Arranged Love

42. Close Call

Disclaimer: All the characters written below are imaginary and a work of pure fiction. There is no resemblance to any incident or situation and is written as a work of fiction.

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Smriti's POV -

As we lay there, our bodies intertwined on the gym mat, the intensity of the moment slowly ebbed into a comforting stillness. The air was thick with the remnants of passion, yet it was softened by the quiet intimacy that had taken its place. Vivek's chest rose and fell rhythmically as he rested beside me, his arm draped protectively across my waist.

For a few minutes, neither of us spoke. We just lay there, basking in the afterglow of what had just transpired, feeling more connected than ever before. I turned my head slightly to look at him, his face still flushed, his eyes soft and satisfied. He smiled lazily, brushing a strand of hair away from my face.

"That was...unexpected," I whispered, a small laugh escaping my lips.

He grinned, his hand tracing slow circles on my waist. "I'd say that was the best workout I've ever had. We should do this more often."

I playfully shoved him, but a smile tugged at my lips as I did. "You're impossible."

Vivek's grin only widened as he pulled me closer, his body warm against mine. "Maybe. But you love me for it."

I couldn't argue with that. Despite the teasing, the pushing, the dragging me out of bed for early morning workouts—it was all wrapped in this genuine care and love that I could never resist. I let out a soft sigh, my head resting on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

"You're really serious about this whole getting-me-fit thing, aren't you?" I asked after a moment, my voice barely above a whisper.

His fingers paused for a second before continuing their soothing movements now on my back. "I am," he said softly. "I want you to feel your best, Smriti. Not just physically, but mentally too. I know this whole PCOS thing has been weighing on you. And...I just want to help in any way I can."

His words struck a chord deep within me. It wasn't just about the exercise or the food changes—he genuinely wanted me to feel good about myself, to be healthy and happy. A wave of emotion washed over me, and I felt my throat tighten.

"I know," I whispered, my voice catching slightly. "And I appreciate it, Vivek. I really do."

He kissed the top of my head, his lips lingering for a moment. "We're in this together, okay? No matter what."

I nodded against his chest, closing my eyes as the warmth of his embrace surrounded me. This was the part of him that always left me in awe—his unwavering support, his quiet strength, and the way he made me feel like I was never alone in my tough times.

We stayed like that for a while, tangled up in each other on the gym mat, the world outside forgotten for now. Eventually, Vivek shifted slightly, propping himself up on one elbow as he looked down at me.

"You ready to head upstairs?" he asked, his voice soft but playful.

I groaned, not wanting to leave the comfort of this moment. "Do we have to?" 

Vivek chuckled, brushing his thumb across my cheek. "Well, I'm not sure how long we can lie on the gym floor before someone finds us in this condition."

I felt my cheeks heat up instantly at his words, realising what he meant. "Vivek!" I swatted his arm in horror.

He just grinned, completely unbothered by my flustered state. "What? I'm just saying—do you really want to explain to your mother-in-law or worse your sister-in-law why we're sprawled out like this?"