Chapter 64: chapter 63

Aarohi focused on her plate, determined not to acknowledge how breathtaking the scene was. The waves rolled in a gentle rhythm, the moon cast a silver glow over the ocean, and the warm breeze carried the scent of salt and flowers.

Vihaan, on the other hand, was completely at ease, leaning back in his chair with that signature smirk. "You know, biwi, I never expected you to be so shy."

Aarohi shot him a glare. "I am not shy."

Vihaan arched an eyebrow. "Oh, really? Then why did you freeze when the waiter called us 'Mr. and Mrs. Malhotra'?"

Aarohi huffed, stabbing her fork into her food. "I just wasn’t used to it. That’s all."

Vihaan chuckled. "You do realize we are married, right?"

She scowled. "Unfortunately, I’m reminded of that fact every time you open your mouth."

Vihaan grinned. "Good. I wouldn’t want my dear wife forgetting me so soon."

Aarohi groaned, focusing on her food while Vihaan enjoyed her irritation.

The dinner progressed surprisingly smoothly—well, until Vihaan decided to take things up a notch.

"So, tell me, biwi," he said, swirling his drink lazily. "What’s one thing you secretly like about me?"

Aarohi nearly choked on her food. "Excuse me?"

Vihaan smirked. "You heard me."

Aarohi wiped her mouth and narrowed her eyes. "Who said I like anything about you?"

Vihaan placed a hand over his heart in mock pain. "Ouch. That hurts, biwi."

She rolled her eyes. "You’ll survive."

"But seriously," he pressed, leaning in slightly. "You have to like something about me. My good looks? My charm? My impressive business skills?"

Aarohi scoffed. "You mean your ego?"

Vihaan laughed. "Come on, just one thing."

Aarohi crossed her arms. "Fine. If I had to pick something… I guess you’re not completely terrible to be around."

Vihaan’s smirk widened. "That’s it? That’s the best compliment you can give me?"

Aarohi shrugged. "Take it or leave it."

Vihaan shook his head, amused. "You really are impossible, biwi."

Aarohi ignored him, finishing the last bite of her dessert. She wasn’t going to admit that, despite everything, she was actually having a nice time.

As the night continued, the tension between them seemed to ease—just a little.

Vihaan suddenly stood up and held out a hand. "Come on, let’s take a walk."

Aarohi frowned. "Why?"

Vihaan tilted his head toward the shoreline. "The ocean looks nice. And if I have to sit here any longer, I might start believing you actually hate me."

Aarohi hesitated but eventually placed her hand in his. "Fine. But no funny business."

Vihaan smirked. "Biwi, I am the definition of innocence."

Aarohi scoffed. "Sure you are."

They walked along the shore in silence, the cool water brushing against their feet. The night air was refreshing, and for once, Vihaan wasn’t teasing her—just quietly walking beside her.

Aarohi stole a glance at him. He looked different in this light—less like the arrogant businessman and more like… just Vihaan. The man who had unexpectedly become a part of her life.

She quickly looked away when she realized she had been staring.

Vihaan, of course, noticed. "Checking me out, biwi?"

Aarohi’s face heated. "I was not! Don’t flatter yourself."

Vihaan chuckled. "You’re cute when you’re flustered."

Aarohi huffed. "I swear, if you don’t stop—"

"Okay, okay," he laughed, holding up his hands in surrender. "No more teasing… for now."

A comfortable silence settled between them as they continued walking.

After a while, Vihaan spoke, his tone unusually soft. "You know… I didn’t expect this marriage either."

Aarohi glanced at him, surprised. "What do you mean?"

Vihaan kept his eyes on the ocean. "I never thought I’d actually get married. It was always just an obligation, something my family expected of me. I never really imagined what it would be like."

Aarohi frowned. "Then why did you agree?"

Vihaan smirked. "Would you believe me if I said I had no choice?"

Aarohi sighed. "Same here."

Vihaan turned to her, his expression unreadable. "Do you regret it?"

Aarohi hesitated. Did she?

It was true that she never wanted this marriage, but… things weren’t as bad as she had expected.

She exhaled slowly. "I don’t know yet."

Vihaan studied her for a moment before nodding. "Fair enough."

They continued walking, the sound of the waves filling the silence.

Aarohi wasn’t sure when it happened, but at some point, she realized—she didn’t hate being here with him.

And that thought alone was terrifying.

Aarohi was about to drift off to sleep when she felt the bed dip beside her. Her eyes fluttered open, only to find Vihaan lying on his side, facing her. His sharp gaze, darkened by the dim light, sent an unexpected shiver down her spine.

She quickly turned away. "What are you doing?"

Vihaan smirked, his voice husky. "Sleeping, obviously."

Aarohi huffed. "Then sleep on your side."

A warm hand suddenly wrapped around her wrist, pulling her back to face him. Her breath hitched as she found herself inches away from him.

Vihaan’s eyes gleamed with amusement. "Why are you running away, biwi?"

Aarohi swallowed. "I-I’m not."

He let out a low chuckle, his fingers grazing her wrist lazily. "Liar."

Aarohi tried to move, but he tightened his grip just enough to keep her still. "Vihaan, let go."

His smirk widened. "Not until you admit something."

Aarohi frowned. "Admit what?"

Vihaan leaned in, his breath warm against her skin. "That you missed me."

Her face burned. "Excuse me?"

Vihaan tilted his head, eyes locked onto hers. "You heard me, biwi."

Aarohi scoffed, trying to ignore the rapid beating of her heart. "You’re so full of yourself."

Vihaan’s fingers traced slow, teasing circles on her wrist. "Maybe. But that doesn't change the fact that you were staring at me earlier on the beach."

Aarohi gasped. "I was not staring!"

Vihaan chuckled, his voice dropping an octave. "Hmm… then why do you look so guilty?"

Aarohi gritted her teeth. "Because you're impossible!"

Vihaan suddenly pulled her closer, their noses nearly touching. "And yet, you haven’t pushed me away."

Aarohi froze. She could feel his warmth, the way his fingers brushed against her skin, the teasing smirk playing on his lips. It was infuriating—and intoxicating.

Summoning every ounce of her self-control, she pushed against his chest. "Move."

Vihaan smirked but didn’t budge. "Say please."

Aarohi’s eyes widened. "You—"

Before she could finish, Vihaan’s fingers trailed up her arm, sending tingles across her skin. "You look cute when you’re mad," he murmured.

Aarohi’s heart did a flip. She glared at him, but her face betrayed her, turning a deeper shade of red.

Vihaan, of course, noticed. His smirk turned devilish. "Blushing, biwi?"

Aarohi groaned, yanking the blanket over her head. "Go to sleep, Mr. Malhotra!"

Vihaan laughed, clearly satisfied with her reaction. But just as Aarohi thought he’d leave her alone, she felt him shift closer.

His voice was softer this time, almost serious. "Goodnight, Aarohi."

Her heart skipped a beat.

She didn’t respond, afraid her voice would betray her.

But long after Vihaan had fallen asleep, Aarohi lay there, her face still warm, her heart still racing.

And that night, for the first time, she wondered what it would be like to stop resisting him.