Chapter 4: The Road to Kaveripur
Arjun quickly got dressed, then pulled a big shawl from a trunk and wrapped it around me without a word.
The shawl was thick and smelled faintly of mothballs and sandalwood. He draped it over my shoulders, his hands lingering for a moment as if to make sure I was really warm. For the first time, I saw something almost gentle in his eyes.
"Your hands are so cold. Are you cold?"
I didn’t care about being cold now—I got straight to the point.
I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. The words tumbled out in a rush, my heart pounding. I hesitated, then softly touched the red glass bangle on my wrist, feeling the weight of my sindoor as I spoke, showing all my vulnerability and hope. "I heard you’re going to Kaveripur at the end of the month. Can I go with you?"
Arjun’s eyes darkened, unreadable. For a moment, I forgot to breathe. Would he say yes—or lock me away for good?