Awkward Heartstrings (HEARTSTRINGS SERIES-1)

Reyansh Pov

Later, as the celebrations mellowed and we finally had a quiet moment, I brought up the honeymoon. "So," I began, a grin spreading across my face, "I've been giving it some thought. Goa, right? Sun, sand, sea… the perfect escape." I leaned back, picturing myself lounging on a beach, a chilled drink in hand. Pure bliss.

"Goa?" Aadya echoed, her brow furrowing slightly. "Really?  While that does sound tempting, I was actually thinking… Kashmir!"  Her eyes lit up as she spoke.

"Imagine, snow-capped mountains, cozy fireplaces, breathtaking landscapes… it's the perfect winter wonderland!"

I chuckled. "Kashmir? Seriously?  In the middle of winter?  I'd rather relax on a warm beach than freeze my… well, you know." I shuddered dramatically.  "I'm thinking relaxation, not frostbite."

"Oh, come on," she protested, a playful glint in her eyes.  "It wouldn't be all freezing.  We could stay in a beautiful houseboat on Dal Lake, go skiing in Gulmarg, experience the magic of a snowy landscape…"  Her voice was filled with such enthusiasm, it was almost contagious.

"Houseboats and skiing?" I groaned good-naturedly. 

"That's your idea of a relaxing honeymoon?  Braving sub-zero temperatures?"

"It's not just about the cold!" she argued.  "It's about the beauty, the serenity, the romance of it all!  Imagine cuddling by a fire, sipping hot chocolate, surrounded by snow… it would be magical!

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help but smile.  She had a point.  Kashmir did sound… well, kind of amazing.  "Okay, okay," I conceded.  "Maybe Kashmir isn't a terrible idea.  But we're definitely going to Goa at some point.  Deal?"
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"Deal," she agreed, her smile radiant.  I knew the debate was far from over, but honestly, wherever we ended up going, as long as I was with Aadya, it would be an adventure.  And maybe, just maybe, I was starting to warm up to the idea of a winter wonderland honeymoon.

Later that week, I decided to take Aadya shopping.  Our honeymoon, wherever it was going to be, required some preparation.  "Come on," I said, pulling her up from the couch where she was engrossed in a book.  "We need to get you some travel gear."

"Travel gear?" she asked, a skeptical look on her face. "What kind of travel gear?"

"Well," I said, grinning, "that depends on where we're going, doesn't it?  If it's Goa, you'll need some cute beachwear. If it's Kashmir…" I trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air.

Aadya rolled her eyes playfully.  "You're still on about this, aren't you?" she asked, but her smile betrayed her amusement.

"Of course I am," I replied.  "It's a very important decision.  And besides," I added, winking, "I need to make sure you're appropriately dressed for… whatever adventures await us."

We headed to the mall, and the shopping trip quickly devolved into a playful battle of wills.  I steered her towards the swimwear section, while she dragged me towards the racks of warm jackets and sweaters.

"This is perfect for Kashmir," she'd say, holding up a thick, woolen coat.

"And this," I'd counter, pointing to a brightly colored bikini, "is perfect for Goa."

"You're incorrigible," she'd say, laughing.

"And you're adorable when you're trying to convince me that snow is fun," I'd reply.

We browsed through the shops, our laughter echoing through the aisles.  Even though we were still undecided about our destination, the shopping trip was fun in itself.  It was another way to connect, to tease each other, and to build anticipation for our upcoming adventure, wherever it might be.  And secretly, I was enjoying seeing Aadya try on different outfits, picturing her in each location.  Whether it was a swimsuit on a Goan beach or a warm coat in the Kashmiri mountains, she looked beautiful in everything.