Love Me Like You Do

Rakhi

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Shivi lay on the bed, sobbing and watching the northern lights. Tears flowed from her eyes. Josh walked in, removed his jacket and boots, and settled near her with his arms around her waist.

Josh gently began, "On behalf of Daniel, I'm so..."

Shivi interrupted him by placing her fingers on his lips.

She said amid her sobbing, "It's not his fault. If not for him, someone or the other would ask me. But why me, Josh? Why did God give me such a family? The only thing I went against them for was my education. I have adhered to every small and big thing they said. What is wrong with me that they hate me so much?"

Josh reassured her, "There is only one flaw in you: you are too good for people who don't value you. The way they treat you is how they feel about you, regardless of what you do. I should not badmouth your family, but they are really manipulative and keep you where they want to keep you. Their actions tell you what you really need to know. You can either keep thinking about what your flaw is or open your eyes and see within yourself what an amazing soul you are. My family is already in awe of you; they can see it spending a day with you. If your family is not able to appreciate you, it's not your fault. Maybe once you get a job, you can get them better glasses or even get them Lasik surgery."

Shivi chuckled softly, her tears still flowing. She hugged Josh tightly, her arms wrapped around him, finding solace in his embrace. She closed her eyes, listening to the comforting rhythm of his heartbeat.

Josh whispered playfully, "So did my words do the job, or should I employ my tongue to distract you?"

Shivi gently hit Josh on his back and let out a heavy sigh. She said, "You are my world. I love you."

Josh replied lovingly, "You are my universe, and I love you more."

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, and they both wondered who could be visiting at this hour. Josh went to the door and realized it was Daniel. Shivi sat up on the bed, trying to wipe her tears away as he entered the room.

Daniel apologized, saying, "Sorry, Anni, I disturbed you guys at this hour."

Amidst her misery, she tried to make a joke, saying, "You already know we wouldn't be doing anything anyway."

Both Daniel and Josh chuckled at her comment. Shivi remained seated on the bed as Daniel approached her, kneeling on the floor beside her.

Daniel smiled warmly and said, "Anni, you would officially be my sister-in-law when you marry Josh, but I want to have a different relationship with you personally."

Shivi looked confused and glanced at Josh for clarification.

Daniel explained further, "You celebrate Raakhi, right?"

Shivi shook her head, indicating that she doesn't celebrate Raakhi.

Josh chimed in, "Idiot, North Indians do, not South Indians."

Daniel acknowledged this and then said, "Still, it's an Indian thing, right?"

Josh nodded his approval, waving his hand asking him to continue, and Daniel continued, "I want to be your brother, though I will be calling you Anni. I want to be there for you when you need me. And I want to have an elder sister to talk to, things that I can't discuss with this six-foot empty-headed guy here," he said, looking at Josh.

Shivi's eyes glistened with emotion, and she nodded immediately. She embraced Daniel briefly before parting.

Daniel added, "I know the brother gives gift to his sister when she ties Raakhi. I haven't gotten any since we came here unplanned, but I hope a six-foot brother will do."

Shivi nodded in agreement and turned to Josh, who was smiling at her as he wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes. He knew exactly how overwhelmed she felt, that made him emotional too.

Daniel then pulled out a colorful bracelet made of blue, pink, and green threads with beads and said, "Gia made this from her Barbie doll's stuff. I think this will do for Raakhi."

Shivi nodded with joy, tying the bracelet around Daniel's wrist. She smiled from ear to ear, despite her tears. Kate walked into the room and stood near Josh, observing Daniel and Shivi.

"You have lost all your importance in the family, my son," Kate remarked, teasing Josh.

Josh smiled at Shivi and replied, "Not a surprise, I stopped giving myself importance after I met her."

"Alright, let the lovebirds sleep," Kate said grinning. "And Gia is also alone. Come on, Daniel," she added.

Shivi's face lit up with excitement. As they left, she rushed over to Josh and embraced him tightly. Her eyes sparkled with gratitude and joy as she exclaimed, "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

Josh returned the hug warmly, his face filled with affection. He gazed down at her lovingly, and as they remained locked in their embrace, he leaned down to plant a tender kiss on her forehead. "All these are the surprises I've given you," he whispered softly. "Do you really want any specific birthday gift?"

Shivi reluctantly pulled away from the embrace, her eyes locked onto his. Sometimes, silence says it all. And all the other person needs to listen to is silence to understand all that one feels.

Josh, noticing her hesitation, nodded, and said, "Alright, I get it. There's something on your mind. What is it?"

Shivi sighed, torn between her desire to share and her fear of burdening Josh. She shook her head, then finally gathered her courage to express her genuine concern. "I don't want to ask you because I know you might not be able to fulfill it, and it would burden you."

Josh encouraged her, saying, "Give me a chance, baby. Tell me what's on your mind."

Shivi shook her head again and then finally opened, her expression showing her concern. "Josh, I've noticed that you drink wine with almost every meal. I come from a place where drinking isn't a regular occurrence, especially not daily. I mean, it's okay occasionally, but... having it every day... it genuinely worries me. I don't even know if I should be bringing this up. I'm sorry if it's wrong."

Josh reflected on her words, saying, "Shivi, I never have more than a glass. It's a common practice for us Italians."

Shivi remained firm and replied, "And that's exactly my concern."

Josh thought for a moment and then said, "Shivi, you're asking me something I've never really thought about. How can I even live without wine? Can I seriously do that?"

Shivi fell silent, recognizing that she had initiated an uncomfortable conversation. However, she understood that having difficult conversations was crucial for moving forward in their relationship. She couldn't afford to be afraid of sharing what genuinely concerned her. She knew being honest to each other could only help them grow as a couple.

Josh continued, "Shivi, this is a big request, and I can't promise an immediate answer. I need time to think and better understand my alcohol appetite. Give me some time, and I'll get back to you. But don't set your hopes too high. "

Shivi nodded, her lips curling into a small smile, relieved that Josh was willing to consider her request.

*****

So how many of you love Daniel too?

Isnt he a reflection of our darling Josh?

is what Shivya asking for is too much?

Will Josh do what Shivya wishes?