Chapter-34

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"Forehead per to aapne pahle bhi kiss ker rakhi hai.... Isse bhadiya to gaal per hi ker deta ya lips per to isse bhi acha rah--" Aarushi said but stopped in between when she realized what had slipped from her mouth before she could stop it.

She looked at Abhimanyu, wide-eyed, the realization crashing over her like a wave. The atmosphere shifted as a hint of embarrassment began to creep into the warmth of their moment.

Aarushi pressed her hand on her mouth and shook her head in disbelief, trying to recover from her own words, feeling her cheeks flush a deeper shade of crimson.

Abhimanyu blinked, taken aback. Did she just…? His lips curled into a smirk, mischief sparking in his gaze. "Does my baby want a kiss on lips?"

Aarushi shook her head vigorously, her cheeks bursting into flames under the scrutiny of his teasing gaze. "No! I mean—yes! No! I didn’t mean to say that. It was just—" She pressed her hand tighter against her mouth, as if it could somehow erase her slip.

"Kam se kam hath to hataiye jaan” he chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "How will I kiss you if you’re covering your mouth?"

With a panicked breath, Aarushi quickly pressed  another hand over her mouth as if trying to shield her growing embarrassment.

Abhimanyu, not one to let an opportunity for teasing slip by, wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her closer.

"Acha chalo aap ker lo ,mai aakhein band ker leta hu "he teased.

A deep crimson washed over her face, and she quickly buried her head against his chest, her heart racing.

She encircled her arms around his neck, seeking comfort in his embrace.

"It’s just a slip of the tongue! Don’t tease me," she murmured, her voice muffled against him.

"Baby, there’s no need to hide from me,".he whispered, a teasing lilt in his voice. "I understand how difficult it is for you to control yourself from kissin––he stopped in between when Aarushi passed him a glare, her embarrassment morphing into playful annoyance...

He chuckled, a nervous smile dancing on his lips. "Yes yes....it's just a slip of the tongue,"he conceded, though his eyes sparkled with mischief.

They held onto each other for a few moments longer before stepping out of the restaurant, the night air cool against their skin, the stars twinkling overhead like tiny diamonds scattered across velvet.

As they walked, Abhimanyu’s attention shifted when he spotted a business acquaintance approaching.

"Good evening , Mr Rathore" Raj greeted, his voice booming with formality. He paused, glancing at Aarushi with a raised eyebrow. "Is this your wife?"

Abhimanyu nodded curtly, a hint of pride flickering in his expression.

"Pleasure to meet you,"Raj said, extending his hand towards Aarushi. “You’re so beautiful Mrs Rathore "

"Thank you!" Aarushi smiled, her cheeks still flushed from their earlier exchange.

Raj turned back to Abhimanyu, his tone shifting to business. "I was hoping to get an appointment with you this week, Mr Rathore. I know your schedule is tight, but I’m only in Rajasthan for a week. I’m sorry to interrupt your evening, but—”

Aarushi watched as Abhimanyu’s demeanor shifted. The warmth that had filled his presence moments ago vanished, replaced by a cool, businesslike mask. "Talk to my PA," he said flatly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "then I’ll decide if I have free time or not."

Raj nodded,"Of course, Mr Rathore. Thank you." He extended his hand again, a friendly gesture, but Abhimanyu merely stared at it, a flicker of disdain crossing his features.

Aarushi felt an awkward tension in the air as Raj’s hand hovered, waiting for a shake that never came.

Aarushi shot Abhimanyu a look, her expression a mix of disbelief and disappointment.

Abhimanyu remained unmoved, his gaze fixed on Raj, who finally, with a sheepish smile, retracted his hand. "Well, I’ll just… see you later then," he muttered, stepping aside, clearly embarrassed.

Aarushi smiled nervously, her eyes darting from Abhimanyu to Raj. "I—uh, it was nice meeting you," she stammered, but Raj had already moved on, leaving them in the cool night air.

Once outside, Aarushi turned to Abhimanyu, her brow furrowing in disapproval. "It’s not good to ignore someone’s handshake, you know."

He shrugged, unfazed as he closed the car door behind her. "I don’t like when people touch me,"he replied, sliding into the driver’s seat. "Except you."

His smirk returned, igniting a wave of embarrassment that washed over Aarushi once more. "You’re terrible," she muttered, shaking her head.

As Abhimanyu pulled out of the parking lot, the hum of the car filled the silence. He glanced at her, the teasing glint still in his eyes.

"But you really need to work on your manners. "Aarushi said looking at him .

"Only with people I don’t like," he said casually, the car gliding over the smooth road. "And I definitely don’t like people who try to take advantage of my time."

Aarushi studied him, a mix of admiration and exasperation swirling within her. "You know, you could have handled that better."

"Like how?" he asked, glancing at her before focusing on the road again.

"Maybe just a polite handshake,"she suggested. "It wouldn’t have cost you anything."

Abhimanyu scoffed playfully. "You think I’m going to smile and shake hands with everyone who approaches me? I have standards, baby."

"Standards or just arrogance?" she countered, unable to suppress her laughter.

"Both," he declared proudly and held her hand.

They drove on, the night wrapping around them like a comfortable blanket. Aarushi gazed out of the window, the lights of the city dancing past, her thoughts fluttering between the date night and the playful banter that filled the air.

When they finally reached home, Abhimanyu parked the car and turned to her, his expression softening.

After some time ~

Aarushi emerged from the bathroom, a cloud of steam trailing behind her as she wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. Freshly washed and feeling renewed, she padded across the room, her exhaustion mingling with the lingering warmth of the shower.

With a soft thud, she collapsed onto the bed, her body sinking into the plush mattress. She lay on her stomach , her face buried in the pillow, unwilling to move even an inch.

The door creaked open, and Abhimanyu stepped inside, engrossed in a phone conversation. He paced the room, his voice low and thoughtful, discussing something that seemed to demand his full attention.

As he spoke, he glanced toward Aarushi, who had turned her head slightly, her cheek pressed against the soft fabric of the pillow and wrapped in a duvet. A smile broke across his face.

"Sleepy ?" he asked, his voice warm and inviting. He walked over to the bed, placing his phone on the bed side stand. She released a tired sigh when he caressed her hair.

"Wait a minute, I’ll join you,"he added, grabbing his phone again and slipping out onto the balcony.

Aarushi couldn’t help but smile at his antics. Suddenly she got an idea and with a playful roll, she wrapped herself in the duvet, transforming into a cozy burrito, and shuffled toward the balcony door. She positioned herself silently, ready to jump out and surprise him.

The door slid open, and Abhimanyu returned, his eyes still on the screen, unaware of her presence. "Did you—" he began, but Aarushi leaped in front of him, laughter bubbling up as she startled him.

"Boo!" she exclaimed, her laughter filling the room like music.

He chuckled, shaking his head as he took in the sight of her.

"You are looking....ridiculously amazing " He stepped closer, playfully tugging at the edge of the duvet, trying to unwrap her from her cocoon.

"Hey! No" she protested, giggling as he pulled her down onto the bed, the duvet loosening its grip around her. She lay back, properly this time, and clutched her plush toy, Pillu, tightly against her chest.

"Jaan," he called out, his voice teasing. Aarushi hummed, shifting slightly to look at him.

"Waise lips per hota to acha hota haina?" he teased, mimicking her earlier words, a cheeky grin plastered on his face.

Aarushi groaned, covering her eyes with her hands. "If you talk about this again, I’m not talking to you ever!" She turned away, facing the opposite wall, determined to ignore him.

"Acha sorry "he pleaded, turning onto his side so he could see her better, but she didn't turned towards him.

Abhimanyu stretched out beside her, contemplating how to ask for cuddle without asking it .

A moment of silence passed before he tried again. "Suno na"he said, his tone more serious this time.

Aarushi hummed, still not looking at him, a smile tugging at her lips despite her best efforts.

"Ek baar piche mudo to " he coaxed, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

With a smirk, Aarushi finally turned her head, one eyebrow raised. "Bolo"

Abhimanyu seized the opportunity.

"You know you can cuddle me baby if you want. I don’t have any problem with it."

Aarushi’s smirk deepened; she recognized the invitation behind his words. "No, I have my Pillu. I don’t need anyone to cuddle."

"Not anyone,"he countered, shifting closer, "and I am much better than that toy. Look, I’m bigger than him."

"Yeah, but he’s soft,"she replied, an amused glimmer in her eyes.

"Trying to convince you here," he said,"I also have muscles, baby. You know someone said that if you cuddle your husband,you will become umm... More beautiful"

"Acha batana kon tha vo mahapurush "Aarushi shot back, rolling her eyes.

"Pata nahi per jo bhi hoga bada acha insaan hoga"  he shrugged, feigning innocence.

She scowled and said "No need. Mai aise hi theek hu, so jaiye chup chap."A mischievous smile danced on her lips; she knew he wouldn’t let it go.

Abhimanyu paused, contemplating his next move. "Sorry na, let me cuddle you, please."

Aarushi turned to face him fully, curiosity piqued"Kyu thodi der pahle to bhot chida rahe tha"

"Maine kaha chidaya mai to bas aise hi bol raha tha jaaneman"  he admitted, his voice dropping to a soft plea."Please"

With a grin spreading across her face, Aarushi finally relented and opened her arms wide. "Alright then, come here."

Abhimanyu beamed, shifting closer and sinking into her embrace.He pressed a kiss on her cheek and nestled his head against her chest, a serene sigh escaping him as he melted into her warmth. Aarushi smiled shyly and ran her fingers through his hair, caressing the strands gently.

"Look now, you’re cuddling me. Give him to me" he said, glancing over at the plush toy.

"Don’t throw him!" Aarushi protested, reluctantly handing over Pillu.

Abhimanyu set the toy on the bedside table, then wrapped his arms tightly around Aarushi again, pulling her closer. "Much better," he said, his voice muffled against her chest.

"Goodnight" Aarushi whispered softly, her eyes fluttering shut. She felt Abhimanyu’s heartbeat against her, steady and soothing, and she couldn’t help but drift into a peaceful slumber, the warmth of their closeness wrapping around them like a comforting blanket.

The hum of the office was a familiar backdrop, a blend of tapping keyboards and soft murmurs. I leaned back in my chair, the polished wood cool against my skin, and stared at the file spread across my desk.

Numbers, projections, and strategies swam before my eyes, but all I could think about was the weight of exhaustion pressing down on me. I rubbed my temples, trying to will away the fatigue that had settled in my bones.

"Sir, you have a meeting in five minutes," Aakash said as he slipped into my office. His voice was steady, but there was a hint of concern in his eyes. I nodded, forcing myself to sit up straight.

"Right. Just…" I paused, a sudden wave of tiredness washing over me. It felt as if someone had draped a heavy blanket over my shoulders. I coughed, a dry rasp that echoed in the silence.

"Are you okay,sir?" Aakash stepped closer, his brow furrowing. I waved him off, though I could feel the weakness creeping through me, a nauseating churn that made my stomach clench.

"I’m fine," I lied, standing up. My legs felt like jelly, and I placed a hand on the desk to steady myself. The cough came again, harsher this time, and I turned towards the washroom, needing to collect myself away from prying eyes.

Inside, I splashed cold water on my face, the shock momentarily jolting me awake. I took a deep breath, but the air felt thin, almost suffocating. Morning sickness, I’d thought at first, but now it lingered, a vague nausea that wouldn’t dissipate. I leaned against the sink, the cool porcelain grounding me.

When I stepped out, Aakash was waiting by the door, his expression a mix of curiosity and worry. "Sir ,Are you sure you’re alright?"

"Yes" I snapped, sharper than intended. "Let’s just get to the meeting."

The conference room was buzzing with energy, finance department team gathered around the table, flipping through reports and discussing strategies. As I entered, all eyes turned to me, and I straightened my posture, masking the fatigue behind a mask of cold composure.

"Let’s begin," I said, my voice steady but lacking its usual bite. The meeting flowed, discussions bouncing from one point to another, and I nodded along, interjecting when necessary. Yet, the whole time, I felt like I was swimming against a current, each word spoken a laborious task.

After an hour the meeting concluded, and I stepped out, my head spinning slightly.  In the hallway, I spotted Aakash and Rudra deep in conversation, laughter spilling from them like a bubbling brook.

Aakash’s laughter died the moment he caught sight of me, and I felt a flicker of annoyance. He knew i hated when people didn't focus on their work.

"Abhimanyu!" Rudra exclaimed, his smile brightening the otherwise dull corridor "Or bhai kya haal chal"

I didn’t respond, instead choosing to walk past them, irritation bubbling up in my chest. I pushed open the door to my cabin, ready to bury myself in work.

Rudra followed me in, plopping down on the sofa with an exaggerated sigh. "Khadoos kahi ka, hamesha tera muh bana hi rahta hai "

"Not now, Rudra," I muttered, sinking into my chair, trying to focus on the files in front of me.

"Are you okay?" He asked, suddenly serious, his eyes scanning my face. I felt the tension knotting my stomach tighten even more.

"Just tired," I replied curtly, hoping to dismiss him. But the concern didn’t fade from his expression.

"You should go home and take a rest. It’s already 7 PM." He leaned forward, his voice laced with genuine worry. "You’re looking distressed"

"Distressed? I’m fine," I insisted, but even I could hear the strain in my tone. I took some deep breaths, feeling the tightness in my chest.

"Let’s go to the hospital," he urged, his tone firm as he stood, his presence filling the room with unease.

"No!" I coughed, the sound harsh and gritty. "It’s nothing like this. I’ll go home and rest after checking this file."

"Stop this work. You’re going home now." He moved around my desk, snatching the file from my hands.

"Give it back, Rudra!" I barked, rising to my feet.

"Nahi abhi ke abhi Ghar ja Verna mai bhabhi ko phone karuga or kahunga ki tujhe thik nahi lag raha phir bhi tu kam ker raha hai.... Dekh le vo Bina baat ke tension mai aa jayengi " He said in the same tone.

My jaw clenched, a mix of frustration and concern flooding through me. "Fine." I turned sharply, storming out of the cabin, my heart racing.

Rudra’s voice followed me, filled with a mix of exasperation and care, but I didn’t look back. I swiped my coat from the rack and headed for the exit, each step heavy with an invisible weight.

In the elevator, I leaned against the cool metal walls, closing my eyes. The tiredness settled back in, a thick fog that made my head spin. What was wrong with me?

The doors opened, and I stepped into the parking lot, the cool night air hitting my face like a splash of cold water. I climbed into my car, hands trembling slightly as I turned the key in the ignition.

Abhimanyu sat in his car , driving towards Rathore Mansion. Suddenly, his vision flickered, plunging him into a momentary darkness that left him breathless.

Just as quickly, the world around him snapped back into focus, but the disorientation lingered, the edges of his reality still feeling a bit hazy. He raised a trembling hand to grab his water bottle, taking a slow sip that barely quenched the dryness in his throat.

A wave of fatigue washed over him, each muscle in his body ached as if he had just run a marathon.

The familiar sight of Rathore Mansion loomed ahead, its grand exterior a blend of elegance and comfort. Abhimanyu parked his car with a sense of effort, the simple act of stepping out feeling like a monumental task.

As he walked towards the entrance, he could hear voices filtering through the open windows, laughter and conversation mingling with the scents of spices wafting from the kitchen.

Inside, the living room was alive with chatter. Bade Papa and Chacha Ji sat on the plush sofa, animatedly discussing something that made them laugh heartily. Badi Ma and Chachi were bustling around the dining table, setting out plates and silverware, while Aaryan and Vivaan joked with Aarushi as they emerged from the kitchen, each of them carrying a dish.

"Arey Abhimanyu bhi aa gaya" Bade Papa announced, spotting Abhimanyu as he hovered in the doorway.

Abhimanyu didn't gave any attention as he was too drained to engage, too weary to respond. Aarushi's gaze caught his, and he could see the worry etched on her face as she assessed him.

He could feel her eyes searching for answers, but he simply looked away, the weight of unspoken words pressing on his chest.

"It's good, go freshen up and come to the table. Dinner is ready," Badi Ma urged, her voice warm

He shook his head slowly, the effort feeling monumental. "No, I don’t have an appetite. Just… go ahead."

With that, he turned and trudged towards his room, a sudden wave of nausea rolling through him. He staggered slightly, gripping the doorframe for support as he entered. The familiar sanctuary felt suffocating today, the walls closing in around him.

"Suniye" Aarushi's voice called after him, laced with concern. "I’ll check on  him" she said looking at badi ma and went upstairs.

He barely heard her footsteps as he pressed a palm to his forehead, rubbing his temples in an attempt to dispel the growing heaviness in his mind. The world felt like it was tilting, the edges of his vision blurring again.

Aarushi followed him upstairs, her heart racing as she reached their room. She stepped inside to find Abhimanyu standing near the bed, his back turned to her. He looked smaller somehow, shadowed by the dim light filtering through the curtains.

" Kya hua , tabiyet thik hai aapki"" she asked softly, moving closer.

Abhimanyu nodded his head, the gesture weak and defeated. “O am okay , Just a little tired, baby."

Her heart clenched at the sight of him. "You’re not looking okay. Are you sure you’re alright?"

Her voice was gentle but filled with concern, and Abhimanyu coughed suddenly, the sound harsh and jagged. Aarushi stepped forward, instinctively rubbing his back in soothing circles. "Calm down, wait, let me get you some water."

But before she could take a step, he dashed towards the bathroom, the door slamming shut behind him. Panic surged through Aarushi as she heard the sound of retching, the guttural noise echoing painfully in the quiet of their room.

"Darwaja kholiye" she shouted, rushing to the door, her hand poised to knock.

"Just… just a minute!" he called out, but his voice was strained, and she could hear the desperation woven into his words.

Aarushi’s heart raced as she pressed her ear against the door, listening to the sounds of him struggling. "I’m coming in!" she declared, grabbing the doorknob, but it was locked.

A moment later, the door swung open, and he staggered out, his face pale and glistening with sweat. "I—" he started, but before he could finish, he was doubled over again, coughing violently.

Aarushi’s heart sank as she rushed to his side, rubbing his back again, whispering calming words. "Breathe, take a deep breathe."

But as he finally straightened, she looked down and her breath caught in her throat. There was some blood on the basin.

Panic surged through her as she rasped his arms, her eyes wide with terror" Ye––Aap–"

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