Chapter 17 #3
She was staring at the couple with something close to disbelief and maybe even longing. These were the same two people who had once nearly torn each other apart, who had stood on the edge of divorce with clenched jaws and tired eyes... and now? They were on fire. Passionate!
And she had seen it. She had seen them from the other side of the tower, had stared into that intimacy like it was a life she could never touch. If this was what second chances looked like... was she making a terrible mistake by not giving her and Kushal a chance?
Rajveer continued, “Anyway, we’re flying to New York next week. For at least a year. The apartment’s being renovated, and my business is finally launching there. So yeah, this is our last stretch in that penthouse for a while.”
He grinned at Kushal. “You’re welcome, by the way. We’re saving you from the torture.”
Kushal lifted his drink, swirling it slowly before taking a sip. He didn’t say anything at first. Then he turned his head slightly, catching Arundhati’s gaze across the rim of his glass.
She was already looking at him.
That same moment played again in her mind—him standing with her by the glass wall of the penthouse, pointing out the couple in the distance. She remembered every word.
“Every night I stand here thinking that should’ve been us.”
“I want what they have... the love, the fire, the ache. But not with anyone else. With you. Only you, Aru.”
“I’m done pretending. I want you back. In this home. In my bed. In my goddamn arms.”
She blinked, heart thudding hard.
Those weren’t just words he’d said in the heat of the moment. They were confessions. Wants. Needs.
And now, as the warmth of the firelight danced over Kushal’s face and laughter echoed from the garden games, all those words hit differently.
Rajveer leaned across the table, nudging his glass toward Kushal with a mischievous smile. “Come on, let’s refill.”
Kushal nodded, rising with him. As he stood, his eyes drifted instinctively toward Arundhati. “You want anything?” he asked, casually, but there was nothing casual about the look they shared in that moment.
She shook her head slowly.
“I’m fine. And don’t forget, we still have games to win. Don’t drink too much,” she added, raising one brow in challenge.
“Yes, ma’am,” he said with mock obedience, eyes lingering longer than they should have.
Ananya caught it all…the electricity, the awareness, the heat…and she grinned silently as Arundhati watched him follow Rajveer toward the bar. The moment she realised Ananya was watching her, she quickly looked away, but the blush on her cheeks betrayed her.
“So,” Ananya said, folding her arms on the table with an all-too-knowing smile, “I heard you two are working together again on Anant Mukherjee’s case, right?”
Arundhati nodded. “Yes. That’s... the reason we’ve been in touch and together.”
Ananya raised a brow, unconvinced. “Is that the only reason?”
“We’re not reconciling, Ananya, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“Really?” Ananya tilted her head. “Don’t insult my intelligence, Arundhati. Because I’ve seen the way he looks at you. And I’ve seen how you respond to him. I’m not blind. And I’ve been there.”
Arundhati’s hands clenched as there was no witty retort on her tongue, at the moment.
Ananya reached out, gently placing her hand over hers.
“I know it’s scary. To let yourself trust when your mind screams not to.
To gamble with something as fragile as your heart, especially when it’s been broken before.
I lived through that same war. Every night, I told myself it was safer to walk away.
But I didn’t. I stayed. I gave it another chance. And it changed everything.”
“Look at me,” Ananya continued. “Think about it... Someone like me, all ambition and plans, ready to put everything on the line for one man. And not because I was weak, but because sometimes, love asks for that. A bit of sacrifice. A leap of faith. Total honesty and real effort from both people. If you and Kushal even have a fraction of that between you... Don’t walk away from it.
Don’t let fear talk you out of something real. Trust me, you won’t regret it.”
Her voice softened into something more personal. “And who knows? A few months from now, you might just call me... and say thank you, for pushing you toward the decision your heart already knew was right.”
Before Arundhati could say anything, the men returned. Rajveer glanced at his watch and said, “Anu, we should head back. I’ve got a few client calls, and the Nairs have that romantic event to attend, too.”
Ananya stood up, straightened her shawl, then turned to Arundhati, pulling her into a warm hug. “Think about what I said,” she whispered into her ear. “If not for the sake of your heart, then at least for the fact that your man is one hell of a hotty to lose over ego.”
Arundhati couldn’t stop the faintest blush from rising to her cheeks. She hoped no one noticed, but someone did.
Kushal’s eyes flicked to her face, catching the subtle shift in colour. He didn’t comment. Just turned back to Rajveer and continued chatting like nothing had happened.
Rajveer and Ananya soon took their leave. They were here at this resort only to meet someone and were actually staying at another hotel nearby.
Arundhati barely had a moment to process what she was feeling when the receptionist reappeared, smiling brightly. “You’ve already missed the first two games,” she announced. “But the bonfire and couple’s dance are about to begin, along with one final round of games. We’d love for you to join in!”
They didn’t have time to object. The woman had already looped her arm through Arundhati’s and was leading her toward the firepit where couples were already swaying to soft music, wrapped in each other’s arms.
She barely took a step before Kushal’s hand slid around her waist from behind. In one smooth, wordless motion, he pulled her against him, guiding her into his embrace for the ball dance.
His hand found hers and his other arm wrapped around her back.
“Why did you blush back there?”
“Why should I tell you?” she said, chin lifting. “It was just girl talk. Between me and Ananya.”
He smirked. “Except one of those girls is my wife. And knowing what made her blush like that…that’s a husband’s birthright.”
She swallowed the heat rising in her chest and schooled her features into something neutral. “Ananya thinks you’re too hot to lose over my ego.”
His gaze darkened instantly, although he said nothing, just pulled her subtly closer. As their bodies moved in sync with the music, the thin strap of her maxi dress slipped from her shoulder. Kushal’s gaze dropped to the stretch of her smooth skin that gleamed in the firelight, tempting, exposed.
With slow, reverent fingers, he reached up and pulled the strap back into place. But he didn’t let go of her.
She didn’t pull away either.
They continued dancing, looking at each other, with her wondering if she had the strength to give their marriage another shot.