Raghav’s pov:

It had been a long day at work, and I was looking forward to coming home to Aarti. When I walked into the house, I was greeted by the aroma of something delicious wafting from the kitchen. Aarti was busy cooking, her hair tied back, a soft hum escaping her lips as she worked.

“Raghav ji, thoda taaza ho jao.  khana lagbhag taiyar hai,” she said with a warm smile, glancing at me briefly before returning her attention to the pots and pans.
(Raghav ji, freshen up. Dinner is almost ready. )

I frowned slightly, intrigued. She had been glowing with a strange excitement all day, but I hadn’t thought much of it.

Once I’d freshened up, I made my way to the dining table, where Aarti had set up an elaborate spread. It was filled with all my favorite dishes -  dal makhani, hot rotis, and even gulab jamuns for dessert.

“Jaan, yeh sab tumne mere liye banaya? ” I asked, surprised and touched.
(My love, you made all this for me?)

She nodded, her cheeks flushed with happiness. “Haan, Raghav ji. Aap hamesha meri khayal rakhte ho, aaj meri baari hai.”
(Yes, Raghav ji. You always take care of me; today it’s my turn.)

We sat down to eat, and I couldn’t stop complimenting her cooking. Every bite was perfect, filled with love and warmth. She watched me with a quiet joy, her eyes lighting up every time I praised a dish.

After dinner, as I leaned back in my chair, utterly content, she came behind me.

“Raghav ji, apni aankhein band kijiye. Mujhe aapko kuch dena hai.”
(Raghav ji, close your eyes. I have something for you.)

I chuckled softly, closing my eyes. “Aksar, main hi surprise deta hoon, Aarti. Kya baat hai, aaj tum itni special kyu ho?”
(Usually, I’m the one giving surprises, Aarti.What’s the matter? Whats  so special today?)

She didn’t respond, and I felt her gently place something around my wrist.

“Ab aankhein kholo.”
(Now open your eyes.)

When I opened them, I saw a small, neatly wrapped box.

“Yeh kya hai, Jaan?” I asked, looking at the box curiously.
(What is this, My love?)

“Khud khol ke dekhiye, Raghav ji,” she urged, her smile widening.
(Open it yourself, Raghav ji)

“Aarti, yeh… ” I began, but she cut me off.
(Aarti, this...)

“Yeh aapke liye hai, Raghav ji. Mujhe lagta hai ki main kabhi kabhi apni gratitude dikhana bhool jaati hoon. Aap hamesha mere liye itna kuch karte ho, yeh bas ek chhoti si tofah hai meri taraf se. ”
(This is for you, Raghav ji. I feel like I sometimes forget to show my gratitude. You always do so much for me; this is just a small gift from me.)

I opened the box to find a beautiful wristwatch inside. Its design was simple yet elegant, something that suited my taste perfectly.

“Aap yeh mere liye kharida?” I asked, touched beyond words.
(You bought this for me?)

She nodded, her cheeks turning a shade of pink. “Haan Raghav ji, yeh meri pehli kamaiyan se kharida hai. Maine socha, sabse pehla gift aapko hi dena chahiye.”
(Yes Raghav ji, I bought this with my first earnings. I thought my first gift should be for you.)

“Aarti Jaan, yeh zarurat nahi thi,” I said, though my heart swelled with gratitude.
(Aarti,My love, this wasn’t necessary,) I said.

“Zarurat aur khushi mein farq hota hai, Raghav ji. Mujhe khushi hui ki main aapke liye kuch kar paayi,” she replied, her voice filled with emotion.
(There’s a difference between necessity and joy, Raghav ji. It made me happy that I could do something for you)

I took her hands in mine, overwhelmed by her gesture. “Tumne mujhe sab kuch diya hai, Jaan. Aur ab yeh... Main tumhara yeh pyaar zindagi bhar yaad rakhunga.”
(You’ve given me everything, Jaan. And now this... I’ll remember this love of yours forever.)

She smiled, her eyes glistening. “Aap mere liye itna karte hain, Raghav ji. Yeh toh bas ek chhoti si shuruaat hai.”
(You do so much for me, Raghav ji. This is just a small beginning)

I looked at her, overwhelmed with emotion. “Aarti, tumhe tofah dene ki zarurat nahi hai. Tumhara saath, tumhara pyaar, yeh sab mere liye sabse badi tofah hai.”
(Aarti, you don’t need to give me gifts. Your presence, your love, is the greatest gift for me.)

She smiled, a little shyly. “Mujhe pata hai, lekin kabhi kabhi mujhe bhi yeh mehsoos karana hota hai ki aap mere liye kya maayne rakhte ho.”
(I know, but sometimes I need to make you feel how much you mean to me.)

I pulled her into a hug, holding her close. “Aarti, tum meri zindagi ho. Tumhare bina sab adhoora lagta hai.”
(Aarti, you are my life. Without you, everything feels incomplete.)

She leaned into me, her arms wrapping around me. “Aur aap meri duniya ho, Raghav ji.”
(And you are my world, Raghav ji.)

As I looked at the watch on my wrist, I realized it wasn’t just a gift. It was a symbol of the love and bond we shared - a bond that grew stronger with each passing day.

That night, as I wore the watch for the first time, I couldn’t help but marvel at how Aarti always found ways to make me feel loved. It wasn’t just the watch - it was her thoughtfulness, her heart, and the love behind it that made it the most precious gift I had ever received.

As I looked at her, sitting beside me with that proud smile, I realized once again that she was not just my wife but my greatest blessing.