Chapter-37

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Abhimanyu sat in his study, the soft hum of the ceiling fan barely cutting through the silence as he stared at the laptop screen. Two days had passed since he had been discharged from the hospital, a place he had loathed for the five days he was confined there.

The memory of sterile white walls and the incessant beeping of machines still lingered, but it was the thought of Aarushi that kept him sane. Each evening after returning from school , she went directly to the hospital , her bright smile and animated rants about her day at school providing a welcome distraction from the monotony of his illness.

As he shifted his focus back to the presentation on the screen, he found his mind wandering. The fever that had plagued him was gone, and his breath had returned to normal.

Yet, the thought of being bedridden any longer stirred a restlessness within him. He was grateful that Aarushi had been there, sharing memes, stories, and laughter, transforming a dull hospital room into a lively space filled with warmth and connection.

Just as he was about to dive back into his work, a soft knock interrupted his thoughts. "Come in," he called in an authoritative tone.

A maid entered, bowing slightly. "Hukum, Rani sa's friend Sidharth is here to see you."

Abhimanyu’s brow furrowed. Sidharth. He didn’t hate him; after all, he had provided valuable insights into Aarushi’s likes and dislikes.

Yet, he doesn't like him at all. His subconscious mocked him, whispering, "You don’t like 90 percent of the population. Why should this one be any different?"

"Send him in," Abhimanyu replied, shaking off the irritation as the maid left.  Moments later, Sidharth stepped through the door. He offered a broad smile, his casual demeanor almost too cheerful for Abhimanyu’s taste.

"Khamma Ghani, I heard you were in the hospital. Aarushi told me. I just got back to Jodhpur, and I wanted to check on you."

Abhimanyu closed his laptop, gesturing for Sidharth to take a seat. "I’m fine now." He replied.

"Glad to hear that.... By the way is Aarushi" Sid asked in a curious tone."She isn't home till now " Abhimanyu replied in his usual cold tone.

"But she should be back any minute. School ended over an hour ago." Sidharth frowned slightly, as if concerned about Aarushi’s tardiness.

Abhimanyu released a sigh, attempting to mask a twinge of annoyance " You don't need to worry, She’s on her way."

A pause hung in the air, thick with unspoken tension. Sidharth leaned forward, his curiosity evident. "So, how was your date?"

"It was good. Perfect, actually," Abhimanyu replied, his tone cool.

"Of course it was! I helped you, didn’t I?" Sidharth patted himself on the back with a smug grin.

Rolling his eyes, Abhimanyu muttered under his breath, "Another self-obsessed idiot like Rudra."

"That’s very sweet of you. Thank you." Abhimanyu said not sounding thankful.

Sidharth tilted his head, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "You don’t sound very sincere."

"Because I’m not," Abhimanyu shot back, his voice cold. "I’m only saying that because my wife is your friend. If you hadn’t told me what I needed to know, I would have found out through other means."

Sidharth narrowed his eyes, sensing the underlying tension. "You’ll never get that much information about anyone. No one knows Aarushi better than I do."

At that moment, a spark of anger ignited in Abhimanyu’s chest. He shouldn’t be feeling this possessive, yet here he was, glaring at Sidharth as if he was the enemy.

He remembered those quiet nights spent with Aarushi, their bodies intertwined, as he had asked her about her favorite things. Why didn’t he know everything about her before? He should be the one who knows her best.

Before he could respond, the door swung open. "You should really be resting," Aarushi chided gently, her voice trailing off as she noticed Sidharth standing there.

Both men rose to their feet, their expressions shifting from tension to mild surprise. Sidharth flashed a grin, stepping toward her with a playful air. " Aa gayi maharani ji , aaj kal to koi hume puchta bhi nahi " He said hitting her slowly on her head.

Aarushi feigned annoyance, lightly punching Sidharth’s arm. "I was busy, and I called you. Don't complain "

"Don’t you dare to hit her again !" Abhimanyu interjected, his protective instinct kicking in as he glared at Sidharth.

"It’s okay, Mr Rathore" Aarushi reassured him, shaking her head at his seriousness. "He’s my friend. We’re always like this."

Abhimanyu sighed, attempting to rein in his possessiveness. "Fine. How was your day?"

"It was good," she replied with a bright smile that lit up the room. "But you should be resting, not working!"

"I just got up jaan. I’m fine." He leaned forward, concern creeping into his voice. "Did you eat?"

"Yes, I did," she said, glancing at Sidharth. "Let’s go to the garden. It’s lovely outside, and everyone is there. We can sit with them and talk "

Sidharth agreed eagerly, and Abhimanyu nodded, feeling a little more at ease because of her presence.

As they made their way out, Sidharth walked beside Aarushi, chatting animatedly. Abhimanyu fell behind, an uncharacteristic surge of jealousy rising within him.

Suddenly, he stepped in between them, gripping Aarushi’s hand possessively, a subtle push against Sidharth’s arm.

Both Aarushi and Sidharth halted in surprise, confusion dancing across their faces. They both looked at Abhimanyu, who was looking forward, acting like he hadn't pushed Sidharth a few seconds ago. Sidharth composed himself and raised an eyebrow, glancing at Aarushi,asking what was that , who merely shrugged in response.

As they descended the stairs, Abhimanyu’s phone rang, breaking the moment. He glanced at the screen, recognizing his PA’s number. "Baby, I have to take this," he said, ignoring Sidharth’s presence as he turned to Aarushi. "You go ahead to the garden. I’ll join you shortly."

He shot a glare at Sidharth before leaving the room, the jealousy still simmering beneath the surface.

Once he was out of earshot, Sidharth turned to Aarushi, a puzzled expression on his face. "Teri pati ko mere se aise kya dikkat hai"

Aarushi shrugged, trying to suppress a smile. "I don’t know. He sometimes acts like this. It’s not just you; he has a serious problem with my pillu too"

"What did your pillu do to him?" Sidharth asked, genuinely intrigued.

"I have no idea," she replied, giggling. "He’s just… intense sometimes."

Sidharth chuckled. "How do you cope with him? He’s always glaring at everyone."

"He’s not like this all the time. He just gets like this when he meets.... someone..no... everyone I think .His mood changes really fast" Aarushi looked thoughtful for a moment. " But he really cares for everyone, even if he doesn’t show it."

After a beat, Sidharth leaned closer, his expression turning serious. "So, how’s your relationship going with him? I heard the date went well."

Aarushi’s cheeks flushed slightly as she smiled shyly. "It’s good. He’s really not bad. You know, I’ve hurt him before with my words, but he never responds with anything but kindness. He is mature , he respects me and I think I like him a lot now."

Sidharth’s eyes widened playfully. "I think it’s more than like because the way you're blushing, I can say that you love him, don’t you?"

"Shut up!" Aarushi playfully nudged him, her cheeks still warm as she started to walk toward the garden.

Sidharth walked alongside her, a hint of mischief in his voice. "Mujhe pahle bhot ajeeb laga tha jab tu achanak se shaadi ke liye man gayi per ab tu khush hai to sab thik hai "

"I am happy. More than happy," she asserted, her expression softening as she thought of Abhimanyu. "He is a good person. Don’t worry."

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the sprawling garden, where the aroma of blooming flowers mingled with the leaves. Sid just left few minutes ago after chatting with everyone.

Abhimanyu leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed yet his expression distant. He stole glances at Aarushi, who sat beside him, her laughter mingling with the chatter around them.

The family gathered around, their voices creating a comforting backdrop, but all Abhimanyu could focus on was the way Aarushi’s hair danced in the breeze and how her eyes sparkled with joy.

"Abhimanyu, are you okay now ?"  bade ma’s voice rose above the others, her concern evident in the creases of her Abhimanyu nodded his head at her and said " I am better badi ma don't worry"

Before badi ma could say anything , Navya bounded into the garden, her excitement palpable. "Ma, papa! We’re going on a trip to Srinagar in two days! Isn’t that amazing?"

Bade papa leaned forward, his bushy eyebrows knitting together in concern. "That's wonderful, Navya. But remember, you’ll have a guard with you. It’s for your safety, and we’ll manage everything. No one will know he’s a guard."

"Of course!" Navya nodded eagerly, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "I’ll keep you updated, I promise!" Everyone smiled at her excitement.

Aaryan remembered something from the mention of trip and asked . "Bhabhi, we’re going to Eklingji Temple in three days. You should come with us.Please"

Chachi ji added, "Yes, we make it a point to visit twice a year. You should join us, beta. It's so beautiful and peaceful there"

Abhimanyu’s heart raced at the thought. He had already taken a week off work; if Aarushi agreed, he would be left alone in the house. "Please don't go " he whispered under his breath, hoping she would decline this offer.

Aarushi turned to him, her brow furrowing slightly. "Are you going?"

"No," Aaryan jumped in before Abhimanyu could speak, "Bhai ne pahle hi itni chutti leli , or humne pucha tha unhone mana ker diya "

Aarushi’s disappointment was palpable, her shoulders slumping slightly. She thought about what she should do , she wanted to go but she  couldn't take leave from school. She thought for a minute , not knowing her silence was making someone anxious "I have grading and results to prepare. The students’ exams end in three days, and I can’t take leave."

Relief washed over Abhimanyu. He quickly masked it with a cough, pretending to clear his throat. "Work is important. You shouldn’t take it for granted" he added, more for himself than for anyone else.

Bade ma nodded sagely. "Exactly, beta. Work is important, but family is important too. We’ll have you join us next time, Aarushi."

"Of course," she replied with a soft smile, but her eyes flickered to Abhimanyu, who was still wrestling with his own thoughts.

Abhimanyu leaned forward, a sudden exhilaration coursing through him. "I’ll book your tickets today, we should not wait for last moment "  he announced, catching everyone off guard.

Puzzled expressions darted around the group. Chachi ji exchanged glances with bade ma, while Aarushi raised her brows in surprise. "Why are you so eager,  Abhimanyu?”

"Me? No I was just helping you " he shrugged, feigning nonchalance.

As the conversation shifted, laughter and chatter filled the air. Eventually, the family members began to disperse, their laughter trailing behind them like the soft whisper of the wind.

Navya approached Aarushi, her voice low and teasing. "Bhabhi..aap or bhai akele....kya khayal hai "  She nudged Aarushi playfully, a grin plastered on her face.

"What did you say to bhabhi?" Aaryan asked, his tone curious.

"Nothing!" Navya giggled, grabbing Aaryan’s hand. "Let’s go, come on!"

As they walked away, Abhimanyu and Aarushi were left in a comfortable silence, the air between them charged with unspoken words. Aarushi’s cheeks flushed, and she turned to him, her expression shy yet curious.

"What was that about?" Abhimanyu raised an eyebrow, leaning closer, intrigued.

"Kuch khaas nahi per , mujhe aapse kuch puchna  hai " she said, stepping into his space.

Abhimanyu nodded, his interest piqued. "Okay, ask"

She glanced around, ensuring no one was watching, then circled her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

Abhimanyu’s heart raced, his hands instinctively finding their way to her waist, drawing her nearer.

"You know what will happen after three days?" she asked, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper.

Abhimanyu frowned, lost in her gaze. "What?"

"Everyone has plans, and we will be alone in the house," she teased, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

"Yes, we will be alone," he echoed, the sudden weight of her words sinking in.

Aarushi’s hand rested against his chest, and he felt a jolt of electricity pass between them. "And you know what that means?"

"What?" he stammered, his breath hitching as the world around them faded away.

She leaned in closer, her breath warm against his ear. "We will do something... alone in our room."

His pulse quickened, the air thick with tension.His blood rushed in his body. "What will we do alone?" he asked, stuttering, a mix of tension and excitement flaring within him.

Aarushi pulled back slightly, a wicked smile playing on her lips as she whispered seductively in his ears ,  "We will..."

Abhimanyu heavily breathed and nodded his head urging her to complete " Yes , we will "

The moment stretched, Abhimanyu’s heart hammering in his chest, anticipation crackling in the air.

"...watch movies together," she finally exclaimed, pulling away and raising her voice, "and you’ll help me with preparing results like a good husband."

With that, she turned on her heel and dashed inside the house, leaving Abhimanyu stunned, his mouth agape.

"You can't do this , Wait till I catch you, baby,"  he called after her, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and longing.

Aarushi stuck her tongue out at him playfully, the gesture igniting a fire within him as she disappeared through the door.

He shook his head, rubbing his face in disbelief, a smile creeping onto his lips despite himself. He looked down and noticed a tent in his pants. He took some deep breaths trying to compose himself.

Abhimanyu took a moment to gather his thoughts, his heart still racing. He was left with an overwhelming sense of anticipation, his mind racing with possibilities.

After some time , Aarushi peeked out of a room, her eyes twinkling with mischief. She came outside from the room and walked into the corridor giggling to herself. "Batao mujhe dhund bhi nahi paye , aaye bade "

Suddenly, she heard a whisper, soft yet captivating, brush against her ear. "Is my baby thinking about me?"

Before she could register what was happening, she was pinned against the wall, Abhimanyu's body pressed against her ,  her eyes wide with surprise.

In that electric moment, time stood still. Aarushi's breath caught in her throat, the world around them fading into a blur.

The only thing that mattered was the heat radiating from his body, the way her lips were mere inches from his, and the intoxicating rush of adrenaline coursing through her.

"Now tell me what were you saying " He whispered seductively near her face making her breathless.

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Next update will be on 23 or 24 feb.... I am not sure....

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