✦ | CHAPTER 33 | ✦

27 3 0
                                    

Author's POV

The afternoon sun blazed outside, but the thick curtains and the hum of the air conditioning made the room a cool oasis. Vennela sat on the edge of Karthik's bed, her heart still racing from the surprise she'd pulled off. Karthik sat beside her, his arm draped over her shoulders, pulling her in close. It felt like a dream come true like the long-distance gap between them had vanished in an instant.

She'd thought she would never fall asleep when she was with Karthik—she didn't want to waste a single moment of their time together. But as his warmth enveloped her, she felt herself relaxing, her head resting against his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat was comforting, and before long, she was dozing off, snuggled into his soul.

Karthik couldn't help but watch her as she slept. Her gentle breathing, the way her lashes rested against her cheeks, the faint smile that tugged at her lips—it all made him feel like the luckiest man alive. He hadn't expected her surprise visit, and it had caught him completely off guard. It wasn't often that he was at a loss for words, but the moment he saw her, all he could do was stammer and hold her tight.

The house was quiet, with the rest of the family outside preparing for the evening's festivities. Karthik gently adjusted the blanket over Vennela, not wanting to disturb her. He knew she had a long day ahead, with visits to at least three relatives' houses, not to mention his own family's gathering later that evening. But for now, he let her sleep, savoring the feeling of having her in his arms.

As he sat there, Karthik thought about how much he missed Vennela when she was away. The phone calls and texts were never enough to capture the essence of her presence. This surprise visit had touched him deeply, reminding him of the emotional bond they shared. It was a reminder that no matter how far apart they were, their hearts would always find a way back to each other.

The stutter in his voice when he first saw her—it was more than just shock. It was the culmination of all the emotions he'd held in check during their time apart. The longing, the love, the relief—it all came rushing back when he saw her standing in his living room. It was as if he was reborn, his life taking on new meaning with her by his side.

Karthik knew Vennela hadn't come prepared for the evening's events. She hadn't brought her saree or any of the things she'd need for the family visits. He made a mental note to get everything ready before she woke up. He wanted everything to be perfect, just as she'd made his day perfect with her surprise.

He shifted slightly, trying not to disturb her, but even the faintest movement caused her to snuggle closer. Her arm draped over his chest, her fingers lightly brushing his skin. Karthik closed his eyes, savoring the moment. It was a simple, quiet intimacy that spoke volumes about their bond. He knew that once they woke up, the day would be filled with activity, visiting relatives, and celebrating the festival. But for now, he let the calmness linger, knowing these moments were rare and precious.

"Karthik" she was saying slowly, but he had a very different plan.

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
JOURNEY FROM YOU TO USWhere stories live. Discover now