"From Rivals to Forever: A Journey of Love"

Chapter 69

Kabir's Perspective

As the festivities of the engagement began winding down, there was a subtle shift in the atmosphere. People were still laughing and chatting, but I couldn't stop myself from glancing at Aditi every now and then, watching the way she interacted with everyone. She was all grace and warmth, handling the constant teasing from my friends and her cousins with a poise that never failed to amaze me. Every now and then, our eyes would meet across the room, and in those moments, it felt like everything else faded away.

I wanted to talk to her—alone. Not in the middle of the crowd, not under the watchful eyes of our families, but somewhere quiet where it could just be the two of us. The day had been filled with so many people, so many expectations, and I just wanted a moment where we could be ourselves, without the noise.

As the last of the gifts were packed into the car, I saw my chance. I caught her eye again, and this time, I didn't look away. She raised an eyebrow, questioning me silently. I gave her a small nod, motioning with my head towards a hallway just off the main hall where we had been. She hesitated for a second, glancing around to make sure no one was watching, and then followed my lead.

The hallway led to a small room—likely one of the storage rooms in the venue, but right now it was empty and quiet. I opened the door and gently tugged her inside, closing it softly behind us.

"Are we sneaking around now?" she teased, her voice light but her eyes dancing with curiosity.

I smiled, stepping closer. "Just thought we deserved a moment to ourselves. Away from the chaos."

Aditi looked up at me, her expression softening as she stepped a little closer. The air between us felt charged, the weight of the day finally catching up to us. "It's been a crazy day," she admitted, her voice quieter now, more vulnerable.

I nodded, reaching out to gently brush a strand of hair behind her ear. "It has. But you've handled it perfectly."

She rolled her eyes, though I could tell she was pleased by the compliment. "I don't know about that. Your friends haven't let up on the teasing."

"They're jealous," I replied, my hand lingering by her cheek for a second before dropping to my side. "They're jealous I found someone as amazing as you."

Her eyes flickered up to meet mine, and for a moment, neither of us spoke. There was something in the air between us, a tension that hadn't been there before. The closeness, the privacy of the room—it made everything feel more intense, more real.

"Is that so?" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper now.

I nodded, my gaze never leaving hers. Slowly, I reached for her hand, pulling her just a little closer. My heart was pounding in my chest, and I could feel the warmth of her body so close to mine.

"You've been amazing today," I repeated softly, my voice dropping to a low murmur as I looked down at her. "I don't know how I got this lucky."

Aditi's breath hitched just slightly, and her fingers tightened around mine. "Kabir..." she started, but I shook my head, cutting her off with a gentle smile.

"Let me say this," I whispered, my voice rougher now with emotion. "I've waited so long for you, Aditi. For this moment. To be here with you, knowing that you're mine."

Her eyes shone with something I couldn't quite place, and in that second, I couldn't hold back anymore. Slowly, carefully, I reached up and cupped her cheek, pulling her just a little closer. Her breath caught, and for a heartbeat, I waited—giving her a chance to pull away, to stop me if she wanted to.

But she didn't. Instead, she leaned into my touch, her lips parting slightly as she gazed up at me with an intensity that stole the breath from my lungs.

I didn't need any more permission. Gently, I lowered my head and pressed my lips to hers. The kiss was soft at first, tentative, as if we were both testing the waters. But then her hands slid up to my shoulders, her fingers curling into the fabric of my sherwani, and suddenly the kiss deepened, became something more.

Her lips were warm and soft against mine, and for a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. There were no more family members, no more friends, no more teasing—just us. Just this.

When we finally pulled apart, we were both breathing a little heavier. Her forehead rested against mine, and I could feel her heart racing just as fast as mine.

"I've wanted to do that all day," I admitted, my voice low.

Aditi let out a soft laugh, her eyes still closed as she leaned into me. "You and me both."

We stood like that for a few more seconds, our breaths mingling in the small space between us. I could feel the warmth of her body against mine, the way her fingers still gripped my shoulders as if she didn't want to let go.

Eventually, she pulled back just slightly, her eyes fluttering open to meet mine. "You're not going to get us in trouble, are you?" she teased, though her voice was still breathless.

I grinned, running a hand through my hair. "Trouble? Us? Never."

She laughed again, the sound light and carefree, and for a moment, everything felt perfect. Like this was exactly where we were supposed to be.

But then there was a knock on the door, followed by Raghav's voice. "Kabir! Aditi! What are you guys doing in there?"

We both froze, and then Aditi let out a soft groan, burying her face in her hands. "Oh no."

I couldn't help but chuckle, stepping away from her just enough to open the door a crack. Raghav stood there with a knowing grin on his face, his arms crossed over his chest. "Sneaking off already, are we?"

I rolled my eyes. "Can't a guy have a moment with his fiancée in peace?"

Raghav's grin widened. "Not when I'm around." He leaned past me to wink at Aditi, who was still trying to compose herself. "Don't worry, Aditi. We won't let him get away with too much before the wedding."

Aditi groaned again, but there was a smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks, Raghav."

"Anytime," he said cheerfully, and then turned back to me. "Come on, loverboy. We're leaving."

With a sigh, I turned back to Aditi, giving her one last smile. "Guess we'll have to save this for later."

She blushed but nodded, her lips curving into a soft smile. "Later."

I squeezed her hand one more time before following Raghav out of the room, my heart still racing from the kiss. As we made our way back to the others, I couldn't stop thinking about the way she had felt in my arms, the taste of her lips against mine.

It was a small moment, but it was ours. A memory we would carry with us long after this day was over.