TANGLED SOULS

Our family -1

Akshara was leaned against her husband's chest, his sturdy arms wrapped around her shoulders and waist protectively as they both sat on the picnic blanket, her legs spread wide in front of her, comfortably.

"Abhi?" She called softly breaking the peaceful silence without taking her gaze off from their tree : the AbhiRa tree. It's what her Abhi had gifted her two years ago, for her birthday. He had the money and wealth to gift her any costly, luxurious thing and he did spoiled her a little too much but his gifts, those reserved for the special occasions such as her birthday, Valentine's Day or anniversaries... those were extremely thoughtful and meaningful. That's why she cherished those unique gifts of his in the most precious way. And this plant, which has become a small tree now, was another precious gift of his that she cherished from the core of her being.

Shaking her thoughts away, she returned her attention back to her Abhi who was now, staring at her with a fork extended to her mouth. Her mouth tugged up as she leaned in to take the bite he was feeding her before munching it carefully while he smiled endearingly at her, adoring her.

"Yes, Jaan?" Abhimanyu tilted his head down to kiss her temple as he raised an eyebrow in question.

"Have you ever thought this far?" She asked snuggling more into his warmth. "Us, together, married and madly in love, now soon to be parents?"

She watched his expression softening as his hands found her seven and half months baby bump, and leaned in further to nuzzle her neck, simultaneously.

"You've been my only constant thought since I laid my eyes on you, baby." Her heart soared in love at his heartfelt confession. She knew about his insane love for her as he never failed to show it but still, hearing him saying it caused her heart to skip several beats.

"I've only wanted you in my life obviously...and was dead set on making you my wife." He added, tone playful as she snorted at that. "Oh yeah, how can I forget the great Abhimanyu Birla coming to my house for rishta without confessing his love for me first?" She teased.

"Shut up Akshu." He retorted with a blush as he hid his face in her neck avoiding her teasing stare. "I thought you already knew and you already did anyway." Abhimanyu accused playfully. "You didn't leave a chance to ogle or flirt with me either." He continued as he saw her cheeks reddening at his claims. "Kya hua Akshu? Cat got your tongue? Should I remind you this time where you gave me seeds? Hmm, or when you clicked my pic and called me Meethidana? Actually wait, you flirted with me the first day itself, didn't you? Even better you—"

"Abhi! Stoppp!" She whined blushing like a tomato as she hid her face with her hand. He chuckled pulling her hands off her face.

"You're the cutest thing to exist on Earth, Gharelu Doctor. You know that?" Abhimanyu shook his head at his Akshu fondly, pinching her puffed cheek.

She pouted. "Don't lie. I'm fat and chubby and ugl—"

"Uh-huh. You aren't allowed to utter nonsense about my Bacchon ke amma." He cut her off sternly. "And for your information, she's the most gorgeous woman to walk on the whole universe and I'm a total goner for her enchanting beauty. So talk to a wall."

Akshu gazed at him tearfully, a palm cupping his cheek. Abhi knowing what's coming next, quickly reacted. He wiped her tears, hands holding her face tenderly as he shook his head at her. "No, baby. What did I say about waterworks?"

She sniffed soundly in response and turned her face to rub it on his palm. "How can I not cry when you're so perfect? And so adorable? And so caring and so... Abhi??" She finished finally between sniffles. He pecked her forehead and leaned his against hers. "I'm like this because you're my Akshu." He whispered softly as they stared into each other's eyes, her moist while his simmering beautifully in love.