The Wedding Whisperer

Chapter 21:A Promise for Forever

Akshara moaned softly as tender kisses on her bare shoulder brought her out of her slumber. The man who had stolen her heart was gently waking her up.

"Good morning," he whispered.

"Good morning," she replied, turning to face him.

His eyes fell on the bright red mark on her neck, and he ran his thumb over it gently.

"Sorry I hurt you. I got carried away," he said, his voice filled with regret.

She smiled, taking his thumb between her teeth and biting down gently. Seeing how his eyes darkened with desire, she said, "I liked it."

He kissed her softly, his hand sliding down the length of her neck.

"We have to get going. We've got a few hours of driving ahead," he reminded her.

"Why are you being so secretive?" she asked, hugging him.

"You'll see why soon," he teased.

"Okay, give me thirty minutes, and I'll be ready." She laughed as she pulled her robe around herself and got out of bed.

"Does that include a shower with me?" he asked, pulling her back onto the bed.

"No," she replied, laughing harder. "That would take more than thirty minutes, don't you think?"

He kissed the top of her head. "I need every minute of my life to be with you."

His words sent a wave of emotion through her, a mixture of joy and worry. She buried her face into his chest, unable to silence the nagging doubts.

"Akshara, what are you not telling me?" he asked softly.

She let out a sob, realizing it was time to open up about her fears. "I'm scared, Abhimanyu."

"Why, love?"

"What if something happens, and I can't be without you?"

"What are you talking about?" he asked, his brow furrowed in concern.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "The last time I trusted someone to be my life partner, I was left heartbroken because I was a nobody. That hasn't changed, and—"

He silenced her with a kiss, swallowing her sob and her doubts. When he pulled back, his hands cradled her face as he wiped away her tears.

"Akshara, I fell in love with you for who you are—the woman in front of me, with a heart so caring and a mind that blows me away. I love *you,* not your past or your family background."

"But what if we never find out who I really am?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

"It doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is the woman who owns my heart. Her happiness is my priority."

"What if your family—" she began, her voice catching.

He nodded, understanding her unspoken fear. "They may be okay with me knowing you as an acquaintance, but what if they don't accept us being together?"

She couldn't bring herself to finish the thought.

"Sweetheart, don't worry," he said softly.

She pulled back to look at him. "Promise me, if it ever comes down to choosing between me and your family, you'll choose them."

His voice was firm but gentle. "Everything that's mine is yours. And all of me is yours. It's *ours* now."

"I don't worry when I'm with you," she said, her voice breaking. "But when I'm not, I can't help but feel like something might go wrong."