After that incident, the relationship between Ayaan and Anvesha had changed. Not the fake smiles like before. Not the distance like before.
Ayaan now inquired about Anvesha as soon as he returned from office. Brought small gifts. Flowers. Chocolate. Sometimes sat and talked at night.
Today was Saturday. Ayaan had taken leave. In the morning, he told Anvesha, "Let's go somewhere for a trip."
Anvesha was surprised. "Trip?"
"Yes. Just the two of us. No business. No contract. Just... a trip."
Anvesha's heart filled with joy. For the first time, Ayaan was taking her somewhere. Like a real husband.
---
Destination—a tea garden outside Dhaka. Ayaan's friend's place. The two drove there in the car.
On the way, they talked a lot. Ayaan told stories of his childhood. About his father. About his mother. Anvesha listened. Sometimes laughed. Asked questions.
At one point, Anvesha asked, "Have you ever truly loved someone before?"
Ayaan remained silent for a while. Then said, "Once. During college days. Her name was Neha."
Anvesha listened silently.
"But she chose someone else. It was good for her. I understood then—love isn't for me."
Anvesha held Ayaan's hand. "That's not true. Love is for everyone. Just have to wait for the right person."
Ayaan looked at Anvesha. Gratitude in his eyes.
---
Reaching the tea garden, both started walking. Green everywhere. The scent of tea. Birds chirping. Anvesha felt as if she was in a dream.
Ayaan walked holding Anvesha's hand. No calculations. No contract. Just two people. Together.
Suddenly Anvesha stopped. Her forehead was burning. She closed her eyes—
She saw—Ayaan! In jail! In prison! And Arnab winning! Ayaan's business under Arnab's feet!
"No!"
Anvesha screamed. Ayaan rushed to her. "What happened?"
Anvesha said in a trembling voice, "I saw... you in jail! Arnab has taken everything!"
Ayaan froze. His face drained.
"Another vision?"
Anvesha nodded. "Yes. But different this time. Earlier you were dying. Now you're in jail. Meaning... the future is changing?"
Ayaan remained silent for a while. Then said, "Maybe. What we're doing might be changing the future. But what you saw now, we must survive that too."
Anvesha looked at Ayaan. "What will we do?"
Ayaan looked at the sky and said, "Fight. Together. You're there, I'm there. Then what's there to fear?"
Anvesha smiled softly. But a little fear lingered in her heart. Arnab won't give up. And now the fear of jail!
---
Returning home at night, Anvesha thought for a long time. What was she feeling for Ayaan? Was this just a contract? Or... truly love?
She couldn't understand. But when she thought of Ayaan in danger, her heart trembled. When Ayaan smiled, her heart filled with joy. When Ayaan was away, she felt sad.
Is this love?
Anvesha decided—she would save Ayaan. At any cost. Contract or no contract. This man was now not just her husband—but something more than anyone else.