Finding the Lost Souls (Watty 2018)

6. THE DINNER

“So, how long is it going to last?”
Raman gave them a confused look.

“What are you talking about? What’s going to last, and for how long?”

“All we’re saying is, why are you coming to the office like it’s any other day? Don’t you have something more important to do?” Neil asked, sipping his drink.

“Will you stop talking in riddles and get to the point?” Raman’s irritation was evident.

“First, promise us you won’t scold us,” Romi chimed in hesitantly.

Raman’s patience snapped. “If you don’t speak now, I will definitely scold you!”

“Bhai, what we mean is... don’t you think—”

“Keep talking.”

“Bhai, you’re married now. You should spend some time with her.” Romi’s voice dropped to a whisper as he noticed Raman’s glare.

“Why are you all so concerned about me?” Raman’s voice hardened. “You know very well I’ll never accept this marriage. I don’t believe in it—neither in this marriage nor in any relationship with her.”

Neil leaned forward, his tone serious. “And how long do you plan to keep this up? Whether you accept it or not, the reality doesn’t change. She’s your wife now, and she deserves happiness—happiness that you can give her. This situation is just as awkward for her as it is for you, so why—”

“Enough!” Raman snapped, standing abruptly. He gathered his belongings, his face cold and distant. “Stop wasting your time thinking about me. There is nothing more between us than that of strangers. She may have married me, but happiness isn’t in her destiny. And I have no intention of giving anyone the power to hurt me again. Not after what’s already been taken from me.”

With those final words, Raman grabbed his car keys and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

“Argh!” Mihir groaned, throwing up his hands. “I knew he’d say something like that. Now what?”

“Don’t worry, Mihir,” Romi said, determination lacing his voice. “I know Bhai is stubborn, but everyone has a breaking point. One day, he won’t be able to resist.”

Raman left the office, his mind clouded with frustration. As he passed the reception desk, Reena, the receptionist, greeted him with a warm smile.
“Congratulations on your success, sir.”

“Thank you, Reena,” Raman replied with a forced smile, ready to head out.

“Sir, there was a call for you—a message, too. I’m sorry, I forgot to tell you earlier.”

Raman paused. “It’s okay. Who called?”

“Some Ishita madam,” Reena informed him. “She wanted to thank you.”

Raman’s heart skipped a beat. Shock mingled with a strange excitement he hadn’t felt in a long time. “Did she say anything else?”

“No, sir. She sounded hesitant, but she just wanted to thank you.”

Raman stood there for a moment, a small smile playing on his lips.
“Thank you, Reena. Good night.”

As he walked toward the exit, his mind replayed Ishita’s hesitant yet meaningful gesture. For the first time in a while, something softened within him.

Here's the edited version of your chapter with improved flow, clarity, and enhanced emotional depth:

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On the other side, Ishita had decided to spend the evening with Dai Ma. She had spent the entire day thinking about something special to do for Raman, but nothing came to mind. She wanted to ask her mother-in-law, but she was busy at the club with her friends. With no one else in the house to guide her about Raman's likes and dislikes, she chose to accompany Dai Ma in the kitchen, who was busy cooking her husband's favorite dishes.