Chapter 11: Where He No Longer Knocked
1099 Words
The morning sun had barely stretched itself across the quiet streets when Arjun’s car turned into Lina’s neighborhood.
This was no longer unfamiliar ground.
For Arjun, this house had become a second home—one where he no longer waited to knock. He parked casually, stepped out, and walked straight to the gate. With practiced ease, he keyed in the password and pushed it open, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Inside, the house was already alive.
The soft clatter of utensils echoed from the kitchen, the faint aroma of spices drifted through the air, and somewhere, a radio hummed an old melody. It was warm. Honest. Alive in a way his own house rarely felt.
“Good morning, Mother. Good morning, Father,” Arjun greeted cheerfully as he stepped into the sitting area.
Lina’s parents looked up, surprised but pleased.
“Good morning, son,” her father replied warmly, folding his newspaper.
“You’re early today,” her mother added with a gentle smile.
Arjun grinned. “I couldn’t wait.”
Without another word, he walked straight toward the kitchen, following the sound of movement and the familiar presence that pulled him there like gravity.
Lina stood by the stove, sleeves rolled up, hair loosely tied, humming softly as she prepared breakfast. She hadn’t noticed him yet.
“Good morning, dear,” Arjun said softly.
She stiffened immediately.
Turning slowly, she raised an eyebrow. “Who is your dear?”
Arjun laughed under his breath. “Well, well. Someone is still upset.”
“Who is upset?” Lina asked coolly, flipping a chapati with unnecessary force.
“Okay, okay,” he said quickly, lifting his hands in surrender. “Before you chase me out again, look at what I got for you.”
From behind his back, he revealed a small velvet box.
Lina froze.
Her eyes widened—not in surprise, but in recognition. Her heart skipped, betraying her before her mind could catch up. That necklace. The one she had admired silently. The one she never dared to ask for.
“You—” she stopped herself, clearing her throat. “Who are you trying to bribe?”
But her smile had already betrayed her.
“I am an honest person, you know,” she added quickly. “I don’t take bribes.”
Arjun smirked. “Oh? Then I suppose I should take it back.”
He pretended to close the box.
“Give it to me!” Lina exclaimed instantly, reaching out. “Who takes back a gift they’ve already given?”
Arjun burst into laughter. “So much for not taking bribes.”
She snatched the box from his hand, glaring at him playfully. “Don’t test me.”
Just then, Lina’s mother’s voice echoed from the dining area. “Breakfast is served!”
Everyone gathered around the table—Lina’s parents, her younger brother Rohan, Lina herself, and Arjun, who slipped into his seat like he belonged there.
“I’m telling you, Mother,” Arjun said sincerely as he took a bite, “I missed your cooking so much yesterday.”
Lina’s mother laughed. “Really? Then where were you? I missed you at this table.”
Arjun glanced at Lina sideways. “Well… someone stole my car and chased me away. No matter how much I wanted to come, I couldn’t reach her.”
Lina nearly choked on her tea.
“What?” her mother exclaimed, turning to Lina. “How did his car get stolen? You came home with it last night.”
Arjun leaned back, grinning. “Well, Mother… you’ve caught the thief.”
The table erupted in laughter as all eyes turned to Lina.
“No, Mother!” Lina protested quickly. “He gifted me the car. Don’t listen to him.”
Rohan raised an eyebrow mischievously. “Come on, sister. No one said you stole it.”
Everyone laughed again, and Lina could only shake her head, embarrassed and smiling.
The conversation flowed effortlessly—jokes, teasing, small stories from the night before. Laughter filled the room easily, naturally. This house was always like this—lively, warm, honest.
Arjun watched it all quietly, a strange tightness forming in his chest.
This was what a home felt like.
Across the table, Lina noticed his silence.
“What are you thinking?” she asked softly.
“Nothing,” he replied. Then paused. “Actually… everything.”
She frowned slightly, but before she could ask more, her mother spoke again.
“Arjun, you look happy these days,” she said gently. “It suits you.”
He smiled politely. “I am happy, Mother.”
Lina’s father observed him thoughtfully. “You always come here like it’s your own home.”
Arjun nodded without thinking. “It feels like it.”
The room fell briefly quiet—not awkward, just aware.
Lina’s heart skipped.
She looked down at her plate, suddenly unsure of where they stood, or where they were going. This closeness felt natural… but also dangerous.
After breakfast, Lina walked Arjun to the door.
“You didn’t have to come so early,” she said, folding her arms. “You’ll spoil them.”
“I hope so,” he replied lightly. “They spoil me enough already.”
She hesitated. “About yesterday—”
“I know,” he interrupted gently. “You were disappointed.”
She looked up at him, surprised.
“I joke a lot,” he continued, softer now. “But I don’t joke about you.”
Her breath caught.
Before she could respond, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen, his expression shifting—subtle, but Lina noticed.
“My mother,” he said.
“Oh,” Lina replied quietly.
He answered the call, stepping a little away.
“Yes, Mom… I’m on my way to the office… No, I wasn’t out late… Yes, I had breakfast.”
Lina watched him from a distance, a strange unease settling in her chest.
When he returned, his smile was still there—but restrained.
“Everything okay?” she asked.
“Yes,” he said. “Everything is… starting.”
She didn’t know why, but that word sent a chill through her.
As he left, Lina stood at the door longer than necessary, watching his car disappear down the road.
She touched the necklace box in her hand.
Her heart was full.
But somewhere, deep inside, a quiet voice whispered—
Happiness never comes without a price.
And far away, in another house, Arjun’s mother sat silently, already planning her next move.
- Writer
