UNLIKELY PARTNERS( Smriti & Perry)

In Each Other's Arms

Perry knelt on the plush carpet before Smriti, taking both her hands gently in her own. Smriti's eyes shimmered with tears, reflecting the tumult of emotions swirling inside her. Perry’s heart ached as she looked at her, and she felt compelled to reassure the woman she loved.

“Look into my eyes, Smriti,” she said softly, coaxing Smriti to focus on her. As their gazes are locked, “I love you, Ms. Mandhana,” Perry continued, her voice steady and filled with conviction. “I will always love you. This is only a matter of a few days, and I promise to visit you, wherever you are in the world. I’ll do anything to make you happy.”

Smriti’s breath hitched as she listened, her heart pounding. The sincerity in Perry’s words wrapped around her like a warm blanket, but the weight of uncertainty still lingered. Perry squeezed her hands tighter, as if anchoring Smriti to the present.

“This is part of life, love. We’re both professionals now, and long distance will challenge us, yes. But it’s all about how we manage it. If you ever feel like this is pulling me away from you, just say the word. I’ll happily retire if it means keeping us together.”

Perry’s words were soothing, yet they stirred something deeper in Smriti. The thought of Perry giving up her dreams for her made her chest tighten. “No, Pez…” Smriti whispered, shaking her head as tears streamed down her cheeks. “I’m so sorry. I should have understood this on my own. I never wanted to make you choose between me and your career. I’m just so stupid.”

Perry’s heart broke at Smriti’s self-reproach. She gently cupped Smriti’s face, wiping away the tears with her thumb. “No, Smriti. Communication is the key. Just talk to me, no matter what you’re feeling—good or bad.”

Despite Perry’s comforting presence, Smriti felt embarrassment wash over her. She covered her face, overwhelmed by her outburst.

“Hey,” Perry said softly, moving closer. She sat beside Smriti on the couch, pulling her into a warm embrace. “I don’t like seeing tears on your beautiful face.” With tenderness, she leaned in and kissed the tears from Smriti’s cheeks, lingering on her skin. She placed soft kisses on Smriti’s nose and forehead, letting the warmth of her affection envelop them both.

Smriti looked into Perry’s eyes, her heart racing. “I love you, Pez,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Perry smiled, a genuine light filling her eyes. “And I love you,” she replied, inching closer until their lips were just a breath apart. With a shared understanding, they closed the distance, their lips meeting in a fiery kiss.

The kiss ignited a spark between them, a mix of passion and relief. Smriti’s hands found their way to Perry’s hair, fingers tangling in the soft strands as she deepened the kiss. Perry responded with equal fervor, her hands exploring the curves of Smriti’s waist, pulling her closer, as if they were two halves of a whole.

Time seemed to stretch as they lost themselves in each other, the world around them fading into oblivion. The kiss grew more intense, their mouths moving together in a dance of longing, frustration, and love. Smriti’s body pressed against Perry’s, craving more of her warmth, more of her presence.

As they pulled back, breathless, Smriti’s forehead rested against Perry’s. “I’m so lucky to have you,” Smriti said, her voice filled with emotion.

“And I’m lucky to have you,” Perry replied, her fingers tracing Smriti’s jawline, grounding them both in the moment. “No matter what happens, we’re in this together.”

Smriti nodded, feeling a sense of calm wash over her. They held each other tightly, savoring the warmth that radiated between them. In this bubble of intimacy, they found solace amidst the chaos of their lives.

Perry leaned back slightly, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “You know, I think we deserve a celebration of our own after that match,” she said, her tone playful.

Smriti chuckled softly, wiping away the remnants of her tears. “You mean, aside from the massive victory party outside?”

“Exactly,” Perry said, her voice low and inviting. “Just us. Let’s make our own memories tonight.”

Smriti’s heart raced at the thought. She wrapped her arms around Perry’s neck, pulling her in for another kiss, this one soft and lingering. As they kissed, Smriti felt a sense of resolve. Whatever the future held, they would face it together.

After what felt like an eternity, they finally broke apart, breathing heavily. Perry looked deep into Smriti’s eyes, her gaze unwavering. “Let’s just enjoy tonight, okay? No worries, no stress—just us.”

“Just us,” Smriti agreed, a smile breaking through her earlier turmoil.

They snuggled up on the couch, Smriti resting her head on Perry’s shoulder, feeling safe and cherished. The noise of the celebration outside faded as they found their own rhythm, wrapped up in each other’s warmth.

Perry played with Smriti’s hair, her fingers weaving through the soft strands. “You really played an incredible match today. I’m so proud of you,” she said, her voice a gentle murmur.

“Thanks, Pez,” Smriti replied, feeling her heart swell with affection. “But I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you cheering me on.”

Perry smiled, leaning down to place a soft kiss on the top of Smriti’s head. “You’ve always had the strength, love. You just needed to believe in yourself—and in us.”

As they sat together, the tension from earlier began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of peace. They talked and laughed, sharing their dreams and fears, each moment deepening their connection.

Eventually, the weight of the day caught up with them. The adrenaline faded, and they found themselves nestled close together, hearts beating in sync. Smriti’s eyelids grew heavy, and she let out a content sigh.

“Pez?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Hmm?” Perry replied, her own eyes starting to flutter closed.

“I love you.”

Perry smiled, her heart full. “I love you too, Smrits. Always.”

With that, they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other’s arms.