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“Isn’t that obvious? Or are you still planning to give me a business rivalry fight?”
I feed Aarvi a small piece of paratha before responding.
“Why? Scared of losing to me, Aarav Raichand?”
Aarav clenches his jaw. I know he wants to argue but the presence of Aarvi at the table is not letting him do so. In the last few days though he hasn’t shown any urgency in touching me again which has shockingly pricked me, a part of me was happy that he didn't try to cross the line. But at the same time, another part of me craved for his touch.. For his closeness... For his warmth... My heart & my brains are always at loggerheads when it comes to Aarav. I want to get rid of these conflicting emotions & get permanent control over my heart & my brain.
Though he has always let Aarvi sleep between us, his arrogance and controlling nature are still the same. I wonder how I stayed with this kind of a husband for so many years? I don’t doubt his love, but I am worried his love comes with the power to break the identity I have created so far. And I’m not ready to lose it ever. Jhanvi Raichand or Khushi Thakur, I still want to be the woman ruling not just her career but her personal life too.
“Mommy, I didn’t feed my teddy,” Aarvi breaks our scorching gazes on each other.
She gets down and hurries to her room to get her teddy. I gesture her Nanny to follow her. The moment we are alone at the table, Aarav gets the chance.
“I’m not against you working opposite me, Jhanvi. I just don’t want you to work with RS Group anymore, that too under the scrutiny of Rudra Singh.”
“That’s not your decision to make. And I can protect myself.”
I wipe my lips, finishing my breakfast and get up to leave. Just when I am three steps away from the table, Aarav reaches me and grabbing my arm, whirls me around.
“Don’t walk away from me.”
“Then you stop manhandling me,” I snap.
“What?”
“Yes, Aarav. Right from the time you asked me to come back to you, I’ve always been clear of my stand. Me being Jhanvi has nothing to do with coming back to you forever. Between my past and present, I’ll still choose my present because that’s exactly what makes me happy. You might have made decisions for me before, not anymore. I have every right to choose what I want. Aarvi is the string connecting us and it will always be there but…”
“But?” His gaze flashes back to mine, hot anger kindling in his eyes.
“But that can’t stop me from returning to the USA again and continuing my life there.”
His hold from my arms loosens and Aarav steps back. He’s shocked and it’s obvious he hadn’t expected me to make such plans.
“I don’t know how I’m going to manage but I’m never shrugging the responsibility of Aarvi though. I just need to sort my head and-”
Before I could continue explaining, Aarav waves a hand dismissively at me.
“Is that your final decision?” He asks.
There’s a tiny voice in my head telling me he is not going to make this easy. He is Aarav Raichand after all who knows how to win every challenge thrown at his path. How can he let the woman he loves so much walk out of his life? He is going to do everything in his power to keep me glued to him and this is exactly what scares me. The shell of his protectiveness that he is trying to cover me with scares me. I don’t want to be caged in his web; it doesn't matter what chemistry we share.
“I asked you something, Jhanvi Raichand,” he repeats, his tone radiating a fierce intensity I am afraid will burn me down in no time.
“Yes. That’s my final decision, Aarav.”
Time halts as we gaze at each other. He simply stares at me with unnerving intensity and no trace of emotion in his eyes. As if there’s a storm brewing inside his head and it’s going to blow me and my world. After no idea how many minutes, Aarav takes a step towards me.
“Okay.”
Okay? Did he say okay? What is that supposed to mean? He doesn't let me ponder much as he throws another sarcastic comment at me.
“You started this game and I swear, I’ll be the one finishing it.”
Game? What is he talking about? Before I can ask him, clarify my doubts on what his decision is, Aarav storms out of the house, leaving this mystery unsolved. I know one thing for sure. He is going to make it difficult for me to fly back to New York. But there is nothing here in this country for me without my memories. Neither I can give justice to myself nor this family if I stay back here.
“Mommy,” Aarvi returns with her Teddy bear, the yellow one which I like the most. “Let’s feed him too.”
I nod weakly at her as she drags me back to the dining table. Now my only worry is how to ensure Aarvi is also a part of my life no matter where I stay.And Aarav?My subconscious queries. Will I ever be able to live without him? What will happen when my memories are back? Will I return to him leaving everything else that I set up for myself until then? Is sacrificing everything for a man who loves me like I am only born for him, worth it?
