Chapter 48 — When He Wasn't Ready

That night, after dinner, the Singh mansion had become quiet.

Most of the family had gone to their rooms.

Arnav stepped onto the terrace.

Veeresh followed him.

Arnav stood near the railing and lit a cigarette.

For a few moments, neither of them spoke.

Veeresh looked at him.

Veeresh: Something is bothering you.

Arnav took a slow drag and looked into the distance.

Arnav: Veer...

Veeresh: Hmm?

Arnav: It's hard to accept Ritika completely.

Veeresh remained silent.

Arnav: I am trying.

He looked down at the cigarette in his hand.

Arnav: But I can't forget it, Veer.

Veeresh knew exactly what Arnav was talking about.

After Arnav's marriage, he had finally told Veeresh what had happened in his past and why he had started maintaining distance from everyone.

Veeresh had never judged him for it.

Arnav: I don't know if I tell her... will she judge me?

His voice became quieter.

Arnav: Or will she look at me like I'm ashamed of what happened?

Veeresh: Arnav...

Arnav: I don't want her to see me differently.

Veeresh leaned against the railing.

Veeresh: Don't decide that for her.

Arnav looked at him.

Veeresh: Let Didu decide it herself.

Arnav remained silent.

Veeresh: As far as I know my sister, she will never treat you like that.

He paused.

Veeresh: And neither will Rishi.

Arnav looked away.

Veeresh: You already know how Rishi looks at you.

Arnav's expression softened when he remembered the little boy calling him Baba.

Veeresh: He doesn't care about your past.

Arnav didn't answer.

Veeresh: And Ritika has never judged you for being reserved or distant. She has been trying to understand you from the beginning.

Arnav took another drag.

Arnav: I'm not ready to tell her yet.

Veeresh nodded.

Veeresh: Then don't.

Arnav looked at him.

Veeresh: Tell her when you're ready.

He placed a hand on Arnav's shoulder.

Veeresh: But don't assume she'll reject you before you even give her the chance to understand you.

Arnav remained quiet.

The words stayed with him.

Veeresh: Take your time, bastard.

Arnav gave him a faint look.

But he still said nothing.

He simply stood there, lost in his thoughts, knowing that one day he would have to tell Ritika the truth.

Just not tonight.