Chapter 38 — A Little Peace

Arnav gently wiped the last tears from Ritika's face.

He then carefully lifted her and carried her toward the bed.

Ritika: Arnav, I can walk.

Arnav: I know.

He gently placed her on the bed and pulled the blanket over her.

Arnav lay beside her.

For a moment, he simply looked at her.

Then he gently pulled her closer to him.

Ritika rested against his chest, still emotionally exhausted from everything that had happened.

Arnav wrapped his arms around her, holding her securely.

There were no more arguments.

No explanations.

No accusations.

Just silence.

Ritika slowly relaxed in his arms.

She could hear his steady breathing and the quiet beating of his heart.

Arnav closed his eyes.

Ritika also closed hers.

For the first time that night, she didn't feel like she was carrying everything alone.

She slowly fell asleep in his arms.

Arnav remained awake for a few moments, looking down at her peacefully sleeping face.

He gently tightened his embrace.

Then he closed his eyes.

And eventually, both of them slept peacefully together, holding on to each other after a night filled with difficult words, tears, and finally, understanding.