_______AUTHOR'S POV:~~
The night unfolded softly, the velvet sky draped with a scattering of stars, and the full moon hanging high above, casting its silver light over the earth below. As Rudra drove away from the Singhaniya mansion, the headlights of the car illuminated the road ahead, but it was the moonlight that bathed the world in a soft, ethereal glow, enhancing the beauty of the woman sitting beside him.
Anaya, dressed in a deep blue kurti with modern, elegant cuts that complemented her form, sat quietly. Her open hair flowed gently past her shoulders, catching the moonlight as it filtered through the car windows, making her look almost otherworldly. Her eyes, dark and expressive, reflected the serenity of the night, though a hint of curiosity and excitement flickered in them as she glanced over at Rudra.
Beneath the sleeve of her kurti, hidden away from view, was the bracelet Rudra had given her. The once white metal had changed to a warm, soft yellow hue, and the tiny heart charm attached to it glinted faintly whenever she moved her arm. It was a quiet reminder of Rudra's presence in her life, and tonight, as they ventured out together, it felt like it carried a deeper meaning—something between them that was slowly unfolding.
Anaya couldn't help but feel her pulse quicken as they drove further away from the mansion, the air cooling with the night breeze that crept in through the slightly cracked window. The rhythmic hum of the car engine was calming, yet she couldn't shake the growing anticipation within her.
"It's not yet 8," she thought to herself, glancing at the dashboard clock. There were still 40 minutes to go, yet here they were, already on the road.
Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Anaya turned toward Rudra. "Where are we going?" she asked softly, her voice breaking the comfortable silence between them.
Rudra didn't immediately respond, but she saw the faint smile that tugged at the corners of his lips. His eyes remained on the road, though she could sense a subtle shift in his demeanor, as if he was amused by her question.
"It's somewhere you like the most," he said, his voice deep and calm, laced with a hint of mystery.
Anaya furrowed her brows slightly, wondering where that might be. She loved many things—nature, flowers, gardens... but she couldn't quite guess what Rudra had in mind. However, the anticipation in his words made her heart flutter in her chest.
The car continued its smooth journey, the road ahead illuminated by the street lamps that lined the quiet lanes. The golden lights cast long, glowing reflections on the pavement, flickering softly as they passed by. Outside the window, the world seemed peaceful—trees lining the roads swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling softly in the night air. Occasionally, the distant sound of crickets chirping could be heard when the car slowed down at a turn, only to be replaced by the steady hum of the engine as they continued.
The further they drove, the more rural the landscape became. The city lights started to dim, replaced by patches of open fields and clusters of trees. The moon shone brighter here, unobstructed by tall buildings, and its light danced on the foliage, casting soft shadows on the road.
As they neared their destination, Anaya noticed the change in the air. It felt lighter, fresher—like the promise of something serene. She saw a faint glow in the distance, a warm amber hue that stood out against the dark countryside. Her curiosity deepened as Rudra turned onto a smaller road lined with flowering plants on either side.
They arrived at a hidden gem, a flower garden café nestled quietly amidst lush greenery. The entrance was framed with delicate, hanging lanterns that swung gently in the night breeze, casting golden light over the garden path that led to the café. It was a quaint, charming place—one that seemed to be plucked out of a dream.
"Are you ready for this?" he asked, his voice a blend of curiosity and tenderness.
Anaya nodded, her heart racing. "I am, but I have no idea what to expect."
He smirked, a playful glint in his eye. "Trust me; you're going to love it."
Anaya's eyes widened in delight as she took in the sight. The garden was filled with soft, glowing lanterns hanging from tree branches, illuminating the flowers that bloomed even at night. White roses, pink tulips, and deep red dahlias lined the walkways, their petals kissed by the moonlight. Tiny fairy lights were strung along the bushes, twinkling softly in the breeze, adding to the magical ambiance.
The café itself was a small, open structure with wooden beams and glass walls, allowing the beauty of the garden to be seen from every angle. Inside, the warm light of vintage chandeliers gave it a cozy, romantic feel. The tables were adorned with fresh flowers in small vases, and the soft hum of conversation from a few other couples filled the air.
Rudra parked the car and stepped out, walking over to open Anaya's door. His hand reached out to her, and as she placed her hand in his, her heart skipped a beat. There was something different about him tonight—he was still the commanding, intense Rudra she knew, but tonight, there was a gentleness in his touch that made her feel cherished.
They walked hand-in-hand down the lantern-lit path, the scent of blooming flowers filling the air around them. Anaya couldn't help but feel enchanted by the garden—it was exactly the kind of place she loved. The night sky above, dotted with stars, only added to the sense of magic that surrounded them.
They were led to a cozy corner table by the café staff, surrounded by flowers and soft lights. As they sat down, Anaya noticed the subtle, thoughtful details that made the evening even more special. There was a small cake placed at the center of the table, a delicate confection topped with fresh strawberries—one of her favorites. And alongside it, the unmistakable aroma of her favorite coffee filled the air.
Rudra leaned back in his chair, watching her with a small smile as she took it all in. "Do you like it?" he asked, his voice breaking the comfortable silence.
"I've never been here before," she admitted, glancing up at him. "It's beautiful."
Anaya looked at him, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "I love it," she said softly, her heart full as she took in the effort he had put into this night.
Rudra nodded, satisfied with her response, and reached for the coffee cups, pouring them both a warm, steaming cup. The sound of the liquid pouring into the cups was soothing, mingling with the soft sounds of the night—the distant chirping of crickets, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the occasional breeze that stirred the flowers around them.
As they sipped their coffee and shared the cake, the conversation flowed easily between them. They spoke of small things—her day at college, the garden, the flowers she loved. Rudra listened, asking questions here and there, genuinely interested in her thoughts and experiences.
At one point, he leaned forward slightly, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "You seem happy tonight," he observed quietly, a rare warmth in his voice.
Anaya smiled, feeling a deep sense of contentment wash over her. "I am," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for this, Rudra."
Rudra reached across the table, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face. His touch was light, but it sent a shiver down her spine, and for a moment, they simply looked at each other, the world around them fading away.
As they settled into their seats, Rudra leaned forward slightly, his expression serious. "Anaya, I want to know more about you—your dreams, your goals. You're not just my wife; you're a person with your own life."
She smiled shyly, her cheeks warming. "What about you? You seem to have it all figured out. What are your dreams?"
Rudra took a moment, his gaze drifting as he considered her question. "I suppose I have everything I need: a successful career, a family name to uphold, and a vision for the future. But the truth is, I've always wanted someone to share it with, someone who understands me beyond the business and the expectations."
"Is that why you married me?" she asked, her heart pounding at the vulnerability in his voice.
He nodded, his expression earnest. "Yes, but it's more than that. I want to be with someone who inspires me, someone I can be myself with. I see that in you."
Anaya felt her heart flutter. She had never thought of herself as someone who could inspire anyone, especially someone as formidable as Rudra. "But I'm still finding my way," she said softly.
"That's okay," he replied, leaning back in his chair. "Life is about the journey. You don't have to have it all figured out right now."
She smiled at him, grateful for his understanding. "Thank you for believing in me, Rudra. It means a lot."
As their food arrived, Anaya couldn't help but notice the way Rudra's gaze lingered on her. It was both exhilarating and unnerving. She felt seen, really seen, and it made her heart race.
"Show me your wrist," he said suddenly, his tone serious yet gentle.
Confused, Anaya hesitated for a moment before revealing her wrist, adorned with a delicate bracelet that had a heart charm. "Why do you want to see this?"
He reached out, his fingers brushing against her skin as he examined the bracelet. "This bracelet represents our feelings, Anaya. It changes according to our emotions."
"Changes? How?" she asked, intrigued.
"It reflects the bond we share," he explained, his eyes flicking up to meet hers. "When we're happy, it glows brighter. When we're sad, it dims. It's a constant reminder of what we mean to each other."
She felt a surge of warmth at his words, understanding the significance behind them. "That's beautiful. But what if it changes when we're not together?"
Rudra smiled, a glimmer of something tender in his eyes. "It doesn't matter. Even when we're apart, I want you to know that I'm always with you, cheering you on, just like you're doing for me."
Anaya's heart swelled at the depth of his feelings. "I didn't know you were so romantic."
He chuckled softly, the corners of his mouth lifting. "I can be, you know. Especially when it comes to you."
As they enjoyed their meal, Anaya found herself opening up more. She shared her experiences, her aspirations, and even the fears that sometimes held her back. Rudra listened, his focus unwavering, asking questions and offering encouragement that made her feel valued.
At one point, as she spoke about her love for painting, Rudra reached across the table, taking her hand in his. The warmth of his touch sent a jolt of electricity through her.
"Promise me you'll never stop pursuing your dreams," he said, his voice low and earnest. "I want to see you shine."
"I promise," she replied, squeezing his hand back, feeling a connection deepen between them.
Rudra's eyes softened as he looked at her, the air thick with unspoken words. "You're extraordinary, Anaya. You have this way of bringing color into my life, and I want to be there for you."
Anaya felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. "You make me feel like I'm not just a wife but someone who matters."
"You matter to me, more than you know," he said, his gaze unwavering.
The restaurant buzzed with chatter and laughter, but in that moment, it felt as though they were the only two people in the world. They shared stories and dreams, laughter and gentle teasing, their connection growing stronger with every word exchanged.
As the evening drew on and they finished their meal, Rudra leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile on his face. "I'm glad we did this."
"Me too," Anaya replied, her heart light. "This has been one of the best nights of my life."
"I intend to make many more nights like this one," he promised, his eyes sparkling with determination.
Anaya couldn't help but return his smile, feeling a sense of hope blooming within her. Their relationship was still new and uncharted, but the foundation they were building felt solid, grounded in honesty and affection.
As they left the restaurant, the night air was cool and refreshing. Rudra took her hand in his again, their fingers intertwining naturally. They strolled down the quiet street, the city lights twinkling above them like stars.
"Anaya?" Rudra said suddenly, stopping to face her. "I want to make sure you always know how much you mean to me. This connection we have—it's unlike anything I've ever felt before."
Her heart raced as she looked up at him. "You're saying all the right things."
He chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I mean every word. I'm obsessed with you, and I'm not afraid to admit it."
Anaya's cheeks flushed as she smiled, feeling warmth spread through her. "I think I might be obsessed with you too."
Rudra's expression softened, and he leaned closer, the air between them thick with anticipation. "Good, because I intend to keep you by my side for a long time."
Their eyes locked, and in that moment, everything around them faded away. Anaya could feel her heart pounding, every beat echoing the unspoken promises of a future they could build together.
"Let's go home," she whispered, feeling exhilarated.
Rudra nodded, a playful grin on his lips as he pulled her closer. "Home it is."
As they made their way back, Anaya knew this was just the beginning of their journey together—one filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.
##To be continue...**