The day unfolded with anticipation for Samyukta as she awaited her first night. A mix of emotions swirled within her, accompanied by a certain tension and excitement. She had never been in a romantic relationship or intimate with anyone before. All she knew about making love through her erotic novels and of course, detailed academic knowledge while studying medicines. 

As the evening descended, Vasundhara devi led a puja for Krishnaji. The air was infused with the fragrance of incense, and the flickering flames of diya added a sacred glow to the atmosphere. As the prayers concluded, she seamlessly transitioned into a bhajan session. The family gathered in the mandir, deeply into finding solace in the spiritual connection fostered by the rituals.

With the night embracing the mansion, the family shared an engaging dinner like always before retiring to their respective chambers. Abhishree, was staying for the night. She accompanied Samyukta to Abhimanyu's room. As they arrived, Abhishree couldn't resist a mischievous glint in her eyes as she playfully remarked, "Enjoy!" 

Samyukta put on a smile, concealing the nervousness that fluttered within her. 

"Don't worry. He's a gentleman." Abhishree assured her and left her at the entrance of the room. As she opened the door slowly, she took a deep breath, mustering the courage to face the upcoming night. Upon entering, a serene silence enveloped the room. The decor was undeniably masculine, with walls adorned in shades of black and grey, and the bed following suit in subtle greyish hues. Golden lights adorned the room, casting a classy and sophisticated ambiance. 

The closet led her to a lavish bathroom, boasting a massive bathtub that resembles a miniature swimming pool.

Samyukta finally decided to search for her husband and eventually found him on the balcony. However, the sight that greeted her dampened her spirits. Abhimanyu was smoking. Samyukta had never appreciated smoking, well aware of its detrimental effects. Witnessing her husband puffing on a cigarette, she couldn't help but feel disheartened.

Abhimanyu's POV

The evening passed with me working in my office located beside my room. Later, Maa called me to join the bhajan session, and as I entered, I found Samyukta immersed in her prayers. Her unwavering devotion always leaves me speechless. It brings a sense of tranquility to her that is evidently reflected on her serene face. When she prays, she looks like a goddess herself.

After the puja session concluded, we gathered for dinner. Samyukta sat beside me, and I couldn't help but notice that she ate very little. My mother, persistent as always, insisted that she eat more. After a bit of playful scolding from Maa, Samyukta agreed to take another roti. From their interactions, it was evident that my mother was close to her. Maa treated her like Shree, not refraining from scolding her or showing her affection. I admired how she effortlessly bonded with my family.

After dinner, while washing my hands, I received some texts from an anonymous number. Curious, I opened my phone to check them.

Anonymous: So got married, haan?

Anonymous: Don't worry I'll slowly ruin your new found trophy. She is so fucking sexy. 

Anonymous: You'll get what you deserve...I promise!

I was fuming with frustration. Anger welled up not only towards the unknown sender but also towards myself for getting married in the first place. Regret gnawed at me; maybe if we hadn't married, she would be safe from all this. Now, my enemies are after her. Wow!

I stormed into my room and straight to the balcony. I called Vikram immediately, instructing him to check the details of the number. He assured me he'd provide the information tomorrow.After the call ended, I lit a cigarette and puffed away, trying to calm my nerves.

After some time, I heard the gentle ringing of anklets. I turned around and saw her looking at me, a shock covering her face. She didn't know I smoke? I could sense her disappointment, but at that moment, I needed this smoke to calm myself.

She looked ethereal in a beautiful red saree paired with a heavily embroidered blouse and jewelries. I felt like I would drown in her beauty, so I turned my head away.

Samyukta's POV

I wished he didn't smoke. When he looked at me, I could sense that he was worked up, something bothering him. Surprisingly, he didn't even change; he was still in his black kurta set. Not that I didn't like seeing him in that black outfit – it made him look incredibly handsome, and I couldn't help but steal glances at him throughout the evening. The embroidered shawl added a touch of elegance to his overall look, making him appear like a true Rajput.

Hot!

Okay, he's my husband. If I don't find him hot then who'll? The people on internet drooling over him? I'm rightfully his wife.

As I pondered over these thoughts, a sudden surge of confidence washed over me. Without second-guessing myself, I walked up to him and snatched the cigarette from his mouth. He seemed taken aback by my actions, and truth be told, so was I, but I managed to maintain my composure.

He smirked at me, took the cigarette back from my hand and resumed puffing on it. Determined this time, I snatched it from his fingers and threw it on the floor, then rubbed it out with my feet. He observed my actions with amusement, a lingering smirk still playing on his face.

"You're worried about me?" He asked, the smirk still lingering on his face.

"Yes," I said, meeting his gaze.

"Why?" He looked at me intently, as if searching my soul.

"Because you're my husband, and I'm your wife," I replied, maintaining eye contact, although I couldn't help feeling a blush creeping up due to his intense stare.

Suddenly, I felt his hands around my waist, and within seconds, he was caging me in his strong arms, placing my back against the railing of the balcony. Our legs were entangled with each other's. I could feel his strong thighs and shins against my not- so- strong legs. He gazed at me deeply. I didn't waver my eyes from him, but inside me, a hurricane was going on. I was deeply affected by his stare. I saw his brown orbs darken, and I was staring at him so deeply that I could trace all the veins in his eyes.

"What are you doing to me?" he asked in a husky voice, almost a whisper, sending shivers through my entire body.

"What?" I asked, still looking at him. After a while, he released me from his embrace and let out a huge breath, replying, "Nothing."

"Is anything worrying you?" I asked. He looked at me for a moment and shook his head.

"I got something for you," he said, clearly trying to dodge my question. I didn't want to force him to speak about it if he didn't want to tell me.

"What?" I asked.

He pulled out a beautiful diamond necklace with a rose-gold chain from his pocket and forwarded it. I took it from his hands and admired how beautifully the diamonds were carved into the shape of a flower.

"For me?" I asked.

"Of course, then who else is present here?" he said coldly, making me flare my nostrils. He chuckled at my reaction.

"Did you like it?" he asked.

"Very much," I said, still admiring the necklace.

I pulled out my choker and placed it on the tea table in the huge balcony. The balcony itself was the size of a room, with a small open kitchen area in the corner and a large couch at the center. 

I came back to him and said, "Help me wear this."

He raised an eyebrow in a questioning manner. I asked, "What?"

He shook his head, chuckling, and took the necklace from my hand. I turned my back to him and moved my long black hair towards my right shoulder with my right hand, exposing my nape for him to tie the necklace. He placed the necklace on my neck and traced the chain to my nape. When he was tying the chain, his fingers gently brushed against my nape, sending wild sensations through my body. 

When he finally finished tying it, I turned towards him, smiling, and asked how I looked. He replied in a husky voice, "Breathtaking."

My eyes fell to the floor to hide my red cheeks. I could still feel his gaze on me, and it kind of warmed me up.

I went back to the room to check myself in the mirror and also to avoid his gaze, which could pierce my soul if I stayed there any longer.

The necklace looked so good on me. Despite receiving many expensive gifts, including some of the best diamond sets, I felt a certain emotion attached to this particular gift.

He entered the room and saw me checking myself in the mirror. I went to him and excitedly said, "I also have something for you."

He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Really?"

"Yes." I gave a wide smile and went to the table where my clutch was kept. I took out a blue velvet box and opened it. I took the chain out, which I personally went to a jewelry store and bought. I went to him and forwarded him the chain and the pendant.

"It's nice," he said, examining it. I felt so happy hearing that he liked it.

"Will you wear it?" I asked.

He thought for some time and said, "You want me to wear it?" I nodded at him.

Then, he said, "Why don't you make me wear it?"

"Okay...come here," I said a little awkwardly. He handed me the chain.

Attempting to reach his neck, my 5'2" stature fell short of his towering 6'2" height. He chuckled lightly, seeing me struggle. I felt a little embarrassed.

"Can you lean a bit?" I asked him. He leaned down a bit, and I regretted asking him to do so. His face was in front of my chest, and he was looking at my face constantly. I felt a blush creep to my cheeks for the umpteenth time. I struggled concentrating on tying the chain around his neck. When my fingers touched his nape, I could feel his protruding veins. We were so close that his breath was fanning my left collarbone. After what seemed like an eternity, I could finally tie the string. He moved away and examined himself in the mirror while my heart was thumping intensively.

He didn't say anything and went to the closet. I thought he might have not liked it so he went to keep it. I felt a bit sad. But after a few minutes, when he came out of the closet, I found that he had changed into a black night suit. I saw the chain hanging on his neck and felt happy.

"You go and change." he said and I nodded at him.

"You take the bed. I'll take the couch." He added. I appreciate his consideration to make me feel comfortable, but it seems unnecessary for him to sacrifice his own comfort by sleeping on the couch. Eventually, we'll be sharing the bed, so why not from the beginning? There's no need for him to endure discomfort when we can use a pillow to create some space between us. If he doesn't feel uneasy himself, then we should both enjoy a good night's sleep on the bed.

"Actually..." I began, but my thoughts tangled as I hesitated about how he might perceive my request for him to sleep on the bed. Shaking off the overthinking, I continued, "Um...you can sleep on the bed. We'll use another pillow to create some space between us...if you're comfortable..." The words rushed out all at once. He looked at me with amusement for a moment before saying, "Okay." He placed the a pillow and the duvet he intended for the couch on the bed before taking a seat.

I went to the closet to change. I swapped into a blush pink silk pajama set and returned to find him scrolling on his phone. When he sensed my presence, he looked up and asked, "Which side do you want to sleep on?"

"Left," I replied. He hummed in response. He was already seated on the right side, so he didn't need to move. I climbed onto the bed on the left side and covered myself with the duvet. 

"I'm turning off the lamps," he announced, and I hummed in agreement. With a flick of a switch, he plunged the room into darkness. We exchanged good night wishes and settled into sleep with a pillow as a barrier between us.

Abhimanyu's POV

I smoke when I'm frustrated, not as a habit. She seemed visibly disappointed seeing me with a cigarette. At that moment, I needed it to calm myself.

The jingling of her anklets grew louder as she approached me. When she neared, she swiftly snatched the cigarette from my mouth, surprising me. Enjoying her concern, I took it back, only for her to grab it again and toss it on the floor, rubbing it with her shoes.

Her actions left me genuinely surprised. Her face held genuine concern, and strangely, I found myself liking it.

"You're worried about me?" I asked, smirking.

"Yes," she replied, looking at me confidently, though her flushed cheeks betrayed her.

I wrapped my arms around her waist, caging her against the railing. Our intense gaze pierced into each other's souls, and my heart raced.

"What are you doing to me?" I asked, my voice husky.

"What?" she responded, still holding my gaze. After a prolonged staring session, I released her and sighed, replying, "Nothing."

"Is anything worrying you?" she inquired. After a moment, I shook my head.

"I got something for you," I said, changing the topic.

"What?" she asked curiously.

From my pocket, I produced a beautiful diamond necklace with a rose-gold chain and handed it to her. She took it with a wide smile.

"For me?" she asked excitedly.

"Of course, then who else is present here?" I teased, making her flare her nostrils. She looked adorable, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Did you like it?" I asked.

"Very much," she replied, still admiring the necklace. She replaced her choker on the balcony's tea table.

Returning to me, she said, "Help me wear this."

Amused by her request, I raised an eyebrow. She blushed but insisted, so I took the necklace and placed it around her neck, tracing the chain to her nape.

Shaking my head with a chuckle, I accepted the necklace from her hand. She turned away, allowing her beautiful, long hair to cascade towards her front, revealing the slender upper back. A rush of wild sensations coursed through my body as I admired her smooth, glowing skin under the moonlight. Placing the necklace around her neck, I delicately traced the chain to the nape. Her skin felt so soft and smooth just like butter.

After finishing, she turned toward me, smiling, and asked how she looked.

"Breathtaking," I uttered in a raspy voice. She blushed and went back inside to check herself in the mirror.

Later, as I entered the room, I found her examining herself. When she noticed me, she excitedly revealed she had something for me.

"Really?" I asked.

"Yes," she said, offering a wide smile. From her clutch, she retrieved a blue velvet box, unveiling a chain with a pendant, made of platinum and diamonds.

"It's nice," I complimented, feeling a strange joy. I'll wear it forever.

"Will you wear it?" She asked. Yes, forever.

"You want me to wear it?" I asked teasingly, and she nodded cutely.

"Why don't you make me wear it?" I suggested mischievously.

"Okay...come here," she said awkwardly. I handed her the chain, and as she struggled to reach my height, I couldn't help but chuckle. When she asked me to lean a bit, I obliged. My face was in front of her chest, and focused on her face to avoid creeping her out. She was blushing heavily. As she tied the chain, I moved towards the mirror, feeling the pendant complement my appearance.

After that, we both changed.

I suggested her to take the bed and I'll take the couch.

"Actually..." she stammered, then continued, "Um...you can sleep on the bed. We'll use another pillow to create some space between us...if you're comfortable." Her suggestion surprised me, but I agreed. 

I thought that sleeping on the same bed might make her uncomfortable after all she doesn't share bed with a man daily. She has left her own space and come here. The least I could do to make her feel like home is to make sure she's comfortable. But her suggestion has left me amused. How much understanding of a person she is. She is definitely very empathetic hence, she chose to become a doctor. Normally, I've heard that women hesitate to sleep on the same bed in an arranged marriage initially which is completely understandable but she's different. I love how she is confident in me, how she knows I'll never harm her. I'm happy about the fact that she chose to trust in me. I'll never betray her. I'll never disappoint her.

 I sat on the bed to check emails.

She returned from the closet in a pink pajama set, sans jewelry and makeup, yet stunning as ever. When I asked which side she wanted to sleep on, she chose the left. Already I was on the right, so she nestled under the duvet. After switching off the light, we wished each other good night and drifted off to sleep.

MIDNIGHT

Tension weighed heavily on me after receiving the anonymous threat. Unable to find peace in my sleep, I woke up at midnight only to discover her struggling with her chudha. Facing towards me, she attempted to find a comfortable position to rest her head on her right hand. However, the chudha seemed determined to disrupt her beauty sleep. She continuously shifted her hand under her head in search of a suitable position.

In the midst of her efforts, she suddenly found my arm. Swiftly, she nestled her head on it, drifting into a deep slumber. The pillow that had once separated us was now resting at our toes, displaced by her continuous movements. I couldn't help but chuckle at her endearing antics. She was like a child in her sleep.

After some time, sleep enveloped me as well.

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