18. UNDERSTANDING
Aarvi followed Vivan into his room, her steps hesitant, her heart thudding unevenly. The door shut behind them with a dull thud. Vivan turned, his face unreadable. She expected anger, maybe harsh words but instead, his eyes lingered on her longer than usual.
He noticed the way her fingers twisted the edge of her pallu, the faint tremble in her shoulders.
Damn it. Why is she shaking like that? He rubbed the back of his neck, irritated at the strange tug in his chest.
She shouldn't look this... breakable. I didn't bring her here to scold her, but now I don't even know what to say.
His voice came out low, "A..Are you okay?" He said genuinely unaware of what to say.
Aarvi's eyes widened, as if she hadn't expected him to even ask. For a second, her lips parted, but no words came. She only nodded slowly, though her trembling betrayed her.
"Liar," he muttered under his breath, moving closer. Against his own will, his hand brushed against her shoulder, steadying her.
The warmth of his touch broke the dam inside her. Aarvi stepped forward instinctively, burying her face into his chest, clutching the fabric of his shirt. She hadn't planned it, hadn't thought. Her body just moved towards him like she lost control on it.
Vivan froze. His arms hovered awkwardly, then slowly he patted her back. He felt her heartbeat thudding against him. His jaw clenched.
Before either could pull away, there was a knock on the door.
"Vivan beta," his mother's voice floated in, "come down for lunch. Everyone is waiting."
Vivan glanced at the door, then down at Aarvi, who still hadn't moved away. Something in him hardened. He stroked her back softly, just enough for her to notice.
"We'll have lunch here," he called back firmly. "Send it up to the room."
Silence followed, his mother taken aback. A soft smile spread across her face. Relief and happiness glowed in her eyes as she quietly stepped away, carrying the moment with her.
Inside, Aarvi went still. Her lips parted slightly, but no words came. A wave of shock washed over her, leaving her staring at Vivan with wide eyes. Her pulse quickened, a strange warmth curling in her chest even as she struggled to process his unexpected decision.
"You... want to have lunch here? With me?" Her voice cracked.
Her heart pounded, caught between disbelief and hope.
Vivan raised an eyebrow at her expression, the corner of his mouth twitching.
"Relax, I didn't just propose to you. I only said lunch."
Aarvi blinked, as she chuckled at his words.
He smiled too, his brow raising slightly as he added, "Don't look so shocked, Mrs. Singhania. I'm not that bad as a company."
Aarvi dropped her gaze instantly on his words.
Mrs. Singhania... The name made her chest tighten, "This isn't right" she thought. She looked away quickly in order to ignore the strange feeling in her chest.
And suddenly, the door opened with a soft knock. A maid entered carrying a tray laden with food. She set it down on the table in the corner before quickly retreating, leaving the two of them alone again.
The silence returned, heavier now. Aarvi stood awkwardly near the bed, her fingers tangled together. Vivan walked to the table, pulling out a chair, but when he turned, he noticed she hadn't moved.
"What are you waiting for?" His voice was softer than he intended, more a defense against the strange softness crawling inside him. "Come sit."
Aarvi swallowed, then walked slowly over, sitting across from him. Her eyes stayed on the food, not daring to meet his.
Vivan served himself first, then glanced at her plate, it was empty. He furrowned "Eat."
"I... I will." Her voice was soft, almost apologetic.
But when she didn't move immediately, he sighed, irritated. He picked up the serving spoon and placed food on her plate himself. Aarvi's head shot up in surprise, her eyes locking on his face. He avoided her gaze, focusing on the dal and sabzi like it was the most important task in the world.
After he served Aarvi slowly picked up her spoon, her hands trembling slightly. She started eating slowly.
The silence stretched only by the clink of spoons against plates could be heard.
After sometime, Aarvi's hand brushed against the water jug, it almost fell because of her trembling hands. Vivan's hand shot out quickly, steadying it. Their fingers touched for the briefest moment. Aarvi froze, eyes darting to his.
Neither spoke. Neither moved.
Finally, Vivan cleared his throat, pulling his hand back. "Be careful." His tone was firm, but his voice wasn't as harsh as before.
Aarvi nodded, lowering her gaze again. Her heart, however, didn't calm.
She's not supposed to matter. He thought And yet... His eyes lingered on her one more time before he forced himself back to his food.