Drowning Love

chapter 14

Pihu's POV:

For me, painting is one of the most relaxing and calming things I do. I enjoy it because it's one of the few things I'm genuinely good at — something I can be proud of. Sometimes, I even express my feelings through my paintings. It helps me escape reality, just for a little while, and take a break from everything that's going on in life.

Rehan asked me to paint with him today. I had no idea they had a dedicated painting room in their house. It was beautiful — spacious and full of supplies. I instantly loved it. We decided to start painting.

"Rehan, is there anyone else in your family who likes to paint?" I asked, surprised by the room. "I mean, you guys have a whole painting room."

"No, it's just me. I once wanted to pursue a career as an artist," he said, a flicker of grief in his eyes.

"Oh... then why didn't you continue with it?" I asked gently.

"Dad and Bhai wanted me to join the business. They think art is just a hobby — they don't understand what it means to me," he said, sadness dripping from his voice.

"Your brother really is cruel," I muttered, focusing back on my painting.

"So, did you ever consider pursuing art as a career?" he asked, a glint of curiosity in his eyes.

"No, I never thought about it seriously when I was younger," I said with a small sigh.

"When I look into your eyes, I see a very kind soul," Rehan said softly.

I blushed. "I'm beyond grateful for your compliment, Rehan."

I looked down at my almost-completed painting. I had drawn Eeshaan. He wasn't here, and I realized I missed him. He had left last night for Pune for some important meeting. Mother-in-law even told him to take me along, but he said he'd be working the whole time and there was no point in me going.

"Show me what you've painted," Rehan said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Have you finished yours?" I asked, and he nodded.

We walked over to look at each other's work. He had painted me. I was stunned. Overwhelmed, even. I never imagined someone would paint me. A tear escaped my eye — it was so beautiful.

Rehan saw my expression and rushed to me. "Pihu... why are you crying? Did you not like the painting? I'll remove it... please don't cry!"

His panic made me smile.

"I love it, Rehan," I chuckled through my tears. "It just makes me so happy... I'm not great at expressing it."

"Thank God! I was so terrified you didn't like it," he said with a sigh of relief.

We kept our paintings in one corner. I took one last glimpse at mine — Eeshaan and I — and a strange feeling washed over me. If only life had a different story... if I wasn't meant to leave him, maybe things would be better.

⸻

"Beta, aaj thode relatives aayenge, especially tumse milne, aur ek pooja bhi hai," my mother-in-law said.

(Today, some relatives will be visiting, especially to meet you. There's also a pooja.)

So today was going to be a busy day. Huff!

I was running around all day — from greeting relatives to organizing the pooja. Thankfully, Rehan helped a lot. Mother-in-law and grandma were busy entertaining the guests, and Anika was with her cousins. So, most of the responsibilities fell to me.

In the evening, everyone gathered in the garden for dinner. Rehan and I decided to eat later, once they were done. We sat quietly in one corner. I was holding one of the relatives' babies — a newborn, sleeping so peacefully. He was so cute, I couldn't stop staring at him. I love babies. Maybe I should start babysitting if I don't get a job after the divorce... I need to figure something out.

I was admiring the moon when Anika called me.

"Bhabhi, mera dupatta pakad lijiye, baar baar phisal raha hai," she said with a smile.

(Sister-in-law, please hold my dupatta. It keeps slipping.)

Her kind tone made me smile. I was glad she was talking nicely to me. I held her dupatta as she asked.

After dinner, I gave the baby back to his mother.

"Pihu, dupatta do mera," Anika said again — this time, sternly. I was taken aback. She had been polite just moments ago. What happened? I silently handed it over, confused by her sudden change in tone.

Rehan and I finally sat to eat. The food was delicious. We chatted a bit and laughed — it was really nice. Rehan had become a good friend.

But in the back of my mind, I was wondering what Eeshaan might be doing. Had he eaten? Was he asleep already? I hadn't called him — I figured he was busy.

⸻

Eeshaan's POV:

I arrived in Pune and met several businessmen throughout the day.

"Yes, Mom. My journey was fine. Actually, I'm a bit busy now... I have to attend a business event. Bye, Mom. Love you," I ended the call. A small ache filled my chest — Pihu hadn't called or messaged me. I thought we had become friends.

After a long day of back-to-back meetings, I finally got some time to rest. But I had another event to attend tonight. Huff.

Someone knocked at my door. I opened it — and there stood Tia. Seeing her here, I couldn't help but smile. She hugged me tightly, and I hugged her back. It felt... good.

"I missed you, babe," she whispered.

"I missed you too. How did you know I was here?" I asked, surprised.

"Mehta helped. You weren't answering my calls, and I got worried — you never ignore my calls. So, I called him, and he told me you were in Pune for a meeting. I was so happy when I found out," she said, eyes sparkling.

"Wow, you really went all out," I chuckled.

"So... shall we go on a little date? Just for a few hours?" she pouted — adorably.

"Of course, let's go," I smiled at her.

We went shopping. She even bought me a shirt — I actually liked it. Then I saw a pair of beautiful earrings. Should I buy them for Pihu? They'd suit her. I debated for a moment, then finally bought them.

(Earrings shown here in the original draft)

"Are these for me?" Tia asked curiously.

"Actually, umm... they're for Anika. I have something else for you," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. I handed her a pendant.

"Gosh, it's so beautiful, Eeshan," she gushed and kissed me lightly. A strange feeling stirred in me... I couldn't quite describe it.

We went to a restaurant, had dinner, and then returned to my room. She talked excitedly about everything she'd been up to — I loved listening to her. It made me feel warm, relaxed. Eventually, we cuddled on my bed.

"I think I need to get ready for the event now," I said, cupping her face, which had turned sad.

"It's time... I have to leave. Good job — you're the best boyfriend. You made my day. I love you," she said with a soft smile.

"I'll never forget today," I said gently.

She leaned in and kissed me again, this time biting my lower lip. I kissed her back, and our lips battled in dominance. When we were finally out of breath, we stopped. She hugged me tightly, then left. And I departed for the event.

By tomorrow, I'd be heading back home.

***
Ek vote ki keemat tum kya jaano Reader babu; ishwar ka aashirwad hota hai ek chota sa vote; writer ke sarr ka taj hota hai ek chota sa vote; har writer ka khwab hota hai ek chota sa vote.