𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 (𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝)

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟑 : 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞

POV ANVI

The soft, persistent chime of the doorbell stirred me from sleep. I blinked, disoriented, wondering when I had drifted off. My mind replayed the events from earlier how my Rana sa, had left me alone as soon as we entered, insisting he had urgent work. "You should rest," he'd said, like he always did. Sometimes I felt he was married to his work more than to me.

The doorbell rang again, breaking my thoughts. I groaned, pushing myself up, still a bit groggy, and padded to the door. Outside, the sky had darkened into a rich indigo, and the soft whisper of waves on the shore hinted that I'd slept the entire day. But who could be ringing the bell at this hour?

I opened the door and found... no one. Just the silence of the night. I was about to close it, convinced it was some prank, when I noticed something on the ground: a sleek black envelope and a shopping bag.

Curiosity flared, and I grabbed both items, closing the door behind me. The bag was light, and peeking inside, I saw a beautifully folded black saree. But it was the letter in the envelope that really drew me. Settling onto the bed, I carefully opened it.

"What are you thinking, jaan? Surely, you haven't forgotten this saree? It's the same one you wore at your farewell, the one that made you look so beautiful, but had you stumbling every few steps. How could I not remember? So, wear it again, my love. I'm waiting for you. But don't take too long-I've waited enough."

Yours,
Rana sa (Jay)❤️

A smile spread across my face as I set down the letter, my heart beating faster with every word. It was the same saree from my post-graduation farewell-the same one my best friend Ashi had forced me to wear, even though I could barely manage walking in it. How could Ranvijay know about this? Had he somehow been there, seen me that day?

Shaking my head with a laugh, I put the letter aside. There was no time to wonder; I had to get ready.

Humming, I gathered my things and headed for the shower, letting the warm water wash away the remnants of sleep. I could feel a thrill growing in me, the kind of excitement that felt a little like falling in love all over again. After drying my hair, I started to dress, carefully draping the saree with skills I'd honed under my mother-in-law's guidance. Simple but elegant, just the way I liked.

Once I was dressed, I kept my makeup minimal a swipe of mascara, a touch of kajal, and a bold red lipstick that matched the deep red embroidery on the saree. With a final look in the mirror, I slid on my heels, took a steadying breath, and opened the door to step outside.

Waiting there was another black envelope, perched on the doorstep like it had been left just for me. I picked it up, anticipation building as I read.

"You look beautiful, my love. Don't bother looking around-I'm not there to see you yet, but I can already tell. Now, follow the candles they'll lead you to me. Hurry, jaan, I can't wait much longer."

Yours,
Rana sa (Jay)❤️

His words felt like whispers against my skin, a thrill I hadn't felt in so long. How did he know I'd be glancing around, wondering if he could see me? Smiling, I followed the path of flickering candles that wound down toward the beach, my heels tapping softly on the sandy stones.

Halfway down the path, a man in black appeared, one of the Rathore bodyguards. "Rani sa," he greeted respectfully, gesturing toward a boat that waited on the shore. "I'm here to take you to Rana sa."

I nodded and followed him, feeling like a character from one of those old love stories. The boat ride was slow, or perhaps it just felt that way because my nerves were dancing with excitement and wonder. I couldn't help but feel like a young girl on her first date, my stomach flipping and my mind whirling with thoughts of what might come next.

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Finally, we arrived, and as I stepped out, my breath caught. Ahead of me, a small platform glowed with hundreds of tiny lights and candles. Soft, shimmering lights were strung up, framing a table set for two. It was stunning, a fairytale scene on the edge of the world.

"Rani sa." I turned and saw him approaching, dressed in a black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt underneath. My heart stuttered. He looked so handsome, so effortlessly magnetic, that for a moment I forgot to breathe.

He came closer and unexpectedly-knelt in front of me, one knee sinking into the sand.

Shocked, I moved to pull him up. "Rana sa, please! You shouldn't kneel before me."

"Shh." He placed a finger to his lips, signaling me to let him continue. "Tonight, jaan, don't say a word. Just listen. I've gathered my courage for this moment."

I nodded, my lips curving into a shy smile, and he held my gaze, his own eyes softening.

"Anvi... Mrs. Anvi Ranvijay Singh Rathore, I have to tell you something I should've said long ago. I'm sorry-for being distant, for hiding behind my work before our wedding, for telling you that I couldn't guarantee love. The truth is..." He paused, gathering himself. "The truth is, I was already falling for you when I said that. I tried so hard to stay reserved, to stay in control, but it was pointless. You've owned my heart from the very beginning."

My heart leapt as he continued, his voice warm and full of affection. "You're probably wondering how I knew about that saree. Well, let me confess. Years ago, I went to your university for a meeting. I saw a girl struggling with her saree, cursing it under her breath, but even as she stumbled, she was the most beautiful sight I'd ever seen. That girl was you, jaan. I left that day with a feeling I couldn't shake, and ever since, I knew it was you. You were already mine."

I didn't realize I was crying until I felt his thumb wipe a tear from my cheek. He pressed a gentle kiss there, catching my tears. "If you don't want to be with me, there's no rush. I'd wait a lifetime for you. But, if you're willing... if you're ready to give us a real chance, then let me be yours."

Unable to hold back, I threw my arms around him, catching him off guard. He steadied us, and I whispered, my voice choked with emotion, "Yes, I'm ready. I want this, I want us. I love you, too, Rana sa."

He pulled back, looking at me with so much tenderness, and pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Happy Birthday, jaan," he murmured, his breath warm against my skin.

In that moment, the world felt quiet, and the stars above us seemed to burn a little brighter. All I knew was that I was home, here in his arms, and for the first time, I knew exactly where I belonged.

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