Chapter 26 — The Quiet Appreciation

After breakfast, Arnav stood up from the dining table and adjusted his watch.

Arnav: I'll leave now.

He looked around the table and greeted everyone.

Arnav: Bye, everyone.

Abhram: Take care, beta.

Shabana: Have a good day.

Arnav's eyes briefly moved toward Ritika.

She looked at him.

For a moment, neither said anything.

Arnav gave her a small nod.

Arnav: Bye, Ritika.

Ritika: Bye.

Arnav then walked out of the dining hall.

Rishi, who was nearby, quickly came toward him.

Rishi: Bye, Baba!

Arnav stopped and looked down at him.

Arnav: Bye, beta.

Rishi smiled brightly.

Arnav gently touched his head before walking toward the entrance.

Soon, his car left for Qureshi Industries.

Inside the dining hall, Rehnaa quietly observed Ritika.

She had noticed everything.

Ritika had prepared the entire breakfast with care. She had probably expected Arnav to say something about the food.

But Arnav had remained quiet.

Rehnaa could see the brief disappointment on Ritika's face.

Then Ritika had noticed Arnav serving himself a second helping.

Her expression had immediately changed.

She had smiled.

Rehnaa smiled to herself.

She needs time to understand him.

Arnav was not a man who expressed everything through words.

And Ritika was still learning how he communicated.

Rehnaa looked at Ritika affectionately.

Rehnaa: Beta.

Ritika turned toward her.

Ritika: Yes, Phupi?

Rehnaa smiled.

Rehnaa: Don't worry if he doesn't say everything aloud.

Ritika looked slightly confused.

Rehnaa: Some people show appreciation differently.

Ritika lowered her eyes and smiled softly.

She understood exactly what Rehnaa meant.

Outside, Arnav's car was already on its way to Qureshi Industries.

And inside the mansion, Ritika quietly began to understand one small thing about her husband.

His silence did not always mean indifference.