The wedding festivities were in full swing, and Aarohi felt the energy around her shift as the big day drew nearer. There was a vibrant buzz in the air, with family members arriving, decorating the house, and preparing for the first of many rituals. Yet, amidst the excitement, Aarohi couldnât shake the weight of her upcoming exams. They were just two days away, and she still had so much to study.
As the evening sun dipped, the house was alive with the sounds of the first wedding functionâthe mehendi ceremony. The room was filled with the scent of henna and the sounds of laughter as the women of the family gathered to celebrate. Aarohi couldnât help but feel a little out of place, her mind racing with thoughts of the exams, but she knew she had to be present.
Vihaan, noticing her distracted state, walked over to where she was sitting, a concerned look in his eyes. âAarohi,â he said softly, his voice a little more serious than usual. âYouâve been looking at that book for hours. When was the last time you took a break?â
Aarohi glanced up at him, trying to give a casual smile. âIâm fine, just... thinking about my exams.â
He sat down beside her, his gaze not leaving her face. âI know you, Aarohi. You push yourself too hard. You donât have to do everything alone.â
She sighed, feeling the weight of it all. âI feel like Iâm running out of time... The wedding, exams, everything. Itâs all just so much.â
Vihaan gently placed a hand on hers, his fingers warm against her skin. âThen let me help. Weâll get through this together. Just focus on the wedding tonight, and Iâll make sure your exams donât sneak up on you.â
Aarohi looked at him, his soft but determined gaze making her heart flutter. She nodded slowly. âOkay. Tonight is about the wedding. No more studying for now.â
His eyes softened, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. âThatâs my girl.â
---
As the evening unfolded, Aarohi found herself swept up in the magic of the mehendi ceremony. The intricate designs of henna decorated the hands of the bride-to-be, and there was a sense of joy that seemed to fill the room. The women of the family danced and sang traditional songs, and for a few hours, Aarohi let herself enjoy the festivities.
Vihaan, who had been mostly standing back, now found himself inching closer to her as she joined the group. His presence was reassuring, and even though he wasnât the type to dance or sing along, he seemed to enjoy watching everyone around himâespecially Aarohi. His eyes lingered on her as she laughed with the family, her face lit up with happiness. He couldnât help but feel possessive, a surge of protectiveness flooding through him. She was his, and watching her in this moment, so full of life and beauty, made his chest tighten.
---
Later in the evening, as the crowd thinned, Aarohi sat down for a moment to catch her breath. She was surprised when Vihaan appeared beside her again, his usual playful smirk now softened with concern.
âYouâre tired,â he said, his voice low. âYou should rest.â
Aarohi shook her head, a teasing glint in her eyes. âI canât. Thereâs too much to do, too many people to talk to. I canât just hide away.â
Vihaanâs gaze darkened slightly, a protective streak surfacing. âYou donât have to talk to everyone. Just... come with me for a bit? Letâs get away from all this for a while.â
He stood up, holding out his hand to her, and Aarohi hesitated only for a moment before taking it. His touch felt possessive, as though he wasnât just offering her a moment of peace but also claiming it for himself.
They walked to the quieter part of the garden, where the night air was cool and calm. Vihaan pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her shoulders as they sat on a bench. The sounds of the celebration still echoed in the distance, but here, it was just the two of them.
âYou know,â Vihaan said softly, âI donât want anyone else getting too close to you tonight.â
Aarohi raised an eyebrow, surprised by the edge in his voice. âWhat do you mean?â
He looked down at her, his expression serious, his eyes full of intent. âYouâre mine, Aarohi. I donât want anyone else taking up your time or making you feel like you have to be somewhere else. I want you here... with me.â
Aarohi felt a surge of warmth spread through her chest. She had never seen this side of him beforeâthe side that was so raw and unguarded. Her heart skipped a beat.
âIâm right here, Vihaan,â she said softly, resting her head against his shoulder. âOnly with you.â
He smiled at her words, his arms tightening around her in a possessive, almost protective way. âGood. Because youâre the most important thing in my life right now.â
---
As the night came to a close, Aarohi felt a sense of peace she hadnât experienced in a long time. Vihaan had a way of making everything feel manageable, and for the first time in days, she allowed herself to relax. His possessiveness, while new to her, made her feel cherished and loved.
As they walked back into the house, Vihaan kept his hand firmly on her waist, his presence a constant reminder that no matter how much pressure she felt, she wasnât alone in this.
---
The next morning, the house was once again alive with energy. The next ritual was already underwayâthe sangeet ceremony. The music, laughter, and vibrant colors filled the air as everyone prepared for the lively dance performances that would follow. Aarohi couldnât help but be caught up in the excitement of it all, even as the pressure of her exams loomed over her.
Vihaan found her in the midst of the crowd, once again offering her his hand. âYouâve been studying all night, havenât you?â he said, his tone gentle but knowing.
Aarohi nodded sheepishly. âJust a little... I couldnât help it.â
Vihaan smirked, his possessive side emerging again. âWell, youâre mine tonight. No studying. Just dancing, enjoying yourself... and maybe a little bit of me.â
She laughed, his playful yet protective nature putting her at ease. âAlright, alright. Iâll take a break.â
Vihaan grinned, pulling her into his arms. âGood. Because the best part of tonight is going to be you and me.â
---
As the evening unfolded, Aarohi realized how much she had come to rely on Vihaanâs presence. His possessiveness, though new to her, was something she was slowly learning to appreciate. With him by her side, the pressures of the wedding and exams didnât seem so overwhelming. She wasnât just facing them aloneâshe had him, and that made all the difference.