"Then what do I mean?"
Instead of answering, he pulled her against him, his arms wrapping around her with surprising tenderness.
"Sleep," he murmured against her hair. "I've got you."
It wasn't an answer.
But it was something.
And for tonight, she'd take it.
CHAPTER 12
Three Days Later - Samarth's Office, 12:43 PM
Samarth was reviewing the updated surveillance reports on Kabir when his office door opened without a knock.
Kritika.
She entered carrying a tiffin box, her smile bright and familiar. "I brought you lunch. You always forget to eat when you're working."
He looked up, irritation flickering across his face. "I'm busy."
"Which is exactly why I brought food." She set the tiffin on his desk, moving around his space with an ease that suddenly felt intrusive. "Your favorite—kadhi chawal and aloo paratha. Just like when we were kids."
She opened the containers, the smell of home-cooked food filling his office. Normally, he'd appreciate the gesture. Kritika had been doing things like this for years—bringing him food, checking on him, acting as a buffer between him and his mother's expectations.
But today, watching her move around his office like she owned it, something felt wrong.
"Remember when we used to study together?" Kritika asked, settling into the chair across from him. "You'd be so focused on your books, and I'd have to force you to eat."
"I remember."
"We spent so many evenings in your father's library. You teaching me calculus, me helping you with literature." Her smilewas nostalgic, warm. "I always knew exactly how you liked your tea. Two sugars, no milk. Still the same?"
"Yes."
She'd already prepared it, he realized. Had brought a thermos with tea made exactly how he liked it.
The gesture should have been thoughtful.
Instead, it made him uncomfortable.
He watched as she poured the tea, arranged the food, made herself at home in his space with a comfort he'd never allowed anyone else.
Except he had allowed it. For years. Had let Kritika into spaces that were supposed to be private. Had accepted her care and attention as his due.
Had never questioned the access she had to his life.
Would you accept it? If another man had that access to me?
Nimisha's words from their anniversary night echoed in his head.
"Kritika—"
The door opened again. Saroj entered, her face lighting up when she saw Kritika.
"There you are, beta! I should have known you'd be taking care of my son." She moved to stand beside Kritika, the two of them presenting a united front of warmth and familiarity. "Samarth never eats properly unless someone forces him."
