Chapter 112 Silent Pain, Hidden Smile
Viransh instantly runs into his arms.
But Pihu’s reaction is different. Her big eyes fix on Karan, noticing the doctor’s coat and stethoscope still hanging over his shoulder. She stares at him.
Karan lovingly stretches out his hands toward Pihu and says softly, “Come here, baby…”
But little Pihu immediately clenches her tiny fists and grips Samar’s shirt tightly, as if she never wants to be separated from him. Samar bends down, surprised, and asks gently, “What happened, baby?”
Pihu looks up at him with her big tear-filled eyes and then buries her face into his chest, as if declaring that he alone is her shield of safety at this moment.
Karan calls her again, “Pihu, come here, baby.”
But this time, Pihu turns her face away stubbornly and whispers in her lisping little voice, “P..piin… un..tal…” (Pin Uncle)
Everyone stands puzzled for a second. What is this little doll trying to say? Rimjhim glances at Karan, hiding a smile, and explains, “Karan, take off your coat and stethoscope. Otherwise, she will not come to you.”
Karan frowns in confusion, “Why? What problem does this tiny troublemaker have with my coat?”
Rimjhim chuckles softly and says, “She thinks you’ve come to give her an injection.”
The whole hall lights up with gentle laughter. Karan smacks his forehead dramatically and says, “Ohh…”
He quickly takes off his doctor’s coat and sets the stethoscope aside. Then, with a warm smile, he calls her again, “Pihu…”
This time, Pihu breaks her little tantrum and glances at him. Karan cleverly pulls out a chocolate from his pocket and shows it to her. The moment Pihu’s eyes land on the chocolate, her tiny feet carry her forward on their own.
With her little steps, she runs straight toward Karan and climbs into his arms. Karan lifts her high, hugs her close, and showers her chubby cheeks with kisses. Pihu bursts into giggles, as if all her tears from earlier never existed.
Watching this sweet moment, Rimjhim turns to Mrs. Shobha and asks, “Mom, shall I go to Shekhawat Uncle’s place?”
Mrs. Shobha looks at her lovingly and smiles, “Yes, of course, beta. Why even ask?”
Vihan quickly jumps in, “I’ll come too!”
Samar speaks in a calm but firm tone, “My going is compulsory. I’ll also come.”
And Karan immediately adds, “I’ll come as well.”
Rimjhim lets out a deep sigh, as though realizing she now has an entire procession ready to follow her. With a touch of playful exasperation, she glances at everyone and then goes to get ready. A little while later, all of them together set off toward Shekhawat Villa.
In the dining area of Aaryan Villa, the only sounds echoing are the soft clinking of cutlery and the rapid tapping of a phone keypad.
Ruhi sits comfortably at the table, completely absorbed in chatting with her friends. A plate of breakfast lies untouched in front of her, but her attention is fixed entirely on her phone.
Just then, Rohit walks out of the kitchen. In his hands is a steaming plate of poha that he has just prepared. He wears an apron, and with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his strong arms and personality look even more attractive. Rohit is already known for his smart and handsome looks, but today, he appears more like a simple, caring husband.
He comes over to the dining table and gently serves poha into Ruhi’s plate before saying lovingly, “Ruhi, put your phone down and eat your breakfast quickly.”
Ruhi doesn’t even bother to lift her eyes from the screen and snaps, “Do I have to ask your permission to use my phone now?”
Rohit remains calm and replies softly, “No, that’s not what I mean. I just want you to eat first… we have to go to Shekhawat Mansion afterwards.”
Ruhi glances up at him briefly and replies dismissively, “So what?”
With a warm smile, Rohit says, “So my lovely wife should eat her breakfast peacefully. That’s all I’m saying.”
But Ruhi hates this affectionate tone. Annoyed, she shoots back, “Shut up! Don’t talk to me in such nonsense ways. And remember I’m not your wife. Understand?”
Rohit’s smile falters for a moment, but he doesn’t give up. Sitting down beside her, he speaks gently, “You may not accept it, but I do.”
Ruhi grows even more irritated and repeats, “Shut up!”
This time, Rohit falls silent. He knows continuing the argument will only fuel my anger. The dining room falls into an uneasy quiet, filled only with my irritation and Rohit’s quiet patience.
A little while later, I come out dressed in a white kurta and jeans. The outfit is simple, yet my natural style and grace give me a unique charm. Rohit, meanwhile, has taken off his apron and changed into a white blazer suit. He looks sharp and gentlemanly, exuding quiet confidence.
Even though we have been married for quite some time, we still live in separate rooms. Under the same roof, yet miles apart in heart.
As soon as he sees me, I point coldly toward my shoes and say, “Tie my laces.”
Rohit looks at me for a moment, then bends down without a word and ties my shoelaces. A sly smile creeps across my face. I love seeing him bow to me like this. Since our marriage, I have grown used to imposing my whims and tantrums on him, and he endures it all silently. When he stands up, my victorious smile lingers.
Outside, Rohit, ever the gentleman, opens the backseat door of the car for me. I, still busy on my phone, get in without sparing him a glance. Closing the door gently, Rohit walks to the front, sits down in the driver’s seat, and starts the engine.
The door of the room slowly creaks open, and I step outside. My face carries a soft glow, like the moon on a full-moon night spreading its silver light all around. I am dressed in a yellow anarkali suit that enhances my natural beauty even more. My hair is tied neatly in a small braid, giving me a graceful yet simple look.
But behind that glow, there is something else hidden in the corners of my eyes—a shadow of sadness, a silent story veiled behind my beautiful face.
As I walk out, my eyes accidentally meet Samar’s gaze. His eyes freeze on me for a moment, as if time itself has stopped. There is no denying I look breathtakingly beautiful, but the sadness on my face strikes his heart quietly. I quickly look away, not wanting anyone to see my vulnerability.
Then, suddenly, my expression changes the moment I see Rimjhim. My face lights up with excitement, like that of a child. I hurry over to Rimjhim, hug her warmly, and say cheerfully, “How are you, Rimjhim?”
Rimjhim smiles back, embracing me tightly. “I’m good, how are you?”
We sit together on the sofa, holding hands, slipping into conversations like the old days.
Meanwhile, the living room is lively in its own way. Karan and Neeti are engrossed in their own conversation, while Mr. Shekhawat is having a deep discussion with Vihan. But in a corner, three little mischief-makers hide behind a big pillar, secretly watching tiny Pihu, who sits comfortably in Rimjhim’s lap. Her innocent antics are enough to capture anyone’s heart.
Viransh whispers with a mischievous grin, “You know, she troubles everyone a lot.”
Vikram shakes his head, defending her instantly, “No way! She’s so cute. Just look at her!”
Ayansh says nothing at all. His eyes are fixed only on Pihu. Her chubby cheeks, her little giggles, her baby-like tottering sounds Ayansh seems completely lost in her charm.
When I notice the three of them spying, Viransh quickly runs up to me and throws his arms around my neck. I hug him lovingly, while across the room Samar sits silently, watching everything. He looks like a spectator of his own life story unfolding in front of him.
A while later, Viransh tugs at Rimjhim’s hand and insists, “Mumma, can I play with Pihu?”
Rimjhim shakes her head instantly, remembering his past mischiefs. “No, beta. You don’t play with her, you just end up making her cry.”
Viransh sulks and steps back. At that moment, I lean forward and gently pick Pihu into my arms. I kiss her tiny cheeks again and again, holding her close. Pihu laughs happily, as if she has found another mother.
But my eyes suddenly well up with tears. A thought pierces my heart: if only I hadn’t gone through with the abortion… today, I too would have had a daughter this grown, this lovely, just like Pihu.
For a brief moment, the old wound reopens. Yet, I quickly wipe my tears away, hiding the pain behind a soft smile.
Just then, the main gate opens, and Ruhi and Rohit enter the villa. Mr. Shekhawat greets them warmly, “Come in, children, sit down.”
Rohit sits beside him, while Ruhi goes around meeting everyone. As soon as her eyes fall on Pihu, her face lights up. “Oh wow! She’s so adorable.”
TO BE COUNTINUE...!!!