Ashaas was halfway through watering the plants when the doorbell rang.
She frowned. No one ever rang the bell like that—three sharp presses, impatient. She opened the door to find Meera standing there again, sunglasses on, confidence turned up high.
"I was in the area," Meera said, already stepping inside.
Ashaas raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Arjun looked up from the couch, surprised. "Oh. Hi."
Meera smiled at him first. "Hope we're not interrupting."
"You are," Ashaas said calmly. "But it's fine."
Meera laughed like it was a joke. "You haven't changed."
They sat. Meera crossed her legs, glancing around the house again. "You both look very settled."
"Is that a problem?" Ashaas asked.
"No," Meera said quickly. "Just… impressive."
She turned to Arjun. "Do you ever miss having more freedom?"
Ashaas nearly choked on her water.
Arjun blinked. "Freedom from what?"
"Marriage," Meera said lightly. "Some men feel trapped."
Ashaas smiled sweetly. "He's free to leave. He just doesn't want to."
Arjun laughed. "Exactly."
Meera's smile slipped for a second. She stood up. "I should go."
At the door, she paused. "You're lucky, Ashaas."
Ashaas nodded. "I know."
After the door closed, Arjun looked at her. "She really wanted a reaction."
Ashaas shrugged. "I don't owe her one."
He pulled her into a hug. "I like this calm version of you."
She smiled into his chest. "I fought too hard for it."
They stood there, quiet and close, while outside, the doorbell stayed silent.