Naina was in her room, carefully preparing herself. The morning replayed in her mind—Vikram had approached her with a tender kiss on her forehead before quietly leaving. She couldn't quite grasp what had changed so suddenly between them.
Her gaze then landed on the lehenga Maya had selected for her—a masterpiece of intricate design and delicate craftsmanship. She slipped into the lehenga, its soft fabric brushing against her skin, and began to put on the matching blouse. Just as she was about to tie the blouse at the back, the door swung open, and she instinctively turned away, her heart racing.
Vikram stepped into the room, closing the door behind him with a quiet click. His eyes immediately fell on Naina, who stood there in the stunning lehenga, the blouse half-tied, holding the dupatta loosely in her hands. Her hair was styled in an elegant bun, strands softly framing her face. The sight of her left him momentarily breathless; she looked ethereal, and he felt an overwhelming pull toward her. Naina, aware of his gaze, felt a deep flush of embarrassment and kept her eyes lowered, her heart pounding in her chest.
Vikram extended his hand, gently taking hold of Naina's dupatta. "Can I help my wife get ready today? Please," he asked softly. Naina, surprised by the request, slowly raised her head and met his gaze.
She held his eyes for a moment before turning to face the mirror, silently giving him permission.
Vikram gazed at her for a moment, then moved behind her, carefully grabbing the strings of her blouse. He began to tie them, his fingers brushing against her bare back, sending a shy tremor through her. He then moved in front of her, picked up the anklets, and lowered himself, gently lifting her feet to rest on the stool beside her. As he fastened the anklets around her ankles, his touch sent a flutter of butterflies through her.
He guided her to sit down, and with tender care, placed earrings in each of her ears. Then, he picked up the necklace, draped it around her neck, and fastened it with a delicate touch. Kneeling before her, he reached for the bangles and took her soft hands in his. One by one, he slid the bangles onto her wrists, savoring the moment as he gently kissed her hands, clearly relishing every step.
Finally, he took her dupatta and carefully draped it over her, before reaching for the vermillion. He filled her hairline with it, a symbol of their bond. Naina looked at him, her eyes filled with emotion. Vikram leaned in close, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. He paused, their faces inches apart, their breaths mingling in the intimate space between them.
There was a sudden knock on the door, breaking the intimate moment. Naina immediately stood up, and Vikram stepped aside to let her pass. She quickly went to answer the door, her heart still racing.
Vikram, left alone, took a deep breath and began getting ready himself.
Naina emerged from the room, her face flushed with a deep red. She pressed her hand to her chest, feeling her heartbeat thudding wildly—still feeling the lingering sensation of Vikram’s touch on her legs and back.
She descended the stairs to join everyone gathered below.
Downstairs, Virendra noticed his wife and turned to Maya, commenting, " looks stunning in that royal lehenga."
Ruhi, brimming with excitement, called out, "Mom, look how beautiful Bhabhi is!"
At the sound of Ruhi's voice, everyone turned their attention to Naina as she made her way down the stairs. Maya placed a hand over her mouth in awe. "Maa, Naina looks so beautiful. This color really suits her."
Vidhi rushed over, admiringly saying, "Wow, Bhabhi, you look so pretty." Naina smiled warmly at the compliment. Maya joined them, adding, "You're looking absolutely lovely."
"It's all thanks to your choice, Chhoti Maa," Naina replied with a grateful smile.
"Alright, let's go," Vidya said, signaling everyone to move. They all proceeded outside, with Vidya leading the way, and the rest of the ladies following closely behind Naina. As they walked together, people looked on in surprise, seeing them together for the first time.
The elder women of the gathering offered their blessings to Naina, expressing their approval and affection. Naina sat down as everyone completed their puja. After the ceremony, they returned to the mansion and headed up to the rooftops.
As Vikram made his way downstairs, he spotted Naina heading toward the terrace. Suddenly, she seemed to lose her balance and reached out to steady herself against the wall. Alarmed, Vikram rushed over, catching her just as she was about to collapse.
“Naina…” he whispered, his voice filled with concern.
He gently cupped her face, turning her toward him, only to find her eyes closed. His heart raced with worry, but before he could speak, Naina slowly opened her eyes.
“I’m fine,” she assured him softly. “I just felt a little dizzy.”
Without a second thought, Vikram scooped her up into his arms, holding her close.
“What... what are you doing? Everyone is upstairs,” Naina protested, a mix of surprise and embarrassment in her voice.
But Vikram didn’t respond. He carried her up to the terrace, ignoring her concerns, and carefully set her down. His arms remained around her, as if unwilling to let go just yet.
Just then, Maya called out for both Naina and Vikram, announcing that the moon had risen and the rituals were about to begin.
"Naina, take your plate as well, and I'll tell you," Grandma said.
Maya, Virendra, Vikram, and Naina stood facing each other.
Following her grandmother's instructions, Naina looked at the moon through the sieve, then at Vikram, who was watching her closely. She then turned her gaze back to the moon and poured water.
Virendra offered Maya water with his own hands, and she reciprocated, as he had also been fasting.
Vikram then made Naina drink water with his hands. He held her hand as she did the same for him. Afterward, Naina touched his feet, and Vikram gently lifted her up.
Together, they took blessings from the elders.
As they came downstairs, Maya called Naina over. "Naina, Vikram was also fasting."
"What?" Naina replied in surprise.
"Yes, I sensed it, so I thought I should let you know. Come, let's eat now."
Naina sat next to Vikram, glancing at him. When Vikram noticed her looking at him, he silently asked her with his eyes what was wrong. She shook her head, indicating nothing was the matter, and then began eating her food.
Vikram and Naina enter their room. Naina begins removing her jewelry while Vikram steps out after changing his clothes. Naina watches him, then stands and approaches him, asking, "Did you really keep the fast?"
Vikram looks at her intently before pulling her close, causing her to place her hand on his chest. He gently runs his fingers through her hair, loosening it.
"Do you know how beautiful you look today?" he says softly.
"Everyone’s been saying that," Naina quickly responds.
He smiles and replies, "That's because today, I prepared you with my own hands." After a long pause, he adds, "And just imagine what will happen the day you become colored in my hues."
"(Aur socho us din kya hoga jab tum mere rang mein rang jaaungi...)"
"My heartbeat, my breath, everything, everything of mine will be in you."
Hearing this, Naina feels overwhelmed and turns away, trying to regain control. Vikram catches her dupatta, causing her to stop with her hand on her chest. He steps closer, wrapping the dupatta around her, and then lifts her into his arms.
He steps onto the balcony of his royal bedroom, the scent of fresh flowers filling the air. He had meticulously decorated the space, lining the soft bed with petals in anticipation of this moment. Gently, he lays Naina down on the bed, her serene expression contrasting with the turmoil in his heart.
Her eyes remain closed as he sits beside her, tenderly turning her onto her back. He reaches for the basket of flowers, his fingers delicately threading the blossoms through her hair. His gaze is fixed on her face, searching for the slightest flicker of emotion.
His hand trails down to her leg, moving slowly upward, causing her breath to hitch. Naina's eyes squeeze shut, her heartbeat pounding in her chest, a silent plea written across her face. Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, she breathes his name.
"Vik...ram."
At the sound of his name on her lips, Vikram freezes, his breath catching as he realizes the depth of her feelings.
This was what he needed to hear. He moves closer, lying down beside her, and gently pulls her into his arms. Naina, not wanting to face him, buries her head against his chest. Vikram wraps the blanket around them, cocooning them in warmth.
He gazes down at her and softly says, "On the night of our wedding, you slept peacefully—on what was supposed to be our night."
A playful chuckle escapes him as he adds, "Now, can I steal all your nights so that you never sleep again?"
Naina’s face flushes a deep red, her heart racing at his words.
~~~~
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