chapter 73 - Her obsession
The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. Ira blinked awake, warmth surrounding her. It took her a moment to realize the warmth wasn’t just from the blanket—it was from the man beside her.
Aarav.
Her husband.
The words still felt new, but the emotions? They had rooted deep inside her, refusing to let go.
She turned on her side, her eyes tracing the sharp angles of his face. The strong jawline, the faint scruff covering his skin, the perfect slope of his nose, and those lips—lips that always held a smirk when he looked at her. But right now, he was at peace. His breathing was slow, steady, and his long lashes rested against his skin, making him look almost… angelic.
If only the world knew how devilish he could be.
A small smile played on her lips as she reached out, her fingertips ghosting over his face, barely touching, just tracing.
So unfair, she thought.
How could someone look this beautiful without even trying?
She had spent years admiring beauty in paintings, in poetry, in the smallest of things, but nothing compared to the masterpiece lying beside her.
Aarav stirred, a low hum vibrating from his throat as he shifted, pulling her closer.
“Morning, Mrs. Malhotra,” he murmured, voice rough from sleep.
She rolled her eyes at the smirk she didn’t even need to see to know was there. “Morning.”
His arms tightened around her. “Staring at me again?”
Ira huffed. “You wish.”
“Liar.”
She pouted. “Fine. Maybe I was.”
pushing him away before slipping out of bed. “I’m taking a shower first.”
Aarav groaned. “Fine. But don’t take too long.”
By the time she stepped out, fresh and glowing, Aarav had already stretched out of bed, heading toward the bathroom. But as she ran a towel through her damp hair, her gaze fell on something in his hand.
A trimmer.
Her eyes widened.
“Wait, what are you doing?”
Aarav glanced at her lazily. “What does it look like?”
“Put. That. Down.”
He smirked, tilting his head. “And why would I do that?”
Aarav smirked. “Why? My wife has a thing for bearded men?”
She scowled. “I do not—”
He reached for the trimmer on table, and she immediately lunged forward, grabbing his wrist.
“Ira…” His voice was full of amusement. “What is this?”
She fumbled for an excuse. “You can’t shave on an empty stomach! It’s—bad luck.”
Aarav burst out laughing. “Where do you even come up with these things?”
“Doesn’t matter,” she muttered, trying to snatch the trimmer.
Aarav held it out of reach, he pull her closer and make her sit on the counter his smirk growing. “Just say it.”
“Say what?” she asked, feigning innocence.
“That you love my beard.”
She scoffed. “You’re delusional.”
Aarav leaned in, his nose brushing against hers. “Am I?”
Her heart stuttered.
Damn him.
Her fingers itched to touch his face again, but she clenched them into fists.
“It suits you,” she mumbled.
His smirk didn’t falter. “Oh?”
Her eyes flickered to his face. “It makes you look…” she swallowed, “…undeniable.”
Aarav’s smirk slowly faded.
Ira let her fingers trace his jaw again, this time pressing a little harder, feeling the roughness of his stubble against her fingertips.
“It makes you look like power. Like control. Like a man who walks into a room, and everyone forgets how to breathe.”
Aarav’s grip on her waist tightened.
“It makes you look untouchable,” she whispered, “like something only a fool would try to ruin.”
He exhaled sharply.
Ira’s gaze flickered to his lips, then back to his darkening eyes.
“You’re…” she hesitated, voice softer now, “…beautiful, Aarav.”
His fingers slid up her back, his touch sending a shiver through her spine.
She swallowed. “And if you shave today, I might never forgive you.”
Aarav let out a low chuckle. “That serious, huh?”
She nodded, suddenly feeling shy.
He tilted her chin up. “Then I guess the trimmer can wait.”
Her lips parted in surprise. “Really?”
Aarav leaned in, brushing his nose against hers. “Really.”
Her heart flipped.
And before she could react, his lips found her cheek. Then her jaw. Then the sensitive spot just beneath her ear.
Ira sighed, her hands sliding up his chest.
Aarav pulled back slightly, smirking. “What? No scolding?”
She huffed. “Don’t push your luck.”
He chuckled, wrapping his arms around her again. “You’re adorable when you’re obsessed with me.”
She scoffed. “I am not obsessed—”
Aarav pressed another kiss to her skin, cutting her off.
And just like that, she lost the argument.
Morning Mischief & Teasing
After freshening up, Ira and Aarav made their way downstairs for breakfast. The Malhotra family was already gathered at the dining table, laughter and chatter filling the space.
As soon as Aarav announced their upcoming trip to Los Angeles, excitement erupted at the table.
“Oh-ho! A romantic getaway?” Vihaan smirked, wiggling his eyebrows.
Kabir chuckled. “Bhai, don’t forget to bring us souvenirs. Actually, just bring bhabhi back safely—we’ll handle the gifts later.”
Anika leaned in, teasing, “But Ira bhabhi, are you sure you want to go? What if bhaiya leaves you stranded in LA and runs off with a Hollywood actress?”
Ira rolled her eyes. “Oh please, if anyone is getting abandoned, it’ll be Aarav. I’ll find a handsome Hollywood actor and—”
She didn’t get to finish because Aarav shot her a sharp look, his grip on his spoon tightening.
Sunita laughed at their banter. “Just take care of yourselves, beta. And enjoy your trip.”
Nandini added playfully, “And don’t forget, Aarav, if you misbehave, Ira can always book a return flight alone.”
Aarav scoffed. “No chance. She’s stuck with me.”
Ira gave him a teasing side glance. “We’ll see.”
Morning Mischief & Teasing – Extended Scene
After breakfast, as Aarav prepared to leave for work, Ira suddenly reached for his wrist, halting him in the hallway.
He turned to her, slightly amused. "What now, Mrs. Malhotra?"
Ira smiled innocently. "Nothing."
His eyes narrowed. "Nothing? You stopped me for nothing?"
She stepped closer, playing with the lapel of his blazer. "Maybe."
Before he could react, she quickly leaned up and pressed a teasing kiss to his lips—light, playful, fleeting. Then she pulled back with a triumphant grin, watching his expression shift from confusion to realization.
Aarav blinked. "You just—"
"Yes," she interrupted, smirking.
His jaw ticked. "You just teased me?"
She bit her lip and nodded, her eyes dancing with mischief.
Aarav exhaled slowly, dragging his tongue across his lower lip as if tasting the remnants of her bold move. Then, in one swift motion, he grabbed her by the waist, pulling her back against him. "You do realize this means war, right?"
Ira’s eyes widened, but before she could respond, he tilted her chin up, his lips ghosting over hers. "You started this, sweetheart," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin.
Ira’s heartbeat raced, but just as she was about to fall into his trap, a loud gasp made them both freeze.
"Oh my god!"
Ira turned her head sharply to see vihaan, anika and Kabir standing at the staircase, eyes wide with amusement.
"Bhabhi is teasing bhaiya now?" Anika smirked. "Well, well, well. The Aarav Malhotra, speechless and blushing? What a sight."
Ira’s face turned red as she stepped back, but Aarav groaned, rubbing his temples. "You trio have the worst timing."
Vihaan folded his arms. "I never thought I’d live to see the day someone made you flustered, Aarav. Well done, Ira bhabhi."
Ira laughed nervously, sneaking a glance at Aarav, who was trying his best to maintain his usual composure but was failing miserably.
"Oh-ho, bhaiya, you’re actually blushing," Kabir teased, walking closer. "Tell me, what does it feel like to be caught acting like a lovesick teenager?"
Aarav rolled his eyes, grabbing Ira’s hand. "Come on, we’re leaving before they start writing a book on this."
As they walked off, Ira whispered, "For the record, I definitely won this round."
Aarav smirked, looking down at her. "Enjoy your little victory while it lasts, Mrs. Malhotra," he whispered back. "The war has just begun."
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