Chapter 42 - The Confession That Couldnt Wait
Sunlight filtered through the curtains, filling the hotel suite with a warm golden glow.
Arjun slowly opened his eyes.
For a few moments, he simply stared at the ceiling.
Then yesterday's conversation with Dev replayed in his mind.
"If you keep waiting for the perfect time... you might spend your whole life waiting."
A small smile formed on his lips.
"So... today's the day."
He sat up, determination replacing the uncertainty that had followed him for days.
"I'll tell her."
"I don't know how."
"I don't know when."
"But before this honeymoon ends..."
"...Aadhira deserves to know how I feel."
He turned toward the balcony.
Aadhira stood there once again, quietly admiring London's skyline while sipping her morning coffee.
A gentle breeze played with a few loose strands of her hair.
For a moment...
Arjun simply watched her.
His wife.
The woman who had unknowingly changed his world.
A smile escaped him.
Aadhira sensed his gaze and turned around.
"Good morning."
"Morning."
"You look happy today."
"Do I?"
"A little."
She tilted her head curiously.
"Did something good happen?"
Arjun almost laughed.
Yes...
I realized I'm hopelessly in love with you.
Instead, he smiled casually.
"I slept well."
"I'm glad."
A comfortable silence settled between them.
Arjun cleared his throat.
"Aadhira..."
"Hmm?"
"I was wondering if-"
A loud knock echoed through the room.
Knock!
Knock!
Knock!
Without waiting for permission, the door swung open.
Kabir walked in carrying a camera around his neck.
"Good morning, beautiful people!"
Arjun closed his eyes.
Not him...
Not this early.
Kabir beamed.
"Everyone's waiting downstairs."
"We're going for breakfast."
He noticed the expression on Arjun's face.
"What?"
"You look disappointed."
"I'm not."
"You definitely are."
"I just woke up."
"Sure."
Kabir nodded dramatically.
"You woke up looking like someone stole your promotion."
Aadhira laughed softly.
"I'll be ready in five minutes."
"Perfect!"
Kabir turned toward the door before suddenly stopping.
"Oh!"
"Aadhi..."
"I found the cutest café near the hotel."
"You have to see it later."
"We'll get amazing pictures."
Arjun sighed internally.
He's already making plans...
Kabir smiled innocently.
"What?"
Arjun forced a smile.
"Nothing."
"Exactly."
Kabir grinned.
"I knew you agreed."
The moment he left the room...
Arjun looked toward the ceiling.
"This is going to be difficult."
Aadhira looked at him in confusion.
"What is?"
"Nothing."
He smiled awkwardly.
"Let's go."
---
A few minutes later...
The entire group gathered inside the hotel's breakfast restaurant.
Rohan was already attacking the buffet.
Kabir watched him in disbelief.
"Do you even chew?"
"I do."
"When?"
"Between bites."
Naina sighed.
"I've stopped questioning him."
"It's healthier that way."
Everyone laughed.
Dev noticed Arjun unusually quiet.
He hid a smile.
Only he knew the reason.
As breakfast continued, Arjun searched for an opportunity.
Any opportunity.
Finally...
Aadhira stood up.
"I'll get some coffee."
Perfect.
"I'll come with you."
Arjun stood immediately.
Before either of them could take a single step-
Kabir jumped up.
"Me too!"
Arjun froze.
Kabir smiled brightly.
"I need another croissant."
"They're life-changing."
Arjun looked at him.
"You already had three."
Kabir nodded proudly.
"Exactly."
"I'm going for the fourth."
Rohan raised his hand.
"Bring me two."
Kabir saluted dramatically.
"Consider it done."
Within seconds...
The three of them reached the coffee counter.
Arjun patiently waited while Aadhira prepared her coffee.
This was it.
Finally.
"Aadhira..."
She looked at him.
"Yes?"
He took a breath.
"I wanted to-"
"KABIR!"
The waiter called loudly.
"You forgot your pastries!"
Kabir slapped his forehead.
"My children!"
He hurried back.
A few seconds later, he returned carrying an overloaded plate.
He stood directly between Arjun and Aadhira.
"Mission accomplished."
Arjun stared at him.
Kabir smiled.
"What?"
"You look at me like I've committed a crime."
"No reason."
Dev, watching everything from the table, quietly shook his head.
Poor guy.
Back at the table, Shanaya noticed Arjun unusually silent.
"Everything okay?"
"Perfect."
He answered too quickly.
Siddharth looked suspicious.
"That didn't sound convincing."
"I'm fine."
Dev took a sip of his coffee, trying not to laugh.
He knew exactly why Arjun looked defeated.
Breakfast ended.
The group walked toward the hotel entrance.
"So," Rohan asked.
"What's today's destination?"
Kabir enthusiastically pulled out his phone.
"I've already made a list!"
"Of course you have," Shanaya muttered.
Kabir ignored her.
"There's a beautiful riverside market..."
"A street performance nearby..."
"And an amazing viewpoint."
Naina smiled.
"Sounds fun."
Aadhira nodded in agreement.
"It does."
Arjun looked at Dev.
Dev looked back.
Without saying a word...
Both of them sighed at the exact same time.
Dev leaned closer and whispered,
"You've had three chances already."
Arjun whispered back,
"I know."
"How many did you actually use?"
Arjun remained silent.
Dev raised an eyebrow.
"Exactly."
Arjun rubbed his forehead.
"This is impossible."
Dev smiled knowingly.
"No."
He glanced toward Kabir, who was enthusiastically explaining today's itinerary to everyone.
"It's just... going to require patience."
Arjun followed his gaze.
Kabir was now convincing Rohan to try yet another famous bakery before lunch.
Arjun let out a long, defeated sigh.
"I think I understand now."
"What?"
"Why people say true love is difficult."
Dev chuckled.
"No..."
He looked at Kabir.
"Your love story is difficult because of him."
Arjun couldn't help laughing.
"I completely agree."
Neither of them noticed...
Kabir suddenly turning around.
He narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"Why are you two laughing?"
Arjun and Dev exchanged an innocent look.
"Nothing."
Kabir pointed at both of them.
"I don't believe either of you."
An hour later...
The group reached the beautiful riverside promenade along the River Thames.
The weather was perfect.
A cool breeze drifted across the water as boats sailed peacefully in the distance.
Street musicians filled the atmosphere with cheerful melodies while tourists wandered through the lively walkway.
"This place is beautiful," Naina said, taking out her phone.
"I know!" Kabir replied excitedly.
"And it's the perfect place for photos."
Shanaya sighed dramatically.
"Everything is a perfect place for photos according to you."
"Because everything deserves to be remembered."
Siddharth nodded thoughtfully.
"I actually agree with him."
Kabir placed a hand over his heart.
"Finally."
"Someone appreciates my artistic vision."
"I said I agreed."
"I didn't say you were artistic."
Everyone laughed.
As the group continued walking, Arjun noticed Aadhira had slowed down slightly to admire the river.
This was his chance.
He quietly matched her pace.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" he asked.
She smiled softly.
"It is."
"I've always liked places like this."
"They make you forget how busy life can be."
Arjun nodded.
"I've been wanting to ask you something."
She looked at him.
"What is it?"
He inhaled slowly.
"Actually..."
Before he could continue-
"AADHI!"
Kabir's voice echoed from ahead.
Both of them looked up.
Kabir was standing near the railing, waving both hands enthusiastically.
"You have to come here!"
"The view is amazing!"
Arjun closed his eyes for a second.
Of course...
Aadhira looked apologetically at him.
"We'll continue later?"
He forced a smile.
"Sure."
She walked toward Kabir.
Arjun remained standing exactly where he was.
Dev walked over a moment later.
"Interrupted again?"
Arjun didn't even look at him.
"I don't want to talk about it."
Dev patted his shoulder sympathetically.
"I almost feel bad for laughing."
"You are laughing."
"I know."
A few minutes later...
Everyone gathered near a small open square where several street performers were entertaining the crowd.
One magician invited children to participate in his tricks.
Another artist created giant soap bubbles that floated high into the air.
Kabir immediately ran toward the bubbles.
"I don't care how old I am."
"I'm doing this."
Rohan followed him.
"Wait for me!"
Within seconds, both of them were trying-and failing-to catch the enormous bubbles.
Naina watched them in disbelief.
"They're worse than children."
Shanaya smiled.
"I think children are more mature."
Meanwhile, Dev quietly walked beside Aadhira.
"Aadhira."
She turned toward him.
"Yes?"
"I think Arjun wanted to talk to you."
She glanced around.
"He did."
"But Kabir interrupted."
Dev smiled knowingly.
"Again."
Aadhira couldn't help laughing.
"He does have excellent timing."
"I'd call it terrible timing."
Dev replied.
She smiled but said nothing.
On the other side of the square...
Arjun stood alone, watching the river.
He felt someone nudge his shoulder.
Siddharth.
"What happened?"
"Nothing."
"Liar."
"I'm serious."
Siddharth folded his arms.
"You've been staring at your wife all morning."
"And every time you try to speak with her..."
He looked toward Kabir, who was now making everyone pose for another group photograph.
"...our photographer appears."
Arjun sighed.
"Don't remind me."
Siddharth laughed.
"You know..."
"I've never seen you this restless."
"Neither have I."
Arjun admitted honestly.
Just then, Dev approached them.
"I have an idea."
Arjun looked at him hopefully.
"What?"
Dev lowered his voice.
"I'll distract Kabir."
"You take Aadhira for a short walk."
Arjun blinked.
"Really?"
Dev smiled.
"Go."
"I'll handle him."
For the first time that day...
Hope returned to Arjun's face.
"You've officially become my favorite friend."
"I'll remember you said that."
Dev replied proudly.