I sigh. “And that’s how it’s going to be for the rest of our lives? Every time something happens, I come running to you, crying?”
“Sana, you don’t understand. All of this—everything—is overwhelming. The prenup, my mom throwing her weight around, people’s annoying judgments… It fucking feels like abattlefield.” His grip tightens, as if he’s afraid I might slip away. “And when you keep things from me, it feels like you don’t trust me to handle any of it.”
The raw emotion in his voice makes my heart clench, and I feel the lump in my throat swell painfully. “I know that, Aditya. This isn’t easy for either of us. And I do trust you, but if there are things I can handle on my own without burdening you, I don’t mind.”
His voice drops, edged with desperation. “You don’t have to handle it alone. You shouldn’t have to. This is our life, Sana. Ours. And I need you to share everything—no matter how messy or complicated it gets—without worrying about burdening me.”
I nod, swallowing past the tightness in my throat. “I won’t hide anything from you.”
He pulls me into his arms and whispers. “I keep thinking… what if something goes wrong? What if I lose you? What if someone takes this happiness away from me?”
I lift my head and look him in the eyes—his vulnerability laid bare, but he doesn’t hide; instead, he continues. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Sana. And I don’t want to risk anything coming between us.”
I stroke my thumb over his cheek, my own eyes stinging. “Nothing is going to take us away from each other.” My heart aches at his vulnerability. “We’re stronger than that.”
“I just—” He swallows hard, as if battling his own fears. “I love you so damn much, and the thought of not having you—” His voice breaks.
I press my forehead to his. “You have me. Now, tomorrow, forever. That’s not changing.”
He lets out a breath, some of the tension in his shoulders easing. I smile pulling back slightly.
“We should get going,” I say. “We need to pick Mom up from the temple and then head to your house to fix the wedding date.”
Aditya groans. “I just hope they set it for tomorrow.”
I laugh. “Tomorrow? Someone is impatient?”
He grins, pulling me closer by my waist. “You have no idea.” His fingers toy with the strands of my hair as his voice drops teasingly. “On second thoughts… we’re going to the temple to pick up Mom anyway—so let’s just get married while we’re at it. I’m sure she’ll be with me on this and will give us her blessing. That way, we follow the ritual, have your mom’s blessing, and then go to my parents to get theirs.”
I shake my head. “That’s not happening, Mr. Impatient. You better learn the art of patience.”
He smirks. “Sorry, but patience isn’t my forte.”
I swat at his arm, and he chuckles before lacing his fingers with mine and leading me outside. As we slide into his car, he steals a quick glance at me before starting the car.
And just like that, we drive toward the next chapter of our forever.
Chapter 36
Aditya
“I’ve been waiting for you all,” Mom says, rising to her feet the moment Sana, her mom, and I step into the living room.
“Mom,” I say, pressing a kiss to her cheek. A knot forms in my chest as I catch the look on her face. It’s the kind of expression that signals something is about to happen.
“Sana,” she says, giving her a look that is far from welcoming. Yet, Sana offers her a warm smile.
“Hello, Aunty,” she greets politely.
Sana’s mom steps forward with a gracious smile. “It’s lovely to see you again, Samdhanji.”
Mom nods at her, but her expression remains guarded, her lips pressing into a thin line as she gestures toward the couch. “Have a seat. We have things to discuss.”
The tense atmosphere unsettles me. I want to figure out what’s going on, but I push the thought aside for now. I’ll talk to Mom later. She and I have a lot to discuss—there are still things we need to settle. I’m still upset about the stunt she pulled with the prenup, and then showing up at Sana’s house with the dresses—not to mention letting her friend hurl insults at Sana like she had any right to judge her. Mom really needs to let go ofthis stubbornness. Her constant refusal to fully accept Sana and me has to end.
We take our seats. Mom and Sana’s mom settle on the couch, while I sit across from them, next to Sana.
My gaze flickers around the room.Where’s Dad?He knew we would be here to talk about finalizing the wedding date. Then why isn’t he here?
