After a small evening walk at the garden and getting familiarised with some old trees which told a story about her husband's childhood and sweet memories of other family members. Ahana helps Sati and Gyatri prepare for dinner though they didn't even let her lift a spoon. She enjoyed standing there, gossiping and learning some new recipes which she for the first time even tasted.
Later, she had a phone call with her mother in law and father in law. Smiling and giggling, feeling her heart swelled up with their endearment. Meanwhile, Rajveer was in his study room, drowned in work as he didn't know how to keep her entertained or talk more.
Later after dinner, Ahana sat on the swing of the balcony, the soft, cold breeze brushing against her cheeks and hair. It sent a chilling sensation through her body, but her mind remained numb, consumed by the gloominess hovering in her heart.
Meanwhile, Rajveer stepped out, holding a bucket of ice cream. The sky wasn’t filled with stars or the moon, but his eyes sparkled just at the sight of his little wife, enough to warm the night.
“Hm...? Want some?” His husky voice broke her trance.
“Huh?” she asked, startled, unable to process his words.
He smiled faintly, tilting the mid-size bucket toward her. “Ice cream?”
Ahana’s eyes lit up, amusement flickering across her face. “Ice cream?” she repeated, her voice laced with curiosity.
He nodded, his grin widening. “You don’t want it?” he teased, peeling the lid off the container.
Her gaze darted between him and the creamy chocolate chips peeking through the rich chocolate ice cream. “No, it’s not like that,” she admitted, her lips twitching with anticipation.
Chuckling, he handed her the bucket, and she accepted it greedily, diving in with a spoon. The cold sweetness hit her mouth, melting slowly, and she couldn’t suppress a delighted hum. Forgetting to offer him some, she took another big bite, eyes closing in pure bliss.
Rajveer stood frozen, awkwardly left out but smiling nonetheless at her contentment. Then, as if sensing his gaze, Ahana paused and turned toward him. “You’re not having any?”
He smirked and leaned closer, stealing a spoonful from her hands. “I’m good. Seeing you happy is enough for me.”
Rihana blushed at his comment and shifted, making space for him to sit beside her. She was still indulging in her ice cream while Rajveer silently admired her, his gaze tracing the way her features lit up under the soft glow of the moon.
She looked so beautiful with that innocent smile tugging at her lips. "I hope this smile stays forever—at least while I’m here with her."
As the thought passed through his mind, Rajveer glanced at his hands, a strange unease tugging at his heart. He looked up at the night sky, silently thanking the stars for this moment, when Ahana’s voice broke the quiet.
“How did you know I was craving ice cream?” she asked, her mouth still full.
“Just a lucky guess,” he replied with a soft shrug.
She nodded, her attention briefly shifting back to the dessert. But Rajveer couldn’t take his eyes off her. His heart thumped in rhythm as he stole another glance, wishing time would slow down.
“You know,” she started, her voice lighter, “when I was little, Mom used to scold me for eating ice cream. But my brothers always stole it from the fridge for me, hiding it from her. They’d get scolded later when I’d wake up sniffing, my nose all red.”
She laughed softly at the memory, but her laughter faltered as tears welled up in her eyes. “Childhood was... so nice. I wish I never grew up,” she said with a sigh, sadness dulling her face.
Rajveer frowned, disapproving of the gloom that had replaced her earlier joy. His hands tightened into fists as a lone tear rolled down her cheek, catching the moonlight. She quickly wiped it away, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
“I don’t know what hurts you so much,” he said quietly, his voice steady but serious. “But don’t fake your emotions in front of me. Please.”
Ahana froze, her lips parting slightly in surprise. The sincerity in his gaze stole her breath.
“I don’t know who put those tears in your beautiful eyes,” he continued, his tone resolute. “But I promise to protect you. Always.”
Her heart fluttered wildly, warmth spreading through her chest as his words lingered in the air. She couldn’t move, couldn’t speak, and was caught in the sincerity of his promise.
Rajveer leaned closer, his thumb brushing the corner of her lips to wipe away a smudge of ice cream. “Let’s go inside. You can finish this tomorrow,” he said softly, his tone gentler now.
She nodded, completely mesmerized, her mind still reeling as he stood up, taking the ice cream bucket with him.
Ahana remained seated for a moment, staring after him, her heart racing. "What just happened? Was I dreaming? Did he really just—"
Her cheeks flushed as the memory replayed, and she shook her head, trying to ground herself. With a deep breath, she finally rose and ran back inside, the night air growing colder behind her.
_________________________________
Till Rajveer came back and freshened up, Ahana quickly slipped in the bed and covered herself under the duvet. She was asleep, in order to avoid facing Rajveer, as her cheeks were still red and warm. Heart fluttering with the moment which she was unable to brush off.
She presumes that it is a sweet dream and it will be gone and ended till morning.
Silly girl.
This was just a beginning to a sweet fairytale she always wanted but never had. This was her story, with him, a new beginning, an important chapter, where she deserves the best and it was by his side.
"Good night, wifey!", he says, smiling at her sleeping state.
"Let's have a great day tomorrow, with a small surprise waiting for you!", Rajveer mumbles under his breath as he turns the light off and lays down on the bed.
YOU ARE READING
Bounded: Forced Arrange Marriage
Romance*𝓢𝓷𝓮𝓪𝓴 𝓟𝓮𝓪𝓴* "Stop!", she raises her voice making him astound as he walks inside the room locking the door. He cocks his brows at her and she gets on her knees while on bed. Her eyes were throwing daggers at him while the dupatta from her h...
