Part 77

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Sharath Pov:

As I woke up, still feeling the warmth of Shivani next to me, I blinked my eyes open, only to find her already awake, watching me with a soft smile. There was something about the way she looked at me, a gentle affection that made my heart swell. I couldn't help but grin back, still a bit drowsy but entirely content.


"Good morning, sleepyhead," she murmured, her fingers brushing lightly over my cheek. Her touch was warm, and I leaned into it, savoring the way her thumb stroked my skin.


"Good morning," I replied, my voice a little rough, still heavy with sleep. My heart skipped as I started to lean in, aiming for a kiss. But just as I got close, she pulled back slightly, pressing a soft peck to my cheek instead.


"Your lips are still healing," she said gently, smiling. "Let's not make it worse, hmm?"


I couldn't help but pout a bit, giving her my best disappointed look, hoping she might change her mind. But she only chuckled, cupping my face in her hands, her thumb tracing a soothing circle on my cheek.


Then, as she looked at me, I noticed something shift in her gaze—something deep, something filled with purpose. "Sharath," she said, her voice soft but certain, like she'd already made up her mind about something big. "Let's get married."


My entire world felt like it had stopped and started at the same time. I couldn't process it right away, couldn't believe I'd heard her right. But when her words settled in, I felt a warmth spreading in my chest that almost made me dizzy. I'd spent last night battling my demons, half-convinced I'd lost her or, worse, that I didn't deserve her after everything that happened. But here she was, offering me a forever I'd only dreamed of.


"Shivani... are you serious?" I whispered, barely able to speak, my voice choked with both disbelief and hope. Her gaze was steady, filled with warmth, and as she nodded, it was like every fear, every doubt I'd held was just melting away.


"Yes, Sharath," she said, holding my face in her hands. "I'm serious. I want to marry you. Sooner or later, I'll be yours, so why not make it sooner?"


I felt like I was floating. I couldn't stop the grin that spread across my face, a happiness I could barely contain. "Are you... Are you really sure, Shivani? Like... you're absolutely sure?"


She laughed, and the sound was like pure joy. "Yes, I'm sure. I don't want to waste any more time. I want you, Sharath. I want this forever."


Her words settled into me, grounding me, and all I could do was beam, my heart overflowing with gratitude and love. I felt like leaping up, shouting to the world that Shivani was going to be my wife. But just as the excitement hit me, a thought tempered it. I lowered my gaze, a bit embarrassed. "But... why suddenly?" I asked, curiosity and a little vulnerability slipping into my voice.


She leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead, grounding me with that simple gesture. "Because I want to be with you," she said, her tone firm but gentle. "What other reason do I need?"


I took a deep breath, letting her words settle over me, and I felt a wave of calm. A grin crept up on my face again, and before I could think twice, I said, "Okay, then! Let's get married today!"


Her laughter filled the room, and she shook her head at my 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."


I let out a dramatic sigh, but the excitement refused to leave me. Instead, a spark ignited, and I couldn't stop myself from blurting, "Fine! But we're still getting married soon! Just give me time to plan everything—I want it to be perfect for you."


She chuckled, clearly amused by my determination. "Alright, Mr. Perfect Planner. You have your time. But don't make me wait too long."


I grinned, jumping up, suddenly full of energy. "A week, Shivani. Just one week, and I'll be ready. I'll make it a grand wedding. You'll see!"


Before I knew it, I was rushing toward the bathroom, practically bouncing with excitement."Sharath, where are you going?" she called out, sounding a little alarmed.


I popped my head back out, flashing her a grin. "To apply more medicine to my lips! They need to heal faster if we're getting married in a week!" Her laughter followed me, warming me from the inside out as I quickly applied the ointment, grinning at my reflection in the mirror. I'd never felt so alive, so certain of anything in my life.


Once I was done, I went back out to find Shivani with her phone in her hand, her expression thoughtful. She looked at me, mouthed "Mom," and then gestured for me to wait in the living room. I sat there, still buzzing, trying to catch my breath, barely able to sit still.


After a few moments, she came over, sitting beside me and taking my hand in hers, her face aglow with a mix of excitement and calm assurance. "My mom... she's surprised, but she's happy for us," she said softly, her thumb brushing over my hand. "She wants to meet you soon so we can discuss everything."


Taking a deep breath, I looked at her, feeling both gratitude and awe that she was here, by my side, willing to take this leap with me. "Shivani," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion, "thank you. Thank you for choosing me, for trusting me. I won't let you down."


She shook her head, squeezing my hand. "Sharath, you don't have to thank me. I'm exactly where I want to be—with you."


In that moment, every doubt, every insecurity I'd ever had fell away. I knew life would throw challenges our way, that it wouldn't always be this simple, but I was ready. With Shivani beside me, I could face anything. And I promised myself, then and there, that I would spend every day of my life proving to her that choosing me had been the right decision.

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