You are mine only

9. Don't hold my hand

Virat's sudden decision left Ranjana perplexed. Unbeknownst to her, Virat had learned about Sridhar's behavior and had assigned Miss Mona to ensure Ranjana's safety and well-being. This decision was made to protect Ranjana from any unwanted advances.

"Both Jay and Mona are my trusted assistants. If you have any issues or requirements, you can approach them in my absence," Virat stated earnestly.

Ranjana nodded and said, "Yeah"

Virat spoke in a reassuring tone, "As long as I'm around, no one's gonna dare touch you without your permission."

Ranjana's face lit up as she processed Virat's words. She was amazed that Virat had been keeping tabs on her even when they were far. With a smile, she said, "You've always been one step ahead, haven't you?"

Virat grinned and replied, "Well, I do my best. Now, let's go get some food. There's this amazing place nearby. From now on, you're having lunch and dinner with me." Virat took hold of her hand and started moving, expecting Ranjana to follow. However, Ranjana didn't budge, keeping her ground. Virat turned back, a hint of surprise on his face.

"What's the matter?" Virat asked, his eyebrows raised in curiosity.

"Virat..." Ranjana started, her voice trailing off. She struggled to find the right words, wanting to express her concerns about their public image if they were seen holding hands outside.

Understanding Ranjana's hesitation, Virat released her hand and nodded in acknowledgment. He knew she was worried about potential gossip and judgment.

"Mona will be waiting for you on the ground floor," Virat said with a reassuring smile before exiting his office.

Upon reaching the ground floor, Ranjana noticed Miss Mona waiting for her. In a car, Mona brought Ranjana to a five-star hotel. She accompanied Ranjana to a luxurious suite.

As soon as Ranjana entered the suite, Virat pulled out a chair for her, and she gracefully took a seat. He removed his coat and placed it on the back of the chair before sitting next to Ranjana. Ranjana contemplated how she would explain her initial hesitation to Virat and apologize for hesitating accompanying him.

Without delay, several waiters served a delectable meal at the round table and quietly departed, leaving the couple in privacy.

Ranjana's heart warmed as she recognized that each dish was her favorite. She gazed affectionately at Virat, feeling grateful for his thoughtful gestures.

“Why don’t you eat?” Virat's voice brought Ranjana back from her nostalgic thoughts. She smiled at him, appreciating how far they had come.

"Oh, sorry. I was just reminiscing about our college days," Ranjana replied, her eyes shining with fond memories.

Virat smirked, "There was a time when I couldn't even afford to indulge in your favorite food. It's incredible to see how things have changed."

“Yeah…”

Virat's gaze softened, understanding the significance of those memories for Ranjana. He reached out and gently held her hand.

"I'm grateful for every step that led us here," Virat said, his voice filled with sincerity. "Now, let's focus on enjoying this delicious meal together."

Ranjana let out a contented sigh as she noticed Virat patiently waiting, a mouthful of food in his hand, ready to feed her. Her smile grew wider, and she willingly opened her mouth to accept the bite. But as the flavors tantalized her taste buds, tears of joy welled up in her eyes, and she couldn't help but roll her eyes in delight. Without hesitation, Virat gently dabbed his hand with a napkin, his finger delicately lifting her chin to meet his gaze.

Seeing the tears in Ranjana's lower eyelids, the smile on Virat's face melted away.

"Hey, aren't you happy?" He asked anxiously. Ranjana's throat tightened, rendering her unable to speak. Virat's concern heightened as he observed the familiar reticence in Ranjana, reminiscent of their past.

"Ranju, if my decision has made you unhappy, please tell me. I'm willing to bear your punches on my chest just like before. Why are you so quiet? If I have made a mistake, you used to insist on arguing with me. But please, don't cry." Virat's voice was filled with a mixture of apprehension and vulnerability.

Ranjana gently rested her head on Virat's shoulder and took a deep breath, her eyes closed. Virat tenderly placed his palm on her cheek, offering his support.

"I'm so happy, Virat. Please forgive me. I shouldn't have refused you to hold my hand earlier," she said in a slightly shaky voice.

"There's no need for you to apologize. Our relationship can only progress if it's what you truly want," Virat responded, his gaze fixed on Ranjana.

"Are you happy now?" Virat asked with a smile. However, Ranjana shook her head and the smile on Virat's face faded once again.

"Don't you want our relationship to move forward?" Ranjana asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.

"Your happiness and desires matter the most to me. I don't want to force my decisions on you," Virat said, gently caressing her cheek.

"Come on, let's eat first," he said, starting to feed Ranjana with his hand.

Ranjana wanted to express how much she needed Virat in her life, but the words couldn't escape her lips.

After a month…

"What? You've been having lunch and dinner with Virat for a month and didn't even tell me that he found you? Ranjana, I'm going to kill you," Neelu shouted in anger.

"I'm sorry, Neelu," Ranjana replied with a smile. Seeing the smile on Ranjana's face, Neelu calmed down and held her hand.

"Now never let him go away from you. You've suffered so much without him," Neelu said with affection.

"Yes, Neelu, we are both very happy. I won't let Virat slip away from me again, no matter what," Ranjana said, taking a sip of her orange juice.

"So when are you getting married?"

Orange juice splattered from Ranjana's lips as she heard Neelu's question. She coughed and quickly wiped her face with a tissue.

"We haven't discussed marriage," Ranjana replied, looking at Neelu.

Neelu let out a snort and took a deep breath.

"If everything is going well between you two, then it's time to consider getting married. You're both approaching your early thirties soon. How much longer do you want to wait? And then there's family planning to consider as well. When are you planning to do all of this?"