Chapter 38

Aria's POV

By late afternoon, the workday had wrapped up. Her last call had ended, her laptop finally shut, and Trek was snoozing near the villa steps, belly full and tail twitching in his dreams.

The resort had quieted too. Staff moved about in gentle rhythms, the golden light filtering in through rustling leaves and gilding everything it touched. Kabir appeared outside her villa at exactly five, dressed down in a fitted black tee and beige trousers, a playful glint in his eye and a question already on his lips.

"You ready to ride?"

Aria raised a brow as she stepped out, tying her hair into a loose ponytail. "You sure you want to risk it, Oberoi? I've been known to leave men in the dust."

Kabir just smirked. "I'm not most men."

The trail to the stables was short and fragrant with warm earth and wildflowers. Trek padded along happily until one of the resort staff came to scoop him up for a treat and a nap, leaving Aria and Kabir alone as they entered the shade of the stables.

The horses were already saddled and waiting—sleek, strong, and clearly well-cared-for. One was a golden buckskin; the other, a rich mahogany. Aria instinctively moved toward the latter, fingers brushing the horse's mane with familiarity.

"You sure you're up for this?" she asked, glancing at Kabir.

In response, he mounted with practiced ease.

Aria froze mid-motion. "You know how to ride?"

Kabir turned in the saddle, all casual confidence. "Twelve years old. My grandfather's estate in Rajasthan. You didn't ask."

She narrowed her eyes, trying to hide the little thrill that ran through her. "You enjoy being mysterious, don't you?"

"I enjoy watching you underestimate me."

That made her laugh. She climbed onto her horse, adjusting her posture. "Alright, cowboy. Let's see what you've got."

They began down the trail at a gentle trot. It was scenic and quiet—their path cutting through a sun-dappled grove, past banyan trees with roots that looked like they whispered secrets. The breeze was cool, lifting Aria's hair from her neck, the scent of the forest mingling with dust and saddle leather.

She felt it again—that easy calm around him. It wasn't the high-stakes heat of passion, nor the intensity of work—it was something quieter, more intimate. Like they were two people discovering each other in silence.

"Do you ride often?" Kabir asked after a while.

"Not as often as I'd like," she said. "Growing up, it was my one escape. A few hours where no one could reach me, no one could ask me to be something I didn't want to be."

He was quiet for a moment, as though processing more than just her words.

Then, suddenly, he tilted his head toward a clearing ahead. "Race to the ridge?"

She turned to him slowly. "Seriously?"

"I'll make you a deal," he said, the boyish grin returning. "Winner gets to name their reward. Anything."

She gave a dramatic sigh. "You're going to regret that."

"I doubt it."

Before she could respond, Kabir nudged his horse into a gallop, kicking up dirt as he took off.

"Cheater!" Aria yelled, but she was already laughing as she urged her horse forward.

The race was wild and thrilling—hooves pounding, wind slicing across her skin, the sound of Kabir's laughter carrying ahead of her. She leaned low over her horse, urging more speed, trying to close the distance.

The ridge came into view—a wide plateau overlooking the entire Veda property, sun-washed and breathtaking.

But Kabir reached it just seconds before her, pulling his horse into a smooth halt.

Aria arrived panting, flushed and grinning. "You said go before I agreed."

"You still almost beat me," he said, clearly impressed. "But… a win's a win."

She dismounted, giving her horse a grateful pat. "Fine. What's your reward, Oberoi?"

He didn't answer immediately.

Instead, he walked toward the edge of the ridge, where the view stretched endlessly—rolling hills melting into the horizon, the rooftops of Veda's sandstone villas nestled among trees, and pools gleaming like mirrors catching the sky.

When he turned back, there was something quieter in his eyes. Less teasing.

"I'll tell you after sunset," he said, voice low.

Aria blinked. "You're being mysterious again."

"Only a little," he murmured. "Come watch it with me."

So she did.

They stood side by side, not touching, not speaking—just watching as the sun began its descent, turning the sky a thousand shades of pink and gold and lavender. A warm breeze curled between them. Aria stole a glance at him and saw that he was already looking at her.

And in that moment, with the sky aflame and the quiet of nature cocooning them, she didn't care who had won the race.

She felt like they both had.