Page 59 of Only With You

“Do you want me to pass any message on your behalf, Son?” Grandpa asks, humour clearly audible in his voice.

“Granddad, please give us a minute,” I hit mute and glare at Ranveer. He is so going to die a tragic death. “You tried contacting my parents?”

“I did.” He nods.

I demand. “Why? You know I don’t want them to know about us yet. I asked you to give me time to speak to them.”

“I think I gave you enough time. It’s high time I take matters into my hands,” he replies, not even looking up from his laptop as he types on the keyboard.

“I was waiting for the right time,” I mumble, biting my lower lip. My words are sounding like a lame excuse to even my ears.

He lifts his head and his eyes meet mine, clearly stating that he is not buying my bullshit. “Why am I finding it hard to believe that?”

“Too bad. I cannot do anything about your trust issues,” I counter. He merely shakes his head and turns his attention back to the laptop, without giving me another glance. It’s only when I hear Granddad call me out that I remember his call is on hold. With a huff, I take my phone, unmute, and put the phone against my ear. “I am back, Granddad.”

“All okay?”

“Ranveer is being his usual infuriating self,” I grumble and roll my eyes towards the ceiling, letting out a long, frustrated breath. I pull the phone from my ear and look at it to make sure the line hasn’t gone dead as I don’t hear him respond. “You there, Granddad?”

“Yes, Alisha, I agree that Ranveer can be the most difficult and exasperating man, but marrying you has made him a better person. I can vouch for him that he cares, adores, and loves you from his heart. I am sure that with time, he will be less annoying. Please be patient with him till then.”

“I get what you are trying to say, Granddad. Ranveer has surely filled my life with happiness and love. I know that at times he can be annoying and frustrating. But I am never going to let go of him, come what may, despite his behaviour,” I whisper the last part. From the corner of my eyes, I notice a small grin form on Ranveer’s lips which makes me blush.

Granddad lets out a throaty laugh. “That’s what I wanted to hear. Let Mili stay the night here with me. I will send her over tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Granddad. I love you, and tell Mili I love her too.”

“I will. You take care,” he says softly.

Hitting the end button on the screen, I turn towards Ranveer and take the moment to admire him as I watch him type on his laptop. I feel amazed at how he makes me feel complete merely by his existence. And I am so lucky to have him as my husband, who makes every moment in my life magical.

“Ranveer...” I call out his name, trying to gain his attention. But to my chagrin, he ignores me. Even the grin on his face which I noticed a few seconds before, is replaced by a scowl. Taking a deep breath, I speak again, hoping to get a reply this time. “Mili is staying with Grandpa tonight.”

His eyes come to me, and the anguished look on his face makes my stomach twist with unease. “Okay.”

“Ranveer, can you stop being difficult? I hate it when you go all silent on me. I promise to talk to my parents first thing tomorrow morning. Now can you please stop being mad at me?”

After staring at me for a couple of minutes, he leans in and rubs his nose with mine. “Even I hate it like hell. Regarding talking to your parents about us, don’t worry. I’ll be with you when you speak to them.”

Swallowing a lump in my throat, I nod and drop my eyes.

“I promise it will be okay,” he assures me.

My eyes meet his. “I know. It’s just that I don’t… don’t want to hurt them. They still fear that this marriage will bring me sadness. As parents, they worry for me,” I confide in him. Scooting closer to him, I place my hand on his chest. His heart is pounding so fast and hard that I can feel it against my palm.

“I will prove to them I am worth their daughter. I am not letting go of you.”

“I know you will. I trust you.” I nod, holding his gaze.

“Alisha!” Dad’s loud voice fills the room. My head jerks to the door as Dad barges into the room. The moment his eyes fall on me, relief flashes across his face. However, it’s short-lived when his eyes fall on Ranveer.

“Dad,” I whisper, which turns into a whimper when I rise to my feet. Ignoring my injured foot, I limp to him and he engulfs me in his arms.

“Thank God you are okay, Princess. We got worried when we heard you had to go to the hospital,” he says softly, sounding worried as his arms hold me tight.

“It was nothing. I am fine,” I assure him.

“Let me check for myself,” he says, pulling back to look at me.

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