Flipped apart

Author's POV:

Bangalore was energetic with a soft morning glow, its lush green parks nestled between towering skyline buildings. The air carried a perfect blend of cool and warm at 23°C, while the streets echoed with the chaotic symphony of honking vehicles.

The aroma of freshly brewed filter coffee and crispy benne masala dosas filled the air, drifting from roadside stalls and bustling cafés.

Office-goers, with their backpacks slung over their shoulders, hurriedly devoured their breakfast, eager to return to work.

After navigating through the morning traffic, a bus and a white sedan entered the city with the newly married couple.

Inside the car, Adil, barely awake, blinked sleepily as he took in his surroundings. Danish, at the wheel, focused on navigating the lively streets, while Sameer, exhausted from the night-long drive, slumped in the passenger seat, fast asleep.

A gentle weight on Adil's right shoulder made him turn, and his sleepy expression softened into a warm smile-his newlywed wife, Neha, lay nestled against him, peacefully asleep, her rhythmic breathing in sync with the movement of the car.

Suddenly, the car jerked to a halt, causing Neha to lurch forward.

Instinctively, Adil reached out, placing a protective hand on her forehead to prevent her from hitting the seat. Her eyes flew open, startled.

"I was just..." Adil stammered, caught red-handed. A flush of embarrassment crept up his face as he struggled to find words.

Thankfully, his awkward moment was short-lived. When Inayah, who had been sleeping soundly on Afsha's lap, woke up, she let out a loud cry.

In an instant, the focus shifted.

The entire car scrambled to soothe her, their voices a mix of gentle coos and hushed reassurances as they tried to calm the little one down.

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After three long hours of navigating through traffic, they finally arrived. Everyone got out of the bus as it stopped at Raza Mansion, worn out from the ten-hour ride, not to mention the constant traffic that had tried their patience.

"Adil, Neha, just wait here for a few minutes. I'll be right back," Afsha said as she stepped out of the car, leaving the newlyweds alone for the first time.

A brief silence settled between them.

Sensing it, Adil turned slightly toward Neha and, in an attempt to start a conversation, asked, "How are you feeling now?"

Neha turned to face him, her expression unreadable.

"Fine," she replied curtly, before shifting her gaze outside the car window, her mind seemingly elsewhere.

Not willing to give up, Adil tried again.

"Do you want some water?"

Before Neha could respond, the car door swung open.

Afsha, Saniya, Sumaiyya, and Arshiya stood there, all smiles and excitement, ready to bring the couple inside.

"Come on, let's go inside" Afsha said cheerfully, extending a hand towards Neha, accepting Afsha's hand Neha stepped out of the car gracefully.

On the other side, Adil ensured she was steady before getting out himself. He then walked around to her side and stood beside her.

As their eyes met, Adil instinctively extended his hand, a silent gesture filled with unspoken warmth.