T R I P T I

"Why are you sleeping here?"

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

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

"What's the time?" I asked groggily, my voice still heavy with sleep.

"It's past midnight" he said, 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, the concern slipping into my tone. 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, taking the seat beside me. "Hm, what's in dinner?"

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

He started eating right away, one hand holding the spoon, the other still scrolling on his phone. The dim light reflected off his screen, painting his face with an emotionless glow.

"Mai yahi hu aur aap phone mein ghuse ja rahe ho" I murmured, half teasing, half hurt.

(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 was his first wife.

"Hm? Really?" he replied absentmindedly, eyes never leaving the screen.

"Baat kar rhi hu mai aapse, Abhinav" I snapped, my patience slipping.

(I'm talking to you, Abhinav.)

The use of his full name caught his attention instantly, he knew I was angry now.

He finally put his phone down and looked at me.

"Acha, thik hai bolo" he said, trying to sound calm, as he continued eating.

(Okay, fine, go ahead and speak)

I smiled faintly, masking my irritation. "Sabji kaisi hai?"

(How's the food ?)

"Achi" he said curtly, 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, leaning slightly forward. "Rasmalai toh hai hi nahi"

(There's no rasmalai)

His head jerked up immediately, eyes wide.

"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, the legs scraping softly against the floor, 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, too drained to even change my saree. The soft silk felt heavy against my skin, but I didn't care.

I pulled the duvet over my head, shutting myself. My eyes stung, not from tears, but from exhaustion, the kind that settles in the heart.

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

"Angel, are you sleeping?" he asked quietly, his voice a little tired. I heard the soft click of his watch being unclasped and placed 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, sharing it with me.

The mattress shifted again as he turned on his phone, the bluish light instantly piercing through the dark room.

"Phone band kariye, uski roshani se meri neend bigad rhi h" I said sharply, peeking out from under the blanket and glaring 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, resting his head on my chest like he always used to, only now, it felt like routine, not affection.

"Kya?" I asked, turning my face away from him.

(What ?)

"Let's sleep" he whispered, his voice low and warm against my skin.

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, my tone 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 faint hope broke like glass.

"Thik h" I said flatly, turning 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 grow 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. The faint morning light filtered through the curtains, painting the room in soft shades of gold and ivory.

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

(Abhi, wake up)

I sighed and walked over, the floor cool under my feet, and leaned down to shake him lightly.

"Abhi, wake up" I said again, trying to sound patient.

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

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

I gasped softly, my heart fluttering wildly, that old familiar feeling spreading 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 made my heart skip a beat.

"Hm" I hummed in reply, lost for words.

He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze meeting 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 tightening 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, clutching the fabric of his shirt tightly.

He broke the kiss, pressing a soft peck to my cheek before sitting up and walking toward the washroom.

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

A few minutes later, he came out, a towel 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, handing it to him with a soft sigh.

(It's here)

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

I stood there quietly, watching him get ready.

"What?" he asked, noticing my gaze in the mirror. "Let's go"

He walked out of the room briskly, adjusting his collar. I followed behind, my steps soft against the floor.

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

(Abhi, breakfast)

"Time nahi hai" he said without looking back, already reaching for his car keys and heading 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, sharp and accusing. "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, keeping my eyes lowered.

(He had a meeting, Maa ji)

She stepped closer, her tone laced with disapproval. "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, nodding faintly. She didn't wait for a reply, just turned and walked to her room.

As soon as she disappeared, I exhaled shakily, my composure faltering. I walked back to my room slowly, every step heavier than the last.

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 left for work.

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

__________________

10 years ago,

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

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

"Ouch!" I yelped, stumbling back and rubbing my forehead.

"Woah, easy girl" a deep voice said, amused and calm.

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

"S-sorry" I stammered, 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, slightly out of breath.

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

The truth was, I had overslept and then spent ten minutes deciding which earrings matched 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, my cheeks heating up.

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, matching her smile, trying to sound a little less flustered.

"Myself Arushi Raj" she introduced herself, her tone friendly and confident.

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

"Trust me, the whole class already knows your name" she giggled, making 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'd 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, the hub of all chaos and chatter.

The air was thick with the smell of samosas, coffee, and excitement. Students were everywhere, laughing, teasing, taking selfies, the usual college scene.

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

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

I tried not to stare, walking 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 looked.

He wasn't buying anything, though. He was leaning casually on the counter, flirting shamelessly with the girl at the register, his voice smooth and teasing.

I rolled my eyes.

With an annoyed sigh, I tapped his shoulder.

"Excuse me" I said firmly.

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

"Yes, pretty?" he asked, one brow arched, his tone dripping with amusement.

I crossed my arms.

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

A few snickers 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, clearly entertained.

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

"Yeah" I said, squaring my shoulders. "Got a problem?'

He chuckled, stepping closer.

"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, utterly unimpressed.

"Why? Are you a prince here?"

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

"Yes" he said, his voice low and cocky.

I let out a short, sarcastic laugh.

"I don't give a damn f*ck" I turned to leave, but his arm shot out, blocking my way.

The smirk returned.

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

His group cheered instantly.

"Yes, captain!" their laughter echoing in the canteen as they began circling me. My stomach dropped.

Oh no... is this ragging?

I swallowed hard, glancing at Arushi who looked just as terrified.

Why can't I ever keep my mouth shut?

The so-called captain smirked wider, his eyes locked on me. Then his voice boomed,

"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'd 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, snickering under their breath, clearly enjoying the show.

"I...?" I started, but then 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, glaring at him.

His smirk faltered, replaced by irritation. He clenched his jaw, the muscles in his face tightening.

"Girl... you're getting into a problem" he said, tilting his head, his tone half amused, half warning.

I met his eyes unflinchingly.

If he thought I'd get scared, he didn'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'd bumped into that morning. His calm yet firm tone made everyone pause for a second.

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 hitting the edge of a bench with a sharp sting.

"Ow" I hissed softly, gripping my leg as a faint scratch formed.

The captain and his group chuckled and then walked out, their laughter echoing down the corridor.

Only he stayed back.

He stepped forward, his expression softening as he crouched slightly in front of me.

"You should know who you're talking to" he said quietly, his voice steady but concerned. 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, my tone clipped.

"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, shoving the bandage back at him.

His brows shot up.

"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, looking him straight in the eyes.

He blinked, then gave a small nod.

"Abhinav Roy" he said quietly, introducing himself.

"Whatever" I muttered, rolling my eyes and turning to leave. My knee throbbed, but I ignored it and walked toward the exit, every step heavy with anger and embarrassment.

"But hey you didn't tell me your name!" he called out from behind, his voice echoing across the now-empty canteen.

"My foot!" I snapped without turning around and stormed out, his faint chuckle following me down the hall.

Great, Tripti.

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