Chapter # 01
Title: “Pehli Baar Ishq Hua”
Raman and Ishita had been married for months now—contractually, yes—but slowly, silently, love had tiptoed into their lives. The walls they had built around themselves were gently crumbling. They shared stolen glances, quiet concern, subtle smiles… and yet, neither had dared to speak aloud what their hearts had already accepted.
They were falling in love.
But neither had confessed.
Still, Ishita began to notice a change in herself—especially when Raman was close. The way his voice dropped when he called her name. The strength in his arms when he reached out instinctively to protect her. The way her breath caught when his fingers brushed hers accidentally.
It was the first time in her life she felt this magnetic, physical pull toward a man. And it terrified her. She wasn’t used to desire. Especially not this kind—intense, confusing, and utterly consuming.
Naturally shy, Ishita would look away when their eyes met for too long. Her cheeks would flush when Raman unknowingly walked out of the bathroom shirtless. Her heart would race when he stood too close.
But then… everything changed when Subbu came back.
Scene: Bhalla House
Subbu stood in front of Ishita, a mess of regret and longing.
“Ishita… I made a terrible mistake leaving you. I divorced my wife. I still love you. Come back to me. We can start over.”
Ishita’s world spun.
“What…? Subbu, what are you saying? I'm married—”
“To a man who doesn't even love you?” Subbu pressed. “You deserve more. A real marriage. Not a compromise.”
Raman had overheard part of their conversation—just enough to hear: “Come back to me… I still love you…”
He turned away.
Scene: Later That Day
Raman avoided Ishita the whole evening. Cold. Distant. She finally confronted him.
“You’ve been ignoring me. What’s wrong?”
He laughed bitterly. “Why ask me, Ishita? Your Subbu is back, isn’t he? You didn’t even take a second to hear him out. Maybe you never got over him.”
Her eyes widened in hurt. “You think I want to go back to Subbu?”
“Why wouldn’t you? Ours was just a contract after all.”
Her voice cracked. “You really think that’s all this is to me?”
He turned his face, hiding the pain he didn’t know how to express.
Ishita walked away, shattered.
Scene: Iyer House – That Night
Vandu akka and Mihika noticed her silence. They pulled her aside.
“Ishu,” Vandu said gently, “why are you letting this misunderstanding fester? You and Raman… you two love each other. Anyone can see that.”
“But he doesn’t trust me,” Ishita whispered, her eyes moist.
“Maybe he’s scared to admit what he feels,” Mihika said. “Men hide it better. But Ishu… sometimes love isn’t just in words. Sometimes, it’s in how we love.”
Vandu added softly, “There’s nothing wrong in physical love, Ishu. It’s not shameful. When it’s with someone you love… it’s beautiful. Natural.”
Ishita stayed quiet, their words swirling in her heart. That night, lying in bed, her fingers trembled slightly as she traced the pillow where Raman’s head would rest.
“I’ve waited long enough,” she whispered. “Tonight… I’ll show him.”
To Be Continued....
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