Unexpectly Yours:The Journey Of An Arranged Marriage

PART 39

[One evening, they sit at the dinner table, but the atmosphere is different. Kavya notices how distracted Abhay seems, his eyes flickering between his plate and her face, as though he's trying to say something but can't find the words. He's barely touched his food, and she knows something's weighing heavily on him.]

Kavya (tentatively): "Abhi you've been acting differently lately. What's really going on?"

[He hesitates, pushing his plate aside. His hand finds hers on the table, fingers intertwining with hers as he stares down at their joined hands.]

Abhay (his voice low): "I haven't been able to shake off what happened. I keep thinking about it... how close I came to losing everything. And it scares me."

[Kavya's chest tightens. She knew the incident with Aparna had affected him, but she hadn't realized just how deeply it had impacted his sense of security. She squeezes his hand gently, her voice soft and reassuring.]

Kavya: "You didn't lose anything, Abhi. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."

[He looks up at her, his eyes filled with emotion. There's something raw and honest in the way he gazes at her, as if she's the only thing holding him together. He stands up abruptly, walking around the table and pulling her into a tight embrace.]

Abhay (whispering): "I don't deserve you. After everything... I feel like I'm not enough for you."

[Kavya frowns, pulling back slightly to look at him.]

Kavya: "Why would you think that? You've always been enough for me, Abhi. Always."

*********

[Later that evening, Kavya is curled up on the couch, reading a book. The TV is on, though she's not really paying attention to it. Abhay comes out of the shower, his hair still damp, and without saying a word, he walks over and flops down beside her.]

[Without hesitation, he rests his head on her lap, his arms curling around her waist as he pulls her closer. Kavya's hand automatically finds its way to his hair, her fingers gently massaging his scalp as she continues reading.]

Abhay (mumbling): "Can we stay like this forever?"

[Kavya chuckles softly, setting her book down to focus on him. ]

Kavya:"You've been extra clingy lately, haven't you?"

[Abhay doesn't answer immediately, but when he does, his voice is quieter, more subdued. ]

Abhay:"I just... don't feel right when you're not close. It's like you're the only thing keeping me grounded."

[Kavya feels a pang of emotion at his words. She knows he's been struggling ever since the incident with Aparna, but he hasn't really opened up to her about how deeply it affected him. She strokes his hair gently, trying to offer the comfort he so clearly needs.]

Kavya: "You're safe with me, Abhi.Always."

[He doesn't respond verbally, but his arms tighten around her, his face pressing deeper into her lap. The quiet vulnerability in his actions speaks louder than words ever could.]

**********
[Later that night, they're getting ready for bed. Abhay climbs into bed first, lying on his side as he watches Kavya brush her hair at the dresser. His eyes follow her every movement, a soft smile tugging at his lips.]

Abhay (teasing): "You're beautiful, you know that?"

[Kavya rolls her eyes, but a smile plays on her lips. ]

Kavya:"You've told me about a thousand times this week."

[He grins, sitting up in bed. ]

Abhay:"Well, it's true. And I'm going to keep saying it."