DREAMY TALES

Arylie || Shiddat Reprise ||

Wednesday, 10:12 PM, At The Rathore Mansion

Aryan's pov :

Aryan returned to his room, tearing off his shirt, still fuming from Badi Maa's outburst over Arpita and Sundar. The memory of his sister's tearful eyes and his wife's pained expression fueled his anger.

His wife-yes, they were officially married, and she had chosen to give their marriage another chance. The revelation of Arvind's death had lifted a dark burden from his heart, allowing him to finally breathe freely, and his jiju's soul could rest in peace-all thanks to his wife.

His wife, who had been forced to marry him, severing ties with her mother. It hurt to see the longing in her wild eyes for her mother, knowing he was the reason for her pain, knowingly or unknowingly.

Yet, a sense of peace washed over him, remembering yesterday's events. He had told her, "Tum azad ho, Imlie. Vapas mat aana," but she chose to come back, to stay with him. This time, it was her choice, her will.

"You're free, Imlie, no need to come back to me."

He had given her the choice yesterday, as well as on their wedding day, and both times she had chosen him. It brought him a sense of calm, but the question lingered-why?

She had come back on their wedding day at her mother's behest, but what had changed now? With her? Between them?

Did she start to feel something for him? For them?

Get a grip, man. She came back to you; that's enough. No need to expect things, but always expect the unexpected. Give her some time, dude. She just came out of a toxic relationship with the Tripathis and a partially forced marriage with you. And you're expecting her to fall for you?

He shook his head, coming out of his thoughts. He spotted his "junglee" standing in front of the dressing table, still in her black netted saree, hugging her curves perfectly. Damn, why does she need to look this gorgeous every time?

It was getting harder for him to control his hidden desires for her. Her laugh, her smile, the way she got ready for him-it was doing things to him. His heart fluttered seeing her smile, and looking at her today in that black net saree sent his heart racing.

Throwing away unfulfilled wishes, he refocused on his "junglee," who seemed lost in her thoughts, playing with her bangles unconsciously.

"Imlie," he called her softly.

Imlie's pov :

She came out of her thoughts, a tint of blush coloring her cheeks as she thought about their imperfectly perfect, interrupted date.

What was the logic behind them being together, spending such sweet moments, only for that blue kaki to ruin everything?

It wasn't the blue kaki interference that affected her, but Aryan's closeness. The proximity still sent shivers down her spine.

She wanted to give him, their marriage, and most importantly, herself, a chance. Not because her first marriage failed and she didn't want another failed marriage tag, but because she genuinely wanted to move on. Move on with the person who cares for you, respects you, gives you the freedom to fly high, stands beside you no matter what, and gives you the choice for your betterment. And Aryan was that person.

Yes, it took her a long time to understand this, to understand him, but as the saying goes, "Der aaye, durust aaye."

She knew her ABP was the right person, and she wanted to work on them, their marriage. Somewhere deep down, she knew she was falling for him.

"Blushing?" Aryan's brows furrowed. Was she really blushing, remembering their moments?

"Imlie," he called her again, a bit louder this time.

She snapped out of her daze. "Haa, ABP, tum kuch keh rahe the?" Her eyes scanned him, his shirt now off, but the two top buttons of his undershirt were undone, thanks to the Delhi heat. His bare chest was distracting her.

He stepped closer, raising her heartbeat. "Tum kya soch rahi thi, Imlie?" His huskier voice fell into her ears. Did he read her mind again?

She blurted out, "Step..."

A mischievous grin appeared on his face. He raised his brow. "What step, Imlie?"

Imlie gulped. "Woh...hum...date...step...dance step...haa, dance step bol rahe tum toh keh rahe the date mein dance bhi hota hai, par hum to dance kiye hi nahi...humhari date bhi adhuri reh gayi, tumhari 501 date hogi par humhari toh pehli thi na." She pouted at the end.

Aryan bit his inner cheeks to prevent himself from chuckling at her childish antics. He simply forwarded his hand, and she looked up. Without wasting a single second, she placed her hand in his, showing the amount of trust she had in him.

Aryan smiled and led her to the terrace area, which was undiscovered by her as she had never felt the need to come up there. But now she regretted it because it was a cozy, wonderful place highlighted by fairy lights and aromatic candles at night, lots of greenery, and a perfect view of the city as they were on the fourth floor.

She looked up. It was a full moon night, and the moon was shining brightly in the sky, making the atmosphere more beautiful.

"Eh toh bohot sundar hai, ABP," she squealed, dancing around her surroundings.

He smiled, looking at her, but soon his face went pale hearing her say, "Yahan se neeche phenk toh nahi doge na, ABP?" She giggled.

His eyes shot up, and guilt filled them. He gripped her hand more tightly. Imlie immediately smacked herself mentally. Why did she need to be this much of a rascal?

She held both his hands. "ABP, humhare kehne ka woh matlab nahi tha."

Aryan sighed. "It's...okay, Imlie. I know after forcing you, it's not easy for you to trust me again, but I'll never hurt you, Imlie. What can I do to..."

"You don't need to do anything. I trust you."

"ABP," he was still looking at the city view.

Making him face her, she cupped his face with her right hand while he still held her left hand firmly.

"ABP, humko tumpar pura bharosa hai. Hum toh bas mazak kar rahe the. Woh hum Arpita didi ke sath ek movie dekhat rahe jisme hero heroin ko chat se dhaka de deta hai, par tum kaha tensioniyavat ho. Tum humhare life ke hero thodi na ho, tum toh..."

"Villain, I know..."

"Humhare baat abhi khatam nahi hui. Bhool gaye tum humhare life ke film mein chamiya ho jisne abhi tak humko ek do dhumke bhi nahi dikhaye, huh?" She frowned, making him giggle.

He asked, a smile lingering on his lips, "You trust me?" She nodded, still cupping his face.

"Why, Imlie? After being so harsh to you, why do you still trust me? Why did you come back to me when you were allowed to choose your freedom?" He asked with hope in his eyes.

Imlie smiled, reading his eyes. Yes, she had developed this skill of reading his eyes. "ABP, humhare liye kisi rishte se azad hona azadi nahi hai. Woh toh bas humhare emotions ki barbadi hoti hai. Humhare liye azadi hai ek rishte mein rah kar apne udaan bharna aur tum humko azadi nahi, udaan diye ho. Apne aasmaan mein udne ki azadi diye ho. "

" Tum jo kiye, humhare khatir kiye. Aryan, haan yeh baat humhe thode der baad samajh aaye, par hum janat hai tum humhe bandhan mein isliye bandhe taki hum us pinjare mein phir se kaid na ho jaye. Trust me, Mr. Tripathi ka chapter ab over hai. Ab humhare jindagi mein tumse important koi nahi hai, ABP, kyunki humhe tumpar bharosa hai."

Aryan's eyes filled with unshed tears. She trusted him. He felt guilty for breaking her trust, but now she understood that what he did was for her betterment.

He joined their foreheads. "You trust me. I feel content, but...why did you come back to me, Imlie? Do you not hate me now? Do you want this marriage? Do you want me to be with you?"