Chapter 61 — Everything She Had Been Holding In

Arnav glanced at Ritika while driving.

Arnav: Still angry, Ritu?

Ritika immediately answered.

Ritika: Yes. I am angry at you.

Arnav: I know.

Ritika: No, you don't.

She looked out of the window, trying to control her emotions.

Ritika: You don't ask, Arnav. You always assume everything.

He became quiet.

Ritika: You assumed I wanted to go to IIT Delhi because I still loved Pavan.

Her voice trembled.

Ritika: You assumed I wanted to separate you from your family.

She turned toward him.

Ritika: You believed all of that without even asking me what I meant.

Arnav tightened his grip on the steering wheel.

Ritika: And then you hurt me with your words.

A tear rolled down her cheek.

Ritika: You said you regretted falling in love with me.

Arnav looked at her briefly.

Ritika: Do you know how painful that was?

He didn't answer.

Ritika: You don't believe me.

She wiped her tears.

Ritika: And I'm also angry because you still haven't given me a gift for our wedding night.

Arnav glanced at her.

Arnav: Ritu—

Ritika: No, let me finish.

She folded her arms.

Ritika: I'm angry about everything.

She took a breath.

Ritika: Even this morning.

Ritika: I kept your suit ready for you.

Arnav remained silent.

Ritika: You saw it and deliberately wore another suit.

Ritika: I prepared breakfast, and you didn't even have what I made.

Her voice became emotional.

Ritika: You pushed the chair and walked away.

She wiped another tear.

Ritika: And then you thought I was trying to separate you from your family just because I asked to stay at my parents' house.

Arnav looked at her.

Ritika: Maa and Phupi had already suggested that you and I stay in the penthouse for some time.

Ritika: It wasn't my plan to take you away from anyone.

She shook her head.

Ritika: But you believed it.

A pause.

Ritika: You believed I was still living in my past.

She looked down.

Ritika: Even after everything I've told you.

Her voice broke.

Ritika: I chose you, Arnav.

She wiped her tears again.

Ritika: But sometimes you make me feel like I have to keep proving that to you.

Arnav slowed the car.

He looked at her properly this time.

She quickly turned toward the window.

Ritika: I'm tired of being questioned for things I never did.

Arnav remained silent.

He could see that her anger wasn't really about the suit or the breakfast.

It was about everything those small things represented.

She wanted to feel trusted.

She wanted to feel chosen.

And most importantly, she wanted her husband to ask her instead of assuming the worst.