25. NO US
Aarvi stood in front of the mirror, taking one last nervous glance at herself. She had chosen a white shirt tucked neatly into straight black pants, paired with small block heels. Her hair was tied back into a ponytail, a few strands falling on her face. No heavy makeup.
Her hands tightened around the file she carried. This isn’t just an outfit… this is me trying to prove something.
Taking a deep breath, she descended the staircase slowly.
The first to notice was Pragya. She froze midway while pouring tea, her eyes widening in surprise. “Aarvi…” her voice carried both pride and affection. “You look absolutely perfect. Just right for your first interview.”
Aarvi’s cheeks heated, and she gave a small nod. “Thank you, Ma…” she whispered.
Next came Prisha, who jumped up from the couch. “Bhabhi! You look like one of those businesswomen from magazines. So classy”
Vedant, munching on toast, whistled low. “Arrey wah, Bhabhi, aaj toh corporate heroine lag rahi ho”
Aarvi pressed her lips together, embarrassed but secretly comforted by their cheer.
And then there was Vinod, who lowered his newspaper and looked at her with softness in his eyes. “Good. You look confident. Just walk in with this same grace, and you’ll do fine.”
Her nervous heart eased a little until she felt his gaze.
Vivan, standing by the dining table with his coffee, had gone still the second she stepped into view. His eyes scanned her attire slowly. Something about the simplicity and strength of her look made him smile. Just little.
But his expression stayed composed. He raised the cup to his lips and muttered casually, “Don’t look so scared. It’s just an interview, not a battlefield.”
Aarvi’s eyes flickered to him half-annoyed, half-relieved at his strange way of comforting. She looked away quickly, clutching her file tighter.
Prisha and Vedant exchanged knowing glances, struggling not to giggle.
Pragya smiled softly, sensing what her children were too cheeky to hide. “Chalo, now sit for breakfast. You need to eat well before heading out.”
Aarvi nodded and moved toward the table, but she couldn’t shake the memory of Vivan’s unreadable gaze lingering on her.
---
After breakfast, Vivan stepped out, adjusting his watch and glancing at his phone while waiting beside the car. Aarvi was still inside his mother had stopped her.
“Aarvi, have this,” Pragya said softly, holding out a spoonful of sugar and curd. “It’s for good luck. Your interview will go just fine.”
Aarvi smiled nervously, her fingers clutching her file. “I hope so…”
Pragya placed a gentle hand on her cheek. “Don’t hope. Believe. You’ll do well you just have to be confident.”
Aarvi nodded, feeling a little warmth settle in her chest at the comforting words. She turned and walked out, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor.
Vivan stood near the car, phone in hand, but his eyes flicked up the second she appeared. But the moment vanished as Pragya’s voice broke through the air.
“Vivan,” she called out, stepping closer.
He turned, brow raised.
“Don’t be angry, okay?” Pragya said lightly, but the warning in her tone was somehow serious.
Vivan’s gaze immediately shifted toward Aarvi, who froze mid-step. His eyes narrowed slightly as if silently asking, “You complained about me, didn’t you?”
She quickly shook her head, her eyes wide and hands slightly raised as if to say, “I didn’t say anything”
He exhaled deeply, muttering under his breath, “Of course you didn’t.”
Then nodded to his mother. “Noted, Ma.”
Pragya smiled, waving them off as they both settled into the car.
The ride was silent. Aarvi kept her eyes on the road, her hands gripping her file tightly on her lap.
Vivan drove without looking at her, his jaw set, his fingers tapping against the steering wheel in a slow, irritated rhythm.
When they were fifteen minutes away from the office, the car suddenly slowed and pulled over near a quieter street.
Aarvi blinked. “What happened?”
He didn’t look at her when he spoke. His tone was calm, too calm. “Get down here.”
Her brows furrowed. “What? Why?”
He turned slightly, his eyes meeting hers for a brief, unreadable moment. “Because from this point on, we’re not husband and wife.”
Aarvi’s throat tightened. “W-what do you mean?”
He rested his hand on the gear and said flatly, “Our marriage is a private matter. No one knows about it and no one will. Everyone at the office knows Kiara as my girlfriend, so I don’t want any confusion or questions.
You’ll walk the rest of the way and tell them you’re there for an interview. Nothing more.”
Her lips parted, but no words came out.
He finally looked at her. Her eyes flickered with something between disbelief and hurt, but she didn’t argue. She simply nodded, clutching her file tighter.
“Understood,” she whispered.
Vivan looked at her longer than he intended. Then he averted his gaze, murmuring, “Good. Go.”
Aarvi stepped out of the car, she shut door softly behind her. She didn’t look back. But as she walked, a lump rose in her throat.
He waited until she was a small figure before starting the car again. For some reason, his chest felt heavier than before.