Anuragaanjali ~ The Eternal Love ✅

Chapter 18 : The Morning

The Morning After

The first light of dawn crept through the palace curtains, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. Arjun slowly stirred from his slumber, the soft breeze from the open window gently brushing his face. His body ached in the most satisfying way, a reflection of the passionate union that had unfolded the night before. His eyes fluttered open, and for a brief moment, the world around him seemed surreal, as if time itself had paused, allowing him to savor the stillness of the morning.

He turned his gaze to the side, where Aaradhya lay peacefully beside him. Her long, dark hair spread across the pillow, her face soft and serene in the quiet aftermath of their shared night. Her body, still and beautiful, was wrapped in the intimacy they had shared, a subtle reminder of the deep bond they now carried. His heart fluttered as he looked at her, his love for her deeper than he had ever known.

But it was the sight of the marks he had left on her that stirred something even more powerful within him. The faint traces of sindoor, now smudged across her forehead, and the love bites on her neck — reminders of the night they had spent together. Slowly, almost reverently, Arjun reached out, his fingertips brushing gently against the marks on her neck, tracing the path he had left with tender care.

Aaradhya stirred slightly at his touch, a soft hiss escaping her lips. Her body responded instinctively, the lingering warmth from their night together still coursing through her veins. Her eyes fluttered open, and she blinked against the sunlight, disoriented for a moment before her gaze landed on Arjun.

"Arjun," she whispered, her voice thick with sleep but filled with a sense of belonging, as though every part of her knew this was where she was meant to be.

He smiled softly, his heart swelling at the sight of her. "Good morning," he said, his voice low and filled with affection. "How do you feel?"

Aaradhya took a deep breath, the warmth of their shared moment still lingering in her body. "I feel...complete," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She reached up, her fingers brushing the marks on her neck, a small shiver running through her as she touched the spots where his lips had left their trace. Her heart raced again, a combination of excitement and the overwhelming sense of love that filled her chest. "You've left your mark on me, Arjun."

Arjun's smile deepened, his heart swelling with pride at the thought. He had always known that his love for her was something extraordinary, but to see it reflected in the marks on her body made it even more real, more tangible. "And you've left yours on me," he said softly, his fingers gently caressing her cheek.

Aaradhya closed her eyes at the tenderness of his touch, leaning into it as if she could feel his love for her with every inch of her skin. Her heart, so full of love and gratitude, seemed to beat in rhythm with his. She reached up, her hand resting on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her palm.

Arjun leaned down, brushing his lips softly against her forehead, his kiss gentle but filled with a tenderness that spoke volumes. "I love you, Aaradhya," he murmured, his voice filled with quiet devotion. "You're everything to me. This... this is more than just a bond between us. It's something timeless, something that goes beyond this world."

Aaradhya's breath caught in her throat, and she looked up at him, her eyes filled with unspoken emotion. She had always known that their connection was special, that their love was meant to be, but hearing him say those words, speaking of a love that transcended time itself, made her heart soar. She sat up slightly, her hand finding its place on his cheek as she leaned in and kissed him gently, deeply, pouring every ounce of her love into that kiss.

When they finally broke apart, both of them breathless, Aaradhya's eyes sparkled with the same love and intensity. "I love you too, Arjun," she whispered, her voice full of emotion. "With all of my heart, I love you. Nothing and no one can ever change that."

Arjun's gaze softened as he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her in a protective, loving embrace. He held her like she was the most precious thing in the world, like he would never let her go, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. They simply basked in the shared silence, the warmth of their love surrounding them.

But after a while, Arjun pulled back slightly, his expression serious, yet still filled with affection. "Aaradhya," he said quietly, "Last night...it wasn't just a moment. It was a promise. A promise that no matter what happens, we will always be together."

Aaradhya nodded, her fingers tracing the lines of his jaw, feeling the steadiness of his resolve in every inch of him. "I know," she whispered, her voice full of certainty. "I will always be by your side, Arjun. Always."

Arjun smiled, a look of deep satisfaction crossing his face as he kissed the top of her head. "And I will always protect you, cherish you. No one will ever come between us, Aaradhya. No one."

Aaradhya rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart, and for a moment, she allowed herself to sink into the comfort of his words. In his arms, she felt invincible, as though nothing could touch them, nothing could tear them apart. Together, they were stronger than anything the world could throw at them.

But as the sun began to rise higher, and the reality of the world outside their room started to make its presence known, Aaradhya pulled back slightly, looking at Arjun with a thoughtful expression. "What now, Arjun?" she asked, her voice a little uncertain.

Arjun's expression softened, and he gently cupped her face in his hands, his gaze unwavering. "Now we move forward, together. Whatever comes our way, we will face it as one. Our love is our strength, Aaradhya. No one, not even fate itself, can break us apart."

Aaradhya smiled, her heart swelling with love for him, and she nodded, knowing deep in her soul that he was right. Together, they could conquer anything. The world may try to tear them apart, but nothing could sever the bond they shared.

As they sat there in the quiet of the morning, with the world beyond their chamber continuing on, they both knew that this was just the beginning. The beginning of a love that would last forever, a love that would endure all trials, and a love that no one could ever take away.

The future was uncertain, but in that moment, with Arjun beside her, Aaradhya knew one thing for sure: they were unstoppable.