Chapter 26 - A Storm Brewing
Ira sat at her desk, typing out an email, but her mind was nowhere near her work.
Her pulse was still erratic from what had happened in Aarav’s office. The way he had caged her in. The way his eyes had darkened with raw possession.
She exhaled sharply, trying to push the thoughts away.
This is your job now, Ira. Stay professional.
But how could she, when her boss was also her husband—and he clearly didn’t believe in keeping those two roles separate?
She could still feel his presence from across the office. He hadn’t looked at her since she left his cabin, but she knew he was aware of her every movement.
And then there was Ritika.
Ira didn’t miss the way Ritika had been watching her. Calculating. Smirking, as if she knew something Ira didn’t.
Something about that woman didn’t sit right with her.
“Are you sure about this?” Meghna, Ritika’s friend and co-worker, asked hesitantly.
Ritika gave her a sly smile, adjusting her blouse in the mirror. “Oh, absolutely.”
She turned, looking at Meghna. “Aarav Malhotra is a creature of habit. He doesn’t like change. And right now, Ira Sharma is change.”
Meghna frowned. “But he seems… different around her.”
Ritika scoffed. “That’s exactly why we need to fix this. You’ll see. By the end of the day, Aarav will realize that bringing his little wife into the office was a mistake.”
She grabbed a file and confidently walked out of the restroom.
It was time to strike.
Ira had just finished compiling a report when a message popped up on her screen.
Ritika: The boss needs you in the conference room. Urgent.
Frowning, Ira stood up, straightened her saree, and made her way there.
As soon as she stepped inside, the door clicked shut behind her.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Ritika was leaning against the long table, arms crossed, smirking.
Ira’s stomach twisted.
“Where’s Aarav?” she asked cautiously.
Ritika let out a low chuckle. “Relax, sweetheart. It’s just us girls.”
Ira’s grip on her notepad tightened. “Why did you call me here?”
Ritika pushed off the table, slowly walking toward her. “I just wanted to chat. You know, clear the air. After all, we’ll be working together now.”
Ira didn’t trust her. Not for a second.
Still, she forced a polite smile. “Of course. What do you want to talk about?”
Ritika tilted her head. “You.”
Ira blinked. “Me?”
“Yes, darling.” Ritika’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “You see, I don’t think you belong here.”
Ira’s stomach clenched, but she kept her expression neutral. “That’s not for you to decide.”
Ritika laughed. “Oh, but it is. You’re inexperienced, Ira. Do you really think you got this job because of your skills?”
Ira’s breath caught.
Ritika leaned in slightly. “You’re here because you’re his wife.”
Ira’s heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to let Ritika see any weakness.
She lifted her chin. “And what if I am? It doesn’t change the fact that I’m here to work. And I intend to prove myself.”
Ritika smirked. “Oh, honey. You won’t last.”
Before Ira could respond, the door swung open violently.
Both women turned in surprise.
Aarav stood there, his jaw tight, his eyes burning with barely contained fury.
“Ira,” Aarav’s voice was sharp, commanding.
Ira swallowed and took a step back from Ritika. “Yes?”
His gaze snapped to Ritika. “Leave.”
Ritika raised a perfectly arched brow. “Aarav—”
“I said, leave.” His tone was ice-cold, cutting through the air like a blade.
Ritika clenched her jaw, but she knew better than to push further. She shot Ira one last look before strutting out of the room.
As soon as she was gone, Aarav turned to Ira, his expression unreadable.
“What did she say to you?” he asked.
Ira shook her head. “Nothing I can’t handle.”
Aarav took a slow step toward her. “That’s not what I asked.”
Ira hesitated. She didn’t want to seem weak. Didn’t want him to think she needed his protection.
But the intensity in his gaze told her he already knew.
“She… implied that I don’t belong here,” Ira admitted quietly.
A muscle ticked in Aarav’s jaw. His anger was barely restrained.
“Ira,” he said, his voice low and firm. “If anyone tries to belittle you, you come to me. Understood?”
Ira frowned. “Aarav, I can fight my own battles.”
His lips pressed into a thin line. “You shouldn’t have to.”
Something in his voice, in the possessiveness of his words, made Ira’s breath hitch.
For a long moment, they just stood there, the air between them heavy.
Finally, Aarav exhaled. “Go back to work.”
Ira nodded and turned to leave, but before she reached the door, his voice stopped her.
“Ira.”
She turned, meeting his gaze.
Aarav’s expression was dark, dangerous. “Stay away from Ritika.”
Ira’s fingers curled around the door handle. Something told her this was just the beginning.
Ira stepped into the Malhotra mansion, her body still buzzing with tension from the day’s events. She had barely placed her handbag on the console table when she heard a voice behind her.
“You’re late today, bahu.”
She turned to see Dadaji, sitting on the plush sofa, hir gaze calm yet observant.
Ira smiled softly and walked over, touching her feet for blessings. “Work got a little hectic today.”
Dadaji nodded, watching her closely. “Hmm… And how was your first day?”
Ira hesitated for a second before responding, “Good. A little overwhelming, but good.”
Dadaji's sharp eyes caught the flicker of hesitation.
Before she could question her further, another voice interrupted.
“Oh ho! Our new working bhabhi has arrived!”
Ira turned to see kabir,, said in a teasing grin on his face.
“How does it feel to be the boss’s wife and employee at the same time?” he smirked.
Ira chuckled. “Exhausting.”
Kabir laughed, shaking his head. “Well, get used to it, Bhabhi. Bhai is a workaholic. You’ll probably start having business meetings over dinner soon.”
Ira’s smile faltered for a second. Would it really be like that?
Just then, she heard footsteps approaching.
Aarav had entered the house.
The moment Aarav stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted.
His eyes immediately found Ira, scanning her face for any signs of discomfort. She knew he was still thinking about what happened at the office.
Dadaji and Kabir noticed it too.
Dadaji cleared his throat. “Aarav, beta, since Ira is working now, make sure you take care of her too.”
Aarav’s eyes didn’t leave Ira as he responded, “I always do.”
His voice was calm, but Ira could sense the underlying possessiveness.
Kabir smirked. “Oh, we can see that, Bhai.”
Aarav shot him a look, and Kabir held up his hands in surrender.
Dadaji sighed, shaking her head. “Alright, enough teasing. Ira, freshen up and come downstairs for dinner.”
Ira nodded and made her way to their bedroom.
But before she could step inside, Aarav caught her wrist.
Ira turned, startled. “Aarav?”
He closed the door behind them and let go of her wrist.
For a moment, there was silence.
Then, in a quiet yet firm voice, he asked, “Did Ritika say anything else?”
Ira stiffened. “Aarav, I told you, I can handle—”
“Ira.”
His tone left no room for argument.
She sighed, looking away. “She just tried to shake my confidence. That’s all.”
Aarav’s jaw tightened. He took a slow step closer. “I should have fired her a long time ago.”
Ira’s eyes widened. “Aarav, no. I don’t want you to make office decisions based on—”
“You’re my wife,” he interrupted. “I won’t let anyone humiliate you.”
Ira exhaled. The intensity in his voice made her heart race.
She placed a hand on his chest, her touch hesitant but firm. “And I won’t let you make rash decisions because of me.”
Aarav stared at her, his gaze unreadable.
Then, slowly, his hand covered hers.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The air between them crackled with unspoken tension.
Finally, Aarav murmured, “Fine. But if she crosses the line again… I won’t hold back.”
Ira knew there was no arguing with him.
She just nodded.
Aarav exhaled, as if trying to control the storm inside him.
“Freshen up,” he finally said. “I’ll be waiting downstairs.”
With that, he walked out, leaving Ira breathless and overwhelmed.
She touched her wrist where he had held her earlier.
This marriage was supposed to be temporary.
So why did it feel like she was getting trapped deeper and deeper every day?
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"Did you feel that? The tension is building… and the next chapter? Oh, it’s going to be INTENSE. Are you ready? ?? Vote, comment, and let me know what you think so far!"