Ekaksh took a step closer to Meera, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "First of all, this is our house, and secondly, we are married. You have every right to everything here—my money, my time, and even me." He leaned in a little closer, his voice turning intimate. "Well, the last one is up to you."

Meera stood frozen, a mixture of surprise, shock, and amusement written across her face.

Ekaksh stepped back, his expression serious as he spoke firmly. "Listen, Meera, I won’t beat around the bush. On a serious note, I accepted you as my wife the moment I tied the mangalsutra around your neck and filled your hairline with sindoor. I know we didn’t marry under the best of circumstances, but that doesn’t change anything for me. I’ve taken you as my wife, with everything that comes with it. You have all the rights of a wife in this marriage—be it this house, my money, the decisions we’ll make, and even on me. Do you understand what I’m saying?"

Meera, still processing his words, nodded in quiet agreement.

"Now," Ekaksh said, the corner of his lips curling slightly, "let's go shopping. We need to decorate the house before the babies arrive."

"Okay," Meera replied, a small smile tugging at her lips.

---

**At the Shopping Mall**

They entered the mall, surrounded by aisles full of baby supplies. Ekaksh turned to Meera, his voice warm but practical. "We don’t have enough baby essentials, so we’ll start with that."

They moved through the aisles, picking out diapers, onesies, bottles, and more. Ekaksh patiently listened as Meera explained each item, occasionally offering his suggestions.

As they continued shopping, they came across a display of baby clothes. Ekaksh held up a onesie with a cute cartoon character. "Oh, that’s adorable," he said, a playful glint in his eyes. "Don’t you think the babies will look cute in this?"

Meera couldn’t help but laugh, her amusement evident. "Absolutely," she replied, taking the onesie and inspecting it. "We should get a few of these. They're too cute."

They continued to fill their cart with more clothes, blankets, and pacifiers. As they neared the cashier, Ekaksh noticed Meera admiring a crib set, its soft colors and delicate pattern catching her eye.

"Do you like that one?" he asked gently.

Meera’s face lit up as she reached out to touch the crib set. "Yes, it’s gorgeous," she said with a smile. "I think the babies will love it."

Ekaksh chuckled, feeling a sense of contentment as he added the crib set to their cart. "Then it’s settled," he said. "Let’s go pay and head home."

At the checkout counter, as they unloaded their purchases, a thought crossed Ekaksh’s mind.

He turned to Meera, a teasing smile forming. "You know, we’ve bought so much for the babies, but we should also get something just for us."

Meera raised an eyebrow, curious. "What do you have in mind?"

Ekaksh’s eyes softened. "We should buy some things for you as well," he said.

Meera smiled shyly. "And why is that?"

Ekaksh’s voice dropped in seriousness, though there was a playful undertone. "Because, m'lady, you sneaking out your things from your old house might raise some suspicions with your family. We’ll buy a few essentials and clothes for you to keep here at our place."

Meera’s cheeks flushed, and she murmured, "Okay."

---

**In the Women's Section**

Ekaksh followed Meera into the women’s section, his eyes wandering across the racks of clothes as she browsed. "What do you think of this one?" she asked, holding up a delicate top.

Ekaksh took a glance at it, noting the lace details. "It’s nice," he said casually. "But I think you’d look even better in something that shows off your personality more, something that makes you stand out."

Meera’s cheeks reddened slightly. "Oh really?" she teased, putting the top back on the rack. "And what kind of clothes would highlight my personality, in your expert opinion?"

Ekaksh’s eyes softened as he smiled, a gentle warmth in his gaze. "You look absolutely stunning in a saree," he said, his voice full of affection. "The way it drapes over your curves, the colors that complement your skin tone... you’re like an ethereal goddess when you wear one."

Meera’s heart swelled with affection at his words. It was rare, in a world where many men wanted their wives to wear revealing clothes to please them, that Ekaksh chose to see her in something so elegant and timeless.

With a quiet smile, they moved to the saree section. Meera’s eyes sparkled as she spotted a vibrant red saree with intricate golden threadwork. "Look at this," she said, holding it up to show Ekaksh. "Isn’t it gorgeous?"

Ekaksh studied the saree, his voice warm and approving. "It’s beautiful, and you would look stunning in any saree."

Meera’s smile grew shy as she turned to look for more options. Meanwhile, Ekaksh’s attention was caught by a black Georgette saree displayed nearby. Without hesitation, he walked over to the salesgirl.

"Could you bring me that saree from the display?" he asked.

The salesgirl nodded and brought it over, placing it on the table where their other items lay. Ekaksh turned to Meera, holding it up to her. "Look at this," he said excitedly. "Imagine you wearing this."

Meera’s eyes widened, her fingers brushing over the soft fabric. The rich black would contrast beautifully with her fair skin, and the zari work would add a touch of elegance. She touched the saree reverently, the thought of wearing it already beginning to take root in her mind.

Ekaksh’s gaze never left her, his voice soft but sincere. "Do you like it? I think it would look absolutely beautiful on you."

"It’s beautiful," Meera whispered, her fingers still grazing the fabric.

"Then we should take it," Ekaksh insisted, his tone firm but gentle.

Meera hesitated. "But I already have a few sarees at home," she began to protest.

Ekaksh silenced her with a look that brooked no argument. "Yes, we’re buying it. And I want you to wear it on a special occasion."

Meera gave in, her quiet "okay" spoken with a mix of affection and understanding.

---

**Later That Evening**

Back at home, they sat together in the living room, the soft glow from the fireplace adding a warm ambiance to the peaceful evening. Ekaksh was working on his laptop, while Meera typed away on hers.

She glanced at the time on her phone and turned to Ekaksh. "Could you drop me off at home? I have a few things to finish up for work before tomorrow."

Ekaksh met her gaze with understanding. "Of course," he replied softly. "Let’s go."

---

**In the Car**

The car ride was quiet, both of them lost in their thoughts. Meera stared out the window, while Ekaksh gripped the steering wheel, his mind preoccupied.

Finally, Meera broke the silence, her voice soft but sincere. "I know you want to have the house care staff help with the household work, but I can handle it. I don’t want strangers in your house, especially with the babies coming."

Ekaksh sighed, trying to find the right words. "Our house, Meera," he said gently, "I understand your concerns, but the twins will be here soon, and we both know how demanding taking care of newborns can be."

Meera turned to him, her eyes searching his face. "I know," she said quietly. "But I just don’t like the idea of having strangers around, especially with the babies."

Ekaksh’s tone softened as he spoke, trying to reassure her. "I understand, really. But I’ve arranged for staff from a reputable company I trust. They are experienced, reliable, and will help around the house and with the babies when needed. I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed."

He pulled the car up to Meera’s house, and they sat in silence for a few moments, the tension between them slowly easing. Finally, Meera spoke, her voice quieter than before.

"Thanks for dropping me off," she said softly.

Ekaksh nodded, his eyes lingering on her with quiet affection. "You’re welcome. Take care of yourself."

Meera smiled, her hand resting on the door handle. "I will," she replied softly. "You too."

With a final wave, Meera stepped out of the car and walked toward her house, her figure disappearing into the night.

As Ekaksh watched her go, a soft, warm feeling lingered in his chest. The love they shared, despite the complexities of their relationship, felt like something deep and unbreakable. He drove away, his heart full.