Arranged Love

38. Clearing Misunderstandings

Disclaimer: All the characters written below are imaginary and a work of pure fiction. There is no resemblance to any incident or situation and is written as a work of fiction.

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Vivek's POV -

I enter the room, trying to be as quiet as possible, but the soft click of the door seems loud in the stillness.

Smriti is already asleep, the blanket pulled up to her shoulders, her face towards the door. I frown, noticing the lights are still on. She must have been too tired to turn them off. I flip the switch, casting the room into darkness, save for the soft glow of the bedside lamp. It casts gentle shadows on the walls, and I tiptoe further inside, keeping the packet in my hand on the table.

I head to the washroom to freshen up quickly, washing away the fatigue from the day. The cold water feels refreshing against my skin, but my mind is already back in the room, back with her.

When I return, I tread carefully across the floor, not wanting to make a sound. I pause by the bed, smiling to myself as I see Smriti cuddled up with her favorite pillow-her so-called cuddle pillow.

Oh, what I would do to get rid of that thing. Always so close to her sweet little body, taking up the space where I want to be. I run a hand over my face, trying to keep my thoughts in check. God, I need to get a grip before my body starts showing side effects.

I kneel down near Smriti's frame, unable to resist, and press a soft kiss to her forehead. She doesn't stir, but her expression softens slightly, and I grin. She looks so peaceful, so beautiful, even in sleep.

How much I've fallen in love with her. It still surprises me sometimes, how deeply I feel. When we first met, things were... different. Our marriage wasn't like I'd imagined it would be. Neither did it happen in the best circumstances. I hadn't been sure if it was the right thing, if Smriti was the right person. But God, am I grateful now.

I think back to that day when my mother had tried to convince me to give Smriti a chance. Her words echo in my mind: "Vivek go and meet Smriti with an open heart and open mind and if it is meant Smriti will fit in like a missing piece." I'd been reluctant, skeptical even. But I went. I met Smriti again, and something shifted that day. I started to see her differently, started to feel something more. And now... now, this feels like the best time of my life.

I can't imagine a day without her. She's the best thing that's ever happened to me. Smriti, with her kind eyes and gentle heart, her laughter that lights up a room, even her silly little quirks-like her obsession with chocolates during her periods or the way she hums to herself when she thinks no one's listening. She's perfect in every imperfect way, and I love her more than I ever thought would be possible.

I reach out, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "I love you," I whisper, so softly it's almost a breath. She doesn't wake, but I don't mind. I like this-just watching her, feeling the warmth of her beside me.

I take a deep breath and pull back, walking over to the table where I placed the packet I brought with me. My excitement bubbles up like that of a five-year-old boy on Christmas morning. Carefully, I start taking out the contents: fresh flowers, balloons, fairy lights, and candles. I've planned everything down to the smallest detail, and now it's time to bring it all together.

I move around the room with quiet enthusiasm, hanging the fairy lights around the windows and draping them over the headboard. The soft, twinkling lights give the room a warm and magical glow. I blow up a few balloons, tying them to the bedposts and scattering some on the floor. Next, I carefully arrange the flowers in a vase on the nightstand, their delicate scent mixing with the fresh evening air. I light a few candles around the room, knowing they'll add a soft, romantic touch in the atmosphere.