Chapter 4

In the early morning light, Tara awakens, surprised to find Vikram still sleeping. Usually, he’s the one already prepared for his day. She watches him quietly, her gaze softening as she takes in his features, feeling a sense of warmth blossom within her. “Beautiful,” she murmurs under her breath, almost in awe of this vulnerable side he rarely shows.

Moving with care, she goes to freshen up, returning draped in a simple yet elegant green chiffon saree that flows with her every step. Her wet hair leaves small droplets glistening on her shoulders. Absentmindedly, she flicks her hair, sending a few water droplets sprinkling across the room, unknowingly misting Vikram’s face. His eyes open slightly, feeling the coolness, and as he stirs awake, his gaze falls on Tara. He notices her softly humming while drying her hair, her green saree highlighting her delicate features.

The subtle sparkle in her eyes, the contentment on her face—it all draws him in, like she’s casting a gentle spell he’s unable to resist. He feels his chest tighten, and as quickly as the feeling arrived, he brushes it off. Regaining composure, he readies himself to sit in his wheelchair. Tara notices and instinctively steps forward to help. He’s about to protest, but the soft floral scent of her shampoo drifts to him, making him pause. Instead of brushing her away, he mumbles, “Thank you.” She smiles, replying warmly, “My pleasure.”

As he wheels away, he can’t shake the thoughts of her—the image of her eyes and the kindness in her smile. He mutters in frustration, “This girl…” trying to distract himself, yet Tara’s presence lingers.

Tara steps into the dining area, finding breakfast already prepared. She joins everyone with a light heart, helping the kitchen staff and chatting with Avni. Amid their laughter, she remembers her plan with Nisha and decides to ask for permission. A bit nervous, she initially thinks to ask Vikram directly, but ultimately tells her mother-in-law, Swara, instead. Swara gives her a warm nod, urging her to go enjoy her day.

As she notices the time—already 10 a.m.—Tara wonders why Vikram hasn’t left for the office yet. But before she can ask, her phone vibrates with a message from Nisha. She checks, and her friend suggests meeting an hour later for some shopping. Tara shares this with Swara, who responds with a smile, mentioning that Vikram will be passing by the mall for a lunch meeting. “He can drop you off,” Swara suggests warmly, glancing at her son. Vikram looks like he’s about to refuse, but seeing Tara’s happy face, he changes his mind. Instead of sending a driver, he agrees to take her.

Excited, Tara goes to grab her purse, contemplating inviting Avni along but then deciding against it—they’d planned to catch up alone. However, she promises herself to bring Avni next time, imagining the three of them enjoying an outing together.

After bidding her in-laws goodbye, Tara slips into the car with Vikram. They travel in a comfortable silence, though she catches herself glancing at him every so often. He’s engrossed in his work, his gaze fixed on his laptop screen. As they reach the mall, she starts to exit, but he stops her with a firm “Wait.” She turns back, surprised to find him handing her his card and softly murmuring the PIN. She hesitates, unsure, but then accepts, thinking to herself, I’m his wife, after all. Maybe he’s doing this out of responsibility, but I still have a place here. She thanks him softly, stepping out with a smile.

He watches her enter the mall. After the driver pulls away, he shifts focus on work.

Inside, Tara’s heart leaps when she spots Nisha, her only close friend, waiting. She rushes over, wrapping Nisha in a tight hug. Nisha smiles but senses a change in her friend, noticing the subtle glow in Tara’s eyes. “You look beautiful, Tara,” she says, a hint of pride in her voice. Tara’s face lights up, “Let’s go! I’ve missed this!”

As they browse the stores, Nisha picks out items for herself, while Tara lingers, captivated by the stationery section. She remembers Avni’s encouragement to rekindle her art, and with a smile, selects some art supplies. At lunch, Tara shares stories of her married life, carefully omitting the colder side of her relationship with Vikram. She respects his privacy, holding their unspoken rules close to her heart. Nisha watches her with a softened gaze, feeling relieved to see her friend settled and, hopefully, in good hands.

Outside the mall, they linger a bit longer, reminiscing over their school days, laughter bubbling between them. As they exchange farewells, Tara doesn’t notice Vikram’s car approaching. From his seat, Vikram observes her laughing freely, a glimpse of the carefree spirit hidden beneath her gentle exterior. He’s already seen the transaction on his card. It wasn’t much.

When she finally turns, noticing him, she waves goodbye to Nisha before sliding into the car. Their drive home is quiet, though this time, the silence feels less tense. She considers saying something but holds back, enjoying the simple presence of his company.

Upon arriving, Avni rushes over, eager to see what Tara purchased. Laughing, Tara reveals the art supplies, her heart warming at Avni’s excitement. Veer, her father-in-law, joins them, asking with genuine curiosity, “So, you like painting?” Tara’s face lights up, nodding, “Yes, I love it. Art is how I express myself.” Vikram, passing by, overhears their exchange. Though he says nothing, he carries this knowledge with him to his study, realizing he knows so little about her.

Tara, meanwhile, feels a renewed sense of belonging. For the first time in years, she’s surrounded by people who cherish her—an unfamiliar yet comforting feeling that she thought was lost with her parents. Smiling to herself, she revels in the warmth that her new family brings.