Priya sat up and looked at Aman, trying to decipher whether or not Aman was joking.  She was caught completely off guard.  

“No you don’t.” Priya said, immediately regretting it after seeing Aman’s hurt expression.  

“Priya, I know how I feel about you.” Aman said quietly.  

“But why?” Priya asked.  

“Why what?” Aman replied.  

“Why do you suddenly think you love me?” Priya said.  

“I don’t suddenly think I love you. I know I do...because you’re beautiful.” Aman cupped her cheek with his hand.  

Priya looked down.  She always did that when Aman called her beautiful.  

“You care about me, and you do so much for me.  Priya, you nursed me back to health even after I cheated on you.  You were supposed to be angry, but you were so caring.  Someone like you at least deserves a loving husband.” Aman explained.  

Priya bit her lip, unable to meet Aman’s gaze.  He moved closer to her.  

“And that innocence...damn.” Aman whispered, placing a finger under her chin to make her look up at him.  “You were never the type of woman I thought I liked, but I was wrong.  You’re exactly my type, and I love you.”

“Since when?” Priya was curious.

“What do you mean since when? I can’t tell you the exact moment.  Sometime when I was hurt and you were taking care of me, I guess.” Aman answered.  

Truthfully, Priya wouldn’t have been able to tell Aman the exact moment when she’d fallen in love with him either.  She didn’t know why she’d even asked such a silly question.  Maybe she just wanted to be sure that he didn’t love her when he’d cheated on her.  

“Do you trust me?” Aman asked, suddenly.  

Priya looked at him.  He’d broken her trust once before, but she’d forgiven him since then.

“Of course.” Priya answered.  

“Then why don’t you believe me?” Aman challenged.  

Priya stayed quiet.  

“It’s just a hard thing to believe.” Priya answered.  

“Why?” Aman asked, exasperatedly.  

“Because it’s not you. You’re….” Priya paused, knowing that she’d just made a mistake.  

“Because I’m what?  A casanova? A womanizer?  Someone who doesn’t understand the meaning of love? That’s what you were going to say, wasn’t it?  Priya, that was me before I got married. Even after I got married, that was me, but now it’s not.”  Aman tried to convince her.  

“I didn’t mean…” Priya started.  

“No, I know what you meant.” Aman interrupted angrily. Aman took a deep breath, trying to calm down.  

“I don’t expect anything from you, if that’s what you're worried about.” Aman continued.  “Just because I’m in love with you doesn’t mean I expect you to ever love me.  All you wanted was a husband who cared about you, valued you, and loved you.  I want to be that husband because you deserve it, Priya.” Aman said.  

A tear slipped from Priya’s eye.  Aman was being so caring and so selfless.  Aman paused once his eyes landed on Priya’s face.  He reached out and wiped away the tear that had fallen down her face.  Priya took his hand with both of hers and held it for a moment.  

“I love you too.” Priya said.  

Aman looked shocked beyond words.   

“But…”Aman said, but couldn’t continue.  

“Aman,” Priya tried to say.  

“But you didn’t believe me” Aman said.  

Priya gave him a sly look.  

“I wasn’t about to declare my love for you without making sure first.” Priya said.  

“How can you love me? I betrayed you.” Aman said, sadly.  He stood up and took a few steps away from the bonfire, turning away from Priya.  

“I loved you before you told me.” Priya admitted.  “I couldn’t just stop because you made one mistake.  I didn’t want to stop.”

Aman turned around to face her.  She stood up and made her way to him.  Priya looked up at Aman, bringing her face closer to his.  

“Aman,” she said, smiling, “we’re in love.”

Aman closed the small distance between them and kissed Priya softly.  He took her hand and led her back to the bonfire.  They sat back down on the blankets.  

“This has to be the best day of my life.” Aman said, happily.  

“Mine too.” agreed Priya.  She leaned closer to Aman, resting her head on his shoulder.  He brought his arm around her, making for room for her to move closer.  

Priya reached up and kissed Aman, revelling in this perfect moment.  Aman deepened the kiss, making it more passionate.  He shifted, taking control of the kiss, which Priya willingly allowed him to do.  Aman leaned forward, making Priya fall back onto the blankets with a thump.  She broke the kiss and started to laugh.  

“Sorry, Priya.” Aman said, smiling.  

Before Priya could tell Aman that she didn’t mind, he kissed her again.  She felt his tongue on her bottom lip and pulled away.  She looked at Aman for a moment.  He gave her a smile and started to back away, knowing he’d reached his limits.  Priya suddenly grabbed  him by the collar, stopping him from moving back.  Aman looked at her with a curious expression.  Priya pulled him closer, and he got the message.  He kissed Priya again.  Priya’s mouth opened, allowing Aman to explore every part of it.  Priya felt their tongues meet.  It was the deepest, most passionate kiss she’d ever had in her life.  

Priya was lying down on the blankets, while Aman was on top of her.  She felt her veil slipping off and was almost sure Aman was pulling it away, but Priya didn’t care.  Aman broke the kiss and started to kiss down her neck.  Priya carefully wrapped her arms around him.  Aman kissed down her body, not caring about the fabric that stood between his lips and her skin.  He reached her stomach and intended to move further down her body, but Priya unexpectedly turned away.  She was still laying down, but now on her side with her back towards Aman.  

“Priya,” Aman said, placing his hand on her shoulder, “Do you want me to stop?”

“No.” Priya said quietly.  

Aman kissed her neck and kissed down her arm.  He leaned over the side of her body and kissed her cheek.  He started to unzip the dress of Priya’s salwar kameez.  He peeled it off one of her shoulders and started kissing down her nearly bare back.  Priya turned around so that she was laying on her back again.  Aman started pulling her dress lower and lower until her shoulders were bare.  He connected his lips with Priya’s again, moving them down her neck and over her shoulders.  

“Aman wait.” Priya stopped him.  She reached beside her and pulled her previously discarded veil over her exposed shoulders as she sat up.  

Aman backed away, looking somewhat disappointed.  

“We’re outside.” Priya said simply.  

“So? No one will see us.” Aman said, leaning forward to kiss her again.  

“But still…” Priya said, looking unsure.  

“Okay, come on.  Let’s go home.  We can continue this in peace.” chuckled Aman.  He quickly stood up, expecting Priya to follow suit.  Priya stayed sitting on the blankets.  She slowly slipped her clothes back in place but made no move to stand up.  Aman sat back down.  He leaned forward and kissed Priya’s forehead.  

“I’ll zip you up.” Aman offered.  

Priya leaned forward, and Aman wrapped his arms around her, pulling her zipper up.  He unwrapped his arms from around her and stood up.  He held his hand out, offering to help Priya up.  They said little to each other on the way to Aman’s car.  Once they were settled into Aman’s warm car, Priya broke the silence.  

“So how long will it take for us to get home?” Priya asked, trying to make conversation.  

“About two hours, I think.” Aman said.  

“Two hours?” Priya said incredulously.  “It’s already so late.”  

“Don’t worry, Priya.” Aman said as he began driving. “There’ll be plenty of time for us to finish what we started.”  

Priya didn’t reply.  She felt unsure about whether or not she was ready to finish what they were doing on the beach.  She looked over at Aman as he drove.  He had a slight smile on his face.  She knew that today had been such a great day. It had been perfect, and Priya didn’t want to do anything to ruin it.  

“Aman, would you mind if I took a nap? Two hours is a long time.” Priya said.  

“Oh come on, Priya. Talk to me. Keep me company.” Aman whined.  

“I’m tired.” Priya replied.  

Aman frowned.  

“Shit! Okay, if I let you nap now, you have to promise me you won’t say you’re tired tonight.” Aman said.

“What? Why?” Priya asked.  

“Priya, think about it.  What are we about to do once we get home?  I don’t want you to be tired for that.” Aman smirked.  

Priya settled in her seat and leaned against the window.  Soon she drifted off to sleep.  

“Priya, wake up.  We’re home.” Aman’s voice said quietly.  

“So soon?” Priya replied groggily.  

“Sorry, but you have to wake up.” Aman laughed.   

“No, I don’t want to.” Priya whined.  

He got out of the car and walked around to Priya’s side. He opened the door and lifted her out of the car.  He carried her inside his mansion and up to the master bedroom.  He laid her on the bed without bothering to turn the lights on.  

“Priya, are you awake?” Aman asked.  Priya’s eyes were still closed.  

“Mmmhmm” Priya replied, still not opening her eyes.  

Aman kissed her softly on her lips.  Priya’s eyes fluttered open.  She sat up quickly, looking around her.  

“We’re already home?” she asked, surprised.  

“Yeah. You slept through the whole ride.” Aman said.  

“Sorry.” She said, biting her lip.  

“I’ll forgive you this time, Priya.” Aman said lightheartedly.  “Because I love you.” he added, leaning closer to her.  

“I love you too.” Priya said.  

“Good because I want you to show me how much you love me.” Aman replied.  

His lips connected with Priya’s.  She let his tongue explore her mouth, welcoming Aman’s affection.  Aman started kissing Priya’s neck.  Her back arched as he kissed down her chest.  

“Aman,” Priya said, sounding out of breath. “I don’t want to continue.”

“Continue what?” Aman asked, pulling away from her.

“What we were doing on the beach...what we’re doing now.” Priya replied.  

“I didn’t expect tonight to be the night we consummate our marriage, but after what just happened, I hoped that….I just thought that you wanted it as much as I did.” Aman replied carefully.  

“I know I’m leading you on.” Priya admitted.  “I know I’m being unfair.”

“You are.” Aman said quietly.  

“I’m so sorry.” Priya said, looking down.  “I don’t want to ruin today.  It was perfect.”

“Then don’t ruin it.  Just let this happen.” Aman said pleadingly.  

“Please Aman, just a little more time.” Priya said.  

The hurt expression on Aman’s face made Priya want to cry.

“Okay, I’ll give you more time.” Aman agreed.  He stood up and started walking toward the closet.  “Maybe we should change.  Our clothes are still a little damp.” Aman continued, changing the subject.  

He disappeared into the bathroom to change.  Priya made her way to the closet, ruffling through some clothes to try to find something to wear.  She’d quickly changed and went back to bed.  Aman came out a few minutes later, dressed in sweatpants and a t-shirt.  He laid down beside Priya without saying anything more to her.  

“Aman,” Priya said after a few minutes of laying in the dark.  

“Hmm…”Aman said, sounding like he didn’t want to have a conversation right now.  

“Are you mad?” Priya asked.  She needed to know.  

“No, I’m not.” Aman said, turning around so that he was facing Priya.  

“Are you sure?” Priya asked, thinking that Aman was just telling her what she wanted to hear to spare her feelings.  

“Priya, it’s not just about the sex anymore. I love you.  If you aren’t ready to take the next step, then I have to respect that. I won’t bother you about it anymore.” Aman said.

“I just need a little more time, Aman. I promise it’ll happen.” Priya explained.  She felt terrible. Aman was being so caring and extremely understanding.  Now just wasn’t the right time.  She needed Aman to wait just a little longer.  

“I know. I understand.” Aman said, a hint of sadness apparent in his voice.  

Priya turned over and leaned over Aman.  She kissed him gently on the lips.  Aman smiled at her as she pulled away to assess his reaction.  Priya hovered over Aman and kissed him again.  Her fingers slipped underneath Aman’s t-shirt, lifting it up slightly.  Aman pulled away this time, confused about Priya’s intentions.  

“Priya, what are you doing?” Aman asked.  

“This is your consolation prize,” Priya smiled.  

“What do you mean?” Aman laughed.  

“It means an entire night of romance.” Priya said, trying not to blush.  

“Romance?  Do you mind clarifying what that entails?” Aman asked.  

“Nothing dirty.” Priya answered bluntly.  

Aman sat up and quickly pulled his t-shirt off.  He grabbed Priya and flipped her so that she was beneath him.  

“Priya, your definition of dirty and my definition of dirty are completely different. Yours probably covers a lot more things than mine.” Aman said, his voice deep with lust.  

“Let’s go with your definition.” Priya said, “since it is your consolation prize.”  

Aman grinned.  This really was the best day of his life, and his wife just gave him permission to make it the best night of his life as well.  Aman couldn’t be happier.  

They are soooo about to consummate their marriage soon.  Priya is just holding out a little longer ;)  I wonder what they're going to do tonight ooh lala!  

Anyways, I just wanna remind everyone that their anniversary is coming up, and of course, I’m going to write about it.  It’s going to be extra special for the two of them.  

Lemme know what you thought about this chapter!! Priya expressed her love for Aman. AND THEY ARE OFFICIALLY IN LOVE !!!!!!!!!  

Also with Learning to Love coming to an end, I’ve already started my second story.  The first chapter is already up! It’s called Damaged and Afraid.  I’ll be updating that story a little more slowly right now until Learning to Love ends because I know you guys desperately want to know what happens with Aman and Priya.  Do check out Sanjana and Rohit’s journey in Damaged and Afraid though. It’s going to be quite the suspenseful story with quite a bit of romance.  

COMMENT AND VOTE!!!! (And read Damaged and Afraid hehee)