(Chapter 4)

Syha

After that blissful morning, where my dreams came true, Araan starts being distant again. Not like previously. He accepts my kisses on the cheek, or touches of our hands, even smiles at me and converses with me, but the intimacy is lost again. As if that morning didn't even happen.

It feels like I was given the taste of what could be and then have it snatched right from my clutches. It hurts, but I did promise him that I'd be patient. And I'm not giving up on that.

"About the date I asked you out on," He begins after a few days during dinner. "I think I'm ready for that now."

I breathe out a sigh and nod, I totally thought he had abandoned the idea.

"Yeah? I'm free till monday. I have an interview on monday though." I let him know.

His eyes sparkle, "They called you? That's amazing." I blush at his enthusiasm.

"It's just an interview, love. There will be hundreds of others." I try to shrug it off, but deep down I'm just as excited.

"Come on," He frowns playfully. "I'm sure you will do your best."

My heart warms. "Thanks. So, what about the date then?"

"If you're up tonight, I will come home early and pick you up at 5." He says.

"That sounds good. I'll be ready."

The hope once again blooms in my chest and it's hard to contain the giddiness from spreading through.

By 4:55, I am ready. I am wearing a dark green silk saree with emerald earrings and a small necklace Araan had given me on our wedding night-it was just a formality then, but now feels meaningful.

With a light touch of mascara and lipgloss, I deem myself ready. Last but not the least, I put on the diamond bangles my dad gifted me for the wedding and smile at myself in the mirror.

A text from Araan tells me he's down in his car and I should come out. Pulling my hair with the comb one last time, I grab my purse and head out of the house. Araan was rocking in a grey suit and gelled hair brushed backwards, and the way his eyes raked my body up and down, I can tell he's just as stunned by me. The look in his gaze makes me bite my lip to stifle a smile.

Getting in the passenger seat, I buckle up and look over to find him still staring at me, pupils slightly blown and heat crawls up my neck.

"So, where are we going?" I ask casually.

This seems to break him free from his thoughts and he looks up to meet my eyes, visibly swallowing and his tongue pokes out to wet his lips. The movement is followed by my eyes and my own throat feels dry suddenly. I seriously feel like a horny teenager now.

"You'll see." That's all he says and starts the car.

We arrive at a fancy looking restaurant, the name's in Korean so it must be one of those Korean restaurants where rich businessmen discuss deals in dramas.

The guards hold our doors open. Araan rounds to stand beside me, holding his arm out which I link with mine gladly. We step inside and he goes up to the desk.

We are soon led by a waitress to a private room with beautiful Asian decorations and a table with two chairs in the middle. The side of the room has ceiling touched glass windows, with a two person cozy couch in front of it, a small tea table on the side with steaming tea served in two cups.

I'm really stunned by the beauty of it all, and how thoroughly thoughtful this place is.

Another waitress comes in and puts on welcome snacks and drinks on the table and puts down the menus before bowing and leaving us alone.

As Araan skims over the menus, I go over to sit by the couch and take a cup of tea, sipping from it while enjoying the view of the dazzling night city. It's so pretty. I wonder how much it costs to have dinner in such an extravagant place.

I turn over when Araan drops next to me, and he's staring right in my soul, taking my breath away. He gently takes the cup from my hands and puts it on the tea table. I hold my breath in and watch his movements.

His dark eyes settle over me as he scoots closer till our knees and bodies are pressed and I can feel his breaths fan over my face. He delicately cups my jaw and leans closer.

"I've been dying to do this." He mutters before glancing up at me one more time and then I feel the familiar softness of his lips back on mine.

My eyes fall shut on their own accord, hands limp on my lap as he snakes his free arm around my waist and tugs me closer. My heart beats louder as he suddenly pulls away and hooks his arm under my knees, swiftly pulling me onto his lap sideways. A small squeal of surprise escapes me and he only grins, lust clouding his usual warm irises. He guides my hands to his shoulders and again pushes his lips on mine.

Our tongues touch and shiver runs down my spine when I feel his hands touch my bare waist from the sides, fingers digging in the flesh and my whole body feels hot.

Careful not to mess up his hair, I stroke the hair at the nape of his neck, losing myself to the intense kiss, moaning breathily as our tongues tangle in a messy dance. He kisses me with force, and desperat desires clasp the touch of our lips. My grip on his shoulders tighten as he rubs his hands on my sides, sucking my lips between his.

When we finally pull away, I'm slightly dazed and breathless. His lips have my gloss stain and eyes still as dark as the night sky. My stomach jumps.

"Let's get on with the date." He murmurs, his thumb brushing over my swollen lower lip affectionately.

He offers me a napkin and my face flushes as I accept it and fix my lips. He grins and does the same, eyes never leaving mine.

He orders for the both of us and we sit at the table, enjoying the snacks and talk about everything and nothing while our food arrives.

It's a surreal feeling, to finally have this with my husband. To have the chance at an actual relationship. To have a real love. I had almost given up on all the hopes, and now I am being rewarded for my patience.

___________________