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Kashish's POV

As I opened my eyes at 6:30 am, the first thing I noticed was Kabir's side of the bed—empty. Then I remembered, he had to leave early today. A sigh escaped me. I know this man will push himself to the edge again. How does he manage everything? The hospital, the endless surgeries, lectures, the board meetings and on top of that, being the CMO. Sometimes I wonder if his days have more than twenty-four hours.

Sayoni di's words from my bidaai echoed in my head "You'll have to understand him, Kashish. His profession will always demand more from him." And I am trying, I really am. But still, there are moments I feel he is the one pouring more into this marriage than I do.

My heart wandered back to that moment, when he kissed my forehead. God, I went so stiff, so nervous, but then oh, then something melted inside me. This man, who to the world looks so strict, so quiet, so untouchable, But with me he is different, Softer, Warmer. The way his lips lingered just for a second. I swear, the moment should have been paused forever.

And I keep wondering, how did he take that step? Where did he find that ease to come closer? Me, who's always holding back, thinking twice, and him just doing it. One day, I promise myself, I will take a step forward too.

My gaze shifted to the mirror. "Kashish are you in love with Dr. Kabir Singhania?" I whispered at my own reflection. Then quickly shook my head. "No, no... how can it be so early? It's been, what—Twenty days? We've barely touched, barely held each other. Not even a hug or cuddle, even when we sleep next to each other.

The clock ticked, pulling me out of my thoughts. It was already 7 am. I laughed softly, so much ranting about Kabir, and yet here I was, already bathed, dressed, and ready for work, without even realizing when I did it.

✨✨

I went downstairs and saw Akriti Maa already seated at the breakfast table, sipping her black coffee—just like her son. I walked closer with a smile. "Good morning, Maa," I said softly.  "Good morning, beta," she replied, placing the cup down.

"Maa, would you like something? Shall I bring boiled sprouts for you?" I asked out of habit. She chuckled lightly. "Relax, Kashish. The staff will bring it. You sit here with me."

I settled down beside her, and after a moment, she asked, "So, have you shopped for Naksh and Rhea's wedding?" "Yes, Maa," I replied eagerly. "And I even bought a saree for you but I forgot to give it," I admitted, lowering my eyes.

Her expression softened. "Oh, so my daughter-in-law has bought a saree for me? That's good. Give it to me in the evening when you return." I nodded, smiling. "Okay, Maa."

Then she leaned a little closer. "How are you settling in, Kashish? Are you comfortable? And Kabir is he  strict, quiet, silent  ?" I shook my head quickly. "No, Maa. He's nothing like that with me." "Hmm..." she nodded thoughtfully. "He told me last night that he has important surgeries today. Left early, didn't he?" "Yes, Maa," I said. "And he'll be late too."

Her brow furrowed just a bit. "Don't give him too much freedom, Kashish. Otherwise, he might forget to come home for four or five days straight." I laughed softly at her teasing concern. "No, Maa. He understands me."

She gave me a knowing look. "Good. You're newly married. Be understanding with each other. Be comfortable to talk. Trust the process." I felt warmth in my chest. "Yes, Maa. And thank you, Maa, for always being there for me."

I leaned in and hugged her. She kissed my forehead tenderly, and just then, Alia came bouncing into the room. "Hmm, Maa  Bhabhi, hugging without me?" she pouted dramatically.

Akriti Maa smiled and pulled both of us into her embrace. For a moment, it felt like home had wrapped itself around me. Then, slipping away, I headed inside to prepare breakfast, still smiling to myself

✨✨

As I entered the firm, and i went into my cabin and worked for a while on some architectural designs. The calm rhythm of sketches and lines was soothing until Jiya barged in, as usual, with her teasing smile.

"So, Mrs. Singhania," she said dramatically, "kaisa chal raha hai kaam?" (What's going on)

I looked up, half-irritated, half-amused. "Can you stop calling me that?" "Why?" she asked with mock innocence. "After all, Kabir Singhania, the handsome, brilliant neurosurgeon is your husband."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't stop the smile tugging my lips. "I remember very well, Jiya. I was there during the saat pheras," I said, pointing at my sindoor and mangalsutra.

Her eyes softened as she leaned closer. "Kuch bhi, Kashish. But tum  sindoor aur mangalsutra mein bohot pretty lagti ho." (You look good in this sindoor and mangalsutra) (marital signs of Indian married women)

My heart warmed, and I smiled, admitting quietly, "I like myself wearing this too. And sometimes I notice Kabir staring at my sindoor, at my mangalsutra. His eyes linger there just for a moment."

"Wait, wait, wait—hold on!" Jiya almost jumped forward, eyes sparkling. "The Kashish Diwan is blushing while remembering her husband!" "Shut up, Jiya!" I glared, but my cheeks betrayed me. She only grinned wider. "So tell me, honeymoon wagaira ka plan hai na?" (Are you both planning Honeymoon)

I sighed. "No. Honestly, it would feel so uncomfortable right now. Honeymoon and all we barely touch each other." Jiyas eyes went wide while listening to what I just said. "Don't tell me you two don't even sleep together?" I shot her a look. "We do sleep together! But never touched with that kind of affection." "Why?" she asked, disbelief written all over her face.

"Maybe," I said slowly, "we're still trying to know each other. He's conscious about keeping me comfortable." Jiya's expression grew serious. "So you haven't got intimate yet?"

I waved my hands, flustered. "No, no, Jiya! We haven't. Honestly... I haven't even thought about it yet. And I don't think Kabir has, either." "But someday it might happen ," she pressed.

Her words made me pause. For a moment, even I surprised myself. "Hmm... hoga. But when we're comfortable. When we've known each other deeply enough. When love itself becomes the only language between us." (Yes, It will happen)

Jiya exhaled, her teasing replaced with quiet concern. "That's beautiful, Kashish. Understanding, patience, it's rare. But promise me one thing?" Jiya continued and I looked at her questioningly. "Don't let this 'comfort zone' keep you so guarded that one day, you both end up distant. Unable to share your feelings, your emotions. Marriage is about opening up too." Her words lingered in me longer than I expected.

✨✨

The whole day I kept staring at my phone, waiting for a message from him. Not one came. The only text I had sent was reminding him "I've sent your lunch box, have it." But even that was left unseen. Maybe he was busy in surgeries that's what I told myself again and again.

It was almost 11 p.m. now, and still no sign of him. My fingers hovered over the phone. Should I call him? Should I leave another message? But then I scolded myself, No! Kashish. He said he would be late. If he was free, he would have replied.

Still, I couldn't calm down. Sleep refused to come. These twenty days of marriage had quietly built a habit seeing him next to me before I drift off. Tonight, that side of the bed felt too empty, too cold. For the first time, I was scared to sleep alone.

I reached for the switch, but my hand froze. I couldn't turn the lights off. But how could I sleep with the lights on? Restless, half drowsy, I sighed. "Fine I'll read a book." I opened the side drawer, pulled out a book, and settled against the pillows. My eyes scanned the pages, but my mind was elsewhere counting minutes, waiting for the sound of the door, for him to finally return.

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Hello Pristians

This chapter only belonged to Kashish's POV. Hope you enjoyed it.  Keep reading for Kabir's POV in the next chapter.

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