Elena felt the familiar warmth of Rivaan’s lips on hers as he pressed her gently against the bed. His touch was urgent, his hands roaming over her as if making up for the two weeks he had been away on a business trip. It was always like this when he returned—immediate, intense, as if the days of absence had built a fire he couldn’t wait to release. He craved this intimacy, and Elena, despite the coldness that otherwise defined their relationship, craved it too. It was the only time she felt close to him, the only time she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, he still wanted her.

But just as Rivaan’s kisses deepened, and he began to push the straps of her nightgown from her shoulders, their five-year-old son, Aarav, burst into the room, holding his favorite stuffed toy and looking up at them innocently. "Papa! I can't find my car!" Aarav exclaimed, unaware of the moment he had interrupted.

Rivaan’s body tensed instantly. Elena could feel his irritation mounting. He didn’t like being disturbed, especially not in moments like these. His face darkened slightly, but he inhaled deeply, controlling the anger that flickered behind his eyes. He had learned to hide his annoyance around the children, though Elena could sense it all too well.

“Buddy,” Rivaan said with a forced calm, picking Aarav up in his arms. “Papa’s a bit busy right now. How about we look for your car later?”

Aarav, oblivious to the tension, nodded eagerly, wrapping his arms around Rivaan’s neck. Rivaan turned back to Elena, his voice suddenly cold and distant again. “Get dressed properly and come out. The family’s waiting for breakfast.”

Elena quickly pulled the covers up to her chest, feeling the chill of his words more than the air in the room. She watched as Rivaan left, carrying Aarav out with him, his strides confident as always, commanding even in the simplest of tasks. He didn’t glance back at her, his tone still curt and business-like. It was like this whenever they were interrupted—he would slip back into his distant self, and Elena would be left with the hollow feeling of being used, rather than loved.

Sighing, she sat up, pulling on her robe as she headed for the closet to dress. Now, all that remained was this—an eight-year marriage filled with cold silences, obligations, and the intimacy that only left her wanting more.

Once dressed, she made her way to the dining area. Their large, elegant home bustled with the usual morning energy. The aroma of breakfast—freshly made parathas, scrambled eggs, and tea—filled the air. Her in-laws were seated at the dining table, deep in conversation with Arjun, Rivaan’s younger brother. Elena greeted them with a warm smile, as she always did, playing her part as the perfect wife and daughter-in-law. To the outside world, theirs was a perfect marriage—three beautiful sons, a successful husband, and a well-maintained household. No one saw the cracks beneath the surface.

As she approached the table, she noticed Rivaan already seated, feeding their youngest son, one-year-old Ansh, small pieces of fruit. Reyansh, their three-year-old, sat on his booster seat, babbling about a cartoon he had watched the previous night. Elena moved quietly to the other side of the table, ensuring everything was in place for breakfast.

“Good morning, Elena,” Meera, her mother-in-law, greeted warmly. “You’re glowing today! Is there some news you want to share with us?” she teased, her eyes sparkling.

Elena’s heart clenched. She knew what Meera was hinting at—a daughter. Rivaan had made it no secret that he had always wanted a girl, and after three boys, it had become a regular topic of conversation. She forced a smile, trying to keep her emotions in check. “Nothing yet, Ma,” she replied softly, taking her seat next to Reyansh.

Meera chuckled. “Well, don’t keep us waiting too long. You’ve given us three wonderful boys, but it’s time for a little princess now!”

Rivaan said nothing but gave a small, almost imperceptible smile. His face was neutral, betraying no real excitement, though Elena knew he still secretly wished for a daughter. He adored their sons, no doubt, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that she had failed him somehow by not giving him the one thing he desired most.

Breakfast continued in the same familiar routine. Rivaan engaged with his parents and brother, sharing stories from his recent business trip, discussing financial strategies, and future investments. The conversation was lively, with the children occasionally chiming in with their innocent interruptions. To everyone at the table, they were the image of a happy, united family.

But Elena knew better. She watched as Rivaan interacted effortlessly with their sons, especially Aarav, who was perched on his lap, asking endless questions. Rivaan’s patience with the boys was unwavering, his love for them clear in every smile, every touch. But when it came to her, that warmth seemed to vanish. He never looked at her with the same affection, never spoke to her with the tenderness he reserved for their children.

For eight years, she had hoped things would change. She had given him everything—her heart, her loyalty, her body. She had endured the cold, distant nights and the forced smiles in front of family and friends. But he had never once told her that he loved her, never acknowledged her beyond their physical connection. In public, he played the part of the loving husband, but behind closed doors, he was a stranger.

As breakfast wrapped up, Rivaan glanced at her briefly. “I’m heading to the office after this. There are some important meetings today,” he said, as if dismissing her without a second thought.

“Of course,” Elena replied quietly, clearing the plates from the table. Her in-laws began discussing plans for the day, and Arjun offered to help with the boys, sensing that Elena had her hands full.

She nodded gratefully, but inside, her heart was heavy. She loved her children with all her being, and Rivaan’s devotion to them was undeniable. But what about her? She had been waiting for eight years for Rivaan to see her, to love her beyond the physical connection they shared.

As she watched Rivaan head out the door, Elena realized something she had been too afraid to admit for years—he might love their children, but his heart never truly belonged to her. And after all these years, she wasn’t sure if it ever would.

The house was filled with the soft murmur of conversations as the family gathered in the dining room for their evening meal. Elena was seated at the table, helping Meera, her mother-in-law, serve the food. The warmth of the family’s presence usually comforted her, but tonight, she felt an undercurrent of unease.

Rivaan had returned from the office just a few minutes ago, greeting everyone with his usual charm, though his eyes had briefly flickered toward her with an intensity that she couldn’t quite decipher. He had disappeared into their bedroom to change, but when she heard her name being called from the other side of the house—loud and demanding—her heart skipped a beat.

"Excuse me," she muttered softly to her in-laws as she quickly left the dining room. As she made her way to their bedroom, she wondered what he wanted this time. He had a habit of calling her out of nowhere, and it wasn’t always for something important. When she pushed open the door, Rivaan was standing there, dressed in a casual T-shirt and pajama pants, looking at her with that same intensity from earlier.

“Close the door,” he commanded, his voice low but firm.

Without a word, Elena obeyed. She turned the lock, sealing them off from the rest of the house. The moment she turned back toward him, Rivaan was already hovering over her, his eyes dark with desire. He grabbed her by the waist, pulling her close as his lips found her neck, trailing slow, deliberate kisses down her skin. Elena shivered under his touch, her body reacting to him even though her mind was racing. He always did this—always made her forget everything else when he was near.

His hands were everywhere, roaming across her body as if he couldn’t get enough. His lips captured hers in a kiss that was raw, hungry, and full of pent-up need. Two weeks of separation had clearly taken their toll on him. Elena felt herself melting into the moment, into him, her body surrendering to the familiar rhythm they shared.

Rivaan began pulling at her clothes, his urgency palpable. His hands fumbled with the buttons of her blouse, tugging at the fabric, but just as he was about to undress her completely, a knock sounded at the door.

“Elena? Rivaan? Dinner’s ready, everyone’s waiting,” called Meera from the hallway.

Elena froze, her hands instinctively reaching for her clothes to cover herself. Rivaan exhaled sharply, annoyed at the interruption, but instead of snapping at her or anyone else, he leaned in and kissed her again—this time softer, more controlled. His lips lingered on hers for a moment longer, as if making up for the lost moment. Then, pulling back, he adjusted her clothes gently, his fingers brushing against her skin in a way that sent a shiver down her spine.

He quickly straightened his own clothes before walking to the door and opening it. Elena followed him out, her heart still racing from the intensity of the moment. As they entered the dining room, the rest of the family greeted them with smiles, none the wiser about what had just transpired.

The table was already set, with the children seated and waiting patiently. Rivaan immediately went to help Aarav with his food, scooping small portions onto his plate and chatting with their son as if nothing had happened. Elena watched him from the corner of her eye, marveling at how easily he could switch between the role of the demanding husband and the doting father.

As they ate, Rivaan’s attention stayed on their children. He helped feed Ansh, their youngest, while Reyansh tried to scoop his own food but kept making a mess. Elena stepped in to help Reyansh, smiling at her messy little boy, who was always full of energy and enthusiasm.

After dinner, Elena began tidying up while Rivaan disappeared into the living room to catch up on some work. Once the dishes were cleared, she focused on the boys, preparing them for bed. Aarav and Reyansh, exhausted from the day, quickly fell asleep in their shared room. But Ansh, the youngest, was restless.

As Elena prepared to leave their sons’ room, Ansh began to cry softly, reaching out for her. He was still so little, and his attachment to her was stronger than his brothers’. Elena couldn’t bring herself to leave him there alone, so she scooped him up in her arms, cradling him against her chest.

When she entered their bedroom carrying Ansh, Rivaan was already lying in bed, flipping through a business magazine. He looked up at her, frowning slightly when he saw their youngest in her arms.

“Why is he here? Is he sick?” Rivaan asked, his voice gruff but filled with concern.

“No,” Elena replied softly. “He just wants to sleep with us tonight. He’s been crying, and I didn’t have the heart to say no.”

Rivaan’s frown deepened, but he didn’t argue. He knew how much their children meant to her, and despite his tough exterior, Rivaan had a soft spot for his boys, even if he tried not to show it. “Fine,” he muttered, moving over to make room for them in the bed.

Elena settled Ansh between them, gently laying the little boy down on his back. Ansh was still fussy, his tiny hands reaching for Elena, his whimpers tugging at her heart. She unbuttoned her blouse slightly, adjusting herself so that she could breastfeed him. As soon as Ansh latched on, he quieted, his small body relaxing against hers.

Rivaan watched them in silence, his expression unreadable. He often looked at her like that when she was with the children—as if he admired her, or maybe it was something else, something deeper that he couldn’t put into words. Elena glanced over at him, meeting his gaze for a moment before turning her attention back to their son.

Rivaan lay down on his side of the bed, his eyes still on her and Ansh. His hand reached out, brushing lightly against Ansh’s tiny arm before he pulled the blanket up over them all. Despite everything, these quiet moments with their children brought a strange sense of peace to their lives—a temporary truce in the unspoken war between them.

As Ansh began to drift off to sleep, Elena sighed softly, her heart heavy with the weight of the day. She loved her children fiercely, and Rivaan’s love for them was undeniable. But what about her? She longed for more than these stolen moments of passion and the brief flashes of tenderness. She longed for Rivaan to truly see her, to love her as much as he loved their sons.

But as she lay there, sandwiched between her husband and their child, she couldn’t help but wonder if that day would ever come. For now, she would take what little she could get and hope that one day, Rivaan’s heart would open to her the way it had for their boys.

Elena was in the midst of a restless sleep when she felt a familiar hand slide around her waist. Instinctively, her eyes fluttered open, and she recognized Rivaan's touch. A rush of conflicting emotions coursed through her: the warmth of his body against hers mixed with the bitter reality of their relationship. Despite his cold behavior during the day, his nightly advances always made her feel trapped between love and confusion.

Rivaan's breath was warm against her neck as he pulled her closer, his grip firm. She shivered, not from the cold, but from the unspoken tension that always accompanied their intimate moments. He might harbor resentment towards her, but it never stopped him from seeking her out in the dark of night.

"Elena," Rivaan murmured, his voice low, almost a growl. She turned slightly to meet his gaze, trying to decipher the emotions in his eyes. Most of the time, his look was filled with indifference or irritation, but tonight, there was something else—a deep, unspoken need.

She felt his hand trail down her side, sending a jolt of electricity through her body. Her mind swirled with memories of their complicated marriage—the fights, the cold shoulders, and the small moments of tenderness that were far too rare. She was acutely aware of the space between love and lust, the chasm that seemed to grow larger every day.

"Rivaan, what are you doing? Ansh is sleeping with us," she whispered softly, glancing at their youngest son, who was peacefully asleep beside her. But despite her words, she didn’t pull away.

Rivaan smirked, tightening his grip on her waist. "You know what I want," he replied, his voice dripping with certainty.

In that moment, memories of their marriage flashed through her mind. His cold words, the nights he ignored her, the countless times she had tried to reach out only to be met with indifference. Yet here he was, craving her touch as if nothing else mattered. It was confusing, frustrating, and yet, a part of her longed for this connection, no matter how fleeting.

As Rivaan's hands roamed her body, Elena felt a familiar warmth building inside her. His lips brushed against her ear as he whispered, "You're mine, Elena. Don't forget that."

Those words sent a shiver down her spine, stirring something deep within her. She turned fully to face him, searching his eyes for any sign of the love she had once believed existed between them. Rivaan leaned down, kissing her softly at first, then more deeply, his lips demanding and possessive. Despite the emotional turmoil she constantly felt, her body responded to him, her hands sliding up to grip his shoulders.

His kisses trailed down her neck, sending sparks of heat through her skin. Elena felt herself giving in to the moment, her breathing growing heavier as he undressed her slowly. His hands explored her as if claiming her all over again. The familiar rhythm of their bodies was a comfort, a temporary escape from the reality of their strained relationship.

Clothes fell to the floor, forgotten, as they lost themselves in the heat of the moment. Rivaan’s touch was firm yet gentle, and despite her lingering doubts, she found herself melting into him. Their movements were slow at first, growing in intensity as they gave in to the desire between them.

She turned slightly to meet his gaze, trying to decipher the emotions behind his dark eyes. They were often filled with anger and resentment during the day, but in this moment,  they sparkled with something else- an unspoken desire that sent her heart racing despite the turmoil.

As he pressed his body against hers, she felt the familiar warmth of desire rise within her, battling the reality of his contempt. There was a part of her that ached for this connection,  even if it was born from anger and frustration.

She turned to face him fully, her heart pounding as she searched his eyes for any sign of the love. He leaned down, placing a tender kiss on her lips. The soft brush of his lips against hers sent a shiver through her body. As his kiss deepened, she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, her hands sliding into his thick hair. The tension between them melted as the kiss grew more passionate.

His body pressed against hers as they undressed each other, the cool air of the room making her shiver, though it was quickly replaced by the heat of his touch.

Now naked, she lay back against the soft sheets, her body exposed to him for the first time. He gazed down at her, his eyes dark with desire, and leaned in to kiss her again, this time trailing his lips down her neck, across her collarbone, and lower. His hands gently cupped her breasts, his fingers teasing her hardened nipples as his mouth found them, sucking and licking until soft moans escaped her lips.

Her body responded to his every touch, arching into him as he continued his slow exploration. His kisses moved lower, over her stomach, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. He positioned himself between her legs, his fingers sliding down to her wetness. She gasped at the first touch, her body tensing before relaxing into the pleasure.

His fingers expertly stroked her, circling her sensitive spot before slipping one, then two fingers inside her. She felt her body tighten around him, the sensation overwhelming her senses as he gently thrust his fingers in and out. Her breaths grew heavier, her hands gripping the sheets beneath her as he continued to pleasure her, building her closer and closer to release.

As her body trembled and she reached the peak, she cried out softly, her release flooding over his fingers. He watched her intently, his eyes never leaving hers as he withdrew his fingers. Without a moment of hesitation, he positioned himself above her, his hard length pressing against her entrance.

Slowly, he pushed inside her, inch by inch, giving her time to adjust to the sensation. Roshini gasped at the fullness, her hands gripping his shoulders tightly as he filled her completely. He paused, allowing her to catch her breath, then began to move, slow and gentle at first, his hips rocking against hers.

When it was over, Rivaan paused, his body still pressed against hers. He glanced at their son, Ansh, who was still sleeping soundly beside them. Rivaan leaned down to kiss Elena's forehead softly, a rare gesture of affection that left her feeling conflicted once again. He could be gentle when he wanted to be, but the walls he built around his heart seemed impenetrable.

Rivaan looked back at Elena, noticing the exhaustion in her eyes. Though a part of him wanted more, he sighed and decided to let her rest. "You look tired," he murmured. He carefully cleaned them both, tucking her in before pulling her into his arms. For a moment, they lay together in silence, the weight of their unspoken emotions heavy between them.

As Elena drifted off to sleep, she couldn’t shake the confusion swirling in her mind. The passion they shared at night was undeniable, but it didn’t erase the pain of his coldness during the day. Rivaan's behavior was a puzzle she couldn’t solve, leaving her heart torn between the man he was when they were alone and the distant stranger he became in the daylight.

With Ansh peacefully asleep beside them and Rivaan's arms around her, Elena wondered if there would ever come a time when they could find true peace in their marriage, a balance between their shared desires and the emotional connection she so deeply craved. But for now, all she could do was savor the brief moments of closeness, no matter how fleeting.