Soft Pillows | ✓

Chapter 44

"Sir is waiting for you at the venue."

Aahana nodded and waved at Kritika as the car drove away. Now sitting alone, she couldn't help but feel anxiety build up. She closed her eyes and looked out the window. It took a while before they reached a deserted-looking area.

"There's a private jet waiting for you, ma'am"

Aahana's eyes widened. Where was this venue exactly? The ride was amazing but her nerves wouldn't let her rest. Luckily, it was only a few hours and she spent her time sipping wine and watching 'The Sky is Pink'.

"Go straight ahead, you'll find him."

Aahana thanked the flight attendant and watched the jet take off, disappearing into the night sky. She gulped and stared at the path in front of her. She was alone and she didn't know where she was. With a shiver as the cold wind blew at her skin, she walked a few steps, feeling sand beneath her legs, warm and soft. Right then, the lights fluttered on. She blinked and continued to walk. She could hear the ocean ripples beating against the shore and she knew she was at a beach.

Woah, Mumbai?

She looked for Atharva and her knees weakened at the sight in front of her. Atharva stood there with his back turned to her but feeling her presence, he turned around. He looked immensely handsome in his grey tuxedo, and Aahana couldn't help but admire him.

He was hers.

He gave her a breathtaking smile and as she neared him with a smile of her own, she saw a table for two in the centre. It was covered in a peach tablecloth, decorated with petals of orchids and tealight candles. Tree trunk and branches were wrapped in fairy lights and lanterns. She could also see huge silver stands with intricate patterns on either side of the two chairs, lit with candles. It was stunning.

He pulled out a chair for her and took the one opposite to hers, after which a comfortable silence fell upon them with neither of them uttering a word. It was like they had never really looked at each other and now was just the perfect time. A connection like no other could be felt by them, and they were truly happy.

"This is lovely," Aahana was the first to break the silence.

He ran his fingers through his hair and looked around at the setting. Indeed soothing. "With the help of Pranav."

Aahana chuckled. "Kritika too!"

A man appeared with a large tray and gently set a bunch of plates on the table. He then left them alone again. Atharva removed the lids and the delicious aroma wafted up to her nose. She looked down to find baby corn fritters, paneer tikka, herby potatoes, veg biryani, and creamy chicken curry. He served a little of everything on her plate and repeated the same for himself. She nearly moaned from the taste of it.

Feeling Atharva's gaze on her, waiting for her reaction, she gave him a thumbs up and in response, relief washed over his face.

Aahana smiled and decided to tease him a little. "By the way, you didn't tell me how I look."

Atharva's spoon paused on his plate and he looked up at Aahana, wide-eyed like he'd committed a big mistake. She heard him mutter something incoherent before he took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. I was so nervous, it slipped my mind but I swear, you look extremely beautiful."

"Don't fret, I was pulling your leg." Aahana smiled and placed her hand on his which was casually resting on the table. "You clean up well too."

He gave her another charming smile. "Are you happy?"

"Very much," She wiped the corners of her mouth with the napkin and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'd like to do this again."

"Of course, I'd like that too." The man came back and replaced the empty plates.

"Masala chai?" Aahana let out a laugh to which Atharva grinned, sending her a wink.

"Yes, with chocolate cheesecake."

"Love it," Aahana said, and Atharva couldn't help but agree.

When they were finished, Atharva stood up and approached Aahana. He held out his hand which surprised her. "Walk with me?

Nodding, she slid out of her seat and intertwined their fingers, watching the way their hands fit perfectly. When she looked up at him, he was already staring at her with a gentle smile that melted her.

They both strolled along the shore, letting the wind caress them. Atharva halted mid-step, pulling Aahana to a stop in front of him. Her eyes closed of their own accord when his fingers traced her cheeks, down her jawline and collar bone. She could feel his warm breath tickle her lips and she sucked in a sharp breath, her heart thumping erratically as she waited for the kiss.

Atharva gazed up at her features and he couldn't find a time perfect than this to confess his love.

"I..." He opened his mouth but closed it again when her eyes fluttered open. Her dark brown eyes, deep as an abyss and warm as chocolate stared back at him and he forgot how to breathe.

He stepped away and pulled out a velvet box from his pocket. "I love you," he whispered so faintly but Aahana seemed to have heard him because her eyes widened slightly, and slowly a beautiful smile graced her lips.

She threw her arms around his neck and squeezed him in a tight embrace. "I love you too, Atharva."

He pulled away and opened the box which had a pendant in it. He turned her around and gently removed her hair to one side as he secured it around her neck. She traced the golden circle which had an intricate pattern and opened it to find today's date engraved on it. Smiling, she faced Atharva who didn't hesitate to snake his arms around her waist and pull her closer to him. His lips descended down on hers and she immediately wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers curling into his hair. Their lips moved in sync and she felt his warmth envelope her as his body pressed against her.

Atharva pulled away and rested his forehead on hers, panting as he ran his fingers on her slightly swollen lips. He pressed his lips to hers once more and this time the kiss felt better than the previous one, more sweet and passionate. One of his hands cupped her cheeks, gently drawing her closer and she gasped when his other hand ran along the bare skin of her waist. His tongue flicked into her mouth, swirling around and tasting her and she found herself copying his actions. For the two of them who were inexperienced, this seemed to be quite intimate and... magical.

Tears welled up in Aahana's eyes and she felt overwhelmed. Feeling the moisture, Atharva broke apart and looked at her. "What's wrong?" His voice had turned husky and low.

"I'm just so happy." Aahana sniffed and Atharva wiped her cheeks using his thumb, laughing.

"Silly girl, come on now." He grabbed her hand and led her to a wooden room. He ushered her inside, revealing two doors. He entered into one and she went for another. She saw a pair of grey sweats and a blue sweater. She frowned in confusion but took off her saree and changed into it. When she walked out, she found Atharva in similar wear but his sweater was black.

"Where are we going now?"

"We are staying here tonight." He placed his arm around her waist and made his way to the far side of the beach.

"Here?" Aahana questioned unsurely but she shut up when her eyes landed on the makeshift bed. There was a thick mat covered in white sheets and a lot of fluffy pillows. Aahana excitedly ran to it and jumped on the mat. Atharva laughed and went after her. She didn't expect Atharva to rest his head on her lap but he did and she toyed with his chestnut hair, feeling the softness with her fingertips.

Sighing, she gazed up at the sky to see the moon floating, surrounded by the twinkling stars.

"Look Atharva, so beautiful."

And he gazed up at her with rapt fascination. The soft glow of the moon personified on her face, and he once again fell in love with her. She was perfect for him in every sense and at that moment, he wanted nothing but her, a home with her. "Beautiful indeed."

Atharva FINALLY confessed his love. 😭 I'm so happy for them.❤️ How do you all feel? Let me know via the votes and comments!