Chapter 16: 16. Jaana !

Third person's pov:

Abhimaan's smile was radiant, his eyes shining with a happiness he hadn't felt in years. “Let’s start fresh, Mayura. Let’s make this marriage real.”

Mayura nodded, and though her expression was calm, he could see the flicker of hope in her eyes. It warmed his heart, but at the same time, it made him ache with guilt for everything that had transpired between them. Determined to move forward, Abhimaan opened the car door and stepped out, his hand firmly holding hers as they walked together into the cool evening air.

The soft breeze played with Mayura’s hair, making her look even more beautiful under the moonlit sky. She was still flushed from the kiss on her forehead. Her heart raced, and he could almost feel its rapid beat through the touch of their hands.

Abhimaan couldn’t help but notice the way Mayura looked at him, her gaze filled with a mix of excitement and vulnerability. It tugged at something deep within him, making him want to protect her, to cherish her in a way he hadn’t realized he was capable of.

“Can we take it slow?” she asked, her voice so soft it was almost lost in the evening air.

Abhimaan’s grin turned mischievous, his eyes sparkling with a teasing light. “Slow? Jaana, you’re killing me,” he replied, his voice low and husky, laden with a playful yet intense undertone.

Mayura blinked in surprise, her lips parting slightly. “Jaana?” she echoed, her voice a mix of shock and curiosity.

Abhimaan chuckled, enjoying the way her eyes widened in that endearing way. “Yeah, Jaana. It means ‘beloved’ in Hindi. And you are, my beloved,” he said, letting his voice carry the warmth he felt inside.

He watched as Mayura’s cheeks deepened in color, the pink hue spreading across her face. It was a sight that never failed to make his heart skip a beat. “Abhimaan, Focus,we were about to start as friends first ” she tried to sound stern, but her voice lacked conviction.

His laughter was deep and rich, filled with genuine amusement. “Okay, okay. So, you want to take it slow. That means we start with being friends, right?” he asked, still teasing but willing to follow her lead.

Mayura nodded, her eyes shining with determination. “Yes, exactly. Friends first, and then we’ll see where it goes.”

He quickly pecked her on lips and wanted to see as she was uncomfortable or something but he was relieved to see she was not .

Abhimaan leaned closer, his grin widening. “Friends don’t kiss, Jaana,” he pointed out, his voice dipping into that low, husky tone that always seemed to disarm her.

Mayura’s gaze dropped to her feet, her blush intensifying. “That....it was not fair ,” she muttered, trying to sound convincing but failing spectacularly.

Abhimaan’s laughter was warm, almost tender. “I’m glad I was the one who made it unfair first , Jaana,” he said, the affection in his tone unmistakable.

As the night deepened, they found themselves sitting on the couch, their legs brushing against each other, their hands still entwined. The soft glow of the lamp bathed them in a golden light, making Mayura’s blush even more prominent. Abhimaan couldn’t help but notice how peaceful she looked, despite the lingering traces of her earlier vulnerability.

“So, Jaana,” he began, loving the way the nickname felt on his tongue, “tomorrow’s your first day at your new college. Are you excited?”

Mayura’s eyes lit up with enthusiasm. “Yes, I am. I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long.”

Abhimaan smiled, watching her animated expression. “And I’m sure you’ll make plenty of new friends, won’t you?”

Her face softened, and for a moment, she looked almost shy. “I hope so,” she replied, trying to sound casual but unable to hide the slight tremor in her voice.

Abhimaan leaned closer, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Oh, Jaana, you’re so cute when you’re blushing.”

Mayura’s gaze snapped up to meet his, her expression a mix of defiance and embarrassment. “I am not blushing,” she protested, though the pink in her cheeks told a different story.

“Oh, really?” Abhimaan’s smile was wide, his tone teasing. “Then why are your cheeks so pink?”

Mayura’s blush deepened, and she playfully pushed at his shoulder. “Shut up, Abhimaan,” she muttered, trying to sound stern but failing miserably.

His laughter was soft, and he leaned back, still holding her hand. “I’ll drop you off at college and pick you up after your classes, Jaana. I want to make sure you’re safe and sound.”

Mayura’s eyes widened in surprise, and she looked almost flustered. “No, Abhimaan, there’s no need,” she protested, her voice barely above a whisper.

Abhimaan frowned slightly, concern etching into his features. “Why not, Jaana?”

Mayura hesitated, her gaze dropping as she fiddled with the hem of her kurti. “I don’t want to attract attention, Abhimaan. I just want to blend in and focus on my studies.”

His expression darkened for a moment, a flicker of possessiveness crossing his eyes. “Jaana… Are you ashamed of being married to me? You told me not to disclose your images too . ”

Mayura’s head shot up, her eyes filled with indignation. “No, Abhimaan, of course not! I just don’t want people to know my personal life or status , that’s all.”

Abhimaan’s features softened as he considered her words. She wasn’t trying to push him away; she was just trying to protect her own space, something he could understand and respect.

Mayura then looked at him, her eyes searching his. “Abhimaan, can I ask you something?”

“Of course, Jaana. What is it?” His voice was gentle, encouraging her to speak freely.

She bit her lip, a habit he found endearing, before she spoke. “Why are you suddenly calling me Jaana? It’s too sudden. You never used to call me that before.”

Abhimaan’s smile was tender, his gaze never leaving hers. “I know it’s sudden, but I couldn’t help it, Mayura. You’re my wife, and I want to call you that because it feels right.”

Her eyes softened, and for a moment, she looked as though she might cry. “I… I like it,” she admitted, her voice barely audible.

Abhimaan’s heart swelled with affection, and he couldn’t resist the urge to lean in and kiss her forehead. “I’m glad you do, Jaana. Because from now on, you’ll always be my Jaana.”

As the night wore on, they settled into a comfortable silence. Mayura curled up on the couch, her eyes growing heavy with sleep. Abhimaan watched her, his heart heavy with a mixture of guilt and longing. He knew she still wasn’t comfortable sleeping in their bed, and it was all because of him—because of the mistakes he had made.

Without a word, he got up and moved to the other couch, lying down beside her. Mayura stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she looked at him in surprise. “What are you doing?” she whispered.

Abhimaan’s voice was low, almost a whisper as he replied, “I couldn’t sleep knowing you’re still afraid . I want to be near you .”

Mayura’s eyes softened, and he could see the shimmer of unshed tears. “Abhimaan, you don’t have to do this. I’ll get over it eventually.”

He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “I know you will, Jaana. But until then, I’ll be here, beside you, always.”

As they lay there in the quiet of the night, Abhimaan’s thoughts drifted. He realized how much Mayura had changed him, how much light she had brought into his life without even trying. The way she smiled, the way she blushed, the way she tried to act tough when she was clearly flustered—all of it had wormed its way into his heart, and he couldn’t imagine a future without her by his side.

He watched her as she finally drifted off to sleep, her face peaceful, her breathing steady. His heart swelled with love and gratitude, knowing he had found his soulmate in this brave, beautiful woman. As the night deepened, Abhimaan’s eyes never left Mayura’s face, his soul at peace for the first time in years, content just to be near her, his Jaana.