Chapter 21 - When Words Cut Deep
The kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of freshly kneaded dough, but the air between Ira and Aarav was anything but warm.
She still couldn't believe he had just asked her for a date.
Her heart was already beating too fast from the way he had leaned in, whispered near her ear, and looked at her with that unreadable expression.
And now… he was standing in front of her, sleeves rolled up, casually kneading dough like it was the most natural thing in the world.
What is happening?!
Ira scoffed, shaking her head. “A date? Really?”
Aarav glanced at her, completely unfazed. “Yes. Any problem?”
She crossed her arms. “Why are you suddenly being so sweet? Did you forget something?”
His hands stilled slightly, but he didn’t say anything.
She let out a dry laugh, stepping closer. “Aarav, did you forget that this is a contract marriage? That this—” she gestured between them “—is temporary?”
His jaw clenched.
But she didn’t stop there. She didn’t notice how his fingers curled into the dough, how his posture stiffened.
“I don’t understand why you’re acting like this,” she continued. “First, the possessiveness at the lake, now this? Why are you playing these husband-wife games?”
Aarav turned to face her fully now, his face unreadable, but his eyes…
Something flickered there. Something dark.
And Ira felt a sudden, strange regret.
He didn’t lash out. He didn’t argue.
Instead, he let out a humorless chuckle, shaking his head as if she was the one being foolish.
“You’re right,” he said, his voice eerily calm. “I must’ve forgotten.”
Ira frowned. “What—”
Before she could finish, he wiped his hands on a napkin, turned around, and walked out.
Ira stood there, blinking.
Wait. That’s it?
Usually, he would have some snarky comeback, something to tease her, maybe even argue—but this?
Something about the way he left felt… wrong.
But she ignored it.
She ignored the strange heaviness in her chest.
He’s probably in a bad mood. He’ll be fine.
Hours Passed… But He Didn’t Come Back
Ira expected him to return by lunchtime.
Then, by evening.
But when dinner was served and he still wasn’t home… she started to worry.
She tried not to let it show, especially in front of the family.
“He must be working late,” she told herself. “Or maybe at a meeting.”
But Aarav never missed dinner.
Even when he was drowning in work, he always came home on time.
She checked her phone, debating whether to call him.
But then she shook her head. No. Why should I?
If he wanted to stay out, that was his choice.
Yet, as the night stretched on and the house grew quieter, her worry only increased.
Where was he?
It was past midnight when she finally gave in.
She grabbed her phone, hesitating for a long moment before finally calling him.
The phone rang once… twice…
No answer.
Her stomach twisted.
She tried again.
Still nothing.
Her heart started pounding.
Aarav always answered. Even if it was just to tell her he was busy, he always picked up.
Ira bit her lip, pacing the room.
A horrible thought crept into her mind—what if something had happened?
No. She shook her head. Don’t overthink.
But what if—
The door suddenly creaked open.
Ira turned sharply, her breath hitching—only to find vihaan standing there, rubbing his eyes sleepily.
“Bhabhi?” he mumbled. “You’re still awake?”
Ira tried to compose herself. “Uh… yeah. Just… not sleepy.”
Vihaan yawned, leaning against the door. “Are you waiting for Bhai?”
Her throat went dry. “No! Why would I—”
Vihaan gave her a knowing look.
Ira sighed, running a hand through her hair. “…He didn’t come home.”
Vihaan frowned now, his sleepiness vanishing. “What?”
She nodded. “I tried calling him, but—”
Before she could finish, vihaan pulled out his phone and called Aarav himself.
They both waited.
Ringing.
More ringing.
No answer.
Now vihaan looked concerned.
“He always answers,” he muttered. “when he would come home late.”
Ira’s heart squeezed painfully.
He’s mad… because of me.
Vihaan glanced at her. “Did you two fight?”
Ira swallowed. “Not really… I just… I said something.”
“What?”
She hesitated. “nothing just husband and wife silly fight.” (she can't tell him that she reminds him about their contract marriage)
Vihaan’s expression darkened slightly. “Oh.”
Ira fidgeted with her fingers. “…Was it that bad?”
Vihaan sighed. But, Bhabhi, you don’t get it.”
She frowned. “Get what?”
Vihaan looked at her carefully, as if debating whether to say it. Then, he sighed.
“Bhai has always been alone.”
Ira blinked. “What?”
Vihaan rubbed the back of his neck. “I mean, yeah, we’re his family, but… he never lets anyone get close. Not really. He’s always been this cold, untouchable person. But with you…”
He gave her a small, knowing smile.
“With you, he’s different.”
Ira’s heart skipped a beat.
Vihaan continued, “I’ve never seen him cancel a meeting for someone. Or ask for a date.” He raised an eyebrow. “Do you really think it was just a joke?”
Ira swallowed.
Oh.
She hadn’t thought about it like that.
She had been so busy convincing herself that nothing between them was real, that she hadn’t noticed how much it meant to him.
And now… he was gone.
At 2 AM
Ira lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing.
She hated this.
She hated how empty the bed felt without him.
She hated that she kept glancing at her phone, waiting for a call or a message.
She hated that she had hurt him.
And most of all… she hated that she cared.
With a frustrated sigh, she sat up and hugged her knees.
“Where are you, Aarav?” she whispered.
And why does it feel so wrong without you here?
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