Chapter-39

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The grand mansion loomed before Aarushi as she stepped out of her car, the evening air cool against her skin. She rang the doorbell, the chime echoing through the silence that enveloped the place. A moment later, a helper opened the door, her warm smile easing the fatigue of the day.

"Arey aap aa gye, Khamma ghani " the helper greeted cheerfully.

"Ji ,Ghani khamma didi" Aarushi replied, returning the smile as she stepped inside.

The tranquility of the mansion washed over her, a stark contrast to the chaos of her workday. With Navya off on her trip and the rest of the family at the temple, it was just her and Abhimanyu, along with a handful of helpers.

As she ascended the staircase to her room, she relished the peacefulness that wrapped around her like a soft blanket. After freshening up, she made her way downstairs, settling into the living room with her laptop. She was about to dive into some work when her phone rang, cutting through the stillness.

"Aaryan?" she muttered, swiping to answer.

"Hello, Aarushi, beta!" came the familiar voice of her badi ma, warm and inviting.

Aarushi's face lit up. "Badi ma! How are you? Did you reach?"

"Yes, we arrived about an hour ago. The journey was lovely, but everyone is missing you," she replied, her tone laced with affection.

Aarushi chuckled softly. "I missed you too....It's so alone here without you all , but we can't do anything....how everyone doing there"

"Oh, bustling as always! But you know how it is. We will take rest today and visit the temple in evening "

"Oh okay , I'll also join you next time with Abhimanyu," Aarushi said, her heart swelling with love for her family.

After a few more minutes of light-hearted conversation, Aarushi reluctantly ended the call. With the sun dipping lower in the sky, she felt a sudden urge to prepare dinner for her and Abhimanyu.

She made her way to the kitchen, where the few helpers left in the mansion were tidying up.

"Good evening, everyone,"she greeted, her hands on her hips. "I'd like to make dinner tonight....all by myself "

The helpers exchanged glances, concern flickering in their eyes. "But ma'am, you worked all day. You should rest, and hukum strictly told us not to let you work," one of them insisted.

"Arey unki itni mat suno , unhe mai dekh lungi and it's only for two people. Please, take the evening off." she replied, her voice firm yet kind.

With reluctant nods, the helpers bowed their heads in acquiescence and departed, leaving her alone in the spacious kitchen.

Aarushi took a deep breath, feeling the familiar rush of excitement as she gathered ingredients from the pantry.

She was kneading dough first ,when the doorbell rang, the sound slicing through her focus. "Could you go and check who is there?" she called out, glancing toward the one maid, still bustling around.

She nodded and hurried off, leaving Aarushi to her task. As she continued to knead, she heard footsteps approaching. Without looking up, she asked"Kon tha"

Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her against a warm, solid form. "Your Abhi," a familiar voice whispered in her ear.

Aarushi gasped, startled, but then melted into the embrace. "Abhi,You scared me!" She turned her head slightly, her heart racing at the surprise.

"Did I ? Sorry" he murmured, placing a soft kiss on her cheek, his breath warm against her skin.

She chuckled, remembering the playful banter they'd had just two days prior on his nickname. "You know, I've only just started calling you Abhi. You should be grateful"

He feigned a pout, a playful glint in his eye. "Grateful? I've been waiting for that..You called that Siddharth 'Sid' without hesitation, but I had to beg my wife to call me by my name "

"Aapko pata hai na mujhe aapko pareshan kerne mai maje aate hai..or aaj aap itni jaldi kaise aa gaye," she teased, a smile tugging at her lips.

He pressed his chin into the crook of her neck, his voice low and affectionate. "I missed my wife" he murmured, his words sending a flutter through her stomach.

"Missed me? You just saw me this morning!" she laughed, trying to sound exasperated, but failing miserably.

"Doesn't matter. You went to work, and now you're cooking? You'll tire yourself out, jaan" he said, concern lacing his tone as he pulled back to look at her face.

"It's okay! I want to make something special for us," she insisted, her heart swelling at his concern.

"Alright,but let me go and freshen up then I will help you" he replied, feigning sternness.

"No need I-- she said but Abhimanyu cut her in between and said " No wait for me ,I'll be quick," he promised, leaning down to place a peck on her lips before darting out of the kitchen.

As she resumed her work, Aarushi reflected on how much had changed since they got married. It had only a month, but it felt like they had built an entire world together.

The memories of their first kiss, the teasing, the laughter-it all swirled in her mind, filling her with giddy warmth.

After a few minutes, Abhimanyu stepped into the kitchen, the aroma of spices and fresh dough filling the air. He paused, taking in the sight of Aarushi, her back turned to him as she washed her hands.

The soft hum of a popular Bollywood song floated through the room, mingling with the clatter of utensils and the simmering of pots on the stove.

"Tell me what I can do," he said, standing beside her. Aarushi smiled at him and said " Chop those vegetables"

He nodded at her muttering a small okay and grabbed a knife and began chopping, his movements precise and confident. Aarushi watched, a smile creeping onto her lips as she took in the way his veiny hands worked deftly, slicing through the vegetables with ease.

He was meticulously slicing onions, the knife flashing with practiced ease. His hands, large and capable, were a roadmap of veins, raised and prominent against his tanned skin.

They flexed and moved with a quiet power, each tendon and vein a testament to strength and dexterity. Aarushi found herself mesmerized, her own knife pausing mid-slice.

A faint sheen of sweat glistened on his skin, catching the warm kitchen light and making the veins seem to glow. Aarushi's breath hitched, and she unconsciously bit her lower lip, a silent acknowledgment of the unexpected wave of attraction that washed over her.

Abhimanyu, without missing a beat in his onion-slicing, suddenly paused. He didn't look up, but a slow, knowing smirk spread across his lips. He'd caught her staring.

"Something interesting about my hands, baby" he asked, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through the quiet kitchen.

Aarushi's cheeks flushed crimson. She quickly averted her gaze, pretending to be intensely focused on her bell pepper. "No, just... admiring your technique," she stammered, her voice a little too high-pitched.

Abhimanyu chuckled, a deep, amused sound. "My technique, huh? Or the topographical map of my veins?" he teased, finally looking up at her, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "They do get quite the workout, don't they?"

He flexed his fingers slightly, the veins popping even more prominently.

Aarushi's blush deepened. "They're... efficient; look at my hands. They are so small. You have such long fingers" she mumbled, trying to salvage some semblance of composure.

"You know these long fingers are capable of doing many things" Abhimanyu raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "And only efficient , I thought they were, perhaps, a little more... captivating." He leaned slightly closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Or maybe even a little... distracting?"

Aarushi's heart pounded in her chest. She knew she was caught, and there was no point in denying it. "Maybe a little," she admitted, her voice barely audible.

"Just a little,jaan?" Abhimanyu challenged, his eyes twinkling. He picked up another onion, the knife flashing in his hand. "Well, I suppose I'll just have to work harder to make them more than just 'a little' distracting."

Abhimanyu smiled and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek and moved to the stove, tossing the vegetables into a sizzling pan. The sound of them hitting the hot oil was a satisfying sizzle, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering scent.

As they cooked, the banter flowed easily between them. Aarushi stirred the pot of curry, her focus momentarily shifting to Abhimanyu who was now seasoning the vegetables.

As their eyes locked, the air thickened with an unspoken tension. Abhimanyu leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You know, cooking together is nice, but I think I deserve a reward for all this hard work."

"What do you have in mind" Aarushi asked, biting her lip, her heart racing.

Abhimanyu stepped back, a playful glint in his eyes. "How about a kiss?"

She raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "A kiss? Seriously I'm not sure that qualifies as a reward."

"Double sure," he replied, his gaze dropping to her lips, a teasing smile on his face.

"Alright, close your eyes," she instructed, her heart thudding in her chest.

He frowned but complied, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. The anticipation hung in the air, a sweet promise.

Aarushi moved closer, her fingers brushing against his cheeks as she caressed them gently, her breath hitching at the warmth beneath her touch. She took a moment to admire his serene expression, the way his lips curved softly, inviting her in.

"Abhi" she whispered, her heart racing as she got lost in the moment, feeling a surge of love and passion.

"I'm waiting, jaan,"he said, still with his eyes closed, completely unaware of the mischief brewing in her mind.

Aarushi couldn't help it; she giggled softly, the sound bubbling up as she pinched his cheek and then playfully shoved him back.

"Hey!" He stumbled slightly, eyes flying open just in time to see her darting out of the kitchen, laughter trailing behind her like a sweet melody.

"You think you can run away like this" he called after her, amusement lacing his voice.

Aarushi dashed around the couch, her giggles echoing in the spacious living room. Abhimanyu chased after her, his heart racing not just from the sprint but from the joy of the chase.

"Just wait till I catch you " he shouted, grinning as he rounded the corner, the thrill of the chase igniting a fire within him.

Aarushi squealed, ducking behind furniture, her laughter ringing like a bell. "You'll never catch me, bad man"

"Oh, we'll see about that!" he chuckled, determination fueling his steps.

The playful game continued, her laughter filling the mansion as Abhimanyu finally caught up, wrapping his arms around her waist and lifting her off the ground. "Got you!"

She squealed again, her laughter bursting forth uncontrollably. "Put me down,you bad man"

"Not a chance, my little baby," he teased, lowering her onto his lap as he sank onto the sofa, her body fitting perfectly against him.

"Let me go, I am not giving you any kiss" she protested, though her eyes sparkled with delight.

He chuckled, his grip firm yet gentle. "Itni choti si to ho aap , aapko sach mai lagta hai aap aise bach paogi"

Their laughter faded into a tender silence, the playful energy shifting into something deeper. Abhimanyu leaned closer, urgency thrumming between them as he pressed his lips against hers, the kiss igniting a spark that had been building since they started cooking.

Aarushi melted into him, her eyes fluttering shut as she kissed him back, feeling his warmth envelop her. Abhimanyu's hand found its way to her neck, the other resting on her waist, drawing soft circles . They were lost in the moment-lost in each other, the kitchen forgotten.

Their kiss grew deeper, more desperate, as if they were trying to convey all the love they felt in one single moment. Aarushi pulled back slightly, breathless, her cheeks flushed. "I think we might have burned the curry."

"Let it burn," he murmured against her lips, his forehead resting against hers. "I think we're cooking up something better here."

Aarushi laughed, the sound light and airy, wrapping her arms tighter around him.

"Okay, but we can't let the kitchen become a disaster zone," she finally said, her voice softening.

"Fine,"he conceded, his smile wide.

They shared another quick peck before reluctantly standing up, laughter still echoing between them as they moved back to the kitchen to salvage their dinner.

The soft glow of my phone illuminated the dim bedroom as I lay sprawled on the bed, immersed in another episode of my favorite drama. The characters on the screen laughed and cried, their emotions spilling over into my own heart.

I loved the escape, the chance to lose myself in their world, but a nagging sensation tugged at the corner of my mind.

Abhi was right there, just a few feet away, his back turned to me as he focused intently on his laptop. His fingers danced over the keyboard, creating a symphony of clicks and clacks that filled the otherwise quiet room.

I glanced at him, my heart sinking a little. How had it come to this? Two and half hours had slipped by, and he hadn't even glanced my way. Whenever he is near me , he always gives me a lot of attention.

I rolled my eyes, mentally scolding myself. He asked me if I wanted to spend time together earlier, and I'd brushed him off, insisting that his work was important, as he had an important meeting with CM tomorrow

"Yeah, I know I had told him to focus on his work.....but ," I muttered under my breath, my subconscious mocking me. "Mai chahti hu ki vo mujhe attention de bhi or nahi bhi....Vo apne kam per sara dhyan rakhe , lekin mujh per bhi dhyan de Lekin apne aap tab nahi jab mai chahu , unhe aisa nahi lagna chahiye ki mujhe unki attention chahiye ugh what the hell I am saying "

I pouted, the corners of my mouth turning down as I watched him. His brow was furrowed in concentration, and I couldn't help but admire how dedicated he was. But a part of me felt neglected. Didn't I deserve a little of that attention too?

My gaze drifted to the sofa, where Pillu, my beloved dinosaur plush toy, sat perched like it owned the place. An idea sparked in my mind. I stood up, making my way to the couch. Abhimanyu turned at the sound of my movement.

"What happened, baby?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

I shook my head, pretending not to notice the way his frown deepened. "Nothing," I replied, picking Pillu up and cradling him in my arms. I know he didn't like it when I hug my pillu.

With a mischievous smile tugging at my lips, I turned back towards the bed, ignoring the look of confusion on Abhimanyu's face. I plopped down, hugging Pillu tightly against my chest. "My Pillu is so soft and cute! Let's watch movies together, okay?"

I resumed my show, stealing glances at Abhimanyu through the curtain of my hair. He was glaring at Pillu, and I couldn't help but stifle a laugh.

"Such a good boy, my Pillu is silently,watching movies with me!" I cooed, purposefully exaggerating my affection for the plush toy.

Abhimanyu closed his laptop with a snap and moved closer to the bed. "Baby, let's watch together. What are you watching?" His hand reached out toward Pillu, but I swatted it away playfully.

"No, go do your work! You had important meeting tomorrow, remember?" I shot back, my voice teasing but firm.

He shook his head, that familiar stubbornness creeping into his demeanor. "Um...I will manage that later .Let's watch. Give him to me. I'll hold him."

I raised an eyebrow, the corner of my mouth twitching into a tight-lipped smile. "Koi jarurat nahi hai , maine aapko hazar baar dekha hua hai iska gala dabate hue. What's your problem with him? Look, he is so cute. I loves him a lot"

"It's a toy, nonliving thing! You can't love him. I am your husband; I am much better than him, um...look, I can cook for you , buy your favorite brownie, and even hug and kiss you back but He can't even do this," he said, glaring at Pillu as if the plush dinosaur had personally offended him.

I fought to suppress a smile, leaning back against the headboard. "Oh, come on, Abhi, but I can hug and kiss him so there is no need for him to do this and why do you always compare yourself to Pillu? You're a human; he's a dinosaur!"

"Ugh," Abhimanyu groaned, crossing his arms. "I don't like him. Now you're going to love a dinosaur, not me?"

I grinned, relishing in his jealousy. "Yes! I love dinosaurs only. Now go do your work. You have an important meeting with the CM tomorrow."

I placed my phone on the bedside table, the drama momentarily forgotten, and lay back down, hugging Pillu tightly as I tried to stifle my giggles beneath the duvet.

But then I felt the bed dip behind me. Abhimanyu pulled the duvet a little, sliding in beside me. His arm snaked around my waist, pulling me closer. "You sleep. I'll throw him," he murmured in that sulky tone of his, pressing a kiss to my cheek.

I smiled, shaking my head. Wasn't he adorable? It was hard to stay annoyed when he was being so sweet.

"Abhi," I said, turning my head slightly to look at him, my voice playful.I thought to tease him a little more "You know Pillu is way more fun than you sometimes."

He pressed his face in the crook of my neck.He didn't say anything, but I could feel a smile on his face. What's going on in his mind....I should not tease him more...let's sleep I thought to myself and sighed, snuggling back into his side, feeling the warmth of his body wrap around me like a blanket.

Next morning ~

I blinked against the soft glow of the clock on my nightstand-11 PM. I groaned, stretching my arms above my head, feeling every sleepy muscle in my body protest.

"Whoa," I muttered, rubbing my eyes. I hadn't meant to sleep so late, especially today.

As I swung my legs over the side of the bed, the chill of the wooden floor sent a shiver up my spine. I glanced around our bedroom, half-expecting Abhi here, but he wasn't.

"He should be at the office," I mumbled to myself, feeling a slight pang of regret for not waking up earlier to bid him goodbye.

I padded across the room and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

After splashing some water on my face and quickly brushing my teeth, I pulled my hair into a loose bun, enjoying the ease of my comfy clothes. It was a holiday, after all. I didn't want to deal with anything fancy.

As I stepped out of the bathroom, towel in hand, I froze. There, sitting on the edge of our bed, was something big and green with tiny arms and legs. My heart raced. Had I stepped into a bizarre dream? A big dinosaur....or I can say Abhi in dinosaur costume.

(Something like this)

I dropped the towel.

"Oh you are here , suprise!" Abhimanyu's voice boomed from within the dinosaur costume, his grin so wide it nearly split his face in half.

He stood up, striking a ridiculous pose, one hand on his hip while the other held my plush dinosaur, Pillu.

I couldn't help it. Laughter bubbled up inside me, erupting uncontrollably as I circled him. "What in the world are you doing?" I gasped between giggles, my eyes drinking at the sight of my usually stoic husband now transformed into a goofy, green dinosaur.He also had a small tail. O my good this man!

"Look!" he exclaimed, holding Pillu up like a trophy. "I'm a bigger dinosaur than him! And you said you only love dinosaurs, so now you have to love me !"

"Oh my God, Abhi!" I laughed, my cheeks aching. "You're so cute! Who would've thought the mighty Abhimanyu Singh Rathore would look like this?" I reached out to poke his small tail, which wiggled slightly, and he spun around to face me.

I burst into another fit of giggles, shaking my head in disbelief.

"You're adorable," I said, my heart swelling. I stepped closer and wrapped my arms around him, squeezing him tightly. "Seriously, how did you even manage to get that costume on?"

He pulled away just enough to look down at me, still holding my waist. "I had called Aakash in the early morning for this but it was worth it to see you like this." He leaned down, pressing a quick kiss on my nose. "You're smiling. That's all I wanted."

I felt a warmth spread through me. "You really should be at the office right now, you know. There's that important meeting with CM sir."

Abhimanyu waved his hand dismissively. "I postponed it. Nothing is more important than defeating this little guy." He pointed a finger at Pillu, who was currently nestled in one of his dinosaur arms. "Now that I'm a dinosaur, I have to make sure that I am better than him"

"Okay, okay!" I said, raising my hands in mock surrender. "You win. You are more cute and better than Pillu-at least when you're in that costume!"

"I knew it!" He puffed out his chest, then leaned in closer, smirking. "Now kiss me, since I'm the best dinosaur ever."

I didn't need to be told twice, as he looked so adorable. I leaned up and pressed my lips against his, feeling the soft fabric of the costume brush against my cheeks. The kiss was sweet and soft, and I melted into it, losing track of everything around us.

"Oh, this dinosaur can kiss back!" I teased, pulling away with a grin.

"Of course, he can. I'll have to remind you of that whenever you give this Pillu too much attention," he said playfully, raising his eyebrows.

"Oh, you're just jealous because he's cute too!" I laughed, my eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Let's take a picture to capture this moment!" I suggested suddenly, pulling him toward the mirror, the excitement bubbling within me. "I want to remember this forever!"

We squeezed together in front of the mirror, and I held up my phone, snapping a few pictures while he back-hugged me, his dinosaur head resting on my shoulder.

"Smile!"

Click

"Now, turn around! I want to get a picture of you and your adorable tail."

Abhimanyu turned on his heels, I held his hands placing them on his hips his hips, the tail bobbing behind him.

I couldn't help but laugh, taking another shot as he appeared to prance like a child, his face radiating pure joy.

As we continued to snap pictures, I felt a flutter in my chest, a warmth that came from simply being with him. It was moments like these that reminded me how much I liked him or more than like-the silly, playful side that was often hidden behind his polished exterior.

After we finished our mini photoshoot, I turned back to him, my heart still racing with laughter. "You know, Pillu was a gift from my grandfather. He's the last gift I have from him," I said, my voice softening as I looked at the little plush dinosaur. "That's why he's so special to me.You don't have to feel jealous of him "

Abhimanyu's expression shifted, the playful glint in his eyes replaced with understanding. "I get it," he said quietly, nodding. "I won't curse him anymore, even if he's a rival for your affection."

"Thank you" I whispered, touched by his sincerity. "But still he can't sleep with you. He has to sleep on the couch." He said and I shook my head at him. Ye nahi sudhrenge....

We both laughed, the sound echoing in our cozy bedroom, and I felt that familiar feeling of warmth-a blend of love, humor, and the joy of simply being together. It was a reminder of why I adored him, even when he donned ridiculous costumes or acted like a goofy dinosaur.

I realized how lucky I was to have him in my life-silly moments like these, filled with laughter and adoration, were what made every day worthwhile.

I will not tell him but whether he was in a suit or a dino costume, he would always be my favorite creature.

___________________________________________________________________________

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