CHAPTER28 [FIRST DAY]
The alarm rings sharply at 5 AM.
Vihaan's eyes open instantly.
Discipline.
Routine.
Gym. Running. Control.
That's his world.
He reaches to turn off the alarm... but then stops.
Because he feels something.
Warm.
Soft.
He looks down-
Aarohi.
Curled up against him... holding onto him like a child.
As if she belongs there.
For a moment...
He just watches her.
Silent.
Then a faint smirk appears.
"Ab tum sahi jagah par aayi ho..."
(Now you're in the right place...)
His voice is low.
"Yahi hai tumhari jagah... kyunki tum meri ho."
(This is your place... because you are mine.)
He leans down and places a light kiss on her forehead.
Then carefully removes her hand... and gets up.
Without waking her.
And walks out.
---
A few hours later...
9 AM.
Aarohi slowly opens her eyes.
For a second... everything feels normal.
But then-
It all comes rushing back.
The wedding.
The force.
The truth.
Her breath gets heavy.
"How did everything end in just one moment..." she whispers.
A knock on the door interrupts her thoughts.
"Come in..." she says softly.
A maid enters, holding a large tray.
On it-
A beautifully customized saree.
Heavy gold and diamond jewelry.
Everything perfect.
Everything expensive.
Everything... suffocating.
The maid places it down and says-
"Mrs. Singhania ne kaha hai ke aap tayyar ho jaiye."
(Mrs. Singhania said you should get ready.)
And leaves.
Aarohi just stares at the clothes.
Expression blank.
Then-
The door opens again.
Vihaan walks in.
His gaze instantly falls on her... then on the saree.
Without saying anything, he walks straight into the washroom.
A few minutes later, he comes out-fresh, composed, ready.
Like every other day.
"Jao... fresh ho jao."
(Go... get ready.)
Aarohi doesn't move.
Her eyes still fixed on the saree.
"Main yeh sab nahi pehnungi."
(I won't wear this.)
Vihaan stops.
Turns toward her slowly.
His expression changes.
Slightly darker.
"Tumein pehnna padega..."
(You will have to wear it...)
His voice calm but firm-
"Kyuki tum meri biwi ho."
(Because you are my wife.)
Aarohi's eyes fill with anger.
"Nahi hoon main... yeh zabardasti hai."
(I am not... this is force.)
Before she can step back-
Vihaan walks toward her.
Closes the distance.
Grabs her waist.
Pulls her close.
Too close.
Her breath stops.
"Mere patience ka test mat lo..."
(Don't test my patience...)
His grip tightens slightly.
His voice drops-
"Warna mujhe force use karna aata hai."
(Otherwise, I know how to use force.)
Aarohi clenches her fists.
But this time-
She doesn't look away.
She looks straight into his eyes.
Because somewhere-
Her fear is slowly turning into resistance.
Aarohi doesn't break eye contact this time.
Even though his grip is tight... even though her heartbeat is racing-
She stands there.
Firm.
"Force hi to use karte aaye ho..."
(Force is all you've ever used...)
Her voice is low... but sharp.
Vihaan's jaw tightens.
For a second, his grip on her waist becomes even stronger.
But then-
He suddenly lets go.
Steps back.
Aarohi is slightly taken aback.
She didn't expect that.
Vihaan runs a hand through his hair, controlling his anger.
Then he looks at her again-
This time, calm.
Dangerously calm.
"5 minute."
(5 minutes.)
Aarohi frowns.
"Ya to tum khud tayyar ho jao..."
(Either you get ready yourself...)
He glances at the saree-
"Ya main help kar deta hoon."
(Or I'll help you.)
The meaning behind his words is clear.
Aarohi's breath hitches.
She immediately turns away and picks up the saree.
"Khud kar lungi."
(I'll do it myself.)
Without another word, she walks into the washroom.
Closing the door behind her.
---
Inside-
She leans against the door.
Eyes shut.
Heart racing.
---
After some time-
The washroom door opens.
Vihaan turns.
And for a moment-
Even he goes still.
Aarohi walks out.
Draped in the saree.
Minimal jewelry.
But still-
Stunning.
Unintentionally.
Naturally.
But her eyes-
Still cold.
Still distant.
Vihaan steps closer.
WAIT FOR NEXT PART. ??