Rakshit reached home much earlier than usual. For once, the office hadn't followed him back. As he pushed open the bedroom door, he stopped. The room looked as though a small cyclone had passed through it.
The bed had disappeared beneath neatly folded clothes. An open suitcase lay on one side while scarves, handbags and shoes occupied every available corner.
He smiled to himself. She's packing.
Just then, he heard Aprajita's voice from the dressing room. "It's just a five-day trip. Why do I have to carry so many dresses?" Her exasperated sigh was followed by another voice that made him pause.
Varun.
Curious, Rakshit walked a little closer and glanced inside. Aprajita was sitting cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by piles of clothes. Her phone rested against a box, propped up for a video call. On the screen were all three of her college friends.
She held up another kurta with an utterly confused expression. "I think this is enough." The three of them groaned in perfect unison. Rakshit instinctively leaned against the wall outside the dressing room. He hadn't intended to eavesdrop.
But before he could walk away, Varun's dramatic voice reached him. "You are going on a honeymoon trip, not a pilgrimage. Why are you packing only salwars?"
He threw his hands up dramatically. "Pack some dresses... maybe even a swimsuit... impress your husband!"
Aprajita immediately grabbed a cushion and threw it at the phone as though it could actually hit him."You shut up."
Everyone burst into laughter.
Avantika smiled patiently before speaking. "He always sees you in sarees or salwars." She showed one of the dresses visible on her own screen. "Pack a few dresses. You both are going to spend time together."
Aprajita rolled her eyes as she stuffed another salwar into the suitcase. "I don't want to impress him." She huffed dramatically before picking up another outfit. "I just want to spend five peaceful days after working nonstop."
Outside, Rakshit couldn't help smiling. That he could believe. Yash suddenly leaned closer to his camera. "By the way..." He narrowed his eyes playfully.
"Have you stopped complaining about your boss?"
Aprajita looked up and smiled to herself.
"No..." She shook her head. "I complained about my work not him...you all misunderstood."
Rakshit found himself remembering the countless evenings she had returned home exhausted but still smiled through dinner.
Maybe, she had never actually complained about him. His thoughts broke as Varun's voice rang out again.
"Hey! Don't pack that one."
Aprajita looked down at the dress in her hands. "Why?"
"You've worn it at least ten times." He pointed accusingly at the screen.
"Even I remember that dress and honestly...it doesn't even fit you properly anymore."
Rakshit's smile faded. His jaw tightened almost instinctively. How does he know that?
Before he could think further, Avantika interrupted. "Ignore him." She laughed.
"He notices everyone's wardrobe."
Varun shrugged shamelessly. "I have an excellent memory."
Aprajita simply rolled her eyes. "You all are impossible." She folded another dress before glancing at the clock. "I should finish packing." She smiled at them. "He'll be home soon. I have to sleep."
Yash blinked in disbelief. "What? You sleep before he comes home?"
Aprajita's hands paused over the suitcase. The teasing smiles slowly disappeared from everyone's faces.
She looked down at the dress in her lap. "He needs time."
Her voice was soft now. Barely above a whisper. "I'm just..." She smiled faintly, though it didn't reach her eyes. "...giving him space."
Outside the dressing room, Rakshit forgot to breathe. His fingers slowly curled against his palm. Every distance he had created, every boundary he had insisted upon she had accepted without a single complaint.
Not because she wanted those walls but because she believed he needed them.
Nobody spoke for a moment. Finally, Varun smiled gently. "Don't worry."
He looked at her with the affection of an old friend. "He'll fall in love with you someday." He grinned. "I mean... who wouldn't love a person like you?"
Aprajita immediately reached for her phone. "Enough." She laughed awkwardly, changing the subject before anyone could continue. "I really need to finish packing. I'll call you all after we come back."
After exchanging hurried goodbyes, she disconnected the call. The dressing room fell quiet. She picked up another dress and continued folding it, completely unaware that someone had heard every word.
Outside, Rakshit remained standing for another second. His gaze lingered on the half-open doorway before he quietly stepped back. He didn't want her to know he had overheard the conversation.
And he certainly didn't want to embarrass her. Silently, he walked towards the balcony.
The evening breeze brushed against his face, but his mind remained elsewhere.
"He needs time..."
"I'm just giving him space."
The words echoed inside him long after the house had fallen silent.
Rakshit heard the sound of footsteps and looked up. Aprajita walked out of the dressing room, her arms full of clothes.
The moment she saw him standing near the balcony, she stopped. Her eyes moved around the messy bedroom, and she immediately looked embarrassed. "Sorry..."
She gave him an apologetic smile. "I made a complete mess. I was just trying to decide what to take."
She quickly moved towards the bed and started gathering the clothes scattered around.
Rakshit watched her for a moment. The same woman who had adjusted her entire life around him was now apologising for a few clothes lying on a bed.
"It's okay." His voice was calm. "Take your time." He sat down on the tiny space left on the sofa, making himself comfortable.
Aprajita looked at him for a second, surprised by his reaction. Usually, Rakshit would have commented about the chaos. But today, he didn't.
A small smile appeared on her face. She picked up another pile of dresses from the bed and walked back into the dressing room.
A few seconds later, she returned and sat down near the suitcase. "It's my first international trip, so I am just..." She looked at him, searching for the right words.
Rakshit nodded. "I know how it feels." A small smile touched his face.
Aprajita paused while folding a dress. "You have gone before?"
"Yeah." He leaned back. "After one year of working on a project, I went to Maldives for a week." His eyes softened slightly at the memory.
"It's a nice place."
"Oh..." She nodded, but she noticed something.
The way he said it. The pause after his answer. It felt like there was something else he wanted to say. Something he was holding back.
And she knew why. He was worried she would misunderstand. She placed the dress inside the suitcase and looked down. "Don't worry."
Rakshit looked at her.
"We can just go as friends." She said as his expression changed slightly as she continued " if we think like that, both of us can enjoy the trip after these hectic months."
For a few seconds, he remained silent.
Then his shoulders relaxed.A relieved smile appeared on his face. "Yeah..."
He nodded. "Of course." Then, unable to stop himself, he added teasingly. "Although I still remember how much you complained about me to your friends."
Her eyes widened. "I complained about my work." She immediately defended herself.
Rakshit chuckled. The sound surprised even him. "You continue packing." He stood up. "I'll be in the study. Call me once you're done. I'll pack my things."
She nodded. "Should I pack for you too?"
The question came out before she could think. Rakshit stopped. Slowly, he turned back. "Uh..." He cleared his throat.
Aprajita realised what she had asked and quickly corrected herself. "If you want..."
She looked away innocently.
Rakshit stared at her for a moment. Then a small smirk appeared. "Are you crossing your line?"
Her eyes widened. "I was just trying to help."
Her voice sounded genuinely confused.
He shook his head, amused. "I'll pack my things." He started walking away before turning back. "And I hope you finish yours before we have to leave."
Aprajita frowned slightly. "Excuse me?"
Rakshit chuckled and walked out. For a moment, she just stood there watching him. Because for the first time, his teasing didn't feel like a CEO talking to an employee. It felt like a husband teasing his wife. And that tiny difference made her smile.
💛
The next morning arrived sooner than either of them expected.
The suitcases were already packed and waiting near the entrance when Rakshit walked downstairs. Dressed in a navy-blue polo T-shirt and beige chinos, he looked far more relaxed than he usually did on a weekday.
Aprajita was already there, adjusting the strap of her handbag while Malti fussed over her for what seemed like the hundredth time.
"Did you pack your medicines?" Malti asked.
"Ma...I packed them."
"And sunscreen?"
"Yes."
"Phone charger?"
"Ma!" Aprajita laughed helplessly. "I'm going for five days, not five months."
Ram Gopal chuckled as he shook his head. "Let her breathe, Malti." Turning to Rakshit, he smiled warmly. "Take care of her, beta."
Rakshit nodded respectfully. "I will, papa."
Aravind walked forward and placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder.
"And you..." He looked pointedly at Rakshit. "...are not allowed to open your laptop every five minutes."
A faint smile appeared on Rakshit's face.
"I'll try, Dad."
"You'll do more than try." Aravind narrowed his eyes playfully. "You'll enjoy yourself."
Aprajita couldn't help smiling at the exchange. After taking blessings from both their parents, they finally walked towards the waiting car.
Dubey was already standing beside it.
He quickly opened the rear door for them before taking the driver's seat.
As the car pulled away from Bharadwaj Mansion, a comfortable silence settled inside.
Neither Rakshit nor Aprajita seemed to know how to begin a conversation.
Perhaps because both of them were thinking about the same thing.
Five days.
Alone.
Without the office.
Without work.
Without anyone else around.
Trying to fill the silence, Dubey began enthusiastically explaining their itinerary. "Sir, your resort has a private beach. They've also arranged a sunset cruise on the third day. There's a couple's spa package if you both-"
"Mm." Rakshit responded absentmindedly.
"And on the fourth day, they've suggested island hopping..."
"Okay." Aprajita nodded politely, though her attention remained fixed outside the window.
Dubey continued explaining every detail of the trip with great enthusiasm. Neither of them heard more than half of what he said. Their thoughts were elsewhere.
---
A little later, they boarded their flight.
After settling into their seats, Aprajita pulled out the novel she had been reading and tucked one leg beneath herself comfortably.
Rakshit glanced at her before putting on his headphones and selecting an old classic movie from the entertainment screen. The aircraft slowly taxied onto the runway. Within minutes of take-off, Aprajita's eyes had already begun to droop.
She stubbornly tried reading another page. Then another. Finally, the book slipped slightly in her hands. Her head tilted towards the window. A few seconds later, she was asleep.
Rakshit noticed it almost immediately. He paused the movie and looked sideways.
The novel rested open on her lap, one hand still loosely holding the page she had been trying to read. He couldn't help smiling. A memory surfaced in his mind from that morning.
*Mumma, don't expect me to enjoy the flight. The moment I board the plane, I'm sleeping. I've worked too much these last few weeks."
Malti laughed. At least change your earrings before boarding.
Aprajita had dramatically covered her ears. Too much work. I'm too lazy.
Looking at her now, Rakshit almost chuckled aloud. She hadn't changed them. The tiny silver earrings were still dangling from her ears.
Her hair, left open, had slipped over one shoulder in soft waves. She wore an oversized white printed shirt with loose blue jeans, looking effortlessly comfortable.
There wasn't a trace of makeup on her face. Just peaceful sleep. The aircraft hit a patch of mild turbulence.
Her head shifted awkwardly towards the window. Before he could think twice, Rakshit reached across the armrest.
With slow, careful movements, he gently guided her head away from the hard window and let it rest against his shoulder instead.
She stirred for a brief second. A tiny sigh escaped her lips. Then, without opening her eyes, she settled comfortably against him and continued sleeping.
Rakshit remained still. He looked down at her for a moment before pressing play on the movie again. The old black-and-white film continued playing on the screen. But for the first time he realised he hadn't been watching it for quite a while.
The gentle chime echoed through the cabin. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have now begun our descent into Male. Kindly return to your seats and fasten your seat belts."
Rakshit paused the movie and removed one earbud. Only then did he remember the woman sleeping peacefully beside him. He looked down.
Aprajita hadn't moved an inch since she'd fallen asleep. Her head still rested comfortably against his shoulder, her novel forgotten on her lap.
A faint smile tugged at his lips. Then he noticed something else. Her seat belt wasn't fastened. He frowned slightly.
Carefully, he shifted her head just enough to support it with his shoulder while leaning forward. His fingers found the loose belt beside her seat, and after making sure he wouldn't disturb her, he gently pulled it across her waist and clicked it into place.
She only murmured something unintelligible in her sleep before settling back against him. Rakshit exhaled quietly.
A few minutes later, the aircraft landed with a gentle thud against the runway. The slight jolt finally stirred her awake.
Aprajita frowned sleepily before opening her eyes. For a brief second, she stared ahead without understanding where she was.
Then she realised her head was resting on Rakshit's shoulder. She straightened so quickly that she nearly hit the seat in front. "Oh!" Her cheeks flushed instantly.
"Sorry!" She mumbled the apology without daring to look at him.
Rakshit simply gave a small nod. "It's alright."
Embarrassed, Aprajita quickly gathered her now thoroughly messy, shampoo-soft hair into a loose bun with her fingers before turning towards the window.
Outside, endless shades of blue stretched in every direction. The turquoise sea sparkled under the afternoon sun, surrounding tiny islands that looked almost unreal.
Her eyes widened despite herself. "It's beautiful..." she whispered unconsciously.
Rakshit glanced outside for a moment.
It really was.
---
After collecting their luggage, they walked out of the airport terminal.
A young man stood waiting near the exit, holding a placard that read: Mr. & Mrs. Rakshit Bharadwaj
The moment he spotted them, he smiled brightly. "Welcome to the Maldives, Mr. and Mrs. Bharadwaj." He politely took their luggage and guided them towards a waiting luxury car.
The drive lasted barely two minutes before they reached the private jetty.
Waiting there was a sleek white speedboat, gently swaying against the crystal-clear water.
A member of the resort staff welcomed them aboard with chilled tropical drinks.
Aprajita accepted hers with an excited smile while Rakshit thanked them politely before taking a seat inside the air-conditioned cabin.
A man in his early thirties stepped forward with a cheerful smile. "Hello. I'm Sam." He extended his hand. "I'll be accompanying you to the resort."
Rakshit shook his hand politely. "Rakshit."
Before anyone could continue the conversation, Aprajita leaned forward, curiosity shining in her eyes. "Can I see the cockpit area?"
The question came so naturally that even Sam looked pleasantly surprised. "Of course." He laughed. "Please come."
She immediately stood up. "Really?"
"Yes."
Without the slightest hesitation, she followed him towards the front of the boat.
Rakshit watched the two disappear through the glass partition.
A moment later, he could see them through the windshield.
Aprajita was asking one question after another, pointing at different controls while Sam patiently answered each one with a smile.
Every few seconds, she nodded enthusiastically before asking something else. Rakshit adjusted his sunglasses and leaned back in his seat. A quiet sigh escaped him.
She really can talk to absolutely anyone.
Closing his eyes, he rested his head against the seat.
The past month had been nothing but endless meetings, negotiations and deadlines. Now that there was nothing demanding his attention, the exhaustion finally caught up with him.
As the speedboat skimmed across the endless blue waters, Rakshit silently hoped the remaining ride would be peaceful enough for him to get a little rest.
Up ahead, however , judging by the nonstop stream of questions drifting in from the cockpit that seemed highly unlikely.
💛
The speedboat slowed to a gentle stop beside a long wooden jetty. A resort staff member stepped forward with a warm smile and collected their luggage.
"Welcome to your villa, Mr. and Mrs. Bharadwaj."
They followed him along the wooden walkway, the turquoise water shimmering beneath them with every step. The salty breeze carried the scent of the ocean, and the rhythmic sound of waves made the entire place feel impossibly calm.
The staff stopped before the last villa on the deck and unlocked the carved wooden door. "Please enjoy your stay."
As the door swung open, both Rakshit and Aprajita instinctively paused.
The villa was breathtaking. Standing gracefully above the crystal-clear sea on sturdy wooden stilts, it felt less like a hotel room and more like a private sanctuary suspended between the sky and the ocean.
Warm sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, making the room in a soft golden glow. Right in the centre stood an elegant king-size bed dressed in crisp white linen, perfectly positioned to face the endless blue horizon stretching beyond the glass.
Rakshit's eyes slowly wandered across the room. Everything about the villa had been designed for couples.
A cosy seating area overlooked the sea. Soft white curtains danced lazily in the breeze drifting through the open doors. Fresh orchids decorated every corner, adding gentle splashes of colour to the neutral interiors.
His gaze finally dropped to the polished wooden floor. A large glass panel had been built into the centre of the room.
Through it, colourful fish swam effortlessly among vibrant corals beneath the villa, as though the ocean itself had become part of their room.
Beyond the deck, a private staircase descended directly into the warm turquoise water, inviting guests to disappear into the sea whenever they wished.
The gentle sound of waves striking the wooden pillars beneath the villa echoed continuously, creating a peaceful rhythm that wrapped around the silence.
It was beautiful.
Peaceful.
Intimate. And unmistakably designed for people celebrating love.
The staff carefully placed their luggage inside. "I hope everything meets your expectations, sir."
"It does." Rakshit nodded politely.
"We'd like to have lunch in the villa."
"Certainly, sir."
After discussing a few menu options, Rakshit placed the order.
"It'll be served within forty-five minutes."
With another courteous smile, the staff excused himself, quietly closing the door behind him.
The villa fell silent. For a few moments, neither of them spoke.
Aprajita picked up a change of clothes from her suitcase. "I'll just freshen up."
Rakshit simply nodded. She disappeared into the bathroom, leaving him alone with the sound of the sea.
He walked towards the glass doors leading to the deck and stood there for a moment, looking at the endless ocean.
A little while later, Aprajita stepped out after washing her face and changing into a comfortable pastel-blue cotton kurta.
As she walked into the bedroom, her steps slowed. Only now did she properly notice the bed.
Rose petals had been carefully arranged across the white bedsheet in the shape of a heart. Two towel swans faced each other at the centre.
A small card rested between them. Happy Honeymoon.
Her smile faltered. For a brief second, she simply stood there, staring at the decoration.
The staff had prepared the room believing they were an ordinary newly married couple. A couple beginning their forever.
Not two people bound together by a contract with an expiry date. Her chest tightened.
She looked away before the disappointment could settle on her face.
Taking a slow breath, she forced a small smile.
It's alright...They don't know.
Just then, the bathroom door opened again. Rakshit stepped out, drying his damp hair with a towel.
He had changed into a simple white T-shirt and navy shorts, looking far more relaxed than she had ever seen him.
He noticed her standing near the bed and instinctively followed her gaze.
The honeymoon decoration. For a fleeting moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Rakshit quietly walked towards the bed. Without a word, he lifted the towel swans and placed them neatly on the side table. Gathering the rose petals in his hands, he set them aside just as carefully, making the bed look ordinary again.
He wasn't dismissing the gesture. He was simply trying to make the room less uncomfortable... for both of them.
Aprajita watched him silently. A faint, grateful smile appeared on her lips.
He hadn't said anything. Neither had she.
But somehow, they both understood why the decorations had to disappear.
💛
Write a comment ...