Page 123 of The Secret Bride
I turned to face her fully, cupping her face in my hands.
"The kind who loves his wife more than anything in the world. The kind who would rather have one child and one healthy wifethan risk losing either of you. The kind who has everything he needs right here in this room."
"But Armaan—"
"No, Viya. I am not budging on this."
She slapped my chest playfully, her eyes dancing despite her pout.
"You are impossible."
"I am practical."
"You are stubborn."
"I am your husband."
The words came out possessive and final. She looked at me, and something in her expression softened.
Then she was kissing me. Soft and sweet and full of love.
When we pulled apart, I kept her close, my forehead resting against hers.
"I have everything I need," I whispered. "You and Ruhi. That is my whole world right there. I do not need anything else."
From the cradle beside our bed, we heard a soft sound. Both our heads turned to see Ruhi stirring, her little face scrunching up.
Viya started to get up, but I stopped her.
"I will get her."
I went to the cradle and carefully lifted our daughter into my arms. She settled immediately, her tiny body relaxing against my chest.
I brought her back to the bed, and the three of us lay there together. Viya on one side, Ruhi in the middle, me on the other side, my hand resting on both of them.
My family. Complete and perfect and everything I had never known I wanted.
I thought about the journey that had brought us here. The lies and deception that had started it all. The pain and betrayal. The fear of losing each other. The slow, difficult road to forgiveness and trust.
It had not been easy. Had not been simple or clean or straightforward.
But it had been worth it.
Every moment of pain had been worth it to get here. To this perfect moment with my wife and daughter safe in my arms.
I looked at Viya and found her watching me with soft eyes.
"I love you," I said.
"I love you too," she whispered back. "Even when you are being stubborn about giving me a son."
I laughed quietly, careful not to wake Ruhi.
"Give it a rest, woman. We are not having any more children."
"We will see," she said with a mischievous smile.
But I knew I would not budge on this. Would not risk her. Would not risk losing the happiness we had fought so hard to build.
This was enough. More than enough.
This was everything.
My wife. My daughter. My family.
My entire world, safe and whole and here with me.
And I was never, ever letting go.
