Chapter 23: chapter 22

After Naina and Rivaan finished narrating the entire story, Anamay sat back, absorbing everything. He let out a deep breath and said, “Well, if anything, Grandma will be thrilled to have a great-grandchild. But I’m not so sure about Mom. She’s been pushing for you to marry Katie, and now... you’ve impregnated your assistant.”

Naina, feeling a wave of discomfort at the mention of Rivaan’s mother and Katie, excused herself. She told herself it was just the pregnancy hormones making her feel so uneasy, but deep down, she knew it was more than that.

Rivaan watched her go, concern flickering in his eyes. He turned back to Anamay. “I’m going to tell our parents. They have a right to know about their grandchild,” he said, determination clear in his voice.

Anamay nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. “Yeah, they need to know. But brace yourself. It won’t be easy.”

---

That Sunday, Rivaan found himself at his parents’ house for dinner. Just as he had expected, his grandmother was overjoyed with the news, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I always liked Naina. Such a sweet girl,” she said with a proud smile. “I’m so happy you’ll have a family now.”

Rivaan’s mother, however, had a different reaction. She looked at him with wide, tear-filled eyes. “I had so many dreams for you, Rivaan. And now you tell me you’re having a child with your assistant? What about Katie?”

Rivaan took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. “Mom, Naina is a good person, and this happened because we were both irresponsible. But that doesn’t mean she’s after anything. She’s not a gold digger.”

His mother’s face turned red with anger. “You’re blinded, Rivaan. She’s trapping you. Don’t you see? All she wants is your money!”

“Enough, Mom!” Rivaan’s voice was firm but controlled. “I would never do anything to hurt you, but Naina is not to blame here. We both are. Please, just meet her. Get to know her.”

His mother’s shoulders slumped as she sighed deeply, her anger giving way to exhaustion. “Fine. I’ll meet her. But I’m not promising anything.”

Rivaan nodded, grateful for even a small concession. His father, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up, his face breaking into a warm smile. “Well, I’m just happy I’m going to be a grandpa.”

---

Later that evening, Rivaan returned to his apartment. As he headed towards his usual room, Naina’s mother stopped him. “Why are you going there? Naina and your room is on the left side.”

Rivaan froze, a mix of confusion and amusement crossing his face. He looked over at Naina, who was sitting at the dining table, eating. At her mother’s words, she choked on her food, her face turning red.

Realizing there was no way out of this, Rivaan gave her mother a tight smile. “Right. Of course.”

Naina’s mother smiled, satisfied. “Good. A married couple should always share the same room.”

As they entered the bedroom together, an awkward silence settled between them. Naina stood by the door, feeling suddenly self-conscious. “I... I’m sorry you have to do this.”

Rivaan shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. “It’s fine. I’m not complaining.”

They both climbed into bed, keeping a respectful distance between them. But despite the space, sleep eluded them both. Naina lay staring at the ceiling, her mind racing. Every time she closed her eyes, her mother’s voice echoed in her ears, reminding her of the lie she was living.

Rivaan, on the other hand, couldn’t stop glancing at Naina. The way her hair fell over her face, the gentle rise and fall of her breathing—it all mesmerized him. She looked so peaceful, almost childlike. Before he realized it, his eyelids grew heavy, and he drifted off to sleep.

When he woke up the next morning, they were wrapped in each other’s arms, the distance between them gone. Rivaan blinked, surprised but strangely content. He watched her sleep for a few more moments, a warm feeling blooming in his chest.

Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew they’d face them together.