Agape & Eros

Mere Yaaraa

Ram stood with Priya in the center of the hall. He tinkled a glass to gain everyone's attention. 

Ram- Hello everyone. I want to thank you all. Thank you for coming. You all are very precious to me. I know Mumbai's traffic and our hectic life. But yet you have come. But I'd want to thank the person the most, who planned all this for my happiness- my beautiful wife, Priya. Thank you. 

Priya gave a shy smile. Being under the spotlight wasn't her forte. Everyone clapped and cheered for the couple. But Vedika and Ram's family stood there with sour faces. Nandini understood that somehow Ram came to know the truth. She planned to throw Vedika under the bus in case of any confrontation with Ram. 

Ram- My friends, you know that I don't like to celebrate my birthday. As I don't want anyone to take trouble for me. But my wife, she has sworn to take all the trouble for me. Thank you, Priya, for the surprise, for the party, and for the happiness you brought to my life. Thank you. 

Priya looked into Ram's eyes. His eyes looked dark blue. Ram looked into Priya's eyes. Those brown eyes looked captivating. Ram wanted to say something more. He wanted to thank her for her care, for her tears, her concern, for shielding him from the constant loneliness, for gifting him a loving family, for lighting his life up, and for gifting him a home. Ram's heartbeat started to grow fast. Ram finally knew what was the feeling inside him for his wife. 

"She isn't only a friend and wife. She is now your love and life, Ram", he spoke to himself. 

At that moment, in the midst of all chaos, Ram spoke in his mind,

"I love you, Priya..."

Everyone watched the couple in awe. Adi & Bri teared up. Vikrant and Kunal cheered for them. Twinkle hugged Vikrant in joy. Shivi and Akki were also there. Shivi started jumping with joy. A friend of Ram demanded a couple dance from them. Soon all started to cheer them. Priya felt shy. Ram noticed that. But he wanted to dance with Priya. So, he invited everyone to join them. A few couples joined them on the dance floor. Ram gently kept his hands on Priya's waist and pulled her near. He then whispered into her ear.

Ram- Do you remember our reception dance? It's just like that.

Priya's hands were on Ram's chest. His fastened heartbeat, darker eyes, and constant stare made Priya's heart flutter. She felt thankful for having this person who didn't shy away from openly introducing her to the world, appreciating her efforts, and complimenting her.

Appreciation, gratitude, compliments...

Something she hardly got in her life. This man showered her with all of these. He never shied away. Her life was filled with bitter memories and bitter words. But he replaced all of them with memories that she wanted to cherish, with words that were music to her ear. 

The music started to play. They started to sway. Ram held her hand and brought her fingers close to his lips. Then slowly he kissed them while staring right into Priya's eyes to check if there was any hesitation or discomfort. But all he saw was a pleasant smile and a pair of intoxicated eyes. 

Priya savored the moment keeping every negative thought and doubt out of her mind. She didn't express it to anyone but in her mind, Ram already had a special place. 

What Ram meant to her- she couldn't express it. She didn't want to. She wanted to hide it from all. But the appreciation, gratitude, and compliments from Ram made her think,

"Perhaps, he knows, he understands- what does he mean to me."

Her eyes glistened with joy.

Her glistening eyes and a faint shy smile encouraged Ram to be bold. He pulled Priya even closer. He got a whiff of her perfume. Her soft hair slightly touched his skin.