Passionate Love

Chapter 2

"Mr. Kapoor, I'm okay." Priya managed to say.

"No, you're not," Ram interrupted. "I can tell something's bothering you." He loosened the hug a bit to look her in the eye. "What's wrong, Priya?" Ram asked with concern in his eyes.

"It's nothing," Priya said, lowering her head. "I, um..." He tilted his head down to see her face, and she tried to hide her emotions.

Ram's face showed sadness. It hurt him to see her like this. He held her hand and tried to comfort her.

"Priya, no matter what it is," Ram gently touched her cheek with his other hand. "I want you to know I'm here for you, okay?" Ram looked into her eyes. Priya blushed a bit and smiled tenderly.

"I know..." Priya said it with a smile. "But don't worry; I'll be fine. I just need some rest." She tried to reassure him.

"Alright," Ram said simply. "Then I'll stay with you."

Priya's eyes widened at Ram's statement.

"...what?!" Priya said, surprised.

"I can't go back to my room knowing you're not okay. I won't be able to sleep."

"But... what about Isha? What if she sees you here? What will she think?" Priya blushed.

"I don't care about Isha. Who is she?" Ram gently held Priya's face in his hands. "You're my wife now, and all I care about is you."

Taking her hand in his, Ram continued to stroke her face. "Priya, there's nothing between Isha and me. I don't know why she did what she did, but I would never have allowed it if I knew. I don't know if she loves me, but I could never love her. The truth is, I love you." Ram whispered in her ear, leaving Priya surprised and unable to believe what she just heard.

"Do you love me?" Priya mumbled, wanting to make sure her heart wasn't playing tricks on her.

"Yes, I love you," Ram affirmed. "I love you very much. I didn't even realize it when I fell in love with you. I may have called our marriage one of the compromises, but the truth is, I can't live without you. You are my life." Tears of happiness streamed down Priya's cheeks this time.

"I love you, Mr. Kapoor," Priya said, smiling, finally visible now that his eyes had adjusted to the darkness.

Priya looked him in the eye. She wanted to believe what he was saying, but her heart ached, and she wasn't sure what to do or say at this point.

"I don't like seeing you like this," Ram said, lowering his gaze. "And I can't help but think it's all my fault." His voice trailed off.

"Mr. Kapoor," Priya said softly.

"I just want to make sure you're going to be okay," Ram continued, taking her hands in his and looking her in the eye. "Please, let me stay with you." His voice was soothing, almost pleading. Her eyes were locked on his deep brown eyes, and she couldn't look away. The more Priya stared at them, the more she was drawn to them. It felt like he was staring at her very soul through her eyes, and she loved that feeling.

Priya narrowed her eyes at him and smiled tenderly. They entered the room together. There was a couch, but Ram had no intention of sleeping on it. So, they both lay down in the same bed. He took one of her hands in his, intertwining their fingers. Facing each other, Priya couldn't help but blush. Ram smiled tenderly at her and stroked her hair with his other hand. Trying to overcome her shyness, Priya broke the awkward silence by asking about his night out with Isha.

"So... how did it go with Isha?" Priya asked, blushing.

"It was okay," Ram replied.

"Just... okay?" Priya sounded confused.