Episode 9

After an overnight stay at the hotel, Kaivan and Archiena prepared to head home. Before joining her husband, Archie planned to return to her own house first to collect her belongings.

Nothing had happened the night before; they truly slept and awoke in the morning. Honestly, Archie was somewhat relieved that Kaivan hadn't pressured her for a wedding night.

They opted for breakfast in their room since Kaivan had some work which prevented him from eating in the downstairs restaurant.

Kaivan had finished his breakfast, whereas Archiena was still eating, occasionally glancing at her husband.

"Mr. Kaivan is a busy man, he must be admired by many women for his looks. His lover is probably quite beautiful," thought Archiena as she watched Kaivan.

Suddenly, Kaivan looked up, causing their eyes to meet. Archie quickly looked away.

"Are you done?" asked Kaivan.

"Not yet, Mr. A little longer," replied Archiena.

"Alright, I'll step out for a moment to take a call," said Kaivan, rising from his seat and exiting the room.

Archie watched her husband leave with a mix of confusion and curiosity but chose not to pry too much.

Kaivan had helped her immensely on their wedding day, and that was more than enough. Archie wouldn't expect anything more from this marriage.

Having finished her breakfast, she got up, straightened her appearance, and prepared to leave.

Kaivan returned shortly after. Seeing that Archie was ready, he approached her.

"Shall we head back now? I'll take you to your parents' home to get your things, and I'll pick you up in the afternoon," Kaivan said.

"Do you mean I'll wait at my mom's house, Mr.?" Archie asked.

"Yes, I have to attend to a matter which cannot be neglected," replied Kaivan with a nod.

Archie smiled, simply obeyed, and followed her husband. They then left the hotel room to return home.

Reaching the ground floor, they coincidentally crossed paths with Aditya and Adinda, who seemed to have just finished breakfast.

"Are you heading home?" inquired Adinda, looking alternately at Archie and Kaivan.

"Yes, heading back now," Archie responded.

"How dull it must be, marrying someone you don't love, right?" Aditya said with a patronizing smile.

Aditya's words appeared to rub salt in Archie's choice to cancel their marriage; now she was married to her much older uncle.

"Say what you will, Dit. Though I married someone I don't love, at least Mr. Kaivan saved me, unlike you who embarrassed me," Archie retorted indifferently.

Adinda looked at Kaivan and offered a smile.

"I'm the wife of your nephew, which makes me your niece. As a good niece, I want to say that my sister-in-law is dull," commented Adinda with a scornful look at her brother.

"This marriage with my sister-in-law is bound to be short-lived, want to know why? Because you won't be able to stand her tedious nature," Adinda said with a chuckle.

"Dinda, mind your words!" Archie chastised, displeased.

"What? What do you expect from a loveless marriage? Just so you know, it's your behavior that drove Aditya away," Adinda boldly retorted.

"And I'm sure, eventually Mr. Kaivan will also—" Adinda's sentence was cut off.

"Enough!" interjected Kaivan, who had been silent until now.

"We'll see whose marriage lasts, and whose falls apart," Kaivan stated, looking at Aditya and Adinda in turn.

"Let's see who ends up being the betrayer," added Archie, with a glance at Aditya.

Not wishing to cause a scene, Archie and Kaivan left. They walked towards the lobby, where Kaivan's car awaited them.

The couple left the hotel grounds and headed for Archie's parents' house.

"Where is your house? I've only been there once before and have forgotten the way," said Kaivan without looking at Archie.

Archie turned and looked at her husband briefly.

"Just keep going straight, Mr. There's a right turn at the intersection ahead," Archie directed.

Kaivan followed Archie's instructions, and almost an hour later they arrived at their destination amidst the heavy traffic.

Upon reaching her parents' house, Kaivan joined Archie inside to say goodbye before leaving, at least he owed them that courtesy.

"Assalamualaikum, Mom," Archie greeted as she entered.

Soon, Gita and Dito appeared, pleased to see their daughter and son-in-law.

Archie and Kaivan took turns kissing Gita and Dito's hands.

"Please have a seat," offered Gita.

"No, Mom. I'm hurried due to work; I'll come pick up Archie this evening," politely declined Kaivan.

Gita and Dito exchanged looks, simply smiling and nodding in understanding.

"Well then, I should get going. Assalamualaikum, Mom, Dad," Kaivan bid farewell again, kissing his in-laws' hands, then exited the grand house.

Archie chased after her husband. "Mr.," she called out.

Kaivan turned. "What is it?" he asked, puzzled.

Archie took Kaivan's hand and kissed it.

"Take care, Mr.," whispered Archie softly.

Kaivan stood momentarily stunned, surprised by Archie's tender gesture. Simple, yet meaningful.

Without a word, Kaivan departed, driving away from Archie's home.

Archie sighed and headed back inside, sitting down before her parents.

"Kaivan's working the day after his wedding?" inquired Gita.

"Mom, the wedding was so sudden. Mr. Kaivan probably didn't plan for a honeymoon, considering he didn't anticipate the day to be significant," Archie explained.

"What Archie says is true, Mom. A sudden marriage, and Kaivan can't just take time off work. Perhaps today's task was scheduled long ago," Dito added, clarifying for his wife.

Gita smiled, nodding in newfound understanding, having previously felt saddened thinking Kaivan was reluctant to spend time with Archie.

"I'm going to my room to get things ready, so when Mr. Kaivan comes later, I'll be prepared," Archie excused herself, standing up.

After receiving nods from her parents, Archie went to her room. Before putting things in order, she might take another nap, as she felt suddenly tired again.