The soft glow of the bedside lamp bathed the bedroom in a warm, golden hue, casting gentle shadows across the rumpled sheets and the two figures entwined on the edge of the bed. Rahul's arms wrapped around Nidhi's waist, pulling her close as if she were the most fragile treasure in his world. Her head rested against his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat a soothing lullaby after the day's quiet stresses. He nuzzled into the curve of her neck, inhaling the faint scent of her jasmine perfume mixed with the natural warmth of her skin. His lips brushed against her pulse point, soft and tentative at first, like a whisper of wind against silk.

Nidhi sighed, her body melting into his embrace. 'hmm bava...' she murmured, her voice a soft exhale that carried all the trust she held for him. He responded by pressing a feather-light kiss to the hollow of her throat, then another along the line of her collarbone. Each kiss was deliberate, unhurried, savoring the way her skin tasted slightly salty under his tongue. His hands, large and calloused from work, cradled her back with infinite care, thumbs tracing lazy circles that sent tiny shivers racing down her spine.

As his kisses trailed lower, he gently tugged at the strap of her nightgown, letting it slip off her shoulder. The fabric pooled around her waist, exposing the swell of her breasts to the cool air. Rahul's breath hitched, his eyes darkening with a tenderness that bordered on reverence. He cupped one breast in his palm, his thumb grazing the peak of her nipple, which hardened instantly under his touch. Leaning down, he took the sensitive bud into his mouth, sucking softly, his tongue swirling in slow, languid circles.

'Ahhh... hmm,' Nidhi moaned, her fingers threading through his hair, holding him close. The sensation was electric yet soothing, a gentle pull that made her arch slightly into him. He lavished attention on her nipple, alternating between soft sucks and the lightest flicks of his tongue, drawing out quiet gasps from her lips. His free hand mirrored the motion on her other breast, rolling the nipple between his fingers with the utmost delicacy, as if applying too much pressure might shatter her. Nidhi's body responded instinctively, a warmth blooming low in her belly, but it was the emotional depth—the way his eyes lifted to meet hers, filled with unspoken promises—that made her heart swell.

He switched sides, his mouth enveloping the neglected nipple, sucking with the same reverent care. Nidhi's breaths came in shallow pants, her hands clutching at his shoulders. 'Hmmm... that feels so good, bava,' she breathed, the endearment slipping out like a secret shared only between them. Rahul hummed against her skin, the vibration sending ripples of pleasure through her chest. He kissed the valley between her breasts, then lavished the same attention on the other side, ensuring no part of her felt unloved or overlooked.

After what felt like an eternity of this tender worship, Rahul pulled back slightly, his lips glistening as he gazed at her flushed face. 'Nidhi, my love,' he said softly, his voice rough with emotion, 'I want to make you feel everything, but only if you're ready. Can I... continue?'

Her eyes shimmered with affection, and she nodded, a small smile curving her lips. 'Yes, bava. I want this. I want you.' Before he could move, she leaned in, capturing his mouth in a deep, lingering kiss. Her tongue danced with his, slow and exploratory, tasting the faint sweetness of her own skin on his lips. The kiss spoke volumes—gratitude, desire, the unbreakable thread of their love. Rahul's hands framed her face, thumbs brushing away an imaginary tear, deepening the connection until they were both breathless.

Gently, as if handling fine porcelain, he guided her back onto the bed. The mattress dipped under their weight, and he positioned her in the center, propping pillows behind her head for comfort. He hovered above her, his body a protective shield, and trailed kisses down her sternum once more. His hand ventured lower, slipping beneath the hem of her nightgown, which had ridden up her thighs. Fingers ghosted over her inner thigh, coaxing her legs apart with infinite patience.

When he reached the warmth between her legs, he paused, looking up at her for reassurance. Nidhi nodded again, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Rahul's index finger traced her folds lightly, feeling the slick evidence of her arousal. He pressed one finger inside her slowly, so slowly, inch by inch, watching her face for any sign of discomfort. Her walls fluttered around him, warm and welcoming, but the gentleness of his intrusion brought a sudden rush of emotion to her eyes. A single tear escaped, tracing a path down her cheek—not from pain, but from the overwhelming delicacy of his touch, the way he treated her like she might break under the slightest force.

'Oh, Nidhi,' he whispered, his voice laced with concern and adoration. He held still, letting her adjust, his thumb circling her clit in the softest of strokes. 'You're so beautiful like this. So perfect. I love you more than words can say.' The tear fell, and he leaned up to kiss it away, his lips lingering on her cheek. Nidhi's hand cupped his face, pulling him back to her mouth for a brief, tender kiss.

'Ahhh... bava, it's...ummm haahhhhhhmm' she murmured against his lips, her voice trembling with the intensity of the moment. Rahul began to move his finger, sliding it in and out with the barest pressure, curling it just enough to brush that sensitive spot inside her. Each motion was measured, like a caress rather than a thrust, building a slow-burning fire in her core. Her hips shifted subtly, seeking more, but he kept the pace unhurried, his eyes never leaving hers.

Sensing her growing need, he added a second finger, introducing it with the same excruciating care. He scissored them gently, stretching her walls without any rush, his thumb maintaining that light, rhythmic pressure on her clit. Nidhi's breath hitched, another soft 'hmmm' escaping her as the fullness intensified the sensations. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes again, this time from the sheer vulnerability of being so cherished. Rahul kissed her eyelids, her temples, murmuring, 'I've got you, love. You're safe with me. Let it all out.'

Her body began to relax into the rhythm, the initial emotional overwhelm giving way to a deepening pleasure. But Rahul wanted to take her even further into bliss. He withdrew his fingers slowly, earning a small whine from her, and kissed his way down her body—over her breasts, her stomach, until his face was level with her core his breath warm against her sensitive skin.

He parted her thighs wider, settling between them, and leaned in. His tongue flicked out tentatively, lapping at her entrance with flat, broad strokes. The first taste of her essence made him groan softly, the sound vibrating against her. He delved deeper, his tongue thrusting inside her in a slow, fucking motion, mimicking the gentleness of his fingers but with a wet, intimate heat.

Nidhi's world blurred at the edges, dissolving into a haze of sensation. She lost herself completely, her mind drifting into a delusional realm where nothing existed but the exquisite care of his mouth. His tongue swirled and probed, exploring every fold, every hidden crevice, while his hands massaged her thighs, keeping her grounded yet floating. 'Ahhh... bava, ahhh... don't stop,' she gasped, her fingers twisting in the sheets. Waves of pleasure built gradually, like a tide rising on a calm sea, pulling her under into ecstasy.

He alternated between tongue-fucking her and sucking lightly on her clit, his movements always soft, always attuned to her responses. Nidhi's hips bucked gently, her body chasing the peak, but Rahul controlled the pace, drawing it out until she was a quivering mess. Tears streamed freely now, not of sorrow but of pure, overwhelming joy—the kind that love alone could evoke.

Finally, he lifted his head, his chin glistening with her arousal, and crawled back up her body. His eyes locked onto hers, filled with a fierce protectiveness. 'Nidhi, if you feel any pain at all, bite my shoulder. Promise me?' he said, his voice a low rumble of concern.

'I promise, bava,' she whispered, nodding as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Rahul positioned himself at her entrance, the thick head of his cock pressing against her slick folds. He pushed in slowly, so incredibly slowly, treating her like a glass doll that might shatter if handled roughly. Inch by inch, he filled her, pausing every few moments to let her adjust, to whisper endearments against her ear.

Tears welled up again, spilling over as the stretch burned just enough to remind her of her fragility in his hands. 'Ahhh..., it's... it's so much,' she whimpered, but her voice held no fear, only awe. He kissed her tears away, his body trembling with the effort of restraint. 'You're doing so well, my delicate one. So strong, so beautiful. I love how you feel around me.'

Once fully sheathed, he held still, their bodies joined in perfect harmony. Then, with a single, gentle push of his hips, he seated himself deeper, eliciting a soft cry from her. 'Hmmm... bava, ahhh...' Nidhi moaned, her nails digging lightly into his back. Rahul began to move, slow and shallow at first, each withdrawal and re-entry a testament to his devotion. His thrusts were like waves lapping at the shore—tender, rhythmic, building without force.

As pleasure overtook the initial discomfort, Nidhi's body responded in kind, her hips rising to meet his. The tears slowed, replaced by a radiant smile as ecstasy bloomed fully within her. 'Ohhh... ahh bava, it feels... incredible,' she breathed, her voice laced with wonder. He quickened just a fraction, still keeping the pace loving and measured, his hand slipping between them to circle her clit once more.

Their lovemaking unfolded like a dream, bodies moving in sync, breaths mingling in shared sighs. Rahul's mouth found her neck again, kissing the spots he'd marked earlier with affection rather than possession. 'You're my everything, Nidhi. This... us... it's perfection,' he murmured, his words weaving into the fabric of their intimacy. She clung to him, her legs wrapping around his waist, pulling him closer as the coil in her belly tightened.

'Ahhh... bava, I'm close... hmmm, yes,' Nidhi panted, her walls fluttering around his cock. He angled his hips to hit that sweet spot with every gentle thrust, his own release building in tandem. The room filled with the soft sounds of their union—the wet slide of skin, their whispered dialogues of love, the occasional gasp of delight.

When her orgasm crested, it washed over her like a gentle rain, her body arching gracefully as she cried out, 'bava! Ahhh... I love you!' Waves of pleasure rippled through her, clenching around him in rhythmic pulses. Rahul followed moments later, burying himself deep with a final, tender push, his release spilling hot and fulfilling inside her. 'I love you too bangaram,' he groaned, collapsing gently atop her, careful not to crush her fragile form.

They lay entwined, breaths syncing as the afterglow enveloped them. Rahul rolled to the side, pulling her into his chest, his fingers tracing patterns on her back. Nidhi nestled closer, a contented 'hmmm' vibrating against his skin. In that moment, doubt faded—love could indeed make intimacy this soft, this profound, turning two souls into one unbreakable whole.

But their night was far from over. As their heartbeats slowed, Rahul's hand wandered once more, cupping her breast and thumbing the nipple he'd worshipped earlier.

He chuckled lowly, the sound warming her from within, and resumed his gentle explorations. His lips returned to her neck, kissing the fading marks of his earlier affections, while his hand slid down to where they were still joined, his fingers teasing her entrance anew. Even spent, her body responded, a fresh wave of arousal building under his expert touch.

This time, he focused on her pleasure alone, slipping two fingers back inside her, moving them in lazy circles that coaxed soft moans from her throat. 'Ahhh... bava, you're spoiling me,' she teased breathlessly, but her eyes sparkled with joy. He kissed her deeply, swallowing her sounds, his tongue mirroring the motion of his fingers.

Nidhi's world tilted again, lost in the haze of his devotion. He added his thumb to her clit, rubbing in tandem, and she shattered once more, her cries muffled against his shoulder—true to his word, she bit down lightly when the peak crested, not in pain but in ecstatic release. 'Hmmm... bava, yes...right there'

Rahul held her through it, whispering praises until she floated back to earth. They made love again, slower still, his cock entering her with the reverence of a prayer. Each thrust was a declaration, each gasp a vow. Tears came intermittently, not from overwhelm but from the beauty of it all—the way love transformed raw desire into something ethereal.

By dawn's first light, they were spent, curled together in a tangle of limbs and sheets. Nidhi traced his jawline, her voice soft. 'How do you make it feel like this? Like I'm made of glass, but unbreakable in your hands.'

Rahul smiled, kissing her forehead. 'Because you are, Nidhi. My glass doll, my heart. Love makes it possible.' And in the quiet intimacy of their bedroom, they knew it to be true—no one could doubt the softness that true love could weave.

.

.

The Next Day

The house felt unusually lively that morning.

Lakshmi moved around the living room with purpose, checking her phone repeatedly, while Kavitha sat comfortably on the sofa, already discussing colors, designs, and fabric types with full enthusiasm.

"Reception is not a small thing," Kavitha declared firmly. "Everyone will be watching. Nidhi must look perfect."

Nidhi, sitting beside her mother, smiled shyly. "Amma, whatever you choose will be fine."

Lakshmi laughed softly. "Don't encourage her, Nidhi. Once Kavitha starts, there's no stopping."

Anu came out of her room adjusting her dupatta, sensing that she was already being silently included in the plan.

Kavitha's eyes immediately fell on her.

"Good, you're ready. We'll buy something nice for you too."

Anu blinked. "For me?"

"Of course," Lakshmi replied. "You'll be on stage with family. You can't just wear anything."

Anu smiled politely, but a faint uneasiness crept into her chest.

Shopping... outfits... opinions.

Her mind immediately went to one person.

Vedansh.

At the Store

The showroom was elegant, filled with soft lights, mirrors, and neatly arranged sarees in every shade imaginable.

Nidhi was surrounded by salesgirls, showing her pastel sarees and embellished blouses. Kavitha was fully involved, rejecting some, approving others, completely in her element.

Lakshmi stayed close to Anu, occasionally pointing out designs.

"This color would suit you," she said gently.

Anu nodded, but she wasn't really focused.

Then a salesgirl approached with a neatly folded saree in her hands.

"Madam, this is a new arrival. Very classy for receptions," she said, unfolding it slowly.

The saree was stunning—subtle, elegant, and rich. Along with it came a matching sleeveless blouse, delicately embroidered.

Anu's breath caught.

Before she could react, Kavitha atha leaned forward, eyes lighting up.

"Oh, this is beautiful!"

Lakshmi nodded in agreement. "Very graceful. It's not loud at all."

The salesgirl smiled. "It will look very elegant when worn."

Anu stared at the blouse, her fingers stiff.

Sleeveless.

Her heart began to beat faster—not from excitement, but from worry.

"Kavitha atha..." she began carefully, "maybe something with sleeves—"

"Why?" Kavitha asked immediately. "This is perfectly decent. Reception wear should look modern too."

Lakshmi added softly, "Anu, this will suit you. You don't wear such designs often."

Anu swallowed.

Her parents were understanding.

Her in-laws were open-minded.

But her husband?

She could already imagine his expression—jaw tight, eyes dark, that dangerous silence he slipped into when something bothered him deeply.

He was possessive.

Not because he doubted her—but because the world looking at her felt unacceptable to him.

"I'm not sure..." Anu said quietly.

Kavitha atha noticed the hesitation instantly.

"Is this about Vedansh?"

Anu didn't answer. Her silence was enough.

Kavitha sighed and gently held Anu's hand.

"Anu, listen to me. You are his wife. This outfit is elegant, not inappropriate. Sometimes, you also need to choose for yourself."

Lakshmi looked at her daughter with warmth.

"He loves you, kanna. He may react, but he'll understand."

Anu looked at her reflection in the mirror as the salesgirl draped the saree slightly to show how it would look.

She looked confident. Mature. Beautiful.

Still, fear lingered.

She didn't want arguments.

She didn't want cold distance.

She didn't want to see disappointment in his eyes.

But Kavitha atha's expectant smile... her mother's faith...

She exhaled slowly.

"Okay," she said at last. "We'll take it."

Kavitha smiled with satisfaction.

"That's my girl."

Anu smiled too—but deep inside, her heart was uneasy.

.

.

The house was quiet when Anu returned.

Vedansh was seated on the couch, laptop open on his lap, sleeves rolled up, completely absorbed in work. His posture was relaxed, but his presence filled the room effortlessly.

Anu placed the shopping bags aside and stood there for a moment, watching him.

He looked tired.

And somehow... irresistible.

As if sensing her gaze, he looked up.

"Come here," he said casually, patting his thigh.

Her heart skipped.

She walked closer but sat beside him instead.

The moment she did, he closed the laptop halfway, wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her onto his lap effortlessly.

"Vedansh—" she gasped softly.

He didn't answer.

Instead, he pressed slow kisses against her cheek, then along her jaw, lingering near her neck. His hold was firm, possessive, familiar.

"Bava," she whispered, trying to pull away.

"Hm," he hummed lazily, continuing, as if her resistance amused him.

She pushed his chest gently. "Stop."

Her resistance irritated him.

He paused, lifting his head slightly. "What happened?"

She took a breath, steadying herself.

"About tomorrow..." she said carefully. 

His eyebrows rose slightly.

"Whatever it is," she said quickly, "you shouldn't comment on it."

He studied her face closely—the tension in her eyes, the way she was bracing herself.

For a moment, he said nothing.

Then he shrugged lightly. "Okay."

She blinked, surprised. "Really?"

"Hm," he replied casually, leaning back. 

Relief washed over her.

But then he added, almost lazily,

"I won't comment. But come here first."

Before she could react, he pulled her closer again, placing a soft kiss on her cheek.

She sighed, half-scolding, half-smiling. 

She rest her forehead against his shoulder.

He softened then, his hold gentler.

.

.

Vedansh was ready long before anyone else.

His black suit was perfectly tailored, hair neatly set, watch clasped firmly around his wrist. He moved around the venue with authority, checking arrangements, speaking to staff, making sure every detail of the reception was flawless.

Yet, again and again, his eyes drifted toward the staircase.

Anu hadn't come down yet.

"She'll be here soon," someone said casually while briefing him.

He nodded, distracted.

Something inside him felt restless.

Anu stood in front of the mirror, fingers trembling slightly as she adjusted the pleats of her saree.

The saree was beautiful—soft, elegant, graceful.
The sleeveless blouse, however, made her chest tighten with anxiety.

She stared at her reflection.

Please, God... keep him sane today, she prayed silently, palms pressing together for a moment.

Her parents were fine with it.
Kavitha atha had insisted.
Everyone had reassured her.

But Vedansh...

She knew him too well.

Taking a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders and stepped out.

Vedansh was speaking to an organizer when movement caught his eye.

He turned instinctively.

And for one full second—

The world stopped.

Anu descended the stairs slowly, the saree flowing around her, her face calm but her eyes nervous. The lights caught her perfectly.

He forgot to breathe.

She was breathtaking.

Then his eyes traveled lower.

Bare shoulders.

Bare arms.

Sleeveless.

Reality crashed back in.

His jaw clenched. His expression hardened—not in anger, but in raw possessiveness.

Anu felt his gaze immediately.

Her heart raced.

She avoided looking at him and walked straight toward Lakshmi and Kavitha, pretending she hadn't noticed the sudden shift in his demeanor.

Vedansh excused himself abruptly and turned away, fists tightening at his sides.

After that, he didn't argue.

He simply claimed his place beside her.

His arm wrapped firmly around her bare waist, pulling her so close that not even air could pass between them. Every time someone stood a little too close, his grip tightened.

To the world, they looked inseparable.

To Anu, he felt like a storm barely under control.

She ignored him deliberately.

She smiled for photos.
She greeted relatives.
She stood confidently.

That only fueled him further.

He leaned down, teeth clenched.
"Stop acting like nothing is wrong."

She didn't reply.

"You think ignoring me will fix this?" he muttered.

Still nothing.

Finally, he whispered sharply,
"You misused my trust, Ammu."

Her breath faltered—but she didn't look away.

"I didn't betray you," she said quietly. "I wore a saree of my fav."

He scoffed softly.
"You call this your fav saree?"

"You don't own my body," she said, steady but tired.

That's when she saw it.

Not rage.

Hurt.

Something broke behind his eyes.

His grip loosened slightly.

After a long pause, he said, low and controlled,
"Change the saree now, Amu. Don't test my patience."

"I won't," she replied immediately.

His fingers pinched sharply at her waist.
"Naa maata vinu, Amu. Don't trouble me."

"listen to me ammu and change the saree."

"No," she cut him off. "I won't."

She pulled away and walked straight toward the food counter.

The aroma hit her instantly.

Only then did she realize how hungry she was.

She reached for a plate—

And it was taken before she could touch it.

Vedansh.

"I'll do it," he said flatly.

"I can take my own plate," she snapped.

"What do you want to eat?" he asked instead.

She hesitated. Angry—but starving.

"Paneer starter. Little rice. Dal. That sweet."

He nodded and walked away.

She watched him carefully pick everything she liked, avoiding what she didn't.

When he handed her the plate, she took it silently.

Barely a few bites in, the noise and crowd overwhelmed her.

"I can't breathe," she muttered.

Without a word, Vedansh took her wrist and led her upstairs.

The moment the door shut, he turned on the AC.

Cool air filled the room.

He sat down and pulled her onto his lap.

She stiffened.

One arm wrapped around her waist—steady, grounding.
The other hand picked up the spoon.

"Eat."

"I can eat myself."

"I know," he replied. "Let me."

She didn't resist this time.

He fed her slowly.
She ate silently.

Then he said, "I didn't say it because I want to control you."

"Yes," she said immediately. "You did."

His hand stilled.

"I didn't know you wouldn't let me wear my favorites," she continued, voice breaking.

"You can wear whatever you want," he replied.
"But not unless and until it's exposing."

That was it.

"Why are you always like this?" she snapped, standing up.
"Chi... if I knew before, I wouldn't have lov—"

She stopped herself, eyes widening in shock.

"It's not like that," she rushed. "Listen—"

"Move."

His voice was cold.

She stared at him.

"Move, Anuhya."

He never used her full name.

Never.

Her eyebrows lifted in disbelief as she stood up fully.

Vedansh grabbed his phone and walked out before he lost control completely.

Anu stood frozen.

I wouldn't have loved...

Tears burned her eyes.

"I didn't mean it," she whispered.

She rushed out after him.

She searched desperately.

Then she felt it.

A stare.

A senior minister nearby was openly gawking.

Her skin crawled.

She tightened her pallu and looked around—

And saw Vedansh standing nearby, typing on his phone.

Relief flooded her.

She ran to him.

"Bava...."

No response.

"Bava," she whispered again, panic rising.
"He's staring at me."

He finally stopped typing.

But his face remained unreadable.

"Wear more like this, na," he said quietly.

Her heart cracked. but little don't know that he is typing to his men to kill the minister in 1000 ways.

Vedansh stopped a few steps away from her.

He turned slowly, eyes dark but steady, the anger now settled into something heavier—final.

"You said you wouldn't have loved me if you had known," he said quietly.
Then his lips curved into a slow, unreadable smile.

"But now it's too late, darling. You have to bear me."

The words hit her chest—not harsh, not mocking—claimed.

Before she could react, he reached for the end of her pallu and pulled it across her bare shoulder, placing it firmly on the other side, covering her.

A silent, unquestionable gesture.

Her face immediately fell.

She sulked like a child, lips pushed out, eyes narrowed.

"I look like a grandmother now," she muttered, tugging at the fabric.
"Remove this pallu."

He didn't even respond.

Didn't move.

Didn't look at it.

She tried again, softer.
"Bava..."

Still nothing.

That only made her more dramatic.

She folded her arms, tilted her head, then suddenly pouted harder and said,

"Bava, chudu... rep mana pillalu ee reception photos chusi
'amma face enduku ala undi?' ani adigite,
'nuve nannu kottav' ani chepta."

(Bava, look... tomorrow if our kids see these reception photos and ask
'why does mom's face look like that?'
I'll tell them you hit me.)

She finished with an exaggerated pout, eyes peeking up at him.

Vedansh closed his eyes for a second.

A long sigh left him.

"You are impossible," he muttered.

Slowly—very deliberately—he reached out and removed the pallu from her shoulder.

"There," he said flatly. "Happy?"

Her sulk vanished instantly.

A bright smile spread across her face, victorious and soft.

He shook his head slightly, helpless despite himself.

From that moment on, he didn't leave her side.

Not even once.

His hand rested on her waist—firm, protective, possessive—keeping her close, guiding her through the crowd, standing between her and every wandering gaze.

People noticed.

Whispered.

Admired.

But Vedansh didn't care.

She was beside him.

Where she belonged.

And even when she smiled at others—

His hand never left her waist.

Not even for a second.

total 4149 words

sorry for letting you guys wait on new year but i was stuck at some imp work....and tell me how was the chapter please cote and comment...few more chapters and season 2 started and i have posted a glimpse of season 2 reel in my instagram....link in my bio.. last but not least HAPPY NEW YEAR GUYS

insta id : wishpers_of_isha