Chapter-45
The bathroom was a humid, steamy haven, or at least, it had been a few moments ago. Now, it felt like a furnace, and I was the coal, burning with a mix of residual passion and sheer, unadulterated embarrassment.
I was still perched on the edge of the washbasin, my legs wrapped around Abhimanyu's waist, the memory of our... encounter... still vivid and tingling.
I pulled my head away from his chest, where I'd been resting, a blush creeping up my neck. "I love you," I whispered, my voice a little shaky.
The words felt weightless, yet profound, hanging in the damp air.
Abhimanyu's thumb gently caressed my cheek, his eyes, those dark, intense eyes, meeting mine.
"I love you too," His voice was a low murmur, a stark contrast to his usual authoritative tone. It was a sound that made my heart flutter, a sound reserved only for me.
The afterglow of our... moment... still shimmered around us. I could feel the lingering warmth where his body had pressed against mine, the sensation of his... bulge... still a vivid memory.
I wasn't wearing anything on top, just my damp plazo pants. His clothes were clinging to his body, wet from our... activity... and the humidity.
The heat in my cheeks intensified, spreading down my neck.
A strange, curious thought wormed its way into my mind. What's the size? What's the size of... that thing?
My inner voice screamed, What are you thinking? Shut up! I tried to push the thought away, to focus on anything else, but it lingered, a persistent, burning question in my mind.
Then, as if he'd read my mind, I heard him whisper, "7.4 inches."
My eyes widened, and I gasped. "Oh, that's big... you measured..." My thoughts trailed off, and I froze, realizing what I'd just thought or said. What the hell am I saying?
I looked up at Abhimanyu, my eyes wide with shock. "Did I... did I say that out loud" I stammered, my voice barely a whisper.
He smirked, a slow, knowing smirk that made my stomach flutter with a mix of fear and... something else. He nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
I clapped my hand over my mouth, my eyes wide with mortification. How could I be so stupid? I thought, my cheeks burning.
I gave him an embarrassed look, my eyes pleading for him to just forget the whole thing. Please don't say anything otherwise I will die because of embarrassment.
His smirk deepened, and he leaned closer, his voice a low, seductive rumble. "Wanna know how I know?"
I shook my head vigorously, my eyes wide with panic. No, no, no!
"Why baby ? Let me tell you," he teased, his voice dripping with playful menace.
I shook my head again, more frantically this time. Please, just stop!
With a surge of adrenaline, I pushed myself off the basin, scrambling for my kurta, which was lying on the counter.
I pulled it on, my fingers fumbling with the buttons in my haste. I couldn't face him, not after that.
I ran out of the bathroom, my bare feet slapping against the cool tiles. I dashed into the walk-in closet, slamming the door behind me and locking it.
I leaned against the door, my breath coming in ragged gasps.
"Oh my god, Mummaaa " I whispered, my voice a mixture of mortification and disbelief.
"Why can't I control my mouth?" I hit my forehead against the door, a soft, muffled thud. "Why, why, why ye bolne se pahle mai gungi kyu nahi ho gayi"
How am I going to face him? I sank to the floor. "Stupid, idiot, donkey," I muttered, cursing myself under my breath. "You don't have a brain. Badi aayi what's the size , tujhe kya kerna . Ullu kahi ki"
Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door. "Bhabhi , why did you left in between. Everyone is asking for you.let's go " It was Aaryan's voice.
"She's taking a bath," Abhimanyu's voice cut through the air, calm and authoritative. "She won't play anymore."
Thank god, I thought, relieved. He's covering for me. I quickly grabbed another set of clothes, my hands still shaking. I crept to the closet door, unlocking it slowly.
I peeked out, making sure the coast was clear, and then slipped into the bathroom.
I took a quick shower, the cool water a welcome relief against my burning skin. I stood by the door, still hesitant, still mortified. I can't face him, I thought, my heart pounding. I just can't.
Then, an idea struck me. I grabbed my dupatta, draping it over my head like a veil. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the bathroom, my face hidden behind the fabric.
Abhimanyu was sitting on the bed , dressed in fresh clothes, his hair still damp from his shower. He looked at me, his brow furrowed.
I took small, hesitant steps toward the door, trying to sneak past him.
"What's this?" he asked, his voice sharp. "And where are you going?"
I didn't turn around, my eyes squeezed shut.
Just run, Aarushi, run!
"What's this, jaan?" he asked again, his voice laced with a hint of amusement.
I turned around slowly, my eyes still downcast. "Umm.... from now on, I will be in a veil in front of you," I stammered, my voice barely audible. "Aap yaha ke hukum hai or mujhe abhi abhi realise hua ki mujhe aapki izzat kerni chahiye to-to mai aapko apni shakal nahi dikhaungi"
"Ye kya logic hua....per chalega ,kuch bhi bol de or bas nikal" I thought to myself
"What are you talking about?" he asked, his voice flat.
"I will always remain like this,Mai aise hi izzat deti hu" I insisted, my voice trembling. I was trying to be dramatic, hoping he would just let me go. I just wanted to leave.
"Jaan,It's rubbish ,remove it,"he said, his voice laced with a hint of boredom.
I shook my head vigorously. "No, hukum. I will not remove it . Mujh jaise pyaari or bholi si nari per aap aisa apni merzi nahi chala sakte " I was rambling dramatically, my words tumbling out in a desperate attempt to distract him.
"Baby, remove it," he said, his voice firm.I shook my head again, my eyes wide with fear and embarrassment.
"Aarushi, remove it, I said," he repeated, his voice even stricter.
He never called me by my full name. It means he is serious,no more acting like a fool.
Slowly, I reached up and pulled the dupatta away from my face, my eyes still downcast.
"Come here," he said, his voice low and commanding.
I took small, hesitant steps towards him, my eyes fixed on the floor. I couldn't meet his gaze.
When I reached him, he pulled me into his lap, his arms wrapping around me tightly.
She sat stiffly on my lap, her body tense, her gaze stubbornly fixed on the patterns of the rug.
I could feel the heat radiating from her cheeks, a delicate blush that painted her skin in shades of crimson. It was a beautiful sight, a testament to the power she held over me, a power she was blissfully unaware of.
"Jaan" I murmured, my voice low and husky, "look at me."
She remained stubbornly still, her head bowed, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.
The sight of her, so flustered and vulnerable, sent a wave of possessiveness crashing through me. I wanted to capture this moment, to freeze it in time, to etch it into my memory.
With a gentle touch, I cupped her chin, tilting her head up until her eyes met mine. Her gaze was hesitant, filled with a mixture of shyness and a hint of defiance.
Even in her embarrassment, she was breathtaking. Those eyes, those deep, expressive eyes, held me captive, drawing me into their depths.
"Are you embarrassed?" I asked, a hint of amusement in my voice.
She nodded, a small, almost imperceptible movement.
A low chuckle rumbled in my chest. "What's there to be embarrassed about, baby? We're a couple. We can talk about anything.There's nothing we can't talk about" I said.
"But..." she began, her words trailing off.
"But what?" I prompted, my fingers tracing the delicate curve of her cheek.
"But... some things are just... private," she mumbled, her gaze dropping to my chest.
"Private?" I echoed, a playful smirk tugging at my lips. "Everything about me is yours, baby."
Her cheeks flushed again, a delicate rose petal hue that painted her skin. "That's not..." she started, then stopped.
"Not what?" I pressed, my voice laced with amusement. She sighed, a soft, exasperated sound. "Nothing."
I leaned closer, my breath warm against her ear. "You know," I whispered, "I find your embarrassment rather... endearing."
Her eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise in their depths. "Endearing?" she repeated, her voice laced with disbelief.
"Yes," I confirmed, my lips brushing against her temple. "It shows me how much you... feel.How much it matters to you"
Aarushi remained silent, her gaze fixed on a point somewhere over my shoulder. I could almost hear the gears turning in her mind, trying to process my words.
"Besides," I continued, my voice laced with playful teasing, "it's not like you will not...see it in the future"
Her eyes snapped back to mine, a mixture of shock and indignation in their depths. "Abhi" she exclaimed, her voice a hushed whisper.
"What?" I asked, my expression innocent. "It's the truth, isn't it?"
She glared at me, her cheeks burning crimson. "You're bad," she muttered, her voice laced with exasperation.
I chuckled, a low, throaty sound that vibrated through my chest. "And still you love me," I teased, my fingers tracing the delicate curve of her jaw.
She rolled her eyes, a playful gesture that belied the blush still lingering on her cheeks. "Whatever," she mumbled, her voice laced with a hint of amusement.
I pulled her closer, my arms tightening around her waist. "You know," I whispered, my lips brushing against her ear, "I could tell you a few more... anatomical details."
Her eyes widened in alarm. "No" she exclaimed, her voice a panicked whisper. "Please, no." I chuckled.
"Just kidding," I murmured, my lips brushing against her temple. "Although," I added, my voice laced with a hint of mischief, "I'm always willing to educate you."
She pushed against my chest, a playful gesture that did little to break my hold. "You're incorrigible," she muttered, her voice laced with exasperation.
"Only for you, baby," I whispered, my lips brushing against her forehead.
I wanted to erase every trace of embarrassment from her mind, to replace it with a sense of comfort and security.
I wanted her to know that she could be herself with me, that she could share her deepest secrets, her most vulnerable moments, without fear of judgment.I want to be the one and only for her.
She responded with a soft kiss on my cheek, and then she rested her head against my chest, her body finally relaxing against mine.
The feeling of her warmth, her softness, her very presence against me was intoxicating. It was a drug, a potent elixir that coursed through my veins, fueling my obsession.
I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close, my fingers tracing the delicate curve of her back. She fit perfectly in my lap, like she was always meant to be there.
I wanted to hold her like this forever, to shield her from the world, to keep her safe within the confines of my embrace.
A smile played on my lips as I felt the soft rise and fall of her chest against mine. She was mine, completely and utterly mine. And I would ensure that she remained so.
I wanted to spoil her, to shower her with affection, to give her everything her heart desired. I wanted to make her feel so loved, so cherished, that no one else could ever compare.
I wanted to erase any doubt, any insecurity, any fear that lingered within her.
She thought it was only love, this overwhelming affection, this all-consuming desire. She thought I simply adored her, that I was a devoted husband.
But she didn't know the depth of my feelings, the darkness that lurked beneath the surface. She didn't know the extent of my obsession.
My love for her was not a gentle, serene emotion. It was a raging inferno, a consuming fire that threatened to engulf everything in its path.
It was a possessive, all-encompassing desire, a need to own her, to control her, to have her all to myself.
I wanted to be her everything, her world, her universe. I wanted to be the air she breathed, the ground she walked on, the very essence of her existence.
I wanted to see her every breath, every smile, every tear. I wanted to know her every thought, every dream, every desire.
If she wanted the moon, I would pluck it from the sky and place it at her feet. If she wanted the stars, I would gather them one by one and weave them into a crown for her head. There was nothing I wouldn't do for her, nothing I wouldn't give her.
I would manipulate, I would deceive, I would destroy anyone who dared to threaten her, to harm her, to even look at her with anything other than reverence.
She was addictive, a potent drug that coursed through my veins, fueling my obsession. I was addicted to her smile, her laughter, her touch. I was addicted to the way she looked at me, the way she said my name, the way she simply existed.
She was my weakness, my strength, my everything. And I would protect her, cherish her, possess her, until my dying breath.
I would make sure that she was always mine, that she never strayed from my side. I would weave a web of love and devotion around her, a silken cage that would hold her captive, not with chains and bars, but with affection and desire.
I would pamper her, indulge her every whim. I would make her so dependent on me, so reliant on my love, that she would never even consider leaving.
I would create a world where she was the queen, and I was her devoted servant, her loyal protector, her adoring lover. I would make her so happy, so content, so fulfilled, that she would never even dream of wanting anything more.
I wanted to consume her, to absorb her into my very being, to make her a part of me. I wanted to erase the lines between us, to merge our souls into one.
She would be mine, body and soul, forever and always. And in her blissful ignorance, she would believe that it was love, pure and simple.
She would never know the darkness beneath my love, the depths of my obsession.
I tightened my hold on her, pulling her closer, burying my face in her hair. The scent of her shampoo filled my senses, a sweet, intoxicating aroma that calmed my restless soul.
"Mine," I whispered against her hair, the word a silent promise, a vow etched in the depths of my heart. "You're mine, baby. Only mine."
Abhimanyu's phone buzzed, a sharp, insistent sound that sliced through the tranquility. He picked it up, his thumb swiping across the screen, his eyes narrowing as he read Navya's message "Bhai everyone is calling you and bhabhi for lunch"
A flicker of annoyance crossed his features; he hadn't realized how much time had slipped away.
Aarushi, leaning into his side, read the message. "Oh, I forgot about lunch.Let's go downstairs," she said, a hint of surprise in her voice.
She attempted to rise from his lap, but Abhimanyu's arms tightened, a silent, possessive hold. "Abhi," she whispered, her voice laced with playful exasperation, "We have to go downstairs."
He reluctantly released her, the warmth of her body leaving a hollow space in his arms.
Downstairs, the dining table was a scene of familial chaos. Everyone was settling into their seats, the air buzzing with anticipation.
Aarushi, reaching her designated spot beside him, paused, her eyes locking on her parents. "I want to sit with Mumma and Papa today," she whispered to Abhimanyu, her voice laced with a hopeful plea.
Abhimanyu's brow furrowed, a shadow of displeasure crossing his face. He disliked the idea of her sitting anywhere but within arm's reach.
But the earnestness in her eyes, the gentle pleading, softened his resolve. He forced a small smile, a flicker of reluctant agreement. "Okay, as you wish."
Aarushi's face lit up, a radiant smile that banished his annoyance. "Thank you!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. She quickly exchanged seats with Navya, settling between her parents, her laughter mingling with the general chatter.
Abhimanyu watched her, his gaze following her every move, every gesture. He felt a pang of possessiveness, a slight irritation at her absence.
He wanted her attention, her laughter, her presence directed solely at him. But he pushed the feeling aside, reminding himself that it was a family occasion.
He observed Rudra, casting a teasing glance at Navya. Rudra raised a glass of water, his eyes fixed on Navya, who struggled to suppress a giggle while eating.
Abhimanyu's jaw tightened. He glared at Rudra, which made Rudra choke on his water, his eyes widening in alarm. He assumed Abhimanyu catched him teasing Navya, but released a sigh as he noticed Abhimanyu again focusing on his food ,not giving him any attention.
Abhimanyu, however, feigned disinterest, returning to his food, a subtle smirk playing on his lips.
"Drink slowly, bhai," Aaryan offered, his voice laced with amusement. Rudra nodded, his face flushed, and resumed his meal in silence, while Navya kept her head down, a nervous tremor in her hands.
The meal concluded, and the family began to disperse. Aarushi's phone pinged, a sharp, electronic sound that cut through the lingering chatter. She glanced at the screen, her eyebrows arching in question.
She looked at Sidharth, who sat nearby. Sidharth typed a response, his fingers flying across the screen. Aarushi read it, her expression shifting, a flicker of surprise and intrigue in her eyes.
Abhimanyu's gaze narrowed, his senses on high alert.
Aarushi stood up abruptly, her movements swift and purposeful. She headed towards the kitchen, her footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway.
Sidharth followed, his expression animated. Abhimanyu's eyes narrowed, a coldness settling in his gaze. What is he up to? he thought, his mind racing with curiosity.
Inside the kitchen, Aarushi turned to Sidharth, her expression questioning. "What is it? What's the urgent matter?"
"I have some great gossip, and you will be shocked ," Sidharth began, his voice laced with excitement. "You know Rohan Bhai-" He stopped abruptly, his eyes widening as he noticed Abhimanyu standing near the entrance, his back facing them.
Aarushi turned and noticed Abhimanyu . She recognized the subtle tension in his stance. He was eavesdropping.
"Sid,wait a minute," she said, her voice calm, her eyes never leaving Abhimanyu's. She walked towards him, her movements deliberate. "Abhi, what happened? Do you need anything?"
Abhimanyu cleared his throat, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He hadn't expected to be caught. "Um..I want water," he said, his voice casual, a touch too casual.
"There's water on the dining table," Aarushi said, her eyes searching his.
"Um..but I want warm water," he countered, thinking fast.
Aarushi raised an eyebrow, a hint of suspicion in her eyes. "Warm water? In this heat? Okay wait a minute" She walked near the counter.
Sidharth, standing by the counter, avoided Abhimanyu's intense stare, a nervous sweat beading his forehead.
Sidharth cleared his throat, a nervous gesture. Aarushi turned to him, her expression questioning. He gestured towards Abhimanyu, his eyes wide with unspoken fear.
"Why are you glaring at him, Abhi?" she asked, turning back to him, her voice laced with a hint of amusement.
"I'm not glaring," Abhimanyu replied, his voice flat, his eyes fixed on Sidharth. "That's how I look at everyone."
Aarushi sighed, a soft, exasperated sound. She returned to him with the glass of warm water, her movements gentle. "I'll tell you later, okay?" she whispered, her voice laced with a hint of reassurance.
"Okay," Abhimanyu replied, accepting the glass, his eyes lingering on her face. He turned and left the kitchen,his mind calmed down at her assurance.
Outside, he spotted Aaryan heading towards the living room. "Aaryan," he called, his voice sharp.
Aaryan approached, his expression questioning. "Yes, bhai?"
Abhimanyu handed him the glass, his movements curt. "Take this," he said, and then walked away, leaving Aaryan staring at the glass with a puzzled expression. Warm water ? Who drinks warm water in summer? He wondered aloud, a frown creasing his forehead.
Back in the kitchen, Sidharth couldn't resist. "Did you see? He's always glaring at me."
"Don't be dramatic," Aarushi replied, rolling her eyes, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Now tell me what it is."
"Good, now that you're married, you'll only take your husband's side," Sidharth grumbled, his voice laced with mock indignation.
"Sid, tell me fast," Aarushi insisted, her voice laced with playful impatience.
"Okay, listen," Sidharth began, lowering his voice, his eyes darting towards the doorway. "I think Rohan is dating."
Aarushi's eyes widened, a flicker of shock in their depths. "What? How do you know?"
"I saw him with a girl at a restaurant," Sidharth explained, his voice hushed. "I was there with my team, and I saw him go into a private cabin with her. I found out he'd arranged a candle light dinner. He's dating, Aru, and he hasn't told us."
"Oh what a minute," Aarushi exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise." It means bhabhi mil gayi and he didn't tell anyone in the family."
"Yes, no one has any idea," Sidharth confirmed, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Let's go tease him," Aarushi suggested, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Maybe he'll tell us the truth."
Sidharth grinned, nodding in agreement. They left the kitchen, their minds filled with plans to tease Rohan, their laughter echoing softly in the hallway.
The weight of the deal pressed down on me, a tangible thing in the quiet of my study. Bade Papa sat across from me, his face etched with concern. We were dissecting the intricacies of the proposed deal with Chauhan Industries, a move that could reshape our entire business empire.
"The terms, Abhimanyu, they're... aggressive," Bade Papa said, his voice low. "He is playing a dangerous game."
"They always do," I replied, my gaze fixed on the financial projections laid out before me. "But their ambition aligns with ours. We need their distribution network in Eastern India, and they need our technology. It's a calculated risk."
"Calculated, yes," Bade Papa conceded. "But are we accounting for the human element? He... he's a man of unpredictable temperament. His reputation precedes him."
"Reputations are built on fear," I countered, a flicker of something cold passing through me. "Fear is a tool, Bade Papa. One we can use as well."
We discussed the finer points of the contract, the potential pitfalls, the strategies we could employ. The numbers blurred, and the words seemed to echo in the vast, silent room.
He was a man I had never met, but whose influence was already casting a long shadow over business world.
Suddenly, the doors of the study swung open. My baby stood there, her eyes wide, her lips parted as if she were about to speak. She stopped abruptly, her gaze shifting to Bade Papa.
"Oh...bade papa , you were in here," she stammered. "Did I disturb you? Are you talking about work? I can leave."
"No, beta, it's alright," Bade Papa said, rising to his feet. "I was just about to leave. I only came to tell him about the upcoming charity event. Good night."
He smiled warmly at Arushi, a gesture that always seemed to soften her. "Good night, Bade Papa," she replied, a faint smile playing on her lips.
As Bade Papa left, the room seemed to shrink, the air thickening with a different kind of tension and warmth. Arushi approached my desk, her movements hesitant. "What were you saying?" I asked, my voice softer.
"Nothing," she said, her gaze drifting away. "It wasn't important."
She looked tired, I noticed, the delicate skin beneath her eyes shadowed. "How much work do you have left?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
"Another half hour, maybe more," I replied, my eyes never leaving hers. "You should go to sleep. You look exhausted."
She shook her head, her dark hair swaying around her shoulders. "Do you need any help?"
"No," I said, my voice firm. "I'll manage. You need rest."
She stood there, her presence a silent question, a gentle reproach. I wanted to reach out, to pull her into my arms, to erase the weariness from her face. But the weight of the deal, the pressure of the moment, held me back.
Just then, my phone rang. Aakash. I answered, my voice clipped.
"Go to sleep," I said to Arushi, my eyes still on her. "I'll be with you soon." I stood up, moving towards the window, the city lights twinkling below.
Aakash was reciting about updates of Chauhan's presentation, the logistics, and the potential counter-arguments.
As I listened, a sharp, throbbing pain erupted behind my eyes, a familiar wave of agony. I groaned, pressing my fingers to my temples. This headache.
I ended the call, my head still throbbing. I turned to find Arushi gone. I sat back down, the paperwork blurring before my eyes.
Forty-five minutes later, the study door opened again. Arushi entered, carrying a tray. She placed it on my desk, the clinking of porcelain a welcome sound. A steaming cup of tea, its aroma soothing, and a small plate of cookies.
"Here," she said, her voice soft. "This will help. And the cookies aren't anything special; I just made them in a hurry. They're edible, though."
A wave of warmth washed over me. She had noticed my distress, my pain, without me uttering a word. She had taken the time to make tea and cookies, to offer comfort despite being tired.
"Thank you," I said, my voice soft and filled with gratitude for her efforts.
"It's nothing," she replied, her eyes filled with a tenderness that made my heart ache. "Have the tea."
I took a sip, the warmth spreading through me, easing the tension in my shoulders. I took a bite of a cookie.
"How are they?" she asked, her eyes searching mine.
"Tasty," I replied, a genuine smile tugging at my lips. "As always."
She took a bite of a cookie I offered her, humming softly. The simple act of sharing, of being cared for, was more precious than any deal, any business victory.
When we finished, she reached for the tray.."Leave them," I said, my voice firm. "I'll take them later."
"No, it's fine," she insisted, taking the tray. "I'll be right back."She returned a few minutes later, her movements light, her presence a calming balm.
"So" she said, settling onto the sofa, pulling out her phone. "I'll wait here until you're done.Okay"
"Okay but don't scroll mindlessly through reels," I warned, my voice teasing. "And don't start any new dramas or movies. You need sleep." As I knew if she started any new movie or drama, she would not sleep before completing it.
She rolled her eyes, a playful pout on her lips. "Don't behave like a mom," she retorted.
"Should I behave like Daddy, then?" I countered, a smirk playing on my lips.
Her eyes widened slightly, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Shut up," she muttered, turning away.
"Make me," I whispered, my voice low. She averted her gaze, her cheeks flushed. "Just focus on your work," she said, her voice barely audible.
I turned back to my desk, a smile playing on my lips. She was so easy to tease, so quick to blush. Her reactions, her vulnerability, were a constant source of amusement and... something more.
I worked for another half hour, the tension slowly draining away, replaced by a sense of calm. Arushi's presence, her quiet support, was a constant anchor. I glanced at her occasionally, watching her as she scrolled through her phone, her brow furrowed in concentration.
I finished the last of the paperwork, a sense of relief washing over me. I looked at Arushi, she was half asleep, her phone on her lap. I moved towards her, and picked up her phone and placed it on the side table.
"Jaan," I whispered, gently shaking her shoulder.
She stirred, her eyes fluttering open. "Done?" she murmured, her voice thick with sleep.
"Yes," I replied, lifting her into my arms. "Let's go to bed."
I carried her to our room, her head resting against my chest, her warmth seeping into me. I laid her gently on the bed, pulling the covers over her. I watched her as she drifted back to sleep, her face serene, her lips curved in a faint smile.
I leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I love you," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.
I knew she was asleep, but I needed to say it, to reaffirm the truth that was the core of my existence. She was mine, and I was hers, and nothing else mattered.