Unexpectly Yours:The Journey Of An Arranged Marriage

Part 44

Throughout the night, Abhay remained close to Kavya, his presence constant by her side. It wasn't subtle, either — every time she moved, he was there, his hand lightly resting on her back or his fingers intertwined with hers. It was as if he couldn't stand the thought of being apart from her, and Kavya, sensing the lingering unease in him, let him stay close without saying a word.

She knew the Aparna incident was still heavy in his mind. It had shaken him more than he let on, and despite his efforts to put on a brave face, she could feel the weight he carried. His need for her comfort was palpable, and she wasn't going to push him away. Tonight wasn't about drawing boundaries — it was about giving him the assurance he needed.

As they made their rounds, greeting guests and catching up with family, Kavya would often catch Abhay's eyes on her. His gaze, though filled with love, held a quiet desperation, like he needed to remind himself that she was still his, that nothing had changed between them. Every time he looked at her, she would offer him a small, reassuring smile, silently telling him that she understood and she was there.

At one point during the night, as the festivities continued around them, Komal, noticing how closely Abhay was clinging to Kavya, approached her brother with a teasing grin.

Komal (nudging Abhay lightly): "You know, Bhai, she's not going anywhere. You can let her breathe a little."

Abhay smiled faintly, his hand still resting protectively on Kavya's waist. He glanced down at her, then back at Komal.

Abhay (with a half-smile, his tone soft but firm): "I know. But tonight... I just need to be here."

Komal's teasing expression softened as she caught the seriousness in his voice. She looked between the two of them, understanding that something deeper was going on.

Komal (with a gentle smile): "Well, as long as Bhabhi is okay with it..."

Kavya, feeling the attention shift to her, nodded without hesitation. She rested her hand over Abhay's, giving him a light squeeze.

Kavya (quietly, her voice full of understanding): "I'm okay with it."

Komal, satisfied with the response, gave them both a knowing look before disappearing back into the crowd.

Every time Kavya moved to speak with a guest or check on a detail for the event, Abhay found himself following her like a shadow. At one point, she turned to him, eyebrow raised.

Kavya: "Abhay, are you going to follow me all night?"

He gave a soft, sheepish smile but didn't back away.

Abhay: "Maybe. I just... I feel better when I'm close to you."

Kavya's expression softened. She understood. The quiet vulnerability in his voice told her that the Aparna incident was still lingering in his mind, and she wasn't about to push him away.

Kavya: "Okay. But don't look so worried. I'm not going anywhere."

Abhay nodded, but he still couldn't shake the anxiousness gnawing at him. He didn't even notice when Shubman and Ishan sidled up to them, grinning mischievously.

Shubman (mock whispering to Ishan): "Look at Abhay Bhai. He's clinging to Bhabhi like she's going to disappear into thin air."

Ishan (dramatically nodding): "Maybe she has a secret mission, and he's her bodyguard now. You know, always ready, always watching."

Abhay rolled his eyes, but a faint smile tugged at his lips.

Abhay: "You two really need to get lives of your own."

Shubman: "Oh, come on. We're just admiring your dedication."

Ishan (grinning): "Yeah, you're like a lovesick puppy, Bhai. It's cute."

Kavya chuckled softly, but when she felt Abhay tense slightly beside her, she shot the two boys a look.

Kavya: "Alright, that's enough. Don't you two have anything better to do?"

Shubman (grinning even wider): "Not when we get to see Abhay Bhai in full romance mode. This is a rare sight."

Ishan (teasingly nudging Abhay): "Just make sure you leave some room for us to breathe, Bhai. Poor Bhabhi needs a break from all this intense devotion."

Abhay didn't respond, simply pulling Kavya a little closer, as if to prove a point. Kavya gently patted his hand on her waist, understanding that his need for her closeness wasn't just about romance. It was about comfort and reassurance.

Finally, as the night began to wind down, they found themselves alone for a moment, tucked away in a quieter corner of the hall. The music and chatter of the party continued in the background, but for them, it felt like time had slowed. Abhay turned to her, his hand reaching up to brush a strand of hair from her face.

Abhay (his voice low, vulnerable): "I'm sorry if I've been...clingy tonight. I just... I needed to be close to you."

Kavya looked up at him, her heart softening at the raw honesty in his voice. She cupped his face gently, her thumbs brushing his cheeks.

Kavya (softly, with understanding): "You don't need to apologize, Abhay. I know why. It's okay."

Abhay closed his eyes for a moment, leaning into her touch. He let out a small, shaky breath, as if finally releasing some of the tension he'd been carrying all night.

Abhay (whispering): "I just... I don't want to lose you, Kavya. Not after everything."

Her heart squeezed at his words. She hadn't realized how deeply the Aparna incident had affected him. She moved closer, wrapping her arms around his neck and resting her forehead against his.

Kavya (whispering back, with certainty): "You're not going to lose me. I'm here, Abhay. I'm not going anywhere."

He pulled her into a tight embrace, burying his face in the crook of her neck. For a long moment, they stayed like that, holding onto each other as the rest of the world continued around them. Kavya could feel his body relax against hers, the tension finally melting away.

As they pulled back slightly, Abhay's eyes met hers, filled with gratitude and a deep sense of relief. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

Abhay (softly): "Thank you... for understanding."

Kavya smiled, her fingers lightly tracing the back of his neck.

Kavya (playfully, but with warmth): "Always. Now let's get back before Shubman and Ishan start wondering where we disappeared to."

Abhay chuckled, the sound lighter than it had been all night. He nodded, taking her hand as they rejoined the crowd, but even then, his grip on her remained firm, not willing to let go just yet.

For the rest of the night, Kavya stayed close to him, knowing that right now, more than anything, he needed her by his side. And as the festivities continued, the unspoken bond between them grew stronger, with every glance and every touch silently reminding them both that no matter what challenges came their way, they would face them together

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Author
Kavya