Unraveled hearts

Chapter 16 – Ice Cream and New Beginnings

The following day, Naina couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. The kiss the night before had caught both of them off guard, and while it had softened the tension between them, she wasn’t sure where things would go next. But there was one thing she was certain about: Aravind’s apology had felt real. She had never seen him like this, so vulnerable and genuinely trying to make things right.

Aravind, on the other hand, couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss. Naina had kissed him—him. It was such a small gesture, but it had hit him harder than he expected. For the first time, he felt like she saw him as more than just the CEO, more than just the cold businessman he had always been. There was something new between them, and he couldn’t help but feel a little lighter.

---

That evening, just like he promised, Aravind arrived at Naina’s house to pick her up. He was still a bit nervous, unsure of what to expect. He had never done anything this simple before—taking his wife out for ice cream. It wasn’t about grand gestures or expensive dinners. It was just about being present. And that was something he had to learn.

"Ready for our ice cream date?" Aravind asked, his voice a little more playful than usual when he saw Naina standing by the door.

Naina, dressed casually but still looking effortlessly beautiful, smiled. "I’m ready. But remember, you promised the best ice cream."

Aravind grinned, a small hint of mischief in his eyes. "Don’t worry, I’ve got this."

---

They made their way to one of the most popular ice cream parlors in town. As they sat down with their cones, Naina couldn’t help but notice how different the atmosphere was between them. The awkwardness had dissolved, and they were finally talking—not about business or anything heavy, but just small talk, like any couple would.

"So, which flavor did you get?" Naina asked as she took a bite of her ice cream.

Aravind looked at her and then down at his cone. "Vanilla. Simple. Sometimes, the classics are the best."

Naina raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "You went with vanilla?"

"Yeah," Aravind said with a shrug. "I might surprise you, but I like things straightforward."

Naina smiled softly. "Well, I like your choice. Classic and simple, just like you."

Aravind was taken aback by her words, his cheeks flushing slightly. "I’m not sure I’m that simple," he said, his voice quiet. "But I’m glad you like it."

Naina chuckled. "You know, it’s weird," she said, her tone thoughtful. "You’re always so serious and distant. But there’s something about you right now that feels... real."

Aravind looked at her, surprised by her honesty. "I’m trying, Naina. To be real. To be someone who’s not just a businessman, but your husband too."

Naina’s smile softened, and for the first time in a while, she felt like maybe they were finally starting to connect. "I know," she said, quietly. "And I appreciate it, Aravind."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying their ice cream and the simplicity of the moment. For Naina, it felt like a small victory—like they were both moving forward, one step at a time. And for Aravind, it felt like the beginning of something new.

---

As they finished their ice cream and walked back to the car, Aravind’s hand brushed against Naina’s, a brief but meaningful touch. "I don’t know if I’ve done enough, but I want to keep trying," he said quietly.

Naina turned to look at him, her eyes warm. "You’ve done more than you think."

Aravind smiled, a little relieved. "Good. Because I really want to make this work."

Naina smiled back, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time. "I think we’re on the right track," she said, and for the first time, she truly believed it.

---

The drive back to the Rathore mansion was peaceful. Neither of them said much, but there was a comfort in the silence. They didn’t need to speak constantly—they were learning how to just be with each other.

When Aravind pulled up to the mansion, he looked at Naina with a soft smile. "Thanks for spending the evening with me," he said quietly.

Naina nodded, her smile matching his. "I’m glad we did this. It was nice."

Aravind leaned in slightly, his voice almost a whisper. "Tomorrow, we’ll do something even better."

Naina raised an eyebrow. "What did you have in mind?"

Aravind shrugged playfully. "Maybe I’ll surprise you again."

Naina laughed, the sound filling the air between them. "I’m looking forward to it."

---

As Naina entered the mansion, she couldn’t help but feel a little lighter. They weren’t perfect yet, but they were getting there. Aravind had started to change, and for the first time, she felt like she wasn’t walking this path alone.

And maybe, just maybe, they were finally finding their way back to each other.