"So change quickly. I will wait."
There was no arguing with that tone. It was not harsh or demanding, just absolutely certain.
I practically ran back upstairs and changed into a simple kurti and jeans in record time. I ran a brush through my hair and checked my reflection quickly in the mirror. Good enough.
When I came back downstairs, Armaan was waiting by the front door. He looked me over once, nodded slightly as though satisfied, and opened the door.
"After you."
I walked out into the cool night air, my heart doing that strange fluttering thing again.
What was happening? Why was he being so kind? Was this normal for married couples, even ones who barely knew each other?
Armaan clicked the car remote, and the lights of a sleek black sedan flashed in the driveway. He walked over and opened the passenger door for me.
I slid into the seat, and he closed the door gently before walking around to the driver's side.
As he started the engine and pulled out of the driveway, I found myself wondering where this night would lead.
And whether I should be terrified or excited about finding out.
Chapter 10
Armaan
I drove through the quiet streets of Rajmer, the city lights casting a warm glow through the windshield. Viya sat in the passenger seat beside me, her hands folded neatly in her lap, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. She had changed into a simple kurti and jeans, her hair falling loose around her shoulders. She looked beautiful in that effortless way that seemed to come naturally to her.
I could feel the tension radiating from her body. She was nervous. About what, I was not entirely sure. About being alone with me? About the presentation tomorrow? About this strange situation we found ourselves in?
Probably all of it.
I made an effort to understand her today—not just as a bride, but as a person. If I’m going to let her go after a year, I need to know exactly how to ensure she’s taken care of.
I turned onto a side street and pulled into the parking lot of a small ice cream parlor I had been coming to since I was a child.It was not fancy or trendy. Just a simple, family run shop that made the best kulfi and ice cream in the entire city.
"We are here," I said, turning off the engine.
Viya looked at the brightly lit storefront, her eyes widening slightly.
"Rajmer Kulfi House? I have heard about this place but never been here."
"Then you have been missing out."
I got out of the car and walked around to open her door. She seemed surprised by the gesture, hesitating for just a moment before accepting my offered hand and stepping out.
Her hand was small and soft in mine. I held it perhaps a moment longer than necessary before letting go.
We walked into the shop, and the owner, an elderly man named Mohan uncle, looked up from behind the counter. His weathered face broke into a wide smile when he saw me.
"Armaan beta! It has been so long. I thought you forgot about us."
I smiled back.
"How could I forget the best ice cream in Rajmer, Mohan uncle?"
His eyes shifted to Viya, and his smile grew even wider, taking on a knowing quality that made me slightly uncomfortable.
"And who is this lovely young lady?"
