Chapter 47
The late afternoon sunlight stretched across the driveway as Druve's car pulled into the residence.
Riya looked toward the house, a small smile forming on her lips. It had been a long day filled with family, laughter, teasing, and congratulations. She glanced at the wedding ring on her finger before turning toward Druve.
He had already switched off the engine and was looking at her.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing."
Riya narrowed her eyes playfully. "You keep looking at me."
"Am I not allowed to?"
She laughed. "I didn't say that."
A slight smile touched his lips before he stepped out of the car.
Riya followed, adjusting her dress as she walked toward the entrance. Druve watched until she disappeared inside, then turned his attention to the wedding gifts piled in the back of the car.
Arjun approached him almost immediately.
"Sir."
Druve opened the boot, and Arjun stepped forward to help unload the packages. They carried the gifts inside, arranging them neatly in the living room.
Once the last box had been brought in, Arjun glanced toward the hallway to make sure Riya was out of earshot.
"Sir, the fish has taken the bait."
The warmth disappeared from Druve's expression, leaving behind the cold, unreadable composure his men knew so well.
Arjun continued quietly. "Raghav has started moving exactly as we anticipated. We're tracing his movements. If everything goes according to plan, he should be in our custody soon."
"Keep watching him. I don't want him disappearing before we get what we need."
"Yes, sir."
Arjun waited, expecting further instructions.
Instead, Druve glanced toward the hallway where Riya had disappeared.
"Don't disturb me today. Handle everything yourself. I don't want any interruptions unless it's absolutely necessary."
Arjun understood immediately.
"Of course, sir. I'll take care of it."
Druve nodded once, dismissing him.
Arjun left quietly, and Druve headed toward the bedroom.
Meanwhile, Riya had been examining the presents arranged in the living room.
There were large boxes, carefully wrapped packages, decorative bags, and several smaller gifts tucked between them. Her attention moved from one to another until something unusual caught her eye.
A tiny package, almost hidden behind a larger box.
She picked it up.
It was beautifully wrapped in delicate pastel paper, decorated with tiny hearts and finished with a satin ribbon tied into a neat bow. A little card was attached to the ribbon.
For the Groom.
Her eyebrows lifted with curiosity.
Of all the gifts they had received, this one seemed rather unusual. She turned the little box over in her hands, looking for a sender's name, but found none.
Taking the package with her, she started toward their bedroom, her fingers already working at the ribbon.
She had just managed to loosen the bow when a pair of strong arms slipped around her waist from behind.
Riya stopped.
Druve drew her against his chest, his embrace warm and familiar. Before she could resume unwrapping the gift, he lowered his head toward the curve of her neck.
"Druve..."
"Hmm?"
She glanced down at the little box still held between her hands.
"I was opening something."
"I noticed."
His voice was low, close to her ear, and she could hear the faint amusement beneath it.
Riya laughed softly. "Well, I am."
She reached for the ribbon again, but Druve caught her hand. Before she could protest, he took the little box from her fingers and tossed it onto the cabinet beside their television.
"Druve!" She turned her head toward him, laughing. "What was that for?"
His arms settled around her waist again.
"If my wife's attention is going to be somewhere other than on me tonight, I might get jealous."
Riya's smile faltered for the briefest moment as his lips brushed her bare shoulder.
A tiny shiver ran through her.
"Druve..."
He answered with another kiss, followed almost immediately by one near the base of her neck. The unexpected touches sent little electric shocks through her, making her fingers curl around his forearm.
And suddenly, Aadhira's teasing voice came rushing back.
Just wondering whether I should call you tomorrow morning or wait until afternoon.
Seriously, though... I hope you have a lovely night. A very, very lovely night.
Heat crept into Riya's cheeks.
Of all the moments to remember that conversation!
But before she could dwell on it, Druve pressed another kiss just below her ear. She instinctively tilted her head away, only to feel his lips return to the curve of her neck.
Whatever Aadhira had said was quickly forgotten.
Druve's hand moved from her waist to her shoulder, his fingers catching the edge of her dress. He eased the fabric aside slightly, exposing more of her shoulder as his lips followed.
Riya caught his hand.
"Wait!"
Druve paused, lifting his head.
She turned within his arms, her cheeks flushed, and placed both palms against his chest.
"I need to freshen up."
He looked at her for a moment, the amusement in his eyes unmistakable.
Riya gave him a small push.
"Seriously, Druve. Let me go."
He released her, though his expression only made her more conscious of her flushed cheeks.
She hurried toward the bathroom without another word, leaving him watching her retreat.
Druve chuckled softly. He glanced toward the bathroom door before walking to the wardrobe. Taking out a fresh towel and a change of clothes, he headed to another room to freshen up.
Neither of them gave another thought to the little package lying on the cabinet beside the television, its satin ribbon loosened and its wrapping partially undone.
Riya closed the bathroom door behind her and leaned against it, her cheeks still burning.
Her heart was beating faster than usual. She pressed a hand against her chest, trying to steady herself, but the memory of Druve's arms around her waist and his lips against her neck only made it worse.
She lifted her fingers to the very spot where he had kissed her moments ago.
A shy smile escaped her.
They had been close before. She knew his touch, knew his kisses, yet somehow he could still leave her flustered with such effortless ease.
And that little smile of his when she'd pushed him away!
Riya covered her face with both hands, laughing quietly to herself.
"Oh, Druve..." she whispered, shaking her head.
She finally stepped away from the door and turned on the shower. Hot water poured over her, and within minutes, steam began to rise, fogging the glass and mirrors.
She stood beneath the steady stream, letting the water wash away the tiredness of the long day. Gradually, her racing heartbeat settled, and her shoulders relaxed.
Closing her eyes, she tilted her face toward the water.
So much had happened. So much had changed.
There had been a time when she had believed she would never see Druve again, when returning to him had seemed like an impossible dream. Yet here she was, in his home, wearing his ring, with the certainty that he was just a few rooms away.
After everything they had been through, her Druve was still with her.
She remained beneath the warm water for a little longer, enjoying the quiet before finally turning off the shower.
Reaching for a towel, she wrapped it securely around herself and began drying her hair and arms. She was still rubbing the moisture from her hands when she glanced toward the place where she usually kept her fresh clothes.
Her movements stopped.
There was nothing there.
Riya blinked, then looked around the bathroom.
Only then did she remember how hurriedly she had escaped Druve's embrace.
She had rushed straight inside without bringing a single change of clothes.
"Oh, no..."
She stared at the closed bathroom door, her cheeks growing warm all over again.
Of all the things she could have forgotten!
Would Druve still be in the bedroom?
Her heart began beating faster at the thought.
It wasn't as though she was afraid of him. He was her Druve, the man whose arms had always been her safest place. They had shared moments far more intimate than a few stolen kisses, and she knew exactly what his playful attention earlier had meant.
She had been anticipating tonight too.
But knowing what was coming and actually facing him were apparently two very different things.
Riya glanced at her reflection in the fogged mirror. She wiped a small patch clear with her palm and stared at herself.
Her face was practically crimson.
"Oh, wonderful," she muttered, pressing her cool palms against her cheeks. "I look like a boiled crab."
A helpless little laugh escaped her.
And the worst part was that Druve would notice. Of course he would. That man could read the slightest change in her expression, and judging by the smile he had worn when she escaped into the bathroom, he was going to enjoy every second of her embarrassment.
She looked toward the door again, torn between calling him to bring her clothes and simply stepping outside.
Neither option seemed particularly helpful in calming her racing heart.
Finally, Riya made up her mind.
He's my Druve. What am I even getting so worked up about?
She knew him, trusted him, and there was absolutely nothing to be nervous about.
She gave herself one last reassuring nod.
Exactly. Nothing to worry about.
With her little pep talk complete, she tightened the towel around herself and slowly turned the bathroom doorknob.
The door opened just a crack.
Riya cautiously poked her head out, her eyes sweeping across the bedroom.
No Druve.
She opened the door a little wider, checking once more.
Still no sign of him.
He must have gone to freshen up in another room.
A long breath escaped her lips, one she hadn't even realised she'd been holding.
Then she caught herself.
Seriously, Riya?
She had just spent several minutes convincing herself there was nothing to be nervous about, only to peek out of her own bathroom like someone checking whether the coast was clear.
So much for that confident little pep talk!
Shaking her head at herself, she let out a quiet laugh and finally stepped into the bedroom.
It was only then that she noticed something laid out on the bed.
A nightdress with buttons down the front had been neatly arranged on the mattress, with her undergarments placed beside it.
Riya stopped, looking at the clothes for a moment before a smile spread across her face.
"Druve..."
He must have noticed that she'd rushed into the bathroom without taking anything with her. And without her even having to ask, he'd quietly brought out everything she needed.
She walked toward the bed, running her fingers lightly over the nightdress before picking it up.
He must have come in while she was showering.
"Always thinking of everything," she murmured.
She was so absorbed in appreciating his thoughtfulness that the sudden sound of the bedroom door opening made her heart jump.
Riya turned instinctively, the nightdress still held in her hand, only to find herself face-to-face with Druve.
Both of them froze.
Druve had returned after freshening up, expecting Riya to have changed by now. He had deliberately laid out her clothes, knowing she had rushed into the bathroom without taking anything with her.
The last thing he expected was to find her standing beside the bed, still wrapped in nothing but a towel.
For a brief moment, genuine surprise crossed his usually composed face.
Her damp hair fell loosely around her shoulders, tiny droplets of water still glistening against her skin. One slipped down the side of her neck, travelled along her collarbone, and disappeared beneath the towel secured around her chest.
His gaze followed it almost involuntarily.
Riya caught him looking.
Her fingers tightened around the nightdress, and the blush that had barely faded from her cheeks returned with a vengeance.
"Druve..." she managed, her voice softer than she'd intended.
His eyes returned to hers, but the surprise in them had already given way to something far more intense.
"I... I was just about to change," she murmured.
Druve didn't answer.
He stood watching her, his gaze lingering on her flushed face. He had left her clothes neatly arranged, fully intending to give her time to dress. But standing before her now, he seemed to have forgotten that intention entirely.
"Druve?" she called softly.
He crossed the distance between them.
Riya barely had time to draw a breath before his hand settled at her waist, pulling her toward him. The nightdress slipped from her fingers onto the bed as her free hand instinctively caught his shoulder.
"Druve!"
His thumb brushed over her cheek before his gaze dropped to her lips.
Then his mouth came down on hers.
The kiss caught her by surprise, but only for a heartbeat. Her fingers tightened around his shoulder as she responded, her other hand slipping behind his neck.
Druve drew her closer, his arm firm around her waist, his fingers moving into her damp hair. Riya rose slightly onto her toes, meeting his kiss with an eagerness that made his hold tighten around her.
When their lips finally parted, she drew a breath, her forehead resting briefly against his.
"Druve, I haven't even changed yet," she complained softly, though her arms made no attempt to release him.
His eyes flickered toward the nightdress lying on the bed before returning to her face.
"I know."
"Then let me get dressed."
Druve's gaze held hers, his breathing no longer quite as steady as before. His hand tightened at her waist, drawing her closer instead of releasing her.
"I'd rather you didn't."
His voice was low, almost rough, and before Riya could find an answer, his lips were against hers again.
Her fingers tightened at the back of his neck as she returned the kiss, the forgotten clothes no longer holding any importance.
Druve's hand spread across her back while his other hand cradled her head. Riya could feel his heartbeat beneath her palm, faster than she was accustomed to, and when he drew back for a moment, the intensity in his eyes made her breath catch.
She didn't look away.
Instead, her fingers moved along his jaw, and she leaned forward to kiss him again.
Druve responded immediately, holding her closer as they moved together. Riya took a small step backward, her legs brushing against the edge of the bed. She caught his shoulder as she lost her balance, and although Druve instinctively steadied her, the movement sent them both tumbling onto the mattress.
A breathless laugh escaped her.
Druve lifted himself slightly, looking down at her, and the intensity in his expression softened at the sound.
Riya reached for him, her fingers curling around the back of his neck.
He lowered his head, kissing her again.
His lips moved from hers to her jaw, then along the curve of her neck, drawing a quiet sigh from her. She tilted her head, her fingers tightening against his shoulders as she welcomed his closeness.
"Druve..." His name escaped her in a whisper.
He lifted his head just enough to meet her eyes.
Riya touched his cheek, her thumb moving gently across his skin, before drawing him back to her.
Somewhere between their kisses, Druve's T-shirt had been discarded, lying forgotten on the floor beside the bed. Riya's hands settled against his bare shoulders as he leaned over her, and she wrapped her arms around him.
The shyness that had followed her out of the bathroom gradually gave way to the familiar warmth of his embrace. She knew him, knew the tenderness beneath his intensity, and met his affection with her own.
They had lost seven years they could never reclaim. Years of longing, separation, and memories that had sometimes been the only things keeping them going.
But tonight, there was no distance between them.
They were husband and wife, together at last, free to hold each other without the fear of another goodbye.
As their kisses deepened and the world beyond their bedroom faded away, they gave themselves to the love that had survived everything meant to destroy it.
Much later, Druve lay beside her, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
Riya opened her eyes.
He leaned down and pressed a lingering kiss against her forehead, holding her close for another moment before helping her up.
"Come," he murmured.
She slipped her hand into his, and he led her to the bathroom to freshen up.
When they finally returned to bed, Riya settled against Druve beneath the blanket, her cheek resting on his bare chest. His arm curved around her waist, holding her close, while his fingers moved absently through her hair.
For a while, neither spoke. Riya was tracing small, lazy patterns against his chest when Druve's hand stilled.
"Sruthi..."
"Hmm?"
"I'm sorry."
Her fingers stopped moving. She lifted her head to look at him, genuinely confused.
"For what?"
Druve brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face.
"This is how our first time should have been. Not like that."
Riya studied his expression for a moment before a small, understanding smile appeared on her lips. She assumed he was regretting that they had been intimate before marriage, under circumstances neither of them had planned.
"Druve, why are you worrying about that now?"
He remained silent, watching her.
"Yes, things happened in a way neither of us expected. But so what if we weren't married then?" She rested her palm against his cheek. "How could I ever leave someone who was ready to hurt himself rather than force me?"
Druve's fingers stilled against her waist.
Riya smiled gently.
"We might not have been officially married that night, but we chose to be with each other wholeheartedly. That's all that matters to me."
She leaned forward and placed a small kiss on his lips.
"So stop worrying about it, okay?"
Druve didn't answer.
Her words had struck him with a force she couldn't possibly have understood.
How could I ever leave someone who was ready to hurt himself rather than force me?
Riya settled against his chest again, her arm slipping around his waist. Druve continued stroking her hair, and exhausted after the long day, she soon drifted into sleep.
Only when her breathing grew slow and even did his hand stop moving.
She hadn't wanted to leave him.
The realization hit him with frightening force.
For seven years, he had believed she had walked away because of what happened that night. But she had never blamed him. She had chosen him wholeheartedly.
Then what the hell happened to her?
His heartbeat turned erratic.
Her nightmares, the terror in her eyes, the desperate cries for Dev—all of it came rushing back.
He had known she had suffered. But now, the thought of what had happened during those missing years sent a wave of panic through him.
God, Sruthi... what happened to you?
His arms tightened around her involuntarily.
He buried his face in her hair, struggling against the terrible possibilities flooding his mind. He had spent seven years believing she didn't want him, while she had been somewhere beyond his reach, enduring things he still couldn't comprehend.
His jaw clenched, and he pressed a trembling kiss against her forehead.
Riya slept peacefully, unaware of the turmoil tearing through the man holding her.
Druve remained awake, his arms wrapped around her, unable to shake the fear of what those seven missing years might reveal.