The Elite Bride ( I was enchanted to meet you, princess )

《 58. Forest Escapade 》

R A G H A V

I had planned a fabulous date for us.

After pondering for quite some time, I decided to keep it simple yet exciting. A forest date it was. Even after going on a few dates with her, I was nervous. I didn't know if it was because we were spending time together after our honeymoon or it was because of the way the events had turned out. But something in my chest was aching, there was an alarm going on and on in my head, a child was screaming somewhere in an abandoned corner of a house that 'we' are going to lose this. The child was yelling at me that this is all momentary and Janaki would also end up leaving me. I am afraid that if I just shift a bit, that if I dare to get comfier she would just decide I am not worthy of being a man she desires to be with. I am afraid if I just tug the blanket she has put on me, to feel a little more warmer she would decide to leave me in the ditch. She loves me, I know that much. If she didn't love me, she would have ditched me the moment she found out the kind of shit I was in. If she didn't love me, she wouldn't have fought my case, hell she wouldn't have fought my demons for me. If she didn't love me, she wouldn't have dared to find me in the dark place and went on to take my hand to lead me towards the light. No, she wouldn't have done any of it if she didn't love me. I sighed and wrote it off as overthinking.

"Where are we going?" she asked while scanning our surroundings.

"We are going to the forest." I replied while patting my horse.

"On your horse? Wow, it's been a while since I have ridden a horse." she smiled, her eyes shined with a touch of nostalgia.

"Do you want to ride this one?" I offered.

She shook her head and denied firmly. "No, it's disrespectful to ride your horse when you yourself might be riding and petting it after a long time given that you are busy with work and all."

I chuckled, "So perceptive, Jaan. But don't you think you are being too formal with your own husband? Whatever is mine, is yours too. This palace, the crown, the wealth and me." I close the distance between us and take her hand in mine.

With my other hand I tuck a few strands that have escaped her messy bun and put it behind her ear. "I belong to you and that automatically makes whatever I have is yours too. Whatever I stand for is what you stand for too. And whatever you stand for is what I stand for too. The husband of India's topmost real estate attorney, the husband of a female rights activist, the husband of a woman from TIMES 100 most influential people, the husband of a dutiful wife, the husband of a multi-talented woman."

She started laughing, "Oh my god. You are the best husband."

"What do I get in return for being the best husband?" I raised my brow at her implying something.

"I am pretty sure this date involves the return you are asking for." She bit her lip. Keeping my leg on the saddle I climb the horse and she neighs upon feeling my weight on her.

I lend my hand to Janaki and she is about to withdraw it but I clutch her palm and pull her up, she lands before me and an oomph leaves her mouth.

"Uff." she lets out and clutches the swell of the saddle.

"Are you perfectly seated, love?" I asked her.

She nodded her head and I leaned towards her to check whether she was seated properly and I asked her,"So shall we proceed?"

"Why not? I am so excited." she mumbles and I chuckle at her honesty.

"Let's go then." I tightened my grip on the reins and I yelled at her, "Go, Swarna."