The Love Arranged

Chapter-28

Alaia's POV

As the evening wound down, everyone gathered around the beachside fireplace, the warmth of the flames providing a cozy contrast to the cool night air. The atmosphere was relaxed, filled with laughter and light conversation, as the group sipped on their drinks. Rann, Kabir, and Angad were deep in discussion, their voices carrying just above the crackling of the fire.

Rann, approaching his fourth drink of the night, held his glass near his lips as he spoke, engrossed in the conversation. I noticed and, without a word, I swiftly took the glass from his hand, seamlessly continuing my chat with one of the girls nearby as if nothing had happened. Rann's eyes followed his empty hand for a moment before he shot me a playful, knowing look, but said nothing.

"So, when's the wedding?" Isha asked, her voice breaking through the conversation.

"It's due after ten months," Rann replied, his tone steady and assured.

Isha's eyes sparkled with mischief as she suggested, "Why don't you guys go on a trip somewhere, just the two of you? It could be a great way to get to know each other better."

Rann turned to look at me, a glimmer of intrigue in his eyes. "Now that is a good idea," he said, his voice low and thoughtful.

Caught off guard, I hesitated. "Uh—I don't know," I mumbled, uncertainty creeping into my voice.

Isha, ever the enthusiastic planner, chimed in, "Bhaai, take her to Italy or France—she'll love it!"

"How about both of you take each other to the destinations you want to visit? Like, Bhaai takes her to wherever he likes, and she takes him to wherever she likes?" Kabir suggested, his tone light but sincere.

I glanced at Rann, seeking his reaction. He gently took my hand in his, rubbing it tenderly as he spoke, "We'll think about it," he said softly, his thumb tracing small circles on the back of my hand.

The conversation soon resumed its lively pace, with everyone chatting and laughing, though the night's chill had begun to seep into the air. My head naturally found its way to Rann's shoulder, the weight of the day's events making my eyelids heavy. A shiver ran through me as the wind turned colder, but before I could say anything, Rann slipped off his coat and draped it over my shoulders, his gesture protective and warm.

Isha was nearly asleep, her eyelids fluttering as she struggled to stay awake, while Aarya had already surrendered to sleep, her head resting comfortably on Angad's shoulder as he sat back, relaxed but alert.

Veer, noticing the time, finally spoke up, "It's too late. I think we all should sleep."

Ranvijay rose to his feet, ready to help everyone retire for the night. Kabir looked at Angad, a hint of apology in his tone. "Sorry about her, she's a bit crazy when she's tired. I'll take her to the room," he said, as Angad nodded in understanding.

Angad leaned over and gently nudged Isha awake. "We have to leave," he whispered. Isha, still half-asleep, mumbled something incoherent before looking up at Angad with pleading eyes. "Please carry me, Bhaai, I'm tired," she sniffled.

With a groan of mock frustration, Angad hoisted her into his arms. Rann, watching the scene said, "You guys should stay here tonight."

Angad nodded in agreement. "Isha and Aarya can take Aarya's room, Bhaai and Bhabhi will take Bhaai's room, and me and Veer will take Veer's room," Kabir suggested.

"And I'll take the guest room next to Isha's so we can leave early in the morning. We have to head to London," Angad added, his tone businesslike as he carried Isha towards the house.

Kabir carried Aarya in tow, leaving Rann and me alone on the beach. As we made our way to his room, the night's silence was comforting, the only sound being the distant waves gently crashing against the shore.

Once we entered his room, I felt a sudden wave of uncertainty. "I think I should leave," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Rann turned to me, his eyes dark and intense, and his voice dropped to a low, throaty tone. "No, stay."

I hesitated, biting my lip. "Rann, what will everyone think if I stay in a room with you at night?"

He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming in the best way. "That my fiancée is staying with me," he replied, his tone firm and unwavering.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his comment, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips despite myself.

He took my hand and gently guided me to the bed. "Sooo," he started, drawing out the word as he sat beside me.

"So?" I echoed, raising an eyebrow at him, waiting for him to continue.

"Did you like the idea of a trip?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

"I like the idea of two trips—one where you take me to your favorite place, and one where I take you to mine," I replied, a hint of excitement creeping into my tone.

His eyes sparkled with amusement. "So where do you want to go?" he asked, leaning in closer.

"That's the rule—you show me your favorite place, and I show you mine," I said, playfully mirroring his earlier words.

"Uh-huh? Is that how it'll work?" he teased, pulling me gently onto his lap, his hands resting on my hips as he looked up at me with a grin.

"Uh-huh, yes, that's how it's gonna work," I replied confidently, feeling the warmth of his body against mine.

"Brilliant," he murmured before capturing my lips in a soft, tender kiss, one that made my heart flutter and my breath catch in my throat.

As he pulled away, his gaze lingered on me. "You look beautiful, did I tell you that?" he asked, his voice a hushed whisper.

"No," I whispered back, my voice barely audible. "You didn't."

"Let me, then," he said, his voice deepening with emotion. In one swift motion, he scooped me up from his lap and laid me down on the bed, hovering above me, his eyes filled with an intense, burning desire.

His lips found mine again, this time with more passion, more urgency. The kiss deepened, sending waves of heat coursing through my body until I couldn't help but let out a soft moan. Rann's hands caressed my sides as his kisses trailed down my neck, each touch igniting a fire within me that I had never felt before.

His breath mingled with mine as he whispered against my lips, "Let's go to France."

A shiver of excitement ran through me, the promise of adventure and discovery making my heart race. I leaned in closer, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "Then we'll go to Norway," I murmured, the words barely audible between our shared breaths.

He smiled against my mouth, a playful glint in his eyes. "France and Norway it is," he agreed, his voice husky and filled with promise. His hands traced the curve of my waist, pulling me closer, as if the idea of those far-off destinations only heightened the intimacy of the moment.

The night seemed to close in around us, the only sounds the gentle rustling of the sea breeze outside and the soft thud of our hearts beating in sync. In that moment, it wasn't just about the places we'd visit, but about the journey we were beginning together, one that was filled with shared dreams and whispered secrets.

Rann's lips met mine again, sealing our unspoken vows with a kiss that was both tender and all-consuming. The world beyond our embrace faded away, leaving only the two of us, wrapped in the warmth of our connection and the excitement of the unknown path that lay ahead.