Anaya-His heartbeat

CHAPTER 35

SHIVARTH POV

I was in my room thinking myself to be the stupidest person as I left the paper in that room The moment anaya asked me about that my nerves tensed I thought she found it uncomfortable but  after the engagement I asked annie all this because I knew after that there was no stepping back  we were supposed to marry and at that time I genuinely wanted to give that wedding a chance   and i didnt wanted her to feel foreign so I Just asked her prefernces so that i could know her more

I Was in my thoughts when anaya entered As Anaya sat beside me, I could feel the weight of her gaze, steady and kind. . My first instinct was to feel embarrassed, but the way she looked at me... it was as if she could see straight through to my intentions.

"Shivarth," she began, her voice soft but full of emotion, "knowing that you took the time to ask about me... it meant so much. I can't describe how it feels to know that you wanted to make me feel seen, even before we started all of this. I wasn't sure what to expect from our marriage, but now... I feel like maybe there's hope. Maybe we're not just strangers going through the motions."Her words hit me hard, and I felt a lump forming in my throat. No one had ever thanked me for anything like this before. The idea of someone appreciating the small steps I took, understanding that they weren't easy for me—it was foreign, yet comforting. I looked down, trying to gather my thoughts."I... I wanted to make this work," I finally admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I know I'm not easy to be around. I'm... I've spent years keeping people at a distance, thinking that was the safest thing to do. But with you, I didn't want that distance. I wanted us to have a chance."Anaya's hand reached out, resting lightly over mine. Her touch was gentle, and somehow, it gave me the courage to keep going."Ever since we got engaged, I've had all these memories, things from my past that I'd rather not remember. They come back to haunt me, make me question if I'm even capable of giving you the kind of love you deserve. But seeing you here, listening to you say all this... it makes me feel like maybe, just maybe, I don't have to face those memories alone."She nodded, her eyes filled with empathy. "You don't have to, Shivarth. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. We both have wounds from our pasts, things we're scared to confront. But that doesn't mean we can't start fresh together. I want to be there for you—not just as your wife, but as someone who truly understands you."I looked at her, feeling a strange blend of gratitude and vulnerability. "You're saying that as if you're not afraid of what you might find," I said, my voice tinged with disbelief. "I've made a habit of hiding, of pretending that nothing and no one matters. But deep down, it's... exhausting. And for the first time, I don't feel like I have to pretend with you."Anaya's hand tightened over mine, her eyes unwavering. "You don't. I want to know the real you, Shivarth. Even the parts you think are too complicated or too dark. You don't have to carry that weight by yourself anymore. I'll be here, every step of the way."Her words settled around me, filling a space that had been empty for far too long. No one had ever made me feel this understood, this... supported. And it wasn't just words; there was a depth to her gaze, a sincerity that made me believe she meant every bit of it."Thank you, Anaya," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "I don't know if I can be the husband you deserve, but I'm going to try. I want to be there for you, too. You deserve someone who will stand by you, no matter what."She smiled, and the warmth in her eyes softened something inside me. "That's all I want, Shivarth—for us to be there for each other. We don't have to have everything figured out right now. Let's take it one day at a time, together."I felt a small smile tug at my lips, a genuine one that hadn't come easily for a long time. "I think I can do that," I replied, my voice steadying. "I think we can make this work, one step at a time."We sat in silence, a comfortable silence that felt like an unspoken agreement, a shared understanding. She was about to leave when I remembered the gift I'd tucked away, the one I'd been nervous about giving her. "Wait," I said, stopping her as she rose from the bed. I pulled out the small wrapped box, holding it out to her, suddenly feeling a bit self-conscious."What's this?" she asked, her curiosity piqued."Just... something I thought you might need," I replied, trying to keep my tone casual. "You broke your old phone, so I figured... well, you might need a new one."She opened the box, her eyes widening in surprise as she saw the phone inside. She looked at me, her expression a mix of amusement and gratitude, and then, with a playful grin, she held her hand to her chest and let out a dramatic sigh. "Oh, Shivarth! A new phone? This is... this is too much! How will I ever repay such a grand gesture?"I rolled my eyes, laughing despite myself. "Alright, enough of the theatrics," I said, pulling her into a hug. But this time, the hug felt different. It wasn't just a friendly gesture—it was a connection, a silent promise that we'd both made tonight. I held her close, feeling the warmth of her presence, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I didn't feel alone.As we pulled away, her gaze met mine, and there was a softness in her eyes that made my heart tighten. "Thank you, Shivarth," she whispered, her voice full of sincerity. "For everything. I mean it."I looked at her, feeling a wave of gratitude I couldn't put into words. "Thank you, too," I replied, my voice just as quiet. "For... being here. For being you."She smiled, giving my hand a gentle squeeze before stepping back. "Whatever happens, we're in this together," she said, her voice full of quiet determination.And in that moment, I knew that I didnt married a woman I barely knew—I married someone who saw me, flaws and all, and chose to stand by me anyway. I'd spent so long pushing people away, convinced that I was better off alone. But with Anaya, maybe, just maybe, I could start to believe in something more.

ANAYA

After our heartfelt conversation, I felt a sense of lightness as I walked toward my room, Ayaan and Samaira flanking me. Their laughter echoed in the hallway, filling my heart with warmth. It was comforting to know I had people who cared about me so much, and I couldn't help but smile at the thought. Once inside, Samaira's eyes lit up with mischief. "Let's have some fun," she said, her tone teasing. "I think we should pretend Anaya is sick so Shivarth will come running!"I feigned a dramatic pout. "Sick? But I feel perfectly fine!"Ayaan grinned, clearly enjoying the idea. "That's the point! We can totally trick him into bringing you ice cream."I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Ice cream? What's that got to do with being sick?""Everything! Trust me, he'll be worried sick about you. Then we'll get ice cream!" Samaira exclaimed.I couldn't resist. "Alright, I'm in! But only if I get to eat the whole tub!"We quickly devised our little plan, and when Samaira called Shivarth, I barely contained my giggles. I could hear Ayaan stifling laughter nearby, and it was hard not to join him. "Shivarth, you won't believe this! Anaya is feeling a bit under the weather," Samaira said, her voice dripping with faux concern."What do you mean? Is she okay?" Shivarth's voice came through the phone, laced with genuine worry, making my heart flutter."She needs some medicine!" Samaira said dramatically. "What does she need?" he pressed, and I felt a twinge of guilt mixed with excitement.When Samaira announced I needed ice cream, I burst into laughter, unable to hold back. I could imagine his expression changing from concern to disbelief. "You're all in on this, aren't you?" he asked, and I couldn't help but smirk at how easily we had him wrapped around our fingers."Maybe," Samaira replied, barely containing her laughter. "But you have to admit, ice cream is a pretty good cure!"I was practically vibrating with anticipation as Shivarth walked in, arms crossed and an eyebrow raised, looking equal parts worried and amused. "You're ridiculous," he said, shaking his head but unable to hide his smile.I flopped onto the bed, propping myself up on pillows and laying it on thick. "Oh, woe is me! Will my knight in shining armor come to rescue me?"He rolled his eyes, but I could see the corners of his lips twitching. "You've got everyone worried about you, and all you wanted was ice cream?""Exactly! What's better than ice cream when you're feeling a little under the weather?" I shot back, spooning a generous scoop into my mouth.He settled down beside me, his gaze softening as he watched me indulge. "You really are something else, you know that?""I know! That's why you love me," I teased, winking at him playfully.He shook his head, pretending to be serious. "I can't deny that. But you're going to be the reason I end up with gray hair by the time I'm thirty."I laughed, tossing a pillow at him. "Pfft, please! I'll be the one giving you gray hair with all my mischief, and you'll love every second of it!""Is that a promise?" he shot back, and I could see the playful challenge in his eyes."Of course! But only if you promise to spoil me with ice cream every time I'm 'sick,'" I said, wiggling my eyebrows."Great! You're going to use this 'sick' act every time you want something, aren't you?" he retorted, pretending to be exasperated."Absolutely! But if I ever really need a doctor, I'll call you first. You'll just have to be my ice cream delivery guy," I teased, feeling bold."Fine! But if you eat too much and get sick for real, I'm not taking care of you," he replied, mock seriousness in his voice."Oh, please! If I get sick, you'll just spoil me more," I challenged, grinning as I took another scoop of ice cream. As I continued to eat, I felt a warm glow in my chest. It was simple, but the moment felt special. Just being with Shivarth made everything brighter. I paused mid-bite and looked at him. "You know, I could get used to this.""Used to what? Me rushing in to save the day with ice cream?" he asked, a teasing lilt in his voice."Exactly! I could make a career out of it," I joked, smirking. "Anaya the Ice Cream Queen," he said, trying to keep a straight face. "I can see it now. You could have your own empire!""Right? I could have a throne made of ice cream tubs!" I exclaimed, waving my spoon dramatically.He laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. "You're so extra. But I can't say I'm surprised."I leaned back, feeling the sweetness of the ice cream and the warmth of our banter. "You love it! Just admit it.""Alright, you win this round," he said, his smile softening. "But don't think I'll let you off that easily next time."I took another bite, savoring the moment. "You have to admit, though, watching me eat ice cream is pretty entertaining.""Entertaining and slightly concerning," he replied, smirking. "You might set a new record for the most ice cream consumed in one sitting.""Challenge accepted!" I declared, scooping another generous amount. "But you have to promise to join me next time.""Deal! But if we're going to do this, we need to have a backup plan. Just in case I end up having to carry you to the hospital," he quipped.I laughed, my heart full. "With all this ice cream, I'll be the happiest patient ever!"As I continued to enjoy the ice cream, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This was more than just a silly moment; it was about the bond we were forming, filled with laughter and joy. I could see Shivarth's eyes twinkling with affection as he watched me, and I knew in that moment that I would do anything to keep this connection alive.