Chapter 33

Tara had a way of making even the simplest things seem special. It was one of the countless reasons I found myself thinking of her at every moment, even during the most mundane tasks. So, when she casually mentioned during breakfast that she wanted to see a recently released movie, I decided I'd make it happen.

The title she mentioned struck a chord—I realized it was under the banner of my production house. That made things simple. I didn't want her to deal with the crowded chaos of the mall or the theater, so I called Naman and asked him to arrange a private screening at home.

Later that evening, Naman arrived with everything set up. The projector was ready, and the movie was cued. Tara walked into the room, her expression a mix of curiosity and confusion.

"What's going on?" she asked, glancing between me and the screen.

"You said you wanted to see this movie," I replied nonchalantly, gesturing to the setup.

"You brought the movie home?" she asked, her brows furrowing.

"It's under my production house," I said simply. "I thought this would be easier."

For a moment, she looked at me like I'd just solved world hunger, her lips parting slightly in surprise. But then she sighed, a soft smile playing on her face.

"Veer," she said gently, stepping closer. "This isn't how it's done."

I tilted my head, confused. "What do you mean?"

"Part of the fun of watching a movie is the experience," she explained. "The crowded theater, the popcorn, the overpriced drinks. That's what makes it memorable."

The next thing I knew, she was pulling me out of the house, insisting we go to the mall instead. As usual, I indulged her. Tara's excitement was contagious, and I found myself looking forward to whatever chaos she had planned.

At the theater, she insisted on buying tickets and snacks herself. She handed me a bucket of popcorn and a large soda, her grin wide as she said, "Now, this is how you watch a movie."

The film itself was entertaining, though I found myself watching her more than the screen. She laughed at all the right moments, her eyes lighting up with delight.

After the movie, we wandered through the mall, eventually finding ourselves at Miniso—a place that had quickly become Tara's favorite.

"I'll just get a few things," she said innocently, but I knew better.

Within minutes, her arms were full of plushies, cute stationery, and other random items. "These are so cute!" she exclaimed, holding up a cat-shaped plushie.

When we reached the counter, she pulled out her wallet, but I stopped her.

"I've got it," I said firmly, handing my card to the cashier.

"Veer, you don't have to keep paying for everything," she protested.

"I want to, and I will " I said simply.

She sighed, but the soft smile on her face told me she wasn't too upset.

I took the bags and settled everything in the car before joining her again.

As we walked through the bustling streets outside the mall, Tara stopped at a street food vendor. She ordered pani puri and insisted I try it, though I was skeptical.

"Trust me," she said, holding out a plate.

I took a bite, the spicy, tangy flavors hitting me all at once. It was overwhelming but oddly satisfying.

"I've never had anything like this," I admitted, earning a triumphant smile from her.

As we continued down the street, a small stall selling gajras caught my eye. The elderly vendor greeted me warmly, and I picked one out, handing it to Tara.

"For you," I said, watching as her face lit up.

"Thank you," she said softly, threading the gajra into her hair.

The vendor chuckled, her gaze shifting between us. "You're a lucky woman," she told Tara. "Your husband is so handsome."

Tara's face lit up, and before I could stop her, she started boasting. "He really is, isn't he? So handsome, so kind, and so understanding. Honestly, I don't think anyone could compare to him." She continued

''aur pata hai he never fights with me always say sorry first like you imagine that , isn't he so dreamy and I don't what I did in my past life to get him as my husband''

I felt my cheeks warm as she went on and on, praising me to the vendor and I didn't think she will stop anytime soon ''inko sab pata rehta hai mujhe kab kya chaiye hai , maine bola aur bas thode time mein who mere pas hota hai'' the vendor laughed softly seeing how she is describing me like a child describing her favourite thing , the vendor looked at me her eyes telling me that I have married well and I couldn't agree more , I had gently held her hands and drag her away but she was still so engrossed she didn't even notice until I made her sit in the car buckling her seatbelt

After loading everything into the car, we decided to take the long way home. Tara rested her head against the window, her hair catching the soft glow of the passing streetlights.

"Today was fun," I said, breaking the comfortable silence.

"It really was," she replied, turning to look at me.

I hesitated for a moment before continuing. "You know, I always thought relationships and marriage were supposed to be complicated. Grand gestures, constant work, all of it seemed... exhausting."

She tilted her head, listening intently.

"But you've shown me that it's the little moments that matter," I said softly. "Like sharing street food, playing video games, or just sitting together in silence. That's what makes this work. That's what makes it... easy."

She smiled, reaching out to place her hand over mine. "It's not complicated," she said. "People make it complicated by not communicating, by not giving each other time or understanding."

She paused, her gaze turning thoughtful. "You and I? We've missed out on a lot of moments in our childhood—moments of love, comfort, and safety. But we're going to live them now. Together."

Her words settled over me, filling the empty spaces

"Tara," I said softly, glancing at her. "I don't think I ever really understood what happiness was until I met you."

She squeezed my hand, her smile brighter than the streetlights passing by. "That's because you were waiting for me," she teased lightly.

And as we drove through the quiet streets, the warmth of her presence beside me, I realized she was right. Every moment I had waited, every doubt I had carried—they had all led me to her. And that was more than enough.