Lavanya's Point Of View 

My pondering comes to a stop as a cool breeze touches my face, the cold air bringing tears to my eyes. I feel something wet on my cheeks and touch them. I became aware of the tears flowing down my face. I wipe them away with my hands and dry them on my palazzo pants.

I decide to cease painting once the foundation is complete. I check the time and then go downstairs to notice that the housekeepers were busily sweeping and dusting furnishings. The gardeners were clipping the front hedges and others were ensuring that the vegetable patch was well-maintained, even though Arnavji did the planting, which proved a little too boring for him at times.

I then go to the kitchen to cook myself some lunch before beginning to prep the vegetables for dinner.Khushi arrives not long after and freshens up and begins to help me by taking out the remaining ingredients that is needed for the lasagne like the pasta sheets and different type of cheeses.

"Khush, why don't you go change your clothes and wait in the living room while I finish this and put it in the oven?" I make a suggestion to her.

"No, I'll help you first. In any case, there isn't much else to do." Khushi responds to me.

To which I sigh before insisting "Exactly there is not much left so I can handle it just relax I will come to the living room when I am done."

"Fine. Only because you are so insistent." Khushi says.

Author's Point Of View...

Khushi finishes her evening shower and waits in the living room, as Lavanya had instructed, in her favourite recliner, which is next to the fireplace and offers a stunning view of the Alps.

Lavanya enters with two cups in her hand, one of which she hands to Khushi before sitting on the loveseat closest to the armchair.

"How was your day at work, Khush?" Lavanya inquires as they sip their hot chocolate.

"Hmm, (Khushi savours the beverage) My day went well; I am currently working with an international company, and the case is a little stressful; and I have yet to meet with the company's president to address the issue further." Khushi informs Lavanya.

"I see that this may be highly demanding, so please notify us if you feel overworked or under pressure, since this would be harmful to both you and the baby. Also, remember that Arnav and I are always here for you." Lavanya comforts Khushi and reaches out to caress her hand.

"I know La, I swear I'll take a step back when things become tough." Khushi replies.

They converse until they hear the sound of the door unlocking, indicating that Arnav has arrived home.

"Khush, could you please remove the lasagne from the oven while I greet Arnavji?" Lavanya asks Khushi.

"Sure." Khushi replies and heads of to the kitchen.

Arnav enters the foyer of the house and places his keys in the bowl that is kept on the sideboard by the garage door.

"How did your day go?" Lavanya greets and embraces him.

"It was good, just finishing up here before we leave for India, and how was your day?" Arnav says and reciprocates the hug.

"As usual, I started a new painting, ate lunch, and cooked dinner." Lavanya replies as she sets his coat, blazer, and briefcase on the sofa.

"After supper, Arnavji, I'd like to speak with you." Lavanya turns to face Arnav.

When the couple enters the dining room, Khushi has already set the lasagne on the table. She then walks into the dining room, with breadsticks and salad.

"Hi Arnavji." She greets him she wanted to hug him but decided against it and settling with a curt wave before sitting down on her seat.

The three of them sit and help themselves to the food that has been set out.

"Khushi, when can we book our flights back to India?" Arnav breaks the silence by posing this question to Khushi.

"I believe we can schedule it for Wednesday; I also spoke with the receptionist about making an appointment with the doctor before we go, but I am only available on Tuesday." Khushi elaborates.

"That's perfectly fine." Arnav's response is succinct.

Arnav goes upstairs to his shared room with Lavanya after supper, and Lavanya tells Khushi goodnight before joining Arnav.

Khushi also walks into her room to complete some research on her prospective client.

Arnav's Point Of View

This morning's squabble with Lavanya got me thinking: sure, I liked Khushi before I married Lavanya, but now Lavanya is my wife, and Khushi will be the mother of my child, and I am now wedded to her. How did my life get so messed up? My behaviour with Khushi this morning was careless. Yes, she is the biological mother of my child in her womb and deserves care and love, but Lavanya is my wife, and I can only imagine how she must feel seeing her husband with another woman, even if she wanted it. I showed Khushi the devotion of a couple in love. Which was a mistake on my part.

When Lavanya and Khushi inquired how my day was going, I lied. All I could think of was my argument with Lavanya. I haven't done a thing, yet I already have a mountain on my plate.

It is my fault for not standing firm and refusing to marry Khushi. If I fall head over heels for Khushi and decide to divorce Lavanya, won't that just be proof of what Lavanya's mother said about Khushi being a home wrecker, even if it's not true?

I don't want people misjudging Khushi's character again. I don't want her to experience the trauma all over again.

Although this course I'm considering will be difficult, it must be taken, and I know I'll be labelled a callous jerk as a result, but it must be done.

It will be extremely difficult to let go of someone I care about, but what makes it even more difficult is knowing that it is the proper thing to do.

But I also don't want to let go of her. Call me conceited, but I...Ugh! How should I proceed? In frustration, I pull my hair.

As Lavanya enters the room, my thoughts come to a halt."Arnavji..." Lavanya starts speaking.

"Hmm..." I hum a response, signalling that she is free to speak whatever she wishes.

"I want to explain that my behaviour was horrible and completely uncalled for, and I am deeply sorry for my outburst. I know Khushi is sacrificing a lot for us, and I should be more understanding of our circumstances..." Lavanya apologises, but I cut her off.

"I'm delighted you realise that, Lavanya, and don't think I'm taking sides, because you and Khushi are both really important individuals to me. Since we're already talking about this morning, I should explain that my behaviour was inappropriate, and I can only imagine how you felt seeing your partner in that situation. Even though you wanted this marriage, I forgot about your feelings and emotions while attempting to make Khushi comfortable and begin showering her with affection. I'm hoping you'll forgive me. But you must understand that I must also show respect and attention to Khushi because she is both the mother of our child and my wife." I explain myself to her.

"Arnavji I know you don't choose sides, and you usually protect me more, so I won't think about it. I appreciate your perspective and empathy for me. Arnavji, there is nothing to forgive because what you are doing is the right thing to do." Lavanya has relieved my anxiety with what she has just spoken.

Our discussion on this topic concludes, and we begin talking about random daily events while cuddling on the bed until we both fall asleep.

To be continued...

Thank you everyone for being so patient with me. It is an overdue update but slowly getting back into writing took me a while to write thus chapter hopefully you enjoyed it. 

So sorry that is is a bit short.

I already have a draft for the next update so I don't forget about what  direction I the book to go in.

So look forward to it.
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Author's Note
Please tap the '☆' as it will motivate me to continue writing.
Thanks for reading♡😊
Lots of love
SovArshi😙