The night was shrouded in silence as Riya and Arjun lay in the stillness of their shared bed, the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains. As sleep began to claim them, Riya's dreams took a dark turn, haunted by shadows from her paracosm, Whispering Vale.
In her sleep, Riya's brow furrowed with distress, her breathing quickening as she became ensnared in the tendrils of a nightmare. Images of darkness and uncertainty flashed before her mind's eye, the echoes of her paracosm's mysteries casting a shadow over her slumber. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows—a sinister presence cloaked in darkness, its eyes gleaming with malice as it advanced towards her. Riya's heart hammered in her chest as she tried to flee, but her feet felt rooted to the ground, her limbs heavy with the weight of her terror.
Arjun stirred beside her, his instincts alert to the subtle shifts in Riya's demeanor. Sensing her distress, he reached out to gently brush the hair away from her forehead, his touch a soothing balm against the turmoil of her dreams.
Suddenly, Riya's body tensed. In that moment of despair, Riya felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her, pulling her close in a comforting embrace. Startled, she looked up to see Arjun standing before her, his eyes filled with concern and compassion.
A soft whimper escaping her lips as she was consumed by the depths of her nightmare. Without hesitation, Arjun drew her close, wrapping her in the warmth of his embrace as he whispered words of comfort and reassurance.
"Shh, Fey, I'm here," Arjun murmured, his voice a gentle murmur in the darkness. "You're safe with me."
she was disoriented, the remnants of her nightmare fading into the recesses of her mind as she focused on the steady rhythm of Arjun's heartbeat.
"Arjun," Riya whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. Arjun held her tighter, his embrace a silent promise of protection and support. "It's okay, fey," he said softly. "You're safe now. I won't let anything harm you."
In the warmth of Arjun's embrace, Riya felt the last vestiges of fear begin to fade away. She nestled closer to him, seeking solace in the comfort of his arms as she surrendered to the embrace of sleep once more.
As dawn broke on the horizon, Riya and Arjun lay entwined in each other's arms, their hearts united in a bond that transcended the shadows of the night. In that moment, they knew that no matter what trials lay ahead, they would face them together, bound by the unbreakable ties of love and understanding.
The soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room as Riya stirred from her slumber. Blinking sleepily, she reached out to her side, expecting to find Arjun's comforting presence beside her. But to her surprise, the bed was empty, the sheets cool to the touch.
Confusion washed over Riya as she sat up, her heart fluttering with worry. Where was Arjun? Had something happened during the night? As she scanned the room for any sign of him, her eyes landed on a piece of paper lying on the bedside table.
With trembling hands, Riya picked up the note, her heart pounding in her chest as she unfolded it to reveal Arjun's familiar handwriting. As she read his words, a wave of warmth washed over her, banishing the chill of fear that had gripped her heart.
"My wife, Fey,
Her name written with a tenderness that brought a small smile to her lips. Though she was confused why he calls her Fey, it sounds comforting and loving.
' I'm sorry to have left your side in the early hours of the morning ,but I am in my personal gym. Please don't worry about me—I'll be back before you know it.
I know we're still getting to know each other, and I understand if you need some space," Arjun had written. "Let's take things slow and be friends first. I'm here for you, Riya, no matter what.
With all my love,
Arjun'
;)
Tears welled up in Riya's eyes as she read Arjun's heartfelt words, her heart overflowing with gratitude for his kindness and understanding. In that moment, she realized that she wasn't alone—that Arjun was right there beside her, ready to support her in any way he could.
With a sigh of relief, Riya folded the note and tucked it into her pocket, a comforting reminder of the bond that was slowly blossoming between her and Arjun.
With a sense of determination coursing through her veins, Riya reached for a pen and a sheet of paper, her thoughts swirling as she began to write her response:
'Arjun,
Thank you for your note. Your kindness means more to me than you know. I agree—we should take things slow and get to know each other as friends first.
I appreciate your patience and understanding, especially in a situation as unconventional as ours. I'm grateful to have you by my side as we navigate this journey together.
Looking forward to getting to know you better.
Your wife,
Fey...
PSS
(but I wanna know the meaning of this word)
(๑•ᴗ•๑)♡
Happy smile grazing her lips. Keeping note for her husband she left to freshen up and get ready for the long day ahead.
...
Riya stood before the mirror, her reflection adorned in a resplendent saree that shimmered like moonlight on silk. The delicate fabric draped gracefully around her, accentuating her every curve with an ethereal glow. Her hair was swept up in an elegant bun, adorned with delicate jasmine flowers that perfumed the air with their sweet fragrance.
As Riya made her way down the grand staircase of Malhotra Mansion, Arjun stood at the bottom, his breath catching in his throat at the sight of her. She was a vision of beauty, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she descended towards him.
Arjun couldn't tear his gaze away from her, his heart pounding in his chest as he took in her radiant beauty. She was more stunning than he could have ever imagined, her presence filling the room with a warmth that enveloped him like a gentle embrace.
"Wow, Fey ," Arjun whispered as she reached the bottom of the staircase, his voice filled with awe. "You look absolutely breathtaking."
Riya smiled at his words, her cheeks flushed with a blush as she met his gaze. "Thank you, Arjun," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "You don't look too bad yourself."
Arjun chuckled at her playful response, the sound echoing through the grand foyer of the mansion. "Well, I suppose I'll have to do it," he said with a grin, his eyes twinkling with affection.
Ritu and Arman exchanged knowing glances as they watched the couple, their laughter echoing through the halls of the mansion.
"Looks like someone's got a crush," Ritu teased, nudging Riya with a playful grin.
Riya rolled her eyes at her sister in law's antics, though a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Oh, hush, Ritu," she replied, her voice tinged with amusement. "You're just jealous because you don't have a handsome husband like mine."
Arman joined in the teasing, his laughter mingling with Ritu's as he clapped Arjun on the back. "I must admit, brother, you've done well for yourself," he said with a wink. "Riya is truly a gem."
Arjun grinned at his brother's words, a sense of pride swelling within him at the realization of the love he shared with Riya.
Riya entered the living room of Malhotra Mansion. The room was alive with excitement, the air filled with the sound of laughter and chatter as their family members gathered to welcome the new couple.
As Riya stepped into the room, she couldn't help but feel a rush of nervous energy coursing through her veins. This was her first official duty as Arjun's wife—to prepare her first rasoi, a tradition that held special significance in their culture.
Arjun stood by her side, his hand resting reassuringly on her back as they made their way through the crowd. His presence was a comforting anchor amidst the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.
Their siblings were waiting for them with mischievous grins, their eyes twinkling with excitement as they teased Riya mercilessly.
"Well, well, well, look who's finally decided to join us!" Ritu exclaimed, her voice filled with mock indignation. "We were starting to think you'd forgotten about us, bhabhi!" she said with extra sweetness.
Riya rolled her eyes at her sister in law's antics, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Sorry, Ritu," she replied, her voice tinged with amusement. "I got a little sidetracked."
Arman joined in the teasing, his grin widening as he nudged Arjun playfully. "You better watch out, Arjun," he said with a wink. "Your wife's cooking might just put you in the hospital!"
Arjun chuckled at his brother's jest, his eyes sparkling with affection as he wrapped an arm around Riya's waist. "I have complete faith in Riya's culinary skills," he declared, his voice filled with confidence. "I'm sure her rasoi will be nothing short of delicious."
As Riya and Arjun made their way to the kitchen, their family members followed close behind, eager to witness the beginning of this new chapter in their lives. Despite the teasing and the nerves that threatened to bubble to the surface, Riya couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within her.
As Riya prepared for her first Rasoi ceremony, the air in the Malhotra Mansion was filled with excitement and anticipation. It was a tradition that held deep significance in their family—a celebration of a bride's first entry into the kitchen to cook a meal for her new family. Riya felt a mixture of nerves and pride as she adorned herself in traditional attire, ready to embark on this important rite of passage.
In the kitchen, the fragrance of spices filled the air as Riya worked alongside the family's seasoned cooks, learning the secrets of their cherished family recipes. With each stir of the pot and sprinkle of spice, Riya felt a sense of connection to her new role as the heart of her new home.
As the preparations for the Rasoi ceremony reached their peak, the Malhotra family gathered eagerly in the dining hall, their faces alight with excitement. Arjun stood by Riya's side, his eyes filled with pride as he watched his bride embrace her new responsibilities with grace and determination.
With a flourish, Riya presented her first cooked meal—a feast fit for a king, prepared with love and care. The aroma of the dishes wafted through the air, tantalising the senses and stirring the appetites of all who were present.
The family gathered around the table, their laughter and chatter filling the room as they shared in the joy of the occasion.
Riya felt a knot form in her stomach, her nerves getting the best of her as she awaited their verdict on her cooking. But as the first bite was taken, her anxiety melted away in the warmth of their praise.
"Riya, this food is absolutely delicious!" exclaimed Arjun's aunt,Priya Malhotra, her eyes twinkling with delight as she sampled a mouthful of Riya's signature dish.
Riya's heart swelled with pride at the compliment, a sense of satisfaction washing over her as she watched Arjun's family enjoy her cooking. She had poured her heart and soul into every dish, determined to win their approval, and to see them smiling and laughing as they ate filled her with a sense of joy she couldn't describe.
As they savored each bite of Riya's delicious cooking, they couldn't help but marvel at her talent and dedication.
But it wasn't just the food that brought them together—it was the love and warmth that Riya infused into every dish, a reflection of her deep commitment to her new family. As they ate and laughed together, Riya felt a sense of belonging wash over her, her heart overflowing with gratitude for the love and acceptance of her new family.
As the meal progressed, Riya found herself engaged in lively conversation with Arjun's family, their warm words and kind gestures putting her at ease. They showered her with praise and compliments, praising not only her culinary skills but also her kindness and grace.
"Riya, you're a true gem," Arjun's grandmother said, her eyes twinkling with affection as she reached out to take Riya's hand in hers. "We're so lucky to have you as part of our family."
Tears pricked at the corners of Riya's eyes at the heartfelt sentiment, her heart overflowing with gratitude for the love and acceptance she had found with Arjun's family. In that moment, surrounded by the warmth and laughter of their gathering, Riya knew that she had found a place where she truly belonged.
But during the whole ceremony Riya's eyes moved to Arjun as she waited for him to say something about the food. His silence pierced her heart. Did he not like the food? Did I do something wrong? Her mind was flooded by those negative thoughts.
As the food ceremony came to a close, Riya found herself surrounded by gifts and well-wishes from her new family. But more than the material tokens of affection, it was the love and acceptance they felt from those gathered around them that filled their hearts with joy and gratitude.
Arjun's POV...
Arjun sat at the dining table, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he watched Riya bustling around the kitchen, her brow furrowed in concentration as she prepared their evening meal. He had decided to play a little game of teasing with Riya, pretending to be engrossed in his phone, silently observing her culinary endeavors.
As Riya moved about the kitchen, Arjun couldn't help but marvel at her grace and skill. Despite her initial nervousness about cooking for him, she had thrown herself into the task with determination, determined to prove herself capable. And as the tantalizing aroma of her cooking filled the air, Arjun found himself growing increasingly hungry—and impressed.
But instead of acknowledging Riya's efforts, Arjun maintained his facade of indifference, determined to keep her guessing. He watched with amusement as Riya stole glances in his direction, her eyes searching for some sign of approval or recognition.
As dinner was finally served, Arjun couldn't resist the opportunity to continue his playful charade. He took a bite of Riya's cooking, savoring the delicious flavors that exploded on his palate, but said nothing, his lips sealed in mock silence.
Riya's brow furrowed in concern as she watched Arjun's reaction, her heart pounding with apprehension. Had she failed to meet his expectations? Was her cooking not good enough?
After breakfast Arjun moved to his room to change and get ready for work. As his eyes fell on the note kept on the side table. He thought that she ignored his letter. With a sunken heart he moved to remove it from the table. But was surprised to see what lay ahead. He felt happy at their new mode of conversation.
Arjun read Riya's letter with a sense of gratitude and warmth spreading through him. Her words touched him deeply, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for the woman who had become his wife, even in the midst of their arranged marriage.
As he sat at the desk in their room, Arjun reached for a pen and a fresh sheet of paper, his thoughts swirling as he began to craft his response:
"Fey,
Thank you for your letter. Your words mean the world to me, and I'm grateful for your openness and honesty. Taking things slow as friends feels right, especially in a situation as unique as ours.
I want you to know that I'm here for you, Riya. Whatever you need, whatever you're feeling, I'll always be by your side. Together, we'll navigate this journey with patience, understanding, and respect.
On a lighter note, I have to say, your cooking skills are incredible. The meal you prepared today was delicious—I don't think I've ever tasted anything quite like it. And never think low of yourself because you are amazing. I was just playing around with you and didn't know how to express it.
Thank you for being you, Fey. I'm excited to see where this journey takes us.
Yours always,
Arjun"
PS
I will tell you the meaning when time comes. Just wait.
With a smile, Arjun sealed the letter with a kiss and her gift, before making his way downstairs to join the men of family as they leave for office.