Love in the Quiet Corners

Chapter 3: A Morning of New Beginnings

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the small window of their room, casting a soft golden glow on the bed. Veer stirred awake, accustomed to the early hours after years of farm life. The morning silence was soothing, broken only by the occasional chirping of birds outside. As he blinked his eyes open, he glanced over to the other side of the bed where Ishani lay, still in a deep sleep.

Her face was serene, framed by loose strands of hair that had escaped her braid. She looked peaceful, her breathing steady, completely unaware of the new world she had stepped into the night before. Veer smiled to himself, feeling a strange warmth at the sight of her so at ease. But it was time for his morning ritual, the one part of his routine that he held dear-his daily visit to the temple for the Shiv pooja.

He reached out and gently shook Ishani's shoulder, his touch light. "Ishani... it's morning. You should wake up."

But Ishani only grumbled in response, her eyelids fluttering but not quite opening. "Maa... let me sleep na," she mumbled, still lost in her dreams.

"Five more minutes, please..."Veer raised an amused eyebrow, not expecting this. He shook her shoulder again, this time a little more firmly, trying to coax her into waking.

But instead of opening her eyes, Ishani fumbled in the bed and reached out, grabbing hold of his hand. "Maa, why does your hand feel so big... and rough today?" she muttered sleepily, half-conscious.

Before Veer could react, she tugged at his arm and pulled him towards her, hugging him as though he were a soft pillow. "Just let me sleep for a while longer," she whispered, cuddling against him.

For a moment, Veer was frozen in surprise, unsure of what to do. He could feel her head resting lightly against his chest, her small hands clutching his arm as she sank back into her dreams. He didn't move, letting her relax for a few seconds before clearing his throat softly, unsure whether to laugh or feel awkward.

"Ishani," he called her name again, a little louder this time.She stirred, her eyes fluttering open, only to realize her face was pressed against her husband's chest. A sudden wave of embarrassment washed over her as she pulled away, sitting up abruptly. Her wide eyes met Veer's, her cheeks flushed a deep pink. "I... I thought you were my Maa," she stammered, mortified.

Veer chuckled softly, his gaze kind. "It's alright," he said, his voice gentle, trying to ease her embarrassment. "You were in a deep sleep."

Ishani bit her lip, feeling heat creep up her face. This wasn't how she had imagined her first morning as a married woman would go.

Still smiling, Veer got up from the bed and adjusted his clothes. "Ishani, I was going to the temple for my morning pooja," he said, his tone soft but inviting. "It's something I do every day. I was wondering... would you like to come with me today?"

Ishani blinked, her nerves from a moment ago replaced with curiosity. She hadn't expected the invitation. But the thought of joining him for something that was clearly important to him touched her. Veer wasn't a man of many words, but his actions spoke of the calm patience he had, something she already admired.

"Okay," she nodded, the embarrassment fading into a shy smile. "I'd like that."

They both dressed quickly and made their way outside. The morning air was crisp and fresh, and the village streets were still quiet as they walked together toward the temple. It was a small but beautiful shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, its simplicity matching the peace of the village.As they approached the temple, a few familiar faces greeted Veer, villagers who were also up early for their morning prayers. His friends, who often accompanied him, exchanged curious glances at Ishani walking by his side. Veer, who had always been the silent one among them, now had someone with him-someone who brightened his presence just by being there.

Ishani felt the eyes of the villagers on her, but instead of feeling out of place, she found herself feeling... welcome. It was strange, how quickly she was beginning to settle into this new life. The temple bells rang softly in the background, and as she stood beside Veer during the pooja, watching him bow his head in devotion, she felt a quiet sense of belonging.

This was new to her-everything was. But for the first time since they had been married, Ishani felt like she was not alone. She had Veer, and though they had only just begun to discover each other, she felt an unexpected sense of comfort in his steady presence. Maybe this arranged marriage wouldn't be as scary as she had once thought.

As the pooja ended, they both turned to walk back home, the silence between them no longer awkward, but filled with an unspoken understanding. Veer walked a little slower, making sure Ishani kept pace with him. The morning sun was climbing higher, casting a warm glow on the village as life began to stir around them.

And for the first time, Veer realized that this routine, something he had done alone for years, now felt different-better. He had found someone to share it with.

---

- VS

If you're enjoying Veer and Ishani's story so far, let me know! Should I continue to write ?