Prem Kahaniyaan

10.

The weeks following their heartfelt confessions had been filled with an overwhelming sense of joy for both Aanya Joshi and Devraj Mehta. Their relationship had blossomed beautifully, yet they both knew there were still hurdles to overcome, especially regarding Aanya’s insecurities about their different social statuses.

It was a quiet Sunday afternoon when they sat together in Aanya’s small yet cozy apartment. The window was open, letting in a soft breeze that carried with it the faint scent of jasmine. Aanya was curled up on the sofa, her head resting against Devraj’s shoulder. Despite the tranquility of the moment, there was a tension in the air, something unsaid hanging between them.

Devraj glanced down at her, sensing her unease. “What’s on your mind, Aanya? You’ve been quiet today.”

She sighed, lifting her head slightly to meet his gaze. “I’ve been thinking… about us. About everything.”

Devraj’s brows furrowed in concern. “Everything? What do you mean?”

Aanya hesitated before answering, her fingers nervously playing with the hem of her sweater. “It’s just… I can’t help but feel like I’m not good enough for you sometimes. You come from such a prominent family, Devraj. I’m just a girl from a small-town family, trying to make it in this city. What if people judge us? What if your family doesn’t accept me?”

Her words hung in the air, and for a moment, there was only the sound of the breeze and the distant hum of the city outside. Devraj reached out and gently cupped her face, his voice tender but firm.

“Aanya, stop,” he said, his eyes locking with hers. “You are more than enough. I don’t care about what anyone else thinks, not my family, not society. All I care about is you.”

Aanya looked into his eyes, her own brimming with uncertainty. “But your family—”

“My family will see what I see,” Devraj interrupted softly. “They will see the woman I love. The woman who makes me want to be a better man every single day. I don’t want to live in a world where I’m making decisions based on status or expectations. I want to live in a world where I’m with you.”

Aanya’s heart swelled with emotion, but the doubt still lingered. “You’re saying that now, but what if things change? What if—”

“Aanya,” Devraj’s voice was gentle but resolute. “Do you trust me?”

She blinked, taken aback by the question. “Of course I trust you.”

“Then trust me when I say that I want you in my life. Forever. I love you, and nothing about where you come from or what anyone says is going to change that.”

Aanya bit her lip, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. “It’s just so hard sometimes… to believe that this is real. That someone like you could love me.”

Devraj’s expression softened, and he pulled her into a tight embrace. “Aanya, you’re the most real thing in my life. Everything else fades in comparison to how I feel when I’m with you.”

For a few moments, they stayed like that, wrapped in each other’s arms, both finding comfort in the closeness.

Finally, Aanya pulled back slightly, her voice quiet but more certain than before. “I love you too, Devraj. I’m just scared sometimes.”

“I know,” Devraj said softly. “But that’s okay. We’ll face those fears together. You don’t have to carry them alone.”

Aanya nodded, feeling the weight of her insecurities lift slightly. “You’re right. I don’t want to let my fears ruin what we have.”

“They won’t,” Devraj assured her. “Because we’re stronger together.”

A small smile crept onto Aanya’s face, and she leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. It was a simple gesture, but it conveyed everything she felt—her love, her gratitude, and her willingness to trust him.

“I’m ready,” she whispered. “I’m ready to face whatever comes, as long as I have you by my side.”

Devraj smiled back at her, his heart full of love. “You’ll always have me, Aanya. Always.”

They stayed in the warmth of their embrace for a while longer, savoring the peace and the comfort they found in each other. But eventually, Aanya pulled away slightly, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“So… when are you going to introduce me to your family?” she asked playfully, though there was a hint of real curiosity behind her words.

Devraj chuckled. “Soon. I want to make sure everything’s perfect when that happens.”

Aanya raised an eyebrow. “Perfect? What does that mean?”

“It means,” Devraj said, leaning in close, “I want them to meet the amazing woman I’m going to spend the rest of my life with.”

Aanya’s heart skipped a beat at his words. “The rest of your life?”

Devraj nodded, his expression serious but filled with love. “Yes. The rest of my life. I’m not playing around, Aanya. I’ve never been more certain of anything.”

Aanya felt a warmth spread through her chest, her insecurities melting away with each word he spoke. “Devraj, I… I’ve never imagined feeling this way about someone. You’ve changed everything for me.”

“I hope it’s for the better,” he teased lightly.

She laughed softly. “It is. It really is.”

Devraj took her hand in his, interlocking their fingers. “Good. Because I’m not going anywhere. This is just the beginning for us.”

Aanya smiled, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. “I can’t wait to see what’s next.”

They spent the rest of the evening talking about their future—where they wanted to travel, how they would navigate their careers, and what kind of home they might build together. It was a conversation filled with hope and love, the kind of conversation that felt like laying the foundation for something beautiful.

As the night grew darker, Devraj finally stood, pulling Aanya into one last embrace before he had to leave. “I’ll see you tomorrow?” he asked, his voice soft.

“Of course,” Aanya replied with a smile. “I can’t wait.”

He kissed her forehead again, a lingering, tender touch that spoke volumes. “I love you, Aanya. More than words can say.”

“I love you too, Devraj,” she whispered back. “More than you’ll ever know.”

And with that, Devraj left, leaving Aanya standing at the door of her apartment, her heart full and her mind at ease. She had finally let go of her fears, knowing that what they had was strong enough to withstand anything.

As she closed the door and leaned against it, she smiled to herself, knowing that this was just the beginning of something truly wonderful.

Their journey had only just begun, but Aanya was certain of one thing—she and Devraj were going to make it. Together.