Arranged Love

37. Trouble in Paradise?

Disclaimer: All the characters written below are imaginary and a work of pure fiction. There is no resemblance to any incident or situation and is written as a work of fiction.

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Smriti's POV -

"Smriti, you haven't touched your lunch. What's going on?" Vartika asks, noticing me poke at my food absentmindedly.

It's lunchtime at the college, and I find myself sitting at our usual spot in the cafeteria with Akash and Vartika. The noise around us is the usual blend of chatter, laughter, and the clatter of trays, but it all feels like a distant hum to me today.

I shake my head, forcing a smile. "Nothing, Vartika. Just not very hungry today."

Akash gives me a skeptical look. "Not hungry? Smriti, you're always the one who finishes first and even takes bites from our plates," he teases, trying to lighten the mood. "I smell some trouble in paradise."

I let out a sigh, knowing I can't hide anything from these two.

Since the past few months we have become the best of friends and have already shared our whole life story with each other. They know I come from what background and under what circumstances Vivek and I got married.

Similarly, I know that Akash has been on search for a lover since he broke up with his ex in 12th and how Vartika finds all men ass, umm, at least most of them.

"Smriti, you k?" Vartika leans towards me in concern.

"It's... it's nothing, really. Just some stuff at home."

Vartika narrows her eyes at me, her concern growing. "Stuff at home? You mean with Vivek?"

I look down at my plate, trying to find the right words. "Sort of," I admit quietly. "We just... had a disagreement this morning. It's nothing big, just... I don't know."

Akash leans closer, his voice soft with concern. "You want to talk about it?"

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of their concern. "It's just... my mother showed up unannounced last evening," I begin slowly, trying to sort out my feelings. "There was a bit of a scene, and Vivek got upset because he felt it was all handled behind his back."

Akash whistles softly. "Ouch. I can see how that might be a problem."

Vartika frowns. "Handled behind his back? What do you mean?"

"My mother-in-law didn't ask her to leave immediately," I explain, feeling the frustration bubble up again. "She tried to avoid a scene in front of the guests. I understand why she did it, but Vivek... he thinks it should have been dealt with differently. He's upset that I sided with his mom instead of him."

Vartika nods sympathetically. "That's a tough spot to be in. You were just trying to keep the peace, right?"

"Exactly," I say, feeling a bit relieved that they understand. "I didn't want things to blow up. But now it feels like I've made it worse. Vivek was so frustrated when he left for the hospital."

Look, Smriti, as the resident male brain expert here," Akash begins, puffing up his chest rather seriously, "I can tell you, Vivek is probably not as upset with you as you think. Guys are simple. He's likely more frustrated with the situation than with you directly."

Vartika rolls her eyes, but she's smiling. "Oh, here we go. The great Akash, mansplaining relationships to us. Do tell, wise one."

Akash grins, unfazed. "I'm serious! From my vast experience with the male species," he continues, clearly enjoying himself, "I can say Vivek just needs some time to cool off. Once he gets home, give him a hug, tell him you understand his point, and he'll be fine. Trust me, I know how guys think. Sometimes a little love can go a long way."