Chapter - 64
He held my hand as we walked together, heading toward his study room. But instead of going inside the study, he stopped near the next door and opened it gently.
The room felt different. Soft and warm... the lights were bright but not harsh. It was peaceful. The walls were painted in pastel colors, and the curtains fluttered slightly with the breeze coming from the open window. A small round table stood in the middle with two chairs and a couch.
An elder woman, maybe in her 70s, sat on a single armchair. She had a soft smile and warm eyes that reminded me of... comfort. She wore a simple saree and looked so calm, like someone who would never scold you even if you made a mistake.
Aarav gently guided me to the couch beside her and made me sit. He was about to leave when I panicked a little inside and quickly held his hand tight. He looked at me, and I nodded, silently begging him to stay.
The woman noticed. She said softly,
"You can stay with her, Rana sa."
Aarav gave my hand a gentle squeeze and stayed beside me.
The woman turned to me with a kind expression.
"I'm Sunita Arora. I'm a therapist, but today, I'm not here in that role. I just wanted to talk... and more importantly, to listen."
I nodded slowly.
She asked gently,
"What's your name, Dear?"
"Siya... Siya Aarav Singh Rathore."
She smiled.
"That's a beautiful name. Siya, what do you do?"
I replied softly,
"I just finished my second year of English Literature. I'm on a break before the final year starts."
"Ah, you must love books?"
I smiled a little,
"Yes... very much."
"And what do you like the most these days?"
I glanced at Aarav and said shyly,
"When Aarav... spends time with me."
Aarav smiled too, but didn't say anything.
She nodded, writing something down lightly in her small notebook.
"And what do you dislike?"
I thought for a second and replied,
"Khichdi... I don't like khichdi at all."
I made a small face and Aarav chuckled lightly beside me.
She smiled warmly,
"So no khichdi for Siya noted."
She kept her voice soft, never once asking anything that felt heavy. Just simple things — my favorite color, if I liked music, did I enjoy rain or sunshine, and whether I had any hobbies.
I answered everything honestly. It didn't feel like she was trying to 'know' me for work. It felt like... she really wanted to understand who I was.
After maybe thirty minutes, she said while standing up slowly,
"I'll come tomorrow again. Only if you want me to."
I quickly said,
"I'd like that."
She smiled.
"Good. Then I'll be here."
I stood too, feeling much lighter than before. Then I asked softly,
"What should I call you?"
She thought for a moment and said,
"Mrs. Arora... or Dr. Arora."
I made a face and said,
"That sounds too formal..."
She laughed gently,
"Then... how about 'Granny'? If that's okay with you."
I smiled wide for the first time today,
"Yes... Granny sounds nice."
She touched my head like a blessing and left the room.
I turned to Aarav, still holding his hand.
I didn't say anything.
But he knew what I wanted to say.
I liked her.
For the first time in days... I didn't feel afraid.
After lunch, Aarav and I were just about to go to our room when suddenly Anaya came running toward us with a big smile on her face.
"Bhabhi, let's go! Today is our girls' date!" she said excitedly, holding my hand. "And that too in the dress I brought. We'll do twinning!"
Before I could even react, Aarav raised his eyebrows and said, "Date? Why would my wife go on a date with you? When—"
But before he could complete, Anaya quickly said, "You're too late now, Aarav Bhai. She's already mine for the evening," and she giggled while pulling my hand.
Just then Arjun bhaiya, who was standing at the entrance, crossed his arms and said with a teasing smile, "First ask Bhabhi if she even wants to go with you?"
Anaya made a face at him, then turned to me with her big puppy eyes, holding both my hands.
"Will you not go with me, bhabhi?" she asked sweetly, swaying a little like a child.
How could I say no to that face? I smiled and gave a small nod. "Okay, I'll go."
Anaya cheered and stuck her tongue out playfully toward Arjun bhaiya. I looked at Aarav, my eyes quietly telling him, "I want to go."
He held my gaze for a second, then nodded gently — a silent way of saying, "Then you should."
His expression softened, as if he understood without needing a single word.
We both went to our room to get ready. Anaya gave me the dress—long floral button-down, elbow-length sleeves, and a V-neck. Hers was soft white, and mine was warm red. She chose it keeping in mind my comfort, and that touched my heart.
We helped each other with our hair and makeup, laughing and sharing little stories. It felt so special. These little things... I missed them all my life.
Natasha never acknowledged me as a sister. My bhabhi... I never really got a chance to do these girly things with her. But today, with Anaya, it felt like I finally had a sister who wanted me.
I was lost in that thought when Anaya snapped her fingers in front of my eyes.
"Let's go, Bhabhi!"
We stepped out of the room, still giggling.
"I'll just go grab my phone from my room, you wait in the living room," she said and rushed away.
As I walked to the living room, Aarav came up behind me.
He held out a card to me. "Here. Take this."
"I have my card, Avi," I said softly, "the one Papa gave me. I don't need this."
He looked at me seriously and said, "I'll be happy if you use our card."
I blinked at his words and nodded, taking it from his hand.
Then he leaned forward and kissed me on my forehead gently.
"Enjoy. But don't eat anything unhealthy outside, okay?"
I smiled, holding his hand for a second, and nodded.
"I won't."
As he stepped back, I looked at him once more before Anaya came running with her phone, ready to go.
Anaya and I first went to the mall. She was so excited, holding my hand and pulling me toward every store. "Bhabhi, remember! This is our girls' date! So today, we only buy for ourselves, okay?"
I smiled and said, "But what about everyone at home? Shouldn't we take something for them too? Otherwise, they might feel bad..."
She quickly stopped and looked at me like I'd said something silly. "They won't feel bad, Bhabhi. In fact, they'll be happier knowing you finally bought something for yourself. Trust me!"
I looked at her for a second, then nodded. Maybe she was right. This time, I promised myself—I will not look at price tags. I'll just buy what I like.
We went from one shop to another. She picked a soft pink dress for me and some pretty earrings. I picked a lavender scarf and a cute handbag. We both even bought matching bracelets. For the first time in my life, I wasn't feeling guilty while shopping.
After our bags were full and our hearts even fuller, Anaya said, "Now let's go, Bhabhi! A perfect girls' day needs a movie too!"
We both laughed and agreed.
We reached the theatre and were about to order popcorn and cold drinks when someone suddenly came behind us and saidgently to Anaya, "Princess, this is the food sent by Ranasa. He said no outside food allowed for both of you."
It was a tall man in a white uniform, holding a tray with two paper-wrapped sandwiches, fresh juice, and fruit slices. Anaya giggled and took the tray.
She turned to me with a mischievous grin. "See, Bhabhi? My brother is madly in love with you. Who sends food to the theatre? Only your Avi."
My cheeks turned red. I looked down, trying to hide my shy smile.
How does he do this? Before I even feel the need... he's already thought about it.
We took our seats inside the theatre. The lights dimmed, and the movie began. As I took the first bite of the sandwich, my heart melted again.
This was made by my Avi. I could taste it. The way he adds a little extra seasoning to make it perfect for me... I knew.
I looked at the screen, but my thoughts were with him.
Thank you, Shivji... for sending him in my life. I don't know how to say it, but every small thing he does, every silent care... it heals a part of me that I thought would always stay broken.
Anaya whispered in my ear, "You know, if Bhai wasn't my brother, I'd be jealous of you."
I laughed softly, leaning my head on her shoulder for a moment.
She giggled, "But it's okay. You're the only one who deserves him."
The rest of the movie passed with soft laughter, stolen smiles, and warm feelings I couldn't name.
It wasn't just a girls' date.
It was a piece of the life I always wished for...
And today, I finally lived it.
After dinner, we were finally in our room. Aarav was sitting on the bed, leaning back slightly on the headboard, and I was so excited to show him everything Anaya and I had bought today.
One by one, I showed him all the dresses I picked, even wore two of them just to see what he thought. And with every change, every turn I took in front of him, he smiled that little soft smile—the one that always makes my heart melt.
"You look beautiful," he said when I wore the lilac one.
"And this one?" I asked, holding the floral blue dress against me.
"My heart can't take it, Siya," he replied, eyes sparkling with affection.
I blushed and looked down like I always do when he says things like that.
"And this bracelet," I said, holding up my wrist, "Anaya got one just like it. We're twinning again." I giggled softly. "She made sure everything I wore today was matching with her."
He just looked at me with such softness in his eyes. He didn't say much. He just listened—and sometimes that's all I ever need.
Then I remembered the small surprise I brought for him. Quietly, I picked the box from behind the shopping bags and gave it to him.
He looked a little confused, then opened it slowly.
Inside was a navy blue tie. Simple. Elegant. Just like him.
He looked at it for a second and then at me.
"Siya... it was your girls' day out. You should've focused only on yourself," he said gently.
I bit my lip and smiled. "I tried... but how could I not get something for you? I had to hide it from Anaya too, or she would have teased me nonstop, just like she did when that man brought your food for us at the movie."
Aarav chuckled softly and held my hand. "Oh yes... the food. So you were about to order that unhealthy stuff, weren't you, hmm?"
I looked down immediately, caught.
"I..." I tried to say something, but nothing came.
Before I could speak again, he leaned a little closer, his voice low and teasing, "So my little queen didn't listen to me?"
I looked up slowly, my heart beating a little faster.
"You deserve punishment then," he said, mischief twinkling in his eyes.
"W-What punishment?" I stammered, already nervous.
Without another word, he pulled me gently toward him and made me sit on his lap. I gasped slightly, my cheeks heating up.
"A-Avi..." I whispered, trying to understand what was happening.
He didn't answer with words. Instead, he tucked my hair behind my ear, leaned closer, and softly placed a kiss on my neck.
I closed my eyes. His lips were warm, slow, tender.
When he found the softest spot near my collarbone and kissed it again, a tiny sound escaped me. I couldn't help it.
His grip on my waist tightened just slightly, like that sound was all he needed. He kissed me there again—this time, a little deeper.
Then he bit the same spot gently.
"Ow—Avi!" I gasped, my eyes flying open.
He smiled against my skin, "That's your punishment, Ranisa. For not listening to your king."
I buried my face in his neck, too shy to look at him.
But in that moment... with his arms around me, with the warmth of his touch still tingling on my skin... I had never felt more loved.
And I knew...
I was exactly where I belonged.
In his arms.
Always.