Let me be yours.

💗Marking my territory💗

Ishaan departed from her apartment, his heart weighed down. Her eyes spoke volumes more than her words ever could. It was clear she wanted distance at that moment. Ishaan treaded quietly down the deserted street, his mind a blank canvas. Earlier, as he waited for her on the stairs, he was resolute in mending their rift. But her refusal to converse had emptied his thoughts. He felt immobilized, unable to think or process anything.

As he walked, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed behind him, as if someone were running. Yet, he paid it no mind; his own troubles were his priority. Abruptly, he felt a body press against his from behind. He froze for an instant, but recognition dawned quickly. The touch and scent were unmistakable. With tenderness, he covered Adhithi's hands with his own and turned to face her, all without letting go of the embrace.

Tears welled up in Adhithi's eyes, striking a chord in his heart. The sight of her tears brought him to his knees - he never wanted to be their cause. The only tears he ever wanted to induce were those of happiness.

They were soon inside her apartment. Ishaan again tried to open his mouth, but Adhithi didn’t give him a chance to utter a word.
“Come and sit on the chair.” She ordered him as herself was seated on the bed near the chair. Ishaan nodded his head and took his seat on the chair like an obedient puppy. Ishaan was not someone who would actually lower his pride and take someone’s orders. Today, it was not the case. He knew he was the one at fault and any more arrogance might cost him a life he dreamed with Adhithi.
Chair and Bed was close enough so that Adhithi could take Ishaan’s hand in her hand.
“I know I’m not perfect girl you see here in this big city. I have many shortcomings. Though I don’t consider myself ugly, I don’t meet the beauty standards of this fast-pacing city. Bringing me to your life might only burden you more as I would only be able to support your future mentally unlike other in-laws these days. I have never experienced night life before coming here. I have no previous experience in anything we have done. Whatever we had was always a first for me. Thinking back, you had to compromise on many things because of me and it would even be the case of our future. I’m pretty conservative when it comes to relationships, but I still came out of my comfort zone number of times just because it was you at the other end. At any level, you will have many girls out there who are far better choices than me.”
Hearing this, Ishaan finally decided to interrupt. “No. You are perfect for me.”
“Let me finish my words.” She said, her voice raising a bit.
“Even if I feel I’m not good enough for you, you are always more than enough for me. Since the day I realized you are the one for me, you have been perfect for me too. But still I can’t give you everything you desire if it’s against my morals that are instilled in me.”
Now tears started rolling down her cheeks. Nevertheless, she continued.
“I have been dreaming life with you since the day you confessed. A life where my body and morals will be respected as equally as I respect yours. I want to have that life with person whom I love, who gave me hope for a future I couldn’t even dream of. You are that one Ishaan, if it is not you, then nobody won’t do. I don’t see my future without you in it. But I can’t stand the thought of giving into the such city ways of life. Can’t just take pity on me and give in this time? I won’t ask any other things like a wife would. Only this. Please.”
Ishaan could longer take this. He never thought he would be the one adding to her insecurities. If anything, he was at a point where he could place his whole life at her feet. He was ready to do everything she says and even thing she never said for her. How can she demean her life like that? Though his actions were not the best, it was the way he chose to express his immense love for her. Since meeting her, he has been carrying her in his heart like his most priceless possession. He wouldn’t allow even herself to demean herself. He drew her body to closer to himself and placed kisses all over her face like there is no tomorrow.
“You are the most beautiful woman in world. Even if somebody could give me all the luxuries a human life could offer, it wouldn’t mean anything to me without you to share all these. I’m at a point where if you are present, everyone and everything else stems from you. Why would you ask me only one thing? No, that won’t do. I’m waiting for you to tire me out with all your needs every single day. I will protect everything you hold dear with no fail. If you are not happy, I won’t even touch your hands. Whatever stupid things I did, I did it to show you how much I love you. I have learnt from my mistakes. There won’t be a second time.” He said with same determination as the time he confessed to her. He kissed her forehead again showering her with all the love and concern.
“A kiss is okay right within these four walls!! Otherwise, I might die of anticipation if you won’t even allow that.” He asked teasingly. But he was serious when he said he could live with her beyond the sexual side of their relationship. She nodded her head slightly still with tears in her eyes.
“Shall we go back home?” Ishaan asked Adhithi expecting a positive answer.
“Is it okay? It’s almost morning now.” Adhithi asked with a little frown.
“That’s what you are worried about? Are you not afraid of meeting with my parents after slapping their son.”
“He deserved it. Also, they won’t even question me even if I break your leg for this.” She said with a very serious which made Ishaan gulp.
They decided not go to Ishaan’s parents as it was late. Ishaan just messaged his brother saying he won’t be back tonight and had solved the matters with Adhithi. They had both changed to comfortable clothes. Ishaan wanted to cuddle with Adhithi just like every time he stayed over at her place. But the things happened a few hours back made him hesitant. Adhithi was already in bed under her blanket. Ishaan was now sitting in the chair near bed scrolling through his phone.
“Are you not sleeping?” Adhithi asked Ishaan.
That’s all the words Ishaan needed. He quickly placed the phone on the nightstand and got under the blanket with Adhithi. They both lay there facing the ceiling. Adhithi’s mind was roaming to unnecessary thoughts again. Was Ishaan happy giving into her requests? Will he get tired of her and leave someday? Will she able see him with someone who is not her? Should she just give into his needs so that he will always be with her. Her insecurities were clouding her mind. A normal Adhithi will never even think of going against her principles. She tilts her head sidewards to see Ishaan still staring at the ceiling. She didn’t know what she was thinking for a moment, she took his hands in Her’s and place his hands over her naval. Ishaan looked at her confused.
“What is it?”
“You can do whatever you want now.” She said in a shivering voice.
Ishaan suddenly hovered over raking his hands inside her shirt. He moved his hand gently upward caressing her naval, waist and soon his hands would graze her breast. But Adhithi felt regret over words the moment her he started caressing her navel. Fear engulfed her all of a sudden silent tear started flowing down her cheeks. Ishaan unknown to her tears was still caressing her. But before he went further up, he looked up to see her. Seeing her crying silently, he immediately withdrew his hands from her body. He embraced her with all is might.
“Hey, I can wait for you. There is no rush. I know eventually you will be all mine. There is no need to torture yourself to be with me. I’m fine as long as you are happy, safe and is by my side. I’m content with your promise of building a future with me and growing old with me. Every other matter can wait till you are comfortable. Just sleep for now.” Saying this changed his position and lay there spooning her from back. He kissed her forehead and whispered, “Goodnight, soon to be wife.” Adhithi couldn’t help but blush at his words.
At some point of time, both had fallen asleep. Adhithi was suddenly awoken by the rain chattering on her window pane. She saw the time. It was still early and the sun was not up yet. But she didn’t feel like going back to sleep again. Her nightwear was sleeveless, so she grabbed a scarf to cover herself as it would be pretty cold if she were to open the windows. She made a cup of coffee for herself and opened the windows sat on the arm chair placed near the windows.
The cold wind that entered the room disturbed the sleep of Ishaan. He searched for Adhithi beside him without opening his eyes only to find it empty. He quickly sat up on the bed and saw her besides the window. He grabbed the blanket and moved towards Adithi. He asked Adhithi to standup. Though not understanding the reason, she put her cup down on the teapoy and stood up. He immediately sat on the chair she was sitting. She looked at him with disbelief. But before she could say anything, he pulled her into his lap and covered them both with the blanket. The scarf she had covered herself with had fallen to the floor. He was shirtless and the skin-to-skin contact gave them a soothing warmness. They both watched the rain silently.
Ishaan took the coffee mug from table. Adhithi suddenly held his hands.
“You don’t drink coffee.”
“It’s okay I can practice.” He spoke flashing his signature smile. He tried to take a sip and was again stopped by her.
“Now what?”
“You didn’t brush your teeth.”
“Did you?”
“Nope.” She said giggling like a child. Ishaan couldn’t stop himself from kissing her lips. She scrunched up her face in disgust and after, they both burst out laughing.
The morning was a glimpse to their married life. This was what Adhithi always wanted. A stable life with a job and a partner who will desire and cherish her.
“You know something. Today is my birthday.” Ishaan announced.
“Why didn’t you tell me? Though birthdays are not that important, I still wanted to do something. It was your first birthday after we met. I don’t even have a present for you.”
“Today, we will have a small party with just family at home. And for present I already got one.” He said caressing his cheeks.
That was when Adhithi noticed his cheeks. It was a bit swollen. But was her slap this strong. She caressed his cheeks.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think it would leave a mark like this.”
“No. Your slap didn’t hurt at all. Well, it can’t even be called one.  But the remnant of what my bro gave me after you left is what you see now.”
“But still...” Adhithi hesitated.
“It’s okay. You have all the right over me and my wallet. You can do whatever you want with both.” He said caressing her lips. “And for the gift, just go and put on the saree for me.”
“To your house!!” Adhithi asked.
“No. Just for me. Change and comeback. We have to hurry home for breakfast after.” He winked at her.
The sun was up, but the rain was still on in all its strength. She got up from his lap. She took the saree from her wardrobe and was going to change in the bathroom.
“Can’t you change here? Please.” Ishaan asked full of hope.
Adhithi was little hesitant, but still went with his way.
“But you will have to look the other way till I put on the blouse and underskirt.” She said to which he immediately agreed. She changed and he kept his promise.
“You can look now.” She spoke.
When he opened his eyes, he had already started draping her saree.
“I’ll drape it for you.” He spoke.
“Do you even know?” She asked teasing him.
“There is always a first time for everything.” He said confidently.
He started draping it. Though he was clumsy he still had a general idea of doing it. He even took the pleat and tucked it into her skirt under her naval. This made her face blood red in embarrassment.
“I could have done that.” She thought but didn’t say it out loud. On the shoulder he took only single pleat. He didn’t properly cover her waist which was visible at a side. When she tried to do that, he stopped her.
“Let it be. Either way, it’s only for my eyes.”
He snaked his hands around her waist over the saree and pressed his face in to her neck. He bit her nape shoulder leaving small bite marks all over the place.
“Ishaan…” She moaned.
He gently left her waist and took out a box from his pocket. He closed her eyes with his hands. He took a beautiful pendant from the box and put it on for her. She opened her eyes and she teared up. It was her first time receiving such a gift and as a surprise.
“Mmm. It’s made just for you. Beautiful.”
“It’s your birthday. Why am I the one who is getting a gift?”
“Well…I’m gifting myself a beautiful bride to be.”
“Then why not a ring?”
He immediately took a box from his other pocket and opened it before her.
“Are you proposing?” She asked.
“Just a second.” He gave her the box to hold. He rushed to put on his shirt and neatly combed his hair. There was lady’s perfume on the table. With no other option he sprayed it over him and rushed back and took the box back from her.
“Will you marry me?” He asked opening the box.
“Yes. Yes. Yes….” She screamed her lungs out with stream of tears flowing down. He slipped in the ring on her finger and attached his lips to her kissing her passionately. Though we can doubt whether passionate was a word that will truly justify his sincerity.
“You didn’t need to spend this much on me.” She said apologetically. But her eyes were fixed on his ring in her hand and the other hand was playing with her new pendant. It didn’t go unnoticed by Ishaan.
“I have been saving from my first salary onwards to buy this for you.” Ishaan said proudly.
It would be a lie if said that Adhithi was not moved. She was. She would be crying streams if she already wasn’t. She moved closer to him and circled her hand around his neck. She looked at his eyes. Tears brimming in her eyes, smile playing on her lips, shivering body everything was so pleasing for Ishaan. He didn’t take much time to put his hands on her waist and draw her closer if that was even possible. But before Ishaan could react Adhithi bit on his cheek leaving a bite mark. Ishaan cried out in pain and he looked at Adhithi confusedly.
“What was that for?”
“Happy birthday, Ishu. It’s both a gift and punishment from my part. Bite is me punishing you for keeping your birthday a secret and bite mark is my birthday gift for you. You can even consider it as me marking my territory.” She said showing him her ring. Ishaan smiled at her goofiness.
“I’ll go change before we leave.” Adhithi said and moved to the bathroom. Ishaan made himself comfortable on the bed, a smile garnishing his face. Soon Adhithi was out in one of her usual outfits.
“Let’s go.” Ishaan said getting up.

"I don't want to be alone tonight," she whispered softly.

Without a word, Ishaan nodded, took her hand, and together they retraced their steps back to her apartment.