Raghav’s POV:

As I walked back from school, the streets were bustling with life. The scent of freshly fried samosas and the vibrant colors of roadside stalls pulled at my attention. Amidst the crowd, my eyes fell on a shop displaying delicate glass bangles and fragrant gajras. Without a second thought, I bought them, imagining how beautifully Aarti’s hair would look adorned with the gajra and how the bangles would suit her slender wrists.

When I entered the house, I quietly placed the gajra and bangles in our room. A thought struck me as I glanced at the attic door. The veena she cherished was still up there. It seemed unfair for her to climb up and down every time she wanted to play it. I made my way to the attic, dusted the veena off, and carried it to our room, setting it in a corner where it would be easy for her to reach.

As the aroma of dinner filled the house, I freshened up and joined Aarti at the meal. She was serving the food but, as usual, refused to sit with me.

“Aarti Jaan, agar tum mere saath nahi baithogi, toh main bhi nahi khaunga.”

(Aarti Jaan, if you don’t sit with me, then I won’t eat either.)

She hesitated, looking unsure, but I kept a pleading gaze on her. Finally, she relented, her lips curving into a small, reluctant smile. Victory felt sweet as she sat down beside me, and I served her food, feeling an odd sense of joy in this simple act.

Aarti’s POV:

After dinner, I was tidying up when I suddenly felt warm hands cover my eyes. My heart skipped a beat, and fear gripped me.

“Kaun hai?” I asked, my voice trembling.

(Who is it?)

“Main hoon, Aarti,” Raghav’s voice came, calm and reassuring.

(It’s me, Aarti.)

I let out a shaky breath, my shoulders relaxing. “Aap ne toh dara hi diya tha.”

(You scared me.)

“Chalo, mere saath,” he said, guiding me to our room.

(Come with me.)

When he removed his hands, I blinked and looked around. My eyes widened as I noticed the veena in the corner of our room. I turned to him, confused but touched.

“Aap… yahaan le aaye?” I asked softly, my voice laden with emotion.

(You… brought it here?)

“Haan, socha ki tumhare liye aasaan hoga. Baar-baar upar jaane ki zarurat nahi,” he replied, a small smile on his face.

(Yes, I thought it would be easier for you. You won’t have to go up every time.)

Tears prickled my eyes. It wasn’t just about the veena; it was the thoughtfulness behind the gesture. “Aapne… mere liye yeh kiya?”

(You… did this for me?)

“Haan, aur kuch baaki hai,” he said, his voice holding a hint of mischief.

(Yes, and there’s more.)

“Aur kuch?” I asked, bewildered.

(Something more?)

He shook his head, pulling out the gajra and bangles from behind his back. My heart skipped a beat. “Yeh tumhare liye.”

(This is for you.)

I stared at the beautiful white gajra and the green and gold bangles. “Raghav ji, Aapko kaise pata yeh mera pasand ka rang hai?”

(Raghav ji, How did you know this is my favorite color?)

“Tumhare pati hoon main. Sab jaanta hoon,” he said with a teasing grin, making my cheeks flush.

(I’m your husband. I know everything.)

Before I could respond, he gently stepped closer, lifting the delicate gajra and placing it carefully in my hair. His fingers brushed against my temple, and I felt a warmth spread across my face. His movements were slow, deliberate, and filled with affection.

He then took my hand in his, holding it as if it were the most fragile thing. Picking up the bangles, he slid them onto my wrist one by one. The soft clinking sound of glass against glass echoed in the quiet room, and I couldn’t help but stare at the way they glimmered under the dim light. My heart swelled with emotions - gratitude, affection, and something I couldn’t quite name.

“Raghav ji,” I whispered, my voice trembling slightly.

“Jaan, Batao, pasand aaya?” he asked softly, his eyes searching mine.

(Jaan,Tell me, did you like it?)

I nodded, unable to find the words to express how I felt. All I could do was let my actions speak. Without thinking, I stepped closer and hugged him tightly, my head resting against his chest. His warmth enveloped me, and I felt safe, cherished. On an impulse, I pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.

For a moment, he stood frozen. Then I felt his hand tighten slightly around my waist. Looking up, I saw the blush creeping across his face, and I couldn’t help but smile.

Raghav’s POV:

The kiss left me stunned. My face grew warm, and I knew I was blushing.

“Arre Raghav ji, aap sharma rahe hain?” Aarti teased, her tone playful as she stepped back to look at me.

(Oh Raghav ji, are you blushing?)

“Nahi toh,” I denied, turning my face away, though I knew my red ears were giving me away.

(No, I’m not.)

“Haan, haan, sharma toh rahe hain,” she said, giggling softly.

(Yes, yes, you are.)

Before I could think of a retort, she reached out, touching my hand gently. “Aap itne ache kyun hain, Raghav Ji?” she asked, her voice soft and filled with affection.

(Why are you so nice, Raghav ji?)

Her words tugged at something deep within me. I cupped her face, looking into her eyes. “Main bas chahta hoon ki tum hamesha khush raho, Aarti. Tumhare sapne kabhi na tootein,” I said sincerely.

(I just want you to always be happy, Aarti. I don’t want your dreams to ever break.)

As I gazed at her, I realized how much she meant to me. Slowly, I leaned closer, and in the dim light of our room, our lips met in a tender, gentle kiss.

Aarti's hands rested on my chest, her fingers tracing the contours of my face. I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer, our bodies swaying together.

The kiss deepened, our breaths mingling, our hearts beating as one. The world outside receded, leaving only the two of us, lost in this moment.

Without breaking the kiss, I guided her to the bed, our bodies sinking into the softness together. The gentle rustle of her saree, the soft whisper of her breath, and the warmth of her skin all blended together in a sweet, intoxicating sensation.

As we lay together, our fingers intertwined, our bodies swayed in a gentle rhythm. Aarti's saree rustled softly, the silk whispering against my skin. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close, our hearts beating in unison.

The dim light of our room cast a warm glow on our entwined forms. Aarti's hair, fragrant with the scent of gajra, cascaded down her back, tickling my skin. I buried my face in the softness of her locks, inhaling the sweetness.

Our lips met again, the kiss deepening, our breaths mingling. The world outside receded, leaving only the gentle rustle of fabric, the soft whispers of our breaths, and the warmth of our skin.

As we lay together, familiarity and comfort wrapped around us. Aarti's saree rustled softly as she settled into my arms. I held her close, my hands tracing the contours of her body, rekindling the intimacy we shared.

The dim light of our room cast a warm glow, illuminating the gentle rise and fall of our chests. Aarti's hair, fragrant with the scent of gajra, cascaded down her back, tickling my skin. Our eyes met, and I smiled, feeling a deep connection.

In this quiet, peaceful moment, our bodies swayed together, our hearts beating in harmony. The world outside receded, leaving only the soft whispers of our breaths, the warmth of our skin, and the comfort of each other's presence.