*(Diary Entry: My Soulful Moments)*
**February 14, 2020**
The morning light spilled through the curtains, painting gold stripes across the bedsheets. A warm weight pressed against my back—Rishi's arm slung possessively over my waist, his breath tickling my neck.
*"Good morning, honey,"* I whispered.
His grip tightened. *"Good morning, princess."* In one swift motion, he pulled me against his chest. I yelped as I lost balance, collapsing onto him in a tangle of limbs and laughter.
*"Oh, baby,"* he murmured, his sleep-rough voice sending shivers down my spine. *"How gorgeous you are..."* His lips brushed my forehead, lingering like a promise.
I batted him away, though my traitorous heart stuttered. *"Enough romance! Get up—we're both late."*
*"Babe..."* His fingers traced my collarbone, igniting sparks.
*"Shhh! Good boys get ready first."* I wriggled free, ignoring his pout. *"Then maybe you'll earn a kiss."*
*"That's cheating!"* He flopped onto his back, arms flung wide. *"Ten more minutes, and let's see how you stop me."*
I tossed a pillow at his face. *"Go shower. I've got breakfast."*
---
**The kitchen smelled of sizzling ghee and cardamom.** I hummed as I flipped dosas, the rhythmic *tssk-tssk* of batter hitting the pan filling the quiet apartment. Rishi emerged, damp hair curling at his temples, shirt clinging to his shoulders.
*"Smells like heaven,"* he said, nabbing a piece of coconut chutney. I swatted his hand.
*"Rishi! Plate's ready—sit."*
He grinned, unrepentant. *"You're cute when you're bossy."*
The doorbell rang.
*"Can you get that?"* I called, wiping my hands. *"Probably another package you'll scold me for."*
*"This girl,"* he muttered, padding to the door. *"Weirdo."*
I heard the murmur of voices, then silence. Curious, I turned—
**Rishi stood frozen**, clutching a bouquet of crimson roses, their petals dewy and vibrant against his white shirt....
His eyes traveled up my body, slow as honey: the **black diamond-studded saree** clinging to my curves, the **messy damp hair** he loved twirling around his fingers, the **dark red lips** he'd kissed a thousand times.
*"Happy Valentine's Day,"* I said softly.
He exhaled. *"Wow. You're... pulchritudinous."*
I snorted. *"Big word for morning."*
He advanced, and I retreated until the counter dug into my back. His hands settled on my waist, thumbs tracing circles. *"These lipsticks,"* he murmured, nose skimming my jaw. *"They're irritating me. Should I remove them?"*
*"Idiot."* I shoved him, laughing.
He caught my wrist, pressing the bouquet into my hands. *"Hold this."*
Before I could react, he scooped me up, spinning me until the world blurred into laughter and roses. *"Rishi! Put me down—we're late!"*
*"Worth it,"* he gasped, finally setting me down. His voice dropped, rough with emotion. *"Happy Valentine's Day, sweetheart. You're the best decision I ever made."*
I ducked my head, suddenly shy. *"Go. Your meeting—"*
*"Cancel it,"* he breathed, nuzzling my neck. *"Let's stay."*
*"Mr. Romantic, later."* I thrust his lunchbox at him. *"Eat. All of it."*
---
**The office dragged.**
Texts buzzed:
**[10:05 AM] Rishi:** *Stuck in traffic. You're all I'm thinking about.*
**[1:45 PM] Me:** *Dinner tonight?*
**[1:46 PM] Rishi:** *Urgent work. Try to be home by 9.*
I sighed, tracing the edge of my phone.
---
**Evening.** I slipped into a **red silk gown**, the fabric whispering against my skin. The doorbell rang—Rishi, fresh from work, his tie loosened.
*"Oh-ho,"* he drawled, eyes darkening. *"Someone's in a mood."*
*"Dinner,"* I reminded him, though my pulse jumped.
*"My thoughts exactly."* He crowded me against the wall, lips grazing my ear. *"But first, keys."*
---
**The beachside restaurant was a dream.** Lanterns swayed in the salt-kissed breeze; waves crashed in the distance. Rishi had reserved a private table—**candles, wine, a single red rose.**
*"You planned this,"* I accused, breathless.
He knelt, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. *"For you, always."*
Dinner was a blur of shared bites and stolen touches. I dozed in the car, waking only when he lifted me into his arms at the elevator.
*"Love you,"* I mumbled into his shoulder.
*"The night hasn't even started,"* he growled.
Our lips met as the elevator dinged—**a kiss full of heat and unspoken vows.** We broke apart, flushed, as the doors slid open.
---
**Later, in bed,** I watched him sleep, the moonlight etching his profile in silver. My pen hovered over the diary:
*"देखने के लिए तो पूरी दुनिया है,*
*पर मन सिर्फ़ तुम्हें देखने को करता है..."*
(*"The world is full of sights,*
*but my heart only wants to see you..."*)
I closed the book, curling into his warmth.