Chapter 36 - his baby side
The evening was supposed to be simple.
Attend the business gala. Network with the big names. Maintain a professional image. Return home.
But of course, nothing was ever simple with Aarav Malhotra.
The ballroom of the Grand Imperial Hotel shimmered under the glow of golden chandeliers, the air rich with the scent of expensive colognes, fine wine, and freshly cut roses. Waiters in crisp uniforms moved elegantly through the crowd, offering champagne and hors d’oeuvres. The murmur of deep conversations and quiet laughter filled the space.
Ira adjusted her maroon saree, the deep red fabric hugging her curves perfectly. She had kept her look simple yet elegant—a diamond-studded choker, soft waves in her hair, and minimal makeup.
Aarav, standing beside her in an impeccably tailored black tuxedo, looked as commanding as ever. His presence alone was enough to turn heads, and the moment he stepped into the ballroom, conversations slowed, eyes subtly drifting toward him.
Ira had grown used to it by now—his aura, his effortless ability to command attention. But tonight, something was off.
The Warning Signs
It started with the way he accepted a glass of whiskey the moment they arrived.
Aarav wasn’t a heavy drinker, especially not at business events where maintaining a clear mind was crucial. But tonight, he was sipping too easily, his fingers tapping against the glass absentmindedly as he listened to conversations.
Then came the second drink.
The third.
Ira’s eyebrows furrowed. “Aarav, slow down.”
He glanced at her, eyes slightly darker than usual, and smirked. “Why?”
“You know why.”
His smirk widened, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he wrapped a possessive arm around her waist and turned back to the conversation with an investor.
Ira sighed. Maybe he’d stop now.
He did not.
By the time he was on his fourth drink, the change in him was undeniable.
Aarav Malhotra—the ruthless, intimidating businessman—was getting… soft.
Instead of his usual sharp replies, he was chatting. Instead of his usual cold demeanor, he was smiling. Instead of politely nodding during conversations, he was staring at Ira like she was the only thing that mattered in the room.
And then, the real disaster began.
The Chaos Unfolds
“Iraaa,” Aarav’s voice came in a deep drawl as he leaned close, resting his chin on her shoulder.
She stiffened. “Aarav, what are you doing?!”
His lips brushed against her ear as he whispered, “You smell so nice.”
Her entire body turned rigid.
The businessman they were speaking to awkwardly cleared his throat and looked away, pretending not to notice how the Aarav Malhotra was acting like a love-drunk fool.
Ira’s face burned. “Aarav, stand up straight!” she hissed under her breath.
He hummed lazily, nuzzling against her shoulder before pulling away with a dazed smile. “Why? I like it here.”
Her heart nearly stopped. He was drunk. Completely, utterly, stupidly drunk.
She turned to the businessman, forcing a polite smile. “Excuse us for a moment.”
Grabbing Aarav’s arm, she dragged him toward a quieter corner of the ballroom.
“Aarav, what the hell—”
“Ira.”
She paused. “What?”
His fingers brushed against her cheek, his gaze soft. “You look so beautiful tonight.”
Her breath caught.
“You always do,” he added, voice low and sincere. “But tonight… you’re glowing.”
Ira blinked rapidly. “You’re drunk.”
He grinned. “Doesn’t mean I’m lying.”
She groaned, rubbing her temples. “We’re leaving. Now
Convincing Aarav to leave was one thing. Getting him out without causing a scene was another.
Every few steps, he stopped.
First, to wave at someone he thought he knew. (He didn’t.)
Then, to compliment the chandelier. (“It’s so shiny, Ira!”)
Then, to hug her. In public. (“I love my wife,” he declared loudly.)
By the time she finally got him outside, she was ready to throw him into the car.
“Come on,” she muttered, opening the passenger door.
Aarav shook his head. “No.”
Her eyes twitched. “No?”
“I wanna sit in the back.”
“…Fine. Get in.”
He did—but not before yanking her inside with him.
“Wha—Aarav!” she shrieked as he pulled her onto his lap.
“Mmm. Comfy,” he murmured, wrapping his arms around her.
Ira froze. “You—You—”
He buried his face in her neck. “You smell so good.”
Her entire body burned.
“Ira?”
“What?!”
Halfway through the drive, he mumbled, "Ira, let's forget the contract."
Her hands tightened on the steering wheel. "What?"
"The contract," he repeated, his words softer now. "Let's forget about it. Let’s live like a real couple."
Her heart skipped a beat.
"Aarav, you’re drunk. You don’t mean what you’re saying."
"But I do," he insisted, sitting up straighter. "I don’t want to pretend anymore. I want this... us... for real."
Ira swallowed hard, her chest tightening with emotions she wasn’t ready to face.
By the time they reached home, Aarav had become even clingier.
"I can walk by myself," he grumbled as she helped him out of the car.
"Really?" she challenged. "Because you almost fell three times in the last two minutes."
He pouted again, and she had to physically stop herself from laughing.
Once inside, she led him to their bedroom. He sat on the bed, watching her with sleepy eyes as she grabbed a fresh pair of clothes for him.
"Come on, change," she said, handing him the clothes.
Aarav, instead of taking them, reached out and pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Aarav…" she warned.
"I don't wanna change," he murmured, resting his head against her stomach. "I just want to stay like this."
Ira sighed but let her fingers run through his hair. "You're impossible, you know that?"
He hummed against her, his arms tightening slightly.
After a few minutes, she made him change into his nightwear while she changed into her own. When she came back from the washroom, he was already lying on the bed, watching her with soft eyes.
"Come here," he whispered.
Ira hesitated.
"Please," he added.
Something about his voice, about the way he looked at her, made her heart ache.
Slowly, she climbed onto the bed, and he immediately pulled her into his arms, burying his face into her hair.
"Sleep, Aarav," she whispered.
His grip tightened. "Don't leave."
She closed her eyes. "I won’t."