34. Agar mere ek jhoot se aapki muskurahat yun hi khilti rahegi, toh mein jhooti hi sahi. (If my one lie keeps your smile blooming, then I'm better off being called a liar.)

warning// explicit content ahead.

•°•

- priya -

To say I was nervous, would be an understatement.

I hadn't realised the extent of limits we had crossed last night. It was as though a single kiss was enough to invoke something unsaid between us. I couldn't get away from Aditya's eyes the whole day, they followed me everywhere, and they knew when I was around.

As for the birthday gift, I had expected a long drive or something similar. Not a seven stars hotel.

When the staff greeted us in the lobby, we were escorted to the rooftop setting that overlooked the entire city. It was beautiful, slightly cold, but like a gentleman my husband is, he wasted no time in removing his suit jacket and lending it over my shoulders.

Cuddled on a foldable couch, with a bucket of popcorn and a coke, we watched a movie together. It was another of his guilty pleasures as he calls them. But what really pulled me into the movie was the fact the main lead had the same name as Aditya. He was fictional of course, my Aditya was very much real, and a lot more charming.

"I aspire to have confidence like her," he commented as the female lead declared she is her favorite.

"You can be my favourite," I said cheekily.

"Accha ji? (Oh really?)" He looked down at me with a playful grin.

"Nevermind. You are already my favourite." I laid my cheek on his chest, my arms wounding around his lean torso. I like his body, he is lean, but the moment I'm in his arms, it's like I'm shielded and safe. It's the most beautiful feeling.

Aditya clasped around my shoulders tightly, pulling me even closer. I basked in the heat his body radiated, inhaling the sweet fragrance of his french cologne.

He looks so unreal in suits. I don't know what it is, or maybe it's just one of my weird fetishes, but every time he wears a suit, I don't want to keep my eyes or hands off him. He radiates allure and demands attention. At least mine, and if Pari's blatant checking out was any signal, then all the other females as well.

The thought of that woman made me grimace.

When I first met her, I didn't really pay attention to her behaviour towards Aditya. Back then, I could care less about it. It was not of my concern who likes him anyway. Nor was he the center of my attention that I'll pick out the little details about his life.

I regret that a great deal.

Pari is attracted to Aditya. Even a blind person would be able to figure it out. She doesn't make it subtle anyway. There are hints thrown every time she is around my husband, making him her sole attention, giving him those starry eyes, blushing at the slightest of his attention. I don't understand how Aditya fails to see them.

But then again, it's Aditya Shrivastava we're talking about. Even Tweety might believe he can fly, but he won't.

"Priya," his raspy voice broke me off the chain of thoughts. I stretched my neck to the right as he buried his face there, the movie on the screen forgotten. I felt him place a soft kiss on the bridge connecting my neck and shoulder, before he deftly tugged down the sleeve of my dress, resting his forehead there and breathing deeply. "We can watch this movie if you want and call it a night in the room, but if you allow," he pulled away, looking at me with the intensity I was hoping to see in his eyes last night. But better late than never, I guess.

My body, even at the idea of sharing the most vulnerable form of intimacy with him, was thrilled and excited.

"Can we please go all the way tonight?" He asked nervously.

"You definitely did not book an expensive room just to watch a movie together and sleep," I narrowed my eyes in a jesting manner.

He blushed from neck to ears.

"Do we need to look up a tutorial for this also?"

He glared at me.

I chuckled, trying to diffuse the anxiety building up within me.

"Let's go," I whispered, shrugging off the blanket cocooning us together.

He got off first, holding out his hand to me. I laid my hand in his stretched-out palm, feeling safe and wanted under his gaze. He took the lead, so I followed him wordlessly. He could take me to the ends of the world like this and I'll simply go along.

We reached our room which was the first in the hallway. He removed the card key from his pocket, his hand visibly trembling as he swiped it against the key reader and pushed the door open. We both stepped inside while the door automatically fell close.

The room was beautiful. It had the minimum furniture and lots of space. Also a mini bar by the bay windows.

"Should we wash up first?" He asked, turning around to face me.

"Sure," I nodded.

"You go first," he pointed at the bathroom.

I obeyed.

Upon entering the bathroom, the shower head caught my attention. Maybe I should just take a shower. The birthday celebration was a busy event. I was in the kitchen the whole day, then I hurriedly donned the dress and sprayed some perfume to save time. I can't have my underarms smelling of sweat during our first time.

Gently removing my dress and underclothes, I placed them on the vanity table and moved towards the shower stall. Shifting the settings to lukewarm, I took a quick but thorough shower. The lavender-scented body wash hotel provided smelled rich and sweet.

Exiting the wet premise, I plucked out a neatly rolled towel from the drawer of the vanity and dried myself as quickly as possible. Putting on my underclothes that were fortunately matching if not best suited for the occasion, I zipped up my red dress and looked at myself in the reflection. My hair was still wet, dripping to the ends, but I know he likes them open, so he'll certainly appreciate the sight.

I can't believe we're finally doing it.

After treading around the threshold for quite a while, we were finally going to step past it.

I don't know what to expect.

Last night after his hesitance to kiss me, I had assumed it'll take us at least a month to reach the sex part. But here we are, a day after the kiss, ready to dive into a whole new world of romance.

I just know the basics of sex, like every other virgin woman. I know for a fact it is painful in the beginning, and the first experience is not the best, but a woman can hope. I just want to feel what I've read and heard women gushing about, an orgasm. From the description of it, I know it's the most eccentric and surreal feeling. I can't wait to experience it. And to share the moment with Aditya of all men? It's like a dream come true.

Gathering enough courage for the night, which I knew was as empty as an inflated balloon, I finally opened the door and stepped out.

Aditya quickly met my eyes.

"You can use it now," I muttered softly.

He nodded, getting up and walking past me inside. My stiff shoulders loosened when I heard the door close behind me.

I walked deeper inside the room, looking around and noticing the little details I missed at first sight. The lamps on either side of the bed were cute little things but glowed dim orange light that would be enough for the bed part. My eyes zeroed on the magazines stacked on the coffee table in the middle of the couch set. Walking over to it, I picked it up and shuffled through the pages nonchalantly, anything to keep me distracted from the main thought as of now.

The bar took up all the space around the bay windows. Pity really, it offered a great view. I'm sure Aditya would have loved to have a couch there and read all day. His books are honestly his best friend, he turns to them for advice as though at any instant they'll come alive and help him out.

Last night I saw a glimpse of such Aditya, standing in front of the shelf looking clueless, as if begging for the books to hold the end of their deal and help him figure out something as simple as a kiss.

The Internet is a great place really. A cobweb if you're addicted, but a good advisor if used in a healthy manner. It helped me out a great deal last night.

I knew I wasn't sleeping without a proper kiss. I had fantasized about those lips far longer than my patience could endure, there was no way a peck would have sufficed the craving. And I was glad I didn't give up, because the moment he reciprocated, my heart, my lips, my brain, and the place between my legs, all came alive.

I just hope tonight turns out another beautiful memory to the collection of my first birthday with my husband.

Just then the door opened, revealing him in the dark brown suit. His hair, just like mine, was tousled and wet. I swallowed. Show me a man more dashing than him and I'll add your name to my will and testament. Just kidding, don't take me seriously.

He approached me slowly, causing me to drop the magazine back on the table.

Our lips met first, followed by our hands, and then our bodies. He groaned instantly, fuelling me with much-needed courage to wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer. I played with the ends of his wet hair, threading my fingers through the soft and drenched locks. He began to walk us towards the bed. When I felt the back of my knees hit the bed end, I knew what to expect next.

Quickly claiming his position on top of me, he wrapped his arm around my waist and shifted me upward, so my legs no longer dangled from the bed end.

I felt his eyes on me, just watching me, it caused a sweet sensation between my legs that made me clasp them together.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered, stroking my cheek with his thumb.

I blushed.

I felt like I should compliment him back. "so are you."

He didn't respond cheekily as I had expected, just smiled and buried his face in the crook of my neck. I inhaled a sharp breath, my hands traveling up his arms to reach his shoulder. To feel his body deeper than the thick blazer allowed me, I pushed it off his shoulder. He got the signal and swiftly pulled it off, tossing it somewhere besides the bed.

His hand reached for my zip, making alarms go off in my head.

"Can we turn off the lights?" I asked meekly.

He frowned at me.

"Please?"

I don't want him to see the fat I have on my thighs or the stretch marks all over my waist and buttocks. My breasts aren't enormous either, maybe to the size of unripened oranges. Men like handful of breasts, don't they? Judging the size of Aditya's hands, I'd be surprised if they don't slip out of his hands like slippery balls.

"Can we at least keep one lamp on?" He suggested. "I won't be able to make out anything if it's completely dark," he explained.

"Okay, but that one," I said, pointing to the lamp that was on my left since I was laid on the right side of the bed.

He nodded and got up to turn off the main lights. I switched off the lamp beside me. I felt him climb back on top of me before his lips found mine. We kissed like we had learned yesterday, sucking, nibbling, and tugging. He was taking the lead tonight. Great for me.

Pulling away, he unbuttoned his shirt, his hands shaking so hard I sat up to help him out of it. He let me do it for him and pressed a kiss on top of my head. His muscles rippled and flexed as he shrugged off the shirt with one harsh tug, throwing it in the company of the blazer. I'm sure if he knew the real price of the suit, he would rather tend to it all night than spare me a sliver of his attention.

His hand found my zip and he drove it down. I laid on my back, shimmying out of the dress for his desire. Because he couldn't see me clearly, he was inclined to feel me clearly.

I stifled a gasp when his both hands cupped my breasts, kneading them gently before I felt his breath fan my ear. He nibbled at the earlobe, scattering dewy kisses all over my neck and shoulder.

Soon I was free of the second last barrier keeping me off his reach. His fingers tweaked my nipples, rolled them, and stroked them gently. I curled my toes, clenching my eyes shut at the indescribable pleasure coursing through me.

Suddenly, it all stopped and I realised why.

He was getting out of his pants.

I waited patiently, no words transpired between us, just sweet sweet expectations and a need to feel each other impossibly close.

I tried not to let my eyes wander downward when he got out of his boxers. But then I couldn't help it and sneaked a peak.

And holy macrons!

Is that thing supposed to be so huge!?

It isn't even anywhere close to me but I can already feel myself being ripped apart in two.

I was panicking in my head while he rolled over a condom on himself and immediately helped me out of my undies. Then I felt him line up against me and I held my breath. He leaned in towards me, distracting me with a kiss as he slowly intruded into my walls.

I felt breathless, so I turned my head to the other side, letting his lips kiss and nibble my jaw all while I went through the most painful experience of my life.

Was it supposed to hurt so much?

I wanted to cry and pull away but I endured, in hopes, that it'll end, and maybe I'll feel a sliver of pleasure.

But nothing.

Apart from an enormous onslaught of pain and discomfort, absolutely nothing happened. I buried my face against his broad shoulders, my safe place, whimpering and wishing for it to end as soon as possible.

Sometime later I felt him rub my folds aggressively and grew more confused. What was he trying to do?

I had heard and read about men's stamina in the bedroom. That they merely last for a minute or two. Not Aditya. I wish he was projecting this long-lasting endurance on the flight of stairs instead of my vagina.

He pulled in and out, slamming hard and fast, grunting in so much pleasure I was a little envious but also grateful. At least one of us was enjoying this horrible experience.

Then he stiffened, his long lashes closed and face in pure bliss. The orange incandescent coming off the night lamp made his sweat glow and I swear he looked the most ethereal as he reached his release. For a moment, I forgot about my pain and discomfort, mindlessly cupping his cheek causing him to open his eyes and smile lazily.

I smiled back, wincing when he slowly pulled out.

"You okay?" He asked worriedly.

I forced myself to nod.

He removed himself completely from inside me, gasping for breath. "I'll discard the condom and get a towel to clean you up," he muttered getting off me.

The moment he disappeared in the bathroom, I rubbed my hips, feeling my eyes tear up at the stinging sensation between my legs. Brushing away the tears that fell, I sat up with a force, grimacing at the spots of blood on the sheets.

He really tore me apart, huh.

I hunched aside to grab his discarded shirt and quickly put it on to avoid being spotted completely naked. The door to the bathroom and Aditya walked out, wearing his trousers and holding a towel.

"Aditya, no! I'll do it!" I said when he separated my legs to clean me. It was already embarrassing enough to let him see the blood on the sheets.

"Priya, it must have hurt in the beginning. You're not in the position to walk and clean yourself. Let me help you please," he said softly, melting me with his gentleness.

He lifted me off the bed in his arms and settled me on the couch while he removed the stained sheets and replaced them with new ones. Once again I was lifted off in his arms and placed back on the bed. He climbed beside me, pulling me close to his chest with his arm around my waist.

"How was it?" He asked in a whisper.

Painful. Uncomfortable. Horrible.

"Great," I murmured, turning around to face him. There was an unmistakable smile of pride on his face as if he passed some sort of test. I didn't have the heart to tell the truth. He was already so self-conscious about the kiss yesterday. This was definitely way past his comfort zone. I can't crash his spirits by revealing the reality.

"You- You had an orgasm right?"

Not even close.

But I loved how considerate he was. He cared about my pleasure. "Yeah," besides, it's the not the last time we'll be having sex. With time, I'll learn to enjoy it. Maybe it was because I was anxious I couldn't feel the same satisfaction as him. I should try to be more relaxed the next time we do it.

"Thank God, I was so scared. It was our first after all. I had already messed up our kiss last night, I didn't want to give you the same experience tonight." He sighed in relief.

"You were the best," my fingers lingered on his cheek.

He smiled, showing off his dimples. And that was enough to wash off the horrible memory of first-time sex from my mind.

With time my body will learn to embrace this new experience.

With time it'll be better.

With time I'll learn to enjoy it.

And with those hopes, I drifted off into a deep slumber lulled by his hand stroking my waist and exhaustion winning over my every tired conscious.

The next morning I was woken up by the delicious aroma of something sweet and warm wafting through the air. I stirred and groggily sat up, catching Aditya's attention who was just arranging the food on the table. "Uth gayi, meri jaan? (Already awake, meri jaan)" he smiled brightly and walked up to me, kissing my forehead first before settling at the end of my feet. I blushed under his gaze. "How are you feeling now? Does it still hurt?"

"No," I answered honestly. There was a slight stinging pain but nothing to the extent of what I was feeling last night.

He stared at me with soft gaze, lifting my knuckles and pressing a kiss on them. "Let's have breakfast. I got so many options for you." He jutted his chin in the direction of the table.

I looked past him, my eyes widening in surprise at the table full of food. Everything looked so scrumptious. "Maybe I should take a shower first,"

"By all means," he held out his hand in the direction of the bathroom.

I smiled shyly and got down from the bed, holding back a wince to stop the pain from showing on my face. Hurriedly walking to the bathroom, I decided to run a bath instead of a shower. Maybe warm water will be able to help.

It did help, a lot. By the time I was all clean and dressed, there was an undeniable glow on my face. I was just happy that we did it. I got to see him during his most vulnerable moment. It was beautiful. He was beautiful.

Sighing softly with a smile, I left the bathroom and joined my husband on the couch for breakfast. He welcomed me with a kiss, which tasted of tea and I'd never loved tea so much before. He pulled away with a chuckle when my stomach growled, feeding me a bite of glazed donut to satisfy my belly like he had satisfied my lips a few minutes ago. I held the rest of it, grinning up at him before continuing to stuff my mouth with the sweet goody.

We had breakfast with light teasing and flirting from his side. I won't lie, more than last night, I love this side of us. Where I could be real too.

We checked out of the hotel at ten am. He drove me to the office and I told him to take the car to his office rather than looking out for public transportation at this time. He obliged after a lot of resistance.

My day at the office was nothing different than usual. I was busy in constant meetings since it was the beginning of the new year. Sheena updated me with the feedback we received from the events we handled on the occasion of Republic day and went on to brief me about the new offers we received. She also submitted the annual revenue report that I had to check and approve.

At around one, my phone reminded me to text Aditya.

He instead called upon receiving my text.

We had a small conversation, the usual, about lunch and work, and the time we'll get off work before we both hung up to get back to work.

I clocked out six considering that's when Aditya gets off his work too. I was busy packing things when there was a knock on the door.

"Come in,"

Aditya opened the door and peeked inside. "Ready to leave?"

"Almost," I said, grabbing my charger and phone and joining him at the door. He held it open for me until I stepped out. We both left my office together.

I held his hand tightly, my other hand wrapped around his bicep. He opened the door for me and I sat inside. Then he leaned in and put up the strap of my tote bag on my lap, pressing a kiss on my forehead before closing the door for me. I smiled at my lap, thankful for my brown skin tone because God knows I'd be a 24/7 ripened tomato if I was as fair as him.

He turned on the music player, lowering the sound so we could also hear each other if the need arise. A beautiful song came up sung by a female singer and I subtly nodded my head at the tune and the lyrics.

"You know I heard somewhere when you're in love, all love songs become about you," I spoke up nonchalantly.

"Is that a confession?" He glanced at me with a smirk, one hand handling the steering while the other held the gear stick.

"Does it sound like one?" I retorted.

He shrugged. "You know better. It's a female-centric song."

"It's a love-centric song." I shot back.

"For a woman who used to scowl at the mention of love and men, you're definitely a hopeless romantic at heart." He chuckled.

I rolled my eyes. "For a man who was intimidated and nervous at the sight of me, you've definitely become bold and shameless now."

"Have you met yourself? You made me feel like a cornered mouse that evening. Not my fault I was so nervous." He scoffed.

"And yet you ended up with a crush on me?" I smirked.

"That was unintentional."

"Or maybe you're into the kind of women who can make you nervous?" I offered slyly.

He shot me a glare but he was holding back a smile. "Shut up."

"I'm sure you were more into your seniors than peers," I nodded.

"Shut that mouth up, Priya."

"Did you ever have a crush on your teacher? You look the type." I hummed.

"This is the last warning, Priya." He clenched the wheel tighter, maneuvering the car inside the society parking lot.

"Or a professor? Oh, no, don't tell me it was a princi-" the rest of the words died in my throat when he gripped my chin and hushed me with a punishing kiss.

He pulled away a sweet minute later. "No one."

"Huh?" I asked, dazed and lost.

"No one ever made me feel the way you do. I was a goner the moment I saw you."

Don't blame me, you guys jinxed it.

Also, it was his first time. What do you expect? Reyansh Raichand?

Anyway, hope you enjoyed the chapter. Don't forget to vote and comment. Makes my day.