Cupid's Arrow

Chapter forty one

Adithi's POV

The night weighed heavily on me, a restless longing gnawing at my heart. Sleep eluded me, my mind consumed by thoughts of him. When I finally stirred from my fitful slumber, I found myself alone, the emptiness of the space beside me a stark reminder of his absence. Curiosity drew me to the window, where I caught sight of him, a solitary figure shrouded in the haze of cigarette smoke. My heart sank at the sight.

He hadn't indulged in this habit since our college days, a distant memory now revived before my eyes. What had driven him to resume such a vice? As I watched, he withdrew his phone, his features contorted in frustration as he engaged in conversation. I strained to catch his words, yearning to understand the turmoil within him.

"I hate you. Why are you behaving like this? Do you have any idea how I feel?" His voice, laced with anguish, pierced the stillness of the night.

My breath caught in my throat. Who was he speaking to with such fervor? The ache in his tone betrayed a longing, a yearning for something or someone lost. And then, amidst the tumult of emotions, his words cut through the silence like a blade.

"I miss you! You're a true Oscar-winning actress!" The bitter irony of his words stung me to the core.

So, it was me he spoke of, lamenting my perceived facade. With trembling hands, I dared to glance at the screen of his phone, where my image stared back at me, a ghost of the past refusing to fade. I had assumed he had long since deleted it, yet there it remained, a silent testament to our shared history.

His words, laden with accusation and longing, echoed in my ears, a haunting melody of pain and regret. In that moment, I realized the depth of his anguish, the wounds left unhealed by time and distance. And as I listened to him pour out his heart to the mere semblance of me, I felt the weight of my own silence, a barrier erected between us.

Suddenly, my laughter bubbled forth, a gentle melody echoing in the quiet of the night. But as his footsteps drew near, I quickly stifled the sound, concealing myself beside the window, heart racing with anticipation.

His voice, tinged with disbelief, reached my ears as he surveyed the scene before him. I held my breath, willing myself to remain still as he scrutinized my form. With practiced ease, I feigned slumber, the rhythmic rise and fall of my chest a convincing facade.

His presence loomed closer, his warmth enveloping me as he drew near. I could sense his gaze upon me, his words a whispered vow against the stillness of the room.

"Don't act so innocent," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "You've hurt me deeply, but I'll make you see who I truly am."

Suppressing the urge to reveal my ruse, I lay still as his tender touch graced my cheek, his breath mingling with mine in the intimate space between us. A soft kiss graced my forehead, sending a wave of longing coursing through me. Oh, how I yearned to embrace him, to melt into his arms and confess the depths of my love. But now was not the time for such revelations.

With practiced restraint, I maintained my facade, allowing him to retreat to his side of the bed, his breathing gradually evening out as sleep claimed him. Yet, even as he slumbered, I found myself unable to tear my gaze away, drinking in the sight of him with a longing that bordered on desperation.

As the night wore on, I surrendered to the embrace of sleep, my dreams filled with the echoes of his touch and the promise of a love rekindled. And as the first light of dawn painted the sky, I stirred from my slumber, his presence still lingering in the depths of my heart.

----

As the morning light danced through the curtains, casting a soft glow upon the room, I found myself gazing upon my slumbering husband with a tender affection. Quietly, I slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb his peaceful repose, and made my way to the bathroom.

Emerging a short while later, I dressed in a delicate pink saree, the fabric draping gracefully around me as I prepared to face the day ahead. With a gentle step, I tiptoed out of the room, my thoughts filled with the promise of new beginnings.

Yet, before I could fully immerse myself in the day's tasks, a familiar voice called out to me, pulling me from my reverie.

"Akka, might I have a moment of your time!" Arjun's enthusiastic voice rang out, drawing my attention as I turned to face him.

"What is it, bro? What's the rush?" I inquired, a hint of amusement tugging at the corners of my lips.

"Come, let's take a picture!" Arjun exclaimed, his eyes alight with excitement.

"Right now?" I questioned, momentarily taken aback by his sudden request. "I have so much to do."

"These moments are precious, akka," Arjun persisted, his earnestness evident in his voice. "You'll be back at your own house in a few days, and who knows when we'll see each other again? Let's capture this memory so you can remember me always."

His words struck a chord within me, reminding me of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing every moment. With a nod of agreement, I relented, allowing myself to be swept up in Arjun's enthusiasm.

"Alright, let's do it," I conceded, a smile playing at the corners of my lips.

And so, we embarked on our impromptu photoshoot, Arjun capturing each moment with a keen eye and infectious energy. As I struck pose after pose, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the bond we shared and the memories we were creating together.

------

As I gracefully navigated the bustling kitchen, enveloped in the warmth of familiar surroundings, I suddenly found myself ensnared by a gaze so tender, it felt as though the very essence of romance had taken form before me. My husband, with eyes ablaze with adoration, regarded me with a look that spoke volumes, yet betrayed no hint of acknowledgment when our eyes met. A blush crept upon my cheeks, an involuntary response to the intensity of his gaze, before I averted my gaze and retreated to the sanctuary of the kitchen.

Within its confines, the rhythm of life pulsed with fervent energy, each task a symphony of movement and purpose. Yet amidst the flurry of activity, a comforting presence emerged, offering solace amidst the storm. Renuga, with her gentle demeanor and nurturing spirit, extended a maternal embrace that transcended mere words.

"Why, my dear, do you shoulder this burden alone?" Renuga's voice, imbued with maternal concern, pierced through the cacophony of sound, drawing my attention to her presence.

"What is this aunty? No need for such formality! You are as a mother to me," I protested, my heart swelling with gratitude for her unwavering support.

Renuga tenderly rested her hand upon my head, her touch a balm to my weary soul. "Your husband is truly blessed to have you by his side. In you, I have found the daughter I never knew I needed," she confessed, her words echoing with the resonance of a maternal bond.

Moved by her sentiment, I vowed to reciprocate her affection in kind. "But aunty, know that even when I leave this house, my heart will remain tethered to yours. Call whenever you may, " I pledged, my voice resolute with determination.

A radiant smile graced Renuga's lips as she made a request that spoke volumes of the love she held for me. "One condition, my child," she began, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"What is it, Aunty?" I inquired, eager to fulfil her wishes.

"Cease with the formalities and address me as mother, you are a daughter to me," Renuga proclaimed, her words a testament to the depth of our bond.

With a heart overflowing with love, I embraced her, knowing that in Renuga, I had found a mother in every sense of the word.

----

Arun's POV

As I listened to the melodic cadence of Adithi's voice mingling with Renuga aunty's, I couldn't help but marvel at her effortless ability to forge connections and weave bonds of friendship wherever she went. Her charisma was undeniable, her warmth a beacon that drew others to her with magnetic allure. Yet, amidst the harmony of her laughter and the affectionate embraces she shared, a pang of uncertainty gnawed at the recesses of my mind.

Had I done something to warrant her indifference? The question lingered, a shadow cast upon the canvas of my thoughts. And yet, upon introspection, I found no fault to account for her distant demeanor. No misstep, no slight, no transgression that could explain the chasm that had formed between us.

Shaking off the tendrils of doubt that threatened to ensnare me, I resolved to cast aside the cloak of solitude that had enveloped me since our arrival. With renewed determination, I sought solace in the company of our hosts, determined to demonstrate that my happiness was not contingent upon her presence alone.

---

Adithi's POV

A smile automatically settled upon my lips, finding my husband happy. Suddenly my phone rang. Adithi's heart sank as she heard the reproachful tone in her mother's voice from other side of her call. Guilt washed over her like a tidal wave, engulfing her in its remorseful embrace. How could she have forgotten to call her own mother?

"Amma?" she murmured softly, her voice tinged with contrition.

Saranya's response was sharp, laced with disappointment. "Don't talk to me! You forget me right?" Her words cut through Adithi like a knife, each syllable laden with reproach.

Regret flooded Adithi's being as she hastened to apologize. "Sorry, ma! I've been so caught up with my work here," she confessed, her voice heavy with remorse.

Arun's curiosity propelled him to shadow Adithi as she engaged in a phone conversation with her mother. Concealed behind a wall, he strained to catch every word, hoping for insights into her recent aloofness.

Adithi's tender apology to her mother sent a pang of guilt through Arun. What had she done wrong? His heart clenched as he heard her express her affection for someone named Shreya, leaving him to ponder who this person could be and what significance they held in Adithi's life.

Saranya's maternal warmth permeated the conversation as she inquired about Adithi's well-being. Arun's ears perked up, eager to hear her assessment of him.

"How is your husband?" Saranya's question hung heavy in the air, eliciting a somber response from Adithi, which did not escape Arun's notice.

Saranya's probing continued, her maternal intuition honing in on the heart of the matter. "Why so dull?" she questioned, her concern palpable.

Adithi's evasion piqued Arun's curiosity further, leaving him to wonder about the secrets she harbored.

As Adithi attempted to deflect her mother's inquiries, Arun's heart sank. He watched, hidden from view, or so he thought.

Adithi's heart raced as she caught sight of Arun's reflection in the room's mirror, a sudden twist of fate revealing his clandestine presence. With quick thinking, she deftly masked her surprise, seamlessly diverting her attention back to her conversation with her mother.