Chapter 43
The morning sunlight filtered softly through the sheer curtains, casting golden streaks across the silk sheets tangled around us. My bare back was pressed against Rudra's chest, his arm draped lazily over my waist, pulling me impossibly closer.
I blinked awake, only to feel his warm breath grazing the curve of my neck.
"You're awake?" I whispered, my voice still husky from sleep.
"Mmm," came his half-asleep groan as he nuzzled into my hair. "Woke up to paradise."
I turned slightly to face him, his messy hair, sleepy eyes, and scruffy jaw looking too good for someone who hadn't even brushed yet.
"Paradise snores," I teased, trailing my fingers over his collarbone.
He caught my wrist gently, then kissed the inside of it. "Keep playing, and you'll face the consequences, Mrs. Khadoos."
"Promises, promises," I replied, leaning in and brushing my lips against his jaw.
In one swift motion, he flipped us over, and I gasped as I landed beneath him. His body caged mine effortlessly, his eyes now wide open and filled with something dangerous and sweet at the same time.
"Strip," he whisperedβhis smirk was wicked, but his voice soft, reverent.
My eyes widened. "Right now?"
He leaned down, brushing his lips against my shoulder. "I missed you all night even though you were right here. That's not normal."
"Nothing about us is normal," I murmured, reaching up to thread my fingers through his hair.
"And I wouldn't want it any other way."
His lips found mineβslow and deep, like he had all the time in the world. He kissed me like I was both fire and water, heat and comfort.
When our clothes were somewhere on the floor and the sheets twisted tighter, we moved together in sync, no rush, just love. Soft gasps, lingering touches, and whispered I love yous filled the room.
And afterward, when he pulled me into his arms, pressing a kiss to my forehead, I knew...
This man, this insanely grumpy yet hopelessly loving professorβhe was mine.
And I was his.
Forever.
"Rudra, stop kissing me. You'll be late!" I giggled, trying to button his shirt while he leaned down and pressed yet another kiss to my jaw.
"I'm never late for something that's already mine," he murmured, trailing his lips to the corner of my mouth.
"Wow," I laughed, gently swatting his chest. "That line was awful."
"Worked, didn't it?" he smirked and pulled me flush against him, his hands finding the small of my back. "You smell like jasmine and mischief."
"And you smell like danger and too much cologne," I teased, finally getting the last button done.
I moved to grab his tie, but he tugged me by the waist, stealing a quick kiss that turned into a not-so-quick one.
"Rudra!" I gasped when I finally broke away. "You're going to miss your class!"
"Worth it." He grinned, completely unapologetic. "My students can wait. But thisβ" his finger tilted my chin up, "βthis face can't."
"Stop being dramatic and let me fix your hair," I huffed, trying not to smile as I reached for the comb.
He bent slightly so I could reach, and for a moment, there was quiet. Just him watching me, eyes warm and filled with something dangerously soft.
"You really love me, huh?" I said playfully, trying to lighten the heavy affection in his gaze.
His answer came instantly.
"Madly."
My hands stilled. My heart skipped.
Then he leaned in again, brushing his nose against mine. "And you, Mrs. Khadoos?"
"I love you more," I whispered.
Before I could pull away, he kissed me againβslow, tender, and full of morning butterflies.
And just like that... he left the room, grabbing his bag with one final wink and a shout:
"Don't forget to miss me, Mrs. Khadoos!"
I stood there for a second, heart still fluttering.
God, this man.
I was in so much trouble.
The moment Rudra left for university, the Singhania Mansion felt too quiet.
For about five minutes.
Then chaos walked in wearing joggers and a smug grin.
"Bhabhi!" Veer's voice echoed as he barged into the living room with a bowl of cereal. "How's life as Mrs. Khadoos?"
I glared at him over the rim of my coffee mug. "Peaceful until you showed up."
"Ouch." He feigned a dramatic wince and flopped down beside me on the couch. "So, what's the plan today? Bake cookies? Practice the new Singhania bahu walk?"
I raised a brow. "Should I start with throwing this cushion at your face?"
He grinned. "Violence. Classic Maya."
I couldn't help but laugh. As much as Veer annoyed me, he was family nowβand he did have this annoying talent for lifting moods.
"Honestly," I sighed, curling my legs under me, "I thought I'd spend the day just exploring the house... maybe hang out in Rudra's study. Haven't seen the Professor Khadoos Den yet."
"Ohoho." Veer's eyes twinkled mischievously. "I can show you the way. Just don't blame me if you find a drawer full of pens and angst."
He took me upstairs, pointing out random rooms like a dramatic tour guide until we reached Rudra's private study. The door creaked open, revealing shelves full of books, mathematical models, and oddly enough... a tiny framed photo of me, hidden behind a stack of research papers.
My heart did a flip.
"He's whipped," Veer whispered from behind me.
"Shut up," I muttered, smiling despite myself.
I spent the afternoon there, curled up on Rudra's armchair with one of his booksβAdvanced Calculus (don't judge, it smelled like him). At some point, the cook brought me snacks, and Rudra's mother came in to chat, already calling me beta like I'd been hers for years.
By early evening, I was in Rudra's room, changing into one of his hoodies and sitting on the bed with Simba curled up beside me. My fingers traced over my mehendi, still dark, still carrying the name "Mr. Khadoos" hidden in its design.
Just then, my phone buzzed.
Professor Khadoos: Miss me yet, trouble?
I smiled.
Me: Not even a little.
Professor Khadoos: Liar. I left my hoodie on the chair for you. You're wearing it, aren't you?
I gasped and looked around, finding nothing. Thenβ
Mr. Khadoos: There's a camera in the room.
I screamed.
MR. Khadoos: Just kidding.
I threw a pillow at the phone and muttered, "Jerk."
Simba barked once, as if agreeing.
This was my new normal now... and I couldn't love it more.
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