26. Shopping date

Anika

Our drive to the apartment was serene. We enjoyed a comfortable silence for a while, then I updated Jai on a few things I'd missed at the office. I needed to return soon, but fortunately, I still had a few days of leave.

Later, we switched to songs, and when "Say You Won't Let Go" by James Arthur played, we both started singing.

....

I knew I loved you then

But you'd never know

'Cause I played it cool when I was scared of letting go

I know I needed you

But I never showed

But I wanna stay with you until we're grey and old

Just say you won't let go

Just say you won't let go

....

The lyrics resonated with me – every word seemed true. I had fallen for Jai even before realizing it.

As the music played, I closed my eyes and gradually drifted into sleep. I vaguely sensed movement but paid little attention, cherishing the tranquility of sleep.

However, I abruptly hit my head against what I initially thought was a wall but turned out to be a strong, muscular chest – Jai was carrying me, with my handbag slung over his shoulder.

This was the view I always craved – just him and me.

Unaware of my wakefulness, I took advantage of the moment, appreciating his jawline and the stubble I loved. I found him perfect even during the short period he had braces.

I gently lifted my hand, cupping his jaw, and traced my fingers over it. When he finally noticed my awakening, I smiled at him. "Good morning?" he greeted.

"Good night," I replied, snuggling into him.

"I can walk now, you know?"

"I can lift you, you know?" he teased back.

"I'm a little heavy," I admitted.

"Why do you think I go to the gym for?" he responded, holding me even closer. Did he just say that?

Upon reaching our apartment, I pulled out my key card to enter. "You can put me down," I told him after we entered our room.

"Okay," he playfully threw me onto the bed. His eyes held a hunger I hadn't anticipated.

"Wait for a minute!" I requested, rushing to the bathroom. I needed to look perfect, and my breath certainly wasn't at its best.

With a pair of night clothes ready, I quickly brushed my teeth, washed my face, and changed.

Upon returning to the room, I found Jai passed out on the bed. It wasn't what I expected, but I accepted it.

After several sleepless nights due to marriage festivities, both of us needed proper sleep.

Watching him sleep peacefully stirred various emotions in me – he looked adorable.

Taking a seat next to him, I ruffled his hair. I enjoyed these small, intimate gestures. I looked forward to doing them when he wasn't asleep.

Hopefully soon.

I completed my skincare routine and joined him in bed, maintaining a bit of distance because I didn't want to take advantage of him while sleeping.

He didn't stir, sleeping like a rock.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jai

Four days had passed since our marriage, and we hadn't left the apartment in the last two days. I woke up daily with my arm wrapped around Anika's waist, her snuggled against my chest.

However, today she faced the other side, her backside pressing against my crotch. She snuggled even closer. "Not helping the situation, love," I said, my voice hoarse, and she instantly stopped.

"I can help with that," she replied playfully.

Though I desired to take things further long ago, we mutually agreed to wait until after marriage. The last two days had been blissful, and being physically close to Anika intensified our intimacy.

Anika. My Princess. Literally.

I attended a few online meetings, juggling responsibilities as the incoming CEO. I needed to return to work the next day, and I'd miss being around Anika. I had bought a bookshelf for her, and during my meetings, she immersed herself in books.

While making breakfast, she suddenly proposed a competition. "Who can take the other on the best shopping date," she suggested.

"Shopping?" I questioned.

"It's interesting," she shrugged.

"And it's not because you love shopping?" I teased.

"Nahhh," she replied.

"Okay, sure. When?" I asked.

"Today!" she replied. "I have the perfect place. Get ready for the best date, Mr. Husband," she winked.

Anika got it wrong this time. Nothing can beat the shopping date I'm takingher on.

"Get ready in 30 minutes, we're going shopping," she happily declared. She left me and locked me out of the closet when I tried to join her.

But she's such a cutie, I could never get enough of her. And the 10 other shades of my princess.

After about 25 minutes, she came back with a handbag, ready for shopping. When I went for my keys, she said, "You're not driving today."

"Are you driving?" I asked.

"No, we're taking an auto."

"Okay, Miss Sahiba," I followed her. I've been doing that a lot lately. I followed her like a puppy everywhere she went.

As we searched for an auto a few minutes away from our penthouse, she finally found one. "Bhaiyya Koti. Kitna loge aap?" she haggled.

"250," the auto driver said.

Just as I was about to tell her to get in, she said, "100 bohat hai Bhaiyya. Utna dur bhi toh nahi hai."

"Madam bohat kam ho jayega who."

"Nahi 120 lelo. Chalo," she led me inside. Whispering in her ear, I said, "Your bargaining skills should be illegal, you know?"

"Why?" she looked surprised.

"He's going to be at a loss because of you."

"He couldn't have accepted if he would have been at a loss. And please, how do you get satisfaction after buying things at the same price?" she asked me, and I chuckled.

After what felt like a long time in traffic, we finally reached our destination – a street market. Anika called it 'the perfect date.' For the next few hours, she took me to many stores, and in each one, she bargained like a pro.

At one point, I tried to pay, but she refused. "It's not about the money; it's about satisfaction," she insisted.

Anika never used me for money. Not now, not since i've known her since the past 8 years. She never saw me and Aarav like Rich kids. She saw us for who we really are from the inside.

I'm not saying that negatively; in fact, I wanted her to use my money, to spoil her with everything. But then again, she was Anika.

I wasn't going to give up, though. I'm going to spoil my wifey.

My stomach grumbled, and I asked if she was hungry too. Anika turns into a hangry monster when she skips meals. "Okay, let's eat pani puri," she suggested casually.

"For lunch?" I asked, genuinely shocked.

"Live a little, Jai. Try new things," she retorted, and I rolled my eyes. I ended up carrying all her bags, despite her protests.

She insists on acting all independent, which gets on my nerves sometimes. I don't want her to put on a show around me – she doesn't need to do that. She does that when she's with her parents or colleagues.

We devoured pani puri for lunch and then made our way back home, full of bags. I didn't find much, but Anika bought a few items for me as well.

Once home, we rested for a bit, and around 5 PM, I couldn't wait any longer to take her on my date. Originally, I planned for tomorrow, but with just a day to spare, I decided to ask the question right then.

"Ready for my date?" I asked.

"Ohhh, I am soo ready," she replied.

"10 minutes. Wear comfortable clothes."

"Okay..." she left and came back within 7 minutes, rocking a co-ord set.

I instructed my driver to take us to the airport. Anika had no clue where we were headed, because I chatted with him while she changed.

As we neared the airport, she giggled, suspecting we were going shopping there. "Ahmm," is all I said. After entering  the airport and going through a few formalities, she probably guessed a bit but kept her cool.

Then, I led her to where my private jet was parked. "What are we-" she looked at me and the plane a couple of times.

"You have a jet???" she shrieked in surprise.

"Of course," I replied, guiding her inside. Once settled in, she finally couldn't contain her excitement "Where are you taking me, then?"

"Dubai mall," I casually said.

Yep, I was taking her to the Dubai mall in my jet. If this isn't the perfect way to say 'I've started falling for you,' then I don't know what is.

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

❀₊˚⊹♡

She married her crush,and now he's taking her to Dubai for a date. A girl could only dream right?

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