The Unspoken Crush

                                        

                                              
Chapter 7: The Unspoken Crush
The soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated the room, casting faint shadows across the walls. Rashi sat on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Her gaze was fixed on the faint patterns on the carpet, but her mind was far away-lost in memories of a love that had begun long before this marriage.
Flashback - Five Years Ago
Rashi remembered the first time she saw Raj. It was at her cousin's engagement party. He had stood by the window, his phone pressed to his ear, a faint smile playing on his lips. Even in the dim lighting, his confidence and charm had shone through, leaving her completely captivated.
She hadn't intended to eavesdrop, but her heart sank when she caught the name "Maya" and his soft laugh that followed.
"She's just impossible," Raj had said, chuckling lightly. "But I wouldn't have her any other way."
It didn't take much to piece together that Maya wasn't just a name-she was someone who held Raj's heart.
Later that evening, Rashi had mustered the courage to speak to him when their paths crossed at the dessert table. "The chocolate mousse is amazing," she had said, hoping to strike up a conversation.
Raj had smiled politely, his attention already elsewhere. "Oh, is it? I'll try it later."
That night, Rashi had cried silently in the corner of the garden, hidden from everyone. Her heart ached, knowing that the man who had unknowingly stolen her heart would never feel the same. She was just another face in the crowd to him.
Present
The clock on the bedside table ticked past midnight, mocking her with its persistence. Rashi sighed, glancing over at the main door. Raj hadn't come home yet.
Her fingers twisted the edge of her kurta as a familiar ache settled in her chest. Why does it still hurt? she wondered, clutching the fabric tightly. She had known this marriage wasn't built on love, but a small, foolish part of her had hoped-hoped that maybe, just maybe, Raj would see her, really see her, one day.
Raj's Point of View
Raj leaned back in the car seat, staring out at the dimly lit streets as his driver navigated the way home. His mind was a storm of memories and emotions he'd tried to bury.
Maya's laugh echoed in his mind, a haunting reminder of the woman who had shattered his trust. He remembered the day he'd found out the truth-the text messages, the secret meetings, and finally, the undeniable proof that Maya had been seeing his rival behind his back.
He clenched his fists as the memory of confronting her resurfaced.
"Why, Maya?" he had demanded, his voice breaking despite his anger. "I gave you everything. I loved you."
Maya had looked at him, guilt and defiance mingling in her eyes. "Raj, you were always so busy. I needed someone who made me feel... alive. He was there when you weren't."
Her words had cut him deeper than any betrayal. That day, something inside him had changed. Love, trust, and vulnerability had become luxuries he could no longer afford.
Present - Back Home
The sound of the front door opening jolted Rashi from her thoughts. She quickly straightened up, her heart racing. Raj stepped inside, looking tired. His tie was undone, and his hair was slightly disheveled.
"Raj," she called softly.
He paused, glancing at her briefly. "What?"
"Dinner's on the table... if you're hungry," she said, her voice hesitant.
"I'm not," he replied curtly, turning toward his room.
Rashi watched him walk away, her heart sinking. Does he ever wonder how I feel? Does he even care?
Gathering her courage, she stood and followed him to the doorway of his room. "Raj, can we talk?"
He turned, his expression blank. "It's late, Rashi. I'm tired."
Her voice wavered. "Please, just a minute."
He sighed but didn't protest. "Fine. What is it?"
She stepped closer, wringing her hands. "I know this marriage isn't what either of us wanted. I know you... don't feel anything for me. But I just..." She paused, struggling to find the right words. "I just need to know if you ever will. If there's even the smallest chance that we could..."
Raj's face hardened, a shadow of pain flickering in his eyes. "Rashi, I told you from the beginning-this marriage is just a formality. I didn't have a choice. Neither did you. Let's not make this more complicated than it already is."
His words were like a slap to her face, and she felt tears welling up in her eyes. "Do you even care how I feel?" she asked, her voice trembling.
He ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his posture. "Rashi, feelings were never part of this. I'm sorry if you expected something else, but I can't give you what you want."
Her heart shattered at his words, but she refused to let him see her cry. "I didn't expect anything," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "But it doesn't mean it doesn't hurt."
Raj said nothing, his silence cutting deeper than any words. He hated himself in that moment for the flicker of guilt that stirred in his chest. But every time he looked at Rashi, he remembered Maya's betrayal, and the walls he had built around his heart grew stronger.
Rashi turned away, her shoulders slumping. "Goodnight, Raj."
She returned to her room, the tears finally spilling over as she sank onto the bed. I wish you could see me, Raj. I wish you could love me the way I love you.
Her resolve hardened as she wiped her tears. "Fine. I'll also be like this with you from now on, Raj. If you won't let me in, I won't let myself hope anymore."
In his room, Raj leaned against the closed door, his thoughts conflicted. He knew Rashi didn't deserve his coldness, but his past had taught him one thing-trusting someone came with a cost he wasn't willing to pay again.
In the stillness of the night, two hearts ached in silence, each caught in the unspoken pain of a love that could not be.
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Hope you all like this chapter please guys do vote for it and read by other books also ... soon I will make rashi character strong as she is like this because she is in so much love with him and most people will understand how one sided love feels like .... so be connected with this ....