Niharika's POV

I wished the lord that everything should be fine as his mom opened the door. He announced, "Mom, misunderstanding is clear. Please let us in. We need to tell you." 

I believed he did so because he wanted his mom to keep calm. His sister, Meehika chirped from inside, "O! Thank God. Mom was upset so called us over. Come, spill the beans." 

We entered his home when I saw his brother-in-law Arnav sitting on the sofa. Yash was sleeping in his arms. Poor boy, he finally gets to spend time with his dad, my mind wondered. Meehika just came over and gave me a hug, "Are you fine, Niharika?"

Nodding my head in affirmation, I wondered she was the first to ask me this. My would-be mother-in-law was giving a silent treatment while Arnav had picked his son and taken him inside. 

"Come on, sit and stay calm. I will get water for you." Meehika said turning towards the kitchen only to find his husband bringing us some juice and snacks. 

I inwardly smiled at his cute gesture. He was indeed, a good son-in-law to Arpit's angry mom. 

"Hey guys, you look worn out. All cool now?" He asked casually and I wondered why his mom couldn't keep things to her. Though they are her family still it is weird for me. She didn't think about my trauma and dignity even at once. I frowned a bit mumbling a thank you to Arnav. 

"I am sorry to tell everyone about that. I wasn't feeling well basically. I cleared my head to save myself from heart attack." His mom finally broke up the awkward silence in the room. 

I looked towards Arpit and he signalled to continue perhaps, because his mom wouldn't shoot her angry glares at me. 

Taking a deep breath, I stood up as if I am in some conference hall while everyone sat in the living room. 

I began, "Those pictures were photoshopped." Turning towards his mom, I said, "You have indeed, taught your son well to think rationally and respect his woman, aunty." I paused for a bit as I wanted to see everyone's reaction. His sister and her husband were amused while his mom melted a bit. I didn't want his mother to speak something unnecessary, I already had suffered a lot today. 

"Do you know who did it?" Arnav bombarded. 

"Kajal Chaudhary. The same girl who threatened to harass me in Paris." Arpit said in a grumpy tone. 

"What? How come? Speak up, idiot." Meehika said turning towards her brother.

"She apparently saw us together and planned this so that I would leave my love. She wanted revenge of the complaint. I am not in touch with her, I swear." Arpit said ultimately explaining the whole situation to everyone.

Everyone seemed shocked. 

Arpit's mom said, "Niharika, I am sorry. I took everything in the wrong direction today morning. I apologize for speaking ill of you." She had tears in her eyes. She didn't say anything to me though she might have said something to Arpit. She shouldn't apologize, my inner-me chided. 

"Aunty,  you are like my mother. I don't like elders apologizing. Plus, whatever you had thought was the most rational thought but Arpit is indeed, good for not trusting anything but me." I said with tears in my eyes as she embraced me in a hug. After years, I felt like my mother hugging me. I was utterly satisfied in her embrace as it was too pure.

"Thank God, both of you are safe." Meehika said taking a deep breath.

"God! Arpit and Niharika, you guys have the best understanding as a couple. It's been about 13 years to our marriage but still we lack this. You handled it really well. Please marry and stay happy." Arnav said pointing to both of us. He was amused with the level of trust we had built up.

"Love and faith are the basis of every relationship." Arpit said chuckling. I bowed my eyes as my face flushed with embarrassment. He continued, "We will be marrying soon, right Niharika." He pointed at me chuckling at my embarrassing state. I mumbled a yes. 

"God bless you, both. Come on, let's have dinner." His mother distracted everyone noticing my red face.

Being famished, we relished upon the dinner. I asked for my leave to which everyone insisted that I should stay. Meehika believed that we must be tired after the hectic day at it was late according to them. It was just ten, I realized but I chose to stay. Arpit's mom showed me the guest room and I retired on the bed as everyone. 

It was around an hour. I tossed on the bed. Sleep wasn't coming over me. I felt relaxed clearing all the misunderstandings.

Suddenly someone knocked on the door. I wondered who could be at night. I got up and asked, "Who's it?"

I heard a familiar voice in whispers, "It's me. Open the door."

I realized it was him, the great Arpit. 

"What is it?" I hissed without opening the door. 

"Open the door, dear." I could only hear. 

"Good night, I am sleepy." I said in return. I was biting my lower lip to control my laughter.

"Open the door, please." He spoke once again. 

I gave in and opened the door to find a pair of twinkling amber green eyes as he stood in a grey T-shirt and shorts. He had got my favorite strawberry ice-cream. I twitched my eyes in confusion letting him in. 

"I love you, dear. You had a hectic day so I found this in the fridge." He spoke lovingly as I was lost in his eyes.

We relished over the ice-cream and talked the whole night about our desires, fears and future teasing each other at the thoughts of our unborn kids only to realize that it was four o' clock in the morning.

He rushed in his room to avoid embarrassment as there was just an hour for his mother's morning. She is an early riser and I didn't want to be embarrassed. I laid on the bed to catch some sleep thanking lord to have Arpit in my life. 

*****

Hi guys

Hope you're having a great time reading it.

Share your views.

Please vote too.

Love you all,

💜