73

67. LAUNG

AUTHORโ€™S POVย 

As Shivnya and Abhimanyu stepped out of the room, an elderly woman nearby noticed them, her eyes twinkling with a knowing smirk. While everyone else was busy with preparations, she gestured for Shivnya to come closer. With a direct tone, she asked, "What happened, child? Why are you walking like that?"

Shivnya felt a sudden surge of nervousness, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson as she stammered, "Oh, um... I slipped in the bathroom, so..."

The elderly woman raised a brow, chuckling knowingly. "Really? Is that the real reason?"

Shivnya's blush deepened, and she glanced quickly at Abhimanyu, but his face remained stern, unreadable, offering no hint of emotion. Just then, another woman approached, her eyes gleaming with playful mischief, and teased the newlyweds, "You two must've had quite a night. I could hear... certain sounds from the lounge."

Shivnya's eyes widened in shock as she processed the words, glancing up at Abhimanyu in confusion. The newly wedded couple was oblivious to those sounds because they both knew they'd fallen into an exhausted sleep last night, but as soon as they saw abhimanyu shivnya it seemed that they enjoyed a lot in the adjoining room . The newly wedded chuckled at the couple's reaction, and Shivnya could feel the heat rising in her cheeks as she tried to maintain her composure, while Abhimanyu remained stoic, only tightening his hold on her hand.

With a playful grin, the groom from the other couple teased, "Oh, we definitely enjoyed our first night." His bride sidled up to Shivnya and murmured softly, "Diii, just a little advice-maybe hold back a bit in someone else's home, hmm? But, well, it's not all our fault. Men, you know... they want us any chance they get."

Shivnya's eyes widened at the woman's words, her cheeks blazing with embarrassment. Abhimanyu noticed and gave her hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze, his face still unreadable but with a glint of amusement hidden in his eyes.

"Now, now, let's not keep the rituals waiting. Come along, children!" the elderly woman announced with a smile, guiding them to the area where the ceremony would be held.

Shivnya and Abhimanyu exchanged a quick, private glance, sharing a moment of silent understanding, before they followed, both ready to face the day's traditions together.

As the elderly woman explained the ritual, her voice filled with a teasing warmth, she said, "In the laung tod vidhi, the bride must hold a clove gently between her lips, and the groom has to bite the tip off without touching her. Then you switch. A simple enough task, wouldn't you say?"

A playful smile crept onto Shivnya's lips, her heart fluttering with excitement as she realized this would be a thinly veiled, almost public kiss. Glancing at Abhimanyu, she caught his eye, and a silent thrill passed between them. He met her gaze, a soft smile spreading across his face, his eyes holding a smoldering promise that sent a shiver down her spine.

Meanwhile, the newlywed couple took their seats for the ritual, laughter and cheers filling the room as they fumbled through the awkward yet intimate challenge. Shivnya couldn't hold back her own laughter, her eyes sparkling as she watched the scene unfold. Finally, after several failed attempts, the couple managed to complete the ritual, their faces flushed and the room erupting with applause.

Then the elderly woman's gaze turned sharply to Shivnya, a twinkle in her eye. "How long have you been married, dear?" she asked in a tone that brooked no dodging.

Shivnya felt a shy warmth rise in her cheeks as she answered, her voice steady but filled with affection, "Four months, Auntie."

The woman raised a brow, clearly unimpressed by Shivnya's hesitation. "Well, then, this ritual is for you too! Surely you didn't have anything like this in your ceremonies."

Shivnya hesitated, a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling within her. "But Auntie... this is for newlyweds, we couldn't possibly..."

The woman's playful but firm response left no room for escape. "You're newlyweds in my eyes. Now, enough excuses-sit down, both of you."

Shivnya turned to Abhimanyu, her eyes seeking reassurance, but he simply gave her a teasing shrug, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth that told her, I'll follow your lead if you're in.

Before she could say another word, the women gently guided them to sit across from each other, laughter and cheers filling the room. Her heart hammered as she met Abhimanyu's gaze, his expression both calm and intensely focused, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes that sent her pulse racing. An aunt handed her a clove, gesturing for her to place it between her lips.

With the clove lightly held between her teeth, Shivnya felt the world fade around her, every nerve on edge as she focused on Abhimanyu. He leaned forward, slowly, deliberately, his gaze fixed on her as if they were the only two in the room.

As Abhimanyu leaned in, his intense gaze locking onto Shivnya's, she felt her heart stutter. A slow warmth rose in her cheeks, spreading down to the very tips of her fingers as he drew closer. Just as their faces were inches apart, an aunt playfully pulled her back, a mischievous smile dancing on her lips as she teased Abhimanyu. He merely chuckled, eyes glinting with amusement, and said, "Pull her back as much as you want, Auntie. She's my wife. I'll take that clove tip no matter what."

A ripple of laughter swept through the room, but Shivnya's attention was solely on him. Abhimanyu took a step forward, his movements slow, like a hunter closing in on his prey. She leaned back reflexively, pulse racing, unable to tear her gaze away from his determined approach. His voice dropped to a deep murmur, meant only for her, "Leaning back won't save you, my love. Don't tempt me to make a scene. Because if I do, I promise, it won't just be the clove I'll bite , it would be brutal kiss I will eat your lips raw "

Her breath caught, her cheeks flooding with heat as his words sent a rush through her, leaving her weak and flushed. Just when he was almost close enough to claim the clove, he paused, hovering with a smirk as he cupped her jaw with one hand . Their eyes met, a shiver ran down her spine, and she could feel the subtle brush of his lips as he gently bit the tip of the clove, his lips grazing hers in a tantalizing tease by nipping it quickly making her eyes scrunched a bit , before pulling back. Her heart thundered, her pulse fluttering wildly as the family burst into applause and cheers, but all Shivnya could feel was his lingering warmth as she touched her lips to feel that sensation more , and that quickened heartbeat that seemed to connect only to him.

An aunt called out, "Well, well, we all saw Abhimanyu going for more than the clove there! He's hopelessly in love, isn't he?" The elder woman's teasing words made Shivnya's cheeks burn deeper, and as she stole a shy glance at Abhimanyu, she found him licking his lips, eyes trained on her in pure anticipation of her turn.

Now it was her turn. Abhimanyu took the clove, placing it between his teeth, his eyes fixed on her, both intense and mischievous, challenging her to match his daring. As she leaned in, heart racing, he pulled back slightly, a barely-contained smirk on his face as he shortened the space between the clove and his lips, teasing her along with the rest of the family.

"No, no, Abhimanyu!" the aunts protested with laughter, while the uncles cheered him on, encouraging his playful resistance. Shivnya's blush deepened, yet there was a gleam in her eye as she leaned forward again, only for him to pull back once more, his smirk deepening as he watched her expression.

Her patience running thin, she narrowed her eyes, a slow smirk replacing her shyness as she muttered in a low, commanding tone, "Abhi, come here." she tried to catch him with holding his hands

But Abhimanyu only chuckled, leaning back even further as his smirk turned into a challenge. Shivnya's eyes flashed with determination, and without missing a beat, she reached out and grabbed his collar tightly , pulling him forward until her lips met his in a sudden, and Abhimanyu hands instinctively wrapped around her waist as well as shivnya hand cupped her jaw , bold move that left the entire room momentarily stunned. She took the clove with ease, and as a small act of playful dominance, she also bit his lip harshly, teasing gesture. Abhimanyu's eyes widened at the unexpected move, caught entirely off-guard, and the family erupted in laughter and cheers.

But the youngers one was cheering for Abhimanyu said that it was a cheating shivnya smirked and looked at her husband who was still in shock

"Was that cheating, Mr. Rathore?" she asked, her voice laced with triumph and a hint of daring.

Abhimanyu chuckled softly, his eyes filled with admiration and love as he looked back at her. "My wife can do whatever she wants with me. I'm hers, and I'll gladly follow her lead." His words sent a rush of warmth through Shivnya, making her heart pound as butterflies danced in her stomach. The applause and laughter around them faded into the background, and in that moment, she felt like they were alone in their own world, wrapped in a connection that no one else could touch.

Across the room, the bride turned to her own husband, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she teased, "Now that's romance. See, learn something from Abhimanyu!"

Her husband laughed, bowing in mock servitude. "Of course, my queen. I'll take lessons from him on how to win you over."

Their playful banter drew more laughter from the family, but amidst it all, a young girl sighed, "He's truly a king-he knows just how to win a woman's heart. I wish I could have him..."

Shivnya's smile faded slightly, a faint edge to her gaze as she looked at Abhimanyu. Sensing her shift, he slipped his hand to her waist, fingers pressing reassuringly against her side, hidden beneath the delicate fabric of her saree. He knew exactly how fiercely she protected their bond, especially when others made such remarks.

They moved to a quieter corner, Abhimanyu leaning in close, nibbling on her ear, his warm breath brushing her ear as he murmured softly, "Relax, my love. I'm all yours. She's just a girl with a stupid crush."

Shivnya's eyes narrowed, her possessiveness tempered by a faint hint of frustration, but his thumb traced calming circles against her waist, slowly easing her tension. Because he knew last time when someone tried to hit on him a brutal death came on that person. Leaning close, she whispered in a low, firm voice, "You're mine, Abhi. And I don't share."

His warm chuckle sent a thrill through her, and he glanced down at her with that soft, adoring gaze that held only her. "Always yours, Shivnya. No one else even comes close."

As the elder lady's voice rang out, she announced with a playful glint, "It's time for the next ritual. The bride will sit in the groom's lap, and we'll pour water, turmeric, vermilion, and petals over them. It's for their love, prosperity, and unity."

Abhimanyu and Shivnya glanced at each other, the surprise in their eyes mirroring the quiet thrill. They watched as the newlywed couple took their turn first, the groom settling confidently onto the stool before gently helping his bride onto his lap. The aunts began the ritual, pouring the sacred ingredients over them, laughter and teasing echoing through the air, weaving a thread of joy and warmth around everyone in the room.

When it was their turn, Abhimanyu and Shivnya hesitated, a subtle mix of nerves and excitement in their expressions. Family members encouraged them, and finally, Abhimanyu stepped forward, easing onto the stool, his gaze steady as he patted his lap in invitation. Shivnya felt a warmth rush to her cheeks, her heart racing as she glanced shyly at him. With a small, steadying breath, she stepped forward, her pulse quickening as she lowered herself onto his lap, her back resting against the strength of his chest.

As soon as she settled in, Abhimanyu's arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer until she could feel the strong beat of his heart against her back. She tensed slightly, gripping the folds of her saree, her breath catching as his fingers brushed her belly, hidden under the soft drape of her pallu. He adjusted her hair to one shoulder, his fingertips grazing her neck with a feather-light touch that sent a quiet thrill down her spine. Around them, the teasing began:

"Oh, just look at them-they're as smitten as any newlywed couple!"

"Abhimanyu can't let go of her even for a second!"

"Come on, Abhimanyu! Pull her closer; there's still a bit of space left!"

Shivnya flushed deeply, glancing down, her heart pounding as Abhimanyu's hold tightened ever so slightly, an unspoken claim. He seemed unfazed, his gaze steady and unyielding, as if to let her know he had her, grounding her in his embrace. A subtle smile played on his lips as he looked at her, his warmth wrapping around her protectively.

The ritual began, and the aunts surrounded them, one after another pouring cool water over them, followed by turmeric, vermilion, and vibrant petals, each meant to bless their bond. As the water flowed down her arms, she felt a small gasp escape her lips, the coolness contrasting with the warmth of Abhimanyu's touch. Abhimanyu leaned forward, his lips grazing her neck in a tender, possessive kiss, an almost silent reminder of his presence. She shivered, feeling the press of his lips, a fleeting touch that sent a shiver through her entire being.

"Abhi..." she murmured, her voice barely a whisper, her eyes fluttering shut, overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment. Her body arched slightly, instinctively leaning closer to him, her face softened, eyes half-closed as if caught in a dream. Her heart hammered in her chest, her toes curling from the rush of emotions flooding through her. Laughter and cheers surrounded them, the joyous voices of their family seeming distant, almost ethereal, as if they were wrapped in their own private world.

Abhimanyu held her close, his arms tightening around her waist, his hand slipping under the folds of her saree to rest more securely on her belly, hidden from everyone's view. She felt his steady breaths against her shoulder as his lips were touching and nipping her skin in front of everyone shamelessly not caring even a bit of any comment from anyone , his thumb moving in gentle, soothing circles against her skin, grounding her in his warmth. As more petals cascaded over them, she could feel the fragrance blend with the scent of turmeric, the sacredness of the ritual settling over them.

With a lingering glance, Shivnya tilted her head back because of her continuous sucking and nipping. Her toes were still curled up and she tried to make eye contact with him making him know to stop it , her gaze meeting his, a smirky smile playing at his lips. As he saw her expression he controlled himself and stopped and straightened his back.

And as they sat there, drenched in the blessings of their family, Shivnya's heart swelled with a fierce love, knowing in her soul that this bond, forged in love and laughter, would only grow stronger with every beat of their hearts.

After changing into their freshly dried and washed clothes, Abhimanyu and Shivnya prepared to leave. Abhimanyu, eager to return home and have her all to himself, wasted no time. They bid farewell to everyone, who were delighted by their unexpected visit.

As they stepped outside, they spotted Vivek, Abhimanyu's PA, waiting for them. He approached with a slight bow and handed over a set of keys.

"Sir, here are the extra keys to your car."

Abhimanyu gave him a curt nod before moving to open the car door for Shivnya. Once they were both seated, he started the engine and drove straight back to the Rathore mansion.

โœง๏ฝฅ๏พŸ: โœง๏ฝฅ๏พŸ:

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