𝐔𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞: 𝐀 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐨 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲

Chapter 48

A U T H O R

It had been six months since that night—the night that changed everything. The air around them, once heavy with unspoken words and buried pain, now felt lighter.

Nikshant and Aaransh, once caught in the whirlwind of misunderstandings, finally sat down like old friends who had lost their way. They talked—really talked—and somewhere in between the silences and apologies, they found their bond again. The bitterness melted away, replaced by a quiet sense of understanding.

Aaravi, who used to hesitate before speaking, now smiled freely when Nikshant was around. The walls she'd built so carefully had begun to crumble—not out of weakness, but because he made her feel safe. Every passing day, their love grew stronger, deeper, more real. And with every conversation, every glance, Nikshant's respect for her only deepened. She wasn't just someone he loved—she was someone he admired.

And then there was the teasing.

Pulling Aaravi's leg had become Nikshant's favorite pastime—his new obsession. The way her eyes widened, how she'd stutter and look away, and the way her cheeks turned into the brightest shade of red... God, he lived for it.

Today was no different. The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a golden hue over the room. Aaravi lay curled up in bed, fast asleep, her breath slow and peaceful.

Nikshant had been awake for a while now, but he hadn't moved. His eyes were fixed on his wife—his beautiful, sleepy wife. A tender smile touched his lips as he gently caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers.

Feeling his touch, Aaravi stirred slightly, burying her face deeper into his chest.

"Mat kijiye na, Nikshant ji... sone dijiye mujhe," she mumbled in her half-asleep voice, snuggling closer into his warmth.

(Please don't do that, Nikshant ji... let me sleep.)

Nikshant let out a soft chuckle, his heart swelling at her innocence. He tightened his arms around her waist and placed a gentle kiss on her head, resting his chin there.

"First of all, stop calling me ji, it makes me sound like I'm a retired uncle," he whispered playfully.

But deep inside, it wasn't just about sounding old. It was the distance that "ji" created—a formality he didn't want between them. Not now. Not when they were this close. Not when they were about to vow to love each other all over again.

Aaravi smiled in her sleep, eyes still closed.

"Aap bhool rahe hai, aap 31 ke hone wale hain... us hisaab se toh aap buddhe hi hai," she teased back, her voice laced with sleep and mischief.

(You're forgetting that you're about to turn 31... so technically, you are an oldie.)

Nikshant let out a dramatic sigh. "Great, just great. Shaadi ke pehle hi biwi ne buddha ghoshit kar diya."

(Even before the wedding, my wife has declared me an old man.)

She chuckled softly, eyes fluttering open just for a moment to glance at his mock-offended face. Then, with a sleepy grin, she pressed a kiss to his chest and whispered—

"You might be an oldie... but still, you're mine."

Nikshant let out a soft chuckle, his chest gently rumbling beneath Aaravi's cheek — a sound she always found comforting, like a heartbeat made of laughter.

Without warning, he slipped his hand under the blanket and gently pinched her waist.

"Ouch! Nikshant!" Aaravi hissed, squirming in his arms, her voice caught between a giggle and mock-annoyance.