I Don't Need Care

Her feet felt heavy with every step she took toward their room. Her heart thudded with anticipation.

Was he really there?

If so, she will meet him for the second time after marriage.

She hasn't seen him since their wedding night.

She remembered her first night when he said, "I hope you're comfortable here. I will try to fulfill your every need and if anything troubles you here, just let me know."

The room lighting was dim complementing the decoration of the room and she could only see him from afar.  She tried to read his expressions but her drowsy eyes couldn't work more.

She gave in to her sleep. The next morning when she woke up, she didn't find her husband. The bed looked like nobody ever slept on it.  And it looks like that now too.

He asked her to inform him if anything troubles her right?

She will very well inform him who is troubling her then.

She opened the door, slipping inside with ease she closed it without making any noise.

Her eyes roamed all around to find her husband standing by the balcony, his back facing toward her.

Her heart started pounding, he was indeed in their room only.

She stood there contemplating if she should go near him or not.

While she was busy playing with her bag's strap confused, her husband uttered in a low voice, "I am leaving to Bangalore for a few weeks"

He didn't even turn around to see her because if he did, he would know how stunned she was.

It was the least expected statement from him. She thought maybe they would talk about the differences. What went wrong? What happened after the marriage but here he was planning to take it to another level.

So now he was going to leave the city. As if the room was not enough.

Her face went pale, she was exhausted. She didn't like it anymore.

She took steps towards him, "Why? " She whispered. If not for the silent night, it might not be audible.

Taking a deep breath, he uttered, "For business-related work"

He still didn't turn around.

"I am asking why did you marry me if all you had to do was to avoid me?"

She questioned in a whisper again.

She was tired of guessing his reasons. She was tired of giving him space. She saw no improvement and now she refuses to drive this 1-wheeler bicycle.

Now she would only stay if he said so. Otherwise, she will leave. She was determined to get her answers today.

"I am not avoiding you " he stated holding the balustrade tightly in his hand.

A dry chuckle left her mouth.

How could he lie so bluntly?

" In that case, I am assuming things. So why don't you turn around and tell me that you are in this marriage with your own will, looking into my eyes" She crossed her arms around her chest.

Her eyes held fire. And her words were fierce.

"I will be leaving in a few hours" He said this time in a whisper.

She scoffed. So he was going to ignore her words like a sore loser? Okay, she gets it.

"Divorce me and then go" She stood her ground. And the moment those words left her mouth. She was pinned against the balustrade. His hand clutched her waist tightly. Their face so close that she could feel his warm breath against her face. The moonlight was reflecting on his face.  And she could clearly see his blazing eyes.

"No" He said gritting his teeth.

She was flabbergasted by their situation. This was the first time she was this close to him.

But his actions burned her insides. How dare he? Neither he wants to live with her nor divorce her.

She won't let him rule and change the dynamics of their relationship according to his will.

She must tell him who she is.

He cannot treat her like a doormat.

"I will get this marriage annulled as soon as possible" She matched the intensity of his eyes while gritting the words out of her mouth.

" You will not " He pulled her closer gripping her waist tighter.

"I will because I can. " She pushed him a little to maintain distance between them.
Both of them looked at each other with the same intensity. As the minutes passed, something flickered in his eyes.

"Do you really not wish to be in this marriage with me?" He asked her again almost in a whisper.

" Glad you remember that we are married. And no how can I stay in this marriage when you are clearly avoiding me? There is nothing between us. And I feel so confused, so overwhelmed being here. I have many questions but no answers" Her fierce voice started turning into a mere whisper as she dejectedly sat against the wall.

Looking at her vulnerable form, those tired eyes, pale face, and hopeless expressions anyone would sympathize with her.

And Shivaansh was no different.

He sat beside her. Her upset and disappointed face didn't settle well with him.

"I am sorry for making you feel like that. I wasn't avoiding you" He said looking at her who was now sniffing and wiping her face on her shirt sleeves.

"Two weeks without any explanation or communication? " She questioned meeting her gaze with him.

"I... I just needed some time" He spoke in a slow voice, avoiding her gaze.

"Why did you marry me? Did someone force you? " She asked again. She needed her answers today. She was done feeling insufficient and horrible about herself.

"No, I am really sorry for making you feel like that. I promise I will fulfill all your needs" He promised holding her firm gaze with his.

They sat there in complete silence until Aadya stopped crying.

And the moment she stopped sniffing, Shivaansh found her fast asleep. Just like that leaning against the wall.

A tiny smile broke on his face. She looked like a small innocent child. Without thinking much, he picked her up in his arms and made her lay on the bed muttering a "Sorry" Under his breath.