His Brown Bride

42

Anita's POV

Important Update:
Please note that due to my ongoing exams, the next chapter will be delayed. I'll resume publishing on or after 24th of this month, or maybe in November. Thank you for your understanding.

I woke up to the amiable light of sunlight streaming through my window.

I stretched, yawned, and swung my legs over the side of the bed, shaking off the remaining fog of slumber.

I slept late today as it was already 8:30.

I headed to the bathroom, where the cool water of my shower washed away the remnants of sleep in my eyes. I took my time and then shampooed my hair and brushed my teeth.

I stood in front of my closet, contemplating what to wear. My eyes landed on a black shirt with a daring neckline. I paired it with a flowing black high-waisted skirt adorned with fine white stripes.

Finally, I tied a thin black scarf around my forehead, letting my luscious hair cascade freely down my back.

I glided down the grand staircase, which was surrounded by the opulent decor and soft light of crystal chandeliers illumining the spacious hallway.

After I reached down, the sweet fragrance of freshly cut flowers wafted through the air, complemented by the rich aroma of gourmet coffee brewing in the kitchen.

My sisters were busy sweeping the marble floor; their movements were fluid and effortless as they worked together in perfect harmony.

Mother stood at the kitchen island, expertly peeling fresh peas with a precision knife, the soft clinking of the utensil against the granite countertop producing a soothing tune.

"Looks like we all overslept today," I observed, smiling, and my voice echoed off the high ceilings. "What's gotten into everyone? How did we all become lazy?"

I reached out to my sister, gesturing for the broom. When she didn't give it, I snatched it from her grasp.

"Planning on skipping work today?" Mother asked, looking up from her task.

"I'll be going in late," I replied, and I began to sweep the hall. The soft bristles whispered against the floor, releasing faint wisps of dust. "You let me sleep late. Why didn't you wake me?"

Her chuckle crammed the room before she said, "Akash, made me promise to let you sleep undisturbed. Who am I to disobey his orders?"

I smiled, feeling a hot blush spread across my cheeks. But my expression quickly shifted as my gaze fell upon a pair of shiny, black shoes standing before me.

My eyes travelled upward, and my heart skipped a beat.

Akash stood tall, holding a stunning bouquet of long, stemmed red roses. His confident gaze met mine, and my breath paused.

I gulped slowly as memories of last night's confession reeled back in my mind.

My emotions were high due to my period.

But overall, the beach trip made me discover life's beauty with him by my side, and in that moment, I knew I wanted to spend forever with him.

Now, as I stood before him, I became worried, which is clearly evident in my face.

What must he be thinking of me? I went ahead and ruined our friendship with my confession.

"Good morning!" He beamed with a smile.

I mirrored his greeting, my lips curling into a little smile too. "Good morning."

"Before we visit his mother, can we have breakfast somewhere?" he asked, his tone light and casual.

I studied him, puzzled.

Had he genuinely forgotten last night's confession, or was he deliberately overlooking it to avoid awkwardness?

"Mother is preparing breakfast..." I began, but his gentle interruption caught me off guard.

"Please," he insisted, his hands holding mine with the bouquet of fresh roses and broom pressed between us. His touch sent chills down my spine.

I pulled my hands back slowly, feeling heat in my chest. "If Mother agrees," I whispered.

His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "I'll ask her myself." He gave me the flowers, and I kept them aside.

He went to the kitchen and then returned shortly, telling me, "She said she already doesn't have a problem if we spend time together."

"Ok. My sisters will come along. They too have been bored of staying home."

He interrupted me, "another time. I promise to organise a picnic some other day for them, but for today, it is you alone I want." He said, his eyes never leaving mine.

I gazed at him quietly, trying to understand his intentions. My throat constricted, and I nodded slowly, nervousness seeping into my veins.

Without a word, he took the broom from my grip and handed it to my sister, who was watching us with curious eyes. "I promise you all a picnic soon," he said to her with a small smile.

Her face lit up, and she nodded enthusiastically.

He turned to me, his eyes locking with mine, and then guided me toward the door.

We stepped out of the house into the bright morning sunlight. The air was replenished with the sweet scent of blooming flowers from the vases and the chirping of birds.

As we walked toward his car, which was parked nearby, the morning dew glistened on the grass.

He opened the door as always. "In you go," he said softly, his hand brushing against mine.

I slid into the seat, and he closed the door behind me and walked around to the driver's side.

After he settled into his seat, his gaze drifted to my fidgeting fingers. "Are you feeling uncomfortable around me?" he asked, his voice mirroring with concern.

I froze, then shook my head, stilling my restless hands.

"No. Last night," I stammered, the words escaping my lips in a whisper; however, his low, husky chuckle sent a shiver down my spine, making me go silent.

"Your father's whereabouts have been located," he disclosed calmly, shifting the car into gear with his right hand while his left hand enclosed mine, which were resting on my lap.

As he steered the wheel with effortless ease, his thumb began tracing gentle circles on my palm.

My brows furrowed in shock. "How?" I whispered. His gentle, deliberate strokes sent waves of heat coursing through me, settling between my thighs, and so I shifted uncomfortably, my skin prickling with perceptivity.

His gaze remained fixed on the road, and he answered,

"I made a promise to myself last night," he began, his fingers now intertwining with mine. "I wouldn't rest until he was found. The department saw I was serious and worked tirelessly through the night to track him down."

The gentle pressure of his hand, combined with the modest caress of his thumb, left me breathless as his touch was seeping into my very being.

"This morning," he continued, "I received the call. They've located him, but he's not in custody yet," he added, his eyes flicking toward me for a quick moment.

I yanked my hand back from his slowly. "Where are we going? The restaurant?" I mumbled, my voice barely reaching a whisper.

"No!" His simple no intensified my unease.

"Then?" I prodded,

He darted a brief glance at me, his eyes meeting mine before refocusing on the road.

"Airport," he said, his tone firm. "We're leaving Mumbai."

My eyes widened, and my heart started racing like a drumbeat. The city's sounds—honking horns, chatter, and the distant rumble of the sea—repeated into the background as panic slowly took hold of my mind.

"No! I have to visit Rajiv's mother, and then I have to go to the restaurant. I have an interview later. It's not possible. Mother doesn't even know." My words tumbled out in a frantic rush, but then my breath caught in my throat. "Stop the car, Akash. I want to get out!" I mandated while my hand grasped for the door handle.

His expression remained calm, but his jaw clenched, with a muscle ticking in his cheek.

He pulled over, bringing the car to a halt.

"I asked earlier, and I'll ask again," he spoke out, looking at me. "Why are you uncomfortable? It is me. I promise I won't harm you. Don't you trust me enough to leave the city with me?"

"What are you talking about?" I chuckled, trying to seem nonchalant, as I opened the door.

However, his hand closed around my wrist, holding me back. His touch sent chills down my spine.

"I was joking," he said hastily, trying to brush off the tension. "We're not leaving the city."

I turned back, my eyes searching his face for answers. "I thought we'd be going to the restaurant, but we've passed the turn..."

His enigmatic smile appeared and deepened. "Somewhere better than the restaurant," he replied.

"Please don't leave. We'll reach soon." he added.

I eyed him sceptically but nodded nonetheless and closed the door.

He continued driving.

Not long after, he halted the car before a white gate, adorned with flimsy vines and lively flowers.

"We've arrived," he disclosed, his eyes sparkling with mystery.

We stepped out of the car together, the cordial sunlight lobbing long shadows behind us.

My gaze scanned the secluded area, dotted with only a few houses.

"Where are we?" I asked curiosly.

His smile appeared while he retorted. "Heaven," in a low tone.

The gate swung open automatically, revealing a breathtaking garden. The spirited colours and airy petals of the flowers danced in the gentle breeze, roses,
Lilies, their pure white petals shining like stars
Sunflowers and orchids, their exotic beauty entwining the trees.

The garden's luxuriant greenery was complimented by sparkling water features and meandering pathways.

The soft chirping of birds and peaceful rustle of leaves continued in the gentle breeze.

Under a majestic tree, with branches stretching towards the sky like nature's own cathedral, sat two chairs and a table. Crafted from living green wood, they seemed to grow organically from the trunk, their curves simulating the natural contours of the tree.

"Akash?" I whispered,

I turned to him with awe on my face, unable to believe such a beautiful atmosphere existed in reality.

"A quiet moment in a beautiful garden, just the two of us," he said, his eyes shining with joy. "A picnic with some greenery, like a date, before he proposes. Very private. I remember your dream proposal."

His words sent a flutter through my chest. My cheeks flushed as I realised he remembered my confession from last night.

"You didn't forget," I whispered, mortification washing over me.

He smiled, "How could I, Anita? Why would I?" he replied.

I bowed my head, embarrassment threatening to consume me. But his fingers gently lifted my chin, nudging me to meet his gaze.

"I want to share something with you, Anita," he said, his eyes meeting with mine, filled with an unreadable intensity.

My mind raced, wondering what he could possibly want to share.

"You don't have to, Akash," I started, in a whisper.

But he wouldn't let me finish.

His eyes burnt with an inner fire while he spoke. "From the very first moment my eyes landed on you, I became irreparably lost. You captivated my body and soul. Like a sunrise breaking over the horizon, you lightened my world. You've bewitched me, Anita," he continued, his voice turning low. "Not just with your beauty, but with your laughter, your tears, your quirks, and your passions. Every fibre of my being yearns for you now."

My eyes slowly widened, drink­ing in the sincerity carved on his face.

"Yes, Anita," he whispered, taking a step closer. "I love you. I love the way you light up the room, the way you chase your dreams, and the way you make me feel whole. I love your strength and your weakness, your courage and your fears." His fingers grazed my cheek, sending shivers down my spine.

"In your eyes, I see forever." His eyes never left mine, and he continued after taking a breath.

"You are the harmony that completes my melody. The missing verse that makes my poem whole." He paused again, his breath caressing my skin.

"In the garden of my heart, you are the rose,
The delicate petal that makes my love bloom.
Your touch ignites a flame that never fades.
A love that burns bright, like a thousand suns displayed. Your eyes are the windows to heaven's gate,
Your smile, the sunrise that brightens it."

His fingers gently brushed a strand of hair behind my ear.

"You are my forever, my always,
My love, my heart, my everything.
In your presence, I am complete.
With you, my soul finds its retreat." He took another deep breath, then continued,

"Anita, my love, you are the poetry I've been writing in my heart.
The rhyme that makes my life a work of art.
You are the missing piece I've been searching for,
The one that makes me whole, and forevermore."

The garden around us faded, at least for me, leaving only the two of us.

Tears streamed down my face because it was impossible for us.

"I can neither give you children, nor will my father ever accept our union," I whispered with despair.

His eyes burnt with confidence, his gaze warming my skin. "Your ability to bear children doesn't define your worth to me. I'll love you regardless. And if you want children, we'll adopt together. I'll stand by you, always." His thumbs wiped away my tears, his touch sending more shivers down my spine.

"As for your father," he continued, his voice turning firm, "he'll face justice soon."

I shook my head, still in fear. "The village people will never approve. They'll ban my family."

His hands cradled my face, and his fingers traced the contours of my cheeks, sending tremors through me.

"Let them," he exclaimed. "Their opinions won't decide our happiness. Who even cares about it?"

His eyes searched mine, filled with longing. His face then leaned in, his lips inches from mine.

I felt the warmth of his breath, and for a moment, my brain went numb; however, when he leaned closer, the haze cleared, and I placed my hand on his chest, stopping him.

My palm rested on the rhythmic beat of his heart.

"In my culture, kissing before marriage is forbidden. I cannot cross that line."

His eyes stared into my face briefly, understanding and patience reflected in them. He then nodded respectfully.

"I'll wait," he muttered softly, his hands still cradling my face. "But you haven't answered me. Will you marry me?" he repeated.

I gulped hard. And just as I parted my lips to respond, a chorus of angry shouts burst from beyond the garden gates.

My father appeared, his eyes blazing with fury, accompanied by the village people.

Torches cast flickering shadows on their twisted faces.

"Anita, you shameless girl!" my father spat. "You'll pay for betraying your family and our traditions!"

In a quick motion, the villagers hurled their torches into the garden. Dry leaves and branches ignited with fire, and the flames spread rapidly.

The once serene oasis turned into a hell.

And the heavy garden gates creaked shut, trapping us inside.

Akash's eyes matched mine, and he said,

"We'll escape. Our story won't end like this," he testified, pulling me close.

But I knew we were surrounded, with no escape from the fire—or my father's wrath.

Do you think she will accept his proposal?

Will they escape? Safe and Sound?

How do you think her father learned where they are?

Don't forget to vote and comment!! Bye!