Chapter 23 - The First Date （A Game of Teasing and Chemistry）
Ira stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection.
She had chosen a midnight blue saree, simple yet elegant, with delicate silver embroidery along the borders. Her long hair cascaded in soft waves down her back, and a tiny bindi rested between her brows.
She wasn’t sure why she had put in so much effort.
It’s just a contract marriage.
It’s just a casual dinner.
Then why was her heart racing?
A soft knock on the door made her turn.
“You’re taking forever,” Aarav’s voice came through the door, laced with amusement.
Ira rolled her eyes and opened it—only to freeze.
Aarav Malhotra stood there in a perfectly tailored black suit, looking like he had stepped out of a high-end magazine. The crisp white shirt underneath only made his sharp features more intimidatingly attractive.
His eyes flickered over her, darkening slightly. “You clean up well, Mrs. Malhotra.”
Ira huffed. “So do you, but I won’t inflate your ego by saying it.”
Aarav smirked. “Too late, sweetheart.”
Ira clicked her tongue. “Let’s go before I change my mind.”
The restaurant was exquisite—a rooftop setting with fairy lights hanging above, overlooking the entire city. Soft instrumental music played in the background, and the golden glow of candlelight made the evening feel strangely intimate.
Ira looked around, slightly uncomfortable. “You really didn’t have to go this fancy.”
Aarav leaned back in his chair, sipping his whiskey. “You’re my wife. Of course, I did.”
Ira narrowed her eyes. “Contract wife.”
Aarav smirked. “Still my wife.”
She groaned. “Do you always have to win?”
He placed his glass down, tilting his head. “I don’t win, I just don’t lose.”
Ira picked up her fork and pointed it at him. “One day, Aarav Malhotra, I will win.”
His lips curled. “I’d like to see you try.”
A female waiters come to take order she complement ira "mam you look beautiful"
Ira blush and aarav noticed after taking order she left aarav said, "Mrs malhotra when I complement you, you didn't blush but when she you blush why so? "
"Because Mr. Malhotra I love it when girls call me pretty ladko ka kya hai unhe toh sab achi lagti hai"
His pov:-
She thinks boys like anyone they saw but I'm a man "her man" And I only like her only *her*
Soon dinner arrive.......
After dinner, Aarav stood up and extended his hand.
Ira raised a brow. “What?”
He nodded toward the small dance floor where couples were swaying to soft music. “Dance with me.”
Ira laughed. “You dance?”
Aarav gave her a smug look. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”
She crossed her arms. “What if I say no?”
Aarav smirked. “Then I’ll remind you to whom you belong sweetheart.”
Ira gasped. “That is not how this works!”
Aarav leaned down, his voice dangerously soft. “Then enlighten me, sweetheart. How does this work?”
Her breath hitched.
This man.
This infuriating, frustratingly handsome man.
With a scowl, she placed her hand in his. “Fine. But if you step on my feet, I’ll sue you.”
Aarav chuckled. “Noted.”
As they stepped onto the dance floor, Aarav’s hand rested lightly on her waist, pulling her just close enough to make her pulse stutter.
Ira placed her hand on his shoulder, trying to focus on the music. But how could she when he was looking at her like that?
“You’re tense,” he murmured.
She scoffed. “You would be too if you were dancing with someone who always tries to make you nervous.”
Aarav’s lips twitched. “I make you nervous?”
Ira clenched her jaw. Damn it. Walked right into that one.
She quickly changed the subject. “Tell me something about yourself that no one knows.”
Aarav raised a brow. “Why?”
“Because we should at least pretend to know each other. Imagine if someone asks me what my husband likes, and I have no idea.”
Aarav thought for a moment. “Fine. I hate strawberries.”
Ira’s eyes widened. “What? But they’re amazing!”
Aarav shrugged. “They taste like disappointment.”
Ira laughed. “Oh, you are impossible.”
Aarav smirked. “Your turn. Tell me something no one knows.”
Ira hesitated, then sighed. “I used to suck my thumb until I was eight.”
Aarav burst out laughing.
Ira gasped. “Shut up!”
He grinned. “That explains why you’re still so childish.”
She smacked his arm. “I take back my confession.”
Aarav chuckled, twirling her effortlessly.
For a moment, the world blurred around them, and it was just them.
No contract.
No complications.
Just stolen glances, soft laughter, and an unspoken connection neither of them wanted to admit.
As the song ended, Aarav slowly let go of her.
“Not bad,” he murmured.
Ira crossed her arms. “See? I didn’t step on your feet.”
Aarav smirked. “Yet.”
She huffed. “You are—”
Before she could finish, he leaned in slightly, his voice teasing.
“You’re blushing, Ira.”
Her eyes widened. “I am not!”
He simply smirked, stepping back. “Whatever helps you sleep at night, sweetheart.”
Ira glared. “You’re the worst.”
Aarav chuckled. “And you love it.”
Ira turned on her heel. “I’m leaving.”
Aarav grabbed her wrist, stopping her. “Not without me.”
Ira sighed dramatically. “Fine. But if you tease me one more time, I’m going to mess with your important files.”
Aarav chuckled. “I dare you.”
And just like that, their first date ended.
Not with confessions.
Not with promises.
But with a challenge.
And neither of them were ready to lose.
______________
So my dear readers please vote for the story if you like it...... And let me know your opinion in the comments section for now byeee....