Edited by: @RomanticZiggy

"What?" Radhika asked. Of course, she hadn't heard it right. "Did you just propose?"

"Yes I did," Arjun replied as nervousness set inside him. What if she said no? Could he drag her to the aisle and marry her. Was that even legal?

"Just give me a chance, Radhika. I know I hurt you once but I swear, I won't ever hurt you again. Not deliberately, at least and."

"Okay."

"Just listen will you. I love you. I will never hide anything from you," Arjun pleaded," please look at me. I promise to trust you and be the best husband."

"Yes, I believe you."

“Dammit, Radhika. Just give me one chance, I am begging here," he cut off," What? Did you just say," he swallowed," yes?"

Radhika laughed as he framed his face in her hands," Listen up Arjun. I would love to marry you."

"You will, you will,” Arjun laughed as he stumbled over the words and pressed a head spinning kiss onto Radhika's lips.

"I love you, Arjun."

"I love you, Radhika."

"Can we...," she paused," please."

She pried open his shirt and threw it aside.

Arjun smiled, shook his head kissing her.

Radhika simmered in rage, did he just refuse her. How dare he? Did she really agree to marry this git, the git who refused her? "How dare you refuse me?"

Arjun cut her off by pressing his lips on hers merging into a breathless kiss.

He rested his elbow on either side of her face as he brushed aside her hair before leaning forward to drop a sweet kiss on her forehead," Why don't you shut up, my idiot."

Radhika said her eyebrows," Excuse me?" How could she tell him that was already melting with his softness, she realized why a woman craved gentleness from a man she loved, yes loved, because it was simply the best feeling in the world.

Arjun rolled off her taking her with him so that now she lay on top of him.

It was sensuous, beautiful. The way her skin touched, ingrained into his. This was a lover's touch. Radhika sighed, her lover's touch.

"I love you, Radhika," he pressed a kiss in her collarbone, playing havoc with her senses, "but." He looked at her.

"But?" She asked winded from his wonderful ministrations.

Arjun ran his hand up, over her breasts, gently running his fingers over her peaks, making her eyes roll in complete pleasure.

"I need you Arjun," Radhika uttered softly as she brought his mouth on hers, relishing the way his flavor overwhelmed her sanity.

"I know, I know," Arjun moaned and groaned as he buried his face in her throat, loving the way her pulse flickered. Almost enticing him to make it speed up.

He traced his tongue up her neck; he wanted her with a passion that only she could arouse in him. She needed him and it felt absolutely glorious to be needed. ‘Wanted’ could be justified by lust, pure physical thirst but ‘need’ could be filled only with love. Pure unconditional love.

Arjun closed his eyes, breathing her in; it was this love that demanded he do the right thing. Take the right decision.

It was not a duty. No. Love could never impose an obligation on anyone but a responsibility. Responsibility towards one another; to understand the feelings, to respect the emotions and above all- to cherish and adore. And, this responsibility could never be termed a burden. It creped naturally, unknowingly filling one with the love for another.

Arjun tightened his hold on her; he loved this feeling of complete bliss. What more could he ask for.

"Arjun?" Radhika spoke in a voice that conveyed to Arjun her desire as she laid her cheek on his bare chest listening to his continuous heartbeat. Wasn't it amazing how a lover's heartbeat could bring in peace, security that just couldn't be found anywhere.

Arjun's heart burst in his chest, he loved the way, Radhika snuggled into him. A feeling of protectiveness passed onto him. He did not care about anyone, no one was as important as the woman he was currently holding on to. He kissed her hair,"Radhika, I can’t. I just can't," Radhika raised her head still lying on him, “You need to understand, we, I, dammit." He ran a hand through his hair.

Radhika giggled as she laid a quick kiss on his chest. She knew what he wanted to say to her. But she was completely enjoying herself seeing him flustered, “Yes, Arjun," for exaggeration, she batted her lashes.

Arjun took a deep breath, he would be prepared for the onslaught that he was sure was to come, “I just think we should abstain till marriage."

Okay, this was definitely not what she was expecting.

"Abstain," she tried the words on her lips with utter disdain.

Arjun loved the way her mind was thinking, "Yes, abstain till we get married," he consumed her with his arms firmly around her; “it will only make it so much sweeter."

They settled quietly, breathing, reveling in what just had transpired, in love, as their heartbeats became slow, steady and one.

Radhika lifted her head to look at him, she kissed his chin, “I love you."

His arms tightened around her for one second before loosened his hold," Thank you. These words are.my most treasured cherished gift."

Meeting halfway they indulged in a long, passionate kiss.

He pulled away to look at her, and felt it, he would always remember her this way. Half naked, her body tangled with his, her lips swollen with his kisses, her hair tousled, basked in a breath taking aura.

Arjun traced the line of her cheekbone, “I would never get enough of you."

"I hope not," she smiled as she hugged him and then got up looking for her bra.

As she dressed she peeked at him, founding him struggling into his shirt.

Fully dressed she swayed up to him and entangled her arms around his neck, “So, no...ahem...ahem before marriage, right?" Recalling their decision, more his than hers.

Arjun caught her by her waist and pulled her towards him till not even a thread could pass through them, “Yes. But I am already regretting the decision."

"Really, we will see," Radhika lifted her face for a quick kiss and before he could respond she pried out of his arms, walked towards the door, “Come let’s tell my parents the good news.” She opened the door and walked out.

..............

They walked inside the drawing room holding hands, exchanging sweet whispers.

As soon as Radhika spotted her mother, she made a run for her and embraced her.

"Are you alright? Is everything alright?" Renu asked searching her daughter's face for answers.

"Yes, mum. Everything is more than fine."

"I am happy for you," Renu could see pure happiness on her daughter's face and knew only one man was responsible for it, only one man had ever been responsible for it and she was thankful they had come to their senses.

Before Radhika could make the grand announcement, "Mr. Verma, may I have a word with you?" Arjun asked Raj. He was old fashioned, Radhika might have said yes to him but he still needed her father's permission.

Raj Verma stood up and gestured towards his office, “Sure, this way."

Arjun felt oddly nervous yet at peace. It was a grand feeling to have someone you loved accept your offer. He realized, it made him feel ten feet taller, ready to take on any challenge that came to him.

This was love. Love wasn't simple but magnificent.

Arjun stood and waited for Raj to take his seat. Today, Arjun was at the receiving end. He knew he was asking for something that was priceless.

"Arjun, why don't you take a seat?"

"Thank you."

'So, how may I help you," Raj Verma linked his fingers together. He couldn't explain his feelings, there was grief, his daughter had grown up and was becoming someone else's woman now. No longer his, no longer would she belong to him. Raj ran his hand over his face, yet he was proud. Proud of her choice, Arjun Khanna, here was a man who had his approval. Raj knew he could take care of her. And that was all he wanted, her daughter would be happy and loved.

"Mr. Verma, I would like to marry your daughter." Arjun shot straight out. It definitely wasn't a question. He decided it was best to be clear with his future father in law, whom he respected and admired deeply as a man.

Raj took a deep breathe, this was the defining moment to let her daughter fly and build her own nest, “And if I say no."

Arjun had expected himself to be tested, he would have done the same thing, oh my, he would do the same thing for his own, for their daughter. Children...with Radhika, the thought stuck him hard and humbled him. He wanted to leap out in joy.

"Arjun," Raj looked at the elation stretched out on Arjun's face. If he had any doubts about him, they had all been wiped out.

"I will marry her, with your permission, I would spend my entire life if need be to convince you that I am the right man for her. I love her," Arjun said fiercely. No one was taking away his Radhika from him. He knew what her dad meant to Radhika, how much she loved him and therefore, he was willing to try to convince him, be it for forever, only for her.

Raj stood up, Arjun quickly gathered up in respect. Raj walked up to him and held his shoulder, “I am giving you my heartbeat, take good care of her," and engulfed him into an affectionate hug.

"I will, I will. She is my heartbeat now."

......................

All four of them sat in the cozy lounge, discussing the upcoming wedding plans.

"When is it that you want to get married?" Raj asked, as he sat with his hand in his wife's.

Arjun sat diagonally opposite to her, “How about next Sunday?"

"Next Sunday?" Radhika's voice echoed from beside him.

"Yes," he looked at her as he took her hand in his and kissed her palm.

"But that's just a week from now," Renu spoke hassled. There was so much to do. The guests, the venue, flowers, caterers. Did men even realize the work to be done before the wedding? She wanted to give her daughter a big fat Indian wedding.

"Yes, I would be glad to pitch in." Arjun said as he ran his finger over Radhika's knuckles.

"But," Radhika shook her head. Her dress, jewelry, her bridal trousseau, how could she do it in a week when she was marrying her dream man.

"Not having second thoughts are you?" Arjun asked teasingly.

"No, no." Radhika shook her head furiously," Dad?"

Raj looked at Radhika and smiled," As you wish Arjun. But we will all have to pitch in to give my princess her fairytale wedding."

"Definitely, I have already," Arjun stopped mid-sentence. Radhika had put her hand on his back and was trailing her fingers down, touching him, making him all aroused.

"Yes, Arjun?" Raj asked

Arjun cleared his throat as he felt Radhika dipping her hand beneath his shirt and teasing his skin next to his waistband. What the hell? Has she lost her mind? Her parents are here.

"I have already booked the villa at the end of the road for my parents and relatives," Arjun managed to complete the sentence.

"That's fast work," Raj spoke impressed.

They continued chatting, Arjun, well, with a lot if difficulty. He tried to catch hold of Radhika's eyes but she was too busy...feeling him to look at what he was sure would soon be a disastrous situation.

And when Arjun was responding to a query put forward by Renu, Radhika dipped her hands, feeling foolishly courageous to touch his bottom.

He lost all control.

"Excuse us," Arjun took hold of Radhika's hand in his as he spoke to her parents," I just need to clarify an issue with Radhika, we will be right back."

Without waiting for a response he dragged her off to the corridor separating them from the lounge.

"Radhika, are you insane?"

"No, why Arjun?" Radhika looked innocently.

"Why Arjun," Arjun mimicked her, “You know very well, why? What were you doing?"

"Seducing you," she smiled as she spoke in a completely innocent voice.

"Seducing me," his eyes glinted with a predatory gleam," I will show you what seduction means."

He took a step forward. She took a step back.

He smiled, a smile that had her heart fluttering. That was such an unfair tactic.

She found herself boxed neatly between the solid wall and him, all Radhika could do was raise her hand and place it on his chest to stop him for doing whatever sinuous, absolutely delightful things he had in his mind.

"Arjun, no." Radhika chimed as her gaze moved from his eyes to his lips.

His hand caught hold of her hand as he held the other and placed them on the sides of the wall, blocking her way completely with his body.

"Arjun."

"Shhh!" Arjun pressed his finger on her lips.

His finger left her lips as it trailed down her jaw, neck, down to her breasts.

"Do you even know what you do to me?" He asked her as he busied himself kissing her jaw.

Radhika shifted in order to get closer to him, “Yes, I think I do know."

He pushed himself closer to her, pressing her back to the wall as he dropped his lips to her neck, swimming slowly down to her collarbone.

"Arjun," Radhika moaned.

Arjun licked his way towards her cleavage not giving her a chance to put in another word.

Radhika tangled her hands in his hair, she couldn't control herself. His body was too warm, too male and too close to where she needed him.

She tingled from his touch, was aroused beyond sensible reason.

He stopped, gazed in to her eyes as he nibbled her lips, “So, what was it you were saying?"

"Huh?" Radhika's eyes had closed. God, she wanted him.

Arjun smiled happy with the effect he had on her, he straightened out and took her hand in his, laying a soft kiss on it as he said," I think your parents must be wondering where we disappeared, let's get back."

"What?" Radhika was still gone; she suddenly realized what had happened.

Without breaking the rhythm, she gave him a saucy smile that had Arjun stunned, she was so damn beautiful.

Radhika in a moment, had Arjun pressed to the wall," You were saying something?" She asked.

"Yeah...ummm," Arjun didn't know what to say. He loved her. She was so damn perfect. Perfect for him.

Radhika smiled, leaned forward but before he could kiss her, she pressed her finger on his lip as she said, “It will be so much fun seducing you."

With that she turned, and took a step forward with every intention of leaving Arjun behind, as he was, shocked, leaning against the wall.

"Miss Radhika Verma?"

Radhika stopped, turned and looked at him," No, not Radhika Verma. Call me ‘soon to be Mrs. Radhika Arjun Khanna’." With a wink and a flip of her hair that completely destroyed Arjun's stout control, she sashayed back to her parents.

……………..

Hi, my beautiful readers.

Hope you all are doing amazing.

Well, few kind souls, bless them (I love you) asked me when I was going to start my new book. To all the marvelous people, my projects (yes plural) *smiles* are 'Untame my Heart' which I have already started, on my profile page and Anna's story in 'The Temptation Series', which I am going to start as soon as I finish 'Sweet Surrender'.

*Twilrs hair* Do you want me to showcase a Big, fat Indian wedding? If yes, do let me know.

I love you so much. Thank you for accompanying me on this beautiful journey. No, no *shakes head furiously* it's not over yet. One or two odd chapters to go or…..maybe three, I have no idea, these characters have so gone out of hand, keep on making me do ridiculous stuff and yes, an epilogue.

On another note, I know I can talk endlessly, haha. Okay, so. *Let’s not get side tracked, you know what happens when I start talking gibberish* I love each and every comment. I am dealing with the worst manmade invention ever- examinations, that's why the delay in replying. But, I am crazy for all the comments. I read them, smile at them till the entire world thinks I am loony. Really, really, loony *glares* but I even relish being termed that.

Imagine. See, your love affects me in this crazy way. *cuddles*

Oh, if I don't stop now. This note will continue on and on, might become bigger than the chapter itself. We so don't want that, right. I know, I am pretty shameless. *Berates self*

But, finally, I would like to say, I love you. *Hugs warmly*

Thank you. You’re gorgeous.

Warmest Regards,

HIndia150