All she desired was the comfort of her own home, the solace of her bed, and the respite from the day's emotional toll.
With a polite excuse, Paro bid her farewell to Adi's family, gratitude mingled with a deep longing for escape. 
After almost two hours of faking her enthusiasm, she was able to finally step outside with her family.
The cool night air embraced her, offering relief from the stifling atmosphere within. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. 
She couldn't wait to go home to find solace in the familiarity of her sanctuary. 
……………
ONE WEEK LATER:
Adi's heart raced as he awaited Paro's arrival at the entrance of the luxurious five-star restaurant. The dimly lit surroundings accentuated his nervousness, mirroring the shadows lurking within his soul.
He wanted to pick her up from home, like a proper gentleman would do but she strictly refused.
 Adi, not wanting any more problems for the evening, agreed. 
He was getting impatient even though she still had five minutes left to show up at the right time.
Suddenly his eyes met the figure entering the restaurant.
Paro, draped in a  black dress that clung to her curves, exuded an aura of aloofness. Adi's voice, laced with both desire and desparation, quivered as he greeted her, 
" You're here." He said more to himself.
"As if I have any other options. Now Let's get this over with." 
Was what she wanted to say out loud but ended up giving the shortest answer possible. 
" Yes." 
Adi gestured towards the table, his voice tinged with desperation, 
"After you."
They walked in silence, a tense dance of reluctant participants. The manager led them to a private corner, where the shadows whispered their secrets and a single candle cast flickering light upon the table.
 Adi held out a chair for Paro, his touch grazing her arm, creating a mixture of nervousness and resentment within her.
As they took their seats, Adi's eyes bore into Paro's, their intensity almost suffocating. He broke the silence, his voice heavy with the weight of his confession.
"Welcome sir! What would you like to have?" The waiter patiently waited with a warm smile plastered on his face.
Adi looked at Paro silently asking. 
" Nothing," Paro answered while fidgeting with her fingers. 
But one look from him was enough for her to realize she had to have something.
" Sandwich then." She smiled at the waiter nervously.
Adi was taken aback. Who eats sandwiches on a date? That's too in a five-star restaurant? 
He looked at the waiter with side eyes who had the same surprised expression on his face. Adi cleared his voice to get his attention.
"  Sandwich for mam and a glass of wine for me," Adi ordered in his professional tone.
" Sure sir. Anything else?" 
" No. Thank you." The waiter took his leave as Adi dismissed him.
Looking at the girl sitting on the other side of the table he heaved a sigh. Her tense demeanor was clearly stating she wasn't there by choice.