MY AVERAGE LIFE

Part 76

As I opened my eyes, I found Sharath nestled against my chest, his head tucked in like he was trying to melt into me. He looked so peaceful, so unguarded, as if he didn't have a care in the world. I couldn't help but chuckle softly, watching this usually tough, unshakable man sleeping on me like a baby. My fingers brushed through his hair, feeling a warmth bloom in my chest.

 This was my Sharath, my strong, silly, overprotective boyfriend who was usually such a rock—but who could also be this vulnerable with me.But as my eyes fell on his lips, bruised and slightly swollen from his reckless, guilt-driven scrubbing the night before, my heart sank. He had hurt himself, and all because of that painful misunderstanding.

 I couldn't stand to see him like that. It had hurt more than I let on yesterday when I saw him and Shreya in that compromising moment, the sting of it clawing at my heart. My instincts had screamed at me to turn away, to shield myself from the pain. But I knew better. I knew Sharath would never betray me, and I knew the kind of care he held for me. So, I made a choice to trust him. 

Still, I couldn't deny that it had hurt. And seeing him hurt himself like that to "erase" the moment with Shreya had been almost unbearable.I thought of my past struggles, the times I had resorted to self-harm to cope with my own pain. Seeing Sharath like that brought all of it back—the helplessness, the anger, the aching sadness.

 But last night, I had done what I felt was right in the moment: I comforted him, held him, and I silently thanked whatever force was looking out for us because, somehow, it had worked.But I knew this fear in him, the fear of losing me, could easily turn into something deeper if he didn't let it go. And I didn't want him to carry it. Not like this. 

I knew he'd struggle to talk about it, but I had to find a way to help him release that worry, to know he didn't have to shoulder it alone. I didn't want him to experience what I went through. It may seem like a one-time event, but by the time we recognized it, it had already become a habit. I know the moment I saw him, and I will make sure he doesn't get lost in that movement again..

   My thoughts were interrupted as I felt him stir. He blinked, looking up at me with a sleepy smile that immediately made me smile back."Good morning," he whispered, his voice soft and a little raspy."Good morning, sleepyhead," I replied, tracing my fingers over his cheek. He leaned into my touch, looking at me with those deep, adoring eyes. 

He started leaning in for a kiss, but I gently stopped him, pecking his cheek instead. "Your lips are still healing. Let's not make it worse, hmm?"He sighed dramatically, pouting like a disappointed child, which made me chuckle. I reached out, cupping his face tenderly as I brushed my thumb over his cheek.

 The question I'd been mulling over all morning bubbled up in my heart, and before I could second-guess myself, I found the words slipping out."Sharath," I murmured, my voice soft but steady. "Let's get married."His eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, he just stared at me, looking almost like a child who'd just been handed his favorite candy.

 He blinked, as if he was trying to confirm that I'd actually said those words, and his mouth dropped open in awe."Shivani... are you serious?" he whispered, his voice barely audible, his gaze searching mine as if he was afraid this was a dream.I smiled, nodding gently, and cupped his face a little tighter. 

"Yes, Sharath. I'm serious. I want to marry you. Sooner or later, I'd be yours anyway. So why not make it sooner?"The joy on his face was instant. His whole expression lit up with a happiness I hadn't seen before, his eyes shimmering with an excitement that was utterly contagious. He practically beamed, his cheeks flushed as he whispered, "Are you... Are you sure, Shivani? Like... really sure?"I laughed at his boyish excitement, nodding again. 

"Yes, I'm sure. I don't want to waste any more time. I want you, Sharath. I want this forever."His grin was so wide that it practically split his face. He looked like he wanted to leap off the bed and shout it to the world. But then, just as quickly as his excitement had come, he frowned, glancing down as if he was embarrassed."But... why suddenly?" he asked, looking up at me with a hint of confusion.I leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead.

 "Because I want to get married to u. what else do u want?"He took a deep breath, processing my words, and then he broke into another wide grin, looking almost childishly happy. "Okay, then! Let's get married today!"I burst into laughter, shaking my head at his enthusiasm. "Easy there, tiger! We'll get married, but not today. Let those bruises on your lips heal first. I want my big baby to look his best in our wedding pictures."He pouted, looking a little crestfallen, but then his eyes brightened, and he nodded eagerly.

 "Fine! But we're still getting married soon! Just give me time to plan everything—I want it to be perfect for you."I chuckled, nodding along. "Alright, Mr. Perfect Planner. You have your time. But don't make me wait too long."He practically bounced off the bed, his excitement infectious. "A week, Shivani. Just one week, and I'll be ready. I'll make it a grand wedding. You'll see!"Before I could say anything else, he was already racing toward the bathroom. 

I blinked, feeling a flash of panic. "Sharath, where are you going?"He popped his head back out with a determined look. "To apply more medicine to my lips! They need to heal faster if we're getting married in a week!" Then he disappeared, his determination so endearing that I couldn't help but laugh.I shook my head, feeling my heart swell as I watched him go.

 I couldn't believe this was happening. I'd gone from waking up in doubt and worry to making wedding plans with the man who held my heart so completely.And now... now it was time to let my family know. I knew they'd be surprised, maybe even hesitant, but I'd make them understand. Because with Sharath, I felt a sense of certainty that I'd never known before. And I wasn't going to let anything get in the way of our happiness.