This time, nothing felt hurried.
Everything felt… chosen.
The Celebration Dinner – Malhotra House
The Malhotra home was alive again—warm lights, soft music, laughter weaving through conversations.
Aditi arrived with her parents, calm and confident.
Not overwhelmed.
Not unsure.
Arjun noticed immediately.
Not just how she looked—but how she carried herself.
“She seems settled,” Anita said softly to Meera.
“She is,” Meera replied with pride.
“She’s found her rhythm.”
Family Support, Out Loud
During dinner, Vikram cleared his throat.
“Aditi,” he said kindly,
“Arjun told us about your business plans.”
Her shoulders stiffened slightly—habit.
But Arjun spoke before doubt could settle.
“She’s expanding,” he said calmly.
“And she’ll continue to. Marriage won’t change that.”
Raghavan smiled.
“That’s good to hear.”
Meera squeezed Aditi’s hand.
“We raised her to build her own life.”
Arjun turned to Aditi then—no teasing, no smirk.
“I didn’t fall for you despite your ambition,” he said softly.
“I fell for you because of it.”
Her eyes warmed.
Across the table, Nisha dabbed at her eyes.
Rohit smiled quietly.
Ring, Revisited
After dinner, Anita brought out a small velvet box.
“No pressure,” she said gently.
“Just when you’re ready.”
Aditi met Arjun’s eyes.
This time, she didn’t hesitate.
She held out her hand.
Arjun inhaled slowly before sliding the ring onto her finger—steady, reverent.
When he looked up, she was smiling.
Not shy.
Sure.
Aditi Starts the Game
Later, while everyone gathered in the living room, Aditi found herself beside Arjun near the window.
“You’ve been very well-behaved tonight,” she said casually.
He raised an eyebrow. “Is that a complaint?”
“Maybe,” she replied.
She stepped closer—closing the gap deliberately.
His breath shifted.
“That’s new,” he murmured.
She smiled, bold now.
“You said I could take my time.”
Her fingers brushed his wrist.
Light. Intentional.
“Be careful,” he warned softly.
“I’m still learning restraint.”
“I noticed,” she said.
The Waist Touch—This Time Invited
As laughter rose behind them, Aditi turned slightly, her back almost touching him.
“Arjun,” she said quietly,
“you can put your hand there.”
He froze.
“There?” he asked.
“My waist,” she said, voice steady despite the heat crawling up her spine.
Slowly—asking permission without words—his hand settled there.
Warm.
Certain.
Her breath caught, but she didn’t move away.
Across the room, Riya’s eyes widened.
Karthik coughed dramatically.
Nisha grinned.
Rohit shook his head, amused.
The parents pretended not to notice.
A Promise in Low Voices
Arjun leaned closer, voice meant only for her.
“You’re dangerous when you’re confident.”
She smiled softly.
“You helped me get here.”
His thumb pressed lightly once—barely there.
“I’ll keep helping,” he said.
“Always.”
She turned to face him.
“So will I,” she replied.
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