“Shopping is done?” Priya asked as she followed Priyank out from the store, feeling better than before.
She took a deep breath; at least now she wouldn’t have to face the hateful looks she got in there. Somehow, it did feel like her mistake, but she wasn’t the one to blame when the real issue was Priyank.
“Yes, but I think your slippers are still left,” Priyank said.
“I don’t want slippers. I can manage with the shoes I have. They won’t even show under gowns, and I’m literally tired. I don’t want to shop for anything more,” Priya immediately replied, her feet aching and her mind exhausted.
Moreover, leaving aside her tiredness, she couldn’t ignore how he behaved like an arrogant person. She didn’t want to step foot inside another shop.
Who knew how he would behave and then drag her into the worst-case scenario she never wanted.
“What are you tired for, sweetheart? It’s barely been three hours, and all you did was rest in my office. When I was working, what tired you out? That’s why I always say, eat healthy, so you won’t feel tired,” Priyank taunted softly.
‘Thanks for the opinion, I never asked for,’ Priya remarked in her head, knowing she couldn’t say it to his face.
Priya sighed inwardly, feeling her frustration mounting. She wanted to retort, to defend herself, but she knew it was pointless.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” she replied, forcing a tight smile.
“Okay for now let’s go home,” Priyank smiled .
As they walked to the car, Priya couldn’t shake off the feeling of exhaustion and irritation. She was tired of constantly having to justify herself, of being criticised for every little thing.
Once they were in the car, Priya leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes for a moment. She needed a break from Priyank’s constant nagging and condescension.
Priyank glanced at her briefly, his expression unreadable. “Are you okay?” he asked, his tone surprisingly gentle.
Priya opened her eyes, surprised by the change in his demeanour. “I’m fine,” she replied, her voice softer than before.
Priyank reached over and squeezed her hand. “Wanna eat something?,” he said, sincerity evident in his eyes.
“No, then again you will complain about me eating junk food,” she said.
Priyank chuckled. “So who said you can only order junk? Plenty of healthy options are available too. You can choose from those, unless you just want to feed yourself junk.”
Priya facepalmed in her head. “Thanks for telling me. I didn’t know you were a dietician.”
“I love it when you talk savagely, but I won’t lie, I know better about diet. Don’t you see my body?” Priyank teased, as he flexed his bicep with his free hand, causing his shirt to tighten around his arm.
Priya rolled her eyes, trying not to let his arrogance get to her. “Yeah, I see it. It’s hard to miss,” she replied, her tone laced with sarcasm.
Priyank grinned, clearly enjoying the banter. “Well, I know I am hard to miss,” he said, flashing her a smug smile.
“Thanks, but I think I’ll stick to my own choices,” Priya replied, giving him a tired look.
“You’re not going to eat junk; it’s like a mass murder on your body. Maybe you can have it on weekends. I’ll make sure you get your protein and other vitamins intake good, because how will you handle me with this thin body?” Priyank put his hand down, still holding Priya’s hand.
He pulled it and shook it, making it float. “See how thin you are.”
“Being thin doesn’t mean I’m ill, though. But whatever floats your boat. I’m just tired, and about food, I think it should be my choice,” Priya lazily claimed, pulling her hand out from his grip as it wasn’t that tight.
Priyank smirked, releasing her hand. “Your choice needs to be toned down a little, sweetheart,” he concluded, his tone lightening.
Priya leaned back in her seat more comfortably, not bothering to reply. She was already mentally exhausted and not in the mood to talk to him. It felt like talking to a wall.
And why bother arguing when she knew she would soon escape? His behaviour only confirmed her decision to leave.
As the drive continued, Priya closed her eyes, not sleeping but trying to ignore his presence.
Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed when they arrived home. Driver parked the car.
“We’re here,” Priyank said, his tone cheery as if nothing had happened earlier.
Priya opened her eyes and forced a smile in return.
He’s talking as if she’s the happiest person to be here, but it’s not even her own home. She might sound ungrateful, but her true home is the orphanage, from where he made sure she was thrown out.
Now she’s forced to be at his place, and his cheerful demeanour only makes it worse.
It’s like he’s rubbing salt in her wounds.
“Want me to carry you?” Priyank asked, coming around to open the car door for her like a gentleman.
Priya looked at him, his face shining in the moonlight. She couldn’t deny that he actually looked good, like a devil in charming looks.
His appearance was saintly, but in reality, he worked like a devil.
Priya shook her head, trying to push aside her thoughts.
“No,” she replied curtly.
“Still, I’m going to carry you. It doesn’t matter,” Priyank insisted, lifting her effortlessly. He could see she was tired and didn’t want to be carried, but he loved carrying her, whether she consented or not.
Priya let out a small sigh as Priyank carried her towards the house.
As they entered the house, it was unlocked already.
Priyank gently spoke. “There, all safe and sound,” he said with a smile.
“Mhmm.. Thanks,” Priya replied, not entirely sure why she even had to thank him.
“Why was the door unlocked?” Priyank loudly asked, calling for the maid.
The maid immediately came running out.
“Sir, it was opened because your mother said you would come, as you were outside. That’s why we kept it open, and the guards are already protecting the mansion, so it wasn’t something dangerous,” the maid explained, trying to avoid facing his wrath.
“Send some food to my room,” Priyank ordered, as he led Priya inside, still cradled in his arms.