A/n: OMG OMG! Thank you so much, everyone, for 6k reads! I know it's not much, but for me, it means the world. Please also vote, guys. Reads and votes should be equal, right? So please don't be silent readers. Comment, vote, and share.
Take care.
I'm sorry, guys, for the late update. Actually, I haven't been feeling like writing lately. I still haven't found a job yet, and I'm in my fourth year of college. My parents and relatives are constantly taunting me, so my mood is off.
I know I should be studying, but for some reason, I just can't seem to focus. Ugh, what a life. Yeah, your author also hears taunts it from her parents on a daily basis.
Sorry for rambling on. You can continue with your story now.
Enjoy!
Siya POV:
The next morning, rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the room. As I slowly stirred from my slumber, the realization dawned upon me – it was Diwali, the festival of lights, a day filled with significance and joy.
As I stood by the window, watching people outside preparing for Diwali, a mix of emotions flooded my heart. Diwali was once my favorite time of the year, filled with bright lights, sweets, and family laughter. But ever since my mumma passed away, it's been hard to find joy in the festivities.
Back when my mumma was around, Diwali and Holi were the best days of the year. Our home would be decked out in colorful decorations, and the air would be filled with the smell of delicious sweets. But after she left us, everything changed. It's like the happiness got sucked out of the celebrations, leaving behind a hollow feeling.
At my parent house, no one really paid attention to me anymore. It's like I didn't matter to them after she was gone. So, Diwali became just another day, a painful reminder of what I had lost.
Seeing everyone else getting ready for the festival made me long for those happy times again, even though the memories brought tears to my eyes. It's tough to think about celebrating without my mumma, but a part of me still yearns for that sense of belonging, for the warmth of family. With a heavy heart, I made my way downstairs, unsure of what the day would bring.
As the day of Diwali unfolded, I found myself immersed in the whirlwind of preparations. Abhiram had left for the office but promised to be back by lunchtime. With the festive spirit filling the air, everyone in the house was busy decorating and preparing sweets. As I busied myself with Diwali preparations, Abhiram left for the office, promising to be back home by lunchtime. Meanwhile, the house was bustling with activity as we prepared sweets and decorated every corner.
Amidst the chaos, Vihaan, Aadhya, Ishaan, Krish, and I found ourselves bickering and teasing each other, as siblings often do. Vihaan, the eldest, started it by teasing me about how Abhiram had changed because of me.
"Hey, bhabhi, looks like our bhai has become a new person since you came into his life," Vihaan said with a mischievous grin, earning laughter from the others.
Aadhya, always quick to join in, chimed in, "Yeah, he used to be so serious all the time. Now he's smiling like he's won the lottery!"
Ishaan, trying to imitate Abhiram's serious expression, added, "Remember when bhai used to scold us for the smallest things? Now he's like a big teddy bear!"
Krish, jumped in, "I bet it's all because of Bhabhi maa magic! She's got him wrapped around her finger."
Their teasing brought a smile to my face, and I played along, pretending to be offended. "Hey, don't blame me if your bhai has become soft. I'm just lucky to have such a wonderful husband," I said, joining in their laughter.
As they continued their playful teasing, I couldn't help but feel my cheeks warm with a blush, their words fueling the light-hearted embarrassment.
"Come on, Bhabhi, don't be shy!" Vihaan encouraged, his grin widening as he noticed my flushed cheeks.
Aadhya, with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, teased, "Looks like Bhabhi's turning pinker than the roses Bhai will be bringing her!"
Ishaan chimed in, "Don't worry, Bhabhi, we won't tell anyone about Bhai's secret serenades...unless you want us to!"
Krish, adding his own playful jab, exclaimed, "I think Bhabhi secretly enjoys being serenaded! Maybe we should all take turns singing to her!"
Their playful banter brought laughter and warmth to our Diwali preparations, turning what could have been a routine day into a memorable celebration filled with joy and camaraderie.
The banter continued as we worked together, the playful teasing adding an extra layer of joy to our Diwali preparations. Despite the teasing, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the bond I shared with Abhiram and his family.
Just as promised, Abhiram returned home for lunch, and we all gathered to enjoy a meal together. The afternoon flew by in a blur of laughter and joy as we continued with the Diwali celebrations. As evening approached, it was time for the puja.
Abhiram wore a traditional kurta in which he is looking smoking hot, while I adorned myself in a saree that my mom had given me. With a little help from mom, I managed to drape the saree perfectly. Feeling a sense of pride in my attire, I made my way downstairs for the puja of Maa Laxmi and Ganpati Bappa.
Siya Saree
Dadaji, in his gentle voice, asked me to lead the aarti. With a nervous yet determined heart, I began singing the aarti, pouring my devotion into each word. As the melody filled the air, Dadaji, Chachi, Chota Chacha, Vihaan, Aadhya, Ishaan, and Krish joined in, their voices blending harmoniously. After the aarti, they all showered me with praises, commending my devotion and the sweetness of my voice.
As I finished singing the aarti, Abhiram, standing close by, whispered near ear, his words sending a shiver down my spine, starting from my earlobes and spreading throughout my body.
With a mischievous gleam in his eyes, he whispered, "You look absolutely stunning tonight, Siya. The way you sing, it's like music to my soul." His warm breath against my skin added to the tingling sensation, and I couldn't help but blush at his compliments.
As I tried to regain my composure from Abhiram's teasing, he noticed the blush on my cheeks and couldn't resist adding to the playful banter. With a mischievous grin, he remarked, "Looks like someone's blushing. I wonder what you'll do when we're alone, Siya. Will you still be able to handle yourself?"
His suggestive tone caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but bite my lip nervously, unsure how to respond. Abhiram's boldness stirred a mixture of excitement and apprehension within me, leaving me momentarily speechless.
Feeling a rush of adrenaline, he leaned in closer and whispered huskily, "I can't wait to see that look on your face when we're together, Siya. You drive me crazy." His words sent a jolt of desire coursing through me, and I couldn't help but let out a breathless "Oh..." in response.
In that charged moment, with our eyes locked and hearts racing, Abhiram muttered a single word under his breath, sending a shiver down my spine. "Fuck," he whispered, his voice filled with raw intensity and longing.
As Abhiram continued to flirt shamelessly, his words dripped with a seductive charm that sent shivers down my spine. With a devilish smirk, he whispered in my ear, his breath warm against my skin, "You know, Siya, I can't get enough of you. You're like a drug, intoxicating and addictive." His words sent a rush of heat to my cheeks.
Piyush sudden cough broke the intense moment between Abhiram and me, and I felt a rush of embarrassment flood through me as I pulled away slightly.
"Ahem," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "Am I interrupting something?
Abhiram chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he turned to face Piyush ."Couldn't resist interrupting, could you?"
Piyush grinned mischievously, his eyes dancing with laughter. "Hey, someone had to bring you two back down to earth," he retorted, shooting me a knowing look. "Can't have you getting too carried away now, can we?"
Abhiram laughed, shaking his head in mock exaspera. "Oh, I think we were doing just fine on our own," he replied, shooting me a wink that sent a flutter of butterflies through my stomach.
I felt a blush creep up my cheeks as I attempted to regain my composure. "It's nothing," I stammered, my voice betraying my embarrassment.
Abhiram chuckled, wrapping an arm around my waist possessively shooting Piyush knowing look.
Piyush's grin widened as he nodded in understanding. "Well, don't let me stop you," he said with a wink before turning to leave us alone once more.
As he disappeared from view, Abhiram turned back to me, his gaze softening with affection. "Where were we?" he murmured and my cheeks become more red.
As Dadaji entered the room, his presence disrupting the intimate moment between Abhiram and me, Abhiram let out an exasperated sigh, muttering a few choice words under his breath that made me giggle despite the interruption.
With a playful glint in his eyes, Abhiram leaned in close and whispered, "Looks like we'll have to continue this in the privacy of our room."
His words sent a thrill down my spine, and I felt a rush of nervousness at the thought of being alone with him.
As if sensing my anticipation, Abhiram pressed a tender kiss to my forehead, his lips lingering against my skin. I felt my cheeks flush with warmth as I savored the intimate gesture.
Dadaji said, "Beta your family has arrived and they want to meet both of you" and my heart sank at the mention of my family. "My family?" I echoed, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes, Siya, your family," Dadaji replied with a warm smile. "They've come to celebrate Diwali with us and meet their beloved daughter."
A wave of conflicting emotions washed over me as I struggled to process Dadaji's words. While part of me longed to see my dad and bhai after so long, another part feared from mom and dii and reminders of the past that their presence would bring.
He then turned to me, concern etched in his eyes as he noticed the sudden change in my expression. "What's wrong, love? Are you okay?" he asked softly, his hand reaching out to gently brush against mine.
I forced a smile, attempting to mask my worry. "It's nothing," I replied, hoping he wouldn't press further.
Abhiram studied me for a moment, clearly not entirely convinced by my response, but he chose not to press the issue further. Instead, he simply nodded in understanding, offering me a reassuring smile before guiding me towards where our family awaited us.
I felt a wave of gratitude towards Abhiram for respecting my privacy and not pushing me to divulge my worries.
As we entered the living room, I caught sight of my parents, dii, bhai, and Riya bhabhi eagerly waiting. Overwhelmed with emotion, I rushed towards my brother and enveloped him in a tight hug, tears streaming down my cheeks. Bhai gently patted my back, comforting me with his presence.
After composing myself, I turned to greet my soon-to-be bhabhi with a warm hug, welcoming her into our family. Feeling a bit unsure, I stood there awkwardly, unsure of how to approach my parents and dii as they don't like me.
Just then, my mom approached me, her embrace laced with fake sweetness. She pulled me into a hug, she said, "Beta, it's been so long. How are you?"
I reciprocated the hug, though I couldn't shake off the sense of unease lingering beneath the surface. Despite the outward display of affection, I knew that beneath my mother's facade, there lay a deeper, more complicated truth.
Abhiram noticed I wasn't feeling comfortable around my family. He didn't say anything, but his touch on my shoulder felt reassuring, like he was saying, "I'm here for you." It made me feel a bit better, knowing he understood without me having to explain.
His presence beside me felt like an anchor in the midst of all the emotions swirling around. Even though we didn't talk about it, his silent support meant a lot, reminding me I wasn't facing everything alone. It was like he knew exactly what I needed without me having to say a word.
As the elders conversed, my brother and Riya bhabhi approached Dadaji, presenting a beautifully adorned card. With a gentle smile, my brother spoke, "Dadaji, next month, Riya and I are tying the knot. We would be honored to have all of you with us on our special day."
Dadaji's eyes lit up with joy as he accepted the invitation. "Of course, beta! We'll be there, blessing you both with all our love and best wishes."
The news struck me like a bolt of lightning, and I felt my chest tightening. Next month, their wedding would be, and the thought of returning there flooded me with anxiety. Excusing myself, I hurried to my room, my heart racing. I reached for the pills, swallowing three or four to calm my nerves, struggling to control my breathing. After about 15 agonizing minutes, I composed myself and returned downstairs.
Abhiram's concerned gaze met mine as I descended. "What happened?" he asked softly, his worry palpable. I mustered a weak smile and reassured him, "It's nothing, just felt a bit dizzy." His eyes searched mine for a moment longer before he nodded, though I could tell he wasn't entirely convinced.
As everyone else headed out to burst crackers, I stayed back, not feeling up to joining the festivities. Abhiram noticed my absence and came to coax me to come along. "Come on, Siya, it'll be fun," he urged, but I shook my head, murmuring, "I don't burst crackers."
Despite my reluctance, Abhiram insisted, taking my hand and gently pulling me towards the door. Just as we were about to step out, my sister called out to Abhiram. He hesitated, torn between staying with me and go there. "It's important," Dii said. Sensing his dilemma, I nodded silently, giving him permission to go. "I'll be back in five minutes," he promised, squeezing my hand reassuringly before reluctantly letting go.
From the window, I watched as everyone, including my bhai, bhabhi, and even Dad, joined in the revelry, lighting up the night sky with bursts of color and sound.
Flashback:
As a 5-year-old, I , I tugged at my mom's sleeve, begging to join in the excitement of bursting crackers with papa and bhai. "Mumma, I also want to bust crakers (burst crackers)," I said in my baby voice, eyes welling up with tears.
But Mumma shook her head gently. "Not yet, bacha. It's too risky. When you're older, you can join in the fun, okay?"
"But why not nw(now)? Bhai and papa are doing it, so why can't I?" I asked, tears threatening to spill over.
"Bacha, you're too small. Let's do something else together," Mumma suggested, trying to distract me with sweets.
But I was adamant. "No, I want to wach(watch)!" I insisted.
So, Mumma left me in Papa's care while she went to distribute sweets. But as soon as she was gone, I burst into tears, feeling left out.
"Why are you crying, princess? Who made you cry? I'll beat them up," Bhai exclaimed, but Papa silenced him.
"I want to bust crakers (burst crackers), plewwe(please), Papa," I pleaded, tears still flowing.
"It's dangerous, princess. You're too small," Papa explained, but I persisted, showing them my best puppy-dog eyes.
"Okay, fine, but you have to hold my hand while we burst crackers," Papa relented, and I nodded eagerly.
As I jumped in excitement while bursting crackers, two sparks burned my hand, and I began to cry. Mumma rushed over, glared at Papa and Bhai, and then comforted me in her sweet voice.
"Shh, bacha, it's okay. You're my strong girl, right? Let me apply medicine, and you'll be alright," Mumma reassured me as she took me inside.
Once I stopped crying, Mumma scolded Papa and Bhai for not taking proper care of me. "I told you to take care of her, but you allowed her to burst crackers. What if it was something major?" she scolded.
"Don't sold (scold) them, Mumma. I wanted to bust crakers (burst crackers)," I intervened, trying to ease the tension.
"It's okay, nah. See, everything is alright now. My princess is alright. It won't happen again," Papa assured Mumma, and with that, she melted, relieved that I was safe.
Mumma's eyes softened, and she enveloped me in a warm hug, whispering soothing words. "You're my brave girl," she repeated, her voice filled with love and concern. Papa and Bhai exchanged guilty glances, realizing they should have been more careful. But Papa quickly reassured me, promising that such accidents wouldn't happen again.
As Mumma tended to my burn, Bhai fetched a glass of water to calm me down. "Don't cry, princess. You scared us," he said softly, his usual teasing tone replaced by genuine concern.
Papa knelt beside me, gently wiping away my tears. "You're okay now, right? No more crying, my brave little one," he said, planting a kiss on my forehead.
Feeling comforted by my family's love, I nodded, a small smile returning to my face. Mumma's gentle touch and Papa's reassuring words made me forget the pain, and soon, I was back to my cheerful self.
As the evening progressed, we sat together, enjoying sweets and laughter, the earlier mishap forgotten amidst the warmth of family bonding.
Flashback ends...
I found myself lost in a whirlwind of emotions, tears streaming down my cheeks without my realizing it. Abhiram's gentle voice pulled me back to the present, his concern evident in his eyes as he asked, "Siya, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"
Startled by his presence, I quickly wiped away my tears, trying to compose myself. "It's nothing, just... a childhood memory," I murmured, unable to meet his gaze.
Abhiram reached out, gently brushing away the remaining tears. "You don't have to hide your feelings from me, Siya. I'm here for you," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity.
Feeling a surge of gratitude for his understanding, I managed a small smile. "Thank you, Abhiram. It's just... a painful memory from the past," I said. He wrapped me in a comforting embrace, offering silent support as I let go of the lingering pain.
Abhiram looked at me with encouragement, his hand gently holding mine. "Let's burst a cracker together. I promise I'll be right here with you," he said softly, trying to reassure me.
I hesitated, feeling the old fear stirring within. "I... I'm afraid," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. The memories of pain and fear associated with bursting crackers were still vivid in my mind.
Just then, my brother approached us, a puzzled look on his face. "Siya, why are you standing all the way here? Come on, join us. It's Diwali, let's celebrate together!" he exclaimed, unable to understand my reluctance.
Abhiram turned towards my brother, his tone calm but firm, "She's feeling a bit scared right now."
My brother looked surprised, his eyebrows raising in disbelief. "Scared? But Siya used to burst crackers with us when she was just five. She was never afraid back then. How come she's afraid now?" He sounded genuinely puzzled, remembering our childhood days when fear seemed like a foreign concept to me.
Catching bhai confused look, Abhiram glanced at me, silently asking if I wanted to share more about my fears. I felt a lump in my throat, caught between the memories of my past courage and my present fear.
"It's different now," I started, my voice soft but clear. "
Abhiram glanced at me, giving me a supportive look before answering, "Sometimes, things change. Experiences can affect us in different ways as we grow. It's okay to feel fear; it doesn't make us any less brave. It's facing that fear with someone by your side that counts."
I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat from the emotion. Abhiram's words felt like a warm hug, reassuring and strong.
My brother, still looking a bit puzzled but now with a softer expression, said, "I see. I guess I didn't realize... I'm sorry, Siya. I didn't mean to push you."
Abhiram said gently squeezing my hand, "Exactly. And it's okay to feel afraid. What matters is that we're here to support each other through those fears. We can start slow, maybe with something less intimidating than loud crackers." and I nodded.
With their encouragement, I felt a spark of courage ignite within me. Abhiram took my hand gently, leading me towards the assortment of sparklers and ground spinners—far less intimidating than the loud fireworks that had initially caused my apprehension. My brother, now fully understanding, picked out a sparkler and handed it to me with an encouraging smile.
"Let's start with this," Abhiram suggested, his voice soothing and filled with patience. He lit the sparkler for me, and as the sparkles began to dance and twinkle, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by their beauty. The fear I had felt was slowly being replaced by a sense of wonder, similar to what I felt as a child, but with a newfound appreciation for the moment.
My brother stood beside us, lighting his own sparkler, and for a brief moment, it felt like we were children again, basking in the simple joy of Diwali, free from the complexities of adult fears and apprehensions.
"See, it's not so scary when you're surrounded by people who care about you," Abhiram whispered, his presence a comforting warmth beside me.
As Abhiram's comforting words washed over me, a wave of bittersweet nostalgia swept through my heart. Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought about the happy memories of my childhood—how my parents and brother had always supported me, cared for me, and surrounded me with their love. But now, those memories felt distant, like a fading dream slipping through my fingers.
"It's not the same anymore, I used to have a family who cared for me, who loved me unconditionally. But now... now it's just me, and there's no one left to hold onto," I thought.
Abhiram noticed the somber tone in my voice and gently asked, "Siya, what's bothering you? You know you can tell me anything."
I hesitated, feeling the weight of my emotions too heavy to articulate. But Abhiram's persistence was unwavering. Despite my reluctance to open up, he continued to reassure me, "You're not alone, Siya. You have me now, and I'll always be here for you, no matter what."
His words wrapped around me like a comforting embrace, warming my heart in a way that words couldn't express. Without needing to say anything, Abhiram understood me, offering his unwavering support in the midst of my loneliness. And in that moment, I realized that maybe, just maybe, I wasn't as alone as I had thought.
In the quiet intimacy of our shared moment, I felt a flicker of hope ignite within me. Perhaps, in Abhiram, I had found more than just a husband. He was a beacon of light in the darkness, a steady presence in the turbulence of life. As he reached out to hold my hand, I allowed myself to believe, if only for a moment, that maybe I could find solace and belonging in his unwavering companionship.
With a soft smile, Abhiram squeezed my hand gently, his eyes conveying a depth of understanding and compassion that spoke volumes. In that simple gesture, I found the strength to face the uncertainties of tomorrow, knowing that I didn't have to navigate the journey alone. And as we stood there, united in silent solidarity, I realized that sometimes, the greatest comfort comes from knowing that someone is willing to walk beside you, every step of the way.
As I excused myself from the gathering and made my way to the kitchen for some water, I hoped for a moment of respite from the turmoil of emotions. However, my brief reprieve was shattered when mom and dii intercepted my path, their expressions cold and accusatory. Confused, I asked if they needed anything, but their words cut through me like a knife.
"Siya, you're nothing but a burden," mom spat, her tone laced with bitterness. "Ever since you came into this family, misfortune has followed."
You're a curse, Siya," mom continued, her voice dripping with disdain.
Their words cut through me like a knife, leaving wounds that seemed to bleed endlessly. My mother's voice dripped with venom as she spat out the words, "You're nothing but a cursed bitch, Siya. Your very existence is the reason your mumma is no longer with you."
Dumbfounded by her harsh words, I felt tears welling up in my eyes as my Di accusations only added to the pain. "You've taken everything from me," she hissed, her eyes ablaze with anger. "Abhiram was mine, but you had to ruin everything." she accused, her grip tightening on my arm until it began to ache.
Their accusations echoed in my mind, tormenting me with their relentless cruelty. I felt like a prisoner in my own home, trapped within the suffocating confines of their scorn and disdain.
With tears streaming down my face, I could feel the darkness closing in around me, threatening to swallow me whole. In that moment of despair, I longed for nothing more than escape, a way to break free from the shackles of their hatred and find solace in the embrace of solitude.
Feeling really upset, I quickly went to my room, looking for a way to escape all the bad feelings inside me. With trembling hands, I reached for the bottle of pills, the only refuge I could find from the pain that threatened to consume me.
One by one, I swallowed the bitter pills, hoping they would numb the ache in my heart and quiet the relentless echoes of their cruel words. Tears streamed down my cheeks, mingling with the bitter taste of despair as I sank to the floor, consumed by the weight of their hatred.
In the dim light of my room, I curled into myself, clutching at the empty bottle like it was something that could save me from a big, scary storm. With every pill I took, I was trying really hard to make the hurt and pain go away, hoping to escape the awful feelings from what they said about me.
But the pills, would help me forget the hurt for a little while, I understood deep inside that they couldn't really take away the bad feelings for good. The mean things they said to me hurt me more deeply than anything that could be fixed with medicine, leaving marks on my heart that couldn't be seen but felt very deeply.
The harsh words echoed in my mind, haunting me with every breath I took. "Burden," "curse," "the reason for my mumma's death"—each word was like a knife, cutting deeper into my soul. My hands were sweating, and a severe headache began to pound at my temples, a relentless reminder of the turmoil within.
Breathing became a struggle; each breath was heavy and labored, as if I were trying to inhale through a tight band around my chest. The room seemed to spin around me, the walls closing in as the weight of their accusations pressed down on me.
I felt trapped in a cycle of despair, each thought of their words sending me further into a pit of helplessness. The idea that I could be the cause of such pain, the reason my mumma was no longer here, was a burden too heavy to bear. It felt like I was suffocating, drowning in a sea of guilt and sorrow.
In the darkness of my room, alone with my thoughts, the pain became almost tangible, a constant companion whispering lies that I was unworthy.
After what felt like an eternity, I managed to quell the storm raging inside me, if only temporarily. With trembling hands and a heavy heart, I ventured out of my room and descended the stairs, each step a laborious effort against the weight of my emotions. As I reached the bottom of the staircase my bhai bhabhi come to me.
"Siya, we need to talk to you," bhai began, his voice tinged with a mixture of apprehension and hope.
Bhabhi gently placed a hand on my arm, her expression soft yet resolute. "We know you don't want to go back there, but please, consider coming earlier for our wedding. We need your help with the preparations, and more importantly, we need your support."
Her words resonated within me, stirring a sense of conflict that I struggled to suppress. I knew the pain and anguish that awaited me in that place, yet the desperation in their voices tugged at my heartstrings.
"But why do I have to go back there?" I protested, the bitterness seeping into my tone. "You know how much I dread it, how much it hurts me."
Bhai sighed, his gaze pleading with me to understand. "Siya, you're my only sister. This wedding won't be complete without you. We can't enjoy it, we can't even go through with it if you're not there by our side."
Bhabhi nodded in agreement, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Please, Siya, this is the last time we'll ask you to do this. After the wedding, we promise to come and meet you ourselves. Just for this one occasion, please consider it."
Their words struck a chord within me, stirring a sense of duty and obligation that I found difficult to ignore. Despite the pain and resentment that lingered within me, I couldn't bear to see the disappointment in their eyes.
With a heavy heart, I nodded, my resolve wavering under the weight of their plea. "Okay," I murmured, "I'll come. But remember, this is the last time. After this, I don't want to go back there ever again."
Relief washed over their faces, mingled with gratitude and understanding. Bhai reached out and squeezed my hand, a silent gesture of appreciation for my sacrifice. Bhabhi smiled through her tears, her gratitude evident in every word she spoke.
"Thank you, Siya," Bhabhi whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "You don't know how much this means to us."
As they walked away, leaving me alone with my thoughts, I couldn't shake the feeling of dread that settled in the pit of my stomach.
As I stood there, lost in the tumult of my emotions, Abhiram approached me, concern etched into every line of his face. His eyes searched mine, probing for answers to questions he couldn't bring himself to ask.
"What happened, Siya?" he inquired softly, his voice laced with worry as he took in my pale complexion and the telltale signs of tears that stained my cheeks.
I hesitated, torn between the desire to confide in him and the fear of burdening him with my troubles. With a heavy heart, I plastered a weak smile on my lips, hoping to mask the storm raging within me.
"It's nothing, Abhiram," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper as I avoided his penetrating gaze. Deep down, I knew he wouldn't be satisfied with such a flimsy explanation, but I couldn't bring myself to divulge the truth.
For a moment, silence hung between us, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved tension. I could feel Abhiram's concern radiating from him in waves, his desire to understand and alleviate my pain palpable in the air.
But to my relief, he didn't press the matter further. Instead, he simply nodded, his expression a mixture of understanding and acceptance. Though I knew he longed to unravel the mysteries of my heart, he respected my silence, knowing that some wounds ran too deep to be healed with mere words.
With a gentle squeeze of my hand, Abhiram offered me a reassuring smile, silently promising to stand by my side no matter what challenges lay ahead. And as he enveloped me in a comforting embrace, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of gratitude amidst the turmoil of my emotions – gratitude for the unwavering support of a love that transcended words.
As we retired to our room, the quiet solitude enveloped us, providing a temporary respite from the chaos of the day. I made my way to the closet, intending to change into my comfortable Mickey Mouse nightwear, while Abhiram prepared to change in the room.
As I emerged from the closet, clad in my cozy nightwear, Abhiram enveloped me in a warm embrace, his arms encircling me in a reassuring hug. "Everything will be alright, Siya," he whispered softly, his voice a soothing balm to my troubled soul. I managed a small smile in response, grateful for his unwavering support.
Gently taking my hand in his, Abhiram looked into my eyes with a tender expression. "Would you like to go on a date tomorrow, Spend the whole day together, just you and me?" he asked, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity. My heart fluttered with anticipation as I nodded eagerly in agreement, a smile lighting up my face.
"Yes, Abhiram," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, my heart fluttering with excitement. "I would love to."
In that moment, he leaned forward, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead, his lips lingering against my skin for a fleeting moment before he pulled me into his embrace. I melted into his arms, the weight of the day slipping away as I found solace in his warmth. His touch gentle yet possessive as he tucked the sheets around me with loving care before settling beside me. "May I hug you while we sleep?" he asked, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity.
I nodded eagerly, a smile playing on my lips as I welcomed the comforting embrace of his arms. As he wrapped me in his embrace, pulling me close to his chest, I felt the weight of the world lift from my shoulders. I felt a sense of peace wash over me. In Abhiram's embrace, surrounded by the comforting rhythm of his heartbeat.
My heart overflowing with love and gratitude for this man who had become my rock in times of turmoil.
Curling up beside me, Abhiram wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me close in a comforting embrace. With his steady presence beside me, I felt a sense of peace wash over me, my worries melting away in the warmth of his embrace. And as we drifted off to sleep, entwined in each other's arms, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together, united in love and unwavering in our commitment to each other.
A/n: Thank you so much!
Tell me, what qualities do you want in your life partner?