Her Innocent Love

11 ~ Unspoken Tension

Reyansh's POV

I took her with me, and after insisting a dozen times, she finally let me apply Betadine on her hands. I had thought of her as naive, which she is in some ways, but she's also incredibly strong. Despite all the cuts on her hands, she kept working. I asked her to get in the car, but she looked at me with a strange expression. Don't tell me she thinks of me as some roadside Romeo who can't even own a car.

I walked over to the passenger seat and opened the door for her. "Don't worry. We'll go wherever you want."

She smiled weakly and settled into the car. As I started the engine, I noticed the discomfort still lingering on her face. "If it makes you feel better, you can share your location with someone you trust."

"No, I'm fine," she replied, though she seemed deep in thought. "I was just wondering what kind of work you do." Ah, so she's curious about my job.

"I'll tell you everything, but first, where do you want to go?"

"Umm, let's go to a park or somewhere quiet."

"Sure." I accelerated the Audi. "So, to answer your question, I work at a restaurant too."

"Oh, really? What do you do there?"

"I make sure it maintains its quality and standards."

"So, you're a manager?"

"Hahaha, no, Aathiya. I own Takhtani's restaurant and its different branches. I'm here in Canada to open a new one in downtown."

Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You're the owner of Takhtani's—Reyansh Takhtani?"

"Well, I think so," I teased, enjoying the sound of my name on her lips.

"Wow, you must be a busy man."

"Kind of, but I always make time for my people."

"That's good," she said, turning towards the window. The rest of the ride was quiet; she seemed tired.

"Should I drop you home? You look exhausted."

"No, I want to go to the park. But wait, you must have other things to do. Please, just drop me at the nearest bus stop. I can go on my own."

"Aathiya Ji, Maine abhi apko bataya k apno k lie mere paas hmesha time hota hai"

(Aathiya Ji, I just told you, I always have time for my people)

"Par me to unka hissa nhi hu". She replied softly.

(But I'm not one of them)

"Kyu nhi....mere lie to aap bhi meri apni hai"

(Why wouldn't you be? You're important to me too)

She laughed lightly, "You're quite the extrovert."

"That I am, but I mean it. If you ever want to talk about anything, don't hesitate. I may not be able to fix everything, but I promise I'll be by your side."

"You make promises very quickly, Reyansh."

"And I keep them too."

"We'll see about that."

"Always at your service, ma'am," I said with a playful smile. She returned the smile, and we drove to a park. It was late, and the place was deserted. We sat on a bench, the cold breeze brushing against our skin. She silently gazed at the sky, devoid of stars or the moon. I wanted to lighten her mood, but I wasn't sure how.

"So, anything new with you?" I asked, breaking the silence that was slowly suffocating me. I didn't mind sitting in silence with her, but only when she was happy, not when she looked this sad.