Chapter 40 - Shopping, Jealousy & His Way of Claiming Her
The Malhotra family’s shopping trip for Holi had turned into complete chaos, just as expected. Vihaan and Kabir were already at war with color packets, Anika was busy recording their stupidity, and Sunita was shaking her head at them all.
But Ira? She was lost in the festive vibe, her heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time.
"First Holi after marriage…" she whispered to herself as she admired a white Anarkali suit. It was perfect. Simple, elegant, and just what she wanted.
But before she could even take it to the counter, a strong, familiar hand snatched it from her grasp.
"Not this."
Ira turned to Aarav, frowning. "Why not? It’s beautiful."
Aarav didn’t say anything at first. He just stared at her, his dark eyes unreadable. Then, replacing the white outfit, he held up a deep red one.
"Wear this," he said, his voice firm.
Ira’s brows knitted together. "Why red?"
Aarav’s gaze flickered, his jaw tightening slightly. "Because I want you to."
Her heart did that stupid fluttering thing again. His words weren’t romantic, but the command in them sent warmth through her veins.
"Fine," she mumbled, taking the dress.
But inside, she knew this wasn’t just about the outfit.
His Way of Claiming Her
The shopping trip was coming to an end when Ira heard a familiar voice.
"Ira? Hey!"
Turning around, her eyes widened as she saw Amit, an old college friend. He was smiling at her, just as cheerful as she remembered.
"Oh my god, Amit!" Ira smiled, genuinely happy to see him.
But just as she was about to continue the conversation, a heavy arm wrapped around her waist.
Aarav.
Ira felt her breath hitch as he pulled her against his side, his grip possessive and unyielding.
Amit’s smile faltered slightly as his eyes shifted between them. "Uh… I was just telling Ira that we were planning a small Holi gathering—"
"She won’t be free." Aarav’s voice was cold.
Ira stiffened. "Aarav—"
"She’s celebrating Holi with her family and with her husband," he continued, his fingers pressing into her waist.
Amit blinked. "Oh… uh, I didn’t realize—"
"You do now." Aarav’s voice was final.
Ira felt heat rise to her cheeks—not from embarrassment, but from the way Aarav was holding her, touching her, claiming her.
Amit awkwardly nodded and left. The moment he did, Ira turned toward Aarav, pushing at his chest. "What was that?"
"What?" he said, completely unaffected.
"That! The whole ‘she’s celebrating Holi with her husband’ thing."
Aarav shrugged, walking ahead. "It’s the truth."
Ira narrowed her eyes before a slow smirk spread on her lips. "Aarav Malhotra, were you… jealous?"
His steps paused. Just for a second.
And that was all she needed.
"Oh my god, you were!" she grinned, catching up to him.
Aarav said nothing, his face impassive, but Ira saw the way his fingers twitched.
"You could’ve just said so, you know." She poked his arm playfully. "Instead of scaring my poor friend away—"
"Do you think this is funny?" Aarav’s voice dropped as he suddenly turned, making her stumble back against the shopping cart.
Ira gasped as he caged her between his arms, his towering presence making her pulse race.
"I don’t share what’s mine." His voice was low, sending shivers down her spine.
Ira swallowed. "Aarav, he was just a—"
"I don’t care." His fingers brushed against her cheek, his thumb pressing against her lower lip. "You’re mine."
Ira’s breath hitched as his lips hovered dangerously close to hers. His scent, his warmth, everything about him was intoxicating.
And then—he pulled back.
Ira blinked, completely thrown off. "That’s it?"
Aarav smirked. "What? You wanted more?"
Ira’s cheeks burned. "I—I didn’t say that!"
Aarav chuckled, taking the shopping bags and walking off like nothing had happened.
And Ira? She stood there, heart racing like an idiot.
Back home, Ira was still buzzing from what happened earlier. Aarav has been acting different lately—more possessive, more intense.
And now, as they lay in bed, he was distant.
He hadn’t pulled her into his arms. He hadn’t whispered anything in her ear. Nothing.
Ira frowned before boldly crawling over to him.
"Are you still mad?" she whispered, resting her chin on his chest.
Aarav exhaled through his nose, not looking at her.
Ira smirked. "You know… I kinda liked it when you got jealous."
Aarav’s eyes flicked to her. "I wasn’t jealous."
"Mmm… sure." She traced a finger down his chest. "So, you wouldn’t mind if I called Amit and—"
Before she could even finish, Aarav flipped her onto her back.
Ira let out a startled gasp as he hovered over her, his body pressed against hers.
"Say his name again, and I’ll make sure you don’t speak at all." His voice was dangerously soft.
Ira swallowed hard. Oh. Oh.
"Aarav—"
But her words died as he tilted her chin up and captured her lips in a slow, possessive kiss.
Ira melted into him, her fingers tangling in his hair as he kissed her deeply, claiming every part of her.
When he finally pulled away, his lips brushed against her ear. "Don’t test me, Mrs. Malhotra."
Ira, breathless and dazed, could only nod.
And just like that, Aarav pulled her into his arms and fell asleep—holding her even closer than before.
Ira woke up feeling warm, safe, and trapped.
Trapped in Aarav’s arms.
Somehow, during the night, his grip on her had tightened. His arm was draped around her waist, his fingers lightly gripping her hip. His face was buried against her neck, his breath sending soft shivers down her spine.
And the worst part?
He wasn’t even awake.
Ira’s cheeks burned as she realized just how close they were. His body molded into hers, his warmth surrounding her, his touch lazy yet possessive.
"Aarav," she whispered, trying to move.
Bad idea.
His arm tightened instantly, pulling her even closer as a deep groan rumbled in his chest.
"Aarav!" she gasped, her hands pressing against his chest.
His brows furrowed slightly, still half-asleep. "Hmm?"
"Let me go!" she whispered urgently.
Instead of responding, Aarav nuzzled against her neck, mumbling something inaudible before sighing deeply.
Ira froze.
What the hell was he doing?!
Her heart was beating wildly, her entire body on fire as he continued to hold her like she was his comfort.
"Aarav," she tried again, softer this time.
This time, his arms loosened slightly, but he didn’t let go completely. Instead, he lifted his head just enough for their eyes to meet.
His hair was a mess, his voice husky from sleep as he mumbled, "You talk too much in the morning."
Ira scowled. "And you hold on too much in the morning!"
Aarav smirked—a lazy, sinful smirk—before he finally rolled onto his back, releasing her.
Ira immediately sat up, her face hot, her heart racing.
She turned to him, ready to argue, but—
He had already shut his eyes again, looking completely relaxed, smug, and annoyingly irresistible.
"Unbelievable," she muttered, grabbing her pillow and smacking him before storming out of bed.
Aarav chuckled, stretching lazily. "Good morning to you too, wife."
Ira ignored him. She needed distance.
Or else she was going to lose her mind.
Today she didn't go to the office as she had to prepare for holi and aarav also didn't go because she didn't go
Later that morning, Ira was helping Sunita in the kitchen when she suddenly felt a presence behind her.
Before she could turn around, a hand slid around her waist.
"Careful," Aarav murmured in her ear, "the oil is hot."
Ira’s breath caught as he eased her back against him, his hand steadying her waist.
Sunita smiled knowingly. "Aarav, if you’re so worried, why don’t you take her outside?"
Aarav didn’t move. Instead, his fingers brushed against her wrist, lingering. "I will. But first…" His eyes flickered to her hand. "You’re not wearing your bangles."
Ira blinked. "What?"
"Your wrists look empty," Aarav murmured, his fingers lightly tracing over them. "Where are they?"
Ira was speechless.
Sunita laughed softly. "Beta, if you love seeing her in bangles so much, why don’t you buy her some?"
Aarav’s gaze didn’t leave Ira. "I will."
Ira’s lips parted in surprise.
Sunita smiled and walked away, leaving Ira completely flustered.
"Aarav, you’re acting—"
"Like your husband?" he finished smoothly.
Ira swallowed hard.
Before she could respond, Aarav simply pressed a lingering touch to her wrist and walked away.
And Ira?
She just stood there. Blushing. Heart pounding.
Later that night, Ira was sitting in the balcony, staring at the bangles Aarav had bought for her earlier.
They were simple yet beautiful, red and gold, shimmering in the soft light.
"You’re staring too much," Aarav’s voice broke the silence.
Ira turned to see him leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed.
"I was just thinking… why did you buy them?" she asked, tilting her head.
Aarav walked toward her, stopping just inches away.
"Because I like how they look on you."
Ira’s heart skipped a beat.
"That’s it?" she whispered.
Aarav held her gaze.
"And because every time you wear them… it reminds me that you’re mine."
Ira felt breathless.
Aarav reached for her wrist, his fingers brushing over the bangles once again.
"I told you, Mrs. Malhotra," his voice was low, intense. "I don’t share what’s mine."
Ira couldn’t look away.
Not when his touch sent shivers through her.
Not when his eyes held something deeper.
And definitely not when her heart had already surrendered to him.
Even if she didn’t want to admit it yet.