Chapter 12 #2
“God help me,” Sana groans, covering her face with her hand. I glance at her again, the flush on her cheeks impossible to miss. If she had her way, she’d pretend none of this ever happened.
“I’ll take you up on that offer, Aunty,” I say, while Sana lets out a defeated sigh. “I can’t believe this is happening,” she exhales.
I just grin. “Oh, it’s happening.”
Ten minutes later, I pull up in front of Sana’s house and shift the car into park. I then step out and move to the passenger side, opening the door for her mother. She gives me a small, tired smile as I help her out, supporting her gently as we walk towards the house.
I follow Sana as she leads me to her mother’s room.
I take in the cosy space, filled with soft pastels, a collection of books stacked neatly on a shelf and framed family photographs lining the dresser.
A large window lets in the morning light, casting a golden hue over the queen-sized bed, draped in a simple, embroidered quilt.
I help her settle into bed, adjusting the pillows to make sure she’s comfortable. She sighs, exhaustion weighing on her, but her eyes hold warmth when they meet mine.
“Thank you, son,” she says, reaching out to pat my hand.
I nod. “Just rest, Aunty. You need it.”
“You’re a good man,” Sana’s mom smiles. Then, as if the words she’d meant to say all along escape her mouth, and she adds quietly, “You have my blessings.”
Something shifts in my chest at her words, but I don’t let it show. Instead, I give her a respectful nod before stepping out of the room.
Sana follows me. When we reach the front door, I turn to tell her she can call me if she needs anything, but she speaks first.
“Before you say goodbye, can you please tell me how much the hospital bill was? I need to pay you back.”
I knew this was coming—though I was hoping, damn near praying, she wouldn’t bring it up and would just let me take care of her. Crossing my fingers that at least my words would make some impact, I look her straight in the eye. “You don’t need to worry about it. It’s done.”
She crosses her arms, eyes narrowing with that stubborn fire I’ve come to know all too well. “That’s not what I asked.”
God, how much I admire this woman and her stubbornness. But damn, she sure knows how to make things difficult. I offer a small smile, definitely not ready to back down from this fight. “And that’s the only answer you’re getting.”
Her eyes glisten with frustration. “Aditya, this isn’t some random favour or charity. She’s my mother and I’m paying for it.”
Her words hit me hard, and I want to snap back at her for doubting my intentions. But I hold myself back, her mother just got out of the hospital, and this isn’t the time to make things harder.
“Sana, I didn’t do it as a favor or charity. I did it because I wanted to. Let’s not complicate things,” I try again, keeping my voice calm and steady, determined to make her understand without escalating the situation.
She shakes her head. “I didn’t ask you to.
And as much as I appreciate your help, it’s important for me to pay you back.
It’s something my dad always taught me—that no matter what, you stand on your own feet and never owe anyone.
This isn’t just about money. It’s about honouring what he believed in. So please—tell me how much it was.”
She sure knows exactly how to take control. Because the second she dropped her dad’s name, my fight vanished, and I sure as hell had no choice but to back down. I let out a slow, heavy breath. “Fine. I’ll message you the account number and the amount.”
She gives a single, satisfied nod. “Let me give you my number so you can message me.”
I shake my head. “That’s not necessary. I already have your number.”
She raises her brows, about to ask how the hell I got her number—but I cut her off.
“Listen, let’s not waste time arguing over how I got it. You already know I have my ways. And I’ve done enough arguing for one day. I’m not getting into another one.”
She shakes her head, then finally smiles at me. “Thank you… again.”
I tilt my head, watching her carefully. “If you really want to thank me, then accept my friendship. You said no to my marriage proposal, and I get it. I know you don’t know me well enough yet to say yes to something that big.
But there’s no harm in starting with friendship.
I’m hoping you’ll give me that chance, at least to be your friend. ” I hold out my hands to her.
Her breath catches, and for a moment, she just stares at me. There’s hesitation in her eyes, an internal battle she’s waging with herself. But then, to my surprise, she gives in, her shoulders relaxing ever so slightly.
“Okay,” she says softly, taking my hands.
“Okay? That easy?” I say, raising an eyebrow.
She pulls her hands away from mine and crosses her arms over her chest, glaring at me. But there’s no real annoyance in her gaze. I can see the hint of something softer underneath. “If you stand here and keep throwing out your smart remarks, I might just reconsider.”
“I wouldn’t dare mess this up,” I smile, stepping back and giving her a wink before turning and walking towards my car. The moment I slide into the driver’s seat, I glance at her through the windshield. She’s still standing there, watching me.
Smiling, I shake my head and start the car.
As I drive away, I can’t help but feel a quiet sense of satisfaction.
She’s given me a chance, maybe just as a friend for now, but that’s enough.
What matters is she’s taken the first step toward me, and I’m damn sure the next one—the one that makes her Mrs. Sana Thakur won’t be far behind.