Page 35 of Protect my Heart
"No questions asked, my wife," he cuts me off before I can finish.
I scowl and end the call. Great. Now what?
What does ‘get ready’ even mean? How ready? Are we talking wedding-level ready or just a quick grocery store trip? Ugh, he could’ve at least given me a hint. I have no idea what to wear.
Grumbling under my breath, I grab a simple T-shirt that says Caution: I Have No Filter—because honestly, that’s just me—and tug on a pair of baggy jeans. I scrape my hair into a high ponytail, check myself in the mirror once, and grab my phone and bag. Good enough.
Peeking into my mom’s room, I say quickly, "Mumma, I’m going out with Aarav. Call me if you need anything. I’ll be back soon."
She nods distractedly, chanting Kanha’s name with her eyes closed. I smile a little. Outside, Aarav is casually leaning against his car, sleeves rolled up, arms crossed, looking like he just walked off the cover of some men's magazine. His veins are on full display, and I have to admit—he looks way too good for someone who’s supposedly tired.
When he sees me, that slow, satisfied smirk spreads across his face. His eyes trail over me in a way that makes my cheeks heat up. "You look beautiful, my wife," he comments softly, his smile almost... tender.
I open my mouth, ready with some biting comeback—but nothing comes out. Damn it. I forgot how to speak.
"Let’s go," he says, pulling open the passenger door for me.
I climb in without arguing. The sooner I get this over with, the better. The drive is silent except for the soft hum of the car's engine. I try not to fidget, but my curiosity is eating me alive. No matter how many sideways glances I throw him, he doesn’t spill anything. Just that smug little smirk playing on his lips.
I stare out of the window, trying to guess where we’re headed, but the city’s changed so much since I last paid attention. For the hundredth time, I wonder—why can’t he just tell me? What’s with all the suspense? I am not good with that.
CHAPTER 20
ANIKA
The car halts, and I gasp, my head snapping toward Aarav. All my anger—the frustration I’ve been carrying like baggage—suddenly drains away. He smiles at me, a small, almost shy smile that doesn't match the arrogant guy I’ve been mentally yelling at for the past hour.
"Dharma Chole!" I exclaim, recognizing the familiar corner stall.
"Yeah," he says simply.
I blink at him, completely thrown off. Of all the things he could’ve done... he brought me here? It’s my favorite fast food place, the one where I used to waste all his pocket money without a shred of guilt, and he—he never once complained. A smile tugs at my lips as the memories flood in, warming something inside me I didn’t realize had gone cold. The city around us has changed so much over the years—new buildings, new people—but this tiny stall? It’s like it’s frozen in time.
The night air is cool as we step out of the car. I glance around, taking it all in—the dim streetlights casting soft glows on the pavement, a few stragglers strolling by, and the air thick with the mouthwatering smell of chole and spices. My stomach growls loudly, and I feel my face burn with embarrassment.Great. Way to be subtle, Anika. But honestly, if there’s one thing I’m not shy about, it’s my love for food. Judge me all you want, world. I'm a foodie, and I wear that badge with pride.
We walk toward the stall, and as we get closer, the man behind the counter looks up. His face breaks into a wide grin. "Aarav! Look who decided to show up after ages!"
I squint at him, studying the graying hair and the deeper wrinkles. It takes a second—and then it clicks. My eyes widen. I had expected him to retire by now, but here he is. "Ajit Uncle!" I shout, "You have definitely aged," I exclaim, before immediately slapping my hand over my mouth. God, Anika. Could you be any ruder? He’s aged, not committed a crime.
But Uncle just laughs, his eyes crinkling warmly. "And look at you, Anika! All grown up—and so beautiful too." I am impressed; he still remembers me. He shakes his head. "How are you?"
I blush, ducking my head at the unexpected compliment. "I'm fine, Uncle. I hope you’re doing well too," I say, trying to recover.
"I’m good, beta. It’s so good to see you." His eyes flicker between Aarav and me, his smile turning a little mischievous. "So... you two are finally together?"
"No!" I yelp instinctively, shaking my head so hard I almost get whiplash. Aarav raises an eyebrow at me, clearly amused by my freak-out.
"We're not together, Uncle," he says casually. "We're married."
I literally choke on my own spit. My head whips toward him, mouth hanging open like an idiot. Ajit Uncle looks justas shocked, but he recovers faster than me. "You two got married and didn’t even invite me?" he says, half-joking but still sounding a little hurt.
"It all happened really fast, Uncle," Aarav says smoothly, like this whole situation isn’t completely insane.
Uncle chuckles and shakes his head. "Same order as always?" he asks, looking at me.
I nod eagerly, my stomach already doing happy cartwheels. I see Aarav taking out his wallet, and before I can even start protesting, he shakes his head and frowns—as if he can read my thoughts. I can’t let him pay, especially after everything, but I also know he won’t listen.
He takes out some cash and hands it over to Uncle, but that’s not what catches my eye.
