38.

Abhiraj’s POV

"Thank you" my wife says to the guests with a soft smile. Almost everyone has left by now. Only a few people are still here but they’re planning to leave soon.

"Let’s go to our room" I whisper into her ear, leaning close so only she can hear me. Her eyes widen in shock as she looks at me.

"Wait a little Mr. Rajvansh" she says slowly, her cheeks turning pink with a shy blush.

She looks so pretty today — no, actually she looks breathtaking. There isn’t a single word that can truly describe how beautiful she looks right now.

Her red lehenga is nothing less than torture for my heart. The way it hugs her figure perfectly, the soft glow of the wedding lights reflecting on the delicate embroidery it’s driving me insane.

Her minimal makeup highlights her natural beauty and that single strand of hair falling in front of her face makes her look even more irresistible. The glow of the wedding on her face, the happiness shining in her eyes — everything about her is just… different tonight.

Even now, I can’t believe that she’s officially mine. We’re married. We performed every ritual together, made every promise to each other. It feels unreal that this moment this life with her — is actually happening to me.

The soft tears that slipped from her eyes during the rituals were proof of how much she loves me. And knowing that I’m the reason for those tears of happiness… it makes me feel like the happiest man in the world. now, she’s my wife. Mine forever.

I feel a light tug on my sherwani and look down. Zar is standing there, looking up at me with his sleepy eyes. His tail sways lazily and he lets out a soft huff.

He’s tired from all the excitement and is silently asking me to take him to our room so he can rest. I smile and crouch down to stroke his soft fur. Zar leans into my touch, his eyes half.closing in comfort.

Just then I see Uncle Viraj walking toward us with Aunty beside him. They are Varun’s parents. Uncle’s face is calm but there’s warmth in his smile.

"We’re leaving now. Once again happy married life" Uncle says with a smile, pulling me and Dev into a firm hug.

"Stay blessed" Aunty says, her eyes soft as she looks at Jiya and Mira. They both smile warmly in return their hands brushing together as they stand side by side.

As Uncle and Aunty walk away, I release a breath I didn’t even realize I was holding. The weight of the day’s events starts to settle in my chest but it’s a comforting kind of heaviness.

"Let’s go. I want to sleep now. I'm really tired" Jiya says lifting the hem of her heavy lehenga with a tired sigh.

"What? You’re already tired?" Dev teases her with a playful smirk and, of course he gets a sharp smack on his back in response.

"I’m also tired. And look my baby is sleepy" my wifey says softly, looking at Zar, who’s sitting at the couch  with droopy eyes. His tail sways lazily and he lets out a soft yawn.

"Let’s go" I say and without waiting for a response, I bend down and lift Mira into my arms.

She lets out a small gasp of surprise and immediately wraps her arms around my neck. Her wide eyes meet mine and her lips part slightly as a shy smile forms on her face.

"Abhi!" she whispers, her cheeks turning red.

I smile down at her and start walking toward the mansion. Her lehenga is heavy and I know she must be exhausted after such a long day. Carrying her is the least I can do.

Behind us, I hear Dev’s voice.

"If he’s lifting his wife why shouldn’t I?" Dev says. A second later, Jiya squeals as Dev scoops her up into his arms. "Dev!" she scolds but she’s laughing as he follows behind us.

"Looking at us, doesn’t it feel like we just got married?" Jiya jokes, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

We all chuckle at her words. Zar walks ahead of us toward the room, his tail swaying from side to side as he leads the way. His ears perk up and he glances back at us with a sleepy but satisfied look.

I walk up the staircase, Mira’s soft breathing brushing against my neck. She’s looking at me with a smile so pure it makes my heart feel too full. The warmth of her arms around me the trust in her gaze it makes me feel like the luckiest man alive.

"Good night" I say to Dev and Jiya as I reach the top of the stairs.

"Good night" they both reply together before Dev carries Jiya toward their room.

I push open the door to our room and step inside. The room is breathtaking soft flower petals are scattered across the floor and bed, and small candles glow warmly around the room. The golden light reflects off the delicate embroidery of Mira’s lehenga, making her look even more stunning.

I walk toward the bed and carefully place her down on the soft mattress. Mira immediately leans back against the headboard, letting out a soft breath. She looks so tired but her eyes are still shining.

Zar jumps up on the bed and curls up beside her. Mira runs her fingers through his soft fur and Zar nuzzles into her touch, letting out a satisfied huff.

I sit down in front of her on the bed, my gaze locked on her face. She looks at me with nothing but love in her eyes. My chest tightens at the sight.

Without saying a word, I get up and walk toward the closet. I pull out a small box and return to sit in front of her.

"This is for you" I say softly placing the box in her hands.

Her eyes light up with excitement as she carefully opens the box. Inside is a single folded piece of paper. Confusion flashes across her face as she takes it out and begins to read.

The more she reads, the wider her eyes get. Her breathing quickens and her hands tremble slightly as she reaches the end of the paper. She looks up at me with a completely shocked expression.

"What is this Abhi?" she whispers, her voice shaking.

"This is for you" I say softly. My baby shakes her head.

The paper clearly states that every single thing I own — my company, my properties, my land, my wealth — everything now belongs to Mira Abhiraj Singh Rajvansh. And at the bottom of the paper, written in bold, clear letters, is the final line:

"Abhiraj Singh Rajvansh also belongs to Mira Abhiraj Singh Rajvansh"

"Abhi…" she breathes out, her voice barely above a whisper. She looks up at me, her eyes filled with shock and overwhelming emotions. She tries to say something but I gently press my finger against her soft lips.

"This is nothing compared to what you deserve. My everything is yours, my love" I say, my voice calm but filled with certainty. My gaze locks with hers and I see tears pooling in her beautiful eyes.

Her lips part but then her expression shifts from shock to something else entirely. Her eyes widen as she processes my words.

"W...What did you just call me?" she asks softly, her voice shaking.

I smile, my heart swelling as I lean closer. "Love. My love. I love you" I say, looking deep into her tear filled eyes.

Mira’s eyes widen further before soft tears begin rolling down her cheeks. Her hand tightens around mine as her body starts trembling.

"I’m really sorry for making you wait this long" I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. I reach up and gently wipe away her tears with my thumb.

Mira shakes her head and suddenly throws herself into my arms. Her arms wrap tightly around my neck as she buries her face in my shoulder.

"I love you too, Abhi. I love you too" she says between shaky breaths. Her voice is muffled against my neck but the sincerity in her words makes my heart pound wildly.

I hold her tightly against me, my hand stroking her back as I close my eyes, feeling the warmth of her body pressed against mine. My heart feels too full like it might burst from how much I love her.

A soft roar makes us pull apart. We both turn toward Zar, who’s sitting at the bed, watching us with bright eyes and a happy expression. His tail is swaying slowly and his mouth is slightly open almost like he’s smiling.

Mira leans toward him, brushing her hand through his soft fur. Zar lets out a soft huff and suddenly jumps off the bed. He trots toward the closet and disappears inside.

I frown, confused. "What is he doing?" I murmur.

A few seconds later, Zar comes back, carrying a small bag in his mouth. I immediately recognize the bag it’s the same one Dev was holding when he came back from the market earlier this evening.

Zar jumps back onto the bed and gently places the bag on Mira’s lap. Mira and I exchange a confused glance before she carefully picks up the bag and opens it.

Inside the bag is a small box. Mira slowly takes it out and opens it.

Our eyes widen in unison when we see what’s inside. It’s a pendant small but incredibly detailed and elegant. The pendant shows a tiger and a woman sitting together, carved so beautifully that it almost looks alive. The silver and gold detailing shines under the soft candlelight.

"It’s… beautiful" Mira whispers, her eyes wide with amazement.

My mouth hangs open in shock. "How did…?"

Mira looks at Zar, who’s sitting proudly at the edge of the bed, his tail wagging happily. He lets out a soft growl, almost like he’s saying, You’re welcome.

Mira smiles and picks up the pendant, holding it between her fingers. Her eyes shine with tears as she looks at Zar and then at me.

I shake my head, smiling in disbelief. "Our Zar really knows how to steal the moment, doesn’t he?"

"Zar, I’ve fallen in love with your choice my baby" Mira says with a bright smile, looking at the pendant hanging around her neck. Zar’s mouth stretches wide in what looks like a proud grin. His tail thumps happily against the bed as he sits beside her.

Mira immediately adjusts the pendant over her heavy jewelry, letting it rest against her chest. The delicate tiger and woman design gleams under the soft light of the candles.

"Look, it’s so beautiful!" Mira says, her eyes sparkling as she looks at me.

I nod, smiling. "It is"

I narrow my eyes at Zar, who’s still sitting proudly. "Now he’s hiding things from me and making plans with his uncle?" I say raising a brow at him. Zar lets out a low huff and gives me a look wide eyes and a slightly tilted head like he’s innocent.

"Don’t say anything to my baby" Mira scolds me playfully, leaning down and kissing Zar’s head. Zar closes his eyes, letting out a satisfied purr.

I scoff but inside, my heart melts at the sight. Who wouldn’t feel happy seeing a bond like this? Mira and Zar they’ve become so close. It makes me feel at peace knowing they love each other so much.

Zar suddenly yawns, his mouth stretching wide and he blinks sleepily at me.

"You want to sleep?" I ask softly. Zar gives a small nod his head bobbing slightly as his eyes droop.

I get up and walk toward the end of the room. I open the door to Zar’s room — yes he has his own room. It’s big with a soft mattress and enough space for him to stretch out comfortably.

But honestly I don’t think he’s ever properly used it. He’s always preferred sleeping with me. But lately he’s been sleeping in his own room. Maybe because now he knows his mumma....Mira will be sleeping with me. My boy is really smart.

"Good night" Mira says softly to Zar.

Zar flashes her a small smile, his version of a smile — and trots into his room. He curls up on the mattress, letting out a contented sigh. I smile and gently close the door behind him.

I walk back toward Mira, who’s sitting on the bed, looking visibly tired now. Her shoulders are slumped and her hands are resting in her lap. I sit down in front of her and gently take her hand in mine.

"You should remove all the jewelry. It must be heavy" I say softly.

Mira nods slowly and starts removing her rings and bangles, placing them carefully on the side table.

I stand up and move behind her. My fingers carefully lift the heavy dupatta from her shoulders. I fold it neatly and place it aside.

Then I reach for her necklace it’s heavy and layered, pressing against her delicate neck. I unclasp it slowly and set it down. One by one, I remove each heavy neckpiece, letting my fingers brush softly against her skin as I work.

Mira’s breathing slows and I feel her body relaxing under my touch. Once the last piece of jewelry is off, she’s left in her blouse and lehenga.

Her bare skin glows softly under the candlelight and her shoulders look more relaxed without the weight of all the jewelry. She lets out a soft breath, her eyes half closing.

"Now go and change your clothes. I know you must be really tired" I say, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Won't you do anything?" she asks suddenly, her soft voice breaking the silence.

Her question catches me off guard. I freeze and look into her eyes. There’s curiosity in them and something else. Hope? Expectation?

My heart starts beating faster. Of course, I want to make love to her. I’ve dreamed about this moment holding her close, making her mine in every possible way but I’m scared.

This will be our first time and the thought of hurting her, even unknowingly, terrifies me. No. I can't even imagine it let alone let it happen.

"Abhi?" she calls softly, shaking my arm gently. Her eyes are wide with concern as she studies my face.

I swallow hard and take a shaky breath before speaking. "I’m scared I might hurt you if I do anything" I say quietly. My voice is low but I know she hears me.

Her eyes widen slightly but instead of disappointment, I see amusement flicker across her face. And then she smiles. A soft, genuine smile that makes my heart swell with happiness.

"What have I done to deserve you?" she whispers shaking her head. "But you know what? I can’t hold back anymore"

My brows furrow. "What do you mean?"

"I’ve been stopping myself for the past three months" she says, her voice growing stronger. "You didn’t kiss me on my lips because you thought you’d make me uncomfortable. You never did anything that people usually do in a relationship not because you didn’t want to but because you were thinking about me, about my comfort. And now… this?" Her eyes shine with warmth as she speaks. "I’m so happy to have a man like you. But I’m sorry, Abhi… and yes I’m ready to get hurt by you"

Her words hit me like a punch to the chest. Shock ripples through me. My mind is racing, trying to process what she just said.

Before I can even react Mira suddenly leans forward and presses her soft lips against mine.

My body freezes instantly. My mind stops working.

Her lips are soft so unbelievably soft and she’s moving them gently against mine. Her hands cup my face, her fingertips brushing over my skin. My eyes widen in shock.

She’s kissing me.

But my body is so stunned that I can’t even respond. My arms stay limp at my sides, my breath caught in my throat.

Mira pulls back slowly. Her eyes are filled with uncertainty as she looks at me. A flicker of sadness passes through her gaze and her lips part slightly as if she’s about to say something.

"I'm sorry if you’re not ready" she whispers, her voice soft and hesitant.

Before she can say anything else I crush my lips against hers.

A soft gasp escapes her mouth as I push her back onto the bed. My body presses against hers as I deepen the kiss no, I’m not just kissing her, I’m devouring her. Worshipping her.

My hand cups the back of her neck tilting her head to the perfect angle as my lips move hungrily over hers. Her taste sweet and addictive makes my head spin.

Her hands fly to my shoulders, clutching tightly before her fingers slip into my hair. Her nails graze my scalp, sending a shiver down my spine.

She starts creasing my hair softly and the gentle touch makes my chest tighten painfully.

My other hand roams over her body, moving slowly, teasingly, tracing the delicate curves of her waist.

My fingers press lightly against her skin through the fabric of her blouse, making her body arch slightly beneath me.

Suddenly, she starts tapping my shoulder, her hand weakly pressing against me. I immediately pull back, my breathing heavy as I look down at her face.

She’s breathless her chest rising and falling rapidly. Her cheeks are flushed and her lips… her soft lips are swollen and smudged with lipstick.

Strands of her hair are falling out of place, framing her face. She looks like a beautiful mess.... a mess I created.

I reach out and gently wipe away a smudge of lipstick from the corner of her mouth with my thumb. Her eyes flutter open, still glazed with the haze of the kiss.

Her breathing starts to calm as she stares at me. Slowly she lifts her hand and reaches toward my face. Her thumb brushes against my lower lip, wiping away the faint stain of her lipstick left on my mouth.

"I’m addicted to your lips" I murmur, my voice rough. I press my forehead against hers, feeling her warm breath against my skin. "And only I know how much I’ve been controlling myself from touching you, from kissing you, from claiming you"

Her eyes widen and a deep blush spreads across her cheeks. She lowers her gaze shyly, her lashes brushing her skin.

"I was waiting for the right time" I whisper, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. My fingers trail down the side of her face making her shiver. "And I think it’s now"

Her cheeks turn a deeper shade of red as she bites her lower lip, looking down. Her hand tightens slightly on my shoulder and I smile knowing that from this moment on there’s no turning back.

"Only if you’re ready" I whisper my thumb gently brushing over her cheek. My hand cups her face as I look into her eyes searching for any hesitation.

She smiles softly, her eyes filled with warmth and certainty. "I’m all ready Mr. Rajvansh. Make me yours in every possible way" she says confidently.

And that’s it.

The beast inside me....the one who’s been dying to worship her, to claim her finally awakens.

I crash my lips against hers, this time with more power, more hunger than before. My hand slides behind her back, pulling her close until there’s no space left between us.

Her arms wrap around my neck and she kisses me back eagerly but her pace is nothing compared to the intensity of mine.

My fingers trail down to the back of her blouse. Slowly, I find the strings and begin undoing them. Her back arches beneath my touch and a soft gasp escapes her lips.

I trail my lips down from her mouth to her neck. Her skin is soft and warm beneath my lips. I press a gentle kiss on the side of her neck before sinking my teeth into her skin not hard enough to hurt her but enough to make her moan softly.

Her nails dig into my biceps and a sharp jolt of pleasure shoots through my body. I love this....the feeling of her losing control under my touch.

I lick the spot where I bit her, soothing it, before sucking on it hard enough to leave a dark, purplish mark. A love mark....proof that she belongs to me.

I pull back slightly and meet her gaze. Her eyes are hazy, darkened with desire. Her chest rises and falls quickly and her lips are swollen from the intensity of our kiss.

Slowly I sit up and pull off my upper cloth, tossing it to the side. Her eyes widen as she takes in my bare chest. I see admiration in her gaze and it makes my chest swell with pride.

Her hand lifts shakily and her fingers brush over my abs tracing the hard lines of my muscles. Her touch is light, almost hesitant but it sends a spark straight through me.

"Do you like it?" I ask, my voice low and rough.

She looks up at me her eyes dark and serious. "Who wouldn’t like something that belongs to them?" she says her voice bold and steady.

I smirk. I love this side of her.... this boldness mixed with innocence. It makes my desire for her burn even hotter.

Without breaking eye contact, I reach for her hands and gently pull them above her head, pinning them to the bed. Her breathing quickens and her lips part slightly.

"Are you ready, love?" I ask softly brushing my lips against her ear.

Her eyes soften as a small smile curves on her lips "You’re the one making me wait. I’ve been ready from the start" she says boldly.

And that’s it.

I crash my lips against hers once again and this time, there’s no hesitation, no holding back. My hands move over her body, memorizing every curve, every soft moan that escapes her mouth.

This night we become one.

I give her every part of myself — my heart, my body, my soul. And she gives herself to me completely.

I worship her body, kissing and caressing every inch of her skin, making her feel loved in every possible way. Her soft cries of pleasure fill the room and the way she clings to me, trusts me, only makes me love her more.

And when we finally reach the edge together, I know there’s no turning back.

She’s mine.

Forever.

Dev’s POV

"You’re such a good kisser" my baby whispers, her voice breathless.

I smirk, feeling a rush of pride at her words.

The moment we stepped into the room, she smashed her lips against mine not even giving me a chance to react.

Now, she’s lying beneath me her flushed cheeks and swollen lips making her look even more beautiful. The fact that she’s mine now officially mine sends a sharp chill down my spine.

"I have a gift for you" I say, brushing my fingers through her hair gently. I start to sit up to get the gift but she suddenly grabs my arm and pulls me back down.

"Give me that later. First continue what we were doing" she says her eyes dark with mischief.

My breath hitches. Her words her boldness make my body tense. I’m trying my best to keep my inner monster under control but she’s not making it easy. Not at all.

"It’s okay if you’re not ready, love" I whisper looking into her eyes.

She shakes her head instantly. "I love this side of you… but now I want to see your gentlemanness in bed, Mr. Malhotra" she says and then  she winks at me.

Jiyaaa…

"You’re driving me crazy" I growl and in the next second, my lips crash against hers with the speed of light.

My hand slips behind her neck, pulling her closer as I deepen the kiss. Her arms wrap around my neck her fingers tangling in my hair. I press her body into mine, feeling her soft curves molding perfectly against me.

I kiss her harder, pouring every ounce of my need into the kiss, making her lips remember exactly who they belong to. My tongue slides into her mouth and she welcomes it eagerly. Her breathy moans fuel the fire inside me.

When I finally pull back, her eyes are half closed and her chest is rising and falling rapidly. Her lips are red and swollen from my kiss and the sight makes my blood rush hotter.

I sit up and pull off my upper, tossing it to the floor. Her eyes widen as she looks at me, her gaze roaming over my bare chest with admiration.

I lean down my face inches from hers. "Now let me show you what else I’m good at apart from being a good kisser" I whisper against her skin.

Without waiting for a response I press my lips to her neck. I kiss the sensitive skin there before sinking my teeth into it  not hard enough to hurt her but enough to make her gasp loudly.

Her hand flies to my hair, gripping it tightly as her body arches beneath me. The soft sound of her moans fills the room and I swear I’ve never heard anything more beautiful.

My lips trail down her neck as my hands slide down her body, exploring every inch of her soft skin. Piece by piece our clothes hit the floor. Her fingers dig into my back, her nails leaving faint scratches on my skin marking me as hers.

And then finally  I make her mine. Completely and wholly mine.

Her breathless cries and the way her body responds to mine make my chest tighten with something deeper than desire. It’s love, fierce and consuming.

By the time the night ends there’s no doubt left this Dev Malhotra belongs to only one woman.

Jiya Dev Malhotra.