Aarav stood there—holding a pharmacy bag… and another one.

“Siya,” he said gently.

She sat up, her gaze falling on the bags in his hands.

He handed them to her.

“I ordered pads—the best ones I could find,” he said quietly.

“And painkillers. There’s a hot water bag too.”

Her hands trembled as she took the bag.

She filled the hot water bag and placed it on her stomach.

A soft gasp escaped her lips as relief washed over her.

Then he gave her the other bag.

“Chocolates,” he said. “And if you need anything… just tell me, okay?”

She looked at him.

For a moment, she couldn’t speak.

Then she nodded.

“Thank you.”

“Take rest,” he said softly. “I’m here.”

She lay down again, clutching the warm bag.

Her eyes slowly closed.

Aarav sat beside her—silent, unmoving—watching over her.

And for the first time since the pain began,

Siya felt safe.

Soon, as the pain eased, she drifted into sleep.

The night was quiet.

Both of them were asleep when Aarav stirred slightly.

That’s when he heard it—a faint sound.

A soft whimper.

He turned and saw Siya, still asleep, her brows tightly drawn together. Her hand was clutching her stomach, her body wincing in pain even in her sleep.

He watched her for a moment, unsure… thinking.

Then he sighed softly.

“Sorry,” he murmured, almost to himself.

Carefully, he moved closer, pulling her a little toward him. Slowly, hesitantly, he began rubbing her back in gentle circles.

Minutes passed.

Her breath hitched once, then again—and then she let out a soft gasp as the tension in her body eased.

Aarav didn’t stop.

He continued caressing her back, slow and steady, until her body finally relaxed.

The pain loosened its grip.

And she slept peacefully.

Morning came quietly.

Aarav woke up first.

His eyes immediately went to her face.

She looked calmer now—at least better.

Relieved, he gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

After a while, Siya stirred awake.

“Ahh… this pain,” she muttered, then paused.

“But… it’s better now.”

she went downstairs for breakfast.

She sat beside Aarav and began eating quietly.

A few bites. Then she stopped.

Aarav noticed—but said nothing at first. He understood. Pain steals appetite.

He turned to the maid.

“Bring warm soup for ma’am,” he said calmly.

Siya looked at him, surprised.

“It will help,” he added softly.

She turned her face away, her heart suddenly racing.

Across the table, Kavita watched them with a small smile.

And Paakhi—hiding behind her cup—failed to hide hers.

After Aarav left for the office, Siya turned toward Kavita.

“Mom, I’m going to my room to rest,” siya said softly.

Kavita looked at her with concern.

“Are you okay, Siya?”

Siya nodded lightly and walked upstairs.

A little while later, the maid prepared to bring her soup—but Paakhi stopped her. She took the tray into her own hands and went to Siya’s room.

Siya was sitting on the bed, a hot water bag resting on her stomach.

Siya looked up and saw Paakhi entering with the soup.

Paakhi met her eyes and instantly understood.

“Why did you bring it, Paakhi?” Siya asked gently.

“The maid would have brought it.”

Paakhi smiled faintly.

“I wanted to come for you.”

Siya’s lips curved into a small, grateful smile. She took the bowl and slowly started sipping the soup.

Paakhi sat beside her.

“Feeling better, bhabhi?”

Siya nodded quietly.

It was morning.

Aarav had already left for the office when Siya went to Kavita.

“Mom, I want to go to my house,” siya said quietly.

Kavita looked at her.

“Alright.”

Siya hesitated, then added softly, “Please, Mom. I need to bring some of my clothes.”

Kavita nodded.

“Okay. Go with Aarav when he comes back.”

Siya shook her head gently.

“Mom, he’ll come in the evening. Please…”

Kavita thought for a moment.

“Fine. Take Paakhi with you.”

“Mom, she has some work,” Siya said quickly. “I already asked her.”

Kavita sighed, giving in.

“Alright. But come back soon.”

Siya nodded and left.

Siya reached her mansion, she stepped out of the car and stood still for a moment.

Her home.

The place where she had lived since childhood.

Once filled with laughter, warmth, and peace—now wrapped in silence.

She took a deep breath and walked inside.

Every corner held memories of Veer and her father. Her eyes grew moist, but she quickly wiped the tears away and moved toward her room.

She opened the cupboard and took out a dress.

Veer had gifted it to her.

She held it close to her chest for a moment before carefully packing it.

Then she picked up the bangles—Veer always brought bangles for her, every time he visited.

She packed those too.

After that, she slowly walked toward her father’s study room.