THE IMPERFECT PERFECTIONS

•Δ50~ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

☆ .♡‧₊˚ ☆ .♡ ‧₊ ♡‧₊ ☆ .♡ ☆ .♡‧₊˚ ☆ .♡☆ .♡‧₊˚

“Penthouse? You own a penthouse?” Taniya asked, her excitement clear in her voice.

“Yes, and you’ve been there. You just don’t remember it,” he replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he recalled that night.

Taniya froze for a moment, the memory of that night suddenly rushing back.

“That night,” she murmured, piecing it all together. It was the only time she’d shared with Aditya that she couldn’t quite place in her mind.

Aditya had a way of making everything so unforgettable, so meaningful, that each moment they spent together felt etched in her memory except that one.

“But why though?” she asked, curiosity creeping in.

“Just wanted a change of environment,” he answered nonchalantly.

Taniya didn’t press further, figuring maybe Aditya had grown tired of staying at home over the past month.

The car came to a halt at a red signal and an elderly woman tapped on the window, holding a bundle of red roses.

“Sir, only ₹10 each. These will surely make your wife smile,” the old woman offered, her voice filled with hope.

With the sun setting and the day winding down, the woman had only a few roses left. Aditya, without a second thought, bought them all, handing over the money.

“Aap donoon humesha khush raho aur saath raho,” the old woman said, blessing him with a gentle touch on his head before walking away.

The light turned green and Aditya moved the car a few meters, only to stop once more.

Another elderly lady stood at the roadside, selling flowers. Aditya bought a bunch from her as well, receiving the same heartfelt blessing.

Taniya watched as the old woman blessed him and Aditya's face lit up with a rare, contented smile. She couldn’t help but smile too, seeing him so genuinely happy, lost in the moment.

This continued at every signal they encountered and by the time they reached the penthouse, Taniya had enough individually packed roses Aditya had collected that she could make a bouquet out of it.

When they arrived at the building, Aditya turned off the engine and immediately got out of the car.

He went to her side, first opening the back door, then her door. He gently picked up the roses and Taniya gathered the remaining ones, placing them in the back seat of the car.

Aditya locked the car and hand in hand, they made their way toward the entrance. As they stood waiting for the lift, Aditya’s phone pinged and at the exact moment, the lift doors opened.

Taniya was about to step in when Aditya suddenly pulled her back, causing her to stumble slightly.

She looked up at him, meeting his gaze—he was calm, but there was something unreadable in his eyes.

Taniya, still recovering from the unexpected move, frowned in confusion.

“I forgot to grab something to eat,” he said, almost sheepishly.

Taniya blinked at him, her expression clearly asking, You pulled me back for that?

He didn’t seem to notice her silent question. With her hand still in his, he turned back toward the door, leading her along.

Taniya didn’t say a word. She didn’t know what to say, her thoughts a little tangled as they walked back together.

They got back in the car and headed toward the nearest store. As soon as they entered, Taniya grabbed a basket and headed straight for the snacks aisle. She picked out a few packets of chips and, holding them up to Aditya, asked, “Do you like these?”