Page 72 of Cherish my Heart

I shake my head, laughing quietly, and Rudraksh—still feeding Rudrani, still watching—gives me that same measured look.

I know that look.

I’d wear it too if it were my sister sitting next to someone like me.

But Aditi’s hand is still in mine.

And something in my chest loosens.

This is what family looks like.

Loud. Clumsy. Tangled.

But real.

And for the first time in a long, long while—I don’t feel like I’m looking in from outside a window, feeling jealous over some family as I see a mother feed their kid food, or a father who bought his child’s favorite toy. That was how my childhood was, envious of other kids. But right now, I feel like I’ve been let in.

Just a little. And that… that’s enough for now.

CHAPTER 38

ADITI

I stare at the door.

It's plain and brown and not at all intimidating. But right now, it feels like the gateway to everything I’ve been avoiding thinking about for the past five days.

Do I ring the bell?

Or do I turn around and go back home, pretend I was never here, and chalk it up to temporary madness brought on by ovulation and unresolved feelings?

God. I’m such a mess.

I shuffle my feet and blow out a breath, staring at the number plate on the door as if it’s going to give me an answer.

I didn’t tell him I was coming. He doesn’t even know I’m back in Mumbai. I could’ve called. I could’ve texted. But I didn’t. I just... showed up.

Because what do I even say?

“Hi, I’m here to find out ye rishta kya kehlata hai?”

I groan and press the heel of my palm against my forehead. Smooth, Aditi. Very smooth.

It’s not like I didn’t understand what he said in Jaipur. When he looked at me and said I was the missing piece in his life, something inside me lit up and has been glowing ever since. I squealed into my pillow like a lovesick idiot that night. Maa got really worried; she thought the corporate world had made me insane.

But then he left the next morning. And I know it’s because he might have felt he was imposing, which he absolutely was not. I loved having him there; seeing him play doctor with Rudrani has to be the highlight of this month. Nonetheless, he still left, and we didn’t get time to discuss anything further. So, now I have no definition of what this is between us. I mean, we did text each other, but it’s VERY difficult to maintain a conversation over text when it comes to Abhimaan because this man only replies with one or two words.

I stayed back for another four days because Maa, Badi Maa, and honestly, Rudrani all emotionally manipulated me into staying. I mean, how do you say no when a five-year-old looks up at you with tears and says, ‘Bua, don’t go, please’?

You can’t. You physically cannot.

So, now I’m here. Outside his door. Probably looking like a lost delivery girl without a package.

I adjust my top a bit, which doesn’t need any adjusting; it’s perfectly fine. This top is too good for having just a simple conversation; it’s definitely date-worthy. Wait, do I have to ask him on a date?

Before I can convince myself to run away, the door swings open.

And there he is.