THE IInd DECISION

19.Unspoken Gestures

Ayan Pov:-

As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, I woke up and stretched, my mind still lingering on the events of the previous day. I couldn't help but think about Ashi and the small gesture I'd made last night.

After freshening up, I headed downstairs to find the house unusually quiet. As I entered the living room, I saw Ashi sitting by the window, sipping a cup of tea. She was wearing a simple white kurta, her hair loosely tied back. The light from the window cast a soft glow on her face, making her look even more serene.

She glanced up as I approached, and for a moment, our eyes met. There was something different in her gaze—softer, warmer, and almost grateful.

"Good morning," I said, taking a seat across from her.

"Good morning," she replied, her voice gentle.

I noticed her foot tucked beneath her, the bandage still in place. She seemed a bit shy, almost as if she didn't know how to bring up what she had discovered. I decided to break the silence.

"How's your ankle?" I asked casually, though my heart raced a little, wondering how she would react.

Her cheeks flushed slightly as she looked down at her foot. "It's better," she said softly, her fingers absentmindedly touching the edge of the bandage. "Thank you... for this."

"You should have told me it was hurting," I said, trying to keep my tone light but unable to hide the concern in my voice. "You don't have to tough everything out alone, you know."

She looked up at me, her eyes wide with surprise at my words. "I didn't want to bother you. It's just a small thing."

"It's not a bother," I replied firmly. "If something's hurting you, I want to know."

Ashi smiled, a small, appreciative smile that made my heart skip a beat. "I'll keep that in mind," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Before the moment could become too intense, Riya burst into the room, her usual energetic self. "Good morning, sleepyheads!" she called out. "What are we doing today? I was thinking we could go out for breakfast, then maybe visit that new art gallery that opened downtown. What do you guys think?"

I looked at Ashi, who seemed to brighten at the idea. "That sounds nice," she said, nodding.

"Great! Let's get ready, then!" Riya said, already heading back upstairs to change.

As Riya disappeared, I turned back to Ashi. "Do you need anything before we go?" I asked, my tone more serious.

She shook her head, but the smile on her face said everything. "I'm fine, really. But thank you."

"Alright," I said, standing up. "Let's get ready. I'll meet you in the car."

As I walked away, I couldn't help but glance back at her. She was still sitting by the window, her fingers lightly brushing the bandage, a thoughtful expression on her face. It was a small gesture, but it felt like something had shifted between us, something subtle yet significant.

As I was getting ready, my phone buzzed with a message from my PA: "Sir, the shoes are ready. Should I deliver them to your place?"

I quickly typed a reply, "No, keep them in my car." I sent the message and leaned back, feeling a mix of anticipation and excitement. Everything was falling into place, and I couldn't wait to see her reaction.

I walked over to the wardrobe, briefly opening it again to glance at the dress. It was still there, waiting for the perfect moment.Just then, Riya's voice broke through my thoughts, calling me from downstairs. "Bhaiya, are you ready? Come on, let's go!"

"Coming!" I shouted back, quickly grabbing my phone and wallet.

As I headed out, I caught one last glimpse of the wardrobe, my heart racing with anticipation. Today was going to be a good day, and I was determined to make sure Ashi had no reason to hide her smile. 

ASHI POV:-I quickly changed into a pair of jeans and a shirt, ready for the art gallery, and headed out to the car. As I arrived, I noticed Riya hadn't shown up yet, but Ayan was already there, standing by the car, engrossed in his phone. As I approached and stood beside him, he quickly slipped the phone into his pocket.