"Maa, what if we grow out of love?" She asked her mother but the next moment realized they were not even in love right the moment.
"Ruchi, dear every relationship is a two-way road. Whether it's parents -child, brother-sister, husband-wife, or friends. Nothing works if the efforts are one-sided. There will be times when you will feel he is the most important person in your life but there will also be a time when you feel frustrated with him, sometimes even him asking you questions will feel like a burden to you. Yes, it happens with everyone and in every relationship. You will feel it's not working out and the same goes for him. He also might feel stuck with you at some point in time. But you know what is most important? Stopping by, relaxing, and reminding yourself yet again why are you with him in the first place and holding his hand again with more gentleness and care. With more love and understanding.
The times, you will be angry at him, try to keep yourself together and recall what he does for you and when he goes angry with you. Give him some time, try to talk it out, and watch him share everything with you after some time. Just listen and be there for him. Guide him to be a good husband to you and let him guide you to be a good wife to him. But before that have a transparency that of a friend with him. And my child never share what is going on between you two with anyone. No matter how close they are to you, they might end up taking advantage of the situation.
You will have to protect your relationship, balance your relationship, and give your best. Just like you have won everyone here I am sure you will win him too."
And in case you want to leave then leave before it gets toxic. Leave before it totally destroys you and makes you lifeless. I am always there for you, My child " Her mother who was very well aware of her turmoil told from her experience. Her mother liked the duo and always wanted them happy together. As an experienced married woman, she knew what kind of fears her daughter was having and she never wanted those fears to come between their new budding relationship.
Ruchi was relaxed after talking to her mother. She understood relationship was a two-way road. They could make or break it together.
Sighing, she got up to make something for dinner. She didn't know how to make many delicacies but whatever she knew she was best at it.
She was halfway through the dinner when the bell rang. Surprised, she quickly wiped her hands on the apron and went to open the door. As soon as she did, she found her husband standing there.
He gave a charming smile as his gaze landed on her. She was feeling giddy trying to reciprocate the same.
Her husband.
She felt shy under his admirable scrutiny. Not knowing what to do, she just mumbled a small "Hi" And moved back giving him space to enter.
He trailed inside replying to her shy greeting.
It was new. It was beautiful to have someone welcome after a tiring day.
Samridh couldn't control his smile, especially after the things he heard in his office.
Coincidently one of his juniors was newly married too. And his friend was telling him about the marital bliss he was about to get. Samridh heard them talking and felt butterflies about it.
The friend was telling his colleague how he could share anything with his wife, how she would love him, how he would have someone when he returned home, and they would go on trips etcetera etcetera.
Samridh just wondered how beautiful it really felt and just two minutes before he knew, he knew the feeling was simply out of the world.
Her opening the door of the house and greeting him with her shy smile of hers. She was happy to see him, she was expecting him, and that made him feel important.
He followed inside to see her engaged in making a dish and before he could even oppose the idea of her cooking and tiring herself, she whispered gently, " Get freshened up. It's almost done"
Samridh nodded and went to change.
While Ruchi heaved a sigh, she patted her cheeks to control her stupid smile.
She served the dishes waiting for him.
He sat beside her, inhaling her fragrance. His insides churned urging him to nuzzle in her hair but he shut that urge immediately.
He had the first bite and then looked at her. She was really a good cook.
They were enjoying their dinner in silence. Samridh savored the tinniest bit on his plate.
When they were done, he offered to do the dishes but his wife beat him to it, "You are tired, Let me do it. " Without waiting for his words she started her work while he stood there helping her here and there.
As they retired to their room, the afternoon incident clouded in her head again. She was afraid that if they too ended up like them? She shook her end patting herself, it was too soon to form an opinion. Her Mother's words comforted her well but still, she was desperate for an assurance. Assurance from him that he will never let the charm of their relationship fade away. Assurance for him that he was in this relationship with his wish too. An Assurance that he will never look at any other woman.
But... But wasn't it too soon to discuss something like that?
What if she ends up ruining her relationship that has not even started properly?
She turned facing him now who was already looking at her. She was caught off guard by his attention, "Is there anything wrong? "
She shook her head immediately in reflex making him sigh, "You were tossing and turning a lot. I thought something was troubling you" He said analyzing her face again.
"Why did you marry me? " Before she could know, the words left her mouth as a whisper. And she realized she still didn't know why he married. He asked her this question but she didn't.
He looked at her surprised, smiled a little then said, "Because I like you. Aap pasand hai Mughe"
Ruchi's eyes widened she couldn't believe her ears. Did he really say it just like that?
He chuckled a bit at her expression, "First I agreed because of your father. Then we met and the first day itself I had a kind of crush on you knowing that you were going to be my wife. As we interacted more I knew I was attracted to you. Trust me, when I saw you dressed in the red lehenge two days before my heart almost stopped beating. I never knew I could feel anything like that. It felt like I was not in my senses and my eyes were stuck on you" He was animating as if everything was going in front of his eyes again. He looked at her with adoring eyes.
Ruchi's heart fluttered listening to him. He liked her.
"I was not a fan of movies but the day before we were scheduled to go shopping for our function outfits, I was watching a lot of movies trying to learn how to behave with you. Like I said, I had developed a crush on you. My first crush. I was so nervous to be even in front of you. I was scared you would reject me if I didn't behave like a fiance. But I found those a bit unrealistic and also read that movie methods are a failure so I avoided them and still went with you for shopping being sure that you would reject me but you didn't. IÂ am glad though"
Ruchi giggled at the pout he made while complaining about the movie and then his lips carved into a cheeky smile. Oh, she never knew he could pout like that.
He chuckled too listening to her giggles. He loved her giggles and was sure that he wanted to listen to them more often.
"And? And what did you do? " She asked still giggling. She was invested now and wanted to know more about it.
"And I was nervous when you entered this house. I thought you might feel this house was smaller than your whole room back at your parent's house. I didn't want to make you feel any less of a princess here. Give me some time, I promise I will build a big house and then we will shift in it " He said everything in a mere whisper. He looked like he was guilty of not living in a grand house.
And Ruchi was completely shocked by the information. She never knew he was this insecure with her being his fiance and now wife.
"No, Samridh ji I never thought about the house. The whole time I was thinking about my parents, and how would I meet them after our marriage. Will they take care of themselves or not? Are they still crying over my departure? I was just thinking about my friends, my work, and then about you. How you were doing everything you were told to welcome me. This house is just perfect for both of us. Since the two of us will be living here. Back at my parent's house, there live a lot of people. My parents, my brother's family, and some staff. Also, my father built it after 20 years of working. Not before or just after he was married to my mother. It take time, Samridh ji. You should feel proud of yourself that starting from zero, you are here today. It's not easy to start from zero. "
Ruchi held his palm in hers, telling him that she was with him with her sweet smile. Samridh felt overwhelmed he never had anyone who consoled him like that. Now he knew what it meant when he heard his colleague say, "Your wife will be with you".
The support.
He was talking about this support. Yes, he did everything alone in the past and he was very much capable of achieving more things in the future but her support, just her support meant so much to him. Just her words meant so much to him. She told him she was going to be there for him.
And he promised himself, he would never let any harm reach his wife.
"Thank you! " He said overwhelmed. He had no idea how to tell how much her words meant to him. He tightened the hold on her hand pulling it towards his mouth and feathering a soft peck on the back of her palm.
Ruchi's cheeks heated up in an instant. She covered her face with her palm making Samridh go "Aww" on his adorable wife.
He pulled her towards him still holding her hand and she quickly hid her face in his chest.
"Samridh ji" She called meekly after a minute.
His eyes snapped at her, "what did you do? "