Chapter 56

Mayank and Arjun had been standing by the cars outside for hours, lost in deep conversation. The sky had started to lighten ever so slightly, signaling the early hours of morning.

"Bhai, it's late," Mayank said, glancing at his watch. "Just stay over at my place. No point driving back now."

Arjun stretched, letting out a yawn. "You know what? That's a good idea. I'm too tired to head home anyway."

They made their way upstairs. Mayank led Arjun to his room, gesturing to the bed. "You can crash here. I'll take the other room."

"Thanks, man," Arjun said, already kicking off his shoes and lying back.

Mayank left the room, walking quietly to Niharika's. He opened the door slowly, careful not to wake her. She was curled up on her side, hugging a soft toy, her hair messy and falling over her face. He paused, a soft chuckle escaping him. She looked so peaceful, almost childlike in her sleep. Pulling out his phone, he snapped a quick picture.

Shaking his head, he set his phone aside and climbed into bed next to her, careful not to disturb her. His hand found hers instinctively, and he held it loosely, feeling the warmth of her palm against his. For the first time in days, a sense of calm washed over him.

The next morning, Mayank woke before her. Niharika was still asleep, the toy now loosely held against her chest. He gently tucked the blanket around her, brushing a strand of hair from her face before slipping out of bed.

After showering and getting ready in a plain t-shirt and track pants, he walked out of the bathroom, his damp hair sticking to his forehead. He found Arjun in the living room, looking freshly showered as well.

"Coffee?" Mayank asked, heading toward the kitchen.

"Bhai, make chai instead," Arjun countered, leaning against the counter with a grin.

Mayank chuckled. "Let Niharika make the chai. Hers is way better than mine."

Arjun raised a brow, smirking. "Oh ho, I see how it is."

Mayank laughed, shaking his head. "Shut up, man."

As Mayank started preparing the coffee, Arjun hopped onto the kitchen island. "So," Arjun began, "how'd this change in perspective about her start?"

Mayank leaned against the counter, his hands wrapped around his mug. "It wasn't one moment. It was little things that kept adding up. Like when we went to Kolkata and Indore... we were hiding it from everyone, but the way she handled the family there, I admired it. She didn't complain, didn't make a scene. Just... handled everything with grace."

He paused, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Then, at Mom and Dad's anniversary party, she was everywhere—making sure everything was perfect, taking care of them. They're completely in love with her. I think they love her more than me now," he added with a soft laugh.

Arjun nodded thoughtfully. "And what about her parents? Do they like you?"

Mayank nodded. "Yeah. They've been kind from the start. Niharika's family is very different from ours. A bit more reserved, but they've always treated me well."

He hesitated before continuing. "Niharika and I... we used to be friends in school. She was this loud, bubbly girl. I used to train her younger brother, Rahil, in cricket. We lost touch when we went to university. Then, this year, we met again at the Ganesh Chaturthi event. Our families got so close instantly and suggested this."

Arjun tilted his head. "So you're ready to take the relationship forward?"

Mayank exhaled. "We're taking it slow. At least we're not just roommates now."

The memory of the word stung, and Mayank ran a hand through his damp hair. "When we moved in together, I told her we'd stay as roommates. It was stupid. I regret it so much. She was equally forced into this, and I just... took it out on her. She didn't deserve that."

Arjun placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Hey, acceptance is the first step to redemption. You're trying, and that's what matters."

Mayank nodded, appreciating the words. "By the way, did you find anything about Ruhan?"

"Almost," Arjun replied. "We'll have something solid soon."

Just then, Niharika walked into the kitchen, her hair damp and slightly messy, wearing a loose t-shirt and shorts. She froze upon seeing Arjun.

Her wide eyes darted between the two men. "Uh... I... good morning."

Mayank smirked. "Niharika, this is Arjun."

She blinked, visibly nervous. "Yeah, I remember seeing him at work."

Arjun, amused, crossed his arms.

Niharika fidgeted. "Actually, I... I was lost, so Mayank... uh... he offered that I stay here for the night."

Mayank couldn't help but chuckle. "Relax, Niharika. He knows."

Arjun grinned. "Not a very convincing story, though. I'll help you find something better."

Niharika laughed softly, her shoulders relaxing. "I'll make chai," she offered, and both men nodded eagerly.

When she returned with two cups, handing one to Arjun, he took a sip and sighed dramatically. "Ah, Mayank wasn't lying. This is perfect."

Mayank leaned back, smirking. "Told you."

The three of them sat down, the air light with conversation as they enjoyed their tea, but the warmth Mayank felt watching Niharika smile made it feel like more than just a morning.

Mayank sipped his coffee, watching as Niharika took a seat across from Arjun, her posture slightly stiff, still getting used to the presence of someone from work in such an intimate setting.

"You know, Mayank didn't tell me much about you before today," Arjun teased. "Just that you make the world's best chai."

Niharika's lips curved into a shy smile. "Well, if that's all he told you, I'll take it as a compliment."

Mayank chuckled, setting his mug down. "She's being modest. There's a lot more I could've said."

Arjun raised an eyebrow, looking between the two. "Do tell, bhai. What else am I missing?"

Mayank leaned back against the counter, his eyes softening as he glanced at Niharika. "She's ridiculously patient—sometimes annoyingly so. And she's probably the only one who's ever managed to get my mom to sit and take a break at a party."

Niharika's cheeks flushed, and she tried to wave off his words. "That was nothing. Aunty just needed someone to help her relax."

"Exactly," Mayank said. "And you made it look so easy."

Arjun smirked, his gaze sharp. "Sounds like you're quite smitten, Mayank."

Mayank rolled his eyes but didn't deny it, which only made Arjun laugh louder.

"Okay, okay, enough teasing," Niharika said, attempting to change the subject. "Let me make breakfast. What do you both want?"

Arjun leaned forward, grinning. "Oh no, not a chance. After this chai, I'll just have whatever you make. I'm not about to ruin my morning with suggestions."

Mayank laughed. "Good choice. Let her work her magic."

As Niharika moved to gather ingredients, she caught Mayank's gaze lingering on her. "What?" she asked, her voice tentative.

"Nothing," he replied, shaking his head with a small smile. "Just... you're very domestic this morning."

Arjun let out a mock gasp. "Bhai, don't call her domestic. She's going to throw something at you!"

Niharika laughed, grabbing a spatula and playfully pointing it at Mayank. "See? At least someone here understands."

The lighthearted atmosphere wrapped the room in warmth. It felt easy, like something Mayank didn't realize he had been missing until it was there, in the form of Niharika's soft laughter and Arjun's teasing remarks.

As the morning unfolded, Arjun and Mayank continued talking, with Arjun probing more into Mayank's feelings.

"When did this switch flip for you, bhai?" Arjun asked while biting into a piece of toast Niharika had made.

Mayank looked thoughtful for a moment, sipping his coffee. "I don't know. I think it's been gradual. Like little things kept piling up. At first, I thought we were just two strangers forced into this. Then, I started noticing how she always tries to make things better—for everyone. Even when she's struggling. That's rare."

Arjun smirked. "Ah, the rare realization of a man falling for his wife. Truly poetic."

Mayank ignored the comment, his expression softening. "The thing is, I don't think I even knew how much I'd started depending on her until recently. She just... fits, you know?"

Niharika came back into the kitchen, her damp hair tied into a loose bun, carrying a second plate of toast. Arjun shot her a teasing look.

"So, Niharika," he began, "Mayank here is telling me how much he admires you."

Niharika paused, her eyes darting to Mayank in confusion and surprise. "What?"

Mayank groaned, rubbing his forehead. "Don't listen to him. He's exaggerating."

Arjun grinned, clearly enjoying himself. "I don't know, bhai. You're making it sound pretty serious. Should I start preparing for your anniversary party already?"

Niharika stifled a laugh, her cheeks glowing pink. Mayank gave Arjun a warning look, but he couldn't stop his own lips from curving into a soft smile.

As the morning continued, the three of them fell into an easy rhythm—teasing, talking, and eating. It was a glimpse of something Mayank didn't know he could have—a moment of peace, laughter, and connection.

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