Tara sat with Dadi, listening intently as the old woman spoke about her past, her stories flowing like a soft lullaby.
"Dadi, was your marriage with Dadaji arranged or a love marriage?" Tara asked curiously.
Dadi chuckled. "Back in those days, love marriages were unheard of. I first saw your Dadaji on our wedding day."
"Really?" Tara's eyes widened.
"Yes, beta. And we didn't even talk properly for the first week of our marriage."
"So who made the first move?"
Dadi smiled shyly. "Your Dadaji did. One day, he brought me a set of bangles. Didn't say a word—just placed them in front of me. They were so beautiful, I couldn't resist wearing them. Then he came forward and helped me put them on."
Tara beamed. "Wow, Dadi! Dadaji was romantic! You're so lucky."
"Yes, I am. We faced every storm together. Narayan was born years after our marriage, and when we lost Sulekha and Narayan, I was shattered. But your Dadaji held me together even while carrying his own grief."
Tara gently placed her hand on Dadi's. "You both are so strong."
Dadi nodded. "In life, sorrow and joy come and go. But when someone stands by you, even sorrow becomes bearable. Vikram was only ten when Sulekha passed away. He's carried everything alone since then. He rarely speaks of his pain, but it shows in his silence, in his anger. But now I feel..." She looked at Tara warmly. "I feel you will be the one to stand by him, like Dadaji did for me."
Tears welled up in Tara's eyes. (In her mind) "How many lies am I living? When they find out this marriage is just a contract, how much will it break them?"
"Tara?" Dadi gently nudged.
Tara quickly blinked away her tears. "No, nothing, Dadi."
"Tara, I know Vikram's nature. He might sound harsh, but don't judge him by his words. Judge him by how much he cares. I've seen it—he does care about you."
(In her mind) "Yes, he cares... First he hurts me, then he shows care."
Dadi added, "A real man doesn't always say 'I love you'... he shows it in action."
Tara looked confused, but Dadi simply smiled. "One day, you won't need words. You'll feel his love in everything he does."
---
Later, Tara lay on the bed, lost in thought.
(In her mind) "Was Vikram sir being kind this morning to control my mind? Why am I thinking about him the whole day? If I start believing he loves me, I'll be the biggest fool. But then... the care, the kiss... Argh! Is this his plan? To mess with my mind?"
Just then, Vikram entered the room.
"Tara? Tara!"
Startled, she snapped out of her thoughts. "Yes?"
"What do you want from me?" she suddenly asked.
Vikram blinked. "What?"
Realizing her slip, she shook her head. "Nothing."
Vikram sat down. "Your father's treatment has started. Let's hope for some improvement."
"Yes," she nodded quietly.
Ten minutes later...
"Seriously, Tara? Why are your clothes on my side of the wardrobe? You already filled the entire other half."
"My clothes increased, so what could I do?"
"Why do you even need so many? You're mostly at home. It's not like you attend meetings or parties like I do."
Tara snapped, "And even if you have more clothes, they're all in the same three colors: black, grey, and blue! I wanted to work too, but thanks to this contract marriage, I'm stuck!"
"You want to work? I understand this is a contract marriage, but to the world, you're my wife. I can't let you work because of media scrutiny and my company...."
"No! It's not your company, Vikram sir! I can't deal with you day and night!"
His pride bruised, Vikram shot back, "You're not even eligible for my company!"
"What?!" she shouted, hurt.
"Go watch your K-dramas. Stop messing with my head."
"Mr. Vikram Suryavanshi, you decided my worth? I reject your company! I'm only in this room because of this contract. Otherwise, I would have left long ago!"
She stormed out.
(In his mind) "Why do I always say things that hurt her?"
By 9 PM, Tara hadn't returned. Vikram checked the entire house, called the watchman and staff—no one had seen her leave.
"She must be on the terrace," he muttered.
Sure enough, he found her sitting alone on the bench, shivering in the winter cold.
"Come down, Tara. You'll fall sick."
"No. At least up here, I don't have to hear your cruel words."
"Come down or I'll carry you."
"That's all you do, right? Force people? Your force makes me feel guilty, Dadi, Maa... everyone thinks this marriage is real. What happens when they find out it's a lie?"
"I'll handle it. You don't have to explain anything to anyone."
"For you, everything is business. This contract is a hope for Dada-Dadi. When it ends, that hope will die too."
"It won't end," he said angrily.
"Why not?!"
Vikram clenched his jaw, walked close, grabbed her shoulders. "Because I..."
She stared. "Because you what, Vikram sir?"
He paused, then stepped back. "Forget it. Just come down. Otherwise, I have other ways."
She didn't reply but followed him quietly.
---
After dinner, they both went to their separate beds.
1 AM. Vikram started tossing, sweating. He murmured in his sleep, "Mummy... mummy, why did you leave... mummy!"
Tara switched on the light. "Vikram sir! Are you okay?"
He sat up, holding her hand. "Mummy left me..."
Tara handed him water and gently calmed him. "It's okay... just a bad dream. Relax. I'm here."
She turned to leave, but he held her hand.
She looked at him, and in that moment, saw not a billionaire but a broken ten-year-old boy, scared to be alone.
Without saying a word, she lay down beside him and turned off the light.
---
The next morning, Tara woke up to find herself in Vikram's arms.
(In her mind) "He isn't what he pretends to be. Something terrible happened to him. And me... why am I not reacting? Why is my heart racing? Was last night about comfort, or... something else?"