After excusing herself, Aarohi made her way to the kitchen, deciding to prepare something for both of them. As she gathered the ingredients, her mind wandered back to their kiss. It had been unexpected yet intense, making her heart race in ways she wasn't prepared for.
She wanted to give in-to stop fighting this growing attraction-but fear held her back. This wasn't a love marriage. Vihaan was only trying to give their relationship a chance for the sake of his parents. What if she allowed herself to fall for him, only to realize that he would never truly love her?
She didn't realize that she had already fallen.
Lost in her thoughts, she absentmindedly stirred the pasta sauce, unaware of Vihaan entering the kitchen.
"What are you making, biwi?"
His deep, teasing voice startled her. Aarohi jumped slightly, turning to find him leaning casually against the doorway, watching her with an amused expression.
She quickly composed herself. "Pasta," she replied, trying to sound normal.
Vihaan raised an eyebrow. "Just pasta? That's all I get?"
Aarohi rolled her eyes. "Do you want something else with it?"
A smirk curled on Vihaan's lips as he stepped closer. "Yes." He paused, his voice dropping lower. "I want you."
Her cheeks flamed instantly. "Vihaan!"
His smirk widened. "What?" he asked innocently. "Did I say something wrong, biwi?"
Before she could respond, he took another step toward her, trapping her between his arms against the counter.
Aarohi's breath hitched. "Vi-Vihaan, wh-what are you doing?"
Vihaan tilted his head, pretending to be confused. "Why are you stuttering, biwi?"
"I-I'm not," she protested, turning her face away to hide her blush.
He leaned in, his lips grazing her ear. "You sure about that?"
Her heart pounded furiously. "Yes," she whispered, attempting to push him away.
Instead of stepping back, he moved even closer, his body nearly pressing against hers. The scent of his cologne mixed with the warmth of his presence was making her lightheaded.
She swallowed hard. "Vihaan... I'm cooking."
Vihaan chuckled, enjoying how flustered she was. "I have a surprise for you," he murmured.
Aarohi struggled to regain control of her emotions. "What surprise?"
His gaze remained locked on hers. "Let's eat first. Then I'll show you."
She exhaled, trying to steady her nerves. "Fine. Now go sit-I'll bring the pasta."
Vihaan finally stepped back, his eyes still twinkling with amusement. "Don't take too long, biwi. I might just come back and steal a taste before dinner."
She shook her head, trying to ignore the way her heart was still racing as he walked out of the kitchen.
After dinner, Vihaan took her hand and led her back to their room. Aarohi was about to ask what he was up to when she saw something laid out neatly on the bed-a beautiful dress and a pair of heels.
Her eyes widened in surprise. The dress was stunning, elegant yet bold, but it was a bit more revealing than what she was used to wearing. She hesitated, glancing at Vihaan.
Before she could say anything, he stepped behind her and whispered, "Please wear it for me."
Aarohi turned to face him. "Vihaan... this dress..."
"You'll look gorgeous in it," he interrupted, his gaze soft yet intense. "I picked it just for you."
She hesitated again. "But-"
"No buts, biwi," he said, taking her hand in his. "Just trust me."
There was something in the way he looked at her-something that made her walls crumble a little.
With a deep breath, she grabbed the dress and walked into the bathroom.
She didn't understand why, but tonight... she wanted to trust him.
To trust this new feeling growing between them.
Aarohi stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection. The dress Vihaan had chosen for her was breathtaking-a deep wine-colored satin gown that hugged her curves perfectly. It had a delicate off-shoulder design, revealing her collarbones, and a slit that ran up her leg just high enough to make her self-conscious.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she adjusted the fabric. She wasn't used to wearing something this bold, but a part of her wanted to see herself the way Vihaan saw her-beautiful, desirable.
Taking a deep breath, she slipped on the heels and stepped out of the bathroom.
Vihaan was waiting by the balcony, his back turned to her. He had changed into a crisp black shirt with the top buttons undone, the sleeves rolled up just enough to make her heart stutter.
When he heard the click of her heels against the floor, he turned around-and his gaze darkened instantly.
Aarohi felt a blush creep up her neck under his intense scrutiny.
He didn't speak for a moment, just let his eyes roam over her slowly, taking in every detail. Then, he stepped forward, closing the distance between them in three slow strides.
"You're stunning," he murmured, his voice husky.
Aarohi swallowed hard. "Vihaan-"
But before she could say anything more, he gently cupped her chin, tilting her face up to meet his. His touch was warm, his thumb brushing lightly against her jaw.
"I knew this dress would look perfect on you," he said softly. "But I wasn't prepared for just how beautiful you'd look in it."
She lowered her gaze, suddenly feeling shy under his unwavering stare. "It's... different from what I usually wear."
Vihaan smirked. "Good. I like seeing this side of you."
His fingers trailed down her arm before he took her hand in his, interlocking their fingers.
"Come with me," he said, leading her toward the balcony.
The cool night breeze brushed against her skin as she stepped outside. The city lights sparkled below them, creating a breathtaking view. Vihaan had set up a small table with candles and a bottle of wine.
Aarohi blinked in surprise. "You planned all this?"
Vihaan shrugged, leaning against the railing casually. "I wanted to do something special for us."
Her heart clenched at his words. Was this just him making an effort, or was there something more?
Before she could dwell on it, Vihaan stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered, tracing the curve of her cheek.
"You keep overthinking, biwi," he murmured. "Just enjoy the moment with me."
She exhaled slowly, nodding.
They ate and talked under the stars, laughter and stolen glances filling the night.
But the air between them remained charged, thick with something unspoken.
After dinner, as they stood by the balcony, Vihaan suddenly pulled her close. His arms wrapped around her waist, holding her securely against him.
Aarohi's breath hitched. "Vihaan..."
He leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear. "You don't have to be afraid of this... of us."
Her heart pounded. "I-I'm not afraid."
Vihaan pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. "Then why do you always hesitate when I touch you?"
She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. Because the truth was-she didn't know.
Or maybe... she did.
Maybe she was afraid of how much she wanted this, how much she wanted him.
Before she could think too much, Vihaan cupped her face gently. "Stop thinking, biwi."
And then, he kissed her.
It wasn't rushed or demanding. It was slow, deep, intoxicating. A kiss that made her toes curl and her fingers clutch onto his shirt for support.
Vihaan groaned softly against her lips, tilting her head back to deepen the kiss. His hands slid down her back, pulling her impossibly closer.
Aarohi felt herself melting into him, all her fears fading away, replaced by a warmth that spread through her like wildfire.
When they finally pulled apart, both breathless, Vihaan rested his forehead against hers.
His voice was husky as he whispered, "You have no idea what you do to me, Aarohi."
She swallowed hard, looking into his dark, intense eyes. "Vihaan..."
He traced his thumb over her lips, his gaze flickering between her eyes and mouth. "Say it."
Her heart pounded. "Say what?"
"That you want this too."
Aarohi hesitated for only a second before nodding. "I do."
Vihaan's smirk returned, but this time, there was something softer in his eyes. "Good."
And then, he kissed her again-this time, with no hesitation left between them.