42) Why, are you jealous?

Cause I'm an angel *blows a kiss to you all*

Have fun reading, you lovely people ❤️

Arjun's POV

"Be quick."

"Will you fucking stop talking for a second?"

"How hard is it for you to unlock your phone?"

"I'd do it faster if you would stop talking." Rohan snapped at Sid to which Sid stuck out his tongue and huffed, crossing arms over his chest.

"Shut up." I whisper-yelled at them. "You're gonna ruin the surprise."

They stopped what they were doing and looked at me with wide eyes. Nodding in unison, they fell quiet after that and Sid even proceeded to press a finger against his lips as if he was a small kid being scolded by his teacher.

Rolling my eyes at their antics, I unlocked the door, trying to be as discreet as possible.

We were supposed to return back tomorrow but we wrapped our work sooner than expected. When I proposed the idea of coming back a day before planned, I had received teasing sniggers from them, earning myself the 'impatient husband' tag.

No matter how much I tried convincing them that it wasn't because I was missing Kiara, they didn't listen. I stopped trying eventually.

Okay. Maybe I was missing Kiara. Just a tiny bit. I mean I was only hallucinating her tripping and dancing in the board room. That's it. No big deal. But that didn't mean I was going to admit it, especially to these idiots.

My mind is already fucked up.

I glanced back at Rohan and he showed me a thumbs-up, the phone ready in his hand.

Kiara didn't know we were coming back, we decided to surprise her.

Opening the door with caution, I stepped inside my penthouse making sure I didn't make any noise.

Sid and Rohan were just behind me and I spotted Kiara roaming in the main hall, nibbling a chocolate and mumbling to herself.

I opened my mouth to speak but Sid beat me to it, yelling a loud 'surprise' that could even be heard by people living all the way across the street.

Kiara, startled by the sudden intrusion, turned around with a shrill scream as the chocolate went flying from her hand and landed on the floor.

Give her 5 minutes and she'll be crying over it.

She gasped loudly and stilled in her place when her eyes landed on us. Her mouth dropped open and she rubbed her eyes, blinking numerous times.

Wait. Is that my blue tie hanging around her neck?

I thought I lost it.

"Close your mouth," I smirked, shoving my hands in my pants pockets. "You'll catch a fly."

This snapped her out of her trance and her face lit up like Christmas lights. She covered her gaping mouth, screaming delightfully and ran towards me.

I rolled my eyes slightly at her. Opening my arms lightly, I stood there with a small smile on my face, ready to brace the force when she ran past me and launched herself on Sid.

What the fuck?

"I missed you." She squealed and Sid laughed, wrapping his arms around her.

What?

I blinked, my jaw hanging on the floor as I witnessed the scene in front of me.

What the fuck is happening?

She missed him more than me?

I cleared my throat, an uneasy feeling settling at the pit of my stomach as Sid reciprocated the hug with equal enthusiasm. He must have seen the expression on my face as a smirk appeared on his lips and he winked at me. Ignoring my warning glare like I ignore his rambles, he had the audacity to tighten his arms around Kiara and twirl her around grinning as if he was having the time of his life. My temper went up a notch as I saw Kiara squeaking gleefully and I scowled.

She was never this happy to see me.

My eyes shifted to Rohan who was filming all this. His wide eyes met my angry ones and he slapped a hand over his mouth to stifle his laughter. Pressing my lips in a thin line, I rose a brow in warning, daring him to let out a single sound. But that didn't stop him from guffawing like an over excited chimpanzee.

Gritting my teeth, I looked away and my hand clenched into a fist when I saw Kiara was still in Sid's arms.

Why the heck are they still playing merry-go-round?

I glanced at my watch.

If he doesn't put her down in the next 3 seconds, he will have to say goodbye to his front teeth.

I was a milli-second away from going there and ripping her apart from Sid when she pulled away herself and he put her down, her eyes landing on Rohan.

"Rohan!" Yelping excitedly, she engulfed him in a bear hug too. He was taken by surprise and he chuckled nervously, patting her back in an awkward gesture and eyeing me cautiously like I would eat him alive.

And me?

What was I doing?

I was standing there like a fucking clown watching the circus around me.

Is that why I came earlier than planned? To witness my wife ignoring me the way she ignores dogs?

I think the fuck not.

She pulled back from the hug and her eyes fell on me.

Oh look. She finally decided to notice me. What a surprise! I thought I had turned invisible since I entered inside.

Can't blame her. Must have been difficult to spot me in the crowd of four people in our home.

Her whole demeanor changed as I looked at her and she got flustered, casting her eyes down.

Why is she acting like a shy school girl?

"Hi." She smiled, not meeting my eyes and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

That's it? That's all I get?

A 'hi'?

Oh, so she didn't miss me at all.

Brilliant.

Why was she crying the other day on phone then?

"Hi." I replied in a brooding voice. She didn't even notice the grumble in my tone and glanced at others.

"Weren't you supposed to come tomorrow?" She asked smiling.

"Yes, but Mr. Whipped-by-his-wife here" Sid put an arm around my shoulders, gesturing towards me with his other hand, "wanted to return today to surprise you."

What's the point now? Should I go back to London and return back tomorrow?

And then you say Sid is the drama queen.

Her eyes snapped to me and a blush covered her cheeks.

Something is wrong here.

Yes, she usually blushes when she's around me but today she was acting like a newlywed.

Did she fall and hit her head while I was away?

"Why are you wearing a tie?" Rohan asked and I noticed the way her cheeks heated as she fumbled for an answer.

"I... uh...I am preparing for a... play." She stuttered. "Yes. A play in my college."

"A... play?"

Kiara nodded violently as she took off the tie hurriedly, throwing it on the couch.

She has to be the worst liar in the world.

"Okay." Rohan drawled, totally unconvinced. "If you say so."

"And what character are you playing? Christian Grey?" Sid snorted and then looked at me. "Hey Arjun. You can be Anastasia Steele."

"Are you kidding me?" Rohan intervened, his expressions incredulous. "Arjun will make a horrible Ana."

They started bickering over whether I would make a good Ana or not while Kiara gave a look that clearly screamed And you say I am crazy.

What in the God's name was wrong with them?

They have gone nuts.

"Stop." I glared at them and they shut up immediately.

"Guess what, Kia? We brought gifts!" Sid changed the topic.

Good for him.

Using it as the perfect distraction, she shifted her concentration on him and grinned.

"That's great." She exclaimed, clapping her hands together and that's when I noticed her left wrist wrapped in a band aid.

Immediately walking to her, I held her hand softly. "What the fuck happened?"

My eyes darted between her face and her hand while she glanced down at her wrist. "Uh... I cut myself with a knife."

"What? How?"

She is clumsier than an infant.

Her face turned sheepish. "I was trying to cut vegetables pretending to be a chef like in one of those food channels."

A sigh left my lips as I stared at her in disapproval.

I shouldn't be surprised anymore.

What am I gonna do with her?

I scowled. "Didn't I tell David and Ritu to not let you cook alone?"

I had given David a specific set of instructions regarding her because I couldn't trust her with her safety.

Kiara is someone who will purposely sit on a grenade even if you specifically ask her not to.

Her survival skills are worse than that of a drunk mosquito. How she survived all these years without breaking a bone yet is still a mystery to me.

"Yeah, but I sent him away."

As if on cue, David entered with my bags and stopped in his tracks when he found four pair of eyes staring at him, one pair (it won't take a genius to guess who) glaring rather accusingly.

He looked like a deer caught in headlights as his eyes travelled to me and I crossed arms over my chest, my face stern.

"I thought I asked you to keep an eye on Kiara."

"It's not his fault." Kiara jumped to his rescue. "I forced him to go outside to bring me cheese."

David straightened up when I sent another glare his way.

"I'm sorry sir but ma'am is scarier than you." David's face turned troubled, his voice a mix of fear and awe. "I would rather receive your lashings than face her wrath."

"Couldn't agree more. Kia is female hulk when provoked." Sid nodded solemnly and then glanced at me. "A perfect match for you."

What?

"He is right, you know." Rohan looked positively terrified as he spoke. "Hell hath no fury like an angry Kia."

I scanned Kiara from head to toe.

So, the little kitten has claws?

My head swivelled around the room as everyone agreed with each other while Kia chuckled, abashed.

My face scrunched up in confusion and I probably resembled a confused ape right now but I couldn't care less.

What kind of people am I surrounded with?

I think travelling had taken a toll on me.

I shook my head, pushing my hair back and closed my eyes for a second. "Just keep the bags in my room, David."

Nodding, David picked the bags and went away.

Focusing back on Kiara, I took her hand in mine and looked her straight in the eyes. "Does it hurt?"

"Aww." Rohan cooed while Sid started singing 'Love is in the air' while pretending to play an imaginary violin.

Pursing my lips together, I ignored those idiots while Kiara blushed like a tomato.

"No, I'm fine." She answered in a small voice.

She looks cute. Like a small kitten.

.

.

.

I need immediate sleep.

"So.." Sid drawled out, his lips forming a smirk. "Should we check out the gifts or would you guys like some privacy?"

Rohan mirrored his expressions. "Look at them. They are dying to spend some time alone. If we stay here one more second, Arjun might just throw us out of the building along with a restraining order."

Can someone teach me how to say 'fuck off' politely?

"Actually, I want you all to taste the pasta I made. Come." Kiara held my hand, pulling me to the dining room and Rohan followed close behind while Sid excused himself to attend a phone call.

We sat down and she served me some pasta.

"Taste it."

I smirked at her over-excited state, picking a fork and digging in.

As soon as I took the first bite, I felt like someone shoved a raw hot chilli pepper down my throat.

What. The. Fuck.

My eyes watered at the extremely spicy taste and I started coughing non-stop.

Did she make the pasta in hellfire?

My taste buds were numb and the pasta left a burning sensation down my throat when I swallowed it.

Kiara immediately handed me a glass of water and rubbed my back, her concerned eyes watching my hunched figure.

I chugged down the whole glass as if I hadn't drank in years.

"Dude, I know you forget everything when your wife is near you but at least remember the basic food habits." Rohan sassed as he leaned back in his chair, eyeing me as if I was his favourite museum specimen. "You need to chew before you swallow."

"Are you alright?" Kiara asked, her expressions worried as she patted my back, her other hand resting on my bicep.

"I'm fine." I'm not fine at all. "I swallowed too quickly." I swallowed, that's the problem. Shouldn't have.

After making sure I was fine, she leaned back. "How is it?"

What do I say now?

My gaze fell on her eager face and I clenched my fist. I didn't have the heart to kill her excitement.

Did she empty a whole bottle of chilli pepper in it? Or she couldn't find poison and settled with spice instead?

I know I drive her to the point of insanity where she wants to kill me but I didn't know she will act on her impulse this time.

"Uh," I swallowed the lump, my throat screeching in protest. "it's good. Really good." I choked out, blinking furiously to keep my tears at bay.

If I take one more bite, I will start breathing fire.

Sid came running like a rabbit on meth and served himself some pasta. I tried to signal him with my eyes but that moronic creature, oblivious to my near-death-experience, took a large bite, nearly eating a quarter of what was on his plate.

Idiot.

For the first time in my life, I felt sorry for him.

His mouth twisted comically as soon as he stuffed the pasta in his mouth, his eyes widening to the point where I thought they would fall out of his sockets. "Wh-"

I kicked him under the table and he let out a shocked cry, choking on the pasta.

His flabbergasted eyes snapped up to me and I shook my head microscopically.

"What happened?" Kiara glanced between us in bewilderment.

"This... is really... t-tasty, Kia." Sid forced the words out of his mouth and hadn't I been too busy trying not to die, I would've laughed out loud at the priceless look on his face.

"Really?"

Sid showed a thumbs up, not actually looking at Kiara because he, too, had tears in his eyes.

"Rohan? Would you like some?"

"No." He immediately spoke up, his cautious gaze shifting between me and Sid. "I'm full."

Lucky bastard.

Kiara's POV

Smothering the grin that threatened to break on my face, I tried my best to not let my amusement show.

The pasta was horrible. I had screeched like a bat when I first tasted it. I had accidentally (don't even ask me how) added too much spice. It had taken me two chocolate bars to null the horrible taste in my mouth and then another two just for the fun of it.

I just wanted to prank Arjun but he had surprised me when he actually ate it and even praised me. I wanted nothing more than to jump on him and squeeze him to death.

Can he be anymore sweet?

Who would have thought I will be using Arjun and sweet in the same sentence?

He was actually going to eat again when I stopped him. "Okay, that's enough. Let's see the gifts."

His shoulders slumped and he exhaled a heavy breath.

I've never seen him so relaxed in my life.

Stifling a giggle, I took the plate away from him.

Sid was the first one to run out of there as if he was on fire, which he probably was considering how spicy the pasta was.

Rohan stood up. "I'll go and bring the gifts."

He walked away, leaving me and Arjun in an uncomfortable silence.

I know I was acting a little shy around him but I was really embarrassed by the way I acted on the phone call 2 days ago, crying like a toddler who was missing her mother.

In my defense, it was ice-cream's fault. I always get emotional when I eat ice-cream.

"Okay, what's wrong with you?" Arjun turned towards me.

"What?"

"Why are you behaving like this?"

My eyes turned wide. "Like wh-what?"

"Like this. Awkward and uncomfortable."

Why does he have such good observational skills?

"I uh... I"

What do I say now?

It seemed as if God heard my prayers and Rohan entered carrying a large bag. He kept it on the table and Arjun opened the bag, not before giving me a 'we are not done yet' look.

Searching, he took out a large box and my eyes twinkled in delight as soon as I saw it.

"Here are your choc-"

I cut him off with a loud squeal, jumping to snatch the box away from him. He stood frozen with an empty hand extended in mid-air while I clutched the box to my chest, swaying happily.

Sighing, he rolled his eyes and took out another box covered in a blue wrapping paper, coming closer to me.

"Here. For you." He handed it to me, his eyes never leaving me.

My face brightened at his words as I took it. "Can I open it now?"

"Go on." He gestured with his hand and went to sit beside Rohan while I tore the wrapping paper like a cat scratching on a door.

Nearly dying with anticipation, I took off the lid quickly and choked on air as I saw the contents inside.

WHAT?

My horrified face snapped to Arjun who was looking at me expectantly.

He decided to gift me this? This?

A bikini?

And that too such a revealing one.

Even a handkerchief would cover more than this poor excuse of clothing.

"Do you like it?" He asked, a nervous edge to his voice. "I don't know your exact size but I thought it will look good on you. I wasn't sure but Rohan and Sid were there too and they said it's a good choice."

They said WHAT?

My eyes shifted to Rohan beside him who smiled at me.

Oh god.

"If you don't like it, I could get it exchanged but I would prefer if you try it on once."

Oh my god, stop talking please!

Couldn't he see the mortified look on my face?

"And if yo-"

"You bought me a bikini?" I screeched loudly, cutting him off.

Rohan spat the water he was drinking while Arjun froze in his seat.

"WHAT?"

He stood up in a flash, speed walking towards me. I simply forwarded the box towards him.

"What the fuck?"

Exactly. What the fuck?

"But how? I..This..What?" Arjun seemed to be at a loss of words.

A very rare occasion.

"But," He frowned, thoroughly puzzled. "It was a black dress."

"I can see that." My voice cracked.

I was starting to sound like a chalk being scraped against blackboard.

Rohan was still trying to breathe without spilling water out of his mouth while I was glaring at Arjun who was in turn glaring at the ground.

"No, there must have been some mistake. I remember it clearly. I bought a black dress. Not...this." He pursed his lips, thinking hard. "I paid the bill, we got out of the showroom and I gave the bag to Sid be-" He stopped abruptly, a light bulb went off in his head and his expressions changed from puzzled to clueless to murderous in a second.

Uh-oh.

Sid is so dead.

I can't believe Sid would play such a prank on Arjun.

Didn't he value his life anymore?

Rip. I'm gonna miss my dear friend.

As if fate actually wanted him to die, Sid chose the exact moment to stroll in the room like a King on the tour of his palace.

Without wasting a second, Arjun stormed towards him angrily.

Red flags waved in Sid's mind as he saw my angry husband charging towards him like a wild bull. He shrieked, running in my direction and hid behind me.

Holding my shoulders, he pushed me in front of Arjun. "Kia! Calm your hulk!"

Arjun came to a sudden stop in front of me while I stood there blankly. Sid peeked from behind me.

Ever so calmly, Arjun pointed two fingers at Sid and gestured him to move aside. "I don't want Kiara getting hurt."

"I know it's not the time but awwwww" Sid gushed and I resisted the urge to face-palm, "that was so sweet of you. When did you become so caring? And what did I do? At least tell me why you are going to kill me. How would it look like if I died without even knowing the reason?"

Arjun held my wrist gently, pulling me towards him. And like butter melting on a pancake I went to him without any objection. Making me stand beside him, he took a step towards a rambling Sid which was enough for Sid to shut up and run to the other side of the table.

"Tell my mom I loved her." He yelled, trying to escape from Arjun who was advancing towards him. "And send my gift to Anushka. Tell her I died a brave death."

"See you in heaven!" He screeched like a girl being chased by a lizard and ran away, Arjun on his heel.

"Perfect." Rohan exclaimed, looking at his phone. "Now I can blackmail Sid whenever I want to." He smiled cheekily.

My mouth dropped open. "You were making a video?"

"Yes." He looked extremely proud of himself.

And I thought my friends were crazy.

I chuckled, shaking my head.

"How was your trip? I asked, sitting beside him.

"It went perfect. We finalized the deal and the work starts next week."

"That's great."

"Although a particular someone was missing you a bit too much." He eyed me smugly.

I looked away, biting the inside of my cheek and heat crawled upto my neck.

"You know, he made us walk for three hours around the whole city just to search for your favourite chocolates."

I blinked in surprise.

I had once told Arjun about my favourite brand of chocolates that my aunt used to bring me from London everytime she visited us during vacation.

I never thought he paid attention to my rambles.

"He's so whipped." Rohan chuckled.

If possible, my cheeks turned redder, the table suddenly seeming the most interesting thing in the world.

"Uh...I have to make a call." I stood up, avoiding eye contact and pushed a lock of hair behind my ear. "I'll just come." I rushed out with fast steps but could hear him yelling behind me.

"Tomato tomato."

God, why was everyone so hell bent on teasing me?

I literally ran away from there and bumped into a hard wall in the hallway, bouncing back due to the force.

Looking up at my favourite alive rock, I rubbed my nose and tried to step aside but he didn't let me.

I glanced up at Arjun when he blocked my path again, raising my brow in question.

"Where's my hug?"

I was taken aback for a second. "Excuse me?"

He leaned forward, tilting his head to a side. "Sid got a hug. Rohan got a hug. Where's my hug?"

My breath faltered but I composed myself, holding my head high.

I wasn't going to let him win this easily.

I put on his signature smirk, which took me a lot of practice by the way and cocked a brow.

"Why, are you jealous?"

His intense eyes bored into mine and I suppressed a shiver when he came closer. "What if I am?"

Butterflies fluttered in my stomach.

I wasn't expecting this answer.

The reply that I had so smartly planned died at the back of my tongue and I opened my mouth, only to close it 3 seconds later.

Satisfied with my reaction, he took a step forward while I stepped back instinctively and my back hit the wall. Taking advantage of the situation, he placed his hands on the wall on either side of me, backing me against it.

Oh.

"I didn't get an answer, princess."

Answer? What answer?

Everything seemed foggy. I couldn't concentrate on his words, I was too busy drooling over his godly face and trying not to lose my composure at the feel of his abs digging in my stomach.

Why does he smell like chocolate?

I bit my lip sub-consciously and his gaze dropped to my lips.

My heart thumped loudly.

Leaning towards me slowly, he took my lower lip between his teeth, pulling slightly and springing it free. A current ran down my spine and I found it hard to breathe with him so close to me. His lips lightly brushed mine and an involuntary sigh escaped my mouth.

Butterflies? Talk about flying dragons in my tummy.

Was it just me or was everything happening in slow motion?

Arjun didn't move, he stayed there with his lips teasing mine every now and then. Holding my breath, I waited for him to make a move but his lips curved in a smirk and I wanted to strangle him right then and there.

For God's sake, put those lips to a better use!

Fuck this.

Standing on my tip-toes, I held his face in my hands and pressed my lips to his.

It was all the confirmation he needed as he pressed me against the wall, taking charge. I was more than happy to oblige as I followed his lead. His lips worked their magic on me and soon I was lost in our own little world.

Unlike our first kiss, it was slow and soft, a strange epiphany to it as I realized how much I missed him. Our lips fell in a sweet rhythm and I placed my hand on his chest, feeling his heart beat as fast as mine. My heart nearly failed and jumped out of my ribcage when his tongue invaded me and it took a lot of strength to not fall down due to the overwhelming feeling that enveloped me.

While the neurons in my brain short-circuited, my conscience was busy reviving my heart.

My tongue shyly met his and a whole new lot of feelings burst in my chest, goosebumps covering my skin.

After a good-I-can't-remember-how-many-minutes, I pulled back in dizziness.

Woah.

Where was I?

Am I in heaven already?

Or is it Hell considering the sinful thoughts going through my mind right now?

He buried his face in the crook of my neck, the feel of his lips skimming against my collar bone enough to rob me of whatever breath was left in me.

This guy is going to give me asthma someday.

My hands made their way around his neck as I hugged him tightly.

"I missed you." I mumbled, my cheek against his shoulder.

After a small pause of 5 seconds, he snaked his arms around my waist, bringing me closer to him.

"I missed you too."

My my. A straight confession from Mr. Too-proud-to-accept-my-feelings.

There goes my heart.

"You smell like chocolates." I commented.

His arms tightened around me. "And you smell like home."

I stilled.

My heart stopped for a second and then went into overdrive, beating like crazy.

Words failed me as I stared into oblivion with wide eyes, replaying his words in my mind.

Are we sure this is Arjun? Arjun Singhania? My husband?

Did the pasta have an effect on his brain cells?

I think my heart just stopped responding.

Before I could come to my senses, he dropped a kiss on my neck and I suppressed a moan, fluttering my eyes close.

God, look at us.

Making out in the hallway like horny teenagers. Anyone could walk on us.

It seemed as if God was only waiting for me to say that because I hadn't even completed the sentence in my mind when I heard Sid's voice.

"Here is the dress y- OH MY GOD, IT FINALLY HAPPENED."

Shit.

I just want to know who the hell up there wrote my fate. I'd like to have a chat with them.

My eyes flew open and I jerked my head up, Arjun's alarmed eyes clashing with mine.

Keeping his hands on my waist, he immediately turned us around so that his back was facing Sid, his broad frame hiding me perfectly well.

Shit. Shit. Shit!

Why God, why?

My guardian angel must be laughing his ass off right now.

"Jeez. Get a room, guys. As happy as I am that I won the bet with Anushka, it would be better if you spare my poor virgin eyes."

I hit my head softly on Arjun's chest.

"Out of all the places in the whole house, this is where you decide to do it?"

Oh god.

Why did it have to be Sid? I would rather have half of the building see us like this instead.

I'm not going to live this down. Ever.

"I always knew you were a kinky son of a bitch, Arjun."

The red colour on my cheeks seemed to be permanent today.

"Leave." Arjun's hard voice resounded in the hallway and I flinched at his cold tone.

If he would have said that to me, I would have booked a ticket to Mars.

"Calm down, Hulk. I'm leaving anyway." Sid was probably rolling his eyes right now. "I'll be taking Rohan with me. Don't want the poor guy to be traumatized for life."

As the sound of his footsteps faded away, Arjun swiped my hair to a side and pressed a soft kiss on my temple.

"Are you okay?"

I nodded in his chest, too embarrassed to say anything and clutched his shirt tightly.

He rubbed my back. "It's okay. It was only Sid."

"Exactly. It was Sid." I groaned, bumping my head on his shoulder.

Wrapping my arms around his torso, I kept my head on his chest and mumbled. "What if he tells anyone?"

"He won't. If he does, I will shoot him." He talked about it so casually as if he was talking about buying me flowers and a laugh bubbled out of my chest.

"Do you know how to use a gun?" I pulled back grinning.

"How hard it can be? You just have to aim and shoot."

I giggled and his lips spread in a soft smirk.

"Go and make arrangements to hide a dead body, I'll take care of Sid."

*

"Uggghhhh." I gripped my hair tightly, on the verge of tearing down my book.

For the past 2 hours I was trying to study for an upcoming test and the last 15 minutes were pure hell for me.

The words seemed to dance in front of me when I tried to read again and I had a sudden urge to kill the author of the stupid textbook.

"That's it!" I growled after my 6th time of reading the same paragraph. I threw my pen away and stood up, whining like an injured animal.

I paced around, blabbering to myself. "I don't wanna study anymore. I want to get married, settle down, live near a farm and have kids. I want to-"

"Wait," I came to a sudden halt and sat down as realization dawned on me. "I'm already married." I groaned, opening the book again.

Wait, when did Einstein start looking like Arjun?

"Oh my god. It has happened. I have finally lost my mind."

A sudden knock sounded on the door, scaring me half to death and I landed straight on the floor.

"Wha- I only knocked." Arjun's voice rushed to my ears as he came towards me and helped me up.

"Are you alright?" He asked and I nodded, pouting.

"What happened?"

"I don't wanna study anymore." I cried dramatically. "The words are dancing."

Arjun paused for a second, looking at me like I had turned into a unicorn. "Okay. How about you take a break and get some fresh air? I was going to visit the garden. Would you like to join me?"

I nodded, my lips tugged down in a frown.

"Come on, then. Also, you might want to grab something warm, it's cold outside."

"Wait a second." I ran to my closet and took out the shawl that he had given to me. Wrapping it around me, I walked out and Arjun froze for a second when he saw me.

"Shall we?" His eyes snapped to mine when I spoke.

He nodded and I followed him out of the house. We entered the lift and Arjun pressed the ground floor button.

"Kiara?"

"Yeah?"

"I found your book in my room." A small V formed between his brows and my eyes widened.

Shit!

When he left for London, I couldn't sleep that night. A horrible nightmare had woken me up at 1 in the night. After that, every time I closed my eyes, all I could see was Dhruv chasing me through a dark alley and hitting me. I had roamed around the whole house, trying to forget about it but to no avail. Not even the balcony, my favourite spot gave me any relief. At last, I sneaked into Arjun's room hoping he wouldn't mind. I didn't know why I did that, I acted out of instinct. I had laid on his bed, looking at the view and my tired eyes had closed shut without even me knowing.

The same thing happened next night and I had quietly slipped in his room because I couldn't handle a panic attack while I was alone.

Since then, I would go to his room at night so that I could have a dreamless sleep.

"I'm sorry." I blurted out, panicking. "I.. I just love the view from your room and I wanted to relax so I thought that I would stay there for some time but I accidentally-" I rambled as fast as I could but Arjun cut me off.

"Hey, it's okay. Relax." He held my shoulders and I took in a deep breath.

"Huh?" I asked dumbly.

"It's your house, too. You can roam around wherever you want to, I'm not complaining."

My eyes nearly fell out of my sockets and my jaw hit the floor.

"Just not the locked room. It's..uh..personal."

I was still frozen in my place.

The elevator pinged open and I snapped out of my trance, my voice shaking. "O-okay."

We stepped out of the building and I observed him carefully. He didn't seem sick, nor did he seem possessed by an evil spirit.

I think I am in an alternate universe.

Conspicuously, I pinched myself and hissed lightly when it hurt.

Is this Arjun for real?

Should I be concerned or happy?

"Why do you look like someone stole all your books?"

I rubbed the back of my neck, flitting my gaze to him. "Nothing, uh..there's a business convention at my college two weeks later." I changed the topic. "And I have to give the introductory speech but I know nothing about business or anything related to it. Can you help me?"

"Sure. You didn't need to ask."

As we walked side by side, my gaze was stuck on his arm. After much thought, I slipped my hand in his and his eyes snapped to our hands. He passed me a fleeting glance and looked ahead, entwining our fingers.

A ghost of smile appeared on my face and I felt happy. My heart was finally at peace after so long.

We sat down beneath the same tree in the garden when we had first come here. I talked and he listened, just how it has always been.

We had ice cream on our way back which, surprisingly, was Arjun's idea. He also knew how I liked my ice-cream as he explained the vendor to add more choco-chips, shocking me for the... I had lost count.

If he keeps surprising me like this, I might need a bypass surgery.

Also, I made him laugh. Twice. Granted it was at the price of some of my ice cream spilling on the ground and a dog barking at us that had me climbing on Arjun like a squirrel climbing on a tree.

I'm gonna add it in my resume. Did the impossible - Made Mr. I-won't-even-crack-a-smile-try-as-you-might laugh.

And I would give anything to hear that laugh again.

Oh my god, look at me. Ready to sacrifice my precious ice cream just so that my robotic husband can laugh again!

Kia, are you in your senses?

While I was busy eating ice cream with no care in the world, I didn't notice the two weird guys staring at me on the other side of the road. Arjun, having that hawk-like gaze, had spotted them and switched places with me, putting a protective arm around me so that I was hidden from their view. I had to stop myself from smiling like a love sick fool at his actions.

"First one to reach home wins!" I yelled when the building came into view. Without waiting for him, I ran as fast as I could, trying my best not to break my ankle.

4 seconds later, I was running back to Arjun who didn't even bother to move from his place. Wounding an arm around his elbow, I placed my head on his shoulder and smiled lovingly. "I can't leave my dear husband alone now, can I?"

He narrowed his eyes at me and soon the reason of my return came running in our direction on four legs. The dog barked at us and I yelped, plastering myself to Arjun.

Why are there so many dogs in the world?

Arjun pursed his lips in amusement and looked down at me smugly. I smiled helplessly, pleading him with my eyes not to leave me alone.

Shaking his head and muttering something incoherent, he put an arm around my shoulders and we walked away from that dog who was still eyeing us as if we stole his bone.

Wait, he was looking at Arjun and not me.

I think she was a bitch and had her eyes on Arjun.

I gasped in outrage.

Excuse me, he is my husband.

How dare she?

We entered the building, not before I sent a warning look to that bitch.

After dinner, Arjun helped me with my speech. We were seated on his bed in his room and I was ogling at his handsome face while he was explaining me something about statistics that didn't seem as important to me as his jawline and long eyelashes.

I have my priorities sorted out quite well.

If he was my professor, I would have topped that subject.

I yawned for the third time in the past two minutes and Arjun looked at his phone. "I think that's enough for today. You should sleep now."

This was the part I was dreading the most.

I didn't want to be alone.

I don't want to have nightmares.

I hesitated. "Uh yeah. I.. I should go now."

"You can stay if you want."

My head whipped to him and I almost fell off the bed.

"What?"

"You like this room." He stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Not as much as I like you but do continue please.

"We can share the bed...like you girls do at a sleepover." He spoke slowly, shrugging.

"A sleepover?" I bit my lip, trying not to laugh.

"Yeah."

"Are you sure?" My heart beat was slowly picking up its speed.

"Yes. Unless you don't want to. Then it's okay." He quickly added.

"No, no. it's fine." It's more than fine. I am so grateful to you that I will start crying anytime now.

I didn't know how to tell him I wanted to stay but he himself brought it up and I couldn't be more relieved.

He nodded and went to change while I tried to come in terms with the fact that I was going to sleep with Arjun.

Not literally! Get you mind out of gutter.

Arjun came back after a few minutes and I didn't know whether to be relieved or annoyed that he was wearing a tee.

I laid down, facing him while he was lying on his back, staring at the ceiling.

A few minutes passed in silence that involved me intently studying his features while he intently studied the fan on the ceiling.

"Like the view?" He teased.

"Nah. I've seen better."

He turned towards me, smirking. "Guess we would have to change that."

"Good luck trying." My shoulder raised in a non-chalant shrug whereas my conscience was screaming 'Yes please' over and over again.

A chuckle reverberated through his chest. "Goodnight, princess."

Hiding my red face, I snuggled in my pillow. "Night, Arjun."

And for the first time in the last week, I had the most peaceful sleep without any nightmares.

Arjun Singhania had unknowingly become my safe place.