Chapter 10 — One Request

The three of them sat together inside the quiet restaurant.

Rishi was slowly becoming more comfortable around Arnav. At first, he had been reserved and hesitant, but now he was sitting nearby, quietly playing with the small toy he had brought with him.

Arnav observed him carefully.

He noticed that Rishi was an introverted child. He didn't speak unnecessarily, but he seemed comfortable in Arnav's presence.

After some time, Arnav took out a cigarette.

Ritika noticed it, and Arnav glanced at her.

Arnav: I have this habit. I hope you're okay with it.

Ritika looked at him calmly.

Ritika: It's your habit. I won't judge you.

Arnav nodded and lit the cigarette, keeping some distance from Rishi.

After a moment, he looked toward Ritika.

Arnav: Are you okay with all of this?

Ritika: With what?

Arnav: This marriage. Me. My lifestyle. Everything.

His voice remained calm and serious.

Arnav: If you're being forced into this, tell me now. I don't want you to say yes because your family expects you to.

Ritika looked directly at him.

Ritika: No. I'm not being forced.

Arnav nodded slowly.

He glanced toward Rishi, who was quietly playing.

Arnav: Rishi is a nice boy.

Ritika smiled faintly.

Arnav: You've brought him up beautifully.

Ritika: Thank you.

She looked at her son.

Ritika: He's a little introverted. He doesn't open up easily with people.

Arnav: I could see that.

He glanced at Rishi again.

Arnav: But he's comfortable with me.

Ritika smiled.

Ritika: Yes. I noticed that too.

There was a brief silence.

Arnav looked at her.

Arnav: Think about everything carefully. You don't have to give me an answer today. Take your time.

Ritika: Sure.

She hesitated before speaking again.

Ritika: Arnav, I have only one request.

Arnav looked at her.

Ritika: Please don't hurt Rishi.

Her voice was soft but firm.

Ritika: I think he has accepted you already.

Arnav's expression became serious.

He looked toward Rishi for a moment and then back at Ritika.

Arnav: I don't make promises I cannot keep.

His tone was cold and controlled.

Arnav: But if Rishi accepts me, I will never intentionally become the reason for his pain.

Ritika remained silent.

Arnav: If I enter your life, I understand that I am not entering it alone.

He looked once more toward Rishi.

Arnav: He comes with you.

Ritika's eyes softened.

For the first time, she felt that perhaps Arnav understood what she was trying to say.

Not completely.

Not yet.

But enough to give her hope.