chapter 17- A New Beginning
The golden rays of the morning sun slipped through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. The peaceful silence was only broken by the rhythmic sound of breathing.
Aarav stirred first, his body feeling unusually warm, cocooned in a softness he wasn’t used to. It took him a second to realize why.
Ira was in his arms.
Not just close—but completely tangled with him. Her face was buried in his chest, one of her hands still clutching his shirt like a lifeline. Her leg had somehow slipped between his, and the steady rise and fall of her breathing sent a strange sensation through him.
Aarav didn’t move. He just lay there, watching her, feeling the way her body fit against his like she belonged there.
He had pulled her close last night, expecting her to push him away. But she hadn’t. Instead, she had held onto him in her sleep.
The realization made something stir in his chest.
Carefully, he lifted his hand, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She looked peaceful—nothing like the fireball that had been throwing daggers at him the previous day.
A small smirk tugged at his lips.
She had been so jealous.
It was new. Unexpected. And damn if it didn’t amuse him.
Just as he was about to tease her about it, she stirred, shifting slightly. He felt the moment she woke up—the way her body tensed, her fingers flexing against his shirt.
Then, suddenly, she froze.
Aarav bit back a chuckle, waiting for her reaction.
One second.
Two.
Three—
And then, in a split second, she jerked away from him as if she had been burned.
Ira’s eyes widened, sleep completely forgotten as she stared at him in shock. “You—why—what—”
Aarav stretched lazily, completely unbothered. “Good morning to you too, wife.”
Ira’s face heated as she scrambled out of bed, adjusting her saree in a panic. “Why were you—why was I—”
He raised a brow. “Why were you clinging to me in your sleep?”
Her mouth opened and closed like a fish before she sputtered, “I-I was not!”
Aarav smirked, leaning back against the headboard, arms crossed. “Sure you weren’t.”
Ira huffed, grabbing the blanket and throwing it at him. “I’m going to get ready.”
She marched into the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind her, leaving Aarav chuckling to himself.
Oh, he was going to enjoy teasing her about this.
Downstairs, the Malhotra family was already at the dining table when Ira walked in, her expression still slightly flustered. She composed herself quickly, greeting everyone with a polite smile before heading toward the kitchen.
Aarav entered a few minutes later, looking as effortlessly powerful as always, his crisp black suit perfectly in place.
Kabir, of course, was the first to comment. “Bhai, you’re glowing this morning. Did something good happen?”
Aarav’s smirk was barely there, but Ira knew. She knew he was enjoying this way too much.
Ira turned away, focusing on serving food, determined to ignore him.
Usually, she would place his cup of coffee on the table before he even sat down. But today, she didn’t.
Aarav immediately noticed. His eyes flicked to the empty spot in front of him, then to Ira, who was deliberately avoiding looking at him.
He leaned back in his chair, amusement flickering in his gaze. “Ira.”
She turned slightly, pretending to be busy with something. “Hmm?”
“Where’s my coffee?”
Her grip on the serving spoon tightened. Taking a deep breath, she finally looked at him, her expression completely neutral.
“Go ask your so-called friend for it.”
Silence.
Then—Kabir burst into laughter.
“Oh my God,” he wheezed. “Bhabhi is still mad! This is GOLD!”
Aarav’s jaw tightened as he ran a hand over his face, trying to hide his smirk. He had expected her to be annoyed, but this level of coldness was new.
“Bhabhi,” Kabir continued dramatically, “don’t be so cruel. Bhai might actually cry.”
Ira ignored him, setting a plate in front of Vihaan before turning to leave.
But before she could walk away, Aarav grabbed her wrist, stopping her in place.
She turned, startled.
He didn’t say anything at first—just held her gaze, his fingers firm around her wrist.
“Are you done with this tantrum?” he asked, his voice low, teasing yet serious.
Ira narrowed her eyes. “Are you done with your friends?”
Aarav sighed, releasing her. He picked up his phone and sent a message to his assistant.
A few seconds later, he looked up at her and said, “Sit.”
She hesitated, crossing her arms. “Why?”
Aarav’s expression was unreadable as he leaned back. “Because I canceled my morning meetings. We’re going out.”
Kabir choked on his juice.
The entire table fell silent.
Rajesh stared at Aarav as if he had lost his mind. “You… canceled meetings? You?”
Even Vihaan looked impressed. “Damn, Bhai. Is the company going to survive without you for a few hours?”
Aarav ignored them, his eyes still on Ira. “Go get ready.”
She frowned. “Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.”
Ira wanted to argue, but something in his tone made her pause. For the first time, she saw something different in his eyes—something softer, something just for her.
And for some reason, she couldn’t say no.
As she turned to leave, Kabir clapped his hands.
“Ladies and gentlemen, not only has Aarav Malhotra come home early twice, but now he’s willingly skipping work?! This is HISTORY!”
Aarav threw a napkin at him.
Kabir dodged it, laughing. “Bhabhi, you have truly changed this man.”
Ira felt her heart skip a beat.
Had she?
She didn’t know.
But as she glanced at Aarav one last time before heading upstairs, she couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe—just maybe—she wasn’t the only one changing.
As soon as Aarav and Ira disappeared up the stairs, the dining table erupted with excitement.
Kabir was the first to speak, dramatically placing a hand over his heart. “I can’t believe what I just witnessed. Aarav Malhotra, the workaholic, heartless businessman, actually canceled his meetings for his wife?”
Rajesh shook his head in disbelief. “I never thought I’d see the day. Beta, are you sure you’re feeling okay?”
Vihaan smirked, sipping his coffee. “He’s not sick. He’s just in love.”
Sunita raised a brow. “Is he?”
“Of course!” Kabir exclaimed. “First, he comes home early. Then, he lets Bhabhi win arguments. And now, this? He’s changing, Dad. Big time.”
Nandini (his chachi) , smiled warmly. “It’s a good change, though. Ira is bringing warmth into his life.”
Hitesh (his chacha) nodded thoughtfully. “He has always been responsible, but emotions… he’s never been good at those. Maybe Ira is exactly what he needed.”
Kabir wiggled his eyebrows. “I think he needs more than just her presence, if you know what I mean—”
Anika smacked him lightly on the arm. “Shut up, Kabir.”
He laughed. “Come on! Even you all saw how he was looking at her. Our stone-hearted Aarav bhai has finally cracked!”
Vihaan chuckled. “I don’t think he’s cracked yet, but he’s definitely on his way.”
Rajesh sighed, his voice thoughtful. “Ira is good for him. She’s patient, kind… and unlike anyone he’s ever met before.”
Sunita (his mom) smiled. “And the best part? She’s not trying to change him. She’s just being herself, and it’s making him change on his own.”
Kabir grinned. “So, what’s next? Will we see Bhai actually smile in public? Hold Bhabhi’s hand without pretending ?”
Vihaan smirked. “Maybe he’ll actually admit his feelings soon.”
Hitesh exhaled. “Let’s not rush him. Aarav has always been guarded. But if anyone can break down those walls, it’s Ira.”
Nandini eyes twinkled with hope. “And when he does… it’ll be beautiful.”
The family shared a knowing glance.
Aarav Malhotra was changing.
And whether he admitted it or not—everyone could see it.