After finishing their interview, Astha stretched and checked her watch. “Alright, Verma. The work part of the trip is officially over.”
Arin eyed her suspiciously. “Why do I feel like you’re about to drag me into something questionable?”
Astha grinned. “Because you, my dear editor, are finally going to see Udaipur the way it’s meant to be seen.”
He sighed. “Which means?”
“Which means,” she said, grabbing his wrist and pulling him along, “you’re going on a midnight boat ride.”
Arin frowned but let her lead him toward the lakeside. “You do realize I don’t do impulsive tourist things?”
Astha rolled her eyes. “Oh, you’re about to.”
The night air was crisp, and the city shimmered in reflection over Lake Pichola. The boat swayed gently as Astha leaned over the railing, looking out at the illuminated palaces across the water.
Arin sat beside her, watching instead her instead of the view.
“You do this often?” he asked.
“Whenever I need to remind myself that life is more than just work and responsibilities,” she admitted. “The world keeps moving, but sometimes, you just need to stop and breathe.”
Arin tilted his head, considering her words. “That’s… surprisingly wise.”
Astha smiled. “I have my moments.”
For a moment, there was only silence, the soft lapping of water against the boat filling the space between them.
Then Astha turned to him, grinning mischievously. “So, Verma, admit it. This whole trip? Not the worst experience of your life.”
Arin exhaled, shaking his head. “Fine. Not the worst.”
She gasped dramatically. “A compliment? From you? I must be dreaming!”
Arin smiled. “Don’t get used to it.”
Astha laughed, and as the boat drifted further into the lake, Arin realized something unsettling.
For the first time in a long time, he didn’t mind not knowing what came next.
And that was terrifying.
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