Destiny: Time To Fall In Love

Chapter 24 - Goodbye!

The sun rose over the Oberoi mansion, casting a soft, golden hue through the sheer curtains of the bridal suite. Aryan was the first to wake. He didn't move at first, simply watching the way the light caught the rhythm of Aashi's breathing. She looked peaceful, her head resting against his chest.

Noticing the sun was beginning to disturb her, Aryan carefully untangled himself, tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, and walked over to close the heavy velvet curtains. He pressed a light kiss to her forehead before slipping away to the kitchen to prepare their first morning coffee.

When he returned with a tray of steaming mugs and cookies, she was still lost in sleep. He set the tray down on the side table and leaned over her. "Good morning, wifey," he whispered.

Aashi's eyes fluttered open, a sleepy, radiant smile spreading across her face. "Good morning, hubby."

"Did you sleep well?" he asked, handing her a mug.

Aashi took a sip, her eyes twinkling as she gave him a playful wink. "What do you think?"

Aryan smirked, looking away to hide his own blush, but his voice was firm as he reminded her, "Anyway, you should freshen up. Mom and Dad are waiting downstairs for breakfast."

Aashi's eyes went wide. "What? Mom and Dad are waiting? Aryan, what time is it?"

"Eight o'clock," he said, checking his wristwatch.

"Shit! What will they think of me?" she panicked, throwing back the covers. "I'm late on my very first day!"

"Baby, relax," Aryan laughed, catching her hand. "Mom knows you were tired from the rituals. It was actually her idea not to wake you up."

Downstairs at the Breakfast Table

When they finally descended, the dining hall was full of life. Not only were the Oberois there, but Aashi's parents, the Malhotras, had joined them for the final family meal before the couple's departure.

Seeing her parents, a lump formed in Aashi's throat. Tonight, she would be leaving for Japan. The distance suddenly felt very real.

"Good morning, both of you," the parents greeted them warmly.

"Good morning, Mom. Good morning, everyone," Aryan said, pulling out a chair for Aashi with the practiced grace of a protective husband.

Mrs. Oberoi watched them, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Looks like my son didn't let you sleep at all last night," she teased.

The reaction was instantaneous. Aashi choked on her juice, and Aryan nearly coughed out his sandwich. Both their faces turned a deep, crimson red.

"Mom, please! Let her eat!" Aryan pleaded, his ears turning pink while the rest of the table struggled to contain their laughter.

"Aashi, beta, have you packed your bags?" Mrs. Malhotra asked, steering the conversation back to safety.

"Yes, Mom. Everything is ready," Aashi replied, though her hand subconsciously drifted to the silver pendant hidden beneath her collar—a silent goodbye she still had to process before she crossed the ocean.

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The evening sun was dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of bruised purple and burnt orange as the car glided toward the airport. Inside, the silence was heavy. Aashi leaned her forehead against the cool glass of the window, watching the familiar streets of her city blur past.

Aryan watched her. He could see the conflict in the reflection of her eyes. He knew her heart was with him, but he also knew her soul was unsettled.

"Aashi," he said softly.