She pulled back slightly, a teasing grin playing on her lips.
“No... I need more than that. Give me a full explanation. Why do you love me so much? What do you see in me?”
Rudra rolled his eyes dramatically.
“Women!” he groaned. “Always fishing for compliments. All of you!”
Kashish laughed, crossing her arms.
“I’m waiting. Let’s hear it.”
Rudra sighed, pretending to think deeply.
“Alright… you’re smart, sharp, with powerful thoughts and a heart of gold. You stand up for yourself, and I admire your strength, even when it annoys me.”
Kashish pouted playfully, but continued listening intently.
“You care deeply for the people in your life,” he continued, his voice softening as he stepped closer. “You’re strong, independent, and you admit your mistakes. And you’re… breathtakingly beautiful.”
He let his fingers trail softly along her face, making her shiver.
“But most of all, you make my heart race every time I even think about you. Whether you’re right here or miles away, you have a hold on every single piece of my heart.”
Her lips parted.
“Say that again,” she urged.
Rudra’s eyes darkened with desire as he leaned closer, his breath grazing her ear.
“I’m going to say it a thousand times tonight when I make love to you, baby. Over and over until it’s etched in your soul.”
Before she could respond, Rudra scooped her into his arms, his movements smooth and effortless as if she weighed nothing.Kashish let out a soft gasp, but it quickly turned into a smile, her heart swelling with love. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her back to their room, without breaking their eye lock. Kashish didn’t need to say anything—her heart spoke for her. She knew Rudra would keep his promise. He always did.
*******************
It was late evening when Shekhar and Anjali arrived to discuss the details of their wedding reception. After considering everyone’s input, they all agreed to host it over the coming weekend, allowing plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements.
“Daadi will have her own guest list, of course,” Shekhar noted. “Ever since you both left after taking her blessings this morning, she’s back to her usual self. When Anjali asked if she wanted to invite her friends for the reception, she didn’t refuse.”
Rudra felt a wave of relief hearing this. Kashish, meanwhile, touched the necklace she wore, the one Daadi had given her earlier. It still surprised her how Daadi had honored their family tradition despite her earlier resistance.
“So, what’s the plan after the reception? Are you whisking Kashish away for a honeymoon?” Shekhar asked with a grin, shifting the conversation.
Rudra glanced at his wife, catching the blush creeping over her face.
“I’m thinking about it,” he answered, holding her gaze.
“Where to?” Anjali chimed in excitedly. “Kashish, give him some suggestions. These Raheja men have no clue how to pick the perfect spot! Remember where Shekhar took me?”
Kashish giggled, recalling how Shekhar had taken Anjali to a rather spiritual destination instead of a romantic one for their first trip as a couple.
“I wanted to seek blessings for our new life,” Shekhar defended with a sheepish smile. “I thought it would make our first trip unique.”
Anjali playfully patted his arm. “You were just too shy to even say the word ‘honeymoon,’ Shekhar.”
Rudra smirked at the exchange, amused by his brother’s innocence.
“Alright, can we focus on the newlyweds now?” Shekhar said, trying to redirect the conversation. Anjali stifled her laughter and nodded in agreement.