Chapter-49
Abhimanyu and Aarushi stood side by side. Their hands moved in sync, washing the dishes from breakfast-Aarushi applying the soap while Abhimanyu rinsed and placed them aside. It was a simple, domestic moment, yet there was something undeniably intimate about it.
As Aarushi wiped her hands on a towel, she turned to Abhimanyu. "I'm going to take a bath."
Abhimanyu, still drying his hands, nodded. "Okay"
She hesitated for a moment before asking, "What about my clothes?"
A slow, knowing smirk spread across his lips. " I already placed them on the left shelf in the closet."
Aarushi nodded and turned on her heel, she walked toward the stairs. Just as she reached them, his teasing voice called after her.
"By the way, do you need any help in bathing?" He leaned against the counter, a mischievous glint in his dark eyes. "You know, to save water."
Aarushi rolled her eyes, her face heating up. "No, thanks!" she shot back, rushing up the stairs.
But Abhimanyu wasn't done yet. "Please, I'll only help you wash," he added in a mockingly innocent tone. "And I promise I'll be very thorough. You know, every inch and all."
Her heart pounded as she reached the upstairs But then an idea struck her. A smirk of her own formed on her lips as she called out, "If you can reach the bathroom in the next ten seconds, you can."
The challenge had barely left her lips before she heard heavy footsteps racing up the stairs. With a startled laugh, she quickly stepped inside, slamming the door shut just as Abhimanyu reached it.
"Too late, dear husband," she teased breathlessly.
He leaned against the door, panting slightly. "Baby,You can't do this to me." She giggled. "The chance is gone."
There was a pause before he said, "Please, I'll do anything you say. Just let me in."
Aarushi considered his words, her fingers tapping against the wooden surface. "Anything?"
"Yes."
"Pakka promise?"
"Pakka promise."
Grinning, she unlocked the door. The moment it swung open, Abhimanyu stepped inside, his dark eyes watching her intently.
As the door clicked shut behind him, Abhimanyu leaned against it, a slow smirk tugging at his lips as he took in Aarushi's flushed face.
She folded her arms, giving him a pointed look. "You promised. No funny business."
Abhimanyu raised his hands in mock surrender. "I am a man of my word," he said, though the mischief dancing in his dark eyes said otherwise.
Aarushi narrowed her gaze, skeptical but knowing she had asked for this challenge herself. With a small huff, she turned toward the bathtub, turning on the water.
The sound of running water filled the room as she dipped her fingers in to check the temperature.
Abhimanyu stepped closer, standing behind her, his chin resting lightly on her shoulder. "Do you need help testing the water too?"
Aarushi passed him abore look but couldn't stop the smile tugging at her lips. "No, thank you. But since you're here, you can pour in the bath oil"
Abhimanyu chuckled, reaching for the small glass bottle she handed him. He poured a generous amount into the water, watching as it swirled, turning the surface into a creamy, foamy haven.
Aarushi took a deep breath, enjoying the calming scent before stepping in. The warmth immediately soothed her muscles, and she let out a sigh of relief.
She looked up to see Abhimanyu watching her, his gaze soft but filled with something unreadable.
When he moved to take off his shirt, Aarushi quickly turned away, her cheeks burning.
"Jaan" Abhimanyu teased, his voice dripping with amusement. "Are you seriously acting shy now? After everything?"
She kept her gaze on the water, biting her lip. "It's just... you're... you know..." Abhimanyu chuckled, stepping in behind her.
The tub was spacious, but with the way he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her waist, it suddenly felt smaller.
Aarushi leaned back against his chest, her fingers tracing idle patterns on the surface of the water. "This is nice."
Abhimanyu pressed a kiss against her temple. "I told you I'd behave."
She let out a soft giggle. "For now."
His hands moved to her shoulders, kneading gently, his fingers working through the tension. Aarushi sighed at the sensation, melting into his touch.
"You're really good at this," she murmured, eyes fluttering shut.
"I should be. I plan on taking care of you for the rest of my life," he replied, his voice low and sincere.
Aarushi's heart swelled at his words. She turned slightly, meeting his gaze. "You already do."
Abhimanyu smiled, brushing away a damp strand of hair from her cheek. He held her gaze for a moment before reaching for the loofah.
As the water wrapped around them in a soothing embrace, the soft laughter and whispered words between them created a world of their own-one where love and warmth thrived, and time ceased to exist.
After taking bath Aarushi stepped out of the bathroom, clutching her towel tightly around her as she hurried into the closet. Her wet hair clung to her neck, droplets trailing down her skin.
Her eyes fell on the neatly folded hoodie sitting on the shelf with her undergarments.
Only a hoodie.
Her brows furrowed as she rummaged through the shelves, searching for a pair of pants. But there were none. Not a single one.
Her lips parted in realization.
That bad man.
He had definitely done this on purpose. Sighing in frustration, she pulled on the hoodie anyway, the fabric falling mid-thigh. It wasn't that bad.
Just as she was fixing the sleeves, the closet door creaked open.Aarushi turned and then-her heart stopped.
Abhimanyu stepped inside, bare, his skin still damp, beads of water tracing sinful paths down his toned chest, his sculpted abs glistening under the soft lighting. His sharp collarbones, the defined ridges of his body-every inch of him exuded effortless dominance.
He wasn't even trying, yet he looked like he had stepped straight out of some forbidden fantasy.
Aarushi froze, her fingers tightening around the hem of the hoodie.
It didn't matter how many times she had seen him like this-it never got easier.
Every single time felt like the first time. Every single time left her breathless, her throat tightening, her pulse betraying her. And the worst part? He knew it.
Her breath hitched as she instinctively turned her gaze away, her body burning with a familiar, helpless shyness that she couldn't shake no matter how much she tried.
But then, because she was her own worst enemy, she glanced back.
Biggest. Mistake. Ever.
Her eyes traveled down before she could stop them, taking in the strong planes of his chest, the deep grooves of his abs, the sharp V-line that--
Heat exploded in her cheeks so fast it made her dizzy. Her stomach tightened, her throat went dry, and her fingers twitched, curling into her palm as if that would somehow help her escape the overwhelming warmth flooding her body.
She immediately jerked her head away again, squeezing her eyes shut.
Why did he have to be like this?
Why did he have to walk in like he owned the world-like he owned her very sanity-without a single shred of shame?!
"Abhi" she squeaked, voice higher than she intended.
He hummed lazily, grabbing a towel and rubbing it through his damp hair as if nothing were out of the ordinary.
Her face burned instantly. She averted her gaze, swallowing hard. "Y-You... don't feel even a little awkward?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
He smirked, still rubbing the towel against his hair. "Why would I?" His tone was deep, teasing. "I know you like what you see."
Her entire body stiffened. No matter how many times she saw him, no matter how much time passed, she could never look at him naked without feeling like her entire body wanted to shut down from sheer embarrassment.
She swallowed hard, determined not to react, but the moment she heard his lazy chuckle, she knew she was failing miserably.
And then, the worst thing again happened. Her traitorous gaze flickered down for a fraction of a second.
A moment too long.
Abhimanyu's smirk deepened.
"Aha," he murmured, eyes glinting. "I was correct ,so you do like what you see."
Aarushi squeaked and looked at him with wide eyes "I-I wasn't looking"
"Liar." The way he said it-low, slow, teasing-made her want to combust on the spot.
She squeezed her eyes shut, mortified beyond belief. "Just-just wrap the damn towel"
Abhimanyu exhaled, dragging out the moment far too long before he finally-and very slowly-wrapped the towel around his waist.
"Fine," he murmured, stepping impossibly close until his breath ghosted over her temple.
Then, in a voice far too smug, far too Abhimanyu, he whispered, "But just so you know... I'm only covering up because I don't want you fainting from excitement."
Aarushi's jaw dropped.
Her entire face flamed with outrage. "Haww...faint or me..huh, leave it " she scoffed.
She shot him a murderous glare before storming out of the closet, her ears still burning, her heart hammering like a war drum.
Behind her, Abhimanyu chuckled, shaking his head as he watched her flee.
Too damn adorable.
After few minutes~
Abhimanyu sat on the plush couch in the living room, his long fingers lazily flipping through tv remote, though his attention was barely on it.
Aarushi, perched behind him with a mischievous glint in her eyes, was diligently working on his hair, separating it into tiny sections and tying them with colorful rubber bands.
"This is not what I agreed for," Abhimanyu grumbled, his brows furrowing as he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror across the room.
Aarushi giggled, tugging lightly at his hair as she completed another tiny braid. "You said anything 'Mr I am man of my words'. I'm just holding you to your word."
He groaned dramatically, throwing his head back against her lap. "I meant anything reasonable ,jaan. Not this.....humiliation"
"Oh come on this is perfectly reasonable," she quipped, patting his head like he was a child. "Besides, you look adorable."
"I do not."he retorted rolling his eyes.
Aarushi bit her lip to suppress her laughter. "Oh, but you do! You look like the cutest little-"
"Don't say it," he warned, narrowing his eyes at her.
"-princess." She finished with a triumphant smile making Abhimanyu groan"You are such a tease"
"And you, my dear husband, are completely helpless against me," she teased, finishing the last braid and securing it with a bright pink rubber band.
She picked up her phone, ready to capture the moment. "Now, let's take a picture."
Abhimanyu's eyes widened. "Absolutely not" He reached forward to snatch the phone from her hands, but Aarushi was quicker, holding it out of his reach.
"Please," she pouted, her big, pleading eyes softening his resolve.
Abhimanyu sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose."Not that face again" He handed her phone back saying only one.
Triumphantly, Aarushi clicked a picture, her giggles filling the room. But before she could take another, Abhimanyu lunged, pinning her down on the couch and tickling her sides.
"A-Abhi! Stop-ah! No, no!" Aarushi squealed, squirming beneath him as laughter bubbled from her lips.
"Not so fun now, is it?" he smirked, continuing his playful assault.
"I-I take it back! You're not a princess! You're a-a fierce warrior!" she gasped between laughs.
Satisfied, Abhimanyu finally relented, his arms caging her as he gazed down at her, his playful expression melting into something softer. His thumb traced the outline of her cheek as he whispered, "We'll always be like this, won't we?"
Aarushi's laughter faded,her heart clenched at his vulnerable tone. She cupped his face. "Of course we will."
He swallowed, vulnerability flickering in his eyes. "You won't leave me, no matter what?"
She leaned in, her lips brushing against his forehead. "You are my home, Abhi. There's nowhere else I'd rather be."
A deep sigh left his lips as he turned his face, pressing a lingering kiss to her palm, which was still on his cheek. Then, without another word, he laid his head against her chest, wrapping his arms around her as if he were afraid she'd slip away.
"I won't let you leave,"he murmured, but it sounded more like a vow to himself than to her.
Aarushi's fingers slipped into his hair, undoing the tiny braids as she held him close, feeling the steady beat of his heart against her own. "You won't have to," she whispered, pressing a kiss to the crown of his head. "I'm right here, always."
The sun dipped low, casting a warm glow across the villa balcony where I nestled against Abhimanyu, my back resting comfortably in his lap.
We spent the entire day immersed in heartfelt conversations, savoring each moment together.
The air was filled with laughter as we playfully teased one another, creating an atmosphere of warmth and joy.
Every exchanged glance and gentle smile deepened our connection, making it a truly enchanting experience. It is perfect.
A gentle breeze danced around us, rustling the leaves of the potted plants lining the railing. I felt safe, cocooned in his presence, as we drifted into the familiar rhythm of conversation.
"You know,"I began, the memories bubbling to the surface, "I always wanted to be a dancer."
"Really?" His voice held a hint of surprise, encouraging me to continue.
"Yeah. I remember sneaking into the living room, pretending I was performing on stage. My dad caught me once, and…" I paused, a smile tugging at my lips. "He said I looked like a flailing fish."
Abhimanyu caressed my head and said "A flailing fish, huh? That's one way to kill a dream."
"Right" I shifted to face him, resting my chin his chest. “I tried to take dance classes, but Dad didn’t like it. He wanted me to focus on my studies. Said dancing wouldn’t lead to anything worthwhile."
“You can follow your dreams now.I can––” His eyes sparkled with warmth, his encouragement tangible.
I didn't let him complete and shook my head, an easy smile fading. "No, I’m happy being a teacher. I get to share my love for learning with kids. It feels… right."
He nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face as his fingers brushed my hair behind my ear. I picked up my phone and saw him a group photo of me ,Sid and Rohan. It captured a moment of pure joy—my
arms outstretched, a big grin plastered across my face, my hair flying in the wind.
"Look at this" I beamed, a rush of nostalgia flooding my chest. "I was a little whirlwind"
He studied the picture, a soft smile playing on his lips. Suddenly, his expression shifted, a flicker of something deeper in his gaze. My heartbeat quickened as I watched him, curiosity piqued.
"What’s on your mind?" I asked.
His eyes remained fixed on the image, but I saw the warmth in them morph into something more intense. "I was just thinking… one day, our daughter would also look like you."
My breath caught. The thought filled me with a warmth I hadn’t anticipated.
"Tell me about your childhood" , I said, hoping to shift the mood back to lightheartedness. "I don’t know much about it."
He stiffened, his smile faltering. A shadow passed over his face, and I noticed the way his grip tightened around me.
"Hey, what’s wrong?" I asked, concern prickling at the edges of my heart.
"It's nothing special,"he said too quickly, shaking his head as if to dismiss my worry.
"Still, Tell me." I leaned forward, searching his eyes for the truth. “Even if it’s special, normal or bad, I want to know."
He hesitated, his throat working as he swallowed hard. The air around us thickened with unspoken words, and I sensed a storm brewing beneath his calm surface.
"Alright," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. “My childhood… it was different."
I held my breath, bracing myself for what was to come.
"My parents…" He paused, his brow furrowing. "They saw me as a bad omen when I was born. My father believed I brought misfortune."
I felt my heart ache for him, but I stayed silent, urging him to go on.
"Suddenly everything starting slipping from my father’s hand. He thought it was my fault. After that, everything changed," he continued, his voice trembling.
"He started taunting me, calling me a curse. I pleaded with them to listen, but no one ever did.Even not his wife"
I reached for his hand, intertwining my fingers with his. He looked down, momentarily lost in the connection.
"It escalated, baby. One day, he…"His voice cracked, and I squeezed his hand tighter. "He killed his wife right in front of me."
A gasp escaped me, my stomach twisting in horror. "Oh, Abhi..." I had a sense that he had some conflicts with his father, but I had no idea he was dealing with so much more.
He was seriously a psychopath . It's understandable that he—or anyone else—might avoid talking about his parents given what he's been through.
"He didn’t care what I said. He just kept telling me I was the reason for all his pain," he said, his voice barely a whisper now. "But one day—Bade papa—he found out. He made sure my father was arrested."
I swallowed hard, my chest heavy with sympathy.
"After that I was sent to a hostel ," he said, the pain etched on his face.
"But you know, I survived. And now, I’m here with you.
I thought there was nothing good about my past, but now I see it differently.
I suffered to have a better future with you. "
Tears welled in my eyes, a rush of empathy flooding my heart. I couldn’t fathom the weight he carried, the scars hidden beneath his strong exterior.
The image of him as a child, small and vulnerable, being subjected to such cruelty, made my stomach churn. He's so good, I thought, a wave of protectiveness washing over her. So soft. How could anyone be so monstrous? He himself was a curse for everyone,my bua , for abhi or whom not.
How much strength does it take to survive that?
How? How could anyone treat him like this? Him, who was always so gentle, so kind.
How could someone look at him and see anything but pure goodness? My heart pounded with anger, my hands clenching into fists. I could feel a dark rage creeping into me. If I ever saw his father, I would—
"Murder," I muttered under my breath, gripping his shirt tighter. 'I swear if I ever see him, I’ll take your gun and shoot him myself."
Abhimanyu suddenly tilted my chin up, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Are you seriously plotting his murder right now?" I huffed, glaring. "Yes, I am."
A deep chuckle rumbled from his chest as he pulled me closer. "Jaan, there’s no need to even think about him." I frowned.
He kissed the top of my head and whispered, "He’s already rotting in prison for everything he did."
A deep sigh left me, but the anger still simmered beneath my skin. I wrapped my arms around him tightly, pressing my face into his chest. "Good. He deserves worse."
Abhimanyu held me, his grip warm and secure. "You don’t have to carry this anger for me, baby"
I looked up at him, my voice firm. "I will. Because you deserved so much better."
His eyes softened as he leaned down, pressing his forehead against mine. "I have best now."
And with those words, the anger in my heart melted, leaving only love in its place.
He looked into my eyes, sincerity pouring from his gaze. "It shaped me, but it doesn’t define me. I want you to know that."
I nodded, feeling the warmth of his love enveloping me like a protective shield.
"Promise me something," I said, my voice steadying. "No matter how dark it gets, you’ll always share your truths with me."
He paused for a minute but smiled softly, the corners of his mouth lifting. "I promise."