(Arina's POV)
The soft morning light streamed across the breakfast table, catching on the steam rising from the teacups. Arina sat opposite Reyansh, the quiet clink of silverware the only sound between them. Their mornings had grown comfortable—an easy rhythm of shared silence and small glances.When the slow rhythm of breakfast fell away, Reyansh straightened, his gaze lingering on her a moment longer and then stood up.
Arina rose with him. Without thinking, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist. The hug was gentle, slow. She felt the steady beat of his heart beneath the crisp fabric of his shirt before she carefully loosened her hold and offered him a soft smile.
Reyansh mirrored her gesture—his large hand brushing briefly across her back as he leaned just enough to return the embrace. "Take care," he murmured.
When the door closed behind him, the house settled into a stillness that almost echoed.
Arina wandered through the quiet rooms, her bare feet whispering against the polished floor. The maids moved discreetly in the background, but their presence felt distant, like figures in another world. Anita, the senior maid, still came and went for essential tasks, but Arina avoided unnecessary company whenever possible.
In her original world, Kiara—her true self—had lived in a constant rush. Long days of work, late nights of studying, deadlines that stole her sleep. There had always been people around her: colleagues, acquaintances, noise. Now, the silence inside this house was a strange luxury.
It gave her time to think.
She settled into the living room sofa, pulling her knees close and letting her mind drift. What did she truly want from this second life? In the book she had read, Arina was meant to be a quiet supporting character—an obedient wife who faded behind the brilliance of others. But she is not arina.
In her original world, Kiara—her true self—had once taken a part-time job at a small neighborhood bakery to help with college expenses. What began as a way to earn a little extra money slowly became something deeper. The scent of rising dough, the quiet rhythm of mixing and kneading, the delicate patience of decorating cakes—each shift calmed her restless mind and made the chaos of daily life fade away. What started as simple work had turned into a quiet passion, a dream she had carried with her even after leaving that job.
Here, with more time and money than she had ever known, the dream suddenly felt possible.
The afternoon stretched lazily. She read for a while, rearranged some of the flowers in the hallway, and jotted down ideas for recipes in a small notebook. The maids offered tea and light snacks. Being served still felt foreign to her.
By six o'clock, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway broke the hush. Arina blinked at the clock in mild surprise. Reyansh was home early today.
She smoothed the pleats of her saree and went to the foyer. He stepped inside, tall and composed as always, removing his jacket with deliberate movements.
"You're early," she said, unable to keep the quiet delight from her voice.
"Work finished sooner than expected," Reyansh replied. His eyes lingered on her for a heartbeat longer than usual.
"Would you like coffee?" she asked, already turning toward the kitchen.
He gave a small nod. "Yes. Thank you."
Arina remembered their first morning after marriage when she had purposely brewed tea instead of coffee, just to see if he would reveal a preference. He had politely drunk it but never asked for more.she knew he disliked tea, and now there was no need for such small tests.
A few minutes later, she returned carrying a tray. She set a cup of strong black coffee before him and poured herself tea, enjoying the faint aroma of cardamom. Taking the seat beside him on the sofa, she folded her legs neatly and waited until he had taken a sip.
"How was your day?" she asked.
"Good," he said simply, meeting her gaze.
They exchanged a few quiet remarks about the weather and a brief update on his company. The conversation was light, almost domestic. Yet there was a careful weight in his eyes, as if he measured each word.
After a pause, Reyansh leaned slightly toward her. "Are you comfortable here? If you'd like any changes to the house, or if something feels inconvenient, just tell me."
Arina shook her head, a small smile softening her features. "There's no need for that. The house is already perfect."
For a while, neither spoke. The warm fragrance of coffee filled the room.
Finally, Arina placed her cup down and folded her hands in her lap. "There's something I want to discuss with you," she said, her voice careful but steady.
Reyansh turned to her fully, his sharp gaze focused. "Go on."
"I'm thinking of opening a bakery," she said. "It was my dream… before. I've been considering it seriously, but I don't want to rush. I'd like to start small, find a place that feels right."
He studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. The silence stretched until she wondered if he disapproved. Then his lips curved—just slightly.
"It's your choice," he said. "If you need help, you can ask me."
Relief warmed her chest.
"Do you know anyone who could help me find a good location for the bakery?"she asked .
"Of course," he replied without hesitation.
Arina exhaled, a quiet breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "There's no hurry. I just wanted to tell you first."
"Good," Reyansh said. His gaze lingered on her face, softer than usual, as though he were cataloging every detail of her expression.
The evening unfolded in gentle conversation—small plans for the future, the comfortable clink of cups against saucers, the silent understanding growing between them.
For Arina, the dream of a bakery was more than a business. It was a promise to herself that even in this borrowed life, she would remain Kiara—a woman who chased her own desires, who built something with her own hands.
And for Reyansh, though he said nothing more, a subtle change flickered behind his eyes. He listened, he agreed, and somewhere deep inside, a quiet decision formed—a decision to keep this woman, with all her quiet strength and unexpected warmth, close enough that no dream could take her away.
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"Between calm smiles, a shared future starts to take shape."