His Care

                                        

                                              
The day that had started routinely enough was quickly derailed by a phone call that Raj wasn't prepared to handle. Sitting in his study, his mind preoccupied with reports, the buzzing of his phone jolted him. He glanced at the screen, and for a second, his chest tightened. *Maya.* 
His thumb hovered over the screen. Memories rushed in-moments of happiness, betrayal, and the painful aftermath. With a deep breath, he finally accepted the call, his voice cold and clipped. 
"Maya." 
On the other end, her voice was soft, hesitant, and far too familiar. "Raj... I've missed you. I came back for closure." 
Raj let out a humorless laugh, the sound bitter. "Closure? After everything you did, you think you're entitled to that?" 
There was silence. He could picture her on the other end, the way she always used to pause, choosing her words carefully when she knew she was in the wrong. 
"I didn't mean to hurt you, Raj," she said finally, her voice trembling. "I made a mistake. But I still..." 
"Don't." His tone was sharp, cutting her off. "Don't finish that sentence, Maya. You lost the right to explain yourself the day you walked away." 
His words hung in the air, heavy and final. Without waiting for a response, Raj ended the call. He stared at his phone, his hand tightening around it as if it could somehow contain the storm of emotions raging within him. 
Why now? Why come back after all these years?
But no matter how much he tried to push it aside, the ache remained-a mix of anger, hurt, and something he wasn't ready to name. 
Unbeknownst to Raj, Rashi had been standing in the hallway, a tray of snacks in her hands. She had heard just enough of the conversation to piece together the gist of it. The way his voice softened slightly when he said Maya's name... the weight in his words. It hurt more than she cared to admit. 
She knew about Maya-the woman who had shattered Raj's heart. Rashi had never imagined herself competing with the ghost of someone Raj had once loved so deeply. But now, doubts gnawed at her heart. 
What if he still loves her? What if he'll never see me as more than an unwanted obligation? 
Her chest tightened, and she blinked back tears. Carefully setting the tray on a nearby table, she retreated to her room, unable to face him. 
The hours passed, and Rashi's spiraling thoughts began to manifest physically. By evening, her head throbbed, and her body burned with fever. She curled up on her bed, clutching the blanket tightly, her mind replaying every interaction she had witnessed between Raj and Maya, even if only imagined. 
I shouldn't care this much... but I do. 
As the fever worsened, she felt her strength waning. She knew she should get up, take medicine, or even just drink water, but she didn't have the energy. 
Raj arrived home late that night, his mood darker than usual. The conversation with Maya had left him agitated and restless. As he walked inside, he frowned. The house felt... off. Quiet. Too quiet. 
"Where is she?" he muttered, loosening his tie. Rashi was always there when he returned-either waiting with a warm meal or sitting quietly in the living room. Tonight, there was no sign of her. 
A strange unease settled in his chest as he made his way to her room. He knocked softly at first. 
"Rashi?" 
No answer. 
He knocked again, louder this time. Still nothing. His worry deepened, and without hesitation, he pushed the door open. 
The sight before him made his heart lurch. Rashi was lying on the bed, her face pale, her breathing uneven. He rushed to her side, kneeling beside the bed. 
"Rashi!" he called, his voice laced with concern. He touched her cheek, and the heat radiating from her skin made him pull his hand back. "You're burning up." 
He shook her gently. "Wake up, Rashi. Hey, wake up! Shine, Shine what's wrong?" 
(Guys i am soo happy finally he gives a nickname to her).
Her eyelids fluttered open slightly, her gaze unfocused. "Raj...?" she murmured weakly. 
He grabbed a glass of water from her bedside table and sprinkled some on her face. "Shine, stay awake! You have a fever. I'll be back in a minute-don't go to sleep!" 
Raj returned quickly, carrying a bowl of cold water and a cloth. Sitting beside her, he carefully began to dab her forehead, the cold compress cooling her feverish skin. 
"You didn't tell anyone you were sick?" he asked softly, his tone a mix of exasperation and worry. 
"I didn't... notice it was this bad," she whispered, her voice barely audible. 
"Did you eat?" 
She hesitated before shaking her head. "I... I was waiting for you." 
Raj froze, guilt washing over him like a wave. *She waited for me? Even when she wasn't well?* 
After a few moments, he said, "Wait here. I'll get something." 
When he returned, he held a tray with a bowl of soup and a piece of toast. Rashi blinked at him, surprised. 
"You cooked this?" 
He shrugged, avoiding her gaze. "You need to eat before taking medicine." 
He brought a spoonful of soup to her lips. She hesitated, but his expression left no room for argument. Slowly, she allowed him to feed her. Each bite was filled with a quiet understanding, unspoken words passing between them. 
Her eyes filled with tears, and Raj immediately noticed. "Shine, what's wrong? Are you hurt? Why are you crying? Shine, talk to me." 
The nickname slipped out naturally, and it startled them both. Rashi stared at him, her emotions raw, before suddenly leaning forward and hugging him tightly. 
Raj stiffened but quickly softened, his arms wrapping around her protectively. His hand rubbed gentle circles on her back as she cried into his shoulder. 
In that moment, Raj realized something unsettling yet undeniable-he cared. And not just in the distant, obligated way he had once thought. He cared deeply. 
After ensuring she took her medicine and was comfortable, Raj returned to his room. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't sleep. 
What is wrong with me? Why do I feel so... uneasy?
Frustrated, he got out of bed and made his way back to her room. Pushing the door open quietly, he saw her fast asleep, her breathing steady. 
He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, his gaze softening as he looked at her. Without thinking, his hand reached out to caress her hair. 
"Shine," he whispered, the nickname feeling strangely right. 
Leaning back against the headboard, he stayed by her side. Eventually, as the night wore on, he drifted off to sleep, his hand resting protectively near hers. For the first time in a long while, his mind felt calm.
Hey guys this is it for this chapter ..
Do vote and comment ✨ 
I am soo happy finally raj is feeling something and now he gave a nickname to his legally wedded wife 🤭❣️ leta see what happens next ... 
Stay tuned guys.