Destiny: Time To Fall In Love

Chapter 25 - A Heart That Never Lied

Author's POV

The sky over the river was a canvas of deep violets and burning golds, reflecting off the water as the sun began its slow descent. On the riverbank, Aashi and Aryan walked in a comfortable, rhythmic silence. Their fingers were interlaced, a familiar warmth that had become their anchor in a foreign land.

No words were needed; the silence between them wasn't empty—it was full of the history they had built over the last five years.

"No matter how many times I come here with you," Aryan spoke, his voice breaking the quiet as he looked at his wife, "it still feels the same. Like the first time."

Aashi turned to him, a playful yet slightly tired smile on her face. "And do you have any idea how long it has been since we actually had the time to come here?"

Aryan's expression shifted to one of genuine apology. He stopped walking and turned to face her. "I know, baby. And I'm extremely sorry. This recent project... it's been demanding. It's taken up every second of my day."

"Aryan, it's not just the recent days," Aashi said, her tone soft but honest. "In this whole month, I've barely seen you. Sometimes I feel like I'm married to the workaholic.

Aryan winced, realizing the weight of his absence. He reached out, gently cupping her face in his palms, his thumbs stroking her cheeks just as they had five years ago in the car. "Baby, just a few more days. Once this project is over, I'm all yours. I promise. Please don't be mad at me."

He looked into her eyes, searching for a sign of forgiveness. "How about I make it up to you tonight? I'll cook. What about that white sauce pasta you love?"

Aashi looked at him, her resolve melting as she made a small, adorable pout. "Along with pasta... I want muffins as well. Double chocolate."

Aryan let out a relieved breath, a vibrant smile spreading across his face. "As you wish, my lady," he said, dramatically bowing in front of her like a loyal knight.

Aashi couldn't help it; a bright, melodic chuckle escaped her lips, echoing over the water. For a moment, the stress of the business world and the shadows of the past were forgotten. In this small pocket of time, they were just Aashi and Aryan.

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After their sunset walk by the river, the air in their Japanese home felt light and intimate. Aryan had barely stepped out of the shower before he headed straight to the kitchen, determined to fulfill Aashi's demand for white sauce pasta and muffins.

He was focused on the prep when he felt a familiar warmth against his back. Aashi's arms wrapped around his waist, her head resting against his shoulder blade.

"You know I won't be able to focus on cooking when you're hugging me like that," Aryan said, tilting his head back to catch a glimpse of her.

Aashi tightened her grip, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Then don't. I can starve myself if it means getting a view as hot as this," she teased, punctuating her sentence with a bold wink.

Aryan's smirk deepened. He turned fully in her arms, his gaze dropping to her lips. "But I can't let my wife starve," he whispered, leaning down so his breath fanned over her ear. "After all, you're going to need a lot of energy for what I have planned for us in the bedroom later."

Aashi froze like a statue, her cheeks instantly flushing a deep, crimson red. She pulled back and swatted his shoulder. "You... you! You're getting more shameless every single day! I'm leaving!"

Aryan watched her attempt to flee, a triumphant laugh bubbling in his chest. Even after five years of marriage, her reactions were his favorite thing in the world. Before she could cross the kitchen threshold, he reached out, caught her wrist, and pulled her back into his chest with a firm tug.