UNEXPECTED VOWS

part-4(safe)

Karan looked at her, and for the first time in months—maybe years—his eyes felt a little less heavy. Like someone had seen him, not his face on a billboard. Like he got to know one thing: Teju did not know he was an actor. And somehow, that made him feel… good.

“Thank you,” he said quietly. And he meant it.

Teju gave a small nod, rising with him. “I’ll see you on Friday then. Same time. And if you feel overwhelmed before that, call the number I’ve written on the back of the schedule.”

He hesitated at the door, then looked back at her one last time. She wasn’t just a doctor. There was something else—something steady and kind about her energy that made him feel like he didn’t have to keep drowning.

“Okay,” he said. “Friday.”

And then he left, leaving behind more than just a completed appointment—he left behind the first layer of his pain.

---
Kundra Mansion

The house was quiet. The sky outside had turned a soft shade of orange, and the city lights were slowly flickering to life. Inside the Kundra Mansion, Karan walked slowly toward the living room. His mind was tired, his body even more so, but he still noticed the soft sound of heels and his mother’s light laugh.

At the staircase, he saw them—KD and KM—dressed and ready to go out. KD looked sharp in a dark blue blazer and brown shoes. KM wore a beautiful silk saree, her pearl necklace shining in the soft light of the chandelier.

Karan (KK): “Maa? Papa? Where are you both going?”

KM (his mom): (smiling) “Beta, your papa’s old school friends planned a get-together. Just a small dinner party.”

KK: “Oh… okay.”

KD: (gently) “Would you like to come with us? You might enjoy meeting some new people.”

Karan gave a small smile but shook his head.

KK: “No, no. You guys enjoy. I’m a little sleepy today.”

KM looked at him carefully, then reached up to touch his face softly.

KM: “Okay beta. You rest. Don’t forget to eat something. And call us if you need anything.”

Karan nodded and watched them leave. As the front door closed, the silence in the mansion returned, this time feeling a little heavier.

He walked up to his room slowly and sat on the edge of his bed. He didn’t turn on the lights. The room was dim, with only the evening light coming in through the window. He sat there for a while, just thinking.

His mind kept going back to Dr. Tejasswi’s office—her calm voice, her gentle words, the way she didn’t treat him like a celebrity. She had seen his pain, not his fame. And that… felt different.

He was lost in those thoughts when he heard a soft knock at his door.

Yuvi’s voice came through, gentle as ever.

Yuvi: “Bhai…”

Karan looked up as she walked in. She was holding a plate in her hand, covered with a cloth to keep the food warm.

Yuvi: “I brought your favorite food.”

Karan gave her a small smile as she walked over and sat beside him on the bed. She removed the cloth from the plate—paneer lababdar, jeera rice, garlic naan, and a small bowl of kheer.

Yuvi: (teasingly) “No excuses today. You’re eating this, okay?”

KK: (smiling faintly) “You’re spoiling me.”

Yuvi: “Good. Someone has to.”

She broke a piece of naan, dipped it into the curry, and started feeding him, just like she used to when they were younger. Even though she was younger than him, Yuvi always took care of him like an elder sister. She had that kind of heart—soft, warm, and protective.

Karan didn’t argue. He let her feed him. It felt nice. Safe.

After he finished eating, she handed him a glass of water and sat silently while he took the medicine Dr. Teju had given him.

Yuvi raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Yuvi: “Wow. You’re taking medicine without fighting me this time?”

KK: (quietly) “Yeah. I think I… want to feel better.”

Yuvi smiled softly and nodded. She didn’t say anything more. She just hugged him lightly and then left the room, closing the door gently behind her.

Karan lay down, pulled the blanket over himself, and turned to the side.

For the first time in months, he didn’t feel like his thoughts were attacking him. It wasn’t peaceful yet—but it wasn’t painful either. Somewhere deep inside, something had started to shift.

---

Meanwhile – 7:30 PM, Prakash Residence

Dr. Teja stepped out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around her wet hair, her face still glowing from the warm shower. She had just returned from the hospital after a long, emotional day. The therapy session with Karan had touched her in a strange way—something about his quiet pain had stayed with her.

She had just sat down when her phone rang.

Caller ID: Baba

She smiled and answered quickly.

Teju: “Hello Baba…”

TD (Teju’s Dad): “Teju beta, today there’s a get-together with my old friends. Just like a reunion. Your mom and I are ready… and we want you to come with us.”

Teju: “But Baba… what will I do there? It’s all uncles and aunties talking about the past. You and Mom go, I’ll stay back.”

TD: “No. I want you to come. You’ve been working non-stop. You need to step out, breathe a little.”

Teju sighed. She loved her baba, but he could be very stubborn.

Teju: (smiling) “Okay… then I want ice cream. Three scoops. One chocolate, one mango, and one butterscotch.”

TD: “Only one.”

Teju: “Two.”

TD: “Fine. Two. You’re just like your mom.”

Teju laughed and hung up.

She quickly changed into a beautiful lavender kurti with white palazzos, simple pearl earrings, and a thin silver bracelet. Her hair was still a little damp, so she tied it up in a soft messy bun. No heavy makeup—just kajal and a bit of lip balm.

She stepped out of her room, and her mom was waiting in a soft green saree.

TM (Teju’s Mom): “Your baba has been honking like a teenager outside.”

Teju: (grinning) “He’s so much excited ..

They walked to the car, where TD was sitting in the driver’s seat, tapping the steering wheel like a child.

TD: “Finally! Let’s go, girls!”

They drove out, laughter filling the car. The city lights danced outside the windows, and soft music played from the radio. Teju leaned back and looked out. Her heart felt light for the first time in days.