The moment Aarohi stepped out of the airport in the Maldives, a warm breeze brushed against her skin, carrying the scent of salt and fresh flowers. The sight of turquoise waters stretching endlessly in the distance made her momentarily forget her irritation.
Vihaan, standing beside her in his crisp white shirt and sunglasses, smirked. "Not bad, huh?"
Aarohi folded her arms. "I still havenât forgiven you for this setup."
Vihaan chuckled. "You say that, but I saw your face when you looked at the beach."
She huffed, looking away. "I was just⦠admiring nature."
Their private speedboat was waiting for them, and Aarohi had barely settled onto her seat when Vihaan stretched his legs lazily. "A private villa, endless ocean, and no family to interrupt. I could get used to this."
Aarohi shot him a glare. "Behave, or Iâll push you into the water."
Vihaan smirked. "Youâd miss me too much, biwi."
Aarohi rolled her eyes. "Iâd finally get some peace."
The ride to their resort was breathtaking, but Aarohi kept reminding herself that this wasnât a real honeymoon. It was just a forced trip thanks to Karan and his ridiculous ideas. Nothing more.
Right?
The villa was straight out of a dreamâwooden interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows opening to the ocean, and a private infinity pool that sparkled under the sun. White curtains swayed with the sea breeze, and the scent of fresh flowers filled the air.
Aarohi turned to Vihaan. "This looks too expensive."
Vihaan smirked. "Karan really outdid himself."
Aarohi sighed, stepping inside. "I still can't believe he tricked us into this."
Vihaan leaned against the doorway, watching her. "Itâs not that bad, biwi. A little vacation wonât kill you."
Aarohi crossed her arms. "That depends on whether you behave or not."
Vihaan laughed. "Relax, biwi. I promisedâno nonsense."
She narrowed her eyes. "Good."
Just then, a staff member walked in with their luggage. "Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Malhotra. We hope you enjoy your honeymoon. Your candlelight dinner is already arranged for tonight."
Aarohi froze. "Candlelight dinner?"
Vihaan grinned. "Interesting. What else have they planned for us?"
The staff member smiled. "A couple's spa session, snorkeling, and a sunset cruise. Everything is arranged for a romantic experience."
Aarohi turned to Vihaan, her expression a mix of horror and disbelief. "This is your fault!"
Vihaan chuckled. "CorrectionâKaranâs fault. But we might as well enjoy it."
Aarohi groaned, throwing a cushion at him. "I need a break from you already!"
Vihaan dodged it effortlessly. "Good luck with that, biwi. Weâre stuck here together."
Aarohi stomped toward the bedroom. "I need a nap before I lose my mind."
Vihaan smirked, watching her go. This honeymoon was going to be fun.
Aarohi had no intention of attending that candlelight dinner. But as expected, Vihaan wasnât going to let her off that easily.
"Youâre coming, biwi," he declared as he leaned against the doorway, watching her pretend to read a book.
Aarohi didnât even look up. "No, Iâm not."
Vihaan smirked. "I see. So, youâd rather let me go alone, where all the single women will see a handsome, rich man sitting by himself?"
Aarohi slammed her book shut. "You are so annoying."
Vihaan grinned. "Come on, biwi. It's free food."
Aarohi sighed. "Fine. But Iâm only going because Iâm hungry."
"Of course," Vihaan said, clearly not believing her.
That evening, as they walked to the beachside setup, Aarohi had to admitâit was beautiful. The table was set right by the water, lit with fairy lights and candles, the ocean waves gently crashing nearby.
Vihaan pulled out a chair for her, and she hesitated before sitting. "Youâre being suspiciously nice."
Vihaan smirked. "Canât a husband spoil his wife?"
Aarohi rolled her eyes. "Iâm watching you, Malhotra."
Vihaan chuckled. "Iâd be disappointed if you werenât."
As the night went on, Aarohi found herself almost enjoying his companyâuntil Vihaan leaned closer and smirked.
"Admit it, biwi. This honeymoon isnât so bad."
Aarohi sipped her juice. "Talk to me after a week, pati dev."
Vihaan laughed. "Challenge accepted."
This honeymoon was going to be very interesting.