He Put My Name on the Deed, But Gave His Heart to Another
Chapter 3: Aftershocks
I sat there, numb.
The AC chilled my bare arms, but I barely felt it. The lobby music faded behind the echo of his words. My mind jumped back to this morning, to Arjun’s kiss on my forehead as I woke up.
I’d blushed and pushed him away.
The warmth of his lips still lingered on my skin. “What you did last night… I didn’t like it.”
Arjun picked up my wide-toothed comb, running it gently through my hair, just like Amma used to when I was little. “It won’t happen again.”
“You said that last time.”
He didn’t get annoyed. Instead, he smiled, touching my cheek with the back of his hand. “Toh kya karoon? Next time, Priya ke hisaab se karenge.”
I got so embarrassed my neck turned red.
I tried hiding my face behind a pillow, but he just laughed. “Bas karo yaar. Aren’t you getting late for work? Still here?”
Arjun pretended to check his watch.
“Haan, really need to go, or I’ll lose this month’s attendance bonus.”
“Still have to save up for Priya’s bigger house—one with proper cross-ventilation and those huge windows you like.”
For the hundredth time, I told him I liked our current flat. It was old, but homey.
“Actually, you didn’t have to put only my name on the deed, since you paid for it.”
“If your parents find out, they’ll be upset.”
Arjun dressed, then gave me a goodbye kiss. He adjusted my dupatta, making sure it sat right, and pressed his lips to my forehead—just like Papa did before I’d leave for college. “How could it be unnecessary?”
“If one day I’m not by your side, at least you’ll have a place to call home.”
I scolded him for saying such unlucky things.
“Nazar lag jayegi! Don’t say that.” But I never imagined his words would come true.
The prince always goes back to his castle to marry the princess.
Cinderella keeps working, saving for a home she’ll never share.
