𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬: अनुरागी

❀. 2

Ajay and Shobha sat on the bed in their new home, the soft glow of the lamps lighting the room in a warm golden hue. It was their first night together after the wedding, and though they were both a little nervous, there was a sense of comfort between them. Ajay glanced at Shobha, who sat quietly, her eyes lowered in a shy manner. She was wearing a simple red saree, her hair loose over her shoulders. Her beauty, even in this moment of quiet, took his breath away.

He took a deep breath and spoke softly, "Shobha, I know this is new for both of us. I don’t want you to feel rushed into anything. We will take things slow, step by step, and we’ll grow into this together."

His gentle words melted Shobha’s heart. She felt the weight of her nerves lift, replaced by warmth and affection for this man she had just married. He wasn’t forcing anything on her, wasn’t expecting anything she wasn’t ready for. That alone made her feel safe.

She smiled at him, her eyes meeting his. “Thank you, Ajay. That means a lot.”

From that night, they began building their life together, slowly and steadily. Every day brought something new, and Shobha found herself growing more comfortable in her new role as a wife. She liked hearing stories from her mother-in-law about Ajay’s childhood—how mischievous he had been, how he had always brought a smile to everyone’s face. Shobha enjoyed these moments, seeing a side of Ajay she hadn’t known before. It made her feel closer to him.

And Ajay, in turn, enjoyed watching his wife blossom in their home. He would often bring her small gifts—flowers, chocolates, sometimes even little trinkets he thought she might like. But Shobha, while she appreciated the gestures, always said the same thing with a sweet smile, “I don’t need any gifts. Just having you is enough for me.”

Her words touched him deeply. He hadn’t expected to feel so much so soon, but there was something about Shobha that made him fall for her more each day. She was kind, gentle, and full of love, even when she didn’t say much.

Ajay loved teasing her, especially with playful, slightly dirty comments that would make her blush. One evening, as they were sitting in the living room, Ajay leaned in close and whispered, “You know, I can’t wait to see what you look like in that saree... without it.”

Shobha’s face turned crimson, and she quickly looked away, her heart racing. She gave him a small shove, giggling nervously, “Ajay, stop!”

But he only laughed, loving how easily he could make her shy. Her innocence and sweetness charmed him endlessly. They were growing closer every day, and Ajay could feel the bond between them strengthening. He had never imagined an arranged marriage could bring such happiness.

One afternoon, Shobha was sitting by the window, staring outside at the garden, her mind full of thoughts. She had been feeling something deep inside her for Ajay, something she couldn’t hold back any longer. Her heart was full, and she knew she needed to tell him.

Later that evening, when Ajay returned from work, Shobha found the courage to speak. She walked up to him in the living room, her heart pounding. Her hands trembled slightly as she stood in front of him, unsure of how to start.

“Ajay,” she began, her voice barely a whisper, “I... I need to tell you something.”

He looked up from the book he had been reading, noticing the serious expression on her face. He closed the book and gave her his full attention, sensing that whatever she was about to say was important.

Shobha took a deep breath and continued, “I’ve been wanting to say this for a while now. I... I love you. I don’t know when it happened, but I’ve fallen in love with you.”

Her confession hung in the air for a moment. Ajay just stood there, staring at her, speechless. Shobha’s heart sank. The silence stretched on, and she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. Did he not feel the same? Did he not love her? She had been so sure, but now, with him standing there saying nothing, doubt began to creep in.

Just as she was about to turn away, feeling tears well up in her eyes, Ajay did something completely unexpected. He started dancing.

Not a graceful, romantic dance, but a goofy, joyful dance—spinning around, waving his arms like a child. He was grinning like a fool, hopping around the room in the most ridiculous way.

Shobha stood frozen, watching him with wide eyes, her confusion quickly turning into laughter. She couldn’t help but giggle at how silly he looked. “Ajay, what are you doing?” she asked, laughing through her words.

He stopped his silly dance for a moment and looked at her, his eyes sparkling with happiness. “You have no idea how happy I am right now!” he exclaimed. “Nobody has ever proposed to me before. This is the first time someone has told me they love me like this. I didn’t know how to react, so... I danced!”

Before Shobha could say anything else, Ajay rushed over to her, pulling her into his arms. He looked into her eyes, his expression softening. “I love you too, Shobha,” he whispered. “I think I’ve loved you from the moment I saw you in that green saree. I just didn’t know how to say it. You make me so happy. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have you.”

And with that, he kissed her—a deep, loving kiss that made Shobha’s heart flutter. She kissed him back, her arms wrapping around him as they held each other close. In that moment, nothing else mattered. They were in their own little world, filled with love and joy.

That night, for the first time, they consummated their marriage. It wasn’t rushed, and it wasn’t just about passion—it was about the love they had found for each other. They had started this journey as strangers, but now, they were something more. They were partners, lovers, and best friends.

As they lay together afterward, wrapped in each other’s arms, Ajay whispered, “I’ll never stop teasing you, you know.”

Shobha smiled, her cheek resting against his chest. “And I’ll never stop loving you,” she replied softly.

And with that, they drifted off to sleep, knowing that their life together was only just beginning, filled with love, laughter, and a bond that would grow stronger with each passing day.

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