Sanely Yours

(Dard dilon ke kam ho jaate
Main aur Tum agar hum ho jaate- Dard Dilo Ke )
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Guys i have done some editing in the last chapter, please check it out before continuing the story!
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AUTHOR'S POV

Vidhyukta awoke with the sun spilling warmth into her bedroom, painting golden rays on the walls. The chirping of birds outside her window danced around her like a melodious tune, mirroring her heart that seemed to flutter uncontrollably in her chest. She felt like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon, euphoric in anticipation of the day. Yesterday, Rudra had called her at midnight, wrapping her in a blanket of sweet words that ignited a spark in her soul. “I love you,” he had said, with an earnestness that echoed in the silence of her heart. The words lingered, sparkling like fireflies in her memory.

Today marked their reunion after a long trip he had taken to the USA. The hours apart felt like aeons, but she knew, as he had promised, he would be back today. She could barely contain her excitement as she envisioned the moment they would be together again.

After a delightful tug of war with her wardrobe, Vidhyukta chose a stunning red saree that accentuated her figure and radiated elegance. She draped it perfectly, allowing the sheer pallu to cascade gracefully over her shoulder. With care, she applied vermillion to the parting of her hair, a traditional symbol of love and marriage, signifying her devotion to Rudra.

Once satisfied with her reflection, she turned her attention to their pets, Flynn and Rapunzel. Flynn, their spirited golden retriever, bounced around the room, eager to welcome back his master. Rapunzel, their sleek grey cat, lounged lazily in the sunbeam, her emerald eyes glimmering with curiosity. Vidhyukta smiled as she adorned them both with little accessories: a red collar for Flynn and a red bow for Rapunzel, making her pets match her festive attire.

“You two look absolutely adorable!” she exclaimed, her heart swelling with joy. Flynn wagged his tail so hard it nearly knocked over a nearby vase, while Rapunzel blinked slowly, her version of a feline smile.

With the house decorated with fresh flowers and the aroma of her special homemade biryani wafting through the air, Vidhyukta settled in the living room, her heart racing as anticipation bubbled inside her. “He will love it,” she kept repeating to herself, trying to quell the fluttering of butterflies in her stomach.

The doorbell echoed through the house, a sound that sent a rush of electricity through her veins. “He’s here!” Vidhyukta squealed, rushing to the door, her heart pounding like a drum.

As she flung open the door, she found herself enveloped in Rudra’s strong arms. They felt familiar and safe, yet for a fleeting moment, time seemed to still. She looked up at him, her heart racing with joy.

“Rudra!” she beamed.

But to her surprise, Rudra didn't pull her closer. Instead, he seemed stiff, if anything. His eyes, usually filled with warmth, looked distant, almost unfocused. Vidhyukta frowned slightly, but the excitement of seeing him overshadowed any concerns. Flynn and Rapunzel had rushed past her, ecstatic to see their owner, wiggling, jumping, and barking softly in happiness.

Yet Rudra's gaze didn’t drift towards them. He gently released Vidhyukta and took a step back. An awkward silence loomed, stretching taut between them. Vidhyukta smiled brightly, trying to dispel the dizzying apprehension swelling within her.

“Missed you so much,” she said, her voice a soft melody.

“Yeah, I missed you too,” he replied, but there was a flatness to his tone that sent a shiver down her spine. His eyes darted around the room as if he were seeing everything for the first time.

“Come in! I’ve made your favorite, biryani, and… there’s so much I want to tell you!” She took a few steps back, inviting him into the comfort of their home.