[a desi arranged marriage story] ── bound by an arranged marriage, they never saw love coming-until it did, without warning ──
[Mentions of BTS, if you hate or dislike them then please leave respectfully]
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"Happy Anniversary!" they exclaimed together as Advay lifted Idika and spun her around, both grinning ear to ear—a reflection of the joy their first year of marriage had brought.
"Happy Anniversary, Berry. I love you so much, more than I ever thought possible. I don't know when I got so lucky, waking up to your face every morning. I love your bookish rants, even though I get a little jealous sometimes, but it doesn't matter because they're just fictional. I love your passion for your work, the way you smile at me, how you just know when something's bothering me without me saying a word. I love how you make everything better, how you make me smile no matter what. I love your personality, your face, your body, your everything. How could I not, when you've never given me a single reason not to love you?" Advay poured out his heart, tears brimming in his eyes as Idika, already emotional, let hers flow freely.
She chuckled softly, wiping his tears with her thumb. "I don't know how to put this into words, because I'm terrible at expressing myself," she began, earning a small smile from him. "But 'love' doesn't even begin to cover what I feel for you, Advay. Every time I see you, my heart feels at peace. Just being near you creates a beautiful chaos in my heart, the kind that makes my stomach flip every time you flash that 'the heartbreaker smile,' as I call it." He laughed softly, and she smiled, pulling him closer, their foreheads touching as her hands gently cupped his face. Their hearts beat in harmony as she whispered, "People say they'd die for their partners, but I want to live for you. I want to grow old with you, to celebrate anniversaries year after year. I'd be lost without you, love . What I feel for you isn't just love—it's madness, pure and overwhelming. I love you so much that it terrifies me to think of being away from you."
That was all Advay could take before he crashed his lips onto hers, the kiss overflowing with passion and love. When they finally pulled away, tears were streaming down both their faces. Advay pulled her into a tight embrace, her head resting on his chest as his heart raced furiously. They both chuckled softly as Idika pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead.
A knock at the door interrupted their moment, and Idika opened it to find Aditya standing there with a cake in hand, grinning from ear to ear. Ruhani and Aman stood beside him, holding gifts. "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!" they all yelled in unison.
"Let us in, bhabhi, nahi toh aaj is cake ka katal hojayega," Aditya teased, earning a laugh from Idika as she stepped aside to let them in.
Ruhani enveloped them in a warm hug, showering them with blessings. "Cut the cake, bhai, bhabhi! Senti baad mein ho lena please" Aditya quipped, handing them the knife. Sharing a loving glance, the couple cut the cake as the trio clapped and hooted.
"Happy first anniversary, kids," Aman said with a kind smile. "Keep supporting and loving each other, never lose faith, and continue to grow together." The couple bent down to take his blessings, beaming with happiness.
"Bhabhiii, open my gift first! You'll love it more than theirs," Aditya whined, earning eye rolls from the elder couple.
"Behave, Adi, or I'll call Sarah, ab ek woh hi hai jo tumhe sudhar sakti hai," Ruhani teased. Aditya's grin quickly turned into a shy smile, "Mummy!" He yelled, his cheeks turning crimson prompting a round of laughter from everyone.
