Love Story

"Ruhan, suno," Ruhi called, her voice trying to sound casual, but her fingers nervously played with the edge of her dupatta.

"Boliye madam," Ruhan replied, arching an eyebrow. He could read her too well now and knew exactly why she was stalling him.

"Umm… Ruhan, can you please help me get that book on the top shelf?" she asked, pointing to the bookshelf.

Without another word, Ruhan walked over. But instead of reaching for the book himself, a mischievous grin crept onto his face. In one swift move, he picked her up by the waist and lifted her toward the top shelf.

“Ruhan!” she gasped, stunned.

Her eyes widened at how close their faces were. His breath brushed against her cheek, and her heartbeat stuttered. The book was long forgotten. He slowly lowered her to eye level, still holding her gently by the waist.

"Ruhi," he said softly, eyes searching hers, "why are you stalling me?"

As if under a spell, she murmured, “They wanted to go for the party…”

Ruhan’s expression changed in an instant. He stepped back, letting go of her with a smirk. Ruhi blinked twice—Oh no. He’d figured it out.

Without another word, Ruhan turned and headed toward the bedroom door.

"Ruhan, listen—please, rukh jao," Ruhi said, panicked, trying to grab his hand.

But he didn’t stop. So, in a last-ditch effort, she pulled him back—and miscalculated the force.

They both toppled onto the couch, and to her utter horror, he landed right on top of her.

And their lips met. Just for a second.

Ruhi froze, her eyes wide like saucers. That was her first kiss.

She pushed him away with a gasp and quickly sat up, her fingers brushing her lips. “Ye apne kya kiya…” she whispered, heart racing.

Ruhan, still sitting beside her, was completely silent. But inside his head, it was chaos.

God… that was so nice. Her soft lips… I know it was just a peck, but it felt magical. If only she stayed like that for a minute longer… hayee.

“Ruhan, kaha kho gaye?” Ruhi’s voice broke his trance as she waved a hand in front of his face.

He blinked and looked away quickly, flustered.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have shouted,” Ruhi said softly. “It was my mistake that I pulled you.”

Ruhan cleared his throat, trying to focus. “Umm, Ruhi… can you please tell me exactly kaha gaye woh log, so that I can send a driver to pick them up after the party?”

“They went to Mr. Rathore’s place,” she said, eyes still avoiding his. “Nisha turned 21 today. Preeti and Sifra wanted to wish her. Please… don’t be angry.”

Ruhan muttered under his breath, “If only I get that magical kiss again, I’d agree to whatever you say, queen.”

Ruhi narrowed her eyes. “What did you just say?”

“Nothing.” He turned away quickly.

“It better be nothing.” She crossed her arms.

But as she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the slight blush on his cheeks—and the ghost of a smile playing on his lips.

And for the first time since their marriage, her own lips curved into a quiet smile too.