The Unexpected Bride : Mahabharat

Sixty Four : Where Dreams and Love Collide

Mature Content!

Author

Arjun stepped into the chamber, a serene stillness cloaking the room, as if the night itself had paused to breathe. Silvery moonlight poured through the carved windows, casting delicate patterns across the walls, bathing everything in an ethereal glow. But it was as if the room itself was merely a frame, for his gaze instinctively found its way to the bed, expecting to see Parthavi there, peacefully asleep as she usually was by the time he returned. Tonight, however, the bed lay empty. A small frown creased his brow.

He walked to his desk, beginning to remove his jewelry, lost in thought. Just as he set down the last piece, a soft warmth brushed against his wrist. He turned, and for a heartbeat, forgot to breathe.

Parthavi.

She stood there, her hands reaching up to remove the jewelry he had yet to take off. She was close enough that he could see every detail of her face, and the sight left him spellbound. Her dark curls tumbled freely over her shoulders, small white flowers woven into them like stars scattered across a midnight sky, echoing the way he always saw her. Her eyes sparkled with that familiar, playful gleam, but her smile was softer tonight, as if she held secrets meant only for him.

"You look beautiful, little explorer," he whispered, his voice barely audible, reaching up to tuck a loose curl behind her ear. His fingers lingered, almost entranced by the warmth of her skin beneath them.

A rosy blush dusted her cheeks, and she shyly looked down. "You always say that," she murmured, her voice soft. "Even when I'm not."

He smiled, shaking his head. "But you always are," he replied, stepping closer until the space between them dissolved. For a moment, it was as though the entire world faded, leaving only the two of them wrapped in the gentle embrace of the moonlight.

She raised her eyes, meeting his gaze, then quickly looked down, shaking her head with a slight, flustered smile.

"Why are you so shy, little explorer?" he teased gently. "I heard you were scolding half the palace today."

She bit her lip, glancing at him with feigned annoyance, though he could see the warmth in her eyes. "Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, her voice soft, but her hands felt a little shaky with the giddy feeling that his gaze stirred in her.

"Are you uncomfortable?" he asked, voice soft, his eyes never leaving hers.

She swallowed, her cheeks now a deep shade of pink. "You don't make me uncomfortable..." she replied, her voice barely a whisper. "Just... nervous. You should know that by now."

He tilted his head, a mischievous spark in his eyes. "I know. But I like to hear you say it."

A small, flustered smile played on her lips, but she took a step back, clearing her throat. "There, it's done," she said, her voice a little shaky.

He raised an eyebrow, glancing down. "You're forgetting this one," he murmured, pointing to the necklace around his neck.

Her eyes widened slightly. "I... I can't reach it," she stammered, hesitating.

His smile deepened. "Then come closer," he said, his hands moving to her waist as he lifted her, settling her lightly onto the edge of the desk. Her breathing quickened, and her hand rested on his shoulder as he leaned in.

"Bend down," she whispered, her words barely audible as her cheeks flushed.

He did, leaning in just enough that their cheeks brushed. She closed her eyes, caught in the nearness, feeling his hand trace gentle circles on her waist. She shook her head, her fingers moving to the clasp at his neck, and her lips brushed faintly against his skin in the process, sending a shiver through him.