24.
{Third person's pov}
Kiara and Ekansh entered the venue, with kiara holding on his arms. She was dressed in an olive coloured saree while he was wearing the same thing, his formal wear.
As they walked in, They were approached by Kiara's parents who were invited too, Kiara immediately hugged her mother while Ekansh touched their feets in order to take their blessings.
Once they were done meeting a few people Ekansh's paternal Grandmother approached them,"It's your brother's success party, and you are late? Irresponsible."
Ekansh rolled his eyes at his grandmother's comment, but before he could respond, Kiara replied, her voice calm and polite.
"It was my fault, dadi ji. I took too much time to get ready." She bowed her head slightly towards the grandmother.
"Whatever it was, It doesn't matter, I am here that's enough because I am not even considered as a family member, and I don't even want to be considered that." He added after Kiara and held her wrist, pulling her out of the crowd and towards the room.
"If there's something you want from here, you can take it all today. We will never come back here Kiara." He ordered.
Kiara knew he hated this place and people she held in his arms and caressed it, trying to calm him down, "Calm down baby.
"Sorry." He whispered, his voice quieter now. He ran a hand through his hair, the tension in his shoulders visibly easing.
"I just... I hate how they treat us." He continued, his words tinged with a mixture of frustration and pain. "They don't even see me as human, just a tool to be used and discarded when they see fit."
"I understand, But let's act for the last time, since you said we will never visit here again." She smiled.
Ekansh chuckled softly, appreciating her attempt to lighten the mood. "You're right."
He took a deep breath, forcing back the bitterness and anger that had been building up inside him. "Alright, let's play the part one last time."
.............
They were back from the party, Ekansh took the things out of the car and kept it on the couch, so that the maids could arrange it in the morning.
Kiara immediately ran towards Rookie who was sitting with the old woman, She agreed to look after Rookie while they were at the party.
"Thank you tayi, for waiting for us." Kiara smiled and the woman patted her head, "Anything for you two."
"You can stay the night Tayi, it's late." Ekansh suggested and Kiara nodded, "Yes tayi, you can use the guest room."
The woman smiled and agreed, she went towards the guest room while Ekansh and Kiara walked towards their bedroom along with Rookie.
After entering the room, Ekansh closed the door and leaned back against it, sighing heavily. The fake smiles and forced interactions had drained him emotionally, leaving him feeling exhausted and weary.
The weight of the evening's events weighed heavily on his shoulders, and he let himself sink into the comfort of his own space once again.
He caught Kiara's gaze, his expression weary. "I'm so tired." He muttered, running a hand through his hair.
"I know baby, but atleast change your clothes before going to bed." She pecked his cheeks and walked inside the wardrobe.
Ekansh nodded and began undressing, removing his suit and tie and placing them neatly on a hanger. He ran his fingers through his hair, ruffling it slightly as he let out a weary sigh.
He caught sight of Kiara from the corner of his eye, disappearing into the wardrobe. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips, and he called out, "Need help in there?"
"Not at all." She answered back. He chuckled softly, his eyes still trained on the doorway of the wardrobe. "Alright, just making sure."
He sat down on the edge of the bed, his thoughts still preoccupied with the events of the night. Even though he was tired, he couldn't help but replay the interactions in his mind, the fake smiles and forced politeness.
She came back from the wardrobe, wearing just a shirt if his. "I was thinking we should go somewhere, You will have a break from these things and we will enjoy our very first vacation. Mr. Workaholic what do you say?"
His expression softened at the sight of her in his shirt, a sense of comfort and familiarity washed over him.
He leaned back on his palms, considering her suggestion.
"A vacation, huh?
Sounds tempting." He admitted, a hint of a smile appearing on his face.
He looked at her appreciatively, the sight of her in his shirt making his heart flutter.
"Where can we go?" She asked sitting next to him, "Somewhere calm and fun."
He wrapped his arm around her, bringing her close. He pondered her words, considering the options.
"Somewhere calm and fun..." He mused, his fingers absentmindedly tracing circles on her arm. "How about a cottage by the beach? Somewhere remote and peaceful."
"We can" she whispered, He nodded, the idea of a vacation together sounding more appealing with each passing second. "I'll make the arrangements then," he replied, his voice low and intimate.
She smiled like a kid who got candy, "Thank you, husband."
He chuckled at her excited expression, her enthusiasm infectious. He couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude and love for her in that moment.
"Anything for you, wife." He replied, his fingers tracing along her jawline before gently grasping her chin, tilting her face up towards him. "But now," he continued, his eyes locking onto hers, "There's something else I want."
She pushed him and crawled back on the bed, she spoke as she pulled the quilt, "we did it in the evening. I am sleeping."
Ekansh relented, a hint of resignation mingling with his desire. "Fine, fine." He murmured, his fingers lightly tracing the curves of her body through the thin fabric of his shirt and the quilt that was covering her.
He shifted closer to her, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her closer. He began to gently stroke her hair, his touch tender and soothing.
Soon Sleep engulfed Kiara, He leaned in closer, gently nuzzling his face into her hair. He took in a deep breath, breathing in the scent of her, savoring the closeness they shared in that moment.
...........
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