The Seven Phases Of Marriage

8. YES!

Siddharth fiddled with the lock as numerous thoughts clouded his mind. He sucked in a deep breath calming his anxiety, and stepped inside his room. He glanced at Avni, who sat fidgeting with her dress, and nervously smiled as she noticed him.

"Close your eyes, Siddharth," Avni requested him as she stood up facing him.

Siddharth's eyebrows frowned in confusion as he stood blank. She commanded a little louder this time, and he obeyed, sighing.

Siddharth opened his eyes as she squealed in excitement, "Surprise!" His eyes twinkled in joy as the huge Dairy Milk Silk came into vision, and his mouth watered instantly. He grabbed it from her hands in a second like a kid as it's been a long time since he ate chocolate. He almost forgot his love for chocolates in his busy life.

Avni prattled as he impatiently tore the wrapper and took a bite, "I'm sorry for accusing you yesterday. I am like that for so long -Thinking after blurting out everything and regretting it. I can't keep anything in my head. I know you care for me." Siddharth nodded, fully engrossed in devouring the chocolate.

Avni's jaw dropped as he paid no attention to her sincere apology and hit his hand, complaining in a little louder tone, "I'm apologizing, Siddharth!"

Siddharth glanced at her, utterly clueless as if he just landed on earth from Mars with the chocolate smeared on his chin.

Avni chuckled as he behaved like a kid for a change. It's her who's childish all the time, and witnessing Siddharth's such behavior was all new. She wiped away the corners of his lips and chin with her dupatta, whispering, "I said I'm sorry!"

Siddharth's face brightened at her sweet apology. "For?" He questioned, not remembering yesterday's incident.

"Woh... I accused you yesterday, right!" Avni ducked her head, and Siddharth chuckled, responding, "I thought I overreacted as a matter of fact."

Siddharth lifted her face holding her chin, and declared with utmost sincerity in his husky voice, "I will never let anyone blame you for anything no matter what! I am there to sort it out or take it on myself. So don't worry!" Avni stood frozen as his words melted her, and her heart swelled, feeling like the luckiest woman on earth that she probably is.

Siddharth added, lightening the atmosphere relishing his Silk again, "I don't mind you scolding me if I am gifted with chocolate every time. Also, I did find your accusation super cute."

Avni's face twinkled in joy as he understood her and wasn't angry. She grabbed the chocolate from his hand and took a bite, whining, "Sharing is manners, Mr. Malhotra!"

Siddharth rolled his eyes and chuckled at her antics. They finished it whining, laughing, and snatching it from each other.

They sat on the poolside with their feet grazing the cold water enjoying the silence and feeling content.

Siddharth recalled his plan all of a sudden and suggested Avni, "Go change your dress. It's late."

Avni sulked as he ordered her with his stern look and grumpily ambled to the washroom, grabbing a night suit. He still controlled her with his one glare! That hasn't changed.

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Siddharth closed Avni's eyes with his hand as soon as she opened the washroom door. She blinked her eyes, tickling his palm with the movement of her long lashes, and Siddharth whispered in her ear, "Keep calm, Avni."

Avni obliged in a trance feeling his hot breath on her neck and his proximity. She took slow steps as he led her and stopped as directed by him. 

Avni felt butterflies in her tummy as she felt a soft touch grazing across her cheek. He removed his palm covering her eyes, and she was pleasantly surprised by the glowing candles all around the poolside. Numerous flowers of various colors surfaced the pool spreading fragrance.