But he wouldn’t make that mistake again.
A bottle of water in his hand, Rian stalked off to find a darkened corner to sulk in.
This time, he would wait until she came to him.
28
Triumph
Rian
“Bugs?”
Rian looked up from the blue waters of the swimming pool that had kept him distracted, only to find the object of his turmoil strolling towards him, looking resplendent. The saree she’d worn hugged her body lovingly, showcasing every curve to perfection.
He had no doubt that she’d left a trail of victims in her wake tonight. He was one of them.
“What are you doing out here alone?”
Aditi had been searching for Rian for some time. The pool area where he stood was tucked away on the side of the house. The massive outdoor garden where the Diwali party was in full swing was behind her, far enough away that the music and games did not seem intrusive in this otherwise silent space.
He had been absent from the party for far too long for her not to notice.
With his breakdown fresh in her memory, the possibility that he might be silently suffering had worried her to no end.
“Are you okay?” she asked, coming to a halt beside him.
He tipped his chin once, the answer allowing her to breathe easily once more.
She reached for his hand. “Come with me."
“Where?”
“Back to the party. Everyone has been missing you.”
“And you?” Maybe he was being needy, but he was beyond caring. “Did my absence make a difference to you?”
Her forehead creased in confusion. “I came out here to look for you, didn’t I?”
She had. For now, that was enough hope for Rian to hold on to. When she tugged at his arm, trying to lead him back to the house, he held her still.
“Are you set on your plan?”
“What plan?” she questioned, feeling exasperated. She let go and turned to him, arms crossed. “Speak clearly, Rian. What is it that you’re talking about?”
A look of frustration crossed his features and he groaned, rubbing his eyes with one hand as he turned to the side. Aditi tilted her head, leaning to see his face, which caused him to turn farther away. Her sharp ears picked up his agitated mumbling.Wait. Hanuman Chalisa? Was he praying?
With a sound of determination, he spun towards her, surprising her with his speed.
“You said you wanted to find someone to marry. Are you still—”
“Looking?” She lifted one shoulder in a shrug.
“Do you really think marriage is a good idea?”
She released a contemplative sound, distracted by the gentle murmur of the water near her, its fluid surface dancing in a hypnotic rhythm.
“I don’t know, Rian,” she finally replied. “I still want a family. I want children. In the society we live in, neither of those is possible without a husband.”