The Path to Forever

Part 14

Karan leaned back, his eyes never leaving hers. "I know you're feeling a lot right now," he said gently. "But just remember, we have all the time in the world to get to know each other, to fall in love."

Tejasswi nodded, the weight of his words sinking in. He was right. This was just the beginning of their journey together, and there was no need to rush into anything. With a smile, she took his hand, feeling the warmth of his touch grounding her. "Let's get some sleep," she agreed, her voice a little shaky. "We have a big day tomorrow."

They stood up, the music fading away as they moved closer to the door. Karan's arm wrapped around her waist, his hand resting at the small of her back as they made their way back to the warmth of the house. The hallway was dark and quiet, the only sounds their footsteps echoing softly on the tiles. Tejasswi felt a strange mix of excitement and nerves as they approached her room.

"Tejasswi," Karan whispered, his voice a soft caress in the darkness. "I know this is all happening fast, but I want you to know that I'll always be here for you."

Tejasswi nodded, her heart racing. She knew that their union was an arranged one, but the feelings that were blossoming between them were anything but forced. "I know," she murmured, her voice a little shaky.

Karan took her hand, his thumb tracing circles on the back of her palm. "Come," he whispered, leading her back to the safety of her room. The hallway was quiet, the house wrapped in the embrace of the night. They paused outside her door, their eyes locked in a silent conversation filled with unspoken promises and unanswered questions.

"It's too late," Karan said gently, his voice a soft rumble that sent a shiver down her spine. "We should get some sleep. Your parents will be here tomorrow, and we'll need our energy."

Tejasswi nodded, though she didn't move away. "But I don't want to," she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of longing and uncertainty. "I want to stay with you."

Karan searched her eyes, seeing the vulnerability she was trying so hard to hide. He knew she was right; they had a long road ahead, filled with the expectations of their families and the pressures of their new life together. But tonight, they had only each other. He made a decision, one that felt both terrifying and exhilarating. "Then I'll stay," he said, his voice low and filled with resolve.

Tejasswi's eyes widened, the surprise and hope warring within them. "Really?" she whispered.

Karan nodded, his gaze never leaving hers. "Really," he said firmly. "We're going to take this slow, but tonight, I want to hold you. Just hold you, and let the world wait."

Tejasswi felt a warmth spread through her chest, her heart swelling with a love she had never felt before. She stepped closer, her hand reaching up to cup his cheek. "Thank you," she murmured. "Thank you for understanding."

Without another word, they slipped into her room, the door clicking softly shut behind them. The space was small but cozy, the scent of jasmine from her diffuser filling the air. Karan's eyes took in the details: the framed photographs of her family, the books stacked neatly on the nightstand, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm light over the white sheets. He felt a sense of peace, a feeling that this was where he was meant to be.

Tejasswi changed into the short, candy-pink nightie that barely grazed her thighs, her back bare except for the thin strap that held it in place. She watched him from the corner of her eye, feeling a shiver of excitement at the sight of his strong, bare chest and the muscles that rippled beneath his skin. He had removed his shirt, revealing the dark ink of a tattoo that curled around his right bicep. The simple black boxers he wore hugged his hips, leaving little to the imagination.