Chapter 19: 15. A Journey

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Darshil was returning home early from work, an unusual occurrence, and as he stepped into the hallway, he heard soft voices from the Ruhi's room beside living room. Pausing, he recognised the sweet tones of Aarvi and Ruhi.

He stood close to the door of room and noticed Aarvi helping Ruhi with her project and they were laughing and working.

So, do you like it? Aarvi asked

Yes chachi, and I have once been to Shimla with everyone 2 years ago. I love mountains. Ruhi said

That's very nice. Aarvi said with a smile

What is your dream place? Ruhi asked

Aarvi looked excited as she thinks for a moment.

Darshil leaned closer, careful not to make a sound.

I love Rajasthan. I have never been to Rajasthan but that's my dream place. Their culture, I've always dreamed of seeing the palaces and forts there. It's such a beautiful city with so much history and also the Rajasthani culture. Aarvi said with a smile

You should go, chachi! It's amazing! I have read and heard about desert, Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal. Ruhi said

Aarvi smiled, her expression softening as she imagined the vibrant city.

Yes I know but you are quite intelligent. Aarvi said with a smile.

Darshil felt a sudden pang in his chest. Aarvi rarely shared her dreams and desires with him. He walks to his study room and thinks about Aarvi's wishes and dreams.

Darshil sits at his desk, tapping his fingers thoughtfully.

An idea began to form in his mind. Maybe, just maybe, a trip to Jaipur could help them bridge the chasm between them. It would be perfect—he had a business meeting there, and it could double as a honeymoon. Perhaps the beauty of the city could soften her heart.

He pulls out his phone and makes a call.

Hello, Yes, I wanted to confirm my attendance at the Jaipur business summit with you next week... Yes, I'll be bringing my wife along. I am okay with wherever you want me to stay, hotel or palace. Darshil said and hung up the call after few minutes and leans back in his chair, a satisfied smile on his face. Aarvi doesn't know that Darshil has overheard her conversation, nor does she suspect that he has planned this trip to fulfill her unspoken wish.

The morning , as he settles for breakfast, he decides to bring up the topic.

Dadi, there's a business summit in Jaipur next week. I thought, I could take Aarvi with me too. We can go together and maybe explore the city a bit. What do you think? Darshil said and looked at Aarvi.

Aarvi looks up, surprised. Her heart races at the mention of Jaipur. It's as if a small piece of her long-held dreams is suddenly within reach. But she's also wary. She try not be with him alone but she know she have to go if Nandini ji agrees.

That's a really good plan Darshil. It's been almost a month since you are married, I think, you should go together for sometime alone. Nandini ji said

Jaipur? I... I don't know. It's a business trip, right? I wouldn't want to be in the way. Aarvi said hesitantly

It's about time we had a proper honeymoon, don't you think? And Jaipur is a beautiful city. We can explore it together. Consider it a mix of business and pleasure. Darshil said with a smile

Aarvi nods slowly, her mind racing. The idea of seeing Jaipur excites her, but the thought of spending more time alone with Darshil makes her uneasy. Still, she agrees, hoping that maybe this trip will help her understand him better or at least see more of the world.

Okay, Jaipur it is. Aarvi said, smiling faintly.

Darshil's smile widens, pleased with her response.

Okay then, I will see the preparations and all. Darshil said

After the breakfast, Darshil leaves for office. Aarvi, sitting in her room was thinking about it all.

She was confused, maybe she knew that this is some kind of plan Darshil is plotting but now she couldn't deny.

It was night time when Darshil arrives from the work and after dinner, he was sitting in the room when Aarvi arrived there, completely frown out.

How was your day? Darshil asked while looking at his laptop.

Why are you doing this? Aarvi asked

I hope you are..... Darshil said but Aarvi interrupted

What are you taking revenge from me for? Aarvi asked

I am doing it for you my Hazel. You are the one who says that I have imprisoned you. So I am just making sure that you can visit other places and enjoy, live your life. Darshil said

Aarvi looks at him in disbelief.

Don't act in front of me. I don't hate this place, I hate your presence. Wherever you are, I will remain imprisoned there. Aarvi said

Darshil smiled amd looked at her.

Unfortunately, you are trapped with me. So you have to be with me. But you will have a hope in Jaipur, you can run away from me there if you want. Possibly I won't be able to catch you, it's desert all away. What do you think? Good plan? Darshil said

You are really enjoying this, right? Aarvi asked

Darshil scoffs and then stood up.

I am not that lucky. Darshil said

What did you say? Aarvi asked

Darshil stares at her for a moment.

I said..... I love you. Darshil said looking into her eyes

Don't keep saying that, you know that I hate it. Aarvi said

Well, then why didn't you refused to come with me? Darshil asked

Dadi wants me to go with you, that's why. Aarvi said

Darshil smiles.

You really love Dadi, don't you. For her, you are ready to with someone you hate so much. Darshil said

Yes I do. But I know it's just your another way to keep me binded with you. Aarvi said

Maybe. Darshil said

I knew it, because there is no ther point to take me with you to a buisness trip. Mai tumhari zaroorat nahi hu. Aarvi said looking into his eyes.

Darshil stood infront of her and grabbed her waist pulling close.

Sahi kaha, tum meri zaroorat nahi ho, kyuki zaroorat ek din khatam ho jati hai. Darshil said

Aarvi was staring into his eyes.

To fir kya hu mai? Aarvi asked, completely lost in his eyes, his closeness. Darshil's eyes were completely focused on her. He looked at her innocent face with a lot of love and affection.

Tum...... Meri jaan ho, zindagi ho meri,  jab tak tum ho, tab tak mai hu. Darshil said, his expression amd voice being soft as well as serious which gave shivers into her spine.

I don't love you. Aarvi said

I know....You don't love me now, but you will. I won't let you escape until you fall in love with me. Darshil said

Darshil's eyes are intense and he looks into her eyes with a mixture of passion and obsession. He doesn't take his eyes off of her their eye contact lasted for few more minutes after which Aarvi looked away, breaking the eye contact.

Darshil's eyes were still intense and observant, he pulls her close again.

Don't look away. I want to look into your eyes and see that beautiful face of yours. I want you to look into my eyes and see the love and affection I have for you. Darshil said and Aarvi looked back into his eyes.

Darshil's eyes are intense as he stares deeply into hers. He looks at her with a mixture of passion and obsession. He stares at her like she is the most beautiful thing in the world. He stares at her like she is his everything.

Don't look at me that way. Aarvi said in a firm and soft voice

I can't help it. I can't stop myself from looking at you with that much passion and obsession. I just want to look at you and never stop. I want to look at you and see your beauty and your innocence. I want to look at you and feel my heart pounding in my chest. Darshil said, pulling her closer, his voice intense and just a bit louder than whisper.

She continued to stare for a moment and then pulled herself back out of his grip.

This can't be love..... Love can't hurt. Aarvi said looking fearlessly in his eyes

Darshil started walking towards her, while checking on her. She steps backwards and he steps forward, both looking in each others eyes. As her back touched the wall, he caged her between her arms.

Darshil stares into her beautiful, innocent and now looking fearful eyes.

Then you don't know what love is.

Love is obsession...... it's passion...... it's obsession and passion that consumes you. It's the feeling that makes you want to do anything to have the one you love. It's the feeling that makes you desperate and hungry for them. Love is not about being nice and sweet...... it's about being crazy and obsessive. It's about being willing to do anything for the one you love. It's about being willing to sacrifice everything for them. Darshil said making Aarvi completely surprised with his feelings for her.

Aarvi looked at him in disbelief.

You can't be serious. Aarvi said

I'm dead serious...... that's how much I love you. I would do anything for you. I would give up everything...... I would sacrifice everything...... just to have you in my arms. That's how much I crave you and want you. I don't want to be nice and sweet...... I want to be crazy and obsessed. I want to be possessive and obsessed with you. Darshil said, his voice low and intense and his expression was extremely serious.

She was lost in him for sometime, his words, his eyes made her confuse and were extremely powerful.

She swallowed hard and kept herself calm as she was trying to speak.

You're scary.... You are terrifying. Aarvi whispered

Darshil leans more close to her, his face being just few inches apart from her.

Aarvi was scared but feeling drawn into his magnetic eyes at the same time.

That's good...... you should be scared of me. You should be terrified of me. You should be terrified of how much I crave you and how much I want you. You should be scared of how much I love you and how obsessed I am with you. You should be scared of what I'll do to keep you in my arms forever. You are stuck with me forever. Darshil said fixing his eyes into her.

Drops of tears rolled down Aarvi's cheeks as she felt an overwhelming but strange feeling through his presence, closeness and words. She looks into his eyes by her teary eyes.

As Darshil sees her tears, his expression suddenly softens. He cups up her face with his palm and wipes her tears with his thumbs.

Please don't cry...... it breaks my heart to see you cry. I can't stand seeing you in pain. I don't want to hurt you...... I just want to keep you with me forever. I want to make you happy, but I can't if you're crying. Darshil said, his eyes were now full of affection.

Don't do this..... I hate this strange feeling, which confuses me, when you come so close to me. Aarvi said

What is this feeling? Darshil asked

I don't know..... Just let me go, Please. Aarvi said

Darshil saw her innocent, fragile and vulnerable face, he couldn't refuse her. He didn't wanted her to be more hurt. He walks back and sit on the couch.

Aarvi walks to the washroom. She closed the door behind and stood against the wall. She closed her eyes. Darshil's words echoed in her eyes again and again and that tattoo again drifted her mind towards him.

Okay...... I accept it now !!! But why??Why does he loves me so much? Is he hurting me or am I hurting him? Aarvi questioned herself.

3 Days Later:

The morning sun filters through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. Aarvi prepare to leave for the airport. The air is filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Aarvi stands in front of a full-length mirror, adjusting her dupatta. She wears a beautiful pastel-colored kurti, her hair elegantly styled in loose curls. She applies a touch of makeup, her heart racing slightly with anticipation and nervousness.

As she finishes, she hears a knock on the door. Turning, she sees Darshil standing there, dressed in a tailored black suit. He looks handsome and confident, a stark contrast to her own fluttering emotions. For a moment, they simply gaze at each other, taking in the sight.

You look stunning, Aarvi. The outfit suits you perfectly. Darshil said

Thank you. Aarvi said

Darshil steps closer, his eyes never leaving hers. The air between them is charged with a mix of unspoken feelings and anticipation. He reaches out, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Aarvi feels a jolt at the intimate gesture, her heart pounding.

I am happy that you will be by my side all the time. Thankyou for coming. Darshil said with a soft smile.

Aarvi looks into his eyes, seeing a rare vulnerability. It's moments like these that make her question her feelings, wondering if there could be more to their relationship than she initially thought. She nods softly

Shall we go? Aarvi asked

Yes, let's go. Darshil said

They leave the room together, an unspoken agreement to make the best of this trip hanging between them.

In the car, the atmosphere is comfortable yet filled with anticipation. Darshil and Aarvi sit side by side, occasionally exchanging glances.

I hope you're excited about the trip. I know how much you've wanted to visit Jaipur. Darshil said

Well, It's always been a dream of mine to visit Jaipur. Thank you for making it happen. Aarvi said not making eye contact but taking his glances.

Anything to see you happy, Hazel. I mean it. Darshil said

At the airport, they navigate through the crowds, Darshil's hand gently guiding Aarvi through the bustling terminal. He handles the check-in and security with ease, always attentive to her comfort. As they board the plane and find their seats, Darshil makes sure Aarvi is settled in comfortably.

Do you need something? Darshil asked

No, I am fine. Thankyou. Aarvi said.

As the plane takes off, they sit in companionable silence, looking out the window as the landscape below becomes a patchwork of colors.

You know, I've never really taken the time to travel and explore with someone. It's always been about work, business... but with you, it feels different. I want to share these experiences

Aarvi turns to him, surprised by his openness. She sees a flicker of something in his eyes—a longing for connection, perhaps. Her gaze drifted to his chest, his heart, the tattoo which was hidden by his outfit, but for some moments she felt like

she can see the tattoo even through his shirt.

She looked back out of the window.

Maybe, I will enjoy too. Maybe this is an opportunity for me too escape from reality. Aarvi said.

Darshil looked at her, with a hope in his eyes that maybe this trip could change something.

After 2 hours, the flight landed to Jaipur International Airport.

Darshil and Aarvi step off the plane, the hot, dry air of Jaipur greeting them. Aarvi looks around, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the airport.

The car's waiting for us. We'll head straight to the palace. Darshil said

Palace??? Aren't we going to stay in hotel? Aarvi asked

No.... We are going to stay in the royal palace. Darshil said

Aarvi nods, a mix of excitement and apprehension in her eyes.

Darshil, always composed and confident, guides her through the crowd towards their waiting car.

As they settle in the car, Aarvi curiously look at Darshil.

Do you know someone in the royal palace? Aarvi asked

Yes. And he has insisted me to stay there. Darshil said

Whom do you know? Aarvi asked

The King of Jaipur, Rakshit Singh Rajawat. Darshil said, making Aarvi surprised

Really? Is he also your buisness partner? Aarvi asked

Soon to be buisness partner. He is my college friend. We studied together in Harvard University, while I was pursuing my MBA degree. Darshil said

Wow...... That's intresting. Aarvi said with a smile.

As they drive through the streets of Jaipur, Aarvi is mesmerized by the vibrant colors and the historical charm of the city.

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So guys, that's all for today.

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As English is not my first language so there can be some grammatical mistakes, I just request to please ignore it.

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