Chapter -21

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"Can I hug you?" Abhimanyu asked, the words tumbling out before he could stop them.  He knew it could make her uncomfortable, but he couldn’t help himself.  He needed that connection, that physical affirmation of this unexpected emotional connection . He felt a rush of vulnerability.

Aarushi paused, her expression unreadable. "Um…"

"Please but it's completely okay if you don't want to " He felt the weight of his request hang in the air, his heart pounding furiously against his ribcage.

After a moment that felt like an eternity, she shook her head gently. "I… I can’t."The rejection stung like a thousand tiny needles, but he masked the hurt with a nod. "It’s okay. I’ll go wash up, and then we can eat."He turned, the disappointment settling in the pit of his stomach like a stone.

But just as he took a step away, he felt her fingers wrap around his wrist, pulling him back. "Wait," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

He turned, confusion swirling in his chest. Before he could process it, she stepped forward and enveloped him in an embrace.

The world around him faded, the noise of the day dissipating like smoke. His breath hitched, a mix of surprise and elation. This was it—the first time they had shared a hug. It wasn’t just a physical connection; it felt like a bond being forged in that instant.

He felt the tension drain from his shoulders, the knot in his stomach slowly unraveling.It felt… strange , vulnerable ,But also… incredibly good.

Her warmth seeped into him, chasing away the chill that had resided in his bones for so long. In that simple embrace, the weight of his past, the memories that had haunted him for years, seemed to lighten.  The shadows that usually lurked at the edge of his vision receded, replaced by the warmth of her presence.

All his anxieties and the shadows that haunted him momentarily vanished, replaced by a feeling so profound he could hardly comprehend it.

Relief, gratitude, a sense of connection he hadn't felt in years.  He felt… safe.  A feeling he had almost forgotten existed.

"Thank you, love" he murmured into her hair, inhaling the sweet scent of her shampoo. His arms instinctively wrapped around her, lifting her slightly off the ground.

Aarushi held him tightly, and he could feel the soft rhythm of her heartbeat against his chest. It was a melody that soothed his soul, a symphony that played just for them. "This feels nice," he said, his voice muffled.

Aarushi remained still, her breath warm against his neck. Time seemed to stretch, each second wrapping around them like a cozy blanket. He could feel the blush creeping up his cheeks, warmth radiating from his flushed skin.

"More than nice,"he added, still lost in the moment. "Just being here with you like this… it’s like coming home."

Her body shifted slightly, and he tightened his hold instinctively. “Please, few more minutes,” he urged softly, his heart racing.

She nodded, and he felt her fingers begin to rub his back in slow, soothing circles. Each gentle stroke sent shivers down his spine, igniting something deep within him—a yearning he hadn’t fully acknowledged until now.

"I never expected to feel this way about anyone. But you… you make me want to be better. To reach out. Just your presence is enough to brighten my darkest days." he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Aarushi’s breath caught, and he could feel her heart quickening against him. After what felt like an eternity, he reluctantly loosened his grip, just enough to see her face. The blush on her cheeks was undeniable, a soft pink that made his heart flutter.

He chuckled and said unable to help himself. " You’re more adorable when you blush"

She ducked her head, a smile threatening to break free and muttered "Bad man"

Abhimanyu’s smile widened, and he felt a rush of affection surging through him. “I’ll go freshen up quickly, then we can have dinner,” he said, still hovering in the moment.

“Okay,” Aarushi replied, her voice still shy, yet filled with unspoken promise.

As he turned to head upstairs, he couldn’t resist glancing back at her. She was watching him, her eyes sparkling with something .

Aarushi giggled as he raced up the stairs. She remained in the living room, starting upstairs.

Suddenly her smile flattered as she remembered something "What the hell are you giggling about?" she scolded herself, tossing a throw pillow onto the couch in frustration. "You don’t like him, remember"

But how could she deny it? The warmth of his hug still lingered on her skin, a sweet memory that refused to fade. As she prepared the table, her mind wandered back to his words, how he had thanked her, how he had held her close.

“Maybe I should just forget this,” she whispered to herself, but deep down, she knew it was impossible.

Next day ~

Abhimanyu emerged from the closet, the door creaking softly behind him. "Are you ready?" he called, his voice breaking the morning stillness.

His gaze swept across the room until it landed on Aarushi, who stood before the mirror, her fingers deftly braiding her hair.

"Yes, just ten minutes " she replied, her tone light yet focused.He watched her, mesmerized. She looked radiant, her concentration evident as she twisted the strands with practiced ease.

(Aarushi outfit)

(Abhimanyu outfit)

"My pretty girl" he muttered under his breath, raising his phone to capture the moment. The soft click of the camera shutter was almost imperceptible, but it felt monumental to him. He loves to click her pictures.

With a sigh, he moved toward the couch, retrieving his coat from where he had tossed it before.

Today was significant—Aarushi was returning to her job as a teacher , and he could see the excitement bubbling beneath her surface. She was feeling bored at home so she decided to join her job a little early.

“When will you stop throwing him on the couch?” she asked, her voice teasing as she turned slightly to catch his eye. Abhimanyu feigned innocence, blinking exaggeratedly. "I didn’t throw him there. Why would I throw him?"

She shook her head, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Today I found him near the balcony. What’s your problem with my pillu "

He smirked and said "I don’t have a problem with him. I think he likes to stay on the couch "

"Jyada hoshiyar mat baniye mere samne ” she shot back, her expression a mix of amusement and mock annoyance.

Abhimanyu stepped closer to the mirror, watching her as she turned back to her reflection. There was a moment of confusion on her face when she noticed him lingering. Her brows furrowed slightly, and he gestured with his eyes toward the two open buttons of his shirt.

She rolled her eyes but could not suppress a smile. "Seriously, you are   doing this on purpose"she asked, moving toward him.

He felt a thrill run through him as she reached up, her fingers brushing against his chest as she began to fasten his shirt. He grinned like a child, unable to contain his delight.

"Let’s go! I’ll drop you" he declared, stepping back with an air of finality.Aarushi shook her head, her expression shifting to one of concern. "No... What if someone saw you? They’ll find out that we’re married "

She started arranging her handbag and added further " And I just talked to Sid , he’ll be here in five minutes "

Suddenly Abhimanyu mood darkened at the mention of Sid. He didn't like it a bit , here he couldn't even drop his wife

"You should go with the driver. I’ll appoint two bodyguards for you—just for your safety."Abhimanyu said picking up his phone.

"No hukum , What’s the need for bodyguards? No one knows I’m your wife" she insisted, waving her hands dismissively. "And Sid is already here. I’ll go with him today; from tomorrow, I’ll go with the driver. Okay "

Everyone in the school will question her if they saw her with Bodyguards and she doesn't want any unnecessary attention.She turned towards him when she didn't heard anything . He was already glaring at her.

"Hamesha ghoorte rahte hai "  Aarushi muttered to herself . She takes a step towards him and raises her eyebrows, questioning him about what's going on in his mind.

"Why is he coming here? Doesn’t he have a job?" Abhimanyu said unable to mask the irritation in his voice.

Aarushi shrugged, unfazed. “First of all, my school is on his way to the office and he wants to meet me, that’s why he offered to drop me. Aur kya matlab vo kyu aa raha hai vo acha insaan hai aapki tarah nahi . Acha bhi nahi bhot acha hai "

The words stung more than she realized. Abhimanyu’s heart sank. "She didn’t praise me" he thought bitterly, the thought curling in his mind like smoke.

“Now why are you sulking" Aarushi asked, her eyebrows knitting together in concern as she noticed his sour mood.

He didn't say anything for a minute, the silence stretching between them. "Okay, but take care of yourself . Don't forget to have lunch and If you feel any inconvenience, don’t hesitate to reach me, okay?" Abhimanyu said calmly trying to keep his jealousy in sane.

"Okay" she replied, her tone softening as she caught the tension in his posture. Together, they descended the stairs, and Aarushi took a moment to greet her family, seeking their blessings before she stepped out into the mansion. Abhimanyu trailed behind her as she went towards Sid.

Sid greeted her, flashing a bright smile as he opened the car door for her.Abhimanyu stood there, rooted to the spot as their car pulled away.

The engine roared as it drove off, leaving him with a hollow feeling in his chest. He felt a wave of possessiveness wash over him, but he couldn’t express it—not when her safety was paramount, not when she herself didn't want him to invade her privacy.

He climbed into his own car, the leather seat cool beneath him. Gripping the steering wheel, he felt the tension in his muscles, the gnawing frustration of not being able to fully claim her as his in the world’s eyes. He started the engine, taking a deep breath as he shifted into gear.

As he drove, he couldn’t help but replay their conversation in his mind. Every word, every glance, felt loaded with unspoken emotions. He worried for her safety, yet he also felt the sting of Sid’s presence.

He wanted to protect her, to be the one who took her to work every day, to show the world that she was his wife, and that no one else could take that place from him.

On the other side ~

The officer's words echoed in the room, their tone carrying a weight of disappointment. "He declined once more. Refused to even consider a meeting."

The person, shrouded in darkness, let out an evil chuckle, a sound that sent shivers down the officer's spine. "As always," they said, their voice dripping with sarcasm.

Rage ignited within that person, their face contorting with anger. "He's a fool, A pathetic fool.I wish I had ended him when he was just a child. What's the point of this power if he can't even help me?" The person shouted in complete rage.

"He thinks he can escape me, but I will not let him go so easily. One day, when I am free, I will make him pay. I will take everything he holds dear, just as he took everything from me. He is a bad omen, a curse upon us, and I shall break that curse."The person said with firm persistence.

The person again sat down on the floor and laughed evilly. A plan began to form, a web of intricate traps and deceptions. He , driven by his hatred and desire for revenge, plotted plans with precision.

At RR Enterprises ~

The office hummed with chaotic energy, punctuated by the sharp clatter of keyboards and the occasional exasperated sigh. A group of employees huddled near the coffee machine, their hushed voices barely rising above the din.

"Did you see him go off on Rina for that report?" one whispered, rolling her eyes. "It was just a typo"

"Yeah, but you know how hukum is. He’s like a volcano—one little mistake and boom!" another replied, mimicking an explosion with a flick of his hands.

As if on cue, a door slammed from the far end of the office, rattling the glass panels. “You think this is a joke? Get your act together!” Abhimanyu’s voice thundered, echoing through the open-plan space.

Akhil sat at his desk, his heart racing. He could feel the tremors of tension ripple through the air. The last thing he wanted was to face the wrath of his boss. "Why me? I don’t want to go" he pleaded, his eyes darting to his friend, who had just emerged from the break room.

"You’re going," his friend said with a smirk. "Last time, I got chewed out because of you. Now it’s your turn."

Akhil gulped, his mind racing. "I’ll get fired for sure. Just a small slip-up, and it’s curtains for me"

"Hey, better you than me" His friend chuckled, clapping him on the back as he pushed him toward the door.

"Now, go on. Don’t keep him waiting."

With a resigned sigh, Akhil trudged over to where his Pa stood.

His Pa gave him a sympathetic look and said, "Just wait a moment; there’s someone in there already." They both stood quietly, listening to the escalating shouts from Abhimanyu’s office.

His Pa shifted uncomfortably, glancing at Akhil with a knowing look. "Sounds like he’s in a foul mood today. Aaj to pakka inki biwi se ladayi huyi hogi " Aakash (His Pa) muttered to himself.

Just then, the door swung open, and a disheveled employee stumbled out, his face pale and eyes wide. "Good luck," he muttered to Akhil as he passed.

"Thanks Bhai "Akhil mumbled under his breath, trying to swallow down the rising dread. Suddenly, Aaksh's intercom buzzed. He quickly stood up and sprinted towards Abhimanyu's office. He took a deep breath and  inside the lion’s den.

"Sir, you called me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Talk to Rudra," Abhimanyu barked, his tone clipped and impatient. "I need you to hire professional guards for my wife. They should look like normal people—no one should know they’re bodyguards."

"Ok sir" Aakash said nodding a little and left from there.

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I think everyone already knew who is that mysterious person? Haina ?

I will upload next chapter on 4 feb.

At last thank you everyone for showing your support

Love you 💌