Unexpectly Yours:The Journey Of An Arranged Marriage

PART 25

[Back in Mumbai. The hustle and bustle of daily life has resumed for Abhay and Kavya. The initial excitement of their marriage has settled into the routine of everyday life, and their schedules have become increasingly hectic. Abhay is often away for shoots or practice, and Kavya is busy with her work, leaving them with little time for each other.]

[Kavya had been planning this visit to the Kuldevi temple for weeks. It was a significant temple for her family, and every newlywed couple in their family traditionally visited it for blessings. She had brought up the idea to Abhay a few days ago, but knowing his stance on religious practices, she expected resistance.]

[And she wasn't wrong.]

Abhay (frowning): "Kavya, do we really have to go? I don't really... believe in all this. Can't we just pray from home or something?"

[He was pacing around the living room, clearly uncomfortable. Kavya watched him, biting back a smile at how stubborn he was being.]

Kavya: "It's important to me, Abhishek. It's not just about religion—it's tradition. And it would mean a lot to my family."

[She knew how to word things, knowing that despite Abhay's reluctance toward religion, he would do anything for her. There was a moment of silence as he stopped pacing and looked at her, a flicker of something in his eyes—affection, maybe?]

Abhay (sighing): "Fine. But only because it's important to you."

[Kavya grinned and clasped her hands together, thanking him. Little did she know, this journey would bring them closer in ways she hadn't anticipated.]

****

[The day was bright and crisp when they reached the base of the hill. Kavya had been in high spirits, excited for the visit, while Abhay sulked quietly beside her, glancing warily at the towering hill that loomed ahead. He wasn't keen on religious ceremonies, and the idea of climbing a hill for one felt excessive.]

[But Kavya's enthusiasm was contagious, and despite his internal grumbling, he found himself drawn to her excitement.]

[As they approached the temple grounds, an elderly pandit greeted them and explained the traditional way to ascend the hill—by walking barefoot up the steep stone steps. It was a custom meant to symbolize humility and devotion.]

Pandit: "Most people take the easier route these days, but the old way is said to be a true offering to the goddess."

[Kavya's eyes flickered with uncertainty. She knew how little patience Abhay had for anything like this and was about to suggest the simpler route when she heard him speak.]

Abhay (cutting in, a bit too loudly): "We're doing it. The traditional way."

[Kavya blinked, turning to look at him in surprise. She had expected him to protest, maybe even joke about taking a car up the hill instead. But there he was, already tugging off his shoes, his face set with determination. It took her a moment to realize that he was doing this for her.]

[Warmth spread through her chest. He might not understand the spiritual significance, but Abhay was doing something he didn't believe in just because it was important to her. And that meant everything.]

Kavya (softly): "You don't have to do this if you don't want to..."

[But Abhay shrugged, giving her a small smile.]

Abhay: "No. You do, so I do too."

[The stone steps were steep and uneven, and as they climbed, Abhay silently cursed himself for agreeing to this. His feet ached with every step, the sharp edges of the stones digging into his skin. Sweat beaded on his forehead as they continued to ascend, the temple still high above them.]