Mumbai

"Blindfolds? Really? What are your intentions, Mrs. Kapoor?" Akash spoke while Anita tied the blindfold over his eyes.

She grinned in response, then warned. "I'm going to drive. If we crash, we won't ever make it to witness our wedding or your surprise."

He chuckled while shaking his head. "Well, I trust you not to kill us. But drive slowly, okay?"

"I will! I've practiced with Priya Di. She taught me how to take turns. Though, I'm still terrible at reversing. But that's fine—you'll be driving us back anyway," she responded with a cheeky smile he couldn't see but could hear in her voice.

She opened the passenger door for him and carefully guided him inside before shutting it.

She inhaled a deep breath to calm her nerves, then she walked around to the driver's seat and slid in while gripping the steering wheel.

"I'm starting the car now!" she muttered.

"Make sure you wear your seatbelt," he reminded her while calmly fastening his own into place.

She nodded quickly but fumbled with the seatbelt for a moment before it clicked into place.

Her palms were damp so she wiped them on her dress before pressing the engine.

It roared to life and after taking a deep breath, she pressed the brake, rolled the gear, and the car began to move forward.

Akash who was still blindfolded, asked curiously while leaning back in his seat comfortably with a smile. "Are we going to the restaurant?" he asked.

"It's a surprise," she responded with a grin and snuck a quick glance at him while the car moved at a slow pace.

Behind them, the impatient honk of a car broke their silence.

She flinched, glancing nervously in the rearview mirror at the glaring headlights.

"Should I park and let him pass?" she asked while her grip on the steering wheel tightened. "The sound is distracting me."

"No, don't! If he's really in that much of a hurry, he can fly over us." he said simply.

She laughed despite her nervousness.

The honking continued, but she ignored it this time and instead, focused fully on the road ahead.

While she kept driving, the honking grew louder and more impatient.

Suddenly, the car behind sped up and it swerved dangerously close to her side.

She immediately slowed down, her heart hammering in her chest.

The car sped past, but before it disappered into the distance, the driver rolled down his window.

Though Akash's car was tinted and the windows remained up, the man's loud, irritated voice snarled. "Learn how to drive, idiot or stay home!" he bellowed.

She flinched and gripped the wheel tighter, biting her lip to keep the sting of tears that started gathering in her eyes.

Akash turned his blindfolded face towards her. "Don't take it to heart. He's just an impatient fool. Let him go."

She nodded, "I wasn't doing anything wrong. I didn't want to rush."

"You didn't. You're doing fine," he responded. "Some people just don't know how to respect others. Forget about him. Focus on the road, and your surprise for me."

His words brought a small smile to her lips and eased the tension in her chest.

She took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as she adjusted her grip on the steering wheel.

"Thanks," she murmured.

"Anytime," he replied with a grin.

After several minutes, they arrived at their destination.

She stepped out of the car, smoothing her dress properly before she walked to his side.

She opened his door and a little smile appeared on her lips as she offered her hand to him.

"Why is it so quiet?" he asked.

She intertwined her fingers with his, and she replied in a whisper. "Because this moment is just for us. I'm only fully comfortable with you alone."

A broad smile spread across his face. "I like this side of you a lot," he said. "Keep it up."

She chuckled.

Guiding him by the hand, she led him towards the elevator which was located at the base of the building.

After they went in, and it swirled up, it chimed and the doors went open.

The bright sheen from the hall spilled out.

She halted for a moment, taking a deep breath to ready herself to reveal the surprise she had planned.

"Can I open my eyes yet? Are we here?" he asked eagerly, his voice brimming with excitement.

"Not yet! Wait just a second!" she replied hastily, rushing to the elegantly set table.

She grabbed the bouquet of fresh flowers she had prepared earlier and quickly returned to him.

"Now you can open them," she murmured.

He removed the blindfold and his eyes immediately landed on her who stood before him with a radiant smile, holding the colourful bouquet of flowers.

"Mr. Akash," she said in a whisper, and he chuckled joyously.

His gaze moved to the wall behind her, where his photos were arranged amidst shimmering decors.

At the center, a large banner read in bold, golden letters: Better Late Than Never – Happiest Birthday, Mere Jaan.

His eyes darted back to her.

Overwhelmed with joy, he wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace.

She immediately moved the bouquet to the side to keep it from being crushed, laughing quietly at his enthusiasm.

"You planned all of this?" he murmured.

"Yes," she replied, her words muffled against his chest. "I'm sorry for ruining things before."

"I forgive you," he said while pulling back to look at her face.

Her voice dropped to a pensive tone. "I can't help but wonder. What if I had never come to Mumbai? What if I hadn't jumped in front of your car? Would we have never met? If I had stayed in Banaras or returned home, would I never have known you?"

His gaze softened while he cupped her cheeks and his cold palms against her warm skin sent an involuntary shiver through her body.

"We would have met," he responded. "Because we were destined to. If you hadn't come, something would have pulled me to you. Maybe not under the same circumstances we met, but fate has its way of bringing two people together, no matter what."

She smiled. "Let's cut the cake, then," she said.

"Did you bake it?" he asked as they walked hand in hand towards the stunning three-tier chocolate cake adorned with gold and white decorations. She kept the bouquet aside before replying,

"No, I didn't bake it. I didn't have time because of the engagement," she admitted. "But now that we're getting married, you can ask me to bake a cake anytime, and I will."

He chuckled. "Don't worry about it. This is perfect too."

She handed him the knife with a little smile.

"Let's cut it together," he said, motioning for her to stay by his side.

"It's your birthday cake, not mine."

"That's exactly why you have to keep me happy," he quipped.

She nodded and took hold of the knife while his hand rested on hers.

Her pulse quickened slightly at the contact, but she stayed composed.

"Should we?" he asked, his voice low and filled with excitement.

"yes," she replied quietly, her gaze meeting his and they pressed the knife into the cake together. She then pulled her hand away slowly.

"To my beautiful, amazing wife," he said, cutting a piece of it and holding it to her lips.

She smiled and took a bite while he added, "I don't regret meeting you for even a second, and I never will."

Her cheeks flushed into a blush, and she too cut another piece, extending it to him and he took a bite.

"Well, the cake-cutting is done. What's next?" he asked with eager curiosity, slipping his arm around her waist and pulling her gently closer to him.

Her gaze dropped shyly to the floor while her blush deepened.

"Dinner," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded, glancing around the room before spotting the beautifully set table. Plates, coolers, and candles were arranged carefully on it.

"Oh," he exclaimed. "Let's go, then!"

He took her hand and led her to the table and then, he sat down.

She picked up the serving spoon then dished out some biryani onto his plate.

Her heart was beating rapidly because she focused on not spilling anything as she was fully aware of his gaze that was following her every movement.

"There you go," she said softly.

"Thank you, Mrs. Kapoor," he responded.

She turned to go to her chair, however, he caught her wrist gently and pulled her back.

"Akash!" she gasped, her eyes widing in shock. "What is it?"

"You're not going anywhere," he said, tugging her closer until she stood beside him.

"Why? Let me also sit down," she said, her cheeks flushing.

She tried to pull her hand away, but he held on gently.

"Sure." he said, then pulled her onto his lap.

"No, no, I can't!" she mumbled while darting nervously around the empty room. "I can't sit here. It is wrong."

"Let me remind you that I am your husband. There's nothing wrong about it. And you should keep me happy."

Her heart started racing as he leaned in and his face became just inches from hers.

Her breath fastened. However, just when his lips were about to meet hers, she turned her face away shyly, her cheeks flaming.

"The food will get cold!" she stuttered while avoiding his gaze.

He chuckled loudly, enjoying her nervousness. "Alright, I won't," he said, loosening his grip. "But you're still not leaving my lap."

She let out a shaky sigh, her face still turned away as she tried to regain her composure.

He reached for the spoon and brought a morsel of the food to her lips.

"Open up," he said, his voice becoming very gentle.

She hesitated, but regardless, opened her mouth, and the spices and flavors bursted on her tongue.

"Now your turn," he said and thrusted the spoon into her hand.

Her hand jiggled as she fetched the food and brought the bite to his mouth.

He ate it all, his eyes fixed on hers, and she quickly looked away, her heart still pounding.

They continued eating together, exchanging bites and her nervousness gradually started to disappear.

Occasionally, she'd glance at him.

By the time they finished, her initial discomfort had already disappeared completely.

"Let's dance," he suggested.

"There's no music."

"I'll play it on my phone," he said with a grin and she nodded.

He pulled his phone from his pocket and scrolled briefly before looking at her. "English or hindi?"

"Any," she replied.

He nodded and selected Lag Ja Gale from Woh Kaun Thi.

The soulful song filled the quiet room as he placed the phone on the table.

She stood, sliding off his lap, and he immediately reached for her hand.

He guided her a step forward and then his hands rested gently on her waist.

Her breath hitched after he pulled her closer, eradicating the space between them and a shiver ran down her spine as his hands settled more firmly at her waist, sending heat radiating through her.

Her own hands laid on his shoulders but her grip tightened when her knees imperiled to weaken.

He leaned in, and she felt his warm breath against her temple as he inhaled the scent of her hair. "Be comfortable," he murmured.

She closed her eyes, overwhelmed by the sensation of being so close to him.

His touch was both comforting and electrifying.

She exhaled shakily, her chest rising and falling against his. "No one has ever been this close to me," she admitted in a whisper.

He responded by pressing a feather-light kiss to her hair and his lips continued trailing down to the curve of her neck.

The unexpected touch drew a soft, involuntary moan from her, and her grip on his shoulders tightened harder.

Her heart started pounding loudly when she felt his breath hovering near her lips.

She turned her face slightly to avoid his gaze, but he gently guided her chin back, his eyes fixed intently on hers.

"Akash..." she whispered, her voice quivering.

"Trust me," he muttered, his voice barely audible over the music.

His breath warmed her lips and the world around them disappeared for her.

His hand gently cupped her face and his thumb brushed against her cheek in a soothing motion.

When she didn't pull away, he leaned in further and their lips met.

Her body froze as a blast of unfamiliar warmness spread through her.

His lips moved gently, tenderly coaxing hers to respond, and then she felt the tip of his tongue graze her bottom lip, seeking entry.

Hesitantly, her lips parted, and he deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring slowly that made her heart race uncontrollably.

She was lost and unsure of what to do.

Her hands clutched his shoulders for support while her mind spun.

Her breath hitched when sensations she had never known coursed through her.

His fingers slid into her hair, anchoring her while the kiss grew more deep.

Slowly, she started to respond.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against hers.

Both of them were breathless, their hearts pounding in unison.

He smiled broadly, his gaze searching hers. "That," he murmured in a husky voice, "was the best birthday gift."

She looked away shyly, her cheeks burning as she struggled to steady her racing heart. "I... I"

He chuckled, and she paused after his thumb started grazing her lips.

"I love you, Anita," he whispered before leaning in and capturing her lips once more.

His lips were firm this time, moving against hers with a passion that left her breathless.

When his tongue traced the seam of her lips again, seeking entry, her lips parted slightly, allowing him in, this time, without hesitation.

The moment their tongues met, a jolt of electricity shot through her, making her gasp softly into his mouth.

His tongue explored her, tasting and savoring her, before growing bolder, delving deeper into every corner in her mouth.

Her hands clutched at his shirt and her knuckles turned white from the effort of steadying herself.

For him, the kiss was everything he had imagined and more.

He didn't want to stop himself.

He tilted his head, deepening it further and his hand slipped up to cup the back of her neck again while his thumb brushed against her skin.

She whimpered quietly and her grip on his shirt tightened.

Her chest rose and fell rapidly as her breath mingled with his.

Heat pooled in her stomach, an unfamiliar warmth that both frightened and thrilled her.

Finally, he pulled back and both of them struggled to catch their breath.

Her lips were slightly swollen and glistening from the kiss while her eyes remained closed.

She turned her face away immediately, gasping softly as she tried to compose herself.

Her hands clutched her sides protectively.

"Tomorrow is the haldi ceremony," she muttered. "Let's return home. It's already very late."

He chuckled while he tucked out a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Sure," he said, his tone light even though his heart still raced. "Let's go."

Before she could walk away, he slid his hand against her waist.

She flinched and a gasp escaped her lips at the unexpected contact, but he didn't let go.

Instead, he grabbed his phone and then guided her towards the elevator.

She stood still after they went in, her hands clasped in front of her while she stared straight ahead, her cheeks still flushed from her blush.

He, however, couldn't take his eyes off her.

The elevator descended.

They stepped outside, and he moved to the passenger side, holding the door open for her.

She lowered her eyes and climbed into the seat.

He walked around to the driver's side and slid in, then started the engine.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" he asked and glanced at her. "Did you not like the kiss?"

Her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her dress while she shook her head, "It... it felt very weird."

A soft chuckle escaped his lips, "Well, it was your first time," he replied. "That's why. But don't worry, you'll get used to it eventually."

He cast her a sidelong glance, and his timing was perfect. He caught her blush just as it bloomed across her cheeks.

****

They returned home.

She was walking towards her room when he grabbed her wrist, pulling her back toward him.

She stumbled but immediately regained her step, and came face-to-face with him.

Her breath seized after he bridged the gap between them.

"Won't you give me a goodnight kiss?" he whispered, while he started to lean in again, but she shook her head and immediately lowered her gaze.

"I'm tired. Very tired," she murmured.

He hummed, then his lips curved into a thin smile. "Well, it will soon be our wedding night. I've waited for so long. I'm glad I got two before it, so, I will wait a little longer again."

Leaning in, he pressed a gentle peck to her forehead, and her eyes blinked closed.

As he pulled back, he released her wrist, "Goodnight,"

"Goodnight," she whispered and turned quickly towards her door.

He watched her disappear inside, and after he turned, he released a contented sigh.

****

When she entered the room, she saw the neatly made bed and acknowledged Divya hadn't returned.

With a small shrug, she concluded she must have returned home.

Feeling exhausted herself, she climbed into bed and pulled the blanket up to her chin. She reached for the light switch behind the headboard and plunged the room into darkness.

Closing her eyes, she tried to make herself to sleep.

But the moment Akash had kissed her replayed in her mind and her eyes snapped open while she sat up abruptly, her heart pounding quickly.

She touched her lips, then she sighed while running her hands through her hair as she tried to calm her racing thoughts.

She lay back down, staring at the ceiling, her fingers still remaining on her lips. "What is wrong with me?" she whispered to herself.

She was aware that, as they were about to be married, it was natural for him to kiss her. But the way he had gone so far, exploring every corner of her mouth, made her feel uneasy. It wasn't the kiss itself that bothered her—it was the intimacy, the sense that he now knew something about her that she had always thought of as hers alone.

It unsettled her. It was making her feel exposed in a way she wasn't ready for.

She sat up in the dark again, her fingers still brushing her lips in an attempt to erase the memory of the kiss.

"Why do I feel this way?" she whispered to herself.

She hugged her knees to her chest as she tried to understand what she truly felt.

It wasn't just about the kiss to her. It was the realization of what it symbolized. Marriage wasn't just about ceremonies and promises. It was about closeness, physical and emotional, and she wasn't sure she was ready for all of it.

Her phone buzzed suddenly, breaking her thoughts.

She grabbed it from the bedside table and her pulse quickened when she saw his name. His message was read, "I'm sure you will think about the kiss. Don't overthink it. Get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day for both of us."

She stared at the screen absentmindedly for a long moment before she placed the phone down and lay back on the bed, then continued staring at the ceiling.