Published on 11th August 2024.
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Another chapter is here.
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Have a happy read!

♡ So, before you go
Was there something I could've said to make it all stop hurting?
It kills me how your mind can make you feel so worthless ♡

The kitchen was filled with the aroma of Akriti's favourite parathas and fresh tea. Yash moved with practiced ease, determined to make the day a bit better for both of them.

The events of the past few months had been tumultuous, and though the love they once shared was now strained, Yash hoped that small gestures might help rebuild what had been broken.

Akriti emerged from their bedroom, and entered the kitchen, her face pale and tired, her movements slow and deliberate. She was eight months pregnant now, and the weight of the past few months had taken a toll on her.

She wore a simple, loose-fitting dress that barely concealed her growing belly, and her face was etched with tired lines. Despite the attempts at normalcy, the atmosphere between them was palpably tense.

She glanced at the breakfast spread and gave him a curt nod. Yash watched her carefully, noting the way her eyes darted away from his. He tried to make small talk as she sat down, "Good morning, Akriti."

Yash said as he set a plate of gobhi parathas and a steaming cup of tea in front of her. His voice was filled with a hopeful warmth that seemed to be his only armor against the growing coldness between them.

Akriti sat down at the table and picked up a fork. "Morning, Yash." She replied, her voice subdued. She took a bite of the paratha and nodded, "It's good."

Yash smiled faintly. "I'm glad. I just wanted to make something special for you." He wanted to keep the tone light. "How did you sleep?"

Akriti took a sip of tea, then responded with a faint, "Not great."

The conversation felt forced, like they were both walking on eggshells. Akriti's attempt to mask her discomfort was evident, but Yash could see through it. She was still struggling with it and though they had decided to stay together for the sake of their child, the emotional chasm between them remained.

They ate in relative silence, the only sounds being the clinking of cutlery and the occasional sip of tea. Yash made several attempts at light conversation, but Akriti's responses were minimal, revealing a distance that neither words nor actions could fully bridge.

As Akriti finished her breakfast, she excused herself to rest. Yash watched her go with sadness. He was determined to make things work, not just for their unborn child, but because he still loved Akriti deeply, despite the mistakes he had made.

Later that afternoon, Yash watched Akriti as she napped on the couch. Her breathing was steady, and her hand rested protectively over her growing belly. He knew that Akriti was often exhausted from carrying their child, and he didn't want to disturb her, but he seized this quiet moment to connect with their unborn baby.

He sat beside her, "Hey, little one." His voice was gentle. "I hope you know how much we love you already. I know things are a bit rocky right now, but I promise we're doing our best. Your mom is amazing, and I'm going to be the best dad I can be. I can't wait to meet you. I hope you're growing strong and healthy."

Akriti stirred slightly but didn't wake up. Yash continued to speak, his voice low and soothing, as if trying to make amends with the little life inside her. He wanted to believe that if he could do everything right for the baby, he might eventually find a way to heal the rift between him and Akriti.

"Your mom's been doing her best, and I know things haven't been easy for her. I want to be there for both of you, and I'm doing everything I can to make things right."

She kept her eyes shut, allowing the words to wash over her. They were comforting, but also a reminder of the fractured relationship they had. The past few months had been a battle between her heart and her mind, and though she wanted to mend things, she found it difficult to let go of the pain.

In the evening, Yash suggested they go for an evening walk. He hoped the fresh air and a change of scenery might help ease the tension between them. Akriti agreed, though her enthusiasm was muted.

The weather was pleasant, with a gentle breeze that carried the scent of leaves. They walked side by side down the tree-lined path, the silence between them punctuated only by the crunch of leaves underfoot.

He tried to make small talk, mentioning how the park looked beautiful at sunset. She responded with polite but minimal words. She was still distant, her mind clearly elsewhere.

He offered Akriti his jacket, which she accepted with a silent nod. They set out, the setting sun casting a golden glow over the neighborhood.

"How's the baby feeling today?" Yash asked, glancing at Akriti with concern.

She placed a hand on her belly and sighed. "The baby's fine. Just a bit tired." He nodded as they continued walking in silence.

When they returned home, the evening was cooler, and Yash hoped the night might be more comforting. He made sure to prepare the bed as gently as he could.

As they settled in for the night, he reached out, trying to pull Akriti close. He wanted to comfort her, to show her that he still cared deeply, but as soon as he touched her, she tensed, and then flinched and moved away.

"Is something wrong?" Yash asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Akriti shifted away, her expression one of distress. "It's just... your fragrance. It's making me feel nauseous."

The smell of his cologne, a scent she once thought was comforting, now seemed to make her stomach churn. She felt a wave of nausea wash over her, not just from the fragrance but from the reminder of everything that had happened.

The betrayal, the lies, and the deep hurt were all too fresh, making it hard for her to find solace in his presence.

Yash's heart sank. He withdrew his arms, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to hold you."

She took deep breaths, trying to calm herself. "It's not your fault. I just... need some space." He nodded, a sense of helplessness settling over him.

She lay rigidly on her side of the bed. Yash could sense the tension in her body. Realizing he was pushing too hard, he rolled onto his side and tried to sleep. He wanted to give her space, but the silence of the room was deafening.

He laid awake, staring at the ceiling. He knew that the distance between them was more than just physical - it was emotional and psychological. He wanted to make things right, to rebuild the trust that had been shattered, but he was at a loss for how to start.

He looked at her in quiet darkness, and whispered to the room, hoping that somehow, they might find a way to heal. "I love you, Akriti. I'm sorry for everything. I hope we can find a way to move past this."

She closed her eyes, grappled with her own emotions. For Akriti, the situation was equally painful. She wanted to bridge the gap, to find a way to move past the betrayal, but the emotional scars were too deep and fresh.

The thought of their child provided some comfort, a reminder of the love that still existed between them, but the road to healing seemed long and uncertain.

They had decided to stay together for the sake of their unborn child, a choice that both of them struggled with. Akriti had not shared the details of Yash's betrayal with anyone, fearing judgment and the impact it would have on their child.

Instead, she chose to focus on creating a stable environment for their baby, despite the emotional turmoil she felt.

She remembered what had happened six months ago - how she had left their place after their fight and stayed at a nearby hotel for a week. Only when her anger subsided did she ponder the events. The man she had loved for years had shattered her trust in pieces.

She wanted to hate him, but a part of her missed him and his presence.

She took her time going through the numerous ignored calls and messages from him. She agreed to meet him after several days, deciding to keep it formal. She hadn't told anyone about their situation, fearing judgment and the impact it might have on her.

What if everyone blamed her?

She married him on her own wish. No one forced her to do so. Now if she told them that she wanted to get separated from Yash, the society would blame her, and would call her wrong.

"I know. I'm not asking for forgiveness right now, but I want to show you that I'm committed to making amends. I want to be better - for you and for our baby. I've been thinking a lot about us - about what we had and what we can still have. I realize now that I need to prove my commitment through actions, not just words."

"What exactly are you asking for, Yash?"

"I'm asking for a chance. A chance to show you that I'm dedicated to rebuilding our relationship. I want us to go to couples therapy together, to work through this with professional help. I want to be here for you and to do everything in my power to regain your trust."

Akriti took a deep breath, her emotions raw. "And what if I'm not ready for that? What if I can't trust you again?"

Yash's eyes filled with determination as he spoke. "I understand your doubts. But I need you to know something. I swear on our child, on the life that we're bringing into this world, that I will never betray you again. I promise that I will be faithful, dedicated, and honest. I will do everything in my power to rebuild our trust and make our family whole."

The mention of their unborn child, the symbol of their love, was what it took for Akriti to stay. She loved her child deeply and was willing to do anything for it, even if it meant confronting the painful past with Yash.

"Swearing on our child," Akriti said quietly, "That's a very powerful promise. But it doesn't erase the hurt or the betrayal I've felt."

"I know," Yash said, his voice tinged with regret. "I'm not trying to erase it. I'm trying to show you that I'm committed to making amends. I want us to work through this, for our sake and for the sake of our baby."

As the weeks went by, their days were filled with small gestures and attempts at normalcy. Yash did his best to be considerate, making breakfast, helping with chores, and talking to their baby whenever he could. He wanted to prove that he was committed to being a good husband and father, but his efforts seemed to fall short.

He was determined to make amends and show Akriti that he was willing to do whatever it took to rebuild their relationship.

Akriti, on her part, tried to take small steps toward reconciling, though every attempt was marred by the shadows of their past. She would occasionally respond to his gestures with a hesitant smile or a brief conversation, but it was clear that her heart wasn't fully in it.

The hurt was too deep, and trust was not something that could be rebuilt overnight.

✿ ❀ ✿

AUROUS CHARMS ✨

Help!

How was the chapter?

What do you think about Yash?

And Akriti's decision?

What do you think will happen next?

Till then, bye bye.
Love you all.
Signing off.