The soft rays of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. Sia stirred and slowly opened her eyes, only to find herself once again tangled in Arjun's arms. His steady breath fanned her hair as he slept soundly beside her. A faint smile curved her lips, her heart fluttering at how peaceful he looked.
Carefully untangling herself, she slipped out of bed and headed to freshen up. After her morning routine, she stood before her vanity, brushing her hair. She picked up the small box of vermillion, her fingers tracing its edges before she applied a small streak to her foreheadâa symbol of their bond that, despite its complicated journey, now felt precious.
Lost in her thoughts, she didn't hear the door open. When she looked up, her eyes widened. Arjun stood there, leaning against the doorframe, wearing a fitted black gym shirt and track pants that clung to his sweat-dampened form. His messy hair and the light sheen of sweat glistening on his skin made her heart skip a beat.
He smirked, catching the way her gaze lingered on him. "Admiring me this early, Mrs. Rathor?" he teased, stepping into the room.
Sia quickly looked away, pretending to focus on adjusting her bangles. "You're imagining things," she murmured, but her flushed cheeks gave her away.
Before she could move away, Arjun closed the distance between them in a few quick strides. He stood behind her, his tall frame towering over her petite one. His hands rested lightly on her waist as he leaned in, his voice low and teasing. "Sia, do you have any idea how hard it is for me to keep my hands to myself when you're around?"
Her breath hitched, her reflection in the mirror showing her wide eyes and flushed cheeks. She tried to step away, but he held her firmly, his arms wrapping around her. "Don't run," he murmured, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"Arjun..." she whispered, her voice shy.
He chuckled softly before loosening his hold, letting her turn to face him. With a playful smirk, he motioned toward the bed where a neatly wrapped box rested. "I have something for you," he said, nodding toward it.
Curious, Sia walked over and picked up the box. As she untied the ribbon and opened it, she found a stunning dress in a soft shade of midnight blue, paired with elegant earrings and matching heels. She turned back to him, her eyes questioning.
Arjun grinned. "Mrs. Rathor, I'm taking you out on our first official date tonight. Be ready by 7."
She blinked, stunned by his sudden announcement. "Date?"
"Yes, a date. Just you and me," he said, leaning in slightly. "And no excuses. You're wearing this."
Before she could respond, he stepped back, smirking at her stunned expression. "Now, don't be late," he added, heading toward the bathroom to shower.
Sia stood there, holding the box, her heart racing. A small smile tugged at her lips as she whispered to herself, "A date... with Arjun."
Afternoon Bliss
Sia spent the entire afternoon in a state of rare joy. A radiant smile never left her face, and her soft humming as she moved around the mansion caught everyone's attention.
Her grandmother-in-law paused during her embroidery, her sharp eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Sia seems unusually cheerful today," she commented, glancing at Devika.
Devika chuckled knowingly, watching Sia gently pat Candy and Snowy. "It's good to see her like this. I'm sure Arjun is behind this sudden glow."
Shalini, always perceptive, chimed in with a teasing grin. "Oh, absolutely. That boy has been working hard to make things right with her. I think tonight might be special."
The ladies exchanged amused glances while Sia, oblivious to their discussion, hummed her way into the kitchen to fetch water for her plants. Her happiness was contagious, filling the Rathor Mansion with a sense of warmth and optimism.
Arjun's POV
Arjun arrived home in the late afternoon, his mind preoccupied with the evening ahead. He had wrapped up his meetings early, knowing he couldn't focus on anything else until he saw Sia. As he stepped into the mansion, he was greeted by Ishika's mischievous grin and Aarav's mock salute.
"She's upstairs," Ishika said, her eyes twinkling. "And she looks beautiful, Bhai."
Arjun smirked but didn't respond, taking the stairs two at a time. When he reached their room and opened the door, his breath hitched.
Sia stood before the mirror in the dress he had gifted her. The midnight blue fabric hugged her figure elegantly, and the earrings caught the light, framing her delicate face. Her soft curls tumbled over her shoulders, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"You're staring," Sia said shyly, catching his reflection in the mirror.
"I can't help it," Arjun admitted, stepping closer. "You look... breathtaking, Mrs. Rathor."
She blushed, turning to face him. "And you look quite handsome yourself, Mr. Rathor" she teased, gesturing at his tailored black suit.
With a grin, he held out his hand. "Shall we?"
A Surprising Dedication
Arjun drove them to a luxury restaurant, its facade glittering with warm lights. Sia admired the elegant exterior, but as they walked in, her steps faltered.
The name "Rhythm" was elegantly etched above the entrance, and she turned to Arjun in disbelief. "You named a restaurant after me?"
He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "It felt right. This place has been a dream of mine, and it deserved a name that means something special to me."
Sia was overwhelmed, her voice soft. "But how did you know about 'Rhythm'... about me being a writer?"
Arjun chuckled, guiding her to their private table. "Sia, it's you we're talking about. How could I not know something so important about my little wife?"
She smiled, her heart swelling with warmth, but his next words caught her off guard.
"Yes," he admitted, his tone softening. "I was a little sad, though. The Sia Mehta I grew up withâthe one who used to talk my ears off about everything under the sunâkept something like this to herself."
Her cheeks flushed as she lowered her gaze. "It wasn't intentional, Arjun. I just didn't know how to share it. And after learning about your and Riya di's approching weeding..."
He reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "You don't have to hide anything from me, Sia. Not anymore. This is your dream, and I want to be a part of it. And the marriage with Riya was easy escape for me from my family's taunts to get marry. I was happy to know that is was someone who i know. Riya being all lovey dovey with me helped all the marriage vibe seems more normal to me" He breathes out, "Let's past be in past Sia. Let me be here, be with you, be in peace with someone I admire."
The evening unfolded beautifully, with laughter, heartfelt conversations, and a renewed sense of connection between them. Sia couldn't help but feel grateful for this second chance to rediscover the man she had married.
As the night came to an end, Arjun escorted her back to the car, his hand resting protectively on the small of her back. "Thank you," she said softly, looking up at him as they stood by the car.
"For what?" he asked, genuinely curious.
"For everything," she whispered, leaning her head against his shoulder.
Arjun smiled, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Anything for you, Mrs. Rathor."