AUTHOR'S POV:-

Reyansh: Thank you, Riya.

Riya: Umm, you’ve been thanking me a lot lately, even after I made it clear we’re friends. If you keep this up, maybe we should break our friendship! (she says playfully, a hint of mischief in her eyes)

Reyansh: Arey nah baba, I’ll make sure not to thank my friend again, okay? (he grins)

Riya: That’s better.

Riya: How are you feeling now?

Reyansh: I’m better now. The pain isn’t much at all, but I still have a high fever. Don’t worry; it’ll go down soon.

Riya: Did you take your tablets?

Reyansh: Not yet. I’ll take them after dinner, by the way, my friends sent some rasmalai and aloo ke parathe. How about you dine now?

Riya: Oh no, no, mumma’s already made dinner. Thanks for asking, though! I’ll try it next time.

Reyansh: Hmm, if that’s how it is, then I guess I should stop eating at your place too. We’ve got to play fair, right?

Riya: Reyansh! That’s not what I meant! Okay, fine—I’ll have a bite. But you’re strictly required to finish everything on your plate. Mom’s orders!

Reyansh: Alright, my friend. (he responds with a mischievous smile)

🌚🌚

In the dining area, Reyansh serves Riya aloo ke parathe and rasmalai. As Riya reaches out to serve him, Reyansh gently stops her hand.

Reyansh: "No, no, baba, let me serve myself. A goddess should only give orders, not lower herself to serve."

Riya: (smiling gently) "What’s up with you? You’ve been calling me a goddess lately."

Reyansh: "Because you are, the only divine Goddess."

Riya: (softly, with a thoughtful smile)

Well, I appreciate the compliment, but I’m no goddess, Reyansh. You shouldn’t put me on that pedestal. If humans could be gods, then there’d be no need for the divine to exist. No matter how pure or kind we try to be, we’re bound to make mistakes—we stumble, we falter, and that’s part of being human. But divinity? True divinity is untouched by those flaws. It’s perfection. Beyond our reach. I’m just a person, Reyansh, nothing more, nothing less.

Reyansh smiles, but his soul whispers to him, "Well, jaan, you can have all the definitions of divinity you want, but I don’t need them. You’re my goddess—the core reason for my existence, my very essence, the other part of my soul. With you, this fragment of our souls exists; without you, there is no existence."

Riya: "Reyansh, it's alright! Let me serve you."

Reyansh: "Nah, baba, it's completely fine. You dine in; my staff will take care of me."

Riya: "But Reyansh—"

Reyansh: "No buts, baba. Achha, just take a bite and tell me how it is."

(He gestures to his staff, who promptly serve the food Riya brought, a warm smile on Reyansh’s face as he watches her.)

As Riya takes the bite, she looks at him, their eyes meeting.

Reyansh, his soul pounding, anxiously waiting for her response, gazes into her eyes. "How’s it? I think it’s not good, right?"

Riya: "Good? It’s absolutely delicious! I don’t know how you’re not able to eat this, but trust me, it’s truly amazing."

Reyansh, his soul calming with satisfaction: "Well, it’s because I love the food prepared by aunty."

Riya: "Haha, thank you for the compliment."

Reyansh: "Now who’s thanking?"

Riya: "Haha, you didn’t compliment me, you complimented my mom, so it’s from her side."

Reyansh: "Smart."

Riya chuckles softly, and the sound fills the room. Her laughter brings an overwhelming sense of peace and immense happiness to Reyansh.

They dig into their dinner, but Reyansh’s attention isn’t on the food. He watches her, a soft smile tugging at his lips, as she enjoys the meal. His soul swells with an unexplainable, indescribable happiness, one that words could never capture.

Every gesture of hers, every bite she takes, feels like a quiet symphony meant just for him.

After they finish eating, Reyansh leans back slightly, his gaze soft on Riya.

Reyansh: "Riya, would you like to spend some time on the rooftop?"

Riya: "Definitely, why not?" She smiles, her eyes lighting up at the idea.

🌚🌚

As Reyansh and Riya step onto the rooftop, the cool night air brushes against them. A gentle breeze rustles the soft cushions scattered across the terrace. Twinkling string lights hang along the edges, casting a warm glow, while lanterns flicker softly, creating a cozy atmosphere.Reyansh glances up at the deepening sky, a few stars beginning to twinkle against the fading light.

Reyansh: "Looks like the stars are starting to come out."

Riya: "I love how peaceful it is up here." She smiles, taking in the view.

As they settle onto the rooftop, the first firework bursts into the sky—a brilliant explosion of gold that illuminates the night. Riya gasps, her eyes widening with excitement as the colors reflect in her gaze.

Reyansh watches her, a secret smile playing on his lips, knowing this moment is just the beginning. More fireworks follow, painting the darkness with their brilliance. He stays silent, savoring her delight.

Riya :- Beautiful!

Each burst seems to outdo the last, filling the rooftop with dazzling flashes. Riya's excitement is palpable as she leans closer to watch.

Riya: "I’ve always loved fireworks... they’re like tiny pieces of art that disappear too soon."

Reyansh simply nods, his soul swelling with happiness as he watches her enjoy the moment. He knows the best is yet to come, and the secret plan behind it all makes it even more special.

As the night continues, the sky alive with vibrant explosions, Riya’s joy becomes the highlight, and Reyansh silently revels in her joy.

Riya: "Do you love fireworks Reyansh? They really make the night come alive."

Reyansh: Umm, I love them because the one I love insanely — my soul — adores them. Before, they felt empty to me, just fleeting bursts of light. But now, watching them with the one who owns my soul makes them feel alive.

REYANSH POV :-

"Hmm," (busy watching them) "how enchanting!" she exclaims.

I watch her, a tempest of emotions swirling within me: one part of my soul growls possessively, knowing the fireworks are blessed by her gaze, yet I am not blessed by that gaze. The other part radiates warmth, feeling reborn at the sight of her unadulterated joy. She exists, and through her mercy, I am reborn every second. She adores the fireworks, but little does she know how truly she is. Even adjectives like "beautiful" and "pretty"  etcc.. fail utterly; no words can describe even a whisper of her essence. She transcends everything, leaving those feeble labels woefully inadequate in her divine presence.

I ask her, "Riya, would you like to go around the pool area?"

She turns to me with a soft smile. "Sure."

We walk towards the poolside, her steps graceful as she moves ahead of me. I trail behind, watching her with every fiber of my being, my soul eagerly yearning for the day when I can do this with her, not as a friend but as someone she loves.

They say couples walk shoulder to shoulder, side by side as equals in everything, But that’s not what I need, Equality with her? That’s impossible, unthinkable. I don’t deserve that.

I need my jaan, my goddess, to be the one ahead of me, always out of reach, where she rightfully belongs. To walk beside her would be a disgrace to her divinity. To even think of standing beside her is blasphemy. There’s no comparison—no ground for it.

She is not just above me, she is beyond me, beyond everyone, untouchable, unparalleled.

She is my goddess, and I am her servant, pouring every ounce of my existence at her feet. My breath, my essence, my very soul—all of it is hers, offered in eternal worship.

     🌚🌚🌚

But that doesn’t mean I will settle for anything less than total devotion. I am not just a shield; I am a unyielding power, her wrath, a dominion. No one will dare even think of looking or laying a finger at her, because to even dare to think of it is to invoke a fate so merciless that even hell would turn you away—a fate so brutal that even death would tremble in terror.

Protecting her is an insult to my devotion. I own every inch of her world.  I control the very air she breathes, bending fate itself to ensure my goddess remains untouched and her life is filled with boundless happiness. I don’t merely stop threats; I erase their existence entirely before it even dares to to exist. Her world bends to my will, and nothing—nothing—will ever even think of harming her.  I am the force behind her every step, the darkness that consumes and devours anyone foolish enough to stand even think of standing in our way. She is my goddess, and I am her relentless weapon, her devastating force, her absolute power, her soul.

Walking over to the pool, my jaan exclaims, “My god! It’s so beautiful.”

Go ahead and enjoy, I reply, my heart racing.

Umm, it’s alright! she hesitates.

“Go, baba,” I urge, unable to hide my excitement.

With a playful smile, she stalks forward, dipping her leg into the water before sitting at the edge, delighting in the way the ripples dance around her. She splashes and plays, completely absorbed in the moment.

She suddenly stops, a hint of embarrassment flickering across her face.

I settle beside her, locking my gaze on her.

“Riya,” I call, my voice steady.

She meets my eyes, slightly startled. “Umm, yes?”

“Do you truly consider me your friend? Do I make you uncomfortable?” I ask, soul pounding.

“Of course I see you as a friend, and no, I don’t feel uncomfortable. Why the sudden questions?”

“If that’s the case, then feel free around me. I’m here for you, and I want to be part of this moment. Just open up—don’t hold back.”

Soon, a mischievous smile glimmers in her eyes as she splashes water on me. I can’t resist; I retaliate with a careful splash of my own, mindful not to drench her—I'd kill my very essence before letting her catch a chill.

“No, no, that will not happen,” my soul scream.

I lean closer, my voice low and intense. “If you need anything, or if you want to say something, do it without hesitation, baba. You’re my friend; you have every right to express yourself. You should order me, and I will obey without question.”

"Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not taking sides or casting blame. I know Preeti messed up but you share the fault too. I’m sure she won’t try to pull a scene like that again, but I ask you—please don’t start any arguments. I may not show it, but she’s my best friend, and seeing her hurt and crying today really affected me. I don’t want her to feel any pain; she’s a beautiful soul. It’s just that her possessiveness sometimes blinds her, leading to mistakes. I hope you understand." my jaan replies.

"Sure baba your command, is my service."

She laughs at my comment, unaware that this devoted servant will punish himself for causing her distress. Her pain tears my soul apart a million times, killing my very essence.

I slowly coax her to stand, knowing she shouldn’t sit too long. “Riya, I’ll grab some tablets and be right back.”

“Wait! I’m coming too,” she replies

I smirk as we make our way to the living room, where my medicines await. Upon reaching, I grab the vitamin tablets and swallow them down, deliberately letting her see that I’m taking my medicine.

Soon, she receives a call. After hanging up, she turns to me, her expression tinged with urgency. “Reyansh, my driver is waiting. Mom sends her apologies; she can’t come because Dad’s feeling a bit uneasy. I have to leave now. Take care. Bye."

Seeing her urgency, I respond softly, “Make sure you call me when you reach home. Take care of uncle, and don’t forget to look after yourself too. Bye.”

AUTHOR'S POV:-

The moment Riya leaves, Reyansh's eyes fall to the petals scattered on the floor, those that had been showered upon her in welcome and the ones her feet had gracefully stepped on. His soul pounders as he kneels, his fingers gently brushing each petal, his touch almost worshipful. Every fragment that touched her skin now feels sacred, pulsing with the life she left behind.

He picks them up as if they are, pieces of her soul, fragments of her existence. Each one becomes an anchor, grounding him to the moment she was still here, breathing the same air as him, filling his world with her essence. His fingers linger, tracing their softness, feeling the warmth they still carry from her presence.

Then, his eyes fall upon the delicate sheet of powder that captured her footprints. This is where her presence made the ground holy. He moves with reverence, his fingertips brushing over the faint impressions as if they were the most fragile and precious. His entire being is consumed with the need to preserve them, to hold on to every trace of her. Slowly, carefully, he lifts the sheet, ensuring that not a single print, not a single mark, is disturbed.

The petals, the footprints—they are not objects. They are touch of her divinity. They carry her warmth, her scent, her presence. He gathers them like an Insanely obsessed man, knowing that they are the only pieces of her he can keep close for now. He will worship them, just as he would worship her—with every breath, with every fiber of his being.

Because these traces were hers, and that made them sacred. And he would kill anyone who dares to think of laying a finger on them.

🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚🌚

SWEETHEARTS 💋

WE’RE NOT DONE YET—PART 3 OF WORSHIPPING THE LAND SHE WALKS ON WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN THIS WEEK! 😭

We’ve come this far, and I want to know—what scene from all the chapters updated so far did you enjoy the most?

Did you all have fun reading?

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Good Night!💫