Chapter 37 — No Second Thought

Arnav continued to hold Ritika quietly until her breathing became calmer.

He gently lifted her chin so she would look at him.

Arnav: Ritu, don't ever think this marriage is wrong.

Ritika looked at him through her tears.

Arnav: And don't ever think I deserve someone with a "clear past" and without baggage.

He shook his head.

Arnav: Everyone has a past. I have one too.

Ritika's eyes searched his face.

Arnav: There are things about my past that I haven't told you yet.

Ritika remained silent.

Arnav: But that doesn't mean I look at your past and judge you.

He held her hand firmly.

Arnav: You are my wife.

His voice was calm but certain.

Arnav: You are the only person my parents chose for me... and you are the person I chose too.

Ritika's eyes filled with tears again.

Arnav: So don't ever compare yourself to some imaginary woman I supposedly deserve.

He gently wiped her cheek.

Arnav: There is no second thought.

Ritika: Arnav...

Arnav: You are my first and last choice, Ritu.

He paused.

Arnav: No second thought.

Ritika looked at him, unable to speak.

Arnav: I don't want a different wife.

He looked directly into her eyes.

Arnav: I chose you.

His voice softened.

Arnav: And I chose Rishi too.

Ritika finally broke down and rested her forehead against his shoulder.

Arnav wrapped his arms around her.

For the first time since the marriage, Ritika allowed herself to believe that perhaps she wasn't being accepted out of sympathy.

Perhaps Arnav truly meant what he was saying.

And perhaps this marriage wasn't a mistake after all.