The Unexpected Bride : Mahabharat

Sixty Five : Moments Stolen with You

Happy Diwali!!!

Arjun

"Wake up, little explorer," I whispered, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She scrunched her nose, mumbling something incoherent as she swatted my hand away as if I were some pesky insect. I sighed, trying not to laugh. "Parthavi, come on. Just wake up. I'd rather not spend the day listening to you scold me for letting you oversleep."

Her eyelids fluttered open, and she looked at me through half-lidded eyes, a small pout forming on her lips. "Can't I just... sleep forever?" she murmured, sounding like she was trying to negotiate with the universe.

I laughed, propping myself up on my elbow so I could look down at her. She blinked a few times, trying to wake up, and then... there it was. The blush. Her cheeks turned that sweet shade of pink as she looked up at me, fully awake now. And I'll admit, I enjoyed the effect a bit too much. That soft, drowsy look, it was honestly hard to resist.

Parthavi winced slightly as she tried to sit up, and I felt a rush of guilt, a heat rising to my neck that I couldn't quite hide. She didn't say a word, of course, too proud, too shy to let on. But I could see it in the way she avoided my gaze, and that made it all the more endearing.

"Wait, little explorer," I said, trying to keep my voice gentle.

She frowned, unsure of what I was up to, but didn't protest as I moved closer. I scooped her up into my arms without a word, and she blinked in surprise, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. I carried her to the bathing chamber, feeling her soft gaze on me the entire time. She didn't look away, and neither did I.

Once we reached the steps of the bath, I lowered her, seating her on the stairs. Her smile was a bit shy, but she didn't turn away this time, her gaze dropping only to her lap, where her fingers played with the edge of her saree.

"You can take a bath now and get ready," I said softly, leaning down to press a light kiss to her cheek.

She glanced up at me, her lips curving into a small smile as the warmth of her blush deepened. I could see her struggling to keep that composed look, but her gaze softened. She was glowing, even as she looked away, a warmth in her eyes that said more than any words could.

With one last glance, I stepped back, unable to stop the grin that spread across my face as I watched her, the faint blush still lingering on her cheeks.

Parthavi dipped her fingers into the water, a soft sigh of relief escaping her lips as she savored the sensation. Her eyes sparkled as they met mine, a playful glint dancing within them. "You're not going to stand there and stare at me all day, are you?" she teased, a hint of mischief lacing her words.

I placed a dramatic hand over my heart, feigning shock. "Me? Stare at the most captivating sight in the entire kingdom? Never!" I replied, trying to suppress the grin that threatened to break free. But the truth was, I was helpless against her charm. Every time she looked at me, it felt like I was witnessing the most beautiful sunrise.

Parthavi rolled her eyes, but I caught the corners of her lips twitching, unable to resist the smile that fought to emerge. "You could at least pretend to have some dignity, Arya," she quipped, splashing a little water in my direction. I dodged it, almost tripping over my own feet.

"Oh, so now you want to play games?" I laughed. "I see how it is. You lure me in with your innocent charm and then ambush me with water. Quite the tactical genius, aren't you?"

She giggled, her laughter brightening the dim chamber. "Consider it a warning for when I'm fully awake," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"I'll be ready," I declared, crossing my arms. "But I have to say, your ambush tactics are far too adorable to take seriously. It's like being attacked by a fluffy little kitten."