Chapter 57 Shoulder To Rest On
The hospital bus pulls up at a small roadside dhaba on a deserted highway. Night has settled in. Cool air drifts through the surroundings, and the sky above glitters with countless stars. One by one, the tired yet energetic students step off the bus. With weary faces but lively spirits, they gather in small groups laughing, chatting, and enjoying dinner together.
But Riya sits alone in a quiet corner. A gentle sadness rests on her face, her eyes heavy with fatigue. Her plate holds only a small amount of food, as if she has taken it merely to avoid questions. She takes a bite or two and then sits silently. No one notices the stillness she carries no one, except one person for whom even Riya’s smallest discomfort matters.
Karan moves around, making sure everything is in order, checking on the students and ensuring everyone is comfortable. After everyone finishes dinner, he goes ahead and pays the bill, just as the responsible leader he always is. As he turns, his eyes fall on Riya, still sitting quietly, her food barely touched.
He walks over, bends slightly, and asks gently, “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
Riya looks at him but says nothing. There is pain in her eyes, but her lips remain sealed. Karan senses something is wrong, yet she doesn’t open up.
Soon, the students begin boarding the bus again. Karan follows, staying close to Riya.
Inside the bus, everyone settles into their seats. Karan comes and sits beside Riya, on the front seat next to the driver. Riya looks at him in surprise, her eyes silently asking him to move. She starts to stand, but before she can, Karan gently yet firmly holds her hand and pulls her back down.
The bus lights dim, leaving only soft red and blue lights flickering faintly, casting a dreamy glow inside. Slow, soothing music plays in the background, adding warmth to the cool night journey.
The bus starts moving. Many students are already asleep; others are lost in their phones. Karan slowly takes Riya’s hand and places her head on his shoulder. Leaning close, he asks softly, “Why didn’t you eat dinner?”
Riya hesitates for a moment, then replies quietly, “There was too much spice.”
Karan frowns slightly, gentle frustration in his voice. “Why didn’t you tell me? I would’ve brought you something else.”
“It’s okay,” Riya murmurs.
Karan says nothing. He quietly removes his bag, unzips it, and pulls out a small box. He opens it and hands it to her. “Here. Eat this.”
Riya takes the box, surprised. The moment she opens it, her face lights up. Inside are besan laddoos her favorite. Her eyes sparkle with childlike joy as she picks one up and takes a small bite.
Karan watches her fondly, a soft smile on his lips. For him, her happiness is everything.
After finishing the laddoo, Riya rests her head on his shoulder. Karan gently strokes her hair, rests his head against hers, and closes his eyes. The bus continues its journey through the peaceful night, carrying with it a moment of quiet warmth and unspoken affection.
Riya happily munches on one laddoo after another, her eyes shining with joy. Smiling sweetly, she looks at Karan and says softly, “These are so delicious. When I was a kid, my mom used to make laddoos just like these for me.”
Nostalgia colors her voice. Karan looks at her with warmth, then leans in slightly, a teasing glint in his eyes, “My mom made these too… for me. But maybe, perhaps, having her was always destined in the fate of the mother of my children.”
Riya freezes, The very next second, she starts coughing as the laddoo gets stuck in her throat—pure shock. Startled, Karan quickly grabs a water bottle, hands it to her, and gently rubs her back.
“Easy… eat slowly,” he says, laughing softly.
Riya takes a few sips, finally calming down. Her face turns red with embarrassment and annoyance.
She glares at him and snaps, “You have no shame! Saying such shameless things and you’re a doctor! Don’t you have any decency?”
Karan leans closer, completely unfazed, his voice low and mischievous, “Why? Can’t doctors be shameless? If doctors didn’t flirt, how would little doctors be born?”
Riya stares at him, stunned. Where does he even get this nonsense? She exhales sharply and mutters, “I’m sleepy.”
Karan smiles, gently places her head back on his shoulder, and whispers, “Then sleep.” He closes his eyes too as the bus continues rolling through the silent night.
Soft morning light seeps through the curtains as Rimjhim’s eyes slowly flutter open. Her gaze darts around the room, confusion etched across her face. She is alone on the bed, and for a moment, she doesn’t recognize where she is.
Then reality hits this isn’t her home anymore. She is now in Shekhawat Mansion, standing at the beginning of a new journey, a new relationship.
She gets up from the bed, brushing her long hair back, and quietly makes her way to the bathroom for a shower.
After some time, she steps out, fully dressed and ready for the day. She wears a red Anarkali suit, a one-sided dupatta gracefully draped over her shoulder. Her long hair flows freely down her back, and tiny jhumkas adorn her ears, adding a touch of simple elegance. She looks breathtakingly beautiful.
As Rimjhim steps out of her room, the house feels quiet almost eerily so. She walks toward the kitchen, curiosity pulling her forward.
I am already there.
I wear a pink Anarkali suit, red bangles softly clinking against each other as I move. My long hair is loose, and a one-sided dupatta rests on my shoulder. I am busy with my work when I notice her standing at the entrance.
I turn toward Rimjhim and smile gently.
“Oh, you’re here? Do you need something?”
Rimjhim hesitates for a moment, then replies shyly,
“No… I just… um, came in. What are you making?”
I chuckle softly, “A protein shake. For Mr. Rajput.”
She blinks, a little confused, “Mr. Rajput?”
I smile, my eyes softening, “My husband.”
“Ohh…” Rimjhim says quietly, nodding.
I add casually, “Vihan bro.. is probably in the gym too.”
“Oh, okay,” she replies softly.
Without much thought, I gently take Rimjhim’s hand and say, “Come with me.”
To Be Countinue...!!!