Chapter 30
Arundhati still sat in a daze, her heart hammering from the way Kushal had stood up to Kamya, so unapologetically, so fiercely, calling her ‘my wife’ in front of her rival. She was flushed with happiness, yet restless, sitting in the car beside him as he drove in silence.
She couldn’t hold it in.
“Thanks,” she murmured, turning to him.
He didn’t reply. His eyes stayed fixed on the road. But she pressed further.
“Did I really hear you say ‘my wife’? When you told Kamya not to disrespect me?” Her tone was coaxing, daring him to repeat it.
Again, silence. Just his grip tightened around the wheel.
“You did say it,” she pushed, her lips curving faintly. “Claiming me. What’s that supposed to mean, Kushal?”
Finally, his head turned hard towards her, just once. “It doesn’t have to mean anything. You’re still my wife on papers until the court approves the divorce.”
Her smile fell, but only for a beat.
“And the court is never going to approve it.” She shot back. “Even if they do, I won’t.”
Before she could throw more fire, the car slowed. She frowned as he pulled up not outside their office, but in front of her favorite Italian restaurant. Her brows furrowed. Why here? He switched off the engine, stepped out casually, and she found herself following.
She then recalled, once, early in their marriage, she had told him this was her favorite spot in the city. They had never managed to dine here together. Her lips tugged into an involuntary smile. So this was his plan? Maybe he had noticed she hadn’t eaten all day and decided to bring her here for lunch. A small, thoughtful gesture. Was this his way of making peace? Of finally taking a step toward her?
Still, she needed confirmation.
“Why are we here?” she asked softly, almost hopeful.
Kushal shrugged, scanning the entrance. “To eat.”
Her heart warmed. “Finally. Someone’s taking the lead. Let’s get inside. I’m starving.” She turned toward the entrance, took a few eager steps, then halted. Something was off. She turned back and saw him still standing rooted by the car, making no attempt to follow.
Confused, she retraced her steps. “Come on.”
His hands were shoved into his pockets.
“You need to eat, Aru. Not me.”
Her brows knitted. “What is that supposed to mean?”
His mouth curled into that arrogant smirk. “It means this isn’t a date.”
Her annoyance flared hot. “So you expect me to go in there alone and eat?”
Before he could reply, Akash, their junior lawyer hurried over, beaming at the two.
“Good afternoon, Ma’am, Sir!”
“Akash…” Arundhati looked between Akash and Kushal in irritation. “What are you doing here?”
Akash was still grinning ear to ear. “Sir messaged me a while ago to meet here for lunch. Honestly, he’s never invited me like this before, so how could I miss the chance?”
Arundhati shot a glare straight at Kushal who didn’t flinch. Instead, he looked at Akash with deliberate calm and replied, “Correction, Akash. Your lunch date is with your Arundhati Ma’am. Not me. Enjoy. I’ll be off.”