---
**Chapter 35 – A House Divided, A Heart Undecided**
In Delhi, the Arjun's household was unusually quiet.
Sumitra sat at the edge of her bed, knitting a scarf absentmindedly while the news played in the background. The ball of yarn rolled across the bed as her thoughts spiraled.
"He's really in London," she murmured to herself.
Shruti, seated near the window with her laptop, looked up. "He told you, Ma. Twice."
"I didn't think he'd actually go through with it. That too for her." Sumitra's voice held a blend of hurt and disbelief. "He's different now, Shruti. Ever since this marriage—he's become someone else."
Shruti sighed. "Ma, he's growing up. He's in love. Isn't that what you wanted?"
"No, I wanted a *happy* son. I wanted a daughter-in-law who values him."
Shruti shut her laptop, walked over, and sat beside her mother. "Aanya values him in her own way. Maybe not like you imagined, but it's there."
"She's been trying to leave him since day one."
"And yet, he doesn't let go. He doesn't even blame her. If anything, she grounds him."
Sumitra said nothing. Her knitting slowed. Her son's calls had become less frequent. When they did talk, his voice held something... distant. Like the warmth was wrapped in glass. Still present, but out of reach.
"She's not the girl I'd have picked for him," Sumitra whispered.
"She's the girl he *picked*," Shruti replied gently.
---
**At SynTech, London Branch**
Raj was fuming.
"What the hell, Arjun? You're pushing away investors, delaying that Mumbai proposal, and now you're missing the Zurich call?"
Arjun, seated in his cabin, looked up with the calmness of a man too exhausted to care. "I didn't miss it. I rescheduled."
"To *when*? After Aanya forgives you?"
"Don't push it, Raj," Arjun said, voice low and tight.
Raj took a breath, then sat down across from him. "Listen, man. I'm your friend first. But SynTech is your baby. You've got to stop letting your personal mess bleed into every boardroom."
Arjun ran a hand through his hair, sighing. "You think I don't know that? I've built this from scratch. I'm not throwing it away."
"Then why do I feel like you're slipping?"
Arjun looked out the window, his eyes scanning the skyline. "Because I am. I'm holding on to her with both hands, and I don't even know if she wants to be held."
---
**Aanya's Classmate – Priya's Perspective**
"I don't get her," Priya whispered to another student during break. "She's gorgeous, smart, top of the class—and her husband is literally a genius with a successful company. Why is she always so... distant?"
The other student shrugged. "Some people aren't built for marriage. Or maybe they got married too young."
Priya leaned closer. "I heard he's super possessive. Like, he once showed up to her internship office without telling her. Creepy much?"
"Still... it's kind of romantic."
"Or toxic."
They both laughed—but Aanya, seated two rows away, had heard every word.
---
**Later That Evening – Aanya's Apartment**
She stood by her window again, holding her cup of tea tightly. The city lights blinked below like stars scattered at her feet.
Her mind replayed all the perspectives she'd ever heard—her brother's protective tone, Neeta's concern, Priya's whispers, Shruti's kind texts, and Sumitra's cold silence.
And through it all—Arjun.
His touch, his words, his silence. His broken promises, his fierce protection, his impossible presence.
Her phone buzzed.
**Arjun:** *One last dinner? No expectations. Just food and closure. If you want it.*
She stared at the message.
Closure.
Was that what she wanted?
Or was she afraid that if she saw him again, her resolve would crumble?
She typed... then erased.
Then typed again.
**Aanya:** *Friday. 8 p.m. Your place. Only dinner.*
---
**End of Chapter 35**