Beyond Destiny ~ A Saga Of Timeless Love

36 ~ Incertitude

"Love is a promise; love is a souvenir, once given never forgotten, never let it dissapear."

Ruhanika

"Rooh, look at me, Darling," he said in a tone so gentle that it felt like a caress.

I couldn't bring myself to look at him. My heart was still racing, my body betraying me with a shy heat that refused to dissipate. What we had shared moments ago was the kind of intimacy that bonded couples deeply, yet the novelty of it left me feeling vulnerable. His hand gently stroked my hair, his touch both comforting and encouraging.

"Come on, love. Look at me," he coaxed, his voice tender yet firm, a plea wrapped in affection. Summoning every ounce of courage, I slowly turned to face him. My cheeks burned as our eyes locked, the intensity of his gaze unraveling my nervousness bit by bit. But I held his gaze, not wanting him to misinterpret my shyness as hesitation or regret.

He studied me quietly for a moment before speaking, his voice as steady as the calming rhythm of his hand brushing through my hair. "I understand that you're shy, Rooh, and it's perfectly normal. I feel the same. Being this close to someone, to a woman... It's new to me too. I've never experienced this before." He paused, his thumb tracing soothing circles on the back of my hand. "It's okay to feel this way, but don't hide from me. I never want to make you uncomfortable, not now, not ever."

"Dev, you didn't make me feel uneasy," I said quickly, my voice a soft whisper. "That’s impossible. Everything that happened… it was with my permission, with my heart. I’m just... inexperienced. I didn’t know how to express what I felt. I’m sorry if I hurt you by acting distant."

His lips curved into a reassuring smile as he cupped my cheek, his fingers warm against my flushed skin. "You don’t need to apologize, love. Not for this. All I ask is that you share your thoughts, your fears, your needs with me. I can’t read your mind, but I’ll always listen to your heart. Just tell me, Rooh, and I’ll make sure you never have to carry any burdens alone. We’re in this together, every step of the way."

His words wrapped around me like a blanket of safety, and when he leaned in to press a gentle kiss to my forehead, my heart swelled.

"Why are you so nice to me?" I blurted, my voice tinged with wonder and a hint of exasperation. "You never get angry at me. You should be angry, na?"

He tilted his head, his brows knitting in confusion. "You want me to be angry with you, Rooh?"

"Yeah," I said, looking away bashfully. "You’re too good to me. Even when I told you the truth, you didn’t get angry. Silent treatment isn’t enough, Dev. You should’ve been mad, even shouted at me!"

He chuckled, the sound deep and warm, before sitting up. His laughter was contagious, yet I couldn’t shake the heat creeping up my face. He reached for the kurta and gently took my arm, helping me slip into it. His fingers brushed against my skin as he tucked my hair behind my ears, the intimate gesture sending a shiver through me.

"You were about to cry, thinking I was upset, and now you’re complaining I wasn’t mad enough?" he teased, his tone playful, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

I rolled my eyes instinctively, unable to suppress the reaction.

"Wait," he said, his tone dropping an octave, dark and commanding. "Did you just roll your eyes at me?"

I froze. The way he said it made my skin prickle with anticipation. I gulped, shaking my head in denial, but I could see the smirk tugging at his lips.

"Rooh," he drawled, leaning in closer. "I told you not to roll your eyes. That was the second time. I’ll give you one last chance, but if you do it again..." His smirk widened, his gaze turning molten. "I’ll make sure you keep rolling them while I make you see stars—and not the ones in the sky."