“Hnnn,” he hummed against my skin, continuing to kiss me.

I inhaled unevenly, shivering as his lips traced over me.“I just want to breathe you in,” he whispered.

That night, we stayed up talking, teasing, playing with each other’s fingers, lips, and laughter, until sleep gently stole us away.

?? ? ? ?

I woke up the next morning beside him and turned lazily to look at his sleeping face. He looked so peaceful. I couldn’t resist pecking his cheek. As I did, he stirred and took a deep breath, slowly opening his eyes.

“Good morning, love,” he murmured, drawing me even closer than I already was.

The comfort of our foreheads touching, of just being with him, filled me with a calm joy.

“Good morning, Ranaji,” I said softly.

He smiled, looking into my eyes.“You know how to seduce me best,” he said.

I blinked, confused.“What?”

“By behaving like a good wife, which you’re not,” he teased.

I burst into laughter and he kissed my cheek before whispering in my ear,“Laugh like this when you are there, bird, so they’ll know I keep you happy, not hurt,”

I narrowed my eyes.“So that’s the assignment?”

“Yes,” he smirked.

I threw off the comforter and stood up dramatically.“Alright! I’m the happiest person in the world!”

He chuckled.“Just don’t overact,”

I shot him a glare.“Trust me, I’m the best actor of this century. No one can tell if I’m acting or not,”

He laughed.“Yes, I remember the banana drama and how your parents left the dining area because of your‘fantastic’performance,”

I made a face and threw a pillow at him.“You’re the worst motivator!”

He laughed harder, pulling me close to him.“Aww, my little actress,”

I jerked his hand away and crossed my arms.“I want to go back home,”

I said, feigning anger, and he immediately sat up, turning serious.

“Yes, you should. You’re not the person I thought you’d be,”

“What?! How dare you!” I gasped in mock offence, stepping toward him.

“You’re just a spoiled, brainless, and stubborn princess,” he said, trying to suppress a grin.

“And what do you think you are?” I countered.

“Your husband,” he replied, and we both burst into laughter.

“You ruined the practice, Rudra!” I said, still laughing as I collapsed beside him.

“You’re glowing now,” he said, laughing his heart out.

Before our marriage, we had to hide our relationship, and pretending in front of others became our secret game. We would slip into acting anytime, just with a look. That’s how our bond grew, through secrecy, mischief, and love.