Chapter 5: Unraveling the Ice

The next morning, Ashnoor woke up with a sore back from sleeping on the couch. She stretched, groaning, and turned toward the bed—only to find it empty.

He's already gone?

A part of her was relieved. The less she had to deal with Arav, the better. But another part of her felt an odd disappointment.

Shaking off the thought, she freshened up and went downstairs, where Arav's grandmother was having tea in the sunlit garden.

"Good morning, beta," the elderly woman greeted warmly.

Ashnoor smiled and sat beside her. "Good morning, Dadi."

The older woman patted her hand. "Did Arav take care of you properly?"

Take care? That man barely acknowledged my existence.

"Yes, of course," Ashnoor lied smoothly.

Dadi chuckled. "He might seem distant, but he has a kind heart. You'll see."

Ashnoor highly doubted that.

Before she could respond, a deep voice interrupted them.

"Why are you sitting outside?"

Ashnoor looked up to see Arav, standing in the doorway, his gaze flickering between her and his grandmother.

"I was just talking to Dadi," she answered.

Arav's expression remained unreadable, but he walked over and placed a shawl around his grandmother's shoulders.

"Be careful. It's still chilly in the mornings," he murmured.

Ashnoor blinked in surprise. A small act of care.

Dadi simply smiled. "Thank you, beta."

For a moment, Ashnoor saw something soften in Arav's eyes. But as soon as he noticed her watching, his usual cold expression returned.

"I'm heading to the office," he said shortly. "Don't cause trouble."

Ashnoor rolled her eyes. "I wasn't planning to."

He didn't respond, simply turning and walking away.

Dadi sighed. "Give him time, Ashnoor. He's not as heartless as he seems."

Ashnoor wasn't so sure about that.

But something about that small moment made her wonder.

Was there more to Arav Suthar than he let on?