Awkward Heartstrings (HEARTSTRINGS SERIES-1)

Chapter -27

A few days later, I finally made a decision.  "Alright," I announced to Aadya, who was curled up on the sofa, browsing travel blogs (probably about Kashmir, I suspected). "Kashmir it is."

Her head snapped up, her eyes widening in surprise.  "Really?" she asked, a mixture of excitement and disbelief in her voice.

"Really," I confirmed, a smile spreading across my face.  "I've booked the tickets. We're leaving this weekend."

Aadya let out a whoop of joy and jumped up, throwing her arms around me.  "I can't believe it!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Kashmir!  I'm so excited!"

"I know, I know," I said, chuckling.  "Now, enough celebrating.  We have a lot to do.  Start packing your bags.  And make sure you pack warm clothes," I added, winking.  "Lots and lots of warm clothes."

Aadya, still beaming, nodded enthusiastically.  "I'll pack everything," she promised.  "And I'll make sure you're warm enough too," she added, giving me a playful nudge.  "You'll be thanking me when we're surrounded by snow."

I rolled my eyes playfully.  "We'll see about that," I said.  But secretly, I was just as excited as she was.  Kashmir, here we come.  I had a feeling this was going to be an unforgettable honeymoon.

The bedroom looked like a clothing bomb had gone off.  Suitcases gaped open on the bed, and clothes were strewn everywhere. Aadya, a whirlwind of energy, darted between the closet and the suitcases, a determined glint in her eyes. "Reyansh," she called, holding up a monstrously thick, woolen sweater.

"Think I should pack this one? It's pretty bulky, but Kashmir is supposed to be freezing."

I glanced up from my phone, where I was totally working and not just watching her. "Hmm," I mused, feigning deep thought.

"It does look warm. But maybe a little too bulky? You don't want to look like a snowman, do you?"

Aadya shot me a playful glare. "Very funny," she said, tossing the sweater onto the "maybe" pile.

"But seriously, I'm not sure what to pack. It's my first time going somewhere so cold."

I got up and walked over to her, wrapping my arms around her from behind. "Don't worry," I murmured, resting my chin on her shoulder. "I'll keep you warm."

She leaned back against me, a soft smile gracing her lips. "I know you will," she whispered. "But I still need clothes. Lots of them."

I chuckled. "You're right," I admitted. "Maybe we should consult some expert advice on Kashmiri winter fashion."

"Or," Aadya suggested, turning to face me, her eyes sparkling, "maybe I should just pack everything I own."

"That's a terrible idea," I said, but the smile on my face betrayed my amusement. "We'd never be able to close the suitcases."

We stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other's arms, the chaos of packing fading into the background. The anticipation for our trip, the quiet intimacy of the moment, it all felt perfect. "You know," I said softly, "I'm really looking forward to this trip."

Aadya nodded, her eyes meeting mine. "Me too," she whispered. "It's going to be magical."

And in that moment, surrounded by the piles of clothes and the open suitcases, I knew she was right. It was going to be magical.  I just hoped I'd packed enough warm clothes for myself.  I had a feeling I was going to need them.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of folding, sorting, and zipping, the suitcases were packed.

  They stood side-by-side, looking surprisingly neat and organized considering the chaos that had reigned just moments before.  Aadya sighed contentedly, a small smile playing on her lips.

"We did it," she said, looking around the room, a hint of disbelief in her voice.

"We did," I agreed, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. "And just in time. I'm exhausted."

Aadya leaned into me, her head resting against my chest.  "Me too," she murmured. "All this talk of snow has made me sleepy."

"Well," I said, guiding her towards the bed, "I know the perfect way to warm up after all that packing."

We snuggled under the covers, the soft warmth of the blankets a welcome contrast to the cool night air.  I pulled Aadya close, her body fitting perfectly against mine.  "Excited for Kashmir?" I asked, my voice was low and soft.

"Beyond excited," she whispered, her breath warm against my skin.  "Thank you for taking me," she added, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.

"My pleasure," I replied, tightening my hold on her. "It's going to be amazing."

We lay there in comfortable silence for a few moments, the only sound of the gentle rhythm of our breathing. 

The exhaustion from the day, the excitement for the trip, the warmth of our embrace… it all combined to create a sense of perfect contentment.  "Goodnight," I whispered, kissing her forehead softly.

"Goodnight," she replied, snuggling closer.  And as I drifted off to sleep, with Aadya nestled in my arms, I knew that our Kashmiri adventure was going to be everything we had dreamed of, and more.

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