Color of Yearning [Completed]

CHAPTER - 12

SAUMYA POV

As we prepared to leave, Tanmay's mother approached us with a warm smile. In her hands, she held a beautifully wrapped package and a box of sweets.

"Here," she said, handing them to me. "These are some gifts and sweets for your parents. It's customary, you know."

I nodded, touched by her thoughtfulness. "Thank you, Mom," I said, the word still feeling new on my tongue.

She pulled me into a quick hug before turning to Tanmay. "Drive safely, beta. And remember, be respectful to Saumya's parents."

Tanmay rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Yes, Mom. I'll be on my best behavior."

As we settled into the car, I could feel a lingering shyness from our earlier interaction in the room. The memory of Tanmay's kiss on my forehead still made my skin tingle, and I found myself sneaking glances at him as he started the car.

Tanmay seemed to sense my mood and gave me a gentle smile before turning on the music. A soft, romantic melody filled the car, and I felt my cheeks warm again.

We had been driving for a few minutes when Tanmay suddenly spoke up. "You know what I've always wanted to do?"

Curious, I turned to him. "What?"

Instead of answering, Tanmay reached over and gently took my right hand in his left. His fingers intertwined with mine, the cool metal of my bangles pressing against our skin. He then placed our joined hands near the gear shift.

"This," he said softly, his eyes briefly leaving the road to meet mine. "Look how perfectly our hands fit together."

I looked down at our intertwined hands, and for a moment, all I could see was the stark contrast between our skin tones. My dark skin against his fair complexion seemed to highlight every difference between us. How could Tanmay think this was perfect?

As if reading my thoughts, Tanmay squeezed my hand gently. "It's beautiful, isn't it? The way our hands complement each other?"

I remained silent, unsure how to respond. Tanmay continued, his voice warm and sincere. "Saumya, I love how your hand feels in mine. The softness of your skin, the delicate jingle of your bangles... it's perfect to me."

His words touched something deep inside me, but I couldn't shake the lingering doubts. How long would it be before he realized that our differences were more than skin deep? That I wasn't the perfect bride he seemed to think I was?

As we drove on, our hands remained joined, a physical connection that both comforted and confused me. The romantic song continued to play softly in the background, its lyrics about unconditional love seeming to mock my insecurities.

I wanted desperately to believe in the perfection Tanmay saw, to see our joined hands as a symbol of unity rather than contrast. But years of ingrained self-doubt were not so easily overcome.

As we pulled up to my childhood home, I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. Tanmay, ever attentive, quickly got out and came around to open my door. His gesture, though small, provided a moment of comfort.

We walked to the front door, and just before ringing the doorbell, Tanmay turned to me. "Ready?" he asked softly, his eyes searching mine.

I nodded, not trusting my voice. I was already feeling exhausted, the emotional toll of returning home weighing heavily on me.

The door swung open, revealing my father. His face lit up with a broad smile as he saw us. "Saumya beta!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with warmth.

Seeing him, I felt a rush of emotions. Despite everything, he had always been my pillar of strength. Without hesitation, I stepped into his embrace, savoring the familiar comfort of his hug.