Honeymoon

Author’s POV

Even after several days had passed since the revelation, the Raichand mansion felt far from normal. Vivan appeared calm and collected on the surface, but his silence was deafening. The family could sense the storm brewing within him. The truth about his lineage—something he’d never imagined questioning—pierced his heart, leaving a void that nothing seemed to fill.

Advika, on the other hand, noticed his quiet struggles. She wanted to console him but didn’t know how to bridge the gap. Every time she tried to bring up the topic, Vivan would brush it aside with a strained smile. His pain was evident, yet he chose to bury it deep.

One evening, as Vivan sat in the study, lost in thought, his parents discussed the situation over tea.

“He needs a break,” his father said firmly. “Somewhere far from this house, away from all the whispers and stares. He needs time to heal.”

His mother nodded. “And he’s not the only one. Advika needs it too. She’s doing everything to keep him afloat, but even she looks drained.”

“What do you suggest?”

“A honeymoon,” she said decisively.

The next evening, during dinner, the family broached the topic.

“Vivan,” his father started, glancing at him, “your mother and I were talking, and we realized you and Advika haven’t had a proper honeymoon yet.”

Vivan paused mid-bite, raising an eyebrow. “Honeymoon? Right now?”

His mother nodded. “Yes. You’ve both been through a lot lately. It’s time you took some time for yourselves.”

Advika, seated quietly beside him, froze, her face heating up at the mention of a honeymoon. She kept her eyes fixed on her plate, unsure how to respond.

Vivan sighed. “I don’t think this is the right time for something like that.”

His father leaned forward. “There’s never going to be a ‘right time,’ Vivan. You need to get away from this house, this environment, and take a breath.”

“I’m not sure—” Vivan started, but his mother interrupted him.

“No arguments. We’ve already made the arrangements. You’re leaving tomorrow.”

“What?” Vivan exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief. “You planned this without even asking me?”

“Exactly,” his father said with a smirk.

Advika, still flustered, finally looked up and said softly, “If you don’t want to go, it’s okay. I mean… we don’t have to…”

Her shy demeanor made Vivan glance at her, his lips twitching into a small smile despite himself. “It’s not that I don’t want to… I just…” He trailed off, unable to articulate his hesitation.

“Enough!” his mother said firmly. “You’re going, and that’s final. Advika, help him pack.”

Advika nodded meekly, her cheeks still flushed. She sneaked a glance at Vivan, who shook his head lightly, a mix of amusement and resignation on his face.

As the family dispersed from the dining table, Vivan leaned closer to Advika and whispered, “Do you really want to go?”

She fidgeted with the edge of her dupatta, avoiding his gaze. “If it helps you… then yes.”

Her words, spoken with such sincerity, tugged at his heart. He sighed, nodding. “Alright. Let’s go, then.”

Though he wasn’t entirely convinced, the sight of her shy but determined expression made him feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe this trip wasn’t just about him—it was about both of them finding their footing together.

The morning air carried a sense of anticipation as Advika and Vivan prepared to leave for their honeymoon. The Raichand mansion, usually bustling with activity, felt unusually quiet as the couple’s departure drew closer.

Advika stood near the grand doorway, her delicate lavender suit enhancing her soft features. But her nervousness was evident. She clutched her handbag tightly, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her dupatta. Her eyes flitted around, unsure of what to say or how to act.

On the other hand, Vivan, dressed in a casual yet sharp outfit, looked calm and collected. Yet, his gaze never left Advika, noticing every little movement of hers. He could tell she wasn’t entirely at ease.

“Advika,” he said gently, his voice breaking the silence.

She looked up at him, startled, her big eyes reflecting a mix of shyness and unease. “Yes?”

“You’re overthinking. It’s just a trip, not an examination,” he teased, a soft smile playing on his lips.

Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink as she looked away. “I’m fine,” she mumbled, though the nervousness in her tone said otherwise.

The car was waiting outside, and the staff had already loaded their luggage. Vivan offered his hand to Advika as she hesitated near the steps. “Come on,” he said warmly, his eyes reassuring her.

Advika took his hand tentatively, her touch light as a feather. The moment felt intimate, though neither of them acknowledged it out loud.

As they settled into the car, Advika glanced out of the window, her thoughts racing. Leaving Udaipur felt surreal. It wasn’t just the thought of going to Paris—it was the idea of spending uninterrupted time with Vivan. It was new, overwhelming, and exciting, all at once.

Vivan, noticing her quiet demeanor, leaned closer. “If you’re this nervous now, how will you handle Paris?” he joked.

She shot him a shy glare but said nothing, making him chuckle.

As the car sped towards the airport, the city they called home slowly faded into the distance. Little did they know, this trip was about to bring them closer in ways they hadn’t imagined.

As the plane began its descent into Paris, Advika’s heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The captain announced their arrival, and she peered out of the window to catch her first glimpse of the City of Love. Paris stretched below them, bathed in the golden glow of the early morning sun, its iconic architecture standing proud amidst the bustle of a city just waking up.

When the plane landed and the cabin door opened, a burst of cool air hit them. Advika wrapped her shawl tighter around herself as she stepped out, the crispness of the Parisian winter nipping at her cheeks.

Her sandals clicked softly against the polished airport floor as they made their way through customs. The sheer enormity of Charles de Gaulle Airport left her wide-eyed. People bustled about, speaking in languages she didn’t recognize, and the announcements in French made her feel like she’d stepped into a completely different world.

Vivan walked beside her, carrying their hand luggage with ease, his confident stride contrasting her hesitant steps. He noticed her trying to take in every little detail and smiled to himself.

Once they exited the airport, the true Parisian winter greeted them. A sharp, chilly breeze cuts through the air, making Advika shiver. She instinctively hugged her shawl closer and exhaled softly, her breath visible in the cold.

“It’s freezing!” she muttered, her teeth chattering slightly.

Vivan, standing beside her, smirked and unzipped his coat. Without saying a word, he draped it over her shoulders. She looked up at him, surprised by the gesture, and he winked. “Can’t have you freezing before we even start exploring.”

Advika flushed, muttering a soft “thank you” as her gaze dropped to the cobblestone path leading to their car.

Their chauffeur, a tall man in a sleek black coat, greeted them politely in French, opening the door to a luxurious black car. Advika hesitated for a second before stepping in, the plush leather seats cocooning her in warmth.

As the car started moving, Advika’s eyes remained glued to the window. Her breath hitched when the Eiffel Tower came into view, towering above the Parisian skyline. Even from a distance, it looked majestic, and for the first time, she allowed herself a small smile.

Vivan noticed her reaction and chuckled. “Impressive, isn’t it?”

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered, almost to herself.

As the car weaved through the charming streets of Paris, lined with quaint cafes and boutiques, the allure of the city started sinking in. For Advika, this was more than just a trip—it was the beginning of a journey into uncharted territory, both in the city and in her relationship with Vivan.

As they entered the grand lobby of their luxurious hotel in Paris, Advika’s eyes widened at the sheer elegance around her. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, their light reflecting off the marble floors. The scent of fresh roses wafted through the air, and the soft hum of a piano added to the sophisticated ambiance.

The receptionist, a polite young woman dressed impeccably in a black blazer, greeted them with a warm smile. “Bonjour! Bienvenue à l'Hôtel de Paris. Comment puis-je vous aider?” (Hello! Welcome to Hotel de Paris. How may I help you?)

Before Advika could even process the rapid French, Vivan stepped forward with a calm smile. “Bonjour, nous avons une réservation sous le nom de Raichand.” (Hello, we have a reservation under the name Raichand.)

The receptionist nodded, typing something into her computer. “Ah oui, Monsieur et Madame Raichand, vous avez réservé notre suite présidentielle. Laissez-moi vérifier rapidement.” (Ah yes, Mr. and Mrs. Raichand, you have reserved our presidential suite. Let me quickly check.)

Advika’s jaw nearly dropped as she turned to Vivan, her voice a mix of disbelief and curiosity. “You speak French?”

He smirked, clearly enjoying her reaction. “I learned it for business purposes. didn’t think I’d get to impress my wife with it, though.”

The receptionist handed Vivan a keycard with a smile. “Votre suite est prête. Profitez de votre séjour, Monsieur et Madame.” (Your suite is ready. Enjoy your stay, Mr. and Mrs.)

Vivan nodded, his tone smooth. “Merci beaucoup.” (Thank you very much.)

Advika blinked, still trying to wrap her head around the fact that Vivan could communicate so effortlessly. “What was that last part?”

“It’s just a thank you,” he said, leading her toward the elevator.

As the elevator doors closed, she crossed her arms and playfully narrowed her eyes at him. “Anything else you’re hiding from me? Because if you suddenly start playing the violin or something, I might just faint.”

He chuckled, leaning slightly toward her. “You’ll have to stick around and find out, Mrs. Raichand.”

Advika shook her head, but a small smile played on her lips. As they stepped out onto their floor, she couldn’t help but think that this honeymoon might hold more surprises than she’d anticipated.

Vivan grabbed his clothes and disappeared into the bathroom. The sound of water running filled the room, and Advika took the chance to explore their lavish suite. From the ornate furniture to the breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower through the glass windows, everything screamed luxury.

She was about to settle on the plush sofa when the bathroom door creaked open slightly. Vivan peeked his head out, his hair slightly damp and a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

“Don’t know about the violin, but…” he paused dramatically, “…I paint.”

Advika’s mouth fell open in shock. “You paint?”

Before she could say more, he winked at her and shut the door, leaving her staring at the closed bathroom in disbelief.

“What the—how many more sides do you have, Mr. Raichand?” she murmured to herself.

Dropping her purse onto the nearby table, she flopped onto the massive bed, letting out a sigh. “First French, now painting… what next? Ballet dancing?”

She covered her face with her hands, half-annoyed and half-amused. “Why does he keep surprising me? It’s like being married to a mystery novel.”

As she lay there, staring at the intricate ceiling design, she couldn’t help but smile. Maybe discovering the hidden sides of his husband wouldn’t

be so bad after all.

The night had settled in Paris, the city lights casting a soft glow into their luxurious suite. Both Vivan and Advika had changed into their nightwear, ready to call it a day after the long flight and the excitement of exploring the hotel.

Advika had just stepped out of the bathroom, her damp hair cascading over her shoulders. She adjusted her nightdress and started walking toward the bed, her mind already craving sleep.

But before she could reach the bed, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind, pulling her back gently.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Vivan’s voice was low and teasing near her ear.

“For sleep?” she replied, confused yet slightly flustered by his sudden move.

“Sleep? Really?” he chuckled, turning her slightly to face him, his mischievous eyes locking with hers. “We’re on our honeymoon, Advika. And you’re planning to sleep? That too on the first night?”

Her cheeks turned a faint shade of pink as she fumbled for words. “I-I mean, we’ve had a long day, and…”

“And what?” he interrupted, leaning in closer. “This time even Maa has sent us here herself. No excuses.”

Advika’s eyes widened at his playful tone, and she lightly smacked his chest. “Vivan!”

But he just laughed, enjoying her flustered reaction. “What? Am I wrong? Think about it.”

She pushed him away gently, her cheeks glowing red, and quickly got into bed ,and  was about to pull the covers over herself when Vivan leaned forward, stopping her.

“Not so fast,” he said softly, his playful smirk now replaced with something more intense, his eyes searching hers.

“Vivan…,” she whispered, her voice barely audible as his proximity made her heart race.

He cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing against her cheek. “Just one moment,” he murmured before leaning in, capturing her lips in a soft, lingering kiss.

At first, she froze, her mind

but as his warmth enveloped her, she slowly gave in, her hands clutching his shirt lightly. The kiss deepened, their emotions pouring into each other. It wasn’t rushed or wild; it was tender, filled with the silent promise of love and understanding.

As they pulled apart, slightly breathless, Vivan rested his forehead against hers, his lips curling into a soft smile.

“See? Much better than rushing to sleep,he teased, his voice low and husky.

Advika, cheeks flushed, avoided his gaze, mumbling, “Goodnight, Vivan,” as she tried to hide under the covers.

He chuckled, watching her cute flustered state, before pulling her close under the blanket. “Goodnight, Mrs. Raichand,” he whispered against her hair, his arms wrapping around her protectively.

The city of love outside their window bore witness to the unspoken emotions blooming between them.

~Mohabbat aur pyaar jaisa,

alag alag jazbaat inka dilon mai umad rha hai!!

Ek pardesi dil main do deewana,

Aur kareeb aa rha hai!!~

Chapter updated

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