Chapter 41

Aman could barely make it in the door before his lips were on Priya’s.  He grabbed her from behind as she was opening the front door.  He turned her around, and their lips met as he gently pushed Priya through the doorway.  Aman pulled away from her and quickly closed the door behind them.  He pushed Priya up against the front door and kissed her again.

“Aman, someone will see us.” Priya said.

“Priya, there’s no one else here. I gave everyone the day off.” Aman said, giving her another quick kiss.

“Why?” Priya asked.

“So I can spend some alone time with my lovely wife.” Aman explained.

Priya blushed.  She was excited that Aman wanted to spend so much time with her.

“One week.” Aman said, stepping away from her.  He started to walk up the stairs.

“One week?” Priya said curiously as she followed him, making sure he would make it up the stairs alright.

He walked all the way up the to the top of the stairs before giving a further explanation.

“In one week, it’ll be the end of the month.  The doctor said I should be as good as new by the end of the month.” Aman explained.

“And?” Priya prompted.

“And we’re going to celebrate.” Aman said.  “So be ready.”

“Ready for what?” Priya asked, following Aman into his bedroom.

“Ready for the best celebration ever.” Aman said, excitedly.

“Really? The best celebration ever?” Priya challenged skeptically.

“Are you doubting me?” Aman laughed.

“What if I am?” Priya said.

Aman looked at her in disbelief.  He thought that feisty side of Priya he’d once seen was a one time thing, but that didn’t seem to be the situation.

“Is that a challenge I hear, Mrs. Verma?” Aman said, walking closer to Priya.

“It is, Mr. Verma.” Priya smiled.

Aman smirked.  Wow, Priya really had it in her to challenge him like that.

“Okay, Priya. I promise you a celebration that you’ll never forget.” Aman said.

“Whatever you say.” Priya dismissed.  She backed away from Aman and brushed past him into his room.

He quickly followed her with the intention of continuing their kissing session.

“Priya!” Aman called.  A week had passed.  Aman wouldn’t let Priya do anything for him.  She wasn’t allowed to assist him with walking or change his bandages.

“Aman,” Priya said, entering the bedroom.

“Get ready! We have a celebration to get to!” Aman said, hurriedly.  He pushed Priya into the bathroom and pulled the door closed before she could say anything.

He went into his large, walk-in closet and pulled out a pair of jeans.  He was about to put on a white t-shirt, but his eyes landed on a dark blue button down shirt.  He remembered once Priya had told him that she loved when he wore blue.  Blue shirt it was! Aman exited the closet.  He was rolling up the sleeve of this shirt when when Priya emerged from the bathroom.  She was adjusting her earring as she walked out.

“You aren’t wearing that.” Aman stated simply.

“What? Why not?” Priya asked.  She was wearing a red sari that had some sparkle to it.

“Priya, where we’re going isn’t somewhere you’ll want to be wearing a sari.” Aman explained.

“Why not? Where are we going?” Priya asked.

“I’m not going to ruin the surprise.” Aman smiled.

Priya looked at how Aman was dressed.  It was the most casual outfit that Priya had ever seen Aman wear before.  She was perplexed.  Where on earth was he taking her?

“Wear a salwar kameez instead.” Aman suggested.

“Okay, sure.” Priya said.  She disappeared into the closet to find an appropriate outfit.

“Is this okay?” Priya asked, after she’d changed into a turquoise anarkali salwar kameez.  It was long and had transparent, long sleeves.  There was a red floral design on the bodice that matched the blood red border that adorned the bottom of the top.  Right below the neckline and above the bodice, there was transparent fabric that showed off Priya’s bustline, and Aman couldn’t stop staring at it.

“It’s great.” Aman managed to say.

Priya looked at Aman skeptically but didn’t comment.

“Come on.  We’re not going to make it in time.” Aman said grabbing Priya’s hand and rushing her down the stairs and into his car.

“Where are we going?” Priya asked again.

“Priya, just give it up. I’m not telling.” Aman smiled.

Once Aman drove through the city and onto a long road, Priya knew at once that they would be sitting in the car for a long time.  Even last time Aman took her out on their date, he took her to that beautifully decorated forest that took forever to get to.  Priya adjusted herself in her seat, getting comfortable for a long ride.

“Okay, we’re here.” Aman announced.  After what seemed like over an hour in the car.

“Finally,” Priya said gratefully.  She looked around her.  They were at a beach.  “The beach?”

“Yeah! Come on” Aman said excitedly.

Priya followed Aman out of the car.  Aman started walking onto the sand, but suddenly sat down and started taking off his shoes.  Priya stood and watched him curiously.

“Take off your shoes.” Aman instructed.  He pulled her down beside him.  Priya slipped off her sandals.    She looked around at the deserted beach.

“Aman, where is everyone?” She asked.

“We’re alone.” Aman said simply.

“Alone?” Priya questioned.

“It’s a private beach.  It’s going to be just us tonight.” Aman said, looking longingly at Priya.  “Look over there.”

Priya looked to the middle of the beach.  There was a small table, just large enough to fit two, with a pure, white table cloth.  Sitting on top was a luxurious candlelight dinner.  Around the table, small lights in the shape of a heart sat in the sand.

“It’s perfect,” Priya said, smiling.

The two sat and ate, having a nice, long conversation.  Priya was happy that Aman hadn’t gone overboard with his so-called ‘celebration.’  She was expecting something more public and exciting, but she was glad that Aman had opted for something more intimate.

“Do you want some champagne?” Aman offered, pouring himself a glass.

Priya wrinkled her nose and shook her head.

“Come on, Priya. We’re celebrating.  At least have some for the toast.” Aman tried convincing her.  He poured a little bit of champagne into a glass and handed it to Priya.

“Thanks,” She said, taking it unsurely.

“To you, Priya,” Aman said, holding out his glass.  “For being sweet enough to forgive your good-for-nothing, extremely selfish, huge jerk of a husband.”

“Aman, that’s not true.” Priya said.

“Of course it is.  I’m terrible.  And you’re amazing.  You nursed me back to health after my accident even though you were angry with me, and you found it in your heart to forgive me.” Aman said.

“But Aman, you’re great too. I’m happy you’re my husband.” Priya smiled.

“Really?” Aman’s face lit up.

“Of course.” Priya replied.

“To us,” Aman said, holding up his glass again. “For being such an attractive couple.”

Priya laughed and clinking glasses with Aman.  She took a small sip of the champagne and set her glass aside.  She and Aman dug into the delicious food, enjoying each other’s company.

After eating, they took a long walk on the beach, along the shoreline.  Priya sunk her toes deep into the warm sand, loving how it felt against her bare feet.  Aman held her hand as they walked.  He kept glancing at her, taking in her beauty.  He started pulling her towards that ocean, but Priya stopped him.

“We’ll get wet.” Priya said.

Aman smiled.

“That’s the point.  Come on, Priya. Have a little fun.” Aman coaxed.  He pulled her along so that their feet were completely submerged in the ocean.

The water felt cold against Priya’s feet. She clung close to Aman, not liking that waves that lapped at their ankles.  Aman turned to her and stared at her.

“What is it?” Priya asked.  Aman hadn’t taken his eyes off her.

“Maybe wearing a sari here would’ve actually been a good idea.” Aman said.

“Why do you say that?” Priya asked, remembering that Aman was the one who told her to change.

“Priya,” Aman took a step closer.  He leaned his forehead against hers.  “You in a wet sari...would’ve been damn sexy!”

Priya gasped and started to blush.  She started walking back to the shore.  Aman grabbed her hand and pulled her back towards him.  He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her.  Priya her heart beat quicken as Aman kissed her.  She placed her hands on his chest and moved closer to him.  She felt his hands leave her waist.  Aman started fiddling with the buttons on his shirt.

“What are you doing?” Priya asked, breaking the kiss.

“What do you say to taking a little dip?” Aman asked, taking his shirt off and throwing it onto the dry sand near the ocean.

Priya looked at Aman skeptically.  She took a few steps back, moving closer to the shore.

“No, we’ll catch a cold.” Priya said, not wanting to get wet.

“Priya, we’re young and healthy.  A little water isn’t going to kill us.” Aman said, walking closer to Priya with a serious look on his face.

“Aman, don’t.” Priya backed away more quickly and soon broke out into a jog.

Aman ran after her, knowing that he could quickly overpower her.  He laughed at Priya’s futile attempt to get away from him.  Aman quickly diminished the distance between them and tried to grab Priya’s hand.  He missed and grabbed her veil instead.  It easily slid off her shoulders.  Priya momentarily paused to see what had just happened.  Aman stopped and looked at what was in his hand.  He smirked at Priya, who still stood a few yards in front of him.  He threw her veil onto the shore and started running after her again.  Upon seeing this, Priya started running too.

“Stay away!” She yelled back at him.

“Never!” Aman replied.

Priya felt Aman’s arms around her and accepted defeat.  Aman grabbed her from behind and the two came crashing down into the water.  They were still near the shoreline, so the water was shallow.  Aman rolled both of them around so they made it deeper and deeper into the water.  A wave washed over them, soaking them completely.  Aman and Priya started laughing.  They both looked ridiculous.  Aman laid down, letting that water rush over him again and again.  He pulled Priya’s wet body on top of his.  Priya leaned down and kissed him.  Another small wave collided into them, but they didn’t seem to notice.  Aman sat up so they were in a sitting position, their lips still connected.  Soon, he stood up and lifted Priya up into his arms. Priya looked down, a little worried that Aman would drop her.  He carried her down the beach, where she saw a small bonfire and a few blankets spread out nearby.  Aman sat her down on the blanket and jogged back to fetch his shirt and her veil.  When he came back, he laid the articles of clothing beside them and handed Priya a towel.

“Did you plan all of this?” Priya asked, taking the towel.

“All of what?” Aman asked innocently.

“Playing in the water.” Priya stated.

“Maybe.” Aman grinned as he dried off.

“You could have warned me.” Priya said.

“If I told you about all of this, would you have come?” Aman asked, knowing the answer already.

“Never.” Priya answered.

“Exactly.” Aman countered.

Aman leaned over Priya and reached for his shirt.  His cheek brushed against hers.  Priya instinctively moved her face back.  Aman smiled and kissed her on her cheek, and then her chin, and then her neck.  Her skin tasted salty from the ocean.  He placed one hand at the back of her neck drawing her closer.  He kissed lower until he reached her chest.  Aman looked back up at Priya and placed a quick kiss on her lips before backing away and putting on his shirt.

Priya, still fazed by what had just happened, put her veil over her shoulder, pulling it over her chest and the other side of her body.  She felt cold as the wind picked up.  Aman handed Priya another blanket, which she placed over her legs.  Aman took the last blanket and wrapped it around himself.  He moved Priya so that she was laying down and leaning her head on his shoulder and chest.  Aman stayed sitting, leaning back and shifting his weight onto his arms that were stretched behind him.  They stayed like that for the longest time, reveling in the warmth of the fire.

“Priya,” Aman said, breaking the peaceful silence that had consumed them.

“Yes?” Priya replied.

“Can I tell you something?” Aman asked, sounding nervous.

“What is it?” Priya said, hoping that whatever Aman needed to tell her wasn’t some bad news.

“Please, just listen to me.” Aman said.

“I’m listening.  What’s the matter?” Priya said, shifting a little, so that she could glance up at Aman’s face.

“Priya, I know that you’re going to have a hard time believing me, but I have a confession to make.” Aman said.

“A confession?” Priya asked, worriedly.  She remembered Aman’s last confession, his last confession that had broken her heart.

“No! It’s a good confession this time.” Aman said quickly.  “At least I’d like to think so.”

“Okay, what is it?” Priya prompted, relieved that she wasn’t about to receive some bad news that was bound to ruin this otherwise perfect evening.

“Priya, I love you.”

Oh. My. God.  Aman just told Priya he loves her!! Who saw that coming?!?! I hope no one did and you were all pleasantly surprised.  Weren’t they cute, playing in the ocean and getting so romantic in the water?!? Oh my :P

I’m going on vacation to somewhere where I can’t use the internet, so my next update won’t be for two whole weeks.  Sorry guys!! I can’t do anything about it!!

Tell me what you thought about the chapter!! What are your reactions to Aman’s declaration of love? Do you think Priya will react happily or some other way?!?!

COMMENT AND VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!