Here After!

9. From Smiles to Tears: Finding Solace Together

Anu

I was genuinely touched when Giri inquired about my life preferences. It felt like a significant milestone in our journey together. Our banter soon evolved into a playful teasing session, and we shared plenty of laughter.

When he remarked, "Let's see if this product lives up to its promises," I replied, "Feel free to test it out, but remember, no refunds/returns are applicable for serious damages or irreparable harm."

"I'll ensure to handle it with care and maintain it properly, considering it's a lifelong asset," he promptly responded.

"That sounds like a plan. Let's ensure we cherish and nurture this for a lifetime," I responded, returning his smile.

As our laughter subsided, his tone shifted, and he turned to me with a question. "Anu," he began, "I've been meaning to ask about Anish, had you heard about his relationship beforehand?" 

"Oh, absolutely! It's quite well-known within our family circles. He even brought her to meet our family not long ago. They've been together since their school days, a real long-term relationship," I responded with a nod.

"So, your family supports love marriage?" he asked curiously.

"Absolutely," I replied with a smile. "We believe that love knows no boundaries and that the most important thing is finding happiness and compatibility in a partner. Anitta's marriage is also a love story; Pradeep and she work together at the same school, and their love flourished there. However, their wedding had to be expedited because Pradeep received a lucrative opportunity in the US. With his departure imminent in a few months, his family wanted to ensure he was settled before leaving."

"Is this why everyone seemed so eager to find a groom for you and why our marriage was hurried along?" he interjected. "I had assumed it was due to some astrological reasons, with Anitta's wedding being pushed forward and ours arranged before that. It appears my assumption was incorrect."

"Yes, it's interesting how circumstances play a role in these decisions," I replied, reflecting on his observation.

"It is indeed fascinating how life unfolds in unexpected ways," he responded, nodding in agreement. "But what matters most is that we're together now, embarking on this adventure side by side."

I agreed with a nod. "It's a reminder that life often has its own plans for us, regardless of our expectations. But with each other's support, we'll face whatever challenges come our way."

He nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.

"If you have any lingering questions, feel free to ask," I assured him, noticing his expression.

"I hope you don't misunderstand my question, but I'm curious to know why you chose an arranged marriage despite having the opportunity to select your own partner," he inquired.

"I had pondered on this question for a while, anticipating it would arise. My reasoning is a combination of factors: respect for family traditions, trust in my parents' discernment, and the conviction that unconventional routes often lead to extraordinary outcomes. Furthermore, I've come to understand that love and commitment aren't exactly my forte."

"So, are you afraid of commitment?" he inquired.

"I wouldn't describe myself as commitment-phobic, but more as someone who approaches significant decisions with caution. Let's save that discussion for another time," I said, attempting to shift the conversation away from the topic.

"Certainly, I understand your concern, and it's a topic I'd prefer to explore at a later time when we have more opportunity to delve into it," he replied, gently steering the conversation away from the subject. "Now it's your turn to ask questions, and I'm here ready to provide answers."

"Hmm... Let me gather my thoughts for a moment, and then I'll start asking," I responded, contemplating what questions to pose. However, I soon found myself drawing a blank. "I think I'll hold onto this opportunity for another time when I'm feeling more curious," I admitted with a chuckle.

"Of course, take your time. We can revisit this whenever you're ready," he replied, offering understanding and patience.

I smiled as he held my hands and inquired, "Is this your way of offering comfort and assurance that you'll be by my side?"

He grinned back and responded, "Absolutely, consider it a silent promise of my support and presence whenever you need it."

"Thank you, that's truly reassuring," I replied warmly, feeling comforted by his words. In return, he planted a kiss on my forehead, making it the second one I received from him. Suddenly feeling shy, I averted my gaze, trying to hide my blushing face by focusing elsewhere.

After the tender moment, we both shared a smile, feeling a sense of closeness. He gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, his touch sending a warm shiver down my spine. As we were in comfortable silence, the air between us seemed charged with an unspoken understanding. Perhaps this was just the beginning of something deeper and more meaningful between us.

In the quiet intimacy of the moment, we found ourselves drawn closer together, our hearts beating in sync. With a soft smile, he reached for my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine. As we lay on the bed, our eyes locked in a mutual gaze, the unspoken tension between us grew palpable. It was as if the air around us crackled with anticipation, hinting at the possibility of something more profound blooming between us.

My attention snapped back to reality as my phone buzzed, prompting me to look away from him. However, when I attempted to divert my gaze, I discovered that he was still watching me intently. I made an effort to free myself from his grasp, but his grip remained firm. With raised eyebrows, he inquired about my distraction, to which I simply nodded and replied, "Nothing."

"Do you want me to share something about myself?" he asked, capturing my attention. "If you'd like, I'm all ears."

"Then it's settled. I won't spill anything until you specifically ask," he added with a playful tone.

"Fair enough," I chuckled, feeling a mixture of curiosity and amusement at his playful insistence. "But don't be surprised if I start asking some intriguing questions later on."

"This is what defines our relationship: Our relationship is a symphony of unity, a dance of intertwining souls," he mused, his eyes twinkling with affection. You're entirely mine, and I'm wholly yours, you're free to ask anything, anytime, just as I am. You belong to me, and I to you, bound by an unspoken pact of mutual understanding and support. You can lean on me when you need guidance, and I on you. It's a partnership where we navigate life's twists and turns together. We're meant to be halves of a whole, where sharing and understanding prevail. But don't worry, I won't impose my preferences on you. From now on, it's all about 'us'—no more 'you' or 'me', a shared canvas where every stroke belongs to us both. Hope that paints a clear picture," he concluded, punctuating his words with a playful wink.

Speechless, I simply met his gaze and nodded in silent agreement.

He tenderly cradled my face in his hands, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "Yes, one step at a time," he murmured softly, his thumb caressing my cheek. I noticed his gaze drifting between my eyes and lips, lingering before returning to meet my gaze once more.

As I find myself getting lost in the depths of his eyes, a gentle knock at the door shatters the peaceful atmosphere. With a hint of reluctance, he pulls away, casting me a reassuring smile before heading to the door. A sigh of relief escapes me as he moves, briefly interrupting the spellbinding connection between us.