The dim glow of the bedside lamp cast long shadows across the room, amplifying the eerie silence. Aarav lay on the large, neatly arranged bed, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. His heart pounded in his chest—not out of excitement, but out of nervousness.

He had never imagined this moment, never thought about sharing his space with someone else, let alone a wife. His life had always been about studies, ambitions, and setting his future in motion. Love, relationships, and romantic experiences had been distant concepts—never a priority.

An arranged marriage. His parents had chosen her, and he had agreed, trusting their decision. Now, here he was, married to a woman he barely knew. They had exchanged only a few words during the ceremonies, surrounded by countless relatives and rituals. And now, suddenly, they were alone.

"How will this night go? What will she expect from me? What if I say something wrong?" His mind spiraled with anxious thoughts. He had always been a man of few words, preferring silence over unnecessary conversations. He wasn't shy, but speaking too much or expressing emotions openly wasn't something he was used to.

The soft creak of the door pulled him from his thoughts. His breath hitched as he turned his head. She entered—his wife. Clad in a simple yet elegant saree, she looked breathtaking. The golden glow of the night lamp accentuated her delicate features—the deep, expressive eyes, perfectly shaped eyebrows, and the slight nervous yet warm smile playing on her lips.

Aarav swallowed. He had never truly looked at a woman like this before, never had a reason to. But now, he found himself mesmerized.

She approached him, holding a glass of warm milk, her movements graceful, almost hypnotic. Her curvy yet elegant figure carried an undeniable charm, and for the first time in his life, Aarav felt something unfamiliar—a quiet admiration mixed with an unexplainable nervousness.

"Here," she said softly, extending the glass toward him.

As he reached out to take it, their fingers brushed. A warm sensation spread through his skin, sending an unexpected shiver down his spine. His eyes flickered to her face—she hadn't pulled away. Their proximity felt intense, yet neither moved.

Aarav, without fully thinking, lifted his hand and gently touched her cheek. She didn't resist. Encouraged by her silent acceptance, he leaned in, his lips barely grazing hers in a hesitant kiss.

She did not move away. Instead, she remained still, her deep eyes holding his.

And in that quiet, uncertain moment, something unspoken passed between them.