"I love you, Rudraksh," I whisper, my voice trembling with emotion.
He just smiles and holds me closer. Like there’s nowhere else either of us would rather be. And that's true.
53
SHIVANI
“You know what’s the most romantic thing for me?” Rudra asks, buttoning up his shirt, which covers up his chiseled chest. He’s getting ready for a meeting—an important one.
I’m getting ready too. Maa is taking me with her because she wants a second opinion on the jewelry she’s picked out. It’s for Chachi—her birthday is in a few days.
I like how close they are. No drama, no competition, just pure friendship. I’ve always admired that about them.
“Maybe a hug? A kiss? Cuddles?” I offer, my voice lacing with amusement.
Rudra chuckles, still focused on his buttons. “No, although all those are great.” He turns to face me then, a small smile playing on his lips. “It’s when I catch you staring at me and you suddenly start looking somewhere else.”
My cheeks heat up immediately, and I don’t meet his eyes in the reflection.
“There’s no need to be shy,” he mutters, stepping closer. His warm breath tickles over my temple. “If you don’t look at me, then who will?" He grins and wiggles his eyebrows. "I’m your husband. You’ve got every right to drool over me.”
I let out a flustered breath. “I am not drooling.” I mutter, refusing to meet his gaze. But I can’t really help it. He is ridiculously good-looking.
I steal a quick glance back at him and catch the amusement dancing in his eyes.
“You’re such a sap,” I murmur, trying to suppress my smile.
Rudra steps closer, his gaze locked with mine. “You may not be drooling, but your eyes definitely are.”
He reaches out and gently tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers grazing my skin and sending shivers straight down my spine.
Then, without warning, he leans in and presses his lips to mine. It’s soft at first—gentle and warm—but I melt into it instantly, my body already responding to his touch. He deepens the kiss, his tongue brushing against my lips, asking for entrance. I let him in. I always do. His arms wrap around me, pulling me flush against him, his hands roaming over my back.
My heartbeat stutters.
When he finally pulls away, his voice is a low promise against my lips. “I’m going to make love to you tonight.” He kisses me again, harder this time, more demanding. His hands grip my hips, pulling me even closer. I moan into his mouth, my body molding against his like it was always meant to.
He nibbles on my bottom lip, his tongue coaxing mine into a dance I never want to end. His hands slide up my back, his fingers digging into my skin like he’s trying to brand this moment into my soul. I thread my fingers into his hair, tugging slightly, needing him closer.
He groans into my mouth, then whispers against my skin, “And then I’m going to fuck you.” He nips at my earlobe. “Hard.”
I gasp, every nerve in my body lighting up like fire. He kisses my forehead and pulls back just enough to look me in the eyes. “I have to go. Take care, okay?”
He looks so unaffected by what just happened, like he didn’t just flip my entire world upside down, and I’m still trying to gather myself. He bops my nose gently. “You’ll take care of you for me?” I manage a nod. My voice doesn’t seem to work at the moment.
“I love you, Rudra,” I call after him as he walks out of the room.
He turns, his smile soft and warm, and gives me one last look before disappearing down the hall.
I quickly get dressed, feed Simbu, and rush outside—Maa must be waiting.
I found her near the car, chatting with Madhav Uncle. She’s so sweet. My mother never even acknowledged him. She used to treat anyone outside her and Papa’s circle as beneath her.
Madhav Uncle notices me first as I move near them. “You’re late, Shivani,” he teases.
I smile sheepishly.
“I’m sure it’s my son’s fault,” Maa teases, and they both laugh. A blush spread all over me as heat engulfed me. I don't dare meet their eyes, silently wishing for the ground to swallow me.
