Priya and Ram had been married for a year now.
Their union was not the result of a fiery passion or a fairy-tale romance rather, it was the result of mutual understanding and the assurance to their family. As both had reached a stage in their lives where settling down seemed more like a practical necessity for their family than an unmarried kids in their mid-30s at home.
Ram a gentle, caring,and collected man had accepted their compromise marriage.
On the other hand, Priya asweet loving women had a dark side that bothered her deeply she was afraid of being alone and darkness yes, she was claustrophobic.
Priya was all by herself at Kapoor mansion on a rainy night,when the sky was covered with thick clouds and thunder rang out at a distance. The room was illuminated by occasional lightning strikes and the rain that fell down the windows slightly frightening her and to her badluck the power went out she was plunged into darkness of the room.
Priya's breath became faster and her heart raced as she felt the walls are coming closer and encircling her. Her forehead began to form sweat buds.
She called him softly but with shaking voice , "Mr. Kapoor," she was shivering with fear. Ram was surprised by the fear in Priya's voice, even though he had just returned from work, and was just entering the room when he hear her sobs. His normally composed demeanor gave way to concern as he rushed to her side.
There she was clustered in a corner, he bend down close to her, gently putting a consoling hand on her shoulder. "Its all right, Priya. "I'm here," Ram said softly, as his voice provide a steady yet firm assurance amid her emotional turmoil.
Priya turned to face him, her eyes widened with fear; however, when she saw the warmth and sincerity in his eyes, she felt a shift in her emotions with a sense of calmness.
She reached out and grabbed his hand tightly without thinking, hoping to find solace in his touch. Ram didn't turned backward rather, he gently squeezed her hand to show her, assure her that he was there right beside her she wasn't alone.
As they sat there in the darkened room, the closeness between them grew more.
He kept his open hand over the one which is held by her.
R: I will just turn on the emergency lamp.
She clutched him more and continuesly kept nodding her head in No.....dont leave me
R: its jus the matter of a minute priya he tried to convince her and once she stopped her efforts he felt her grip loosening so he got up, a loud thunder striked frightening her, with an urgency she pulled him down and burried herself in his embrace he was taken a back with her sudded move not knowing what to do they have never been this close ever it was jus till a slight handshake, or little tap and accidental touches.
Looking at her his heart gave in and he embraced her closer.
Ram's presence was calming, his touch was soothing, and Priya began to relax in his warm hug. For the first time since they have been married, she allowed herself to lean on him, both physically as well as emotionally.
Ram sensed her tension easing, but he also felt a different kind of tension building within himself - a longing he had kept buried deep within the layers of duty as a earning son and a husband.
As lightning striked without sound. He was drawn to Priya she looked celestial in silver light. Today in many ways without his anticipation, not just out of concern for her well-being but out of a deeper desire to protect and care for her, he was there for her.
Neither Ram nor Priya had fully acknowledged this feelings until now in their marriage a sense of calmness like this.
Both remained close, their bodies almost touching, yet maintaining a respectful distance that spoke volumes of their unspoken attraction towards the other. She was in his side hug still her hear was racing but as he embraced her the heart calmed down steadily. Her eyes are still shut he was caressing her arm slowly pating her time to time.
