chapter 20

Do you feel the cold breezes touching your face?" Advik asked, his voice carrying a hint of contemplation.

"Yes, I do, and it feels so refreshing," Anika responded, enjoying the sensation of the cool breeze against her skin.

"And the peaceful environment around us," Advik added, his tone soft as he admired their surroundings, and Anika nodded in agreement, appreciating the tranquil atmosphere.

Anika couldn't help but wonder why Advik was asking such unnecessary questions today, but before she could ponder further, he spoke again.

"I saw your interview," Advik revealed, catching Anika off guard. She turned to look at him, curiosity sparking in her eyes as she awaited his next words.

"Which one?" Anika asked, her curiosity piqued.

Advik rose to his feet and gestured for her to stand up. With a gentle hand, he led her to the center of the garden, where a bench awaited them. On the bench lay a beautiful flower bouquet, and Anika's confusion deepened.

"The interview after your first book. The one where they asked you what type of proposal you want in your life," Advik explained, his eyes reflecting a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. Anika's eyes widened in realization, her heart pounding in her chest as she began to understand what was happening.

"Y...," Anika started to speak, but Advik interrupted her gently, urging her to wait a moment longer.

"You said you wanted a proposal under the sky full of stars, in a peaceful environment where cold breezes could touch your face, and with your future someone holding a red rose," Advik reminded Anika, his voice filled with tenderness.

"I had plans for a big proposal, but I realized your dream proposal would be the best. You wanted just a simple rose, but I brought a bouquet. Do you know why?" Advik asked, locking eyes with Anika.

Anika shook her head, eager to hear his explanation.

"Because I wanted to give you everything more than you wanted. I want to give you happiness beyond your expectations. I want to give you love greater than you ever imagined," Advik confessed, his words overflowing with sincerity and devotion.

"For you, my royal highness, I would become the fictional character you write about," Advik declared, a smile spreading across Anika's face as tears of joy welled up in her eyes. She felt overwhelmed by the depth of his love and the effort he had put into making her dream proposal come true.

"I love you, Mrs. Malhotra," Advik whispered, his arms enveloping Anika in a warm embrace.

Anika returned the embrace, feeling the warmth of his love enveloping her.

"Don't you think you should say something?" Advik gently teased, pulling back slightly to gaze into her eyes.

"I love you too, Mr. Malhotra," Anika replied softly, her heart overflowing with love for him.

"It took me a while to get here, but I think that maybe I've always loved you," Advik confessed, his words filled with sincerity as he tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"And i am always going to love you," Advik declared, his touch sending shivers down Anika's spine as she smiled, feeling the depth of their connection and the certainty of their future together.

"Shall we?" Advik asked, offering his hand to Anika. "Yeah," Anika replied, her heart still fluttering with the warmth of Advik's confession.

They descended the stairs together, returning to the familiar surroundings with renewed joy in their hearts.

"Ohooooo, finally jiju confessed!" Pragya exclaimed excitedly as they reached the bottom of the stairs, causing Anika to blush bashfully.

"Guys, honeymoon?" Pragya suggested eagerly, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Yes, yes!" Ishan chimed in enthusiastically, already envisioning their upcoming adventures.

"Shut up and let's go for ice cream," Advik interjected, playfully changing the subject

"But you said you don't like ice cream," Anika reminded Advik with a confused expression clear on her face

Advik mentally cursed his slip of the tongue, realizing he had inadvertently given his wife an opportunity to tease him mercilessly.

"Yes, yes, bhaiya, you don't like ice cream," Ishan chimed in, joining in on the teasing with a mischievous grin.

"Yeah, but I like it since you made me eat ice cream from your hands," Advik admitted, his cheeks flushing slightly as he deflected the attention away from himself and onto Anika.

"Aniii," Pragya called out with a smirk, thoroughly enjoying her sister's embarrassment.

"Let's go," Anika interjected, eager to move past the teasing and indulge in some delicious ice cream.

They made their way to the ice cream stand, with Anika and Advik lagging behind as Pragya and Ishan led the way ahead, the air filled with laughter and lighthearted banter.

Advik gently took Anika's hand in his, intertwining their fingers as they walked together.

"I didn't know you were so romantic," Anika remarked, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Only for you," Advik replied with a playful wink, his love for her evident in his eyes.

"Guys, don't start your PDA there," Pragya teased, rolling her eyes at the affectionate display.

"What about your PDA on Instagram?" Advik countered with a grin, earning a playful glare from Pragya.

"Come on, jiju, don't start now," Pragya protested, trying to defuse the situation.

"Yeah, you fight with bhabhi, not with my wife," Ishan chimed in, coming to pragya's defence, and Pragya blushed at his words.

"Yeah, yeah," Advik agreed, deciding to let the teasing go, preferring to bask in the joy of the moment with Anika by his side.

As they reached their designated rooms, Advik flopped onto the bed with a contented sigh.

"My favorite room," he declared, glancing around with a smile, and Anika chuckled in agreement.

"Everything in this room reminds me of my childhood," Advik continued, his voice filled with nostalgia, and Anika nodded, understanding the sentimental attachment.

"Come," he beckoned to her, opening his arms invitingly. Anika smiled and walked towards him, feeling a wave of warmth wash over her as she nestled into his embrace.

With gentle tenderness, Advik held her close, savoring the feeling of having her in his arms.

"Can I kiss you?" he asked softly, his eyes searching hers for permission, and she nodded in response, her heart fluttering with anticipation.

Leaning in, he pressed his lips softly against hers. The kiss was soft and gentle.Their kiss filled with love and affection. Time seemed to stand still as they shared this intimate moment, their hearts beating as one. Wrapped in each other's arms, they felt a deep sense of connection and belonging, knowing that they were meant to be together. In that tender embrace, they found solace and happiness, their love sealing their bond forever.

He gently broke the kiss, their lips parting with a soft sigh.

"Good night," Advik whispered, his voice filled with tenderness as he leaned forward and pressed his lips gently against her forehead.

Anika closed her eyes, feeling a rush of warmth and affection wash over her at his loving gesture. She nestled closer to him, feeling safe and loved in his arms.

"Good night," she murmured in return, her voice barely above a whisper, as they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other's embrace, their hearts beating in sync.

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As Ranya led both daughters-in-law on a shopping spree for the upcoming diwali festival. Advik and Ishan decided to join them.Ranya was on video call showing Anaya every attire as she is still in canada enjoying her lovely time with siddharth.

While Ishan helped Pragya select a traditional attire, Advik stayed close to Anika, whispering in her ear, "Red is my favourite colour." Anika remained silent, maintaining a polite distance between them.

"We confessed to each other, but still, you are too shy, Mrs. Advik Malhotra," Advik teased with a smirk, noticing Anika's reserved demeanour.

As Anika picked out a yellow dress and started to walk towards the changing room, Advik gently reached out and held her hand.

"I will help you," Advik offered teasingly, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Anika shook her head in response, a shy smile playing on her lips as she focused on selecting her attire. Advik chuckled softly, enjoying their playful banter as they continued browsing through the selection of outfits. Soon, the Malhotra ladies made their choices, each finding the perfect attire for the occasion of Diwali.