Chapter 7: Teasing, Truths, and a Glimmer of Hope

Kabir elbowed Aman in the stomach, forcibly cutting him off.

Aman yelped, rubbing his side, finally catching on. The group fell silent, all eyes on me.

I heard the familiar name and was stunned for a moment.

Meera. I hadn’t heard her name spoken aloud in years. The memories came rushing back, unbidden.

Meera, she’s back?

I wondered if Arjun had known, if he’d already met her. My heart twisted at the thought.

Has Arjun been in contact with her...

I glanced at him, searching his face for any sign, any clue.

"See, I told you. Priya asked for the address just to pick up her husband and take him home."

Kabir grinned, clearly enjoying himself. Kabir’s voice was sly, the kind you’d hear from nosy aunties at weddings. I shot him a glare, but he only winked back.

"Arjun—"

Kabir turned and pulled Arjun over, stuffing his arm into my embrace.

Arjun stumbled slightly, letting himself be steered. His hand landed on my shoulder, warm and reassuring.

"Go home, you two. Go on, go on."

Kabir shooed us away, waving off our protests. The others laughed, throwing out last-minute teases.

"Priya, Arjun is drunk—dead drunk. You can do whatever you want with him~"

Kabir’s voice was sly, full of innuendo. I blushed, unable to meet anyone’s eyes.

I was stunned, and when I looked up, I saw Kabir winking at Arjun.

There was a secret understanding between them. I wondered what I was missing.

I looked at Arjun in confusion.

He looked perfectly sober, eyes clear and steady. Was he pretending?

There was only a faint smell of alcohol on him, his eyes were clear, and he stood steady—not a trace of drunkenness.

He met my gaze, a small smile tugging at his lips. I felt my cheeks heat up.

Just as I was puzzling over it,

A shadow suddenly fell over Arjun’s eyes, and his tall body swayed slightly.

He leaned into me, his head resting on my shoulder. For a moment, I was lost in the intimacy of the gesture.

Then, he buried his forehead perfectly into the crook of my neck and shoulder.

His breath was warm against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine.

"So dizzy," he murmured, voice husky.

I could hear the smile in his words. Was he playing along?

"They made me drink... Did Priya come all the way here just to pick me up?"

His tone was soft, teasing. I nodded, unable to speak, my heart thudding in my chest.

Arjun’s warm breath tickled my neck, sending a shiver through me.

His fingers squeezed mine, grounding me. The rest of the world faded away.

Amid Kabir and the others’ teasing,

The group catcalled and whistled, their laughter echoing through the lounge. I felt exposed, but strangely happy.

I didn’t know what to do, so I could only softly reply, "Mm."

It was the only sound I could manage, my throat tight with emotion.

Arjun smiled and gently laced his fingers with mine.

His grip was warm, reassuring. I squeezed back, letting myself believe, just for tonight, that we were truly a couple.

I lowered my head in a panic and carefully led him out.

The air outside was cool, the city quieter now. I glanced at him, wondering if he’d remember any of this in the morning.

[This is the first time my wife has come to pick me up and take me home.]

His voice echoed in my ear, clear as day. I looked around, startled—had I imagined it?

I was startled and turned to look at him.

He wore a triumphant smile at the corner of his mouth, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

There was mischief in his eyes, a glint I’d never seen before. I felt my heart leap.

He didn’t speak, but I heard his voice again:

[Kabir’s advice was actually useful.]

I stifled a laugh, glancing at Arjun out of the corner of my eye. So this was all a set-up?

[My wife looks so cute when she’s shy.]

I blushed, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. Could he really think that about me?

[Hmm, can I use the third box of Durex tonight?]

I nearly choked, my cheeks flaming. He caught my eye and grinned, the implication clear.

At a red light while driving,

The city lights shimmered on the windshield. I stole a glance at Arjun, his head leaning back against the seat, eyes closed. His fingers still intertwined with mine, refusing to let go.

But as I drove us home, his hand in mine, I wondered—was I finally hearing his heart, or just my own wishful thinking?