"So soon?" I teased her getting a pinch in return.  I winced.

"Yup!" she replied burying her face more in the crook of my neck.

"Okay!" I chuckled not wanting any more pinches.

We arrived at our destination after the hour-long drive, and Ayla's gaze wandered, confusion etched on her face as she realized we were far from the palace. "Where are we?" she asked.

"You'll know soon!" I teased, pinching her cheeks playfully.

Ayla rubbed her cheeks, a soft blush spreading across them. I took her hands in mine; they fit perfectly, like the missing pieces of a puzzle.

As we stepped onto the lakeside, Ayla's eyes widened. Butterfly lights twinkled on cushions and a table nestled beside the serene lake.

"It's beautiful!" she whispered.

The soft glow danced across her face, illuminating her awe. I smiled, thrilled to see her delight.

Ayla turned to me, her honey-brown eyes locking onto mine. Time stood still. The world around us melted away, leaving only the two of us, suspended in a sea of serenity.

My heart skipped a beat. My peace, my salvation, everything I'd ever dreamed of, stood before me.

"Let's go!" I exclaimed, taking her hands in mine and guiding her to the table.

"When did you plan this?" Ayla inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Forgive the details, let's savor the moment," I murmured, smiling.

The waiter arrived with the menu, took our orders, and discreetly departed.

"Ayla," I beckoned, drawing her gaze from the breathtaking view.

"Hmm?" she responded softly, her eyes lingering on the scenery.

"What visions do you hold for our wedding day?" I pondered, my voice barely above a whisper.  I know I am late in asking this question but I really want to know what she wants. Everyone has some wishes regarding their marriage and I want to know her's.

Her eyes snapped back to mine, surprise sparkling within them.

Her eyes widened as if struck by lightning. I gently pulled her onto my lap, cradling her waist in my hands.

She gazed up at the star-studded sky, its beauty mesmerizing.

"I...I don't know," she stammered, lost in thought. "I wasn't ready for that. I never thought about it, really. I was too busy trying to find the missing pieces in my life. I never imagined a moment like this would come."

I smiled softly. "Some unexpected twists are truly beautiful."

Her response was a gentle hum, her eyes still fixed on the stars.

We sat together, wrapped in each other's arms, allowing the comforting silence to envelop us.

As our food arrived, I reminded her of another reason I brought her here. "You know Josh was just joking, right?"

Ayla nodded, her expression hinting at familiarity. "Hmm, I know."

"Really?" I asked, curious.

She rolled her eyes, a memory resurfacing. "He's always like that, joking around. You know, once he went too far at one of his friend's weddings."

My interest piqued, I leaned in. "What did he do?"

Ayla's eyes sparkled with amusement. "He announced they were in a relationship – on the aisle, while the bride was walking down – and kissed him publicly!"

I choked on my water, laughing. "Okay, I think he had some mercy on me!"

Ayla giggled, her eyes shining with mirth.

As we savored our meal, the stars above twinkled like diamonds. Our shared laughter and conversation flowed effortlessly.

"Shall we leave? We don't want to be late," I urged, glancing at my watch.

Ayla's brow furrowed, "Wait, what's the hurry?"

My tone turned playful, "No, we really must go! We can't be late!"

Ayla's eyes sparkled with amusement, "Don't worry!"

A waiter arrived, clearing our table. Hand in hand, we strolled to the lake's edge, settling onto the stairs as the water gently lapped at our feet.

"Let's count together!" I exclaimed, my eyes shining with excitement.

Ayla's confusion was adorable, "Huh?"

I grinned mischievously, "Just do it!"

"Okay!" she agreed, a smile spreading across her face.

"3!" we chimed in unison.

"2!" our voices harmonized.

"1!"

The sky erupted in a kaleidoscope of colors as fireworks illuminated the night. Pink, red, and green hues danced across Ayla's face, her eyes shining with wonder.

"You did this?" she asked, awe in her voice.

I nodded, smiling.

Ayla's face glowed with the vibrant colors of the fireworks, her beauty mesmerizing.

"Ayla!" I whispered, my voice trembling.

"Yes!" she replied, her voice barely audible.

"Can I say something?" I ventured, my heart pounding.

"I know our relationship started with lies, twists, and fate. I also know you didn't want to get married, but you're still giving your best. I don't know much about your past or life, and even when you share, I can only understand a fraction of it - never the complete history.

But I want to be the one you share your problems with, the one who understands you. I want to be the one with whom you share your life and problems. I want you to trust me, and I know we're in for a long journey because you won't trust me easily. I know I have to earn it, but I just wish one thing."I paused, lost in those hazel-brown eyes, within which depths of emotions were swirling.

Those beautiful eyes, which even heaven can't defy, locked onto mine. She gazed at me with seriousness, her hands holding mine as if releasing them would make me disappear.

Her eyes searched for mine, seeking to uncover what I would say next. I paused, taking my time to gather my thoughts.

I knew she was mine a long time ago, but words were created for moments like this. Eyes never lie, but words are meant to be spoken. Sometimes, people hide behind a thick veil of misunderstanding, and only words can clear the confusion.

I wanted her to know what she meant to me and how I wished her to perceive me. While eyes are amazing communicators, sometimes words are necessary.

"I wish that whenever you think of talking to someone, you think of me. When you need help, I want to be the first person who comes to mind.

I don't just want to be yours; I want all your problems, smiles, tears, and every emotion you're afraid to show to be mine, and mine alone."

I pulled out the ring I had prepared especially for her - something that had brought us together, but not the same one. I wanted something new, just for her. It was crafted from platinum, adorned with small diamonds circling its center.

She looked at me, then at the ring. " And I want all these poetic things reserved just for me." She smiled and extended her hand.

I slipped the ring onto her finger under the starry sky. We stood in the water, foreheads touching. "It's the best night of my life!" she exclaimed, brushing her noses upon mine.

We returned to the stairs, arms wrapped around each other. Her body swayed into mine as we watched the fireworks light up the night sky. The silence enveloped us.

"By the way, who was Josh talking about?" she asked unexpectedly.

"Don't mind him, he was just teasing," I replied.

"I know, but I really want to know who this nymph is," she pressed, her eyes locked on mine.

I diverted my gaze, sighing. "You'll get hurt if I tell you."

"Who is she? Where did you meet her?" she demanded, irritation creeping into her voice.

I pointed to her expression. "You're getting jealous."

"I am not!" she gritted, frustration evident.

"You are," I countered, calmly trying to stifle a chuckle.

"I am not!!" she exclaimed.

"You are!" I repeated.

"I am not!!" she shouted, exasperated.

Her face reddening, she threatened, "Tell me, or I'll throw you into the lake!"

I grinned, delighted by her jealous side.

"Okay, okay... but promise you won't get angry," I teased.

I chuckled, enjoying her frustration. "You're adorable when you're jealous."

Her eyes narrowed. "I'm not jealous!" she insisted, though her tone betrayed her.

"Really?" I teased, raising an eyebrow. "Then why are you so eager to know about this mysterious nymph?"

She crossed her arms, her face set in a determined expression. "I just want to know the truth."

I grinned mischievously. "Maybe I'll tell you... maybe I won't."

Her eyes sparkled with annoyance, and she took a step closer, her voice low and menacing. "You're playing with fire."

I laughed, enjoying the playful banter. "Oh, I'm shaking in my boots."

Suddenly, she pounced, tackling me toward the lake. I stumbled backward, laughing, as we both tumbled into the water.

We splashed and laughed, our bodies tangled in the water. She tried to pin me down, but I wriggled free, tickling her ribs.

"Ah! Stop!" she squealed, giggling.

I grinned, holding her close. "You started this!"

She playfully pushed me underwater, and I emerged, dripping and laughing.

"Truce?" I asked, holding up my hands.

She smiled mischievously. "Not yet."

As we floated in the lake, our playful struggle subsiding, I gazed into her eyes.

"Alright, I'll tell you about the nymph," I said, a sly grin spreading.

She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Who is she?"

"I met her in Bengaluru," I began, recounting the story. "My car broke down, and I sought help at a nearby house. That's where we met."

Her expression transformed from a gentle smile to a suspicious frown.

"You're playing tricks on me!" she accused, her voice low and menacing.

"I'm not!" I protested.

"You are!" she mocked, turning away.

"How can I make you believe me?" I asked, desperate to clear the air.

"Call Josh or Vidharth and confirm," she retorted, her tone firm.

"Okay, but not tonight. They'll ruin our peaceful evening," I pleaded softly.

She paused, then nodded reluctantly.

"I'll deal with them tomorrow," I thought to myself, frustrated that our special moment was almost ruined.

I intertwined my fingers with hers, pulling her close. She smiled, her eyes sparkling.

"It's just amazing, isn't it?" she whispered.

"What?" I asked, drawing her onto my lap.

"One moment we're fighting, and the next, we're basking in each other's arms," she said, her voice filled with wonder.

I chuckled, nodding in agreement. "That's true, but we can do more if you want."

Her eyes locked onto mine. "Oh? Like?"

"Like continuing what we left," I whispered, my lips inches from hers.

Our lips met in a tender, passionate kiss, the tension between us dissolving into desire.

As we deepened the kiss, the world around us melted away.

Our lips moved in sync, the kiss growing more intense. Her hands wrapped around my neck, pulling me closer.

I slid my hands under her shirt, feeling her warm skin. She shivered, her lips parting slightly.

Deepening the kiss, I lifted her onto my lap, our bodies aligning. The world outside receded, leaving only the two of us.

In this moment, nothing else mattered. Only the warmth of her skin, the taste of her lips, and the beat of our entwined hearts.

Our passion intensified, every kiss, every touch igniting a deeper connection. Her fingers traced my jawline, sending shivers down my spine.

I slid my hands up her back, unbuttoning her shirt, revealing soft, golden skin. She leaned into me, her lips never leaving mine.

Our hearts pounded in unison as we surrendered to the moment. Time stood still, the world outside fading into insignificance.

My hands cupped her breasts. From above of her bra and she moaned but before we can continue I heard a voice I didn't expected to hear.

"Ava!" The girl infront of me shouted.

I looked up to the one standing infront of me. Someone I didn't expected to meet once again in this life and in this situation.

But most importantly the name she called wasn't mine but her's.