The Man of my Life

Chapter 17

As the clock struck 4:00 pm, Reyansh and Naina made their way to the local ice-cream parlor, a quaint little shop known for its delightful array of flavors. Naina, having shed her formal blazer, appeared more relaxed and casual, a stark contrast to her usual professional demeanor. Upon arrival, she indulged in her fondness for chocolate ice-cream, while Reyansh, ever the enigma, opted for a stark black coffee.

Curiosity piqued, Naina inquired, "Reyansh, how do you manage to drink coffee so bitter, and without a hint of sugar?" Reyansh, with a hint of nostalgia, replied, "It's an acquired taste, Naina. Ever since childhood, sweets were a rarity for me. Di and Chachi would occasionally treat me, but those moments were few and far between. Hence, my palate grew accustomed to the absence of sugar."

Naina grimaced playfully at the thought, her face contorting in mock disgust. Reyansh's smile widened, observing her animated expressions. "It seems someone's spirits are particularly high today," he teased.

With a twinkle in her eye, Naina retorted, "Well, why wouldn't they be? You've brought me out for ice-cream, after all." Reyansh merely shook his head, his thoughts wandering. He marveled silently at Naina's simplicity. "In a world where many yearn for diamonds and designer dresses, here you are, content with a mere scoop of ice-cream. Naina, you never cease to astonish me," he mused.

His reverie was interrupted by Naina's playful snapping of fingers before his eyes. "Lost in thought again, Reyansh?" she probed.

Shaking off his daydreams, Reyansh replied, "Nowhere in particular." Naina's tone shifted to a more serious note. "Listen, I think it's time we head back home. You seem out of place here, and with Bua and Akshaya's arrival, Ma must be overwhelmed."

Reyansh nodded, his mind still elsewhere. Naina's voice lowered, a hint of possessiveness creeping in. "And I don't appreciate Akshaya's gaze lingering on you. She looks at you as though she's your wife, not me."

Both Reyansh and Naina were taken aback by her candidness. Reyansh found himself secretly admiring this newfound assertiveness in Naina. "Her attachment is growing stronger," he thought, a sense of warmth filling him. "I must admit, I'm quite fond of this protective streak."

"Alright, we'll discuss it with uncle and aunty," Reyansh agreed. After settling the bill, they journeyed back to Naina's family home, enveloped in a comfortable silence that spoke volumes of their mutual understanding.

Upon arrival, Amrita, Naina's aunt, greeted them with enthusiasm, offering a plate of sweets. "Naina, you must try these, they're delicious," she insisted. Naina, however, politely declined. "No thank you, Bua. I've already had my share of sweetness for the day," she said, referencing the ice-cream treat.

Reyansh excused himself to change into something more comfortable, while Naina engaged in a heartfelt conversation with her family. It wasn't long before Reyansh returned, seeking a private word with Arjun, Naina's father. "Uncle, Naina and I were thinking... it might be time for us to return to our own home. Besides, I have a business trip to America looming, and preparations must be made," he explained.

Arjun exchanged a knowing glance with his wife, Aditi, who nodded in agreement. "We understand, Ansh. You must do what's necessary," Arjun responded warmly.

Reyansh's expression softened as he addressed his concern. "I hope you're not upset, Uncle." Arjun's smile was reassuring. "Not at all, Ansh. You have our blessing."

As Reyansh ascended the stairs to gather their belongings, Naina embraced her father, her voice tinged with reluctance. "I suppose it's time for me to leave as well?"

Aditi's response was firm yet affectionate. "A wife's place is by her husband's side," she reminded her.

Naina's agreement was half-hearted, her mind torn between familial duty and marital commitment. "Yes, I suppose that's how it should be," she conceded.