Mark: "No... not genuinely. I didn't say it in words. I just distanced myself from her. I thought she wouldn't be comfortable, and to be honest, I wasn't comfortable either. I mean, we both knew what was going to happen on the first night, right?
So, of course, she would be scared of how I'd treat her. I didn't want to pressure her, so I let go of the chance. And that's not the only reason. I was like Ishana, too. I didn't want to get married, either. All those lousy excuses she has now... I had them then.
Of course, I wasn't scared of the first night. I didn't do anything because of the anger I had toward my family, who forced me to marry someone I didn't want. From then until now, we've been living like roommates. She doesn't interfere in my matters, and I don't interfere in hers.
Then I got busy with my business and went out for 3-4 months. When I came back, things were still the same. We didn't know how to be comfortable with each other. Neither of us tried to break the distance. We only spoke when we had something important to discuss... and then, 3 years passed."
(Mark pauses, his tone getting a little more reflective)
Mark: "You know what? I didn't plan to get close to her. If Ishana hadn't given me the courage that day... I don't think I could have gone close to her. It was the first time I touched her in those three years... And from then, everything started to feel normal between us.
So, I know it's hard in arranged marriages to get close to each other, but I'd suggest you do it on the first night... or you're gonna regret it."
Abhi: (quietly, thoughtfully) "So... do you regret it?"
Mark: (sighs deeply, his voice tinged with regret) "Yeah... of course, I regret it. I don't know what was wrong with me back then. I guess I was too young... too naive to understand anything. But now, I feel like I should have done it on the first night. It might've been scary for her, being with someone she didn't know... but after a physical relationship... you get to know each other better. You understand each other in ways words can't explain.
Now, looking back... I don't see anything happy in those three years. All I did was regret marrying her. But in these last two days... I've finally gotten to know her—how she feels, what she thinks, what makes her smile, how clumsy she is... everything. You know, these two days have been the happiest days in the last three years."
Abhi: (smiling softly, a little relieved) "I'm glad things are working out between you guys... I think you should tell this to your sister. She'll be happy to hear it."
Mark: (nodding, but with a wistful expression) "Of course, I'll tell her... it's just that I didn't get the chance before.
And I know you'll handle things with Ishana better than I handled my situation. But in my case, we didn't like each other... in yours, you do like her. So I'm sure you'll manage it... on your own."
Abhi: (laughing lightly, but there's a hint of uncertainty in his voice) "Yeah, we're almost there." (he looks ahead, noticing they've reached the parlour)
Mark: (teasing) "By the way... I forgot to ask. Why did you get tinted windows on your car?"
Abhi: (smirking, as if hiding something) "Oh, it's for privacy..."
Mark: (raises an eyebrow, amused) "Privacy? What exactly are you planning to do in the car?"
Abhi: (grinning, playing along) "Nah, I'm joking. It's for the sunlight... nothing more."
Mark: (laughing) "Ah, sure, sure... Let me know the number of the agency, though. I'd like to get tinted windows on my car too... and not just for the sunlight, of course."
(Mark smiles, giving Abhi a playful nudge before getting out of the car. As he steps outside, he sees Ishana running toward him. She looks excited, almost childlike, jumping around and showing off her outfit. She's practically glowing as she asks him if she looks beautiful.)
Mark: (smiling warmly as she approaches, his voice gentle) "Yes, you look beautiful today. And thank you for the compliment." (he taps her head affectionately)
Abhi: (watching from the car, his heart racing slightly as he observes Ishana in her lehenga. She's beaming, looking more beautiful than he's ever seen her. He feels a wave of emotion, the pink color of her lehenga making her look like she belongs in a dream. He can't help but wonder: If he were in Mark's place, would she be this comfortable around him? Will she ever feel this way with him? He sighs, knowing time will tell.)
(Abhi's voice, still from inside the car, is soft but filled with admiration.) "She looks stunning today."
Mark: (teasing but with a hint of brotherly pride) "Okay, okay, princess, stop jumping around! We're getting late."
Ishana: (still excited, grinning) "Yes, brother. But whose car is this?"
Mark: "Oh, this? It's Abhi's car."
Ishana: (inquisitive) "Why did you bring his car?"
Mark: (playfully) "Hop in, and you'll find out."
(He walks over to the passenger side, opens the door for her, and gestures for her to get in.)
Ishana: (climbing into the car, she pauses, seeing Abhi there and glances at him, slightly puzzled) "Why is he here?"