Blood and heart

11.

NAINA

I slip the heavy saree off my shoulder, finally able to breathe as I sink onto the bed. The door unlocks, and in walks Reyansh. Of course, it's him—who else could it be?

"Won't you let your husband apply your haldi?" he asks, a teasing glint in his eyes. I rise from the bed, taking slow, deliberate steps toward him. "Obviously, husband, and I'll apply some to you too," I reply, dipping my fingers into the haldi. I trace a line down his face, ending at his jaw, watching as his expression softens.

"My turn, wifey," he murmurs, scooping up some haldi and tracing it from my chin down to my neck. My body shivers as the cold paste touches my skin, stopping just at the edge of my blouse.

"You look beautiful," he whispers in that husky voice that always sends shivers down my spine. He presses his forehead against mine. "May I kiss you?" he asks, his voice deep and slow, wrapping around me like a warm embrace. I don't hesitate, our lips meeting in a slow, sensual kiss.

His hands grip my waist, and without breaking the kiss, he pushes aside the clutter on the vanity, lifting me onto it. My almost bare back presses against the cool mirror. When we finally break apart, our foreheads remain touching.

"I love you, Naina," he breathes, his voice filled with an intensity that makes my heart race. No matter how many times he says it, it always sets butterflies loose in my stomach.

"And I'm not saying this just to hear it back, but because I want you to know," he adds. I smile, feeling warmth spread through me. "I love you more, Rey Rey."

I wrap my arms around his neck and my legs around his torso, pulling him close. He holds me securely by the waist. "Why do you always hug me after kissing?" he asks, genuinely curious.

I press my ear to his chest, listening to the erratic beat of his heart matching mine. "Just because," I whisper, and he tightens his grip around me.

I sit in a yellow gown—a color I usually hate, but today it feels different. Maybe it's the occasion, or perhaps it's the dress, but for once, I feel beautiful.

Reyansh's words from yesterday echo in my mind: "Those sparkly dresses and jewelry don't make you beautiful. You make them beautiful; you give them the shine."

A smile creeps onto my lips as I recall his voice. My thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door, and Mihir and Aakriti walk in. "Bhabhi, they're calling you," Mihir says, extending his hand for me to take.

"You look beautiful, Di," Aakriti adds. I smile warmly at her before taking Mihir's hand and heading out. I take a seat, and the mehndi artist begins her work.

---

Two hours later, I'm still in the same position, and hunger is gnawing at me. I scan the room and my eyes meet his—those familiar brown eyes. I gesture that I'm hungry, and Reyansh nods with a smile before heading to the food counter. Within minutes, he's back with a plate full of food.

He feeds me a bite, and I smile, savoring the taste. "Do your legs hurt?" he asks, concern in his voice.

"A little, but I'll be fine. Don't worry," I reply, and he nods, feeding me another bite.

"Aah, I'm starving," Kainaat says as she finishes her mehndi. Reyansh pats the seat beside him. "Come, I'll feed you too. Aarav and Mummaji are nowhere to be found," he says with a chuckle.

Kainaat grins and takes the seat beside him. "You're the best, Jiju," she says, taking a bite. Reyansh smiles at her before offering me another bite.

*I don't know what good deeds I've done to deserve someone like Reyansh.*