For the prologue, I took inspiration from an existing drama/TV show, but the rest of the story would include my thoughts and beliefs. Also for this story, I’ll be replying to your comments in the comments’ section. Thank you for your wonderful response in the prologue!
Link to Prologue: https://www.tellyupdates.com/riansh-it-ends-with-us-prologue/
It Ends With Us – Chapter 1
She waited outside the house as he jumbled with the keys in his chain to open the door and she tapped her foot against the floor. She looked at him – slightly agitated – at how long he’d been taking to open just one door. She pulled the jacket over herself a little tighter as the cold breeze flew past them and she inhaled a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
She thought back to the moment in the car when he’d handed her one of her jackets and asked her to wear it to avoid catching the cold. The temperature in Delhi had lessened incomparably, so she’d grabbed the jacket from him, thanking him for his gesture.
Riddhima: It’s getting cold. Do you want me to give it a try?
Vansh: Uh? (with a tone of realization) Sure, but I think I forgot the keys, so maybe we’ll have to summon a lockpicker.
Riddhima (taking the keys from him): You forgot the keys in Mumbai? Really?
She tried unlocking the door with the bunch of keys in her hand, exasperated with him. How did someone forget their house keys, especially when travelling in multiples? She shook her head and continued trying, a small smile pulling the corners of her lips. It was weird, because she found it extremely inconvenient, but it was also funny at how silly he’d behaved.
Vansh: I’ve called…
Riddhima: There’d be no need for that anymore. (beginning to pick the bags) Let’s go inside, it’s beginning to get cold.
Vansh: Let them be. I’ll get them inside.
Riddhima (continuing to pick her own bags): I’ll take mine inside, you can get yours.
Vansh (straightening his posture): Riddhima, you don’t have to do this. Although, if you’re really persistent, you must know that there’s nothing in my bags that you’ve to dread of.
Riddhima looked up at him and fumbled with her words. She wasn’t sure how he was finding a way with his words around her and was rendering her speechless. She nodded and muttering a small of course, picked at his bags along hers and pulled them inside.
He stared at her retreating figure for a minute longer, a small smile stretching the corners of his lips. He had never seen her at a loss of words – she was always prepared with her arguments, but somehow things were changing. Sure, his Dadi was blessing him, wasn’t she?
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Riddhima was unpacking her luggage when he walked out of the closet and called her. She’d been trying to look for a comfortable salwar to change into, but she hadn’t been able to find it yet. If she’d been alone, she’d have unraveled her luggage on the bed and later, cleared it up.
Riddhima: One second, please! I can’t find my night suit.
Vansh: Did you check in my bags yet?
Riddhima: Why would my clothes be in your suitcase? We’d separate bags, I’m sure it must be here somewhere. You don’t have to worry about it.
He walked over the distance in between and then pulled her up from the ground. He sat her on the edge of the bed and then began unpacking his bags to check for her luggage.
Vansh: Riddhima, I know you’re used to get your way out of everything alone and I really appreciate that. I want this marriage to be as much of you and me. We don’t have to lose ourselves for this marriage. However, that’d also not mean, that we wouldn’t acknowledge the togetherness part of it. I need you to know that I’m willing to give you your space whenever you need it, but some things have to be mutual between us. Something that’s about us and not about you and me, individually.
He picked out one of her salwars from his bag and forwarded his hand, a look of triumph glistening in his eyes. She looked at him blankly, not sure how her clothes had ended up in his bag. She held the clothes in her palms tightly and looked at him, still clueless of the packing.
Vansh (in a tone of realization): Your bag just seemed too full after you’d packed, so I shifted a few things into my bag since I had space. I should’ve asked you once I guess, though, but we were already running late and…
Riddhima (interrupting): Thank you.
She smiled at him and stood up from the bed, beginning to walk away to change into the clothes. When he called her again, she craned her neck over her shoulder and furrowed her brows at him. She didn’t know how much he wanted to talk in just one night. She wondered if he wanted to exhaust all his topics of discussion in just one night.
Vansh: Riddhima, I didn’t mean to…
Riddhima: I’ll think about what you told. Although, (turning around toward him) I don’t how much I’ll be able to meet-up to your expectations. I’ve never had anyone to care beyond my mother and sister and for the longest times, I didn’t want a marriage either. I’m not good with relationships.
Vansh walked closer to her and held her hands within his, trying to make her feel comfortable. Riddhima felt a warmth coursing within her and looked down at their laced hands.
Vansh: You think I am? Everyone is broken in some or the other way and that’s probably why marriages exist. They help you overcome.
Riddhima (chuckling): You really think so? That, marriage helps you overcome?
Vansh: Of course. Why, don’t you think so?
Riddhima: Nah. Marriages are mostly a burden. There’s always so much to do and you’re always bound by something or the other. They certainly don’t help you overcome.
Vansh (smiling): You’ve probably not come across the right examples then. (leaving her hand deftly) For now, go change. It’s getting late in the night.
Riddhima nodded her head and turned around to leave when Vansh wrapped his fingers around her wrist and she turned around to look at him, getting frustrated at him. How many times did he want to stop her?
Vansh: You can call me Vansh, Riddhima.
Riddhima smiled at him, despite the surprise that wavered within her. She hadn’t expected him to notice that subtlety. She freed her hand and waved the set of clothes in front of him.
Riddhima (continuing to smile): Can I go change now, Vansh?
Vansh (smiling): Sure.
As the two of them turned around and walked away from each other, a pleasantness wavered within each of them. Maybe, life could be optimistic too?
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Hi guys! So, this is how this story is going to be: simple, warm and short. I think, post this chapter, you’ll get a clearer outlook on how things are going to be, so please let me know once more if you’d want to read it for sure, so I can get started on the further story without any doubts. As always, thank you for reading!