Episode 13

The television blazed on, seemingly watching itself as the watched seemed lost in their own worlds. A couple, just finished with their meal, proceeded with individual activities in the living room.

Kaivan appeared seated with a laptop on his lap, engrossed in work. He chewed on his glasses with eyes intently focused, unswerving in their gaze, dismissing any distraction from either side.

Meanwhile, Archie had intended to watch a movie but found herself unable to concentrate because of Kaivan's presence.

Kaivan looked older, undeniably handsome, and evidently hard at work.

Was it odd for Archie to find herself captivated by her husband's look? Was admiration a feeling she was permitted to have?

Archie shook her head, looking away to grasp the juice she had fetched from the fridge earlier.

Resolved to watch TV, she found the programming not to her taste.

Reaching for the remote, she inadvertently knocked it under the table.

Bending over to retrieve the remote, Archie was so focused that she almost bumped her forehead against the table's edge if not for Kaivan's hand cushioning the blow.

Startled, Archie glanced at his hand and then his face, which remained dedicated to his tasks.

"Thanks, Uncle," Archie murmured quietly.

Kaivan didn't respond, simply continuing his typing. His work consumed him entirely.

Archie smiled faintly, moved by the care Kaivan showed even amidst intense focus – protecting her from a potential knock to the head.

"Would you like me to make you coffee, Uncle?" Archie offered.

Kaivan glanced up briefly. "Yes, but not too sweet," he replied.

Archie nodded, quickly rising to prepare coffee for her husband.

She measured a tablespoon of coffee powder, and just a little sugar, hoping the taste would be just right – not too sweet, nor too bitter.

After finishing, Archie returned to the living room, puzzled to find Kaivan gone, his laptop still on the table but no sign of him.

Setting down the coffee, she looked around for her elusive spouse.

"Looking for me?" Kaivan's voice sounded from behind her.

Archie turned, meeting his gaze and nodded.

"I've made your coffee, Uncle. Please enjoy," she said, beaming.

Kaivan conveyed his acknowledgment with a nod, laying down the book he had brought from their room and reaching for the coffee Archie had prepared.

Archie watched nervously as Kaivan sipped her creation, but he offered no complaint.

"Why are you just standing there, Archie? Sit down," urged Kaivan without looking at his wife.

Returning his focus to his laptop, Kaivan's work continued as Archie resumed watching TV.

The evening deepened yet Kaivan showed no sign of stopping work. Genuinely tired, Archie hesitated to sleep first, not wanting to retire alone.

A yawn escaped Archie, caught by Kaivan. He sighed and closed his laptop.

Without a word, Kaivan rose, prompting Archie to mirror his movements.

"Are you done, Uncle?" Archie asked.

"I'm sleepy," he declared, rather than answering her question.

Kaivan proceeded upstairs to their shared bedroom, with Archie quickly following behind.

In the room, Kaivan set his phone down and climbed into bed.

"Why do you hesitate? Come to bed," Kaivan invited, his expression unreadable.

Archie bit her lip, playing with her fingers, torn between nervousness and hesitation. She sat on the edge of the bed and slowly reclined, her back to Kaivan, curled up as though cold.