chapter 23

All the couples had left for their honeymoon. Pragya was bubbling with excitement, though Ishan couldn't fathom why, especially since it was her second time.Seated on the plane beside Ishan, Pragya couldn't contain her restlessness. "Shaaaaaaan!" she exclaimed, catching Ishan off guard.

"What?" Ishan responded, turning to face her with a hint of irritation in his voice.

"I am getting bored," Pragya drawled, elongating the word 'bore' with playful melodrama, her eyes searching for entertainment.

"Should I dance for you right here on the plane?" Ishan quipped, his tone laced with playful annoyance.Pragya shook her head, dismissing the idea with a grin.

"Then?" Ishan inquired, his expression softening as he tried to accommodate her mood.

"Let's watch a movie," Pragya suggested eagerly, her eyes lighting up with anticipation.

"Okay, which one?" Ishan asked, a mischievous smile tugging at the corners of his lips, enjoying the opportunity to indulge her.

"Jab We Met," Pragya suggested without hesitation, her choice reflecting her love for Bollywood romances.

As they delved into the movie, Ishan abruptly paused it midway, earning a puzzled look from Pragya.

"Pragya, did you steal your personality from her, too much dramatic and talkative," Ishan teased, his laughter echoing in the confined space of the cabin. Pragya shot him a fierce glare, her annoyance evident.

Reacting impulsively, Pragya playfully swatted Ishan's arm, her irritation masked beneath a playful facade.

"With all due respect, Geet is almost every boy's favourite," Pragya retorted, defending her affinity for the character.

"Really? But mine was Pooja from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham," Ishan countered with a smirk, relishing in their banter.

Rolling her eyes, Pragya retorted, "Then go to hell, and let me watch my movie," her tone laced with mock annoyance, though a hint of amusement shone through.Ishan chuckled at her retort, realising he had pushed her buttons just enough.

With their playful exchange concluded, they resumed the movie, each sinking back into their seats to immerse themselves once again in the world of Bollywood romance.

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As Advik and Anika landed in Paris and settled into their hotel, the city shimmered beneath the night sky, casting an enchanting glow over their surroundings.

While Anika engaged in a lively conversation with Pragya, Ranya, and Anaya over the phone, she returned to their room to find Advik in a heated exchange.

"What? How did this happen?" Advik's voice boomed, filled with frustration and urgency.

"Check the CCTV right now," he demanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. "And I will not leave that person behind this. I will destroy that person's entire career!"

"Five minutes, and I want that person found, otherwise, be prepared to lose your job!" Advik continued, his anger palpable as he flung his phone onto the bed with a resounding thud.

"Advik," Anika interjected softly, attempting to diffuse the tension.

"My important project file has been stolen. The project is worth 1 crore," Advik explained, his voice tinged with irritation as he struggled to contain his frustration.

"Advik, calm down," Anika urged gently, trying to soothe him.

"Please, just shut up!" Advik snapped at her, his voice rising to a high pitch in his agitation.

Anika nodded silently, her gaze fixed on the ground as she stood in place, feeling the weight of Advik's anger bearing down on her.

Anika's gaze remained fixed on the floor, she suddenly felt Advik's hand gently brush against her hair, the other wrapping around her waist as he pulled her into a tender embrace.

His lips met her forehead in a soft kiss, and his voice, now filled with remorse, whispered, "Sorry," into the quiet room.

Anika nodded in acknowledgement, her silence speaking volumes as she accepted his apology. Another kiss was pressed to her forehead before Advik released her from his embrace, his fingers lingering to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear before he withdrew.

Hours later, while Advik was occupied in the washroom, Anika began preparing the bed for the night. As she straightened the sheets, her eyes caught sight of Advik's laptop nearby. Curiosity piqued, she approached the device and settled in front of it, intending to shut it down.

However, before she could carry out her initial intention, her eyes were drawn to the screen, where an article was displayed with a somewhat perplexing title: "How to Make Your Wife Comfortable Under Your Touch." The sight sent a wave of unease through Anika, her mind racing with questions and uncertainties about what she had stumbled upon.

Feeling overwhelmed by the unexpected discovery and the flood of emotions it stirred within her, Anika hastily backed away from the laptop and retreated to the balcony. Tears welled up in her eyes as she grappled with the conflicting emotions swirling within her.

She didn't want Advik to feel responsible for her discomfort, yet she couldn't shake the feeling of hurt and betrayal at the implications of the article she had stumbled upon. The realisation weighed heavily on her heart, knowing that Advik might blame himself for any perceived shortcomings in their relationship.

"Anika, do you want ice cream?" As Advik's voice broke the silence, Anika quickly wiped away her tears and composed herself before rejoining him in the room. His question about ice cream offered a welcome distraction from the heaviness of the moment.

"Yes," Anika replied, mustering a soft smile in response to his offer.

"Then let's go," Advik responded, his own smile lighting up the room as he extended his arm towards her. Anika nodded in agreement, reaching out to grasp his arm.