Destiny: Time To Fall In Love

Chapter 27 - The Price of Peace

Since the day of the accident, Aashi had been a constant shadow in Veer's recovery. She visited the hospital every single day, sometimes with Aryan and sometimes alone, bringing a whirlwind of energy into the sterile room. She had practically begged him to move into their penthouse so she could look after him, but Veer-stubborn as always-refused to impose.

Today was discharge day. After the paperwork was finally cleared, Aryan and Aashi escorted Veer back to his luxury hotel suite.

No sooner had Veer sat down than Aashi began unpacking a set of thermal containers. "Have it while it's still hot, Veer. It won't taste good if it gets cold, and you need the nutrition to heal that bone." She placed a steaming bowl of soup in front of him.

Veer took a tentative spoonful, his eyes widening as the flavors hit him. He looked up at Aashi in genuine shock. "How is it?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with hope. "It's the first time you're ever tasting my cooking."

"Oh my God, Aashi," Veer said, taking another hearty gulp. "Since when did you start cooking? The Aashi I knew didn't even know how to make a cup of coffee, and here you are making this super yummy soup!"

Aashi broke into a bright laugh, waving her hand dismissively. "Oh, please, Veer! You're just exaggerating."

"Aryan, you should have some too," she said, passing a bowl toward her husband.

Aryan looked at the soup, then at his wife, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "No, darling. I'm not hungry right now. I'll have my 'treat' later," he said, punctuating the sentence with a slow wink.

Aashi's cheeks turned pink as she gave him a sheepish smile. "Oh... okay, hubby."

Veer rolled his eyes, dropping his spoon into the bowl with a dramatic clack. "Don't you guys have any shame left? A patient is sitting right here in front of you, and you're being all lovey-dovey! Are you trying to rub salt on my wounds, you shameless people?"

Aashi and Aryan both laughed, the tension of the past few days finally snapping.

"By the way," Veer added, licking his spoon and holding out his bowl like a hungry child. "This soup really is delicious. I need a refill."

As Aashi poured more, she leaned back with a proud smile. "You know, there was a time in Japan when I used to live alone for a week at a stretch. My dear husband was so busy with his projects that he didn't even come home. I had to learn to cook, or I would have starved!"

Veer looked at Aryan, then back at Aashi. "Well, I definitely didn't know you could cook this well. I'm impressed."

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After ensuring Veer was settled in his hotel suite, Aashi and Aryan returned to their penthouse. The quiet of their home felt heavy after the long day.

"Honey, do you still have some of that soup left?" Aryan asked, loosening his tie. "I'm actually pretty hungry now. I'll have that first, then I'll order us something proper for dinner since we're both exhausted."

Aashi gave him a thumbs up. "Just give me a moment, I'll heat it up for you."

She placed a bowl in the microwave, the hum of the machine the only sound in the kitchen. When it beeped, she brought it out, pouring a small portion for herself to taste alongside him. But the moment the spoon touched her tongue, her eyes widened in shock.

Aashi immediately spat the soup out into the sink, coughing.

"What happened, Aashi?" Aryan rushed to her side, his hand on her back. "Is everything alright? Why did you spit it out?"