chapter 82 - Back to Chaos
The soft hum of the private jet filled the air as Ira leaned back into the plush leather seat, letting out a small sigh. Outside, the sky was painted in hues of deep blue and gold, the sunset stretching across the horizon like a masterpiece crafted just for them.
Aarav sat beside her, his fingers lazily tracing patterns on the back of her hand. "Tired?" he asked, his deep voice carrying the warmth of someone who had spent the past few days making sure she smiled more than she had in months.
She shook her head, tilting her face toward him. "Just… I don’t want this trip to end," she murmured, her eyes reflecting the last golden rays of the sun.
Aarav smirked, his grip tightening around her hand. "Then let’s never land," he teased, pulling her gently until she was nestled against his chest. "We’ll just keep flying forever. You, me, and this jet."
Ira chuckled, her fingers playing with the buttons of his crisp shirt. "That’s not how the world works, Mr. Malhotra."
His arms wrapped around her, securing her in place. "It does when you're rich enough." His tone was half-teasing, but the way he looked at her held something deeper—something unspoken.
She turned slightly in his embrace, her cheek pressed against his heartbeat. "You know, for a man who claimed he doesn’t believe in love, you’re acting very… romantic."
Aarav leaned in, his lips brushing against her temple. "It’s not romance. It’s just you," he whispered. "You turn every moment into something I never thought I’d crave."
Her breath hitched.
The dim cabin lights added a dreamy glow around them, and for a moment, Ira swore they were in their own world—one where responsibilities, contracts, and deadlines didn’t exist.
"You’re getting good at this whole husband thing," she teased, looking up at him with a small smile.
Aarav’s fingers trailed along her jaw before tilting her face up to his. "And you’re getting too comfortable teasing me," he muttered before closing the distance between them.
His lips met hers in a slow, indulgent kiss, stealing her breath like he had all the time in the world. The kind of kiss that made her toes curl, made her forget where they were—only that she was his, and he was hers.
The jet hit a slight turbulence, making her clutch his shirt, but Aarav only smirked against her lips. "Scared?"
"Not when you’re holding me," she admitted, hiding her face against his chest.
Aarav’s hand moved to the small of her back, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Then I guess I’ll never let go."
And in that moment, high above the world, wrapped in his arms, Ira believed him.
Aarav shifted slightly, adjusting their position so Ira was practically draped over him, her legs tucked beside him as he leaned back against the seat. He grabbed the soft cashmere blanket from the armrest and wrapped it around her, cocooning her in warmth.
"Comfortable?" he asked, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
Ira hummed, snuggling closer. "Too comfortable. You might have to carry me when we land."
A lazy smirk stretched across his lips. "I wouldn’t mind. In fact, I should make it a habit—carrying my wife everywhere so she never has to lift a foot."
She giggled, poking his chest playfully. "You sound ridiculous."
"And yet, you love it," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
The jet continued soaring through the endless sky, the only sound between them being the occasional soft rumbles of turbulence and the rhythmic thump of Aarav’s heartbeat against her ear. The warmth of his body, the steady rise and fall of his chest, and the security of his arms made Ira feel like she was exactly where she belonged.
Aarav reached for a tray beside him, lifting the cover to reveal a small bowl of chocolate-covered strawberries. He picked one up and held it near her lips, raising an eyebrow expectantly.
"Feeding me now?" she teased.
He gave her a look. "I spoil what’s mine."
The possessiveness in his voice sent a shiver down her spine. She took a slow bite, letting the sweetness melt on her tongue, but before she could fully enjoy it, Aarav leaned in and stole a kiss—tasting the chocolate straight from her lips.
Ira gasped, eyes widening. "Aarav!"
"What?" he said innocently, licking the chocolate from the corner of his lips. "You tasted sweeter than the strawberry. Can’t blame me for wanting more."
She buried her face in his chest, cheeks burning. "You are impossible."
"And you are mine," he whispered against her hair, tightening his arms around her.
Minutes passed in peaceful silence, with Aarav lazily running his fingers through her hair. The gentle movements made Ira drowsy, and soon, her eyelids grew heavier.
Feeling her body relax against him, Aarav whispered, "Sleep, Ira. I’ll wake you when we land."
She barely managed to mumble a soft "Mm-hmm" before drifting into a deep slumber, safe in the warmth of his embrace.
And for the first time in a long time, Aarav didn’t feel restless. Holding her like this, watching her sleep peacefully in his arms, he realized—this wasn’t just comfort.
This was home.
The jet touched down smoothly at Mumbai’s private airport, the golden glow of city lights greeting them as they stepped onto the tarmac. Aarav had barely let Ira take a step before guiding her straight into their waiting car, his hand resting possessively on her waist.
As the car slipped into the night, the familiar streets of Mumbai passed by in a blur of neon lights and honking traffic. Ira leaned against the seat, stretching her legs with a soft sigh, while Aarav loosened his tie, his gaze drifting outside.
At a red signal, the car slowed to a stop. On the sidewalk, a group of kids played with a broken tire, their laughter echoing through the air. Aarav’s expression softened, a rare, unguarded smile tugging at his lips as he watched them.
Ira noticed.
She tilted her head, studying him. "You love kids?" she asked curiously.
Aarav’s gaze didn’t leave the children as he answered, "Being honest? Yeah, I love kids. You know… I never knew I did until Natasha came into my life."
A smile appears on ira lips hearing Natasha's name. She had seen Aarav with her a lot of times, the way his usually cold demeanor melted when the she demanded his attention.
Aarav leaned back against the headrest, a nostalgic glint in his eyes. "That’s when I decided—I want to have five daughters."
The car was silent.
Ira blinked. Then blinked again.
"Wh-at—five daughters?!" she nearly choked, turning to stare at him in horror.
Aarav, completely unaffected by her reaction, shrugged. "Yeah. Five."
"F-f-f-five?" she repeated, still processing. "Aarav, do you even realize what you're saying?"
His lips twitched, clearly enjoying her shock. "What’s so surprising?"
"What’s so—Aarav!" she gasped, flailing her hands. "Five daughters?! That means five pregnancies! Five deliveries! Five times of me—going through—through all that pain?! Are you insane?!"
Aarav chuckled, turning to her with a teasing glint in his eyes. "You make it sound like I’m asking for the impossible. It’s just five."
"JUST FIVE?!" Ira practically shrieked.
Aarav laughed now, genuinely entertained by her reaction. He reached over, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Relax, Ira. We have time. I wasn’t saying we’ll have them all at once."
Ira’s face burned as she glared at him. "Oh, how generous of you, Mr. Malhotra," she huffed. "Because five at once would be impossible!"
Aarav smirked. "Not if they’re quintuplets."
Ira gasped, smacking his arm. "Aarav Malhotra, I swear—"
Before she could continue her dramatic outburst, Aarav suddenly grabbed her hand and kissed her palm, silencing her. "Fine," he murmured, looking into her eyes with that same intense gaze that always stole her breath. "Then at least three daughters."
Ira narrowed her eyes. "Two."
"Three."
"Two."
Aarav sighed dramatically. "Ira, don’t be cruel."
She folded her arms. "One."
He raised an eyebrow. "Now you’re just being difficult on purpose."
She stuck out her tongue. "Maybe."
Aarav chuckled, shaking his head as he pulled her closer, his fingers lazily tracing circles on her waist. "Fine. We’ll negotiate later. But mark my words, Mrs. Malhotra—you’re giving me daughters."
Ira rolled her eyes but felt her heart do a funny little flip at the way he said daughters—like he already loved them, like he could already see them in his future.
She sighed dramatically. "Let’s see if you even survive handling one first, Mr. Malhotra."
Aarav smirked. "Challenge accepted."
The signal turned green, and the car smoothly drove off into the Mumbai night, leaving behind the sound of children’s laughter and carrying with it the unspoken promise of a future that was yet to come.
The car rolled through the grand gates of the Malhotra mansion, and before Ira could even step out properly, she heard it—the familiar sound of chaos.
"YOU IDIOT! THAT WAS MY PHONE!" Anika’s frustrated yell echoed through the vast courtyard.
"Well, maybe if you weren’t always glued to it, it wouldn’t have fallen!" Kabir shot back, smirking.
"UGH! I SWEAR, KABIR, I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!"
Aarav sighed, rubbing his temple, while Ira bit her lip to hold back a laugh. "So, same old?" she whispered.
"Same old," Aarav muttered.
The moment they stepped inside, a wave of warmth and energy hit them. Hitesh and Nandini were in the living room, shaking their heads at their kids’ antics, while Rajesh and Sunita were already standing with open arms to welcome their son and daughter-in-law.
Ira was instantly pulled into a warm hug by Sunita, while Aarav received an affectionate pat from his father.
"You both had a long trip. Welcome home," Rajesh said with a rare softness in his voice.
Aarav gave a small nod, but before he could respond—
"BHABHI!!"
Anika ran straight to Ira, practically tackling her in a hug. "Oh my god, I missed you so much!"
Vihaan smirked from behind. "What’s this? You missed bhabhi but not bhai?"
Anika snorted. "Please, I see his scary face in my nightmares."
Aarav raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
She gulped. "I mean… I used to! Not anymore… maybe…"
Kabir burst out laughing, earning a glare from Aarav.
"You little—"
Aarav lunged for him, but Kabir dodged behind Anika. "Save me, Ani!"
"You wish!" Anika stepped aside, leaving Kabir to fend for himself.
Ira watched in amusement as Aarav and Kabir playfully wrestled, their usual tension replaced with an unexpected ease.
For the first time in years, Aarav was truly engaging with his siblings.
No cold glares. No distant nods.
He was laughing—actually laughing—as he pushed Kabir onto the couch. "Still think you can outrun me?" Aarav taunted.
Kabir groaned. "Damn it, bhai, you’re still too fast."
"Obviously." Aarav smirked.
Anika folded her arms. "Hmph. I still don’t trust this sudden friendly Aarav. What’s going on?" She squinted at him suspiciously.
Aarav rolled his eyes. "Nothing is going on, Anika. I just realized it’s been a while since I tortured you two properly."
Anika gasped. "OH GOD, HE’S BACK TO HIS DEMON ERA!"
Kabir fake cried. "Bade maa! Bade papa! He’s bullying us!"
Hitesh chuckled. "I think you three deserve it after all the mischief you’ve caused."
Sunita shook her head with a fond smile. "At least he’s home and happy. That’s all that matters."
Ira, standing beside Aarav, slipped her hand into his. He glanced down at her, a knowing look passing between them.
She knew why he was finally opening up.
Because for the first time in years—he wasn’t alone anymore.
He had her.
And maybe, just maybe, that was all the warmth he ever needed.
But of course, some things never changed—
Like his possessiveness over Anika.
"By the way," Aarav said, turning to his younger sister with a look. "You haven’t been talking to any random guys while I was gone, right?"
Anika groaned. "Oh my God, not again!"
Kabir burst out laughing. "She totally has."
"SHUT UP, KABIR!"
Aarav’s eyes narrowed. "Anika."
"What?" she huffed. "Bhaiya, you seriously need to chill."
"Not happening," Aarav stated flatly. "If any guy so much as looks at you wrong—"
Anika threw her hands up. "Bhabhi! Control your husband!"
Ira giggled but shook her head. "Sorry, Anika. This is not a battle I can win."
Aarav smirked. "Exactly."
As the mansion echoed with laughter and teasing, Ira found herself smiling.
Because for the first time, Aarav Malhotra was home—not just in a house, but with his family.
And this time, he wasn’t just a cold, distant brother.
He was truly theirs.