After the reception, we finally made our way back home. It was 11 PM by the time I slipped into something more comfortable, exhausted from the long night.
When I came out of the closet, I noticed Vedant had already changed as well. He was on the phone, talking to someone in a low, serious tone.
His face was set in a hard expression, brows slightly furrowed, and I could tell something was bothering him.
I started to remove my jewelry, quietly glancing his way. As I unclasped my earrings, Vedant ended his call and tossed his phone onto the nightstand.
He didn’t say a word, simply went over to the bed and lay down, staring at the ceiling with an unreadable look on his face.
His silence told me enough—he wasn’t in the best mood.
Should I show him the gifts now? I thought to myself, feeling a little hesitant.
I had been looking forward to showing him what I had carefully chosen, imagining his reactions, but now didn’t feel like the right time.
I sighed softly, pushing the small sadness away. Maybe tomorrow would be better.
I turned off the light on my side and lay down next to him, pulling the blanket up to my chin.
It was late—11:45 PM—yet I couldn’t sleep. My mind wondering if Vedanthad fallen asleep.
“Ojasvi,” a faint voice interrupted my thoughts. I wasn’t sure if I heard it correctly.
“Are you asleep, Ojasvi?” This time it was clearer. It was Vedant’s voice.
I turned towards him, surprised that he wasn’t asleep. “I’m awake,” I responded softly, wondering what was on his mind.
“The gifts,” he said, his voice steady but a bit softer now.
I blinked in surprise. “You want to see them?” I asked, my voice betraying my hopefulness.
I hadn’t expected him to ask, especially with the way he had seemed earlier.
He had turned towards me too, his eyes fixed on mine, as though searching for something.
I waited for him to speak, but he just stared, his silence adding to the tension.
“Vedant?” I prompted gently.
“I want to see what my wife bought for me,” he finally said, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Happiness bloomed inside me, and I quickly got out of bed, retrieving the carefully wrapped gifts from the closet.
I brought them back to the bed and sat beside him, laying the gifts out in front of us.
Vedant reached for the first package and unwrapped it slowly. It was the three-piece suit I had chosen.
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He looked at it for a long moment, his face unreadable, studying the fabric and the design.
My heart pounded as I waited for some sign of his approval. His face was so calm, it made me nervous.
Does he not like it? I wondered, the anticipation gnawing at me.
“Should I try it?” Vedant asked suddenly, breaking the silence.
I nodded quickly, watching him disappear into the closet. When he came back, my breath caught in my throat.
The suit fit him perfectly, highlighting his broad shoulders and strong frame. He looked… stunning.
“I really like it, Ojasvi,” he said, his eyes meeting mine through the mirror. There was a hint of admiration in his voice, and it made my heart flutter.
“Really?” I asked, my voice soft, needing to confirm that he truly liked it.
He turned to face me, his lips curving into a small smile. “Really,” he repeated.
Encouraged by his reaction, I handed him the next gift. He unwrapped it, revealing the traditional outfit I had selected—a rich, intricate sherwani with elegant embroidery.
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He tried it on as well, and when he emerged, my smile widened. The traditional attire suited him just as much as the suit, making him look regal and grounded all at once.
Vedant raised an eyebrow at me, as if silently asking, How do I look?
In response, I gave him a thumbs up, my smile growing.
“Should I take a picture for you?” I offered, feeling excited to capture how good he looked in the outfits.
“Will you?” he asked, and there was a teasing edge to his voice as he handed me his phone.
I nodded, standing up to get the best angle. I snapped a few pictures, making sure to capture every detail.
“Let me see the pictures,” Vedant said, his voice closer now. Before I knew it, he was standing behind me, tall enough to look over my shoulder easily. As I showed him the photos, his breath tickled my ear.
“My wife really has an eye for dresses and photography. I look handsome,” he whispered, his lips brushing against my ear.
I flinched, feeling that familiar tingle. Rubbing my ear, I glared at him playfully. “Aap jaan bujkar kar rahe hai na,” I accused, narrowing my eyes at him.
“Kya kar raha hoon?” he asked, feigning innocence as he tilted his head.
“Aapko pata hai ki mere ears sensitive hai, phir kyu baar baar paas aakar bol rahe ho?” I shot back, trying to sound stern but failing miserably as I reached for the next gift.
“Kyunki mujhe accha lagta hai,” he whispered again, standing even closer, his voice deep and teasing.
“Vedant…” I started, my voice carrying a mix of exasperation and fondness.
“Haan?” he responded, smiling as if he knew exactly what he was doing.
I sighed and handed him the cologne I had bought for him. “Here.”
“For me?” he asked, taking the bottle from my hand, his fingers brushing against mine.
I nodded, watching as he opened the cap and sniffed it. “Thank you,” he said softly, his eyes meeting mine.
I smiled, my earlier nervousness melting away, glad that he liked the gifts I had chosen for him.
“Let’s sleep,” he said after changing back into his nightwear.
We both lay down again, the events of the night slowly catching up to me. My eyelids grew heavier, and I could barely keep them open.
Sleep was pulling me under, but I faintly heard Vedant say something. I was too tired to understand, but I felt a light pinch on my nose.
Through my blurry vision, I saw him smile as my eyes finally closed, sleep wrapping me in its warm embrace.
