He shrugs. “You look cute with it, Divya." He smirks and I roll my eyes, I hate and love how easily he teases me.
Neel nods approvingly. “Excellent decision.”
I hug the ridiculous thing tighter than I intend to. Because for some reason my eyes suddenly feel suspiciously warm.
Later we find a quieter corner of the park where fairy lights are strung between trees.
Neel sits on a nearby bench eating the last of his ice cream. Aditya and I stand a few steps away.
“You’re smiling,” he says.
“So are you.”
"I am having a great time." He shrugs.
"Me too," I admit silently, "I didn't know I had it in me." I chuckle.
"Fun?" He raises an eyebrow.
I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, "I mean have you looked at me, I do nothing except work and Neel." I smile, "Don't get me wrong, I love it but I am not...fun." I shrug trying to appear non-chalant but deep down I wish I could do all this once in a while, be a bit...free.
"You can't blame yourself, you are only twenty two with responsiblity of whole another human being and no help," He says warmly, "besides..." He links his pinky with mine, "you are plently fun, Divya." He smiles as if he means it.
I meet his eyes. Something in my chest shifts. Behind us Neel suddenly clears his throat loudly. We both turn. He is staring at us with exaggerated suspicion.
“You know married people hold hands a lot.”
I nearly choke. Aditya blinks. “That sounds like a statistic you invented.”
“No,” Neel insists. “It’s scientifically proven.”
I cover my face with one hand. “This child is going to ruin my reputation.”
Aditya glances at me. Then slowly holds out his hand. “Well. Science is science, Divya.”
I stare at it. Then at him. Then at Neel who is watching like a hawk.
“Oh my God,” I mutter. I slip my hand into his. Neel beams like he just solved world peace.
“Much better.”
Aditya squeezes my fingers lightly. And unfortunately my heart decides this is an excellent moment to start beating like it’s training for a marathon.
Later, as we walk toward the Ferris wheel, Neel suddenly stops. “I’m tired.”
He climbs onto a nearby bench dramatically.
Aditya kneels in front of him. “You want to go home?”
Neel shakes his head stubbornly.
“I want to sit.” Aditya disappears for a minute.
When he returns he’s carrying three small paper cups. Hot chocolate.
Neel’s eyes light up. “YOU ARE THE BEST.”
He hugs Aditya without warning. Then looks at me expectantly. I laugh softly and hug him too. “Thank you,” I whisper in his ear, "for taking care of us."
