Interrupted Desires

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.

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