22. Breathe Mr. Singhania

Anika

I ended the call with a grin on my face.

Ever since Jai entered my life, I find myself smiling more. And I'm not talking about our college days; I'm talking about the dates, texts, calls, Face Times, him randomly showing up at my house – everything that happened after our parents arranged this marriage.

But there's this question that creeps into my mind: Would Jai have chosen me if our parents hadn't arranged this between us? Would he have gone for a model or someone with a higher rank, not the girl he's been seeing since he was 18? I push that thought to the deep corners of my brain.

As soon as I get up from the bed, a text pops up on my phone. It's from Jai.

Jai: Can't wait to see you, princess.

My heart flips every time he calls me princess, beautiful, or love. It's ridiculous. I reply with heart emojis.

I need to go to my parents' house first, and then we'll all get ready and head to the farmhouse.

So, I pack my stuff – the saree is at my parents' place, so I only need to pack jewelry, makeup, and a spare fancy dress just in case. Diya and Nisha left to meet their parents while I was with Jai, so I have to go alone.

After locking up, I book a cab and head to my destination. My phone buzzes, and it's a text from Jai.

Jai: Started?

Anika: Yep, just now.

Jai: Send me your location.

Anika: Aww, cute.

Jai: Nothing's cuter than being safe. LOCATION. NOW.

Anika: attaches live location

Jai: Thanks.

Anika: I think I should be the one thanking you, Mr. Singhania.

Jai: You can thank me for different reasons.

My mind naturally goes in a dirty direction. Ugh, I didn't need that image now. I'm in a cab, dammit.

Anika: Take your mind out of the gutter.

Jai: You wouldn't have gotten the joke if you didn't have a dirty mind.

I bet he's smirking. Asshole.

Anika: rolling eyes emoji

I FaceTime him and connect my AirPods. He picks up after a single ring – impressive.

"Hey," I greet.

"Hi," he responds.

"I'm bored."

"I don't think I can entertain you; that's your forte," he says.

"You're not as boring as you think."

"Really?"

"Yep, totally," I reply.

"Where are you?" I ask as I catch a glimpse of different-colored rose flowers. Trust me, they're beautiful, even if I only saw them for a second.

He realizes I've identified the location and heads back inside a house, which looks modern.

"I'm at the farmhouse."

"Already?"

"Yeah, had to take care of a few things," he replies. He has so many people to do this, but he himself takes care of it, making my heart beat faster.

Someone comes and asks him about something, but I can't hear it because he mutes the call. The way he pays attention, looking at him from this angle – uff. So damn sexy.

The other person leaves when I hear him say, "You think so, princess?" Oh my god, did I say that out loud?

"Yes, you said it out loud," he chuckles.

My eyes are wide, and he's freaking laughing. By now, I know my cheeks are red. Get it together, Anika. You've hidden this well all these years.

"I'm hanging up."

"Aniiii," when I look at him, he says, "You look so adorable when you're flustered."

"Oh, fuck off," and I realize I'm in a cab, so I shut my mouth.

He keeps laughing, and I don't take it personally. Jai laughing heartfully is a sight to behold. I absolutely love it.

I take a screenshot and move the picture to the album 'My Prince'.

We tease each other for a few minutes, and then I reach my home. So I cut the call and head inside.

This home has always been the place I call 'home.' None others felt like this, not even my apartment.

Except Jai's arms. I feel safe, just like at home.

When I reach the door, I ring the bell, and my dad opens the door. "Hello, papa," I hug him. It's been so long since I met my dad, though it's barely even a week.

I'm closer to my dad compared to mom. He's always treated me like a little princess, keeping me safe from a few bullies when I was a little girl. He'd still do that, keep me safe, I mean. But now I act all independent because I'm the elder daughter. I need to take care of our family.

I still remember when I was 10 and I came back from a running competition with scratched knees. My mom scolded me for not being careful, but papa cleaned me up, put two rabbit bandages on either of my legs, and took me to my favorite ice cream place.

It's not like I don't like my mom. I love her so much. But her way of love is different compared to dad. Her love for me was cooking my favorite meals or calling me on a random day asking about my day.

I step inside my home, and I find mom roaming here and there searching for things.

"Yo, chill, mom," I said.

"I'm super chill," she replies.

"Yeah, sure." My dad puts an arm around my shoulder. Both of us give a smile.

"Don't gang up on her," Varsha comes into view.

"I would never do that," dad's hand goes towards my mom, wrapping an arm around her waist, bringing her closer to him.

They're so cute, seriously. My dad has always shown his love openly. And mom also does, but when they're alone, I think. Just like me. I'm a woman of actions more than words.

Then we arrange and take care of a few things for the engagement. After that, all of us take a seat at the dining table for lunch. It's almost 12, so we decide to have lunch and leave for the Singhania farmhouse.

All of us eat, discussing one thing or the other. I feel like I'm at home, at peace after a long time.

Then I dress up in a white kurta set. It has a white chunni that matches the design of the kurta. I pair it up with white heels, obviously, and go for light makeup because I have to get ready again anyhow in the evening.

All of us take our bags and essential items and get started for the destination.

The farmhouse is near Ananthagiri Hills, which means it'll take approximately 2 and a half hours to reach. The whole ride, we either talk about the latest family gossip or listen to songs.

After what feels like an eternity, we finally reach the farmhouse with the help of Google Maps. That thing is a lifesaver. For real.

When we enter the gate and after a couple of minutes, I can see the house. Oh my god. It is not a traditional farmhouse. It's a freaking modern house and a really good one at that. The best, actually. It has a dark aesthetic with clear glass windows.

We get down at the front side of the house, and the four of us are in the same expression, admiring the house.

Jai comes down from the stairs, and I go towards him and hug him. I missed being in his embrace, even if I met him just yesterday.

I couldn't stop admiring the ring ever since he proposed to me. The fact that he proposed brings fresh tears to my eyes. I blink a few times to control them.

Still buried in his chest, I can hear his heartbeat, calming and perfect. It brings me back to peace.

"I missed you, princess," he tells me.

"I did too," I hug him tighter, and he kisses my hair. This is my way of showing love – the little affectionate things, remembering everything and surprising him afterward. Hugs. Kisses. Spending time with him every chance I get.

I gain control and come back before I make a show in front of my parents, and especially uncle and aunty.

We go inside, and the house is as beautiful as it looked from outside. It's huge, no less than a mansion, with all-white sofas and dark furniture.

"You own this?" I ask him because Jai insisted that he'd give me a tour of the house.

"Duh," is all he replies.

"This is huge, and so beautiful," I might be having all heart eyes.

"You like it?" he asks.

"Obviously," I reply. Who in the world wouldn't like this house?

He shows me all the rooms, even the swimming pool at the back. When I ask him about the garden, he says it's a surprise.

I like surprises, so I don't complain.

Then he takes me to a room on the top story and says, "You can get ready here."

The walls are made of glass, so I ask, "You want me to give everyone a show?"

"If they want to lose their eyesight," he replies. What? Caveman much? I secretly enjoy this side of him, though.

"Where should I change?" I asked him.

"Press this button," he gives the remote to me. I do as he says, and the glass goes hazy.

"Now, nobody will be able to see you," he replies.

"Go, get ready. I'll meet you in an hour." He kisses my forehead and leaves.

First, I do my makeup – a little over the top because it's my engagement. Then I get ready in a saree. Mom helps me a little because I wore it after ages.

I wear my pink saree with a whiteish blouse. It is simple, but I really liked this one when mom and I went shopping. I pair it up with a diamond choker and earrings, wear a bracelet and bangles on either side.

My hair is left open, and I style it up a little.

All in all, I'm happy with my choice of outfit today.

It's around 6 pm when I go down, searching for Jai. When I find him at the bottom of the stairs, he looks at me right after I find him.

Despite all the people looking at me then, my focus is on him. Solely him.

He was dressed in all white, white shirt and pants and a white coat which had nice design all over it. He left the buttons of the shirt open, making him extra hot.

When I reach the bottom of the stairs, I can see that he placed his hand on his chest, his breath hitched.

I walk towards him and rise to my tiptoes, whispering, "Breathe, Mr. Singhania. It's easy, just in and out."

He gives a playful smile that matches mine.

"Smartass," he replies.

Right then, mom insists on calling her mom, and she says, "Come on, let's head outside."

It's only a few people – my friends and family, and similar with Jai.

When we go to the garden, I can see a beautiful decor – the path has glass with roses inside it, and the stage is also filled with rose and tulip decoration.

As an event planner, I give it a 100/10. It's so beautiful.

The event goes smoothly. We exchange rings – he gives me mine again, but I make him wear his ring. Our parents do all the remaining formalities.

We interact with almost everyone.

When I head towards the house, I go inside and do a little touch-up.

When I turn, I'm trapped between Jai's body and the wall, his hungry eyes staring down at me -

..........................................................................

❀₊˚⊹♡

Both of them have my heart🥹🤌🏼

Itna rich bano ki aisa ghar le pao❤️Keep working on your dreams cuties🦋

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