T R I P T I

"Why are you sleeping here?"

His voice broke through my sleep. My eyes fluttered open and I realized I dozed off on the dining table while waiting for him.

I blinked a few times and rubbed my eyes, trying to wake myself up fully.

"What's the time?" I asked groggily.

"It's past midnight" he said while loosening his tie, shrugging off his coat and rolling his shirt sleeves up. The fatigue was visible on his face but so was the detachment.

"You're again late, Abhi" I said softly. He had been working endlessly these days, skipping meals, coming home late, ignoring his health as if the world would stop if he paused for a moment.

He just hummed and took the seat beside me. "Hm, what's in dinner?"

Without a word, I began serving the food, rice, dal and the sabji I made hours ago.

He started eating right away, one hand holding the spoon and the other still scrolling on his phone.

"Mai yahi hu aur aap phone mein ghuse ja rahe ho" I murmured.

(I'm right here, and you're getting lost in your phone)

It wasn't new, but it still stung sometimes I truly felt like his phone is his first wife.

"Hm? Really?" he replied absentmindedly, his eyes were still on the screen.

"Baat kar rhi hu mai aapse, Abhinav" I said firmly.

(I'm talking to you, Abhinav.)

The use of his full name caught his attention instantly and he knew I am angry now.

He finally put his phone down and looked at me.

"Acha, thik hai bolo" he said as he continued eating.

(Okay, fine, go ahead and speak)

I smiled faintly, "Sabji kaisi hai?"

(How's the food ?)

"Achi" he said curtly, his eyes still flicking toward his phone from time to time.

(Good)

"Aur ye rasmalai?" I asked innocently.

(And the rasmalai?)

"Achi" he replied again automatically.

(Good)

I raised an eyebrow, "Rasmalai toh hai hi nahi"

(There's no rasmalai)

His head jerked up immediately towards me.

"Oh, sorry... I was thinking about my new project" he said.

"Thik hai" I said quietly. Without another word, I stood up from my chair and walked upstairs to the bedroom, leaving him alone with his half-eaten dinner and the blue light of his phone.

(Okay)

It's been eight years since our marriage and somewhere along the way, he changed.

The man who once used to notice the smallest things about me, the way I pinned my hair, the color of my bangles, the expressions I made while talking, now barely looks up from his phone. His world seems to revolve around his company, not me.

I laid down on the bed as I was too drained to even change my saree.

I pulled the duvet over my head.

My eyes stung, not just from tears, but from exhaustion.

After a while, I felt the bed dip beside me. His familiar cologne filled the air.

"Angel, are you sleeping?" he asked quietly. I heard the soft click of his watch being unclasped and he placed it on the nightstand.

I stayed still, pretending to be asleep.

"I'll assume this as yes" he murmured and laid down beside me.

I clenched my jaw but kept my eyes shut, determined not to say a word. He pulled the duvet slightly and shared it with me.

The mattress shifted again as he turned on his phone.

"Phone band kariye, uski roshani se meri neend bigad rhi h" I said sharply as I peeked out from under the blanket and glared at him.

(Turn off your phone, its light is disturbing my sleep.)

He looked at me, sighed and switched it off without arguing. The room fell back into silence.

A few seconds later, I felt his arm slide around my waist. He pulled me gently against him and rested his head on my chest like he always used to, only now, it felt like routine, not affection.

"Kya?" I asked and turned my face away from him.

(What ?)

"Let's sleep" he whispered.

For a fleeting second, I wanted to believe this was one of those quiet, comforting moments from the past. But before I could, he spoke again.

"Acha suno?" he said softly.

(Listen ?)

"Hn?" I replied, hopeful, half expecting him to appreciate the dinner or at least ask if I'd eaten.

(Yes ?)

"Kal meri morning meeting h. Uth nhi paya toh utha dena 7 baje, hm?"

(I have a morning meeting tomorrow. If I don't wake up, wake me up at 7, okay?)

My hope broke like glass.

"Thik h" I said flatly and turned my face away again. His breath evened out as he drifted into sleep, while I lay awake, staring into the dark, feeling the distance between us growing wider than ever.

(Okay)

***

Next morning,

I took a shower, letting the warm water wash away the sleep still clinging to me.

Afterward, I dried my hair with a towel, brushed it out carefully and went through my usual skincare routine, patting the cool cream onto my cheeks.

"Abhi? Uthiye?" I called out gently, glancing at him as he was still sleeping soundly on the bed. He didn't even stir.

(Abhi, wake up)

I sighed and walked over.

I leaned down to shake him lightly.

"Abhi, wake up" I said again.

He had been so wrapped up in work lately that even his gym sessions had stopped yet his body still looks perfectly toned, effortlessly fit.

"Hm–mhm" he grumbled sleepily and without warning, he pulled me down over him.

I gasped softly, my heart started pounding wildly as that old familiar feeling spread in my chest.

He used to do this every morning once, before life turned into meetings, deadlines and unread messages.

"It's morning?" he mumbled in his deep, husky morning voice, the one that still makes my heart skip a beat.

"Hm" I hummed in reply as I admired his beautiful face.

He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze met mine, sleepy, warm and dangerously close. For a moment, it felt like the years melted away.

Without saying anything, he leaned forward and caught my lips in a kiss. My breath hitched, nerves tightened in my stomach as I instinctively gave in. His hand slid up my back, tracing small circles, sending shivers down my spine.

"Ah–Abhi" I whispered against his lips while clutching the fabric of his shirt tightly.

He broke the kiss and pressed a soft peck to my cheek before he sat up and walked toward the washroom.

I stayed where I was, stared after him, a small wave of disappointment curled inside me, the moment ended too soon.

A few minutes later, he came out, a towel was wrapped around his waist, droplets of water trailing down his chest and abs. The sight made my breath hitch for an entirely different reason, it took me back to the old days.

The carefree Abhinav I once knew in college, the boy who would run across the campus just to see me, who'd steal my notes just to tease me, who used to hold my hand and say, 'Angel, one day I'll make you mine'

"Tripti... I'm not able to find my blue shirt" his voice brought me back. He was standing by the wardrobe, ruffling through his clothes in mild frustration.

I walked over, reached past him and pulled the shirt out from the corner.

"Yahan hai" I said and handled it to him with a soft sigh.

(It's here)

"Thanks, Angel" he said with a small smile and brushed a quick kiss on my cheek before turning to face the mirror and adjusting his collar like always, already half-lost in his thoughts again.

I stood there quietly and watched him get ready.

"What?" he asked as he noticed my gaze in the mirror. "Let's go"

He walked out of the room while adjusting his collar. I followed behind him.

"Abhi, khana" I reminded him, hoping he will stop for even a few minutes.

(Abhi, breakfast)

"Time nahi hai" he said without looking back, already reached for his car keys and headed toward the door.

(I don't have time)

The door closed behind him, leaving a trail of silence in the hallway.

"Phir khana khaye bina gaya" Maa's voice came from the puja room, "Biwi ho uski... dhyaan nahi rakh sakti?"

(Again, he went without eating.)
(You're his wife... can't you take care of him?)

Her words stung more than they should have. I turned toward her.

"Unki meeting thi, Maa ji" I said softly.

(He had a meeting, Maa ji)

She stepped closer, "Phir bhi dhyaan nahi rakh sakti? Jaldi uth jaya karo"

(Still, can't you take care of him? Try to wake up earlier.)

I pressed my lips together and nodded. She didn't wait for a reply, just turned and walked to her room.

As soon as she disappeared, I exhaled shakily.

I walked back to my room.

Sitting down on the edge of the bed, I stared up at the ceiling blankly. The fan hummed softly above, the same sound that used to fill our room when laughter did too.

My mind wandered back, to the days when mornings meant his teasing, hurried breakfasts, shared cups of chai and stolen kisses before he leaves for work.

Now, all that was left were empty plates, unfinished conversations and the quiet ache of a love that once was everything.

__________________

10 years ago,

"Shit! I got late for my first day in college!" I muttered under my breath and ran as fast as I could through the crowded campus.

And just when I thought I will make it on time.....bam! I crashed straight into what felt like a wall.

"Ouch!" I yelped and stumbled back while rubbing my forehead.

"Woah, easy girl" a deep voice said.

I looked up and for a second, everything else blurred out. In front of me, was standing an insanely attractive guy, tall and effortlessly confident. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, revealing strong arms and his hair fell perfectly messy over his forehead.

"S-sorry" I stammered while still rubbing my forehead, trying to act normal while my heart decided to race like a drumline.

"No issue" he said casually, before walking away with his group of friends.

I stood there for a moment, staring after him like a complete idiot.

Do we have hot guys here?

A grin crept onto my lips and I shook my head, realizing I was wasting time.

"Focus, Tripti!" I scolded myself then broke into a run again, straight toward my classroom.

"Wait, Tripti Kashyap" the teacher's voice stopped me at the door the moment I entered.

"I'm really sorry, sir... my car got punctured on the way" I lied smoothly and pretended to look frustrated.

The truth was, I overslept and then spent ten minutes deciding which earrings should match my outfit.

The professor raised an eyebrow, clearly not impressed.

"Just because this is college doesn't mean you can come and go anytime you wish, especially not in my class"

"Yes, sir. I'm sorry" I said quickly.

Great start, Tripti. Late and lying, your first impression couldn't get any better.

"Go sit" he said with a curt nod.

I walked inside, trying not to trip over anything else and spotted an empty seat in the middle row.

Without even glancing at who I was sitting beside, I slipped into the chair and took out my notebook, pretending to be invisible.

"Hey... hi" a cheerful voice said beside me.

I turned and saw a girl with a bright smile and neatly tied ponytail looking at me.

"Hello" I replied while matching her smile, trying to sound a little less flustered.

"Myself Arushi Raj" she introduced herself.

"Myself—" I started to say but she interrupted me with a grin.

"Trust me, the whole class already knows your name" she giggled which made me laugh too, though a little embarrassed.

As the class went on, I finally began to relax. The lecture was interesting, the students were fun and somewhere in the back of my mind, I couldn't help but wonder if I will run into that mysterious guy again.

Maybe being late wasn't such a bad start after all.

After our first class ended, Arushi and I headed straight to the canteen.

Students were everywhere, laughing, teasing, taking selfies, the usual college scene.

"Come on, I'm starving," Arushi said while tugging my hand.

"Same" I nodded. That's when my eyes landed on a group of boys sitting near the garden, all of them were dressed in football jerseys, loud and confident, clearly the popular bunch.

I tried not to stare and walked toward the counter to place my order.

But before I could, a guy was already there, tall, broad-shouldered and definitely aware of how good he looks.

He wasn't buying anything, though. He was leaning casually on the counter, flirting shamelessly with the girl at the register.
I rolled my eyes.

With an annoyed sigh, I tapped his shoulder.

"Excuse me" I said firmly.

He turned around and wow, okay, he is handsome. Sharp jawline, confident eyes and a smirk that screamed trouble.

"Yes, pretty?" he asked with one brow arched.

I crossed my arms. "If you're done with your flirting, then step aside. I have to order"

A few laughs went around the room. His friends were watching now and so was Arushi, wide-eyed, whispering, 'Tripti, what are you doing?'

"New girl?" he asked being clearly entertained.

That's when I realized everyone's attention was on me ,even the guy I bumped into earlier was staring at me from across the room.

"Yeah" I said, "Got a problem?'

He chuckled and steppedcloser.

"I'm forgiving you because you're pretty and new" he said in a mock-gentle tone. "Otherwise, watch your mouth before you speak to me"

I blinked being utterly unimpressed. "Why? Are you a prince here?"

He leaned down, bringing his face dangerously close to mine.

"Yes" he said.

I let out a sarcastic laugh.

"I don't give a damn fvck" I turned to leave but his arm shot out and blocked my way.

"Boys" he called out lazily, "Since we've got a fresher... why not welcome her properly?"

His group cheered instantly. "Yes, captain!" their laughter echoed in the canteen as they began circling me.

My stomach dropped.

Oh no... is this ragging?

I swallowed hard and glanced at Arushi who was looking just as terrified as I was.

Why can't I ever keep my mouth shut?

The so-called captain smirked wider, his eyes locked on me. "OUT!!"

In an instant, the canteen emptied. Students scattered, leaving only me, him and his boys behind.

The playful noise of moments ago was replaced by silence, heavy and tense. My heart pounded as his friends closed in with mocking grins and for the first time since I entered this college, I realized, I might've just picked a fight with the wrong person.

"So, what were you saying?" The captain stepped in front of me, his lips curled into that same arrogant smirk that made my blood boil.

His friends stood behind him, clearly enjoying the show.

"I...?" I started but then I stopped myself. Why should I back down? I straightened my shoulders and crossed my arms tightly over my chest.

"Are your ears not working?" I shot back while glaring at him.

"Girl... you're getting into a problem" he clenched his jaw while tilting his head.

I met his eyes unflinchingly.

If he thought I will get scared the he doesn't know me at all.

Before he could say anything else, a familiar voice cut through the tension.

"Captain? Let her go. She's really new, I think"

I turned to see him, the guy I bumped into the morning.

The captain laughed lightly but it didn't reach his eyes.

"Really? Let's see about that" he muttered and before I could move, he gave me a small shove on the shoulder.

I stumbled backward, my knee hit the edge of a bench with a sharp sting.

"Ow" I hissed softly and gripped my leg as a faint scratch formed.

The captain and his group chuckled and then walked out.

Only he stayed back.

He stepped forward and he crouched slightly in front of me.

"You should know who you're talking to" he said quietly. Then he pulled out a small bandage from his pocket and held it out to me.

I looked up, confused but still angry. "Who was he?" I asked.

"The principal's son" he said simply. "Be careful"

My stomach sank a little but my pride didn't let me show it.

"Then why are you helping me, huh?" I snapped and shoved the bandage back at him.

"Hey I'm not your enemy" he said, genuinely taken aback.

"You're his friend. That means you're like him, Mr......" I said coldly while looking him straight in the eyes.

"Abhinav Roy" he said quietly.

"Whatever" I muttered, rolled my eyes and turned to leave. My knee throbbed but I ignored it and walked toward the exit.

"But hey you didn't tell me your name!" he called out from behind.

"My foot!" I snapped without turning around and stormed out.

Great, Tripti.

First day and you've already made enemies... and maybe, just maybe, something more complicated.