NAINA'S POV

wrapping the saree around my body, tugging its pallu over my shoulder with elegance. It's a silk satin saree, adorned with intricate shimmer in the light. The blouse is also made of lavish golden embroidery with full sleeves, which adds a touch of glamour to the overall look.

Holding the vermilion box and taking it in pinches between my fingers, I carefully apply the sindoor to the parting of my hair. The vibrant red colour stands out against my dark locks. and finally wear a carved diamond on my nuptial chain to complete my bridal ensemble.

To complete the touch-up, I gently dab a hint of rosy blush on my cheeks and apply a red lipstick to enhance my natural features. I walked downstairs to serve Vaardan breakfast, but I didn't find him.

He was already off for work. I want him to be there, but anyway, it must be something important that requires his immediate attention. I decided to call Bhai to ask about Amsterdam.

But halted by a voice from the living room. His mom and a girl whom I don't know engaged in a deep conversation.

"Oh, she is Vaardan's wife Am I right, Aunty?" she asked. I stood frozen, unsure of how to react.

She walked to my side I was standing behind Mom's sofa when she extended her hand for a handshake.

"Hi, I'm Vaardan's best friend Aditi " she introduced herself with a warm smile. I shook her hand with the same smile.

"I'm Naina Vaardan Agnihotri," I replied, introducing myself with a slight nod.

"She looks so innocent, doesn't she, Aunty?" She left my hand and moved to sit on the sofa beside Mom.

Mom eyed me and answered, "Yes, she is."

"Naina, have a seat, please." I took the table and sat down, feeling a little nervous. I don't know why.

"Aunty, tell me you are a wedding and party planner," she said, leaning forward with curiosity in her eyes.

"Yes!" I confirmed, returning her curious gaze. "I love creating beautiful and memorable experiences for people on their special occasions."

"Can you plan a party for my friend? He is a businessman and just returned from Amsterdam. He wants a comeback party," she explained. I agreed with her request and asked her for more details about her friend's preferences and requirements for the party.

"When does he want his party to be held?"

"Tomorrow evening," she replied.

"Ok, it will be done on time at his villa." She sent me the address. I inform her that I will be meeting her tomorrow at the venue.

She bid her goodbye in the evening and moved to the kitchen, grabbing an apple. Only I can eat this today until the moon doesn't rise and Vaardan doesn't come.

I walk into our room, grab the laptop, and tell my team about the party arrangements and the venue for tomorrow. I also remind them to be prepared to meet at the villa.

Passing my time, I clean the closet and iron the remaining clothes. As I finish tidying up, I glance at the clock and realize it's already getting late. Mom and Dad already sleep, so it's just me waiting for Vaardan to arrive.

Since I already made dinner, I plan to reheat it for both of us when Vaardan arrives. and now I feel very itchy in this blouse I've been wearing this blouse all day, and it's not comfortable, so I'm looking forward to changing into something more comfortable after Vaardan gets here.

I comfortably sit on the bed, pushing my hair onto my right shoulder. I grab a book from the nightstand and start reading to pass the time. As I immerse myself in the story, I feel myself falling asleep in the same position.

I stir when someone calls my name. The food's aroma filled the air, making my stomach growl. I opened my eyes to see Vaardan holding a tray of food beside me.

Pushing my body to sit up, I stretch my arms and yawn, feeling the stiffness in my muscles from dozing off. Vaardan smiles warmly at me and says, "Sorry, I just got stuck in work and it just slipped from my mind."

"Here I am on a fast for you, and you don't even remember," I mumble, feeling a mix of disappointment and hunger. Vaardan's eyes cast down on me as he sets the tray down in front of me before settling in front of me.

"I'm really sorry; I'll make it up to you," he promises. My eyes went to his messy state: two opened shirt buttons, messy hair, and tired eyes.

"You always say sorry." Putting the book aside, I stand from bed, but he stops me by the wrist and pulls me gently back down.

"Please sit and let me explain myself," he pleaded, leaving my hand. I hesitantly sat back down, giving him a skeptical look.

"Alright, explain," I say, my hunger momentarily forgotten as I wait for his explanation.

For real, I don't want his explanation now, but I'm not the person to hold grudges.

It hurts me deeply.

His carelessness hurt me deeply.

Whether his promises are sincere or just empty words.

"First and foremost, I'm sorry," he says, beginning with his famous word sorry.

"You must be thinking my favorite word is always sorry," My eyes widened as he spoke the same words that I had just been thinking. He let out a deep sigh.

"It's a very hectic day in the office; believe me, I'm that busy; I don't get even a chance to breathe in peace," he continues, "but that's not an excuse for my carelessness. I understand how deeply it has hurt you, and I want to assure you that I genuinely regret my actions. I know you may be skeptical about whether my promises are sincere or just empty words, but I am committed to making it up to you and earning back your trust."

This man just read my mind and expressed exactly what I was thinking.

There is no way he knows how to read my thoughts. It's almost as if he can see right through me. I can't help but feel a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, he truly means what he says and is willing to make a genuine effort to mend our relationship.

I see him mixing rice and dal on the plate and bringing it to my mouth. "If you eat this, I will think that you are willing to give me a chance."

"Just because you're busy and I can understand that you're trying to make things right, that's the only reason I'm forgiving you," I replied. He smiled, pushing the spoonful of rice into my mouth. I accepted the spoonful of rice in my mouth and savored its taste. It feels so good to take a bite after a whole day of not eating.

"Naina, it will take time. As you know, I am trying to change myself, but it will take time. I appreciate your forgiveness and patience," he said sincerely. I nodded, understanding that true change doesn't happen overnight.

I also make small bites and feed him in return, and we finish our dinner with smiles on our faces, enjoying each other's company and the simple act of sharing a meal.

He put the plates in the sink while I changed into my nightgown. He later returned to the room with two ice cream cones in hand. I couldn't help but smile at his sweet gesture, knowing that even in the midst of our struggles, we still found joy in the little things.

"You hold it for a minute; I will make the bed again; it gets messy," he said, nodding his head. I sat on the couch. As he made the bed, I waited for him to finish and join me on the couch. I watched him carefully tuck in the sheets and fluff the pillows, appreciating his attention to detail. Once he was done, he joined me with a satisfied smile, ready to eat his ice cream.

"Thank you for this," I said, licking my ice cream cone. He warmly smiled in return and dug into his ice cream.

Finishing my ice cream, I was about to stand when he again held my wrist and pulled me to him. With a pull, I landed on his chest, and he held my waist. Surprised, I let out a small gasp before settling into his embrace.

I licked my lips as he quietly gazed into my eyes , his intense gaze making my heart race. He pushed the invisible hair away from my face and whispered, "You're beautiful." I feel my face getting hot.

He rubbed my waist, making my mind go crazy for a second as his touch sent shivers down my spine. I couldn't help but lean in closer, feeling the electricity between us intensify.

This is wrong.

I feel like I'm desperate for a little love, and I really don't want to show it to him. My heart is yearning for a little love.

He will think I am desperate for him. for his touch, which is real but not in that way. I want to be loved by him, but I also want him to love me for who I am, not just for physical affection.

I was about to stand when he attached his lips to mine. He looked into my eyes, and I held his collar tightly in confusion. Should I push him or go with the flow?

His tongue moved on my sealed lips as my mind raced with conflicting emotions. I wanted to give in to the passion, but a part of me feared losing my weak Naina at the moment.

He said no ifs, no buts, just us.

Just us

I opened my mouth to let his tongue explore mine, closing my eyes to fully immerse myself in the sensation. The taste of his lips was intoxicating, and his hand rubbing my waist was intoxicating.

A soft moan emerged from my mouth when he sucked on my bottom lip, and he hummed in deep approval. Our bodies pressed closer together. He took the life out of me as we continued to kiss passionately.

He left my bottom lip with a pop sound and trailed kisses along my jawline, sending shivers down my spine.

"Open your beautiful eyes," he commanded, and my eyes fluttered open, meeting his intense gaze.

"Did I ever tell you how beautiful you look when your eyes meet mine?" He whispered, and I bit my lips, gulping his sweet saliva, which was mixed with mine.

He traced his finger on my face, following the path of his kisses. The touch of his finger sent a tingling sensation through my body, igniting a fire within me.

"Thank you " I know the reason for his thank you.

I gave him a chance so he thanked me 100 times in two days.

He caressed my hair gently, his touch soothing and comforting. finally moving them behind my neck, and other hands doing wonders on my waist, pulling me closer to him.

Again, he pulled me into a breathtaking kiss, this time with more passion and intensity than before. I pull him closer to his collar. He suddenly takes me in his arms without leaving my lips, sucking, licking, and biting, and carries me towards the bed.

He put me down, hovering over me with his eyes filled with desire.

"Vaardan, we should sleep." Only I know how I form words as he continues to trail kisses down my neck.

"Sleep is the last thing on my mind," he whispers above my lips.

"But as you said, baby steps, we will take," he said, rolling on the bed's other side and propping himself up on his elbow.

I breathe heavily after feeling the effect of his mind-blown kiss lingering on my lips.

He pulled me to him, covering our bodies with the softness of the sheets. I put my head on his left arm, listening his calm breath in sync with mine.

"I've been crazy for you from the very start," he confessed, kissing my head. His other hand reached to hold my left hand in a gentle grip under the blanket.

"I thought you hated me," I whispered, my voice barely audible. He chuckled softly, his eyes filled with warmth, as he brushed a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Hate was never an option when it came to you," he replied, his thumb tracing circles on the back of my hand.

"We will make it work together." He sighed, and we both stared blankly at the celling, lost in our own thoughts.

"We will," I mindlessly repeated, feeling a sense of comfort in his words.

"Sleep," he said without losing his grip on my hand. closing my eyes and leaving myself in his embrace. I let sleep wash over me.

The next day, I got ready and moved to Mr. Kapoor's villa. Aditi, tell me his name and guide me to his villa. My team decorated all the villa with a party theme. He appreciated my efforts and insisted I enjoy his party, and I have to admit his hospitality was truly remarkable.

I messaged Vaardan about my whereabouts, and he told me to come back soon. I assured him that I would return as soon as my work was done and promised to keep him updated on my whereabouts.

He is tensed as it is night, but I told him I have a driver with me who will ensure my safety on the way back. I reassured Vaardan that I would take all necessary precautions and urged him not to worry.