The Enchanted Love✨ [Barsatein]

Chapter 47

[2906 words]

The warm sunlight filtered into the room, creating a golden glow that danced on the soft silk curtains. Aradhana stirred awake, her body still tingling from the intimacy she had shared with Reyansh the previous night. She felt an arm draped protectively around her, and as her eyes fluttered open, she was greeted by the sight of Reyansh's tousled hair and the faint marks of her affection on his neck. A smirk tugged at her lips.
"Good morning, Mr. Lamba," she whispered, her voice teasing and warm.
Reyansh's eyes opened slowly, his gaze immediately finding hers. A lazy grin spread across his face. "Good morning, Mrs. Lamba," he replied, his voice husky.
He tightened his arm around her, pulling her closer. "Sleep well?"
"Better than I ever have," she admitted, blushing. Reyansh leaned closer, his fingers brushing against her cheek. "You look even more beautiful in the morning light. Are you sure you're real and not just a dream?"
She chuckled, playfully pushing him back. "If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up anytime soon."
Their laughter filled the room as they teased each other, their love blossoming in every small gesture. Reyansh traced soft circles on her hand, his expression turning serious for a moment.
"Aradhana," he began, his tone deep and sincere, "you've changed my life in ways I never imagined. Being with you... it feels like I've finally found my home."
Aradhana's heart swelled with emotion. She cupped his face gently. "I should say this actually and you've given me everything I didn't know I needed. I promise, no matter what, we'll always face things together."
Reyansh hesitated for a fleeting moment, his mind flashing back to the mission call he'd received. But he pushed the thought aside, focusing on the woman in front of him. "Together, always," he agreed, pulling her into a warm embrace. But then her gaze fell to the dark mark near the collarbone, and her eyes widened. "Reyansh!" She sat up slightly, pointing at the hickey. "Look at that! How are you going to explain this to your everyone?"
Reyansh chuckled, completely unbothered. "What about you, Mrs. Lamba?" he teased, brushing her hair aside to reveal a faint mark on her shoulder. "Looks like someone couldn't keep their hands off me last night."
Aradhana gasped, clutching the blanket to her chest as her cheeks turned a deeper shade of crimson. "Reyansh!" she exclaimed, swatting his arm. "You're impossible!" He laughed, enjoying her flustered reaction. "What? It's not my fault my wife was so... enthusiastic," he teased, winking at her. Aradhana glared at him, though the corners of her lips twitched with amusement. "If you keep this up, Mr. Lamba, I'll make sure you're the one answering all the awkward questions at breakfast." Reyansh raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Oh, I don't mind. I'll tell them exactly how last night went."
"Reyansh!" she shrieked, throwing a pillow at him, which he caught effortlessly. He leaned closer, his grin softening into something more tender. "Relax, Aradhana. You're glowing this morning, you know that?" His fingers traced her cheek, and his voice dropped to a whisper. "Last night was... perfect." Her heart melted at his words, and she couldn't help but smile. "It was," she admitted softly. But then she narrowed her eyes playfully. "Still, you're wearing a high-collared shirt today. No arguments."
He groaned dramatically, flopping back onto the bed. "Fine, but only because you asked so nicely."
As Aradhana got up to prepare for the day, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and noticed her own marks.
She groaned, covering her face with her hands. Reyansh, watching her from the bed, laughed.
"Don't worry, Mrs. Lamba," he called out.
"I think you look adorable. Besides, everyone will just think you're deeply in love with your husband."
She turned to him, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her smile. "You're impossible, Reyansh."
"And you love it," he replied smugly, pulling her back onto the bed for another kiss.
Their playful banter continued as they got ready for the day, their love shining in every teasing remark and affectionate glance.

After their romantic morning, Aradhana quickly got ready to prepare for her Pehle Rasoi, the events ahead, the warmth of their connection lingered, wrapping them in a cocoon of happiness and intimacy, a tradition she knew held immense importance in her new family. She tied her hair into a neat bun and walked into the kitchen with determination.
Reyansh followed her, leaning casually against the kitchen doorframe. "Need help, Mrs. Chef?" he teased.
She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Mr. Lamba, unless you want to burn down your kitchen, I suggest you let me handle this."
Reyansh chuckled and raised his hands in surrender. "Fine, I'll just watch my wifey work her magic."
Aradhana decided to make kheer, a dish her mother had taught her, adding a pinch of her own flair with saffron and pistachios. As she stirred the milk, Reyansh's mother entered the kitchen, observing her with a fond smile.
"You're doing wonderfully, Aradhana," she said. "It's heartwarming to see how much effort you're putting into this tradition."
Aradhana smiled back, her nerves easing with the compliment. "I just want to make it special for everyone."
In the dining room, the Lamba household gathered in eager anticipation. Vikram and Pooja arrived just in time, bringing their infectious energy to the table.
"Looks like we're in for a treat today!" Vikram exclaimed as he took his seat.
Reyansh smirked. "Of course. My wife doesn't do anything halfway."
When Aradhana brought out the kheer, the room fell silent as everyone took their first bite. Reyansh's mother was the first to speak.
"Aradhana, this is perfect. You've outdone yourself."
Her father-in-law nodded in agreement. "Delicious. Reyansh, you've chosen well."
Even Vikram and Pooja joined in with compliments, making Aradhana blush with happiness. Reyansh, watching her, felt an overwhelming sense of pride.
As the meal concluded, Reyansh's mother smiled knowingly and pulled out a small envelope. "We have a surprise for you two," she announced.
Reyansh and Aradhana exchanged curious glances. His mother handed them the envelope, which contained two honeymoon tickets to the Maldives.
"The two of you deserve some time away, just for yourselves," she said warmly.
Aradhana's eyes sparkled with excitement as she imagined the serene beaches and crystal-clear waters. Reyansh, however, felt a pang of unease. He knew the mission call could disrupt their plans, but he didn't want to dim Aradhana's joy.
"This is incredible!" Aradhana exclaimed, hugging her mother-in-law. She turned to Reyansh, her excitement contagious. "I can't wait!"
Reyansh forced a smile, pulling her close. "Anything to make you happy."
Later that evening, as the house settled into quiet, Reyansh received the dreaded call. He stepped out of the room to answer it, his expression darkening as he listened to the details of his new mission. The timing couldn't have been worse.
"Understood," he said curtly before hanging up.
When he returned to their room, he found Aradhana organizing their suitcase for the honeymoon. She looked up and smiled. "I'm so excited, Reyansh. It feels like everything is perfect."
Reyansh hesitated, torn between telling her the truth and preserving her happiness. Ultimately, he decided not to mention the mission, convincing himself he could handle it without disrupting their plans.
"It is perfect," he said, pulling her into his arms.
The Mystery Envelope
The next morning, as Aradhana was tidying up, she found a plain envelope slipped under the door. Curious, she opened it, only to find documents and photographs that made her blood run cold.
The contents suggested a connection between Reyansh's work and a case she had once reported on as a journalist—a dangerous criminal network she thought was long buried. There were vague hints that Reyansh's life could be at risk.
Aradhana's hands trembled as she pieced through the information. Questions flooded her mind, but one thing was clear—this wasn't something she could ignore.
"Aradhana?" Reyansh's voice broke through her thoughts. She quickly hid the envelope, not wanting to alarm him.
"Yes?" she replied, forcing a smile.
He walked over and kissed her forehead. "Just checking if you're okay. We leave tomorrow, remember?"
"I'm fine," she assured him. But as he left the room, her resolve hardened. She loved Reyansh deeply, and she trusted him. But this was something she needed to uncover herself—both as a journalist and as a wife.