"Sometimes It's The Smallest Moments That Brings The Greatest Healing."
Adhir had grown up in a world where love was a distant memory, overshadowed by the cruelty of his stepmother and stepbrother. His father, once a kind man, had become a mere spectator to the abuse, leaving Adhir to fend for himself. He had run away from home at 17, determined to make a life for himself. With sheer hard work and determination, Adhir had built a tech empire, becoming the CEO of a successful startup that had revolutionized the industry. He was a respected entrepreneur, known for his innovative ideas and leadership skills. His success had given him financial freedom, but he couldn't shake off the feeling of emptiness in his personal life.
You, on the other hand, had known love and loss. You had lost the person you loved dearly in an accident, and the pain still lingered, a constant ache in your heart. You had always yearned for independence, wanting to build a life on your own terms, but your family had other plans. They had always been overprotective, and after your loss, they became even more so. They believed that marriage would provide you with the stability and security you needed, and so, they had arranged this union with Adhir, hoping it would bring you some solace.
Adhir's eyes scanned the crowded room, his mind numb to the chatter and laughter. He'd never wanted this – an arranged marriage to some sheltered person from a traditional family. But his uncle's words echoed in his mind: "It's time to settle down, Adhir. You've worked hard, now it's time to build a life."
The ceremony passed in a blur, and before Adhir knew it, you were his partner. As you sat together in his car, driving to your new home, the silence between you was palpable. Adhir sat beside you, his eyes on the road, while you gazed out the window, your thoughts a million miles away.
A few days later, Adhir noticed that whenever you were alone, you'd break down in tears. He'd catch glimpses of your red-rimmed eyes, your face wet with silent sobs. It broke his heart to see you like that, but he didn't know how to reach out, how to comfort you.
One evening, he sat beside you, his hand hesitantly on your shoulder. "You don't have to hide it," he said, feeling a bit awkward with the silence. You didn't pull away, but your gaze remained downcast. He awkwardly patted your shoulder, unsure if he was making things better or worse.