Selfish For You

48

As Yuvraj quietly entered the room, he saw Kritika beginning to stir. Her eyes opened slowly, and for a moment, she seemed lost, her gaze darting around the unfamiliar surroundings. Panic set in as she realized she wasn't where she expected to be. Sitting up suddenly, her breaths quickened as she tried to take it all in.

Yuvraj immediately came to her side, his hands gently resting on her shoulders to calm her "Kritika, it's okay. You're safe jaan" he said softly, his voice steady and reassuring "This is my room. You're in my house now"

She looked at him, and gradually, the panic began to melt away, replaced by a fragile calm "Your...your room?" she murmured, still processing. But as the realization of their marriage returned to her, her expression shifted to one of apprehension "We...we got married. And now... I'm here. What about your family, Yuvi? How... how will they react to all this?"

Seeing her worry, Yuvraj took her hand, giving it a comforting squeeze "I won't let anything happen to you, jaan" he assured her, his eyes meeting hers with determination "You're my wife now, and my family will have to accept that. I'm here with you every step of the way, and no one is going to make you feel unwelcome or unsafe"

Kritika's eyes softened, though her worry lingered "But, Yuvi... I don't want to create problems for you"

He shook his head, a gentle smile crossing his face "You're not a problem, You're my choice. And if anyone has an issue with that, they'll have to take it up with me" He brushed a strand of hair away from her face "You're my wife, and nothing is going to change that. I'm here to protect you and give you the life you deserves"

For the first time since they had entered the house, Kritika's shoulders seemed to relax, her worry easing under his steady reassurance. She leaned her head against his shoulder, letting out a small sigh as she allowed herself to believe, if only for a moment, that things would be alright

As they sat in the quiet of the room, Yuvraj noticed how uncomfortable Kritika looked in her heavy bridal lehenga. He smiled softly, leaning closer "You should change into something more comfortable" he suggested, his voice gentle

Kritika hesitated, glancing down at her outfit "I... I don't have any clothes with me" she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper "This was... never planned"

Her words reminded him of everything she had endured, but as his gaze traveled over her, he truly saw her for the first time in the bridal attire. The intricate embroidery of the lehenga shimmered faintly in the soft light, perfectly complementing her pale, delicate features. Despite the traces of exhaustion on her face, she looked breathtakingly beautiful

His breath hitched for a moment, and his usual confident demeanor faltered slightly "You know" he said, his voice dropping to a teasing tone "I didn't think you could look any more beautiful, but here you are proving me wrong"

Kritika's cheeks flushed a deep red as she looked away, fiddling with her dupatta "Yuvraj..." she mumbled, embarrassed

He grinned, enjoying her reaction "What? Am I not allowed to compliment my wife?" He leaned in slightly, his voice playful "I might have to keep you in this lehenga a little longer. It's a crime to look this gorgeous and not let your husband admire you"

"Stop it!" she said, her voice flustered, though a small smile tugged at her lips "It's heavy, and I just want to rest"

"Fine, fine" he relented, standing up "I'll find you something to wear. But don't say I didn't warn you about stealing all my clothes" He walked to his wardrobe, pulling out one of his oversized shirts and a pair of his track pants

Turning back to her, he held the clothes out with a smirk "Here. It might be a bit big on you, but I have to say, you'll probably look adorable in this too jaan"