54. Preferences

If you tell me your views on this chapter, I might post another chapter today!

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Ananya was in Aditya's cabin, her face glowing with excitement as she moved around, adding her vibrant touch to the otherwise dull and lifeless space.

The massive window now had small potted plants lined up neatly on the sill, their green leaves soaking in the sunlight and adding a refreshing vibe to the room.

She scrunched her nose while looking at the old black couches, her hands on her hips.

“Too gloomy,” she muttered to herself before replacing them with plush grey ones that brought a softer, more welcoming aura to the space.

Next, she adjusted the positioning of the desk slightly, making sure it caught the perfect angle of sunlight.

A small smile tugged at her lips as she placed a sleek, modern lamp on one corner and a framed inspirational quote on the other.

Aditya, who had been silently observing her from the doorway for the past few minutes, finally spoke up. “You seem to be having a little too much fun in my office, Kitten.”

Ananya turned around abruptly, a tiny plant in her hands. “Oh! You’re back already?” she said, blinking innocently.

Aditya smirked, walking in and surveying the changes. “I must admit, it doesn’t look half bad. Are those… plants on my windowsill?”

“Yes!” Ananya beamed proudly. “Your cabin was so dull, Mr. Grumpy. Now, it has life!”

Aditya raised an eyebrow. “You do realize I’m not exactly a plant guy, right?”

Ananya rolled her eyes dramatically. “Well, now you are! Plants bring positivity, and you, Mr. Grumpy, could use a lot of that.”

Aditya chuckled softly, shaking his head. “You’re impossible.”

“But you’re letting me do this, so technically, you are the impossible one!” Ananya shot back playfully, sticking her tongue out.

Aditya walked over to one of the new grey couches, sinking into it with a sigh. “Comfortable,” he muttered, nodding in approval.

Ananya clapped her hands happily. “See? I told you!”

For a brief moment, Aditya’s gaze softened as he looked at her.

This small girl, with her endless energy and bright smile, had managed to turn his cold, emotionless office into something… warm.

“Thank you, Kitten,” he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ananya froze for a moment, then grinned widely. “You’re welcome, Mr. Grumpy!”

And just like that, the icy cabin of Aditya Raghuwanshi wasn’t so cold anymore.

"How many times have I told you not to call me that?" Aditya said, his sharp eyes fixed on her as she casually dusted her hands.

"Mr. Grumpy? Why? It sounds perfect for you!" she replied with a mischievous grin, plopping herself down on the couch beside him.

It was nothing extraordinary—she just sat there, a comfortable distance away.

But for Aditya, even that small act felt… significant.

Her mere presence seemed to shift the air in the room, making it harder for him to focus or even breathe steadily.

He cleared his throat and leaned back slightly, trying to regain his composure. "But I think Ishika bhabhi told you to give proper respect to your husband," he said, smirking at her reaction.

Ananya's face scrunched up as she remembered the horrifying car ride where Ishika had lectured her endlessly about showing respect to her dear husband.

"Alright, alright. I won't call you Mr. Grumpy anymore," she said dramatically, her hands raised in surrender, clearly fearing another session of Ishika's lectures.

"Good." His smirk widened as he leaned back, arms crossed and she rolled her eyes.

Just then, her phone pinged. Amrita’s name flashed across the screen with a message: "Meet at the café in 10."

Ananya quickly tucked her phone back into her pocket and stood up. "I'll take leave now," she said, her lips curling into a playful grin. "See you later, Patidev ji."

Aditya froze for a moment, blinking as if trying to process what she just called him.

By the time he could react, Ananya had already sauntered out of the cabin, her steps echoing faintly in the corridor.

Aditya leaned back in his chair, shaking his head with an amused smile. "Patidev ji?" he repeated under his breath.

"This girl… she never fails to shock me. Is she calling me Patidev now because it sounds more… respectful?" he chuckled softly.

But as the word lingered in his mind, he realized something. The way she had said it—it was playful yet held an odd warmth.

"She called me her husband…"

He shook his head again, the faintest smile still playing on his lips, before he turned back to his desk and resumed his work.

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Meanwhile, Ananya hopped into the passenger seat of Mahima's car, where her friend was already waiting.

As Mahima started the engine and began driving, she glanced sideways at Ananya. "Why do you think Ritu called us so suddenly?"

Ananya shrugged, her brows furrowed. "I have no idea. This is the first time she’s called us directly. Usually, it’s always Isha ma who calls."

Mahima nodded thoughtfully, focusing on the road ahead.

Halfway to the café, Ananya's phone buzzed again. She glanced at the screen.

"Daksh Bhaiya? Why is he calling me now?" she mumbled before swiping to answer.

"Hello? Ananya?" Daksh's deep voice came from the other end.

"It's Anu, Bhaiya!" she said cheerfully, giggling.

"Yes, yes, Anu," Daksh said, his smile evident even through the phone.

"What happened, Bhaiya? Everything okay?" Ananya asked.

"Uh… well…" Daksh hesitated for a moment. "Do... you... Um... Books..."

Ananya’s lips curled into a wide smile as she immediately caught on. "Let me guess, you're asking about Divi ma’s book preferences?"

There was a stunned silence on the other end. "How did you… How did you know that’s what I was going to ask?"

"Your sister knows everything, Bhaiya!" Ananya said proudly, grinning from ear to ear.

Daksh chuckled softly, shaking his head on the other end of the call. "Alright, then, Sherlock. Spill the details."

Ananya leaned back in her seat, a smug smile plastered across her face. "Well, she has a soft corner for romance novels. You know, the classic kind where the broody guy falls for the lively girl… kind of like… you two."

Daksh’s silence spoke volumes, and Ananya could practically feel him blushing through the phone.

"Also, she likes the books with dark covers. I think they have violence but I know that they're romance too. Maybe she is practicing on how to be more cute with her husband, cuz all I know is, in romance novels, the wives are the cute ones."

"Okay, okay. That’s enough information for now," he said, clearing his throat awkwardly.

Ananya laughed. "You’re welcome, Bhaiya!"

"Yeah, yeah. Bye, Anu." Daksh hung up, but the smile on his face lingered.

As the call ended, Mahima glanced at Ananya. "What was that about?"

"Oh, just our typical Daksh Bhaiya-in-love moment," Ananya teased, grinning.

The two girls shared a laugh as the car sped towards the café.

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My opinion on Aditya,

Dude is completely lovestruck 🤭

Comment your opinions!!

He used to roll his eyes at her antics, but now he finds himself secretly smiling at them.💕✨💗✨