Chapter: A Quiet Sunday

Morning sunlight filtered softly through the curtains.

It was nearly 8 a.m.

Abhina slowly opened her eyes. The previous night had been emotional, leaving her feeling shy and a little overwhelmed. She smiled faintly as she looked beside her.

Hrittik was already awake, watching her with a gentle smile.

"Good morning," he whispered.

Abhina smiled back.

"Good morning..."

She carefully tried to get out of bed.

Before she could take a step, Hrittik gently caught her hand and pulled her back into a warm embrace.

"Where are you going?" he asked playfully.

She laughed softly.

"It's already eight."

"So?"

"It's Sunday."

"Exactly," he smiled. "No office for me. No college for you. Stay here a little longer."

Abhina shook her head, trying not to laugh.

"If we keep lying here, breakfast will become lunch."

Hrittik sighed dramatically.

"My wife has become so responsible."

"And my husband has become lazy."

He chuckled before finally letting her go.

"Fine. But only because you asked."

Abhina smiled and headed towards the bathroom.

---

A little later...

After a warm bath, Abhina looked at herself in the mirror.

She noticed small changes in herself—not dramatic ones, but enough to remind her that she had entered a new phase of life as a married woman.

She smiled shyly, adjusted her hair and wrapped herself in a comfortable pastel salwar suit before stepping outside.

Hrittik smiled the moment he saw her.

"You look beautiful."

She rolled her eyes.

"You say that every day."

"Because it's true every day."

She laughed.

"Your turn. Go freshen up."

"Yes, madam."

Hrittik picked up his towel and disappeared into the bathroom.

---

When he returned, both of them walked to the dining table.

Their maid had already prepared breakfast.

"Good morning, sir. Good morning, madam," she greeted with a smile.

"Breakfast is ready."

There were hot luchis, potato curry, fruits and tea on the table.

Abhina thanked her politely.

The two sat together, talking about ordinary things—college assignments, Hrittik's office work and future plans.

For the first time in many months, life felt peaceful.

---

Meanwhile...

The atmosphere at Roy Mansion was completely different.

Ten days had passed.

There was still no sign of Vedant, also known as Abhipriyo.

Zainab looked exhausted.

She hadn't slept properly for days.

She kept calling his phone, but it remained switched off.

"What if something has happened to him?" she murmured, her voice trembling.

Abhinav sat silently in the drawing room.

The worry on his face deepened with every passing day.

Even the police had found no clue.

Zainab was now on the verge of breaking down.

---

Far away...

In a quiet ashram on the outskirts of the city...

Vedant sat alone beneath a large banyan tree.

He had cut himself off from everyone.

His phone remained switched off.

He stared blankly into the distance.

"I've ruined everything," he whispered.

"The family I wanted... I almost destroyed."

He closed his eyes.

"I am not ready to become a father."

"I haven't even completed my education."

"I can't take responsibility for a child."

Unable to face anyone, he had chosen to hide in the ashram, hoping for peace.

---

After much hesitation...

Vedant borrowed the ashram office phone and dialled one person.

Mareena.

She answered immediately.

"Hello?"

"Aunty..."

Mareena froze.

"Vedant?"

His voice was low.

"I'm safe."

Relief washed over her.

"Where are you?"

"I'm in an ashram."

"I don't want to come home yet."

"I... I can't accept everything that has happened."

"And I don't know how to face Papa."

Mareena listened quietly.

Vedant continued,

"Please don't tell anyone where I am."

"I just... need some time."

Mareena sighed.

"I won't reveal your location."

"But promise me one thing."

"What?"

"Don't do anything reckless."

Vedant nodded, though she couldn't see him.

"I promise."

After ending the call, Mareena sat silently for a long moment.

She understood that telling Abhinav immediately would only make him rush there in his fragile condition.

For now, she decided to keep Vedant's location a secret while ensuring he remained safe.

That evening, she sat beside Abhinav.

He looked lost.

Mareena gently placed a hand over his.

"He'll come back."

Abhinav looked at her hopefully.

"You really think so?"

She smiled reassuringly.

"Yes."

"Give him a little time."

"He has many mistakes to answer for... but he also needs the chance to find his way back."

Abhinav nodded slowly, holding on to that small hope.