Return With Skills

With every single item out of the moving boxes and all the furnishings perfectly positioned, we paused to appreciate the result of our collective efforts. Our freshly arranged abode reflected the deep love, hard work, and occasional emotional moments we had invested in it.

Mom couldn't help but beam with satisfaction. "Wow, it really looks fantastic," she commented.

Ratika and Priyatama had grown incredibly close, and their friendship had developed into a truly stunning bond. The two of them had painted the living room's walls a gentle, welcoming shade of blue, which immediately imbued the space with a cozy and comforting atmosphere.

Abhi had been busy setting up the entertainment area with the most up-to-date electronic devices. His eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he declared, "Guys, this place is going to be amazing for our family movie nights."

Mom then focused her gaze on Priyatama, her expression filled with curiosity. "Priya, have you talked to your parents yet? Are they alright with the idea of you spending the night here with us?" she inquired.

Priyatama nodded, her smile never faltering. "Yes, Ma'am. I've already assured them that I'll be home tomorrow."

Mom returned the nod. "Good," she said. "We're all family here."

As the evening grew late, Abhi decided to take Ratika home. They left with promises to come back tomorrow and help with the final touches.

"Thank you so much, Ratika," I expressed with a heartfelt smile, my eyes brimming with sincere gratitude.

"You're more than welcome," Ratika responded, her voice tender as she felt a gentle warmth envelop her heart. "I really didn't mind. It's only a small gesture to show how much I care."

Once they were gone, Priyatama and I found ourselves in the quiet of our new apartment. We sat on the couch, our legs tangled together, and she leaned her head on my shoulder.

"This is it," she murmured. "Our first night together in our new home."

I kissed the top of her head. "And many more to come," I whispered.

The air was thick with anticipation, and our hearts beat as one. This was the life we had dreamed of, a life filled with love and support.

Our eyes met, and she took my hand. "Let's make this place ours," she said.

As we settled into the living room, with the soft glow of the pendant light casting a romantic hue over us, Abhi walked in, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

"Bro," he began, his voice filled with a teasing lilt. "Tonight, huh?"

I knew he was referring to our plan to consummate our relationship in this new place, and I couldn't help but laugh. "You know it," I said, a smirk playing on my lips.

Priyatama blushed but didn't pull away, her gaze holding mine as if we were sharing a secret.

"Well, don't do anything I wouldn't do," Abhi said with a wink before leaving us alone.

We shared a look, and she giggled, the tension between us dissipating into the warm air.

"Ready for a tour?" I asked, standing up and holding out my hand.

Priyatama took it, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Lead the way," she said.

We moved from room to room, pointing out little details we had chosen together, our laughter echoing through the halls. As we reached the bedroom, the mood shifted, the air growing heavier with desire.

"This is ours," I said, pulling her into an embrace.

"Not now, Aunty and Abhi are downstairs," Priyatama murmured, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of red. But she didn't pull away, her eyes searching mine for the answer she craved.

I kissed her, unable to resist the magnetic pull between us any longer. This kiss was different from the ones we had shared before—it was filled with a passion that had been simmering just beneath the surface. I gently bit her bottom lip, the sweet taste of her filling my mouth.

Her breath hitched, and she didn't protest as I deepened the kiss. Our tongues danced together, a silent conversation of love and desire.

Our hands explored each other's bodies, the fabric of our clothes the only barrier to the heat beneath. We were lost in the moment, the rest of the world fading away until there was only us.

Priyatama's fingers tangled in my hair as she pulled me closer, our bodies fitting together like two puzzle pieces that had finally found their place. I felt the heat of her skin, the rapid beat of her heart matching the tempo of mine.

We broke apart, panting and smiling. "Later," she whispered.

I nodded, the promise of what was to come sending a thrill down my spine.

Mom called us downstairs, and we reluctantly left the sanctity of our room, our eyes holding a secret that only we knew. The scent of home-cooked food filled the apartment, a comforting reminder of the love that had brought us here.

As we sat around the table, sharing stories and laughter, I couldn't help but think about the night that awaited us. 

We all sat around the dinner table, the air thick with the delicious smells of Mom's cooking. Abhi's gaze darted to Priyatama, and I noticed his eyes lingering on her neck. He kicked me under the table, and I pretended not to notice.

Mom looked up from her plate, a hint of confusion in her eyes. "What's wrong, beta?" she asked Abhi.

He chuckled, taking a sip of water. "Nothing, Mom," he said, his voice slightly hoarse.

My eyes followed his line of sight to Priyatama's neck, and I felt my own cheeks heat up. The hickey from our earlier tryst was faint but definitely there.

I quickly picked up my phone, typing a message. "It's from me," I whispered, sliding it across the table to her.

Her eyes widened when she read the message, and she immediately reached up to cover the mark with her hand. She shot me a playful glare, and I couldn't help but smirk.

Mom's eyes narrowed at Abhi, who was still chuckling into his water. "Swallow properly," she scolded, oblivious to the tension between us.

Priyatama's cheeks remained rosy, but she took a deep breath and composed herself. "Thank you for the amazing meal," she said, her voice a sweet melody.

Mom's eyes softened, and she patted her hand. "It's nothing, Priya. You're part of the family now."

The warmth of the moment washed over us, and we continued our dinner, the unspoken promise of passionate whispers and tender touches waiting for us in the shadows of the night.

As we finished up dinner, Mom looked at Priyatama with a knowing smile. "Priya, are you sleeping in my room tonight?"

Priyatama nodded, trying to hide her nerves. "Yes, ma'am," she replied, her voice a soft whisper.

Mom's gaze lingered on us, and she squeezed my shoulder. "You two behave," she said with a wink.

We cleaned up the dishes, the silence between us charged with anticipation. Once we were alone, Priyatama took my hand and led me back to the bedroom.

The room was bathed in the soft glow of candles, the scent of vanilla and jasmine filling the air. The bed was turned down, and the curtains were drawn, creating a private haven for us.

"I know this isn't ideal," she began, looking around the room nervously. "But I wanted to make sure it was special."

I pulled her into my arms, kissing her deeply. "You always make everything perfect," I murmured against her lips.

Our bodies touch each other like magnets, revealing our skin to each other. We took our time, exploring every inch with gentle touches with kisses.

"I love you," she whispered, her voice filled with wonder.

I kissed her forehead. "And I love you," I said, my voice filled with a warmth that could melt the coldest of hearts.

In that moment, in the warmth of our new home, we had never felt more alive.

Priyatama excused herself and headed back to my mother's room.

Abhi sauntered in a few minutes later, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Too bad, bro," he teased.

I couldn't help but kick him playfully under the bed. "What's your deal?" I asked, trying to keep the laughter out of my voice.

He feigned innocence. "What? I was just saying it's too bad I missed the action."

I rolled my eyes. "Did I tell you what you did with Ritu last week?" I shot back, reminding him of his own romantic escapade.

"Nope," he said, his smile growing wider. "But it's not like you two have been subtle."

"Why'd you climb into my bed?" I questioned as he settled into the covers without asking.

"My room smells like paint," he complained, referring to the recent renovations. "Let me crash here."

"Fine," I chuckled, knowing he'd be out like a light in no time.

The room was filled with the gentle sounds of our banter, a soothing balm to the day's excitement. As we lay there, the weight of the day's events pressing down on us, I felt a deep sense of contentment.