The Stranger's Wife

chapter-18

The ride back from the mall was quiet at first, the warmth of the day lingering like a soft haze over their heads. Arthur glanced through the rearview mirror, a small smile playing on his lips as he watched Aaira and Aarsh walking toward the car. His mind, however, had already begun drifting back to the conversation he had earlier with Aarsh in the gazebo.

Flashback: Gazebo, Morning

Arthur leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees as he looked at Aarsh seriously. The young man shifted uncomfortably beside him, eyes downcast.

"You know," Arthur began, his voice calm but firm, "I've met a lot of people, Aarsh. Many came and went. But your mother... she's different."

Aarsh nodded slowly, not meeting his eyes. Arthur continued.

"I want to talk to you—man to man."

Aarsh looked up, curious.

Arthur exhaled. "I care about your mother. I didn’t know how to say it until now. She’s special. And I want to be with her. But not without your blessing."

Aarsh blinked, surprised. The sincerity in Arthur’s tone wasn’t something he expected.

"You... you want to be with her? Like... together?"

Arthur nodded. "Yes. But if it makes you uncomfortable, if it’s too soon, I’ll take a step back. But I couldn’t lie to myself anymore. I like her."

Aarsh was quiet for a moment. Then he gave a half-smile. "Only if you take us to the mall and help me get the best brownies and waffles. And you have to win her a plush toy."

Arthur chuckled. "Deal."

Aarsh said "jokes apart my mom has suffered a lot in her whole life. Don't hurt her and take good care of her otherwise ill not leave you".

Arthur said in a very serious tone," I promise."

Back to Present

The parking lot was quiet under the streetlights as Arthur opened the car doors. Aarsh pretended to climb into the front seat. He stretched dramatically, yawned, then looked at Arthur with mischief in his eyes.

"You know what? I think I’ll stretch out in the back today. Long legs," he said nonchalantly, then tossed himself into the backseat with an exaggerated sigh.

Arthur raised an eyebrow, amused. "Really? That was subtle."

Aaira returned from the washroom just then and stopped in her tracks. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously as she saw Aarsh in the backseat.

"What’s going on?" she asked, slowly walking over.

Aarsh threw her a boyish grin. "Just saving you the front seat, Mom."

Arthur tried to hide his smirk. "Yeah, front’s all yours."

She stood there for a moment, flustered. The idea of sitting so close to Arthur, especially after the way she’d hugged him earlier in the game zone, sent nervous energy buzzing through her veins. But with no other choice, she opened the door and slid into the passenger seat.

Arthur turned the key and the engine purred to life. He leaned toward her slowly.

"You forgot your seatbelt," he said softly.

Before she could respond, he reached over, his arm brushing against hers, his breath faintly tickling her cheek. She froze. The gentle tug and click of the seatbelt echoed louder than necessary in her ears.

He was close. Too close.

"There," he murmured. "All safe."

She gave a tight nod, refusing to look at him. Her heart was beating so loud, she was sure Aarsh could hear it from the back.

The car rolled down the highway. Aaira stared out of the window, silently cursing her cheeks for burning. Arthur didn’t say anything but his fingers drummed on the steering wheel, a tune in his head, and the occasional glance he stole at her was filled with warmth.

They reached home late, the sky painted deep navy and violet. The porch light was on. As the car rolled to a stop, Aarsh quickly hopped out.

"I’ll go ahead," he said, stifling a yawn. "You guys can walk slow like the oldies."

He disappeared inside with a grin.

Arthur walked beside Aaira, his hands in his pockets. The soft chirp of crickets filled the air.

"Today was nice," he said. "Thanks to you... and Aarsh."

"He had fun," she murmured. "I can tell."

Arthur stopped walking and gently tugged at her wrist. She turned to face him.

"And what about you? Did you have fun?"

Aaira hesitated. "I... yes. I did."

"Even with me around?" he teased.

She bit her lip, suddenly aware of how close they were again. "Arthur... someone might see. Aarsh—"

He stepped closer, his hand brushing against hers. "I have already spoken to him. He’s smarter than you think. And kind. Just like you."

She looked away, trying to put distance between them, but he gently cupped her elbow.

"Aaira," he whispered. "I don't want to hide how I feel. Not anymore."

Her breath caught. For a moment, it felt like time paused. The wind stilled. The stars held their breath.

But reality snapped her back.

"Arthur, I—I can't," she said, pulling her hand back. "What if Aarsh sees us? What will Grandma think? I can’t—"

She turned abruptly and walked briskly toward her outhouse door, heart pounding.

Arthur watched her go, his own breath shaky. But a soft smile curved his lips.

She didn’t say no.

And that was enough for tonight.

He turned and walked back into the mansion, his heart a little fuller, a little lighter.

To be continued...