chapter 83 - His Favorite Distraction
Ira stirred in her sleep as the soft morning light filtered through the curtains. A strong arm was wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer into a familiar warmth. She blinked, her eyes adjusting to the dim light of the bedroom, and found herself trapped in Aarav's embrace.
She turned slightly, her heart fluttering at the sight of his peaceful face. He looked so different in his sleep—relaxed, almost boyish. A rare sight, one she had come to cherish.
She smiled softly and ran her fingers through his hair. "Aarav, wake up," she whispered.
He groaned, burying his face in the crook of her neck. "Five more minutes."
Ira giggled. "If we don’t get up now, we’ll be late for breakfast."
Aarav sighed heavily, tightening his grip around her. "Let them wait."
Ira playfully smacked his arm. "Your family is waiting!"
Aarav exhaled sharply and finally opened his eyes. He stared at her for a moment before smirking lazily. "Fine, but only because you asked so sweetly."
—
The dining hall was already lively when Aarav and Ira arrived.
"Bhai, finally! I thought you'd spend the whole morning with bhabhi and forget about us," Kabir teased, earning a glare from Aarav.
Anika grinned. "Don’t blame him, Kabir. Our dear bhabhi has bewitched him."
Ira blushed. "Nothing like that—"
Vihaan, sipping his coffee, smirked. "Aarav bhai actually showing up for breakfast willingly? That’s new."
Aarav rolled his eyes and took his seat. "Don’t push it, Vihaan."
Anika huffed. "You’re always so grumpy! Ira bhabhi, tell me, is he at least sweet to you? Or is he like this all the time?"
Ira hesitated before smiling softly. "He has his moments."
Vihaan chuckled. "That means yes."
Kabir leaned forward. "See, bhai? You’re changing. Next thing we know, you’ll actually start enjoying our company."
Aarav gave him a sharp look. "Don’t get ahead of yourself."
Virendra Malhotra, sitting at the head of the table, observed them with a satisfied smile. "It's good to see you all together. Just like a family should be."
Aarav glanced at his grandfather before shifting his gaze to his siblings, who were all busy teasing each other. For the first time in a long time, he didn't mind the chaos. Maybe, just maybe, he was finally letting himself belong.
And maybe, Ira was the reason behind it.
—
After breakfast, Aarav and Ira headed upstairs to get ready for the office. As always, Ira picked out a saree, draping it perfectly around herself while Aarav stood near the wardrobe, adjusting his cufflinks. He turned to glance at her, his eyes darkening as he took in her appearance.
"You always wear sarees," he mused, stepping closer.
Ira smiled. "I like them."
Aarav smirked, running his fingers lightly along the exposed skin of her waist. "I like them too. Especially on you."
She shivered at his touch, swatting his hand away playfully. "We’ll be late."
He leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear. "Let them wait."
Ira laughed, pushing him away. "Aarav!"
He chuckled, finally stepping back to grab his blazer. "Fine, let’s go before you scold me more."
—
As they walked downstairs, Anika caught sight of them and smirked. "Bhabhi, you’re glowing. Is bhai the reason?"
Aarav shot her a warning look while Ira blushed furiously. Kabir laughed. "Don’t tease too much, Anika. We don’t want bhai to get all possessive."
Vihaan smirked. "Too late for that. He already looks like he’s ready to murder someone."
Aarav pinched the bridge of his nose. "All of you are insufferable."
Virendra chuckled from the couch. "You’re lucky, Aarav. Not everyone gets to experience such love and warmth."
Aarav glanced at Ira, who was smiling softly at him. His chest tightened. Maybe his grandfather was right. Maybe he was lucky after all.
He reached for Ira’s hand, intertwining their fingers as they walked out the door together, heading toward their car. And for once, he didn’t care who was watching.
----
Ira she stepped into Malhotra Industries. The professional air of the office was a stark contrast to the chaos that had become her life with Aarav Malhotra.
She had barely settled at her desk when her phone vibrated. A message from Aarav.
Aarav: Mrs. Malhotra, my cabin. Now.
Rolling her eyes, she muttered, "He's so dramatic," but her heart raced anyway. Whenever he called her to his cabin, it was rarely ever for work.
Sighing, she pushed her chair back and made her way to his office. As soon as she entered, she saw Aarav leaning against his desk, arms crossed, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"What now, Mr. Malhotra? Another fake emergency just to get me here?" she asked, raising a brow.
Aarav feigned offense. "Fake emergency? Ira, you're breaking my heart. I missed my wife. That’s an emergency, isn’t it?"
She scoffed. "You saw me literally ten minutes ago."
"Exactly. That's ten minutes too long." His voice dropped, playful yet deep, as he walked toward her, his hands slipping around her waist effortlessly.
Ira tried to push him away. "Aarav, we are in the office! People will—"
"People won’t enter unless they have a death wish," he murmured against her ear, making her shiver.
Before she could retort, his lips pressed against hers—soft but firm, teasing yet possessive. She gasped against his mouth, and that was all the invitation he needed. His hand traveled to the small of her back, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss.
After what felt like an eternity, he pulled away just enough to whisper, "Now you can go back to work."
She blinked up at him, breathless. "You are impossible."
"And you love it." His smirk grew. "Now, go before I find another reason to keep you here."
Shaking her head, she turned to leave, but just as she opened the door, she found herself face-to-face with Aarav's best employee, Rohan. His eyebrows shot up at the sight of her slightly flushed face and the way Aarav was still leaning against his desk, looking far too pleased with himself.
Rohan smirked. "Ah, so this is why I’ve been waiting outside for five minutes. You two should just put a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door."
Ira turned bright red. Aarav, completely unfazed, simply shrugged. "Good idea. I'll get one made." He then looked at Ira with a devilish glint in his eyes. "With a lock, too."
She gasped, smacked his arm, and walked out, mumbling something about "shameless husbands." Aarav chuckled, watching her leave, already counting the minutes until he could steal her away again.
Rohan clapped a hand on Aarav's shoulder. "You’re a lost cause, my friend."
Aarav only smirked. "I know. And I love it."
---
Back at her desk, Ira tried to focus on work, but it was impossible when her husband was texting her every five minutes.
Aarav: I need you again.
Ira: For work?
Aarav: No, for moral support. The office feels cold without you.
Ira: Aarav, stop distracting me!
Aarav: Fine. But only if you promise to have dinner with me in my cabin.
Ira: Fine!
She sighed, shaking her head with a smile. This man was going to be the death of her. But if she was being honest… she didn’t mind at all.
_______
Oh my god finally, after a lot of try I'm able to upload this chapter and please don't forget to vote