Chapter 12 - Spending more time

As they left the restaurant, their driver waited for them. Sanaya asked Aryan, "Do you have important work to attend to?"

Aryan replied, "Nothing's more important than this. Why?"

Sanaya's eyes sparkled with excitement. "There's an ice cream parlor just a short distance away. Can we go and indulge?"

Aryan's face lit up with a smile, but he maintained his composure. "Sure, let's go."

Sanaya clarified, "Not 'after you,' but 'besides me'." They strolled together in comfortable silence, punctuated by occasional laughter, until they reached the ice cream parlor.

Sanaya playfully warned Aryan, "Choose your flavor wisely, and please don't say you'll have whatever I choose. Otherwise, be prepared for me to pick a flavor that will make you hate ice cream for life!" They both chuckled.

Aryan admitted, "To be honest, I haven't had ice cream in a long time, so I'm not sure what's good. I'll play it safe with chocolate."

Sanaya teased, "Seriously, Aryan, you haven't even tried a single lick?"

Aryan replied, "Yes, Sanaya, I was totally dependent on you this time, but you threatened me!"

Sanaya exclaimed, "I can't believe it! Okay, then I recommend the Belgian chocolate, Pralines and cream, Almond fudge, or the Gold Medal Ribbon - they're all amazing flavors!"

Aryan joked, "They all look good, but I'll go for... Gold Medal Ribbon!"

Sanaya ordered, "One large Gold Medal Ribbon and one large Praline." This time, Sanaya paid the bill, and she clarified, "Just because I paid for the ice cream doesn't mean the score is equal. I'll still treat you to dinner."

Aryan playfully responded, "Okay, then I'll empty your pockets!" Sanaya laughed and suggested, "Let's head to the seaside."

They walked to the sea shore and sat on the sand. Aryan looked uncertain about how to sit comfortably on the ground, having never done so before.

Sanaya noticed his hesitation and took a scarf from her purse, spreading it on the ground and patting it invitingly.

Aryan sat on the scarf, and Sanaya stretched out her legs, crossing her right foot over her left, and placed her left palm on the ground. She savored her ice cream, enjoying the gentle sea breeze.

Aryan followed her lead, and as they sat together, he exclaimed, "I've never felt something like this!"

Sanaya asked, "Like what?"

Aryan struggled to find the words, "I can't quite explain, but right now, I feel very different - happy and at peace. So much peace of mind and heart. Usually, I'm working at home at this time."

Sanaya asked insightfully, "Have you ever given time to yourself?"

Aryan was taken aback, realizing he had never taken a single day off for himself. His trips were always business-oriented, and he was constantly busy securing deals to maintain his position as the richest man in the country, driven by Kashish's motivation.

Sanaya's words struck a chord, "Your silence is the answer; you've never spent a day on yourself." Aryan nodded in agreement.

Sanaya continued, "I may not be as business-savvy as you, understanding 500 million deals, but do you know what happiness is? Don't mind me, but this is the time; it will never come back again. Your young age is a blessing; you can exhaust yourself, and your body will recover faster. You have money, a young age, and family; what are you waiting for? Go out, enjoy yourself, create memories. After 40 years, when you're old, you'll have happy memories to look back on, stories to share with your children and grandchildren."

Aryan was moved by Sanaya's words, feeling a deep connection. He extended his arms and embraced her, taking her by surprise. "Yes, I understand business, but you understand life," he whispered.

They hugged for a few minutes, and Aryan tucked Sanaya's hair behind her ears, "Thank you for making me realize what I've been missing."

Sanaya smiled, "Thank yourself; you asked me for dinner."

As they continued eating ice cream and gazing at the sea, Aryan couldn't help but notice Sanaya's lips, feeling a strong urge to kiss her. He suppressed his desire and closed his eyes, sighing.

Sanaya broke the silence, "Alvira is really crazy about you." Aryan looked puzzled, "Who's Alvira?" Sanaya reminded him, "The tomboy girl from our stall, the one who gave you the strawberry flavor jar and talked to you first. She's crazy about you and never misses a single news article about you. And the girl in the jumpsuit who asked for feedback is Shefali."

Aryan said, "Yeah, I remember. Come, I'll drop you home." They both got into the car, and soon Sanaya fell asleep with her head resting on the window.

Aryan looked at her, then gently pulled her towards him, careful not to disturb her sleep. He rested her head on his chest and kissed her forehead. He wrapped his arm around her and slept, his cheek resting on her head.

The driver watched them from the rearview mirror, surprised by Aryan's gentle behavior towards Sanaya. He looked innocent, not like the ruthless businessman he was known to be.

When they reached Sanaya's building, the driver called out softly, "Boss, Boss." Aryan opened his eyes, reluctant to wake Sanaya. He patted her cheek, calling her name, "Sanaya, wake up, dear." Sanaya snuggled closer, refusing to wake up.

Aryan's heartbeat skipped a beat, then he shook her shoulder, "Sanaya, wake up." Sanaya slowly opened her eyes, rubbed them, and looked out the window. "We're here." She turned to Aryan, "Thank you for dinner, goodbye." "Goodbye," Aryan replied, mouthing "good night" as she waved goodbye with a smile before exiting the car.