Page 64 of The Secret Bride
Eventually, the cold drove me back inside. I climbed into bed beside Armaan's sleeping form, staying on my side, keeping distance between us.
But the moment I settled under the covers, his arm reached out in his sleep. He found me in the darkness and pulled me close, tucking me against his chest. His face buried in my hair, and he let out a deep, contented sigh.
I should have pulled away. Should have maintained the distance.
But he looked so peaceful with me in his arms. His breathing was deep and even, his hold on me gentle but secure.
So I stayed. I let him hold me. Let myself be held.
And despite everything, despite the confusion and the hurt and the anger, I felt safe there.
We fell asleep like that, tangled together in the darkness.
I woke early the next morning, my body clock refusing to let me sleep in despite how late we had gone to bed. Armaan was still fast asleep beside me, his arm still draped over my waist.
Carefully, I extracted myself from his hold and slipped into the bathroom for a quick shower.
When I emerged, wrapped in a towel, Armaan was still unconscious. He was going to have a terrible headache when he woke up.
I dressed quietly and headed downstairs to make breakfast for Dadi. It was my routine now, and I found comfort in it. The familiar motions of cooking, the warmth of the kitchen, the satisfaction of preparing something nourishing.
I made aloo parathas with yogurt and pickle, then prepared a lighter meal of oats and fruit for Dadi. I set everything out on the dining table and went to help Rekha, Dadi's nurse, bring her out to the dining room.
Dadi settled into her chair with a grateful smile.
"You spoil me, beta. The food smells delicious."
I was about to respond when I heard footsteps on the stairs. I looked up.
Armaan was coming down, and he was pulling a suitcase behind him.
My heart sank.
Dadi noticed at the same time.
"Armaan? What is this? Are you going somewhere?"
Armaan reached the bottom of the stairs and set the suitcase upright. He would not meet my eyes.
"I have to go to Japan. For business. I will be gone for about a month."
"A month?" Dadi's voice rose with surprise and concern. "Why did you not mention this before? This is very sudden."
"It was an emergency situation. Something came up with one of our major contracts, and I need to handle it personally."
His voice was flat. Professional. Like he was talking to a stranger.
"You haven't even had breakfast," Dadi gestured to the food on the table. "At least eat something before you leave."
"I will get something at the airport. I really need to go. The flight leaves in a few hours."
I stood frozen by the table, the serving spoon still in my hand. He had not told me about this trip. Had not mentioned anything about going to Japan for a month.
A month. He would be gone for an entire month.
Dadi tried to protest again, but Armaan was already moving toward the door, pulling his suitcase behind him.
"I am sorry, Dadi. I really am running late. I will call you once I land."
