outing will help her relax. Plus, you'll both get some time together," Aviraj suggested, trying to lift his spirits.

Agastya considered the idea, though doubt lingered. Would she even agree to go with him?

Sensing his hesitation, Aviraj offered another idea. "Kal toh Sunday hai na? Main, tere bhabhi, aur Mumma-Papa ko kahin ghooma ke le aate hain. Then you both can have the house to yourselves-get some alone time. What do you think?"

Agastya nodded in unsure way.

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