I knew this was coming—though I was hoping, damn near praying, she wouldn’t bring it up and would just let me take care of her. Crossing my fingers that at least my words would make some impact, I look her straight in the eye. “You don’t need to worry about it. It’s done.”
She crosses her arms, eyes narrowing with that stubborn fire I’ve come to know all too well. “That’s not what I asked.”
God, how much I admire this woman and her stubbornness. But damn, she sure knows how to make things difficult. I offer a small smile, definitely not ready to back down from this fight. “And that’s the only answer you’re getting.”
Her eyes glisten with frustration. “Aditya, this isn’t some random favour or charity. She’s my mother and I’m paying for it.”
Her words hit me hard, and I want to snap back at her for doubting my intentions. But I hold myself back, her mother just got out of the hospital, and this isn’t the time to make things harder.
“Sana, I didn’t do it as a favor or charity. I did it because I wanted to. Let’s not complicate things,” I try again, keeping my voice calm and steady, determined to make her understand without escalating the situation.
She shakes her head. “I didn’t ask you to. And as much as I appreciate your help, it’s important for me to pay you back. It’s something my dad always taught me—that no matter what, you stand on your own feet and never owe anyone. This isn’t just about money. It’s about honouring what he believed in. So please—tell me how much it was.”
She sure knows exactly how to take control. Because the second she dropped her dad’s name, my fight vanished, and I sure as hell had no choice but to back down. I let out a slow, heavy breath. “Fine. I’ll message you the account number and the amount.”
She gives a single, satisfied nod. “Let me give you my number so you can message me.”
I shake my head. “That’s not necessary. I already have your number.”
She raises her brows, about to ask how the hell I got her number—but I cut her off.
“Listen, let’s not waste time arguing over how I got it. You already know I have my ways. And I’ve done enough arguing for one day. I’m not getting into another one.”
She shakes her head, then finally smiles at me. “Thank you… again.”
I tilt my head, watching her carefully. “If you really want to thank me, then accept my friendship. You said no to my marriage proposal, and I get it. I know you don’t know me well enough yet to say yes to something that big. But there’s no harm in starting with friendship. I’m hoping you’ll give me that chance, at least to be your friend.” I hold out my hands to her.
Her breath catches, and for a moment, she just stares at me. There’s hesitation in her eyes, an internal battle she’s waging with herself. But then, to my surprise, she gives in, her shoulders relaxing ever so slightly.
“Okay,” she says softly, taking my hands.
“Okay? That easy?” I say, raising an eyebrow.
She pulls her hands away from mine and crosses her arms over her chest, glaring at me. But there’s no real annoyance in her gaze. I can see the hint of something softer underneath. “If you stand here and keep throwing out your smart remarks, I might just reconsider.”
“I wouldn’t dare mess this up,” I smile, stepping back and giving her a wink before turning and walking towards my car. The moment I slide into the driver’s seat, I glance at her through the windshield. She’s still standing there, watching me.
Smiling, I shake my head and start the car. As I drive away, I can’t help but feel a quiet sense of satisfaction. She’s given me a chance, maybe just as a friend for now, but that’s enough. What matters is she’s taken the first step toward me, and I’m damn sure the next one—the one that makes her Mrs. Sana Thakur won’t be far behind.
Chapter 13
Sana
Sitting on my balcony with my knees drawn to my chest, I look up at the dark sky filled with countless little twinkling stars. But it’s not the stars that capture my attention—it’s the memory of Aditya’s intense gaze. The way he stood by me at the hospital, the way he took care of Mom, the way he took care of me, bringing me coffee and sandwiches… those moments keep replaying in my mind. And while leaving, when he asked for my friendship, I couldn’t say no. I had to give in. But is this friendship a wise decision? Am I slowly crumbling under the walls I’ve built around myself?
God, why is this so difficult? Why did you bring Aditya into my life? Why can’t I stop thinking about him?And the way my stomach flutters every time he’s around—it’s making me lose control of my heart. I don’t want this. I can’t want this.
Sana, relax. Why are you stressing? It’s just friendship,I say to myself.But my heart just won’t listen to me? Even my mind is starting to betray me, drawn to him in ways I can’t understand. I squeeze my eyes shut, gripping my arms, trying to make this strange feeling go away.
I don’t even realise I’m trembling until I feel a gentle hand on my shoulder. A startled gasp escapes me, and I whip around, only to find Mom standing there, concern etched on her face.
“Mom, what are you doing here at this hour? You should be sleeping. Do you need anything? Are you okay?” The questions spill out in a rush, my concern outweighing everything else.
But she simply smiles… that soft smile that always calms me.
“I’m fine,” she says gently, taking a seat beside me. “All I need is some time with my daughter.”
I rest my head on her lap, feeling my heart swell as she gently runs her fingers through my hair. I know what she wants to ask. I can feel it in the way her hand lingers, in the way she takes a deep breath, as if carefully choosing her words. But am I ready to answer?
