The Mafia heart ( book 1 )

chapter 23 A Day to Remember

The following day dawned bright and clear, the sunlight spilling through the curtains and casting a warm glow across the room. Mehek stirred awake to find Vikram already sitting at the edge of the bed, looking out the window. She felt a flutter of something in her chest, but she quickly pushed it aside. They had a complicated history, and she wasn't ready to open that door just yet.

"Good morning," Vikram said, turning to her with a smile. "How did you sleep?"

"Fine, I guess," Mehek replied, rubbing her eyes. "What are you doing up so early?"

"I wanted to let you sleep a bit longer. I thought we could do something fun today, just the two of us," he said, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

"Fun?" Mehek echoed skeptically. "What do you have in mind?"

"Let's go out for breakfast at that café you like," he suggested, his enthusiasm infectious. "Then maybe a stroll at the park?"

Mehek hesitated. The idea of spending time with Vikram outside the house made her nervous. "I don't know if that's a good idea."

"Why not?" he pressed. "We need to have a normal day. You've been taking care of me, and I want to show you how much I appreciate it."

She considered it for a moment. Maybe a day away from the house would be nice. And if they went to the café, she could at least enjoy her favorite pancakes. "Alright," she said finally. "But just breakfast and a walk. That's it."

"Deal!" Vikram replied, a broad smile spreading across his face.

They quickly got ready, and before long, they were heading out. As they drove through the city, Vikram played their favorite songs, and Mehek couldn't help but tap her fingers along to the beat. The familiar rhythm brought back memories of the time before their marriage had become strained.

At the café, the smell of fresh coffee and baked goods enveloped them as they settled at a cozy corner table. Vikram scanned the menu with a grin. "I know what I'm getting-pancakes, just like you!"

Mehek laughed, feeling a warmth spread through her. "You remember?"

"Of course! You always used to talk about them," he said, looking genuinely pleased. "What are you having?"

"I think I'll try the French toast today," she replied, glancing over the menu one more time. "It looks delicious."

When the waiter arrived, they both ordered their meals and drinks. As they waited, Vikram leaned back in his chair, watching her with a soft expression. "I've missed this. Just being with you like this, having fun."

Mehek met his gaze but quickly looked away. "It's just breakfast, Vikram."

"Yeah, but it feels like more to me," he said, his voice sincere. "I know things have been rough, but I want to change that."

"Why do you care so much?" Mehek asked, unable to hide her skepticism. "You could have anyone, but you chose me."

"Because you're different," Vikram replied, leaning forward. "You challenge me. You make me want to be a better person. I see something in you that I can't explain."

Mehek felt her heart race at his words, but she couldn't allow herself to believe them. "I don't know, Vikram. We have so much history, and it's not all good."

"True," he admitted. "But we can't change the past. All we can do is move forward, right?"

Their meals arrived, and the conversation shifted as they dug into their food. With each bite, Mehek found herself relaxing a little more. The pancakes were fluffy and sweet, just as she remembered. Vikram watched her with delight as she savored her meal.

"You look happy," he said, grinning.

"I am," she replied, surprised at how easy it was to enjoy this moment. "These pancakes are amazing."

They finished their meal and decided to walk to the nearby park. The fresh air felt invigorating, and Mehek couldn't help but smile as they strolled along the path. Vikram stayed close, and she appreciated his presence.

"Look at that," Vikram said, pointing at a group of children playing soccer. "Reminds me of when we were kids, right?"

"Yeah, those were the days," Mehek agreed, her thoughts drifting back to simpler times when life felt less complicated.

As they walked, they passed a small pond with ducks swimming lazily. Vikram suddenly stopped and grabbed a handful of bread from his pocket. "Want to feed the ducks?"

"Where did you get that?" Mehek laughed, incredulous.

"I always come prepared," he said, grinning. He tossed some bread into the pond, and the ducks waddled over eagerly.

Mehek joined him, tossing in pieces of bread and giggling at the ducks' antics. "This is fun," she admitted, feeling a lightness she hadn't experienced in a long time.

"I knew you'd enjoy it," Vikram said, his eyes sparkling with happiness. "We should do this more often."

"Maybe," she replied, trying to keep her guard up. "But don't get your hopes up."

They continued walking, enjoying the warmth of the sun and each other's company. They talked about everything and nothing, and with each passing moment, Mehek felt her walls beginning to crumble.

"Mehek," Vikram said suddenly, stopping to look at her. "Can I be honest?"

"Sure," she replied, her heart pounding.

"I love being with you like this. I want to build something real between us. I know it's going to take time, but I'm willing to put in the effort," he confessed.

She felt her breath hitch. "Vikram, I... I don't know if I can."

"Why not?" he asked gently, taking a step closer. "What's holding you back?"

"It's complicated," she said, looking away. "There's so much history between us. I can't just forget it."

"I don't want you to forget it. I want us to face it together," he said earnestly. "Let's take it one step at a time. I'll be here for you, no matter what."

Mehek felt a swirl of emotions-fear, hope, confusion. "I just don't want to get hurt again," she admitted softly.

"I understand. But I promise I'll do everything I can to prove I'm not the same person I used to be," he said, his voice steady and reassuring.

As they stood there, looking into each other's eyes, Mehek felt a flicker of possibility. Maybe it was time to let go of the past and allow herself to hope for something better. But a small voice in her head warned her to be careful.

With a shaky breath, she nodded. "Okay, let's see where this goes. But no promises."

"Fair enough," Vikram said, a smile breaking across his face. "That's all I ask."

As they walked away from the pond, hand in hand, Mehek couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with trepidation. Today had been a step towards healing, and for the first time in a long time, she felt the weight of her past begin to lift.