Pocket Full of Lies

54- Closeness Or Imagination

He is not going to make any progress at this rate.

He cannot work on the lead of his own memory because of my trust in Mom. He cannot be suspicious of Ananya Di because of my trust in her.

I am actually dragging him down.

"If it wasn't for me, he would have probably solved half of the case until now," I muttered to myself, releasing a resigned sigh.

"Or probably I would have gotten stuck into my web of suspicion, not being able to get out," he said, coming from behind me.

He blinked at me, wordlessly reassuring me that I wasn't a burden.

I smiled at him gratefully, before asking him a shameless request.

"Can you give me an advance?"

"Huh?" He looked confused, rightfully so.

"Advance salary," I clarified, looking sheepish.

He and I both knew that unlike the past, I wasn't really the housekeeper right now. It was just a front, an excuse for me to be comfortable while taking his help.

There was an option of acting like his girlfriend too.

My subconscious reminded me. I snorted at my own patheticness. I couldn't do that to him for the second time. Although if I did, this time my feelings would have been real.

He was so near yet so far. I loved him yet couldn't love him.

Anyways he deserved someone much better. A person who wasn't a liar along with being a constant burden.

"Full salary? Or just a part of it?" He asked, playing along.

"Aren't you going to ask what it is for?" I questioned back instead of answering.

He chuckled, shaking his head at me. "Given the circumstances, it would probably be for renting a place."

Although he used the word 'probably' it was clear from his tone that he was sure that this was my reason. And he was correct too.

"Angry?" I asked, biting my lips.

"Stop biting them, they will bleed."

"What?"

"Nothing." He shook his head, before saying, "I am, I am really angry that despite it being so unsafe you are doing this. Although we decided to trust Ananya Di's words, I feel it is too early for us to relax."

I opened my mouth to explain, but he beat me to it.

"However, I can't force you to stay with me. That's just not right," he said in a sad yet sincere tone.

"I trust you," I said, hoping my decision didn't come across as my lack of trust in him.

"Then why?"

"It was different when I had no option or there was danger to our lives. However, it's relatively safe now. At least until we find a way to fight back. Staying here now feels like I am taking advantage of the situation...of you. Just like, just like—"

"Just like when you pretended to be my girlfriend?"

"Hmm." I nodded as I hummed in agreement.

"But you aren't lying right now." He pointed out.

"I..."

Rehaan sighed, before looking up at me, "You aren't taking advantage of the situation, I am. I am the one who wants you to stay."

I narrowed my eyes. "Advantage, seriously?"

"On the pretext of it being unsafe, I get a 24x7 cleaner, a nurse, a cook, a bantering partner, and whatnot. And the best part, even after I am getting everything, you are the one who feels grateful."