Chapter 54 — The Question That Hurt

Ritika was already lying in bed when Arnav came back from the balcony.

He quietly put out the cigarette and entered the room.

For a moment, Ritika thought he might come to her, pull her closer and explain why he had suddenly refused her application.

She remembered how he had apologised to her before.

How he had told her that he was trying to understand her.

She waited.

But Arnav remained quiet.

He lay down beside her, keeping his thoughts to himself.

Ritika slowly closed her eyes.

Then she heard his voice.

Arnav: Ritu.

Ritika opened her eyes.

Ritika: Yes, Arnav?

There was a pause.

Arnav: Why IIT Delhi?

Ritika looked at him.

Arnav: There are many other universities.

Ritika remained silent.

His next words came out colder than he intended.

Arnav: Is it because your love for your ex-husband is still there?

Ritika's eyes immediately filled with tears.

Arnav: Is that why you want to go back?

He looked at her.

Arnav: To reminisce about the memories?

Ritika couldn't answer.

The question had hurt her deeply.

She remembered everything Arnav had told her earlier.

You are my wife.

You are my first and last choice.

No second thought.

And now he was questioning whether she still wanted to return to the past.

Ritika's lips trembled.

But she didn't say anything.

She didn't want to argue.

She didn't want to explain Pavan's place in her past.

She simply turned away from Arnav.

A tear slipped down her cheek.

Arnav watched her back.

He waited for her to answer.

But Ritika remained silent.

She pulled the blanket slightly closer and closed her eyes.

She cried quietly until exhaustion took over.

Arnav remained awake beside her.

He realized that her silence wasn't an answer.

It was hurt.

But he didn't know how to take back the question he had already asked.