RESTART

chapter 9

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue across the sky, Abhiman arrived at Jeevika’s family home to pick her up. He greeted her family with a polite nod, but his focus was on Jeevika, who stood ready to leave. Despite their polite conversation, he could sense the underlying tension and quickly excused himself, knowing that their departure would be the best for everyone involved.

“Let’s go,” he said, extending his hand to Jeevika.

She took his hand with a grateful smile, and they made their way to the car. Abhiman’s demeanor was calm and reassuring, but Jeevika’s thoughts were elsewhere. She settled into the passenger seat, gazing out the window as the city lights began to twinkle in the distance.

The drive was quiet, and the steady hum of the engine was the only sound between them. Suddenly, Jeevika’s stomach let out a loud growl, breaking the silence. She turned to Abhiman, feeling a bit embarrassed.

“Didn’t you eat anything for dinner?” Abhiman asked, glancing at her with concern.

Jeevika nodded, a bit shyly. “I didn’t eat much. I was too anxious to enjoy the meal.”

As if on cue, her eyes caught sight of a bustling street food stall, its colorful array of snacks and treats catching her attention. She turned to Abhiman with a hopeful look. “Can we stop there? I’m really hungry and could use something to eat.”

Abhiman glanced at the stall, considering. “I was thinking we’d have dinner at a restaurant,” he said. “But if you’re that hungry…”

Jeevika’s face fell slightly, her disappointment evident. Abhiman couldn’t help but smile at her earnest expression. “Alright, let’s stop,” he said, pulling over to the side of the road.

The moment they stepped out of the car, Jeevika’s face lit up with excitement. She eagerly led Abhiman to the stall, where an assortment of street food awaited. The stall was adorned with bright lights and the aroma of spices, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Jeevika immediately gravitated toward the panipuri stand, her eyes wide with anticipation. She ordered a plateful of the spicy, tangy treats, and with a mischievous grin, she handed one to Abhiman. He took a cautious bite, his face contorting slightly at the intense spiciness.

“Isn’t it too spicy for you?” Jeevika asked, giggling at his reaction.

Abhiman shook his head, trying to hide his discomfort. “It’s definitely… strong.”

Undeterred, Jeevika continued to enjoy the panipuri, occasionally stuffing one into Abhiman’s mouth despite his protests. He tried to keep up with her enthusiasm, though the spice was not his favorite. They both laughed as Jeevika playfully teased him about his reaction.

After the panipuri, they tried other street foods—chaat, vada pav, and various snacks that Jeevika savored with evident joy. Abhiman watched her with a mix of amusement and affection, happy to see her so content, even if he wasn’t fully on board with the spicy fare.

As they rounded off their street food adventure with a shared ice cream, the evening felt lighter and more enjoyable. The cool, creamy treat was a perfect end to their impromptu feast. They sat on a nearby bench, sharing the ice cream and chatting about their day.

Eventually, they made their way back to the car, their bellies full and their spirits lifted. The simple pleasure of street food and each other’s company had brought a sense of normalcy and joy to the evening.

As they drove back home, the comfortable silence between them spoke of a deeper connection forming—a bond that extended beyond their roles as husband and wife. They had shared a genuine, unguarded moment, and it had made their relationship feel a little more real, a little more solid.

When they arrived home, Abhiman walked Jeevika to the door with a contented smile. “Thanks for tonight,” he said softly. “It was fun.”

Jeevika smiled back, feeling a warmth in her heart. “It was, wasn’t it?”

With that, they entered their home, ready to continue their journey together, strengthened by the simple joy of a shared evening.

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