Brahmdev smiled faintly as he caught the appreciative look in Aaradhna’s eyes - how they lingered on him for a second longer than necessary, her perfectly shaped eyebrows lifting just a little in quiet assessment.

She had been sitting alone on one of the wooden benches in the park when he first noticed her that morning.

“Morning, Brahma,” she greeted, rising unhurriedly. She adjusted the front pleats of her saree with practiced ease before looking back at him. “Walk?”

“Were you waiting for me?” he asked, fiddling with the strap of his wristwatch. It had been irritating him for a while now - perhaps he should’ve worn another one from his collection.

She rolled her eyes dramatically. “Really?”

“What?” he teased. “Can’t a man hope for such things?”

His gaze flickered to her lips just in time to catch her biting down on them, trying to suppress a smile.

“I was feeling tired,” she said lightly. “So I sat down to rest.”

“How old are you exactly?” The question slipped out before he could stop himself. He knew she was older than him - there was no denying that - but he wanted to know if his instincts were even remotely accurate.

She crossed her arms and gave him a pointed look. “Don’t you have manners? One never asks a lady her age.”

“Oh, come on,” he chuckled. “You don’t dye your hair, that itself is enough to say you don’t give a damn about being called old.”

Aaradhna stepped closer. “Older than you. Happy now?”

“And how would you know my age?”

“You’re not retired,” she replied casually. “Helpful clue.”

“Don’t worry,” he said, his fingers brushing against hers accidentally before he quickly moved away, leaving a deliberate space between them. “I’ll catch up soon. One more year and I’ll be saying goodbye to my office.”

“Oh,” she murmured, surprised.

“Shocked that I look younger than you thought?” he asked smugly.

She made a face. “You’re so full of yourself.”

“Thank you.”

“That wasn’t a compliment.”

He shrugged. “When someone refuses to acknowledge the compliment they already gave, I’m forced to accept insults instead from them.”

She let out a small sound - half a chuckle, half a snort - clearly fighting the urge to laugh.

Like always, their easy banter dissolved into a comfortable silence as they walked at an unhurried pace, footsteps syncing naturally.

“So,” she asked after a while, “this is a once-a-week thing for you?”

He glanced at her, confused. “What is?”

“The walk,” she clarified. “You came after almost a week.”

“Ah.” He tapped his torso absently, drumming a random rhythm, offering no explanation. The week had been brutal - early mornings, reaching the office by six. Special issue and stuff that he couldn't hand over to his sub-ordinates just like that.

His walks had taken a back seat.

“So is this your schedule?” she pressed, and he thought he heard disappointment in her voice. Or perhaps he was imagining it - like she’d teased him about last time.

“What’s your schedule?” he countered, intentionally dodging her question. Her frown was immediate and expressive - and he found it oddly captivating.

She stayed quiet for a moment. “Daily.”

He hummed thoughtfully. “Then it’s decided.”

“Huh?”

“My schedule,” he said, scratching his jaw. “Daily walks. No escape, unfortunately.”

The skin around her eyes crinkled into soft, beautiful lines as she smiled, and he couldn’t help but grin back.

“Brahma…” she drawled. “Are you, by any chance, trying to flirt with me?”

He grinned wider. “Am I?”

“Aren’t you?” she shot back. “Dressing like that. Acting all cheeky.”

He placed a hand on his chest. “Miss, I’m wearing a plain white kurta - pajama. Hardly what one would call dressing up.”

“A kurta - churidar that fits your frame,” she corrected, still not looking at him. “I’m not blind, Mr. Sahni.”

“And what if it’s true?” he asked, leaning in just slightly. “That I am flirting with you. Would that offend you?”

She looked at him - really looked - then turned her gaze forward within a heartbeat, choosing silence instead of an answer.

The lack of response unsettled him. Was she comfortable with where this was heading? Or had he crossed an invisible line and turned this into nothing more than a lonely man trying to be creepy?

After a while, he suggested they head out. She agreed, glancing at her watch. He checked his, it was 7:30 - just like the last two days. He’d assumed she wasn’t working, but now he wasn’t so sure. Who went home at this hour simply to sit idle? The thought of his own retirement stirred unease.

He was preparing himself - photography, gardening - anything to keep boredom at bay. Ruhi would keep him busy for now, but once she started school… the days would stretch uncomfortably long.

As he waited beside her car, she looked at him, those striking blue eyes making him curious. “I’m sixty-four. Just in case that question keeps you awake tonight.”

“Not too old,” he replied, smirking.

“And,” she added softly, cheeks tinged pink as she avoided his gaze, “I do find you charming. Hope you sleep peacefully knowing that.”

He leaned toward the open window. “Then let me ask just one more question---”

“Enough for today,” she cut in, motioning him back.

Raising his hands in surrender, he stepped away, his grin bright as the morning sun when he noticed her blushing even more.

“Bye, Aaradhna.”

She only nodded before driving off.

Brahmdev ran a hand through his hair, a sudden, unfamiliar rush of excitement blooming in his chest.

---

vote. share. comment.

---