My destined wife!

（8） Juicy watermelonA

Next Morning

Maya and Atharva were still asleep.

Maya’s head rested on Atharva’s chest, while his arm was loosely wrapped around her, holding her close even in sleep.

Just then—

A phone began to ring.

Both of their eyes fluttered open.

For a brief second… they found themselves exactly as they were — tangled, close, breathing the same air.

Maya’s eyes widened.

She quickly pulled away and moved to the side.

Atharva, still half-drowsy, rubbed his eyes and looked at her with a slow, heavy gaze before picking up the phone.

“Hello.”

His morning voice came out deep… rough… dangerously attractive.

Maya unconsciously turned back and looked at him.

It was the kind of voice that could easily make any girl weak.

Realizing what she was doing, she quickly looked away and started to leave.

Just then—

Atharva caught her wrist while speaking on the phone.

“Okay. Send me the mail. I’ll read everything.”

He disconnected the call.

The moment the phone touched the table—

He pulled Maya straight toward himself.

She collided directly into his chest.

Atharva gently brushed her hair back, his voice still thick with sleep.

“Good morning, biwi.”

Maya’s eyes widened.

She avoided his gaze.

“Good for you. Whenever I’m with you, my morning is bad.”

Atharva caught her chin and tilted her face up toward him.

“Really?” he murmured. “Ever heard about morning luck?”

Maya frowned.

“Another one of your nonsense inventions?”

A faint smile played on his lips.

“Mm-hmm. When a husband and wife share a smooch in the morning… that’s called morning luck.”

Maya stared at him for a second, then scoffed.

“Oh really? Where do you even come up with such nonsense?”

“Not nonsense at all,” he said smoothly. “In fact, it increases luck too. Want to try?”

Maya immediately pushed him away and stepped back.

“Stop making excuses. I don’t know how your mood switches on first thing in the morning.”

Atharva leaned back casually, folding his hands behind his head.

“When your wife is this beautiful… the mood doesn’t need a time.”

Maya rolled her eyes dramatically and walked straight into the bathroom.

Atharva exhaled slowly.

“Ahh… fuck. That eye roll…”

---

After some time…

The bathroom door opened slightly.

Maya peeked out, wrapped securely in a towel.

Atharva was standing in the balcony, sunlight falling over his broad shoulders as he faced the morning sky.

Quietly… carefully… Maya tiptoed toward the closet.

Just as she was about to close the door—

A hand slammed against it.

Her breath hitched.

Atharva pushed the door open slowly.

“You were hiding from me?”

Maya instinctively stepped back.

Atharva’s gaze traveled from her face… slowly… deliberately… down to the towel wrapped around her.

His jaw tightened slightly.

“Uff…” he muttered. “How did you even dare to hide a scene like this from me?”

Maya’s grip on the towel tightened instantly.

She took another step back.

“At… Atharva… move back.”

Instead—

A devilish smile appeared on his lips.

He stepped forward.

One step.

Then another.

Until Maya’s back hit the wall.

Atharva planted one hand beside her on the wall and leaned down, caging her in.

“Running away from me, biwi?”

“N–no… I was just closing the door to change.”

“Why?” His voice dropped. “You’ve already changed in front of me. Why lock the door now?”

Maya opened her mouth to respond—

But Atharva’s arm slid around her waist, pulling her closer.

“Atharva… leave me. I don’t like it when you keep pulling me into your arms all the time.”

Instead of listening—

He leaned closer and inhaled the scent of her hair.

“What do you use, biwi?” he murmured. “It’s so fresh… and seductive.”

Maya blinked in shock.

“Seductive?”

Atharva lowered his face to the curve of her neck.

“Atharva… what are you doing—”

Instinctively, Maya’s hand shifted slightly on the towel—

And instantly—

His lips moved close to her ear, voice low and warning.

“Biwi… don’t make that mistake.”

Maya froze.

“If your grip on that towel loosens even a little…” his breath brushed her skin, “…it will fall off your body.”

Maya’s fingers immediately tightened around the towel.

A slow, crooked smile spread across Atharva’s face. Leaning closer, he brushed his nose along Maya’s neck—then suddenly bit down.

“Aah! Atharva… stop it!” Maya gasped.

For a brief moment he kept his teeth there, then pulled back, calmly studying the mark he had left behind. His gaze slowly lifted to Maya’s face… blazing with fury.

“I hate you so much right now,” Maya snapped, her voice trembling with anger. “If I ever get even one chance, I’ll go so far away from you that you’ll never be able to find me.”

Atharva watched her silently for a second… then grabbed her wrist and positioned her in front of the mirror. Maya’s eyes fell on her reflection—Atharva standing right behind her. Gently, almost possessively, he brushed her hair aside, exposing the fresh mark on her skin.

“See this mark, biwi?” he murmured near her ear. “This is Atharva Raisinghani’s seal. It means you are under my control… only mine.” His voice dropped lower, darker. “There is no place in this world… and no person alive… who can take you away from me. Understood, biwi?”

Maya’s eyes locked with his through the mirror.

Atharva’s… unwavering.

A second later, he casually pushed her aside and pulled the towel toward himself.

Maya let out an angry shout, immediately covering her chest and turning her face away.

Atharva’s gaze dragged slowly from her head to toe. His fingers brushed lightly against her lower back.

“Juicy watermelon,” he muttered with a wicked smirk.

“Ah—get lost!” Maya snapped.

Chuckling under his breath, Atharva slung the towel over his shoulder and walked out of the closet as if nothing had happened. Behind him, Maya squeezed her eyes shut in frustration before hurriedly pulling out clothes and getting dressed.

A while later, Maya stepped out of the closet.

At the exact same moment, Atharva emerged from the bathroom, freshly showered.

His eyes went straight to her.

She was wearing a purple printed tiered kurta with trousers and a dupatta. Her hair was softly curled, falling on both sides of her face, a few loose strands framing her features. One end of her dupatta rested on her shoulder while the other slipped carelessly down.

Atharva stared for a moment… then walked toward her slowly.

“Uff, biwi,” he breathed, voice thick with appreciation. “How do you manage to look this beautiful in every single moment?”

Maya shot him an annoyed look. “Move out of my way. You’re completely drenched… and doesn’t it feel weird to you? I used that towel and you just took it.”

Before she could step away, Atharva suddenly grabbed her waist with both hands and pulled her flush against him.

“Atharva, what are you doing? I’ll get wet too… leave me!”

“That’s exactly why I caught you,” he said smoothly. “I’ve already taken your scent from your towel… now you can take mine.”

Maya glared at him. “I’m getting wet. I just got ready—leave me!”

Atharva studied her face for a long second… then lightly tugged her nose.

“My angry bird,” he murmured, amused. “Your anger makes you even more beautiful.”

And just like that, he let her go.

Maya blinked in surprise as he casually flicked a few strands of his damp hair toward her face and walked back into the closet.

Still fuming, Maya moved to the mirror and began dabbing away the water droplets on her skin with a tissue.

After that, she dropped onto the couch with her phone.

Just then, a notification pinged from Atharva’s phone.

Maya’s eyes flicked toward the closet… then back to the phone.

Slowly, curiously, she leaned forward and picked it up.

The moment the screen lit up, her eyes widened.

Her own photo.

“Wow…” she muttered under her breath. “Didn’t even ask me before taking my picture—and he’s set it as his wallpaper too. What am I even supposed to say to this man?”

Another message popped up.

From a girl.

Maya glanced once more toward the closet… then opened the chat.

Her brows immediately knitted in disgust.

The chat was flooded with shameless messages—videos, pictures… things Atharva hadn’t even opened yet.

Accidentally, one video tapped open.

On the screen, the girl was dancing in an extremely vulgar way.

“Cheeh… what a disgusting girl,” Maya muttered, quickly jerking the phone away.

Just then—

Atharva walked out, whistling casually.

Maya looked up at him.

He was dressed in a sharp blue suit with a crisp white shirt… looking every bit as dangerously composed as ever.

Standing before the mirror, Atharva adjusted his watch, then ran his fingers through his hair, settling the damp strands with practiced ease.

His eyes shifted to Maya.

“Shall we?”

Maya shot back instantly, her tone sharp. “Yes, let’s go.”

She turned to leave—

But suddenly Atharva caught her wrist, stopping her mid-step.

“What happened?” he asked, studying her face. “Why are you showing so much anger?”

Maya jerked slightly, irritation flashing in her eyes. “I’m not showing anything… but now I know where all your filthy thoughts come from.”

Atharva’s brows drew together. “Meaning?”

Maya folded her arms, chin lifting defiantly. “Those kinds of girls on Instagram… you should ask them.”

With that, she yanked her hand free and stormed out of the room.

Atharva stared after her in confusion… then glanced down at his phone.

Realization hit.

“Oh…”

Without wasting another second, he hurried after her.

The elevator doors were just about to close when he slipped inside beside her.

His voice came low but firm. “Why did you see her messages?”

Maya turned toward him, eyes blazing. “Oh really? So you being in touch with girls like that doesn’t bother you at all? You have no shame, do you? You can talk filthy with just anyone… at least have some moral values.”

Atharva took a slow step closer, his gaze steady on her face.

“I only talk like that to you,” he said quietly. “I only come close to you.” His tone hardened slightly. “And about that girl—you saw those messages, not me. I haven’t even opened them till today.”

Maya scoffed. “But you didn’t block her either. And anyway, it’s your phone, your choice.” She shrugged coldly. “I don’t give a shit.”

Just then, the elevator doors slid open.

Maya walked out immediately.

Atharva followed right behind her.

—

Everyone was already seated at the breakfast table when they arrived. Maya and Atharva quietly took their seats. For a while, no one spoke—only the soft clink of cutlery filled the air.

After a moment, Suman spoke gently, “Beta, the gifts have been kept in the car. Make sure to give them properly.”

Maya gave a small nod. “Okay.”

Rajvendra looked toward them. “How many days will you both stay there?”

Maya was just about to answer—

“By evening we’ll be back,” Atharva said smoothly. “I have an important meeting.”

Maya immediately turned toward him, displeasure clear on her face. “You have one. I don’t. I’m staying there.”

Atharva glanced at her once… but said nothing.

Rajvendra cleared his throat and moved toward the couch. Suman followed him, and gradually the others began dispersing too.

Just then—“Veer.”

“Haan, bhai?”Said veer

Atharva’s eyes slid briefly toward Maya before he spoke. “Why am I getting messages on my phone from unknown people?”

Veer frowned. “What? But I had set it to private.”

Atharva handed him the phone. “Check.”

Veer quickly went through the settings, tapping rapidly. “Done… fixed everything.”

Atharva added calmly, “Delete that girl’s messages too. And block her. Even permanently.”

Maya looked at him… then rolled her eyes.

Atharva leaned slightly toward her, voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.

“Roll your eyes at me again… and I will kiss you in front of everyone.”

Veer looked up from the phone. “Yeah, done! Now no one can text you… and this girl—I’ve blocked her so many times before. She keeps coming back with different IDs.” He shook his head. “But don’t worry. Now even if she tries, she won’t be able to.”

Maya went still.

It slowly sank in—

Atharva had never responded to that girl.

Not even once.

A short while later, Atharva casually guided Maya along with him… and the two of them left together.

On the way, Atharva’s gaze drifted to Maya’s neck. He leaned slightly closer and brushed her hair aside, searching.

“Where did the mark go?”

Without even looking at him, Maya replied coolly, “Ever heard of concealer?”

Atharva’s jaw tightened faintly. “Why did you conceal it? Remove it.”

Maya finally turned to him, disbelief flashing in her eyes. “What rubbish. Everyone will be there… and you expect me to walk in like that?”

“So?” Atharva shrugged lazily. “How else will everyone know how much we love each other?”

“Shut up, you shameless… Remo kahin ka.”

Atharva leaned closer, eyes glinting with mischief. “REMO? Means Royal… Elegant… Magnificent… and Outstanding?”

Maya stared at him flatly. “Wow. You turned an insult into praise. Very smart.”

“I know,” he said smoothly.

—

A while later, they reached the house.

Atharva caught Maya’s hand and led her inside without giving her a choice.

At the entrance, Usha and Seema stood waiting with the aarti thaal, while the rest of the family smiled behind them.

Seema performed the aarti, then paused before applying the tilak. She glanced politely at Atharva.

“May I apply it to you as well?”

Atharva answered without hesitation, voice calm but pointed. “Of course. Whatever is applied to my wife… applies to me too.”

Maya shot him a sharp glare.

Behind them, Priya and Anvi exchanged amused smiles.

Within moments, the remaining rituals were completed and everyone moved inside. Time passed in light conversation, and soon lunch was served.

After eating, everyone gathered in the hall, chatting comfortably.

A little while later, Kabir spoke up, “Should we bring some fruits for you? It’s been two hours since lunch.”

Arun nodded. “Yes, just tell us what you’d like.”

Atharva’s eyes flicked briefly toward Maya… then forward.

“Watermelon.”

Maya’s eyes widened instantly. She turned and glared at him. “What are you ordering?”

Atharva raised a brow. “Why? Any problem?” Then he looked at the others. “It’s not available or what?”

Kabir quickly shook his head. “No, no, nothing like that. I’ll bring it right away.”

He and Arun headed toward the kitchen. Usha and Seema moved to another room to pack gifts.

Maya immediately stood up. “I’ll be back.”

Before she could leave, Atharva caught her wrist again.

“Where are you going, leaving me?”

Just then Anvi and Priya chimed playfully, “Arre jiju, we’re here to take care of you.”

Atharva’s gaze stayed fixed on Maya. “Nope. I want my wife.”

Maya looked at him, then freed her hand. “Washroom ja rahi hoon. I’ll be back.”

Atharva said nothing this time.

Anvi quietly followed Maya, while Priya stayed back on the couch, continuing the conversation.

—

Anvi leaned closer the moment they were alone. “So? Jiju can’t stay even a second without you, huh?”

Maya sighed in irritation. “I don’t know. He’s like this the whole day.”

Anvi smirked. “Oh ho… so much romance in a forced marriage. Things are seriously contrasting here.”

Maya gave her a brief look and walked into the bathroom.

A moment later, she came back out, adjusting her outfit with mild annoyance. “Yaar, I really have problems in these suits.”

“Then why did you wear it?” Anvi teased. “You should’ve worn western… or what—your in-laws don’t allow it?”

Maya scoffed. “Allow? He filled my entire wardrobe. I just wasn’t comfortable today, so I wore traditional.”

Anvi’s eyes narrowed knowingly. “You don’t accept the marriage… don’t accept him as your husband… but for rituals you’re doing everything properly. Why?”

Maya hesitated for a fraction of a second… then muttered, “Nothing like that. I’m just waiting for a chance to run.”

Anvi’s brows shot up. “From Atharva jiju? Really? Last time you sisters tried something, remember what he did? And you still want to run?”

“So what should I do?” Maya snapped quietly. “Give up and live as his wife? I don’t want to stay there… and I won’t stay here either. I’ll go somewhere far away from him.”

Anvi grabbed her shoulders, now fully serious. “You really want to run? I thought you were joking.”

“I’m serious.”

They looked at each other—

Just then, Priya knocked lightly on the door.

“Di… jiju is calling you.”

Anvi leaned closer and whispered slowly, almost teasing, almost warning—

“You want to run? It hasn’t even been fifteen minutes properly… do you really think he’ll ever let you go that far?”

“We’ll see when the time comes,” Maya said quietly.

The two of them headed downstairs.

Everyone was already gathered in the hall. Atharva stood there, his eyes fixed on Maya… and Maya, too, was looking straight at him as she descended the stairs. Watching the silent tension between them, a knowing smile slowly curved on Anvi’s lips.

A moment later—

“Shall we?” Atharva said.

Maya stopped a few steps away. “I told you, didn’t I? I want to stay. I’ll come back in a day or two.”

Atharva began walking toward her.

Anvi was still standing beside Maya.

“Biwi,” Atharva said softly but firmly, “will you walk on your own… or should I help you again, like yesterday?”

Maya looked into his eyes.

And they were dead serious.

Her resistance faltered for a second.

“Should I take my college ID and laptop?” she asked instead.

“Only the college ID,” Atharva replied smoothly.

Then his gaze shifted briefly to Anvi.

Anvi understood instantly and quietly headed toward Maya’s room.

“But the rest is important too,” Maya protested. “How will I do my college work?”

“Don’t worry,” Atharva said calmly. “I’ll buy it today.”

The others stood at a distance, silently watching the exchange.

A little later, Maya took everyone’s blessings and left with Atharva.

—

On the way, Atharva was busy on a phone call.

Maya sat beside him, absentmindedly turning her ID card back and forth in her fingers. Mid-conversation, Atharva’s eyes flicked briefly toward the card in her hand… then he continued talking as if nothing had happened.

—

Soon they reached home.

Suman had already prepared everything for the remaining rituals. The moment they arrived, the unfinished ceremonies were completed amid pictures, videos, and light laughter.

After a while, Atharva left for the farmhouse at the back to attend his meeting.

—

Meanwhile, Maya was sitting in the garden with Veer, Dhruv, and Nidhi. The four of them were casually chatting—jumping from college talk to studies to random stories—completely lost in their own little circle.

After a moment, Maya asked curiously, “By the way… where is the pool in this house?”

Veer grinned. “Which pool would you like?”

Maya blinked. “What do you mean which? How many pools are there here?”

Veer chuckled. “Three. One is right here on the right… one is on the ground floor near the corridor… and one is on your floor.”

“My floor?” Maya frowned. “You’re saying it like no one else lives there.”

Veer, Dhruv, and Nidhi all burst into laughter.

Maya looked between them. “What?”

Dhruv smiled. “Bhabhi… that entire floor belongs only to you and bhai. Every room there is his.”

Maya’s eyes widened. “What? Such a huge floor… for one person? I’ve only seen the room till now.”

Nidhi grinned teasingly. “Then you should explore. After all… it’s all yours now.”

Maya said nothing.

Time passed like that in easy conversation.

Just then, Suman’s voice called from inside, “Come on, kids, have dinner. Atharva will take time—probably till twelve. You all eat first.”

Maya glanced at her phone. “It’s only eight right now. I’m not hungry yet… you all eat. I’ll eat later.”

“Or… are you waiting for bhai?” Veer teased.

Maya rolled her eyes lightly. “Nothing like that. I ate there late, so I’m not hungry yet.”

Everyone exchanged knowing smiles.

Within a few moments, Maya headed up to her floor while the others moved toward the dining area.

—

Maya entered her room and walked straight to the wardrobe to change. As she pulled out some clothes, her gaze suddenly paused on one section.

Curious, she opened it.

Her eyes widened.

The entire section was filled with… sexy night dresses.

“God… how shameless,” she muttered under her breath. “He actually chose all of these himself?”

She was about to shut the section—

But her hand stopped mid-air.

After a brief pause, she slowly pulled out a red, deep-neck, backless silk short nighty.

A strange thought flickered through her mind.

And before she could overthink it…

She changed into it.

Now, the soft red silk was the only thing hugging her body.

Maya turned toward the mirror.

For a moment, she just… stared.

She looked breathtaking.

“Hm… good choice, Atharva Raisinghani,” she murmured quietly, almost impressed despite herself. Then her lips curved slightly. “Well… he’s going to take a long time anyway. I’ll go swimming in this today.”

With a small, secretive smile, Maya stepped out of the room.

—

She began exploring the floor one room at a time.

One was a study—she paused there for a while, scanning through the neatly arranged books and files. Her steps slowed when her eyes landed on a large framed picture of her and Atharva’s wedding.

She hadn’t expected that.

Something flickered across her face… gone just as quickly.

After spending a few moments there, she moved on.

Every room was perfectly organized… elegant… almost intimidating in its perfection. There was a gym, a massage room… and one room with a swing in the center surrounded by lush plants.

Everything looked unbelievably beautiful.

Finally—

She pushed open the pool room door.

A large indoor pool stretched before her. Soft lights glowed dimly around the space, and lounge chairs were placed neatly nearby.

Maya’s face lit up instantly.

Slowly, she stepped into the water.

The moment the cool water touched her skin… her body practically came alive with happiness.

“After a long, long time…” she whispered to herself, eyes shining. “I finally got the chance to swim… and the pool is so big. Wow.”

And with that—

She started swimming.

One lap… then another… pausing in between, completely losing track of time.

She didn’t want to leave.

—

Meanwhile, Atharva finished his meeting and entered the hall.

From behind, Suman called, “I’ll have food sent up. You eat… and make Maya eat too.”

Atharva turned slightly. “She still hasn’t eaten?”

Suman shook her head.

Without another word, Atharva headed upstairs in the lift.

—

He pushed open the bedroom door.

“Biwi—”

But Maya wasn’t there.

His eyes scanned the room once.

Then he casually went into the closet to change. A few minutes later, he stepped out wearing grey lowers and a sky-blue shirt.

By then, the servants had already placed the food on the table and left.

Atharva frowned slightly and stepped toward the door.

Something crossed his mind.

He pulled out his phone.

A second later, the security camera feed opened—

—and his gaze stopped on the pool room.

Where Maya was swimming.

A slow, knowing smile curved his lips.

“Mm-hmm… so madam likes swimming.”

And he started walking toward the pool.

—

Maya stood in one corner of the pool, eyes closed, half-submerged in the water.

She looked… peaceful.

Happy.

Completely unaware.

The door opened quietly behind her.

Atharva’s gaze fell on her soaked figure—wet hair slicked back, water glistening over her skin, the red silk clinging to her curves.

His eyes darkened.

After a moment—

“You like swimming, huh?”

Maya’s eyes flew open.

Atharva was already pulling off his T-shirt as he stepped into the pool.

“Tu—tum itni jaldi kaise aa gaye?” she blurted. “Ma said it would be twelve…”

Atharva moved closer, water rippling around him.

“It’s already twelve-thirty, biwi,” he said softly. “You were so lost… you didn’t even notice the time.”

Maya slapped her palm lightly against her forehead. “Oh…”

Atharva stopped dangerously close to her.

“Want to race?” he asked.

Maya lifted her chin. “You’ll lose. I’m too good at it.”

Atharva’s gaze held hers steadily.

“And if I win…” his voice dropped, slow and dangerous, “…will you let me taste you?”

Maya’s eyes widened. “What? What kind of condition is that?”

“You trust yourself, don’t you?” he murmured. “Why don’t you try?”

Maya stared at him for a long second.

“And if I win?”

Atharva tilted his head slightly. “You decide.”

“Then… you’ll let me stay at my house for a few days.”

Atharva watched her silently for a beat.

“Sure,” he said finally. “But if I win… I want exactly what I asked for.”

Maya’s eyes narrowed. “If you win.”

For a charged second—

They stared at each other.

Challenge burning equally in both their eyes.