After finishing dinner, Surya stood up, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and nervousness, and moved closer to her, with a gentle smile playing on his lips, he handed her a bundle of money, his gaze earnest and unwavering. "This is all yours. Do whatever you want with it. If it's not enough, I'll earn more. You don't need to compromise on anything. I'm always here for you."
Maira felt a surge of emotion, a wave of warmth that enveloped her like a comforting embrace. Memories of her ex-husband flooded her mind, memories of his indifference and his preoccupation with other woman that had left her feeling invisible. But Surya's words pierced through the fog of those painful memories, making her feel seen, cherished—like a treasured gem.
The kindness and respect she felt from him were a stark contrast to her past, and for the first time in a long while, hope blossomed within her. She silently vowed to open her heart to him.
A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she nodded. Surya's heart swelled with satisfaction at seeing her smile.
"What do you say we take a stroll in the streets?" he suggested, his eyes sparkling with eagerness. He longed to share this moment with her, to bask in the easy joy of each other's company.
Maira nodded, a warm blush creeping into her cheeks. They stepped out into the evening air, the streets alive with the sound of laughter and the enticing aroma of street food. As they wandered through the bustling market, their presence drew the admiring glances of passersby, a reflection of the undeniable chemistry that sparked between them.
During their stroll, Surya stole glances at her, soaking in the sight of her as the soft glow of twilight danced around them. Whenever her gaze lingered on an item for more than five seconds, he seized the moment and bought it, determined to shower her with little tokens of affection.
"Surya, stop buying these! I was just looking; I really don't want them," she protested, laughter mixed with exasperation in her voice.
But her playful remonstration only made him more determined.
Finally, overwhelmed by his insistence, Maira grabbed his arm and playfully tugged him along. Surya's heart soared. He loved when she showed her playful authority, the way she claimed him as hers.
From that day forward, he began to playfully tease her, delighting in her reactions. Each time she huffed in annoyance and scolded him with a lightness that contrasted her fury, it made him smile. Her cheeks would flush, her voice soft yet firm, and he cherished these moments, finding her adorably cute. Over time, she even started to give him light-hearted swats when he pushed her buttons too much, which only deepened his affection for her.
Meanwhile, in another part of town, Pari strode confidently towards her future husband. The guards recognized her and granted her passage without hesitation, their deferential attitude reflecting her growing importance.
Veer was waiting, having received word of her arrival from his ever-watchful network of informers. He admired her tenacity; while marrying him would secure her a life of luxury, she preferred to forge her own path, juggling her business and their upcoming wedding with remarkable grace.
As he caught sight of her, Veer's face broke into a genuine smile. "Miss Pari, what a pleasant surprise! What brings you here?"
With purpose in her step, Pari handed him a beautifully wrapped bag. "Everything is prepared. Just announce the wedding."
Curiosity danced in Veer's eyes as he looked at the bag. "What's this?"
Pari met his gaze with a mix of excitement and confidence. "It's what you'll wear on our wedding day."
A joy he struggled to contain bubbled within him, yet he asked casually, "But there was no need for this."
She held his gaze, sincerity shining in her own. "You're going to be my husband, so you have to look good. It's our marriage, and I want everything to be perfect. Just wear it; you don't have to worry about anything else."