Happy reading yrra's ð
Avantika's pov
As I slowly woke up, adjusting my dupatta (scarf), I opened the door, and there he was-the most mesmerizing person in my life, Mr. Rajawat. "Aadish aaye the..." (Aadish had come...) I whispered in disbelief. It was surprising to see him standing there at such an odd hour when everyone else was resting in their rooms. I thought for sure he'd be asleep by now. I couldn't help but smile as I realized something: in this house, no one ever gives him the chance to talk to me, even if he tries. I secretly enjoyed watching him make his efforts, only to happily lose before his family. His attempts, though sincere, were always met with a playful defeat, and for some reason, it made my heart race just a little more.
Before I could understand anything or before he could respond, he quickly shut the door and stepped inside. He stood right against the door, his hand gripping my arm firmly.
As I looked into his eyes, I could see the tension in them, even though he remained still. And then, in the blink of an eye, he hugged me tightly, like he couldn't hold back anymore. His heartbeat wasn't normal-I could feel it pounding through his chest, echoing in mine.
"As he softly uttered the words, 'Aap thik hai?' (Are you okay?), I could sense the tension in his voice, but his arms wrapped around me with a calm that reassured me. His embrace, firm yet gentle, made it clear that he felt a sense of relief-relief that I was finally safe, finally with him.
The sight of him standing there, looking at me with those eyes filled with concern, stirred something deep inside me. I could barely hold myself together. Just as he feared losing me, I had my own fears of losing him, and I wanted so badly to tell him that. So, I hugged him back, just as he had done for me, but tighter this time. It wasn't just a hug-it was me silently telling him how much I needed him, how comforting it was to be in his arms.
Being held by him is something beyond words. It's like the world fades away, and all I feel is safety, security, and a trust that's even deeper than what I have in myself. There's a sense of home, of belonging, and I could stay like this forever.
Just as I felt he was about to pull away, something inside me resisted. I don't even know why I did it, but I clung to him for just a little longer. After all, *kahete hai na nakhre jhelne apne ke samne hi dikhaye jate hai* (they say you only show your true vulnerability, your 'nakhre'-tantrums-to the ones who care enough to bear them)."
"I wrapped my legs around his waist and clung to him like a small child seeking comfort. The height difference between us made it a bit of a challenge-his tall frame towering over mine-but in that moment, it felt effortless. It wasn't easy, but it wasn't too hard either, maybe because I was still wearing my shoes, making it easier to get a grip.
As I climbed up, the closeness between us only grew more intense. My arms tightened around his neck, and for a second, the world seemed to shrink down to just the two of us. There was something so natural about it, even playful, as if we'd done this a thousand times. The moment had an innocence to it, like a child seeking comfort in the arms of someone they trust the most. Yet, it also carried a deeper intimacy that words couldn't capture.
Despite the awkwardness of the situation-our height difference, the struggle to balance-it didn't matter. All that mattered was that I was with him, in his arms, close enough to hear his heartbeat. And for the first time in a long while, I felt safe, like nothing in the world could touch me as long as I was with him."
Author pov
As he realized what she had just done, he chuckled softly and said, "Oho, mera bachha... zara dekhein to, aaj Suraj kahan se nikla hai" (Oh my child... let's see where the sun has risen from today). His voice was playful, teasing, as he gently moved one hand down her back and the other through her hair, his touch light yet protective.
Her face was nestled in the curve of his neck, just like a cute panda cub seeking warmth and comfort. His words made her stir slightly, and with a playful smirk dancing on her lips, she slowly lifted her head to look at him. "Suraj ko dekhna hai, janab?" (You want to see the sun, sir?) she replied, her voice carrying a hint of mischief.
He froze for a second, realizing what she meant. Her words brought back the memory of what he had said this morning-words spoken hastily, but ones that might have hurt her. The teasing in her eyes told him that she remembered too, yet there was no bitterness. Instead, there was that playful, tender spark between them, one that made him want to hold her even tighter, as if to make up for any hurt he might have caused.
The air between them shifted, and though the moment was light, there was an unspoken understanding in their gaze, as if both knew that words weren't necessary. He smiled back, his hand still softly caressing her hair, realizing that despite everything, she was right here, in his arms. Safe. Together.
Before she could say another word, he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, a tender gesture that spoke volumes without uttering a single syllable. He kept their foreheads pressed together, refusing to break the intense eye contact they had been sharing for what felt like an eternity. In that quiet moment, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in their little bubble of intimacy.
"Sorry," he murmured softly, his voice filled with a sincerity that reflected in his eyes. "Vo thoda jyada overprotective ho gya tha..." (I got a little too overprotective...) His words were laced with regret, and the plea in his gaze was unmistakable. He wasn't just asking for forgiveness for the words he had spoken earlier-he was asking her to understand why. The concern, the love, the fear of losing her, all woven together into that one heartfelt apology.
Even though their heads remained gently connected, there was a certain vulnerability in him now. It was as though he had peeled back his protective layers, exposing the raw emotions that he rarely let anyone see. He wanted her to know that his actions, though maybe overbearing, had come from a place of deep care. He held onto her gaze like it was his lifeline, hoping she would see the truth in his eyes.
And in that moment, it was as if no more words were needed. The love and understanding between them filled the silence, stronger than any apology could ever be.
As he finished speaking, she broke their intense eye contact, her gaze shifting away with a dramatic flair. With a playful tone and a hint of mock indignation, she said, "Jante hai, jante hai, hume na bataye" (Oh, we know, we know, you don't need to tell us). Her words, though lighthearted, carried a touch of theatricality that made the moment both amusing and endearing.
She then placed both her hands around his shoulders, drawing him closer. The action was both intimate and assertive, and it made Aadish realize the shift in her mood. It dawned on him that she wasn't in the mood for any further serious conversation or apologies today. Instead, she seemed to be saying that there was no need for grand gestures or reassurances; she wanted to enjoy their closeness, to savor the moment without overthinking.
The realization hit him with a mix of amusement and warmth. "Madam ka koi mood nahi hai aaj apne khubsurat charno ki zameen pe rakhne ka" (Seems like madam isn't in the mood to be placed on the beautiful pedestal today). He chuckled softly to himself, appreciating her playful spirit and the way she effortlessly shifted the mood from serious to lighthearted. In her embrace, he found comfort and a renewed sense of connection, realizing that sometimes, the best way to make things right was to simply be present and share a genuine moment together.
He repeated, "Achha, sorry na baba" (Okay, sorry, dear), his tone earnest and pleading. Despite his attempt to soften the moment, her expression was so dramatically unfazed that it clearly conveyed, "Inki hone wale misses itne jaldi nahi manegi" (This future bride won't forgive so easily). Her playful defiance was evident, adding a touch of humor to the situation.
Aadish's eyes softened even further, his gaze filled with a mix of affection and a hint of desperation. As he held her close, his hands gently supporting her, he leaned in slightly, his voice adopting the sweetest, most sincere tone he could muster. "Ab maaf bhi kar dijiye..." (Please forgive me now...) he said, his eyes pleading for her to relent.
His gaze, tender and filled with hope, seemed to melt any remaining resistance. In that moment, he wasn't just asking for forgiveness-he was expressing a deep, heartfelt longing to mend things between them. His touch, combined with his soft words, created a palpable sense of intimacy, making it clear that he valued their connection above all else.
As he looked at her, his eyes filled with an earnest plea for forgiveness, he hoped that his sincerity would bridge any lingering gaps. The playful exchange had softened the tension, and now, he waited, hoping she would accept his apology and let their bond return to its warm, affectionate state.
She looked at him with a playful glint in her eyes, a mischievous smile dancing on her lips. "Achha... Ek shart pe" (Okay... on one condition), she said, her tone teasing. As soon as she finished, Aadish responded eagerly, "Ji kahiye na" (Yes, please tell me). He was ready to do anything to make her happy, his eyes full of anticipation.
But as soon as he agreed, her expression shifted dramatically. The playfulness gave way to a more serious demeanor. She looked at him with a mix of curiosity and concern, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "Kya aap... ye shaadi karna chahte hain? Kya jaldi nahi ho jayega... Hume waqt chahiye na..." (Do you want to marry me? Won't it be too soon... We need time, don't we?)
Her sudden change in demeanor brought a new layer to their interaction. The lighthearted moment had shifted into a serious conversation, as she questioned the timing and the implications of their commitment. Her words carried a weight of introspection, signaling that while she enjoyed their playful exchange, she also wanted to ensure that their relationship was handled with the consideration and thoughtfulness it deserved.
Aadish, caught off guard by the seriousness of her question, could see the depth of her feelings and concerns. He realized that beneath her playful exterior lay genuine questions about their future, and he prepared himself to address her concerns with the same sincerity and care he had shown in his earlier apologies.
SUkriya ji ð
Love you all ð