I listened and responded, but mostly I just enjoyed hearing her voice. Enjoyed having her beside me. Enjoyed this normalcy that felt anything but normal.
When we pulled up to the restaurant, Viya looked around in confusion.
"Why is the parking lot so empty? Is the restaurant closed?"
I smiled as I got out and walked around to open her door.
"No. It is open. Just for us."
Her eyes went wide.
"What do you mean just for us?"
"I mean I booked the entire restaurant. And the beach access behind it. It is completely private for the evening."
She stared at me like I had lost my mind.
"You booked the entire restaurant? And the beach? Armaan, that is insane. That must have cost a fortune."
I took her hand and pulled her close.
"You are worth a fortune. You are worth everything."
Her expression softened, and she looked up at me with so much emotion in her eyes that I had to kiss her right there in the parking lot.
When we finally pulled apart, I led her inside the restaurant.
The place was beautiful. Traditional Japanese architecture with modern touches. Floor to ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. Soft lighting from paper lanterns. A single table set up near the windows with candles and flowers.
I pulled out her chair, and she sat down, still looking overwhelmed by the whole thing.
A waitress appeared, the only staff member present for the evening. She bowed politely and served us the first course. The best sushi in Tokyo, prepared by a master chef who I had specifically requested.
After serving us, the waitress bowed again and left us completely alone.
Viya picked up her chopsticks and took a bite of the sushi. Her eyes closed in appreciation.
"This is incredible."
"Only the best for you."
We ate in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying the food and each other's company. The ocean was visible through the windows, waves rolling gently against the shore.
Then Viya set down her chopsticks and looked at me with serious eyes.
"Armaan, can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
"Why did you not call me? In the entire month you were here. You did not call once. Not even a message. Did you not miss me? Not even for a second?"
The pain in her voice cut through me like a knife.
I wanted to tell her everything. The whole truth about why I had married her. About Avija and the prophecy and the arrangement. About how this marriage was supposed to be temporary but had become the most permanent thing in my life.
But I could not. Not yet.
I needed to deal with Avija first. Needed to officially end whatever she thought still existed between us. Needed to make it clear that I was completely and irrevocably committed to Viya.
