Chapter 8: New life

Mohit and Shikha embraced tightly, their emotions overwhelming them. As they pulled away, their eyes locked in a deep, meaningful gaze. Mohit gently brushed away the tears from Shikha's cheeks with tender care.

"Please, don't cry, Shikha. You know how much I hate seeing you like this," he said softly, his voice filled with concern.

Shikha took a steadying breath. "Mohit, promise me one thing," she said, her voice quivering slightly.

"Hmm?" Mohit's eyes were full of worry.

"No matter what happens, we must never stop talking to each other. Silence can be more painful than any harsh words," she pleaded earnestly.

Mohit nodded, a reassuring smile touching his lips. "I promise. It will never happen again." His expression then shifted to a teasing grin. "By the way, have you noticed you've gained a bit of weight?" he said, trying to lighten the mood.

Shikha playfully swatted his chest. "Oh, stop it!" she laughed, and soon they both were laughing heartily.

Taking a step back, Mohit spread his arms wide. "So, Mrs. Mohit Gupta, welcome to your new home," he said with a warm, inviting smile.

Shikha beamed back at him, her heart swelling with joy. She had finally arrived at the home she had always dreamed of.

"Thank you, Mohit," she said, her eyes shimmering with tears of happiness. Mohit noticed but chose not to wipe them away this time, knowing they were tears of joy.

He took her bags and guided her to the bedroom. "Come in," he said gently.

Shikha followed him inside.

"Look, Shikha, I've moved all my things to this cupboard. The one on the left is yours," he said, showing her with a smile.

"Thanks, but I'll organize my stuff tomorrow. I'm so tired now," she replied.

"Of course, princess. By the way, when are you starting?" Mohit asked.

"In three days," Shikha answered.

"So that's the 2nd," Mohit calculated.

"Yeah, since the 1st is a Sunday," Shikha confirmed.

"Alright then. Why don't you freshen up? We'll go out for dinner," Mohit suggested.

"Dinner out?" Shikha asked, surprised.

"Is that a problem? If you're too tired, I can bring something home," Mohit offered.

"No, no. I'm fine. Let's go out," Shikha insisted with a smile.

At 8 in the evening, Shikha emerged from the room, dressed in a simple yet elegant silk peach kurta and churidar, with a matching printed dupatta draped gracefully over her shoulder. Her minimal makeup, just kohl and lipstick, and the little bit of sindoor on her forehead added to her graceful appearance.

Mohit's breath caught in his throat. To him, she was the epitome of beauty. As she sat down to put on her shoes, Mohit stood nearby, lost in the divine fragrance that seemed to envelop her.

"Shall we go?" Shikha asked, pulling him from his reverie.

"Huh? Oh, yes, let's go," Mohit replied, snapping back to reality.

As they approached the door, Mohit called out, "Shikha."

She turned around, "Hmm?"

"You are stunning... absolutely beautiful," he said, his voice filled with admiration.

Shikha's cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. "Thank you. Now, shall we?" she asked, taking his hand and guiding him out of the house.

In the car, Mohit couldn't help but steal glances at her. Shikha noticed and didn't mind; she was delighted by his gaze, blushing with each glance.

"Where are we going, Mohit?" she asked.

"What do you feel like having? Italian, Chinese, Mughlai, or North Indian?" he inquired.

"Mughlai," she decided after a thoughtful pause.

"Great choice. I'll take you to the best Mughlai restaurant in Mumbai," Mohit said, noticing the sparkle of excitement in her eyes.

By now, Mohit had come to understand Shikha's nature well. She was subtly expressive, simple in her demeanor, and spoke her mind honestly. Her eyes conveyed more emotions than words ever could. Mohit found himself deeply fascinated and almost obsessed with her.

They arrived at the restaurant, a grand establishment with a stunning Mughal-inspired decor. Mohit opened the car door for Shikha and offered his hand with old-fashioned chivalry. She blushed at his gesture and placed her hand in his, stepping out of the car with a smile.

As they entered, Shikha's eyes widened in awe. The restaurant was beautifully decorated with a rose-scented ambiance and cozy, inviting couches. A waiter greeted them and led them to a secluded corner, as Mohit had requested.

"So, do you like the place?" Mohit asked.

"It's beautiful. You really do have a good eye for these things," Shikha replied, genuinely impressed.

"Indeed. That's why I chose you," Mohit said, causing both of them to laugh.

The waiter placed the menu in front of them and was instructed to return in five minutes.

Mohit looked at Shikha, holding the menu. "What would you like to order?"

Shikha pouted, scanning the extensive menu. "There's so much to choose from... What do I pick?" She then turned to Mohit. "What's good here?"

"Everything is excellent. You can order anything you like," Mohit said.

"Alright, then I'll have the chicken biryani and mutton kebab. And you?" she asked.

"Perfect. I'll have the same for you, and for me, two keema naans and mutton curry," Mohit instructed the waiter.

"Spicy or...?" the waiter asked.

"Spicy," Shikha interjected, causing both Mohit and the waiter to glance at her.

The waiter smiled. "Your food will be ready in about 15 minutes."

Mohit nodded. "Thank you."

"So, you like spicy food?" Mohit asked, turning to Shikha.

"Absolutely, I love it. Bland food just doesn't do it for me," she replied.

"Agreed. The food here is exceptional. I'm sure you'll enjoy it," Mohit assured her.

"It already looks and smells wonderful. The ambiance is so peaceful and charming. Do you come here often?" Shikha asked.

"Only twice before, and this is the third time, with you," Mohit said.

"And the other two times, with whom?" Shikha inquired.

Mohit hesitated, looking down before meeting her gaze. "With Richa."

"I knew it," Shikha said calmly.

"How?" Mohit asked, genuinely surprised.

"Mohit, this place is so romantic. It's not somewhere you'd come with friends," she explained.

"Seems you're quite the expert. It's impossible to hide anything from you," Mohit said with a smile.

"Nor should you try," Shikha winked.

"Do you still miss her?" she asked, a note of concern in her voice.

"No, not at all. As I've said, I never loved her," Mohit replied firmly.

Shikha nodded. "Alright. But on that day when I came to the office, you didn't introduce me to any of your friends."

"Yeah, that day... I was quite disturbed. Remember?" Mohit said, his voice tinged with a touch of regret.

"Yeah, I remember," Shikha agreed.

Just then, their food arrived. The waiters placed the dishes on the table and left.

Shikha looked at the spread before her. "Everything looks delicious."

Mohit smiled, pleased. They served themselves, and Shikha took the first bite.

"Mmm, this is fantastic," she said with delight.

"See, I told you so," Mohit replied with satisfaction.

As Mohit reached for his wallet to pay the bill, Shikha stopped him.

"Mohit, wait," she said firmly.

"What's wrong?" he asked, confused.

"I'll contribute," Shikha insisted.

"What?" Mohit exclaimed, taken aback.

"I want to share the cost," she repeated.

"Shikha, this isn't how it works. This contribution idea is for friends. I'm your husband. I should pay," Mohit said, trying to reason with her.

"No, I don't want to be dependent on anyone, not even you," Shikha said, taking his hand to stop him.

"Alright, this is getting awkward. Please, stop acting childish," Mohit said, frustration evident in his voice.

"No, you stop behaving like that," Shikha retorted.

Mohit glared at Shikha, his eyes burning with frustration. "It's just a matter of 3000 rupees..."

Before he could finish, Shikha swiftly pulled out 1500 rupees from her clutch, grabbed another 1500 rupees from Mohit's wallet, and handed the money to the waiter. Mohit stood in stunned silence, astonished by her actions. She was unlike anyone he had ever known.

"Shall we go?" Shikha asked, her tone calm and collected.

"Do I have any other choice?" Mohit muttered, still processing the surprise.

They left the restaurant and got into the car.

"Thank you for the lovely dinner," Shikha said, breaking the silence.

"Dinner? Shikha, what was that? I never expected such behavior from you. It was quite embarrassing. I can pay for you," Mohit said, his voice laced with frustration.

"No, you cannot," Shikha replied firmly. "Mohit, I don't want your money."

"Then what do you want?" Mohit asked, genuinely puzzled.

"These little, precious moments," she said with a tender smile.

Mohit turned away, a sarcastic smile on his lips, unable to grasp her perspective.

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