Chapter 12: Struggling in Silence

The days following their first intimate night were filled with an unsettling stillness. Arundhati had hoped that their brief connection would lead to something deeper between her and Shiv, but it felt as though things were only becoming more strained. Despite the intimacy they had shared, Shiv continued to retreat into his responsibilities, leaving her feeling more isolated than ever.

As the newly married couple, there were moments where she expected tenderness, where she longed for him to see her as more than just his wife by duty. But instead, Shiv was consumed with the weight of being the village head. His responsibilities took up most of his time, and whenever he was at home, his thoughts seemed far away, lost in the constant demands of his position.

Arundhati tried to remain patient, believing that this was part of the adjustment period. She had always been the quiet, reserved type, and the idea of building a life together with Shiv—of creating something strong and lasting—was still a hope she clung to. But as the days passed, that hope began to feel more like a dream than a reality.

Her days were spent in a quiet routine. She cleaned, cooked, and took care of the household, keeping herself busy in the hopes that it would distract her from the growing distance between them. But even in the silence of the house, she felt the weight of her loneliness. Shiv would come and go, only to retreat into his office or out into the village to handle matters of governance.

One evening, after another long day of being alone in the house, Arundhati sat outside in the small garden, staring at the setting sun. It was a beautiful sight, but it didn’t bring her the peace she so desperately needed. Her mind raced with questions and doubts. Why wasn’t Shiv more attentive? Why did it feel like they were only bound by their marriage contract, with no emotional connection?

She heard footsteps behind her and turned to see Shiv approaching, looking as weary as ever. His face softened slightly when he saw her, but there was no warmth in his expression. He was a man lost in his duties, and she wondered if he even noticed the space growing between them.

“Arundhati,” he said, his voice rough from the strain of his day. “I know I’ve been distant lately. My responsibilities have been overwhelming, and I’ve been neglecting you.”

Arundhati’s heart skipped a beat, hearing him finally acknowledge what she had been feeling for days. She didn’t know whether to be relieved or frustrated. She had hoped that this moment would come, but now that it was here, she wasn’t sure how to respond.

“I understand, Shiv,” she replied, her voice soft but steady. “I know you have a lot to manage. But we’re newly married… and I want more than just the duties of marriage. I want to feel like we are building something together.”

Shiv was quiet for a moment, his eyes clouded with uncertainty. He stepped closer to her, standing a few feet away, as though not quite sure how to close the gap that had grown between them. “I didn’t mean for it to be like this,” he said, the words heavy with regret. “I’ve just been so caught up with everything. I don’t know how to balance it all.”

Arundhati took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her own emotions. She had been patient, but she couldn’t help but feel neglected. She wanted him to see her for who she was, not just the woman who had come into his life because of a duty, not just the one who would take care of the household.

“We don’t need to have it all figured out, Shiv,” she said softly, her eyes meeting his. “But we need to try. To talk, to share moments together, not just live parallel lives.”

Shiv’s gaze softened as he looked at her. He reached out, his hand brushing her cheek gently. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “I’ll try harder. I don’t want to lose you.”

Arundhati’s heart fluttered slightly at his words, but the doubt still lingered. Words were easy, but actions spoke louder. Would he follow through, or would she be left in the same quiet isolation?

“I’m here,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m not asking for perfection. Just… for you to be here, with me. To share this journey.”

Shiv nodded, a flicker of determination in his eyes. “I will be. I promise.”

It wasn’t much, but it was a start. As the sun set behind them, casting long shadows over the garden, Arundhati allowed herself a small glimmer of hope. Perhaps things weren’t perfect now, but they could find their way. Together.

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