The Rathor mansion was alive with its usual rhythmâlaughter echoing in the hallways, Snowy chasing after Candy, and Sia enjoying her moments of peace amidst the chaos. But the tranquility shattered when Devika entered the house with a guest in tow, her smile wide as she introduced Bhoomi, her friend's daughter, to the family.
"She'll be spending some time here to learn from Arjun and Aarav," Devika announced proudly.
Bhoomi stepped forward with practiced grace, her polished demeanor a stark contrast to the warmth of the Rathors. Her eyes lingered on Arjun for just a moment too long, and Sia felt a sharp pang in her chest.
"Arjun," Bhoomi said, her voice dripping with familiarity, "it's been such a long time. I've missed working with you."
Sia's polite smile faltered as she watched Arjun greet Bhoomi with a casual nod and a warm smile. "Good to see you, Bhoomi. Welcome."
The word "welcome" felt like a dagger to Sia's heart. Bhoomi's overly friendly demeanor didn't go unnoticed by the rest of the family, who exchanged knowing glances, their protective instincts kicking in.
Jealousy Ignited
As the days passed, Bhoomi's presence became an unwelcome shadow in Sia's life. She seemed to always be around Arjunâasking questions, laughing at his jokes, and finding reasons to touch his arm. Arjun, ever the gentleman, was polite but distant, though Sia couldn't help but feel a growing knot of insecurity.
One afternoon, Bhoomi entered the living room where Sia was seated, a casual air about her. "Sia," she began, her tone dripping with faux sweetness, "you're so lucky. Arjun's always been so thoughtful. Did he ever tell you about the time he planned a surprise for me at his favorite restaurant?"
Sia's heart sank, but she masked her emotions with a tight smile. "He didn't, but then again, Arjun and I have plenty of surprises of our own."
Bhoomi's smirk faltered, but before she could respond, Devika's voice cut through the tension. "Sia, could you help me with something in the kitchen?"
In the kitchen, Devika placed a reassuring hand on Sia's shoulder. "Don't let her get to you. You have no idea how much you mean to Arjun."
Sia nodded, but the seed of doubt had already taken root.
Arjun's Amusement
Arjun, on the other hand, was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle. Watching Sia's subtle glares and possessive behavior amused him to no end. Her jealousy was proof of her feelings, and he couldn't help but stoke the fire.
At dinner, Bhoomi complimented Arjun's business acumen. "You've always had such a sharp mind, Arjun. I remember how you used to outsmart everyone in debates."
Sia's fork clattered against her plate, drawing everyone's attention. She smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, slipped."
Arjun hid a smirk, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Sia, is everything okay?"
"Oh, everything's fine," she replied, her tone sharper than she intended.
Later that night, as Sia prepared for bed, Arjun leaned against the doorway, watching her with a teasing grin. "You know, you've been acting a little... territorial lately."
Sia shot him a glare. "Territorial? Don't flatter yourself."
Arjun moved closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I like it when you get jealous. It shows you care."
Sia huffed, turning away, but he caught her wrist, pulling her into his arms. "You don't have to worry about Bhoomi. She's the past, and youâ" He kissed her temple softly. "âyou're my everything."
The Grand Gesture
The next day, Arjun decided it was time to put an end to the drama. As Bhoomi entered his office with another set of questions, he stood abruptly. "Bhoomi, I think we need to talk."
She looked surprised but nodded.
"Whatever you're here for, keep it professional. My wife is the center of my world, and I won't tolerate anyone making her feel otherwise." His tone was calm but firm, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
That evening, Arjun surprised Sia by taking her to the garden, where the family had gathered. In the center was a beautifully framed portrait of them from their wedding day, surrounded by fairy lights and flowers.
"This," Arjun announced, holding Sia's hand tightly, "is my way of reminding everyone, especially my wife, that she is, and always will be, my priority."
Sia's eyes welled up with tears as the family erupted into applause. Bhoomi, who was watching from a distance, realized there was no place for her in Arjun's life and left without another word.
As the night ended, Arjun whispered in Sia's ear, "I'll never let you question your place in my heart again."
Sia smiled, finally letting go of her insecurities, as the warmth of his love enveloped her completely.
The golden hues of the evening sun spilled through the large windows of the Rathor mansion as a serene yet amusing scene unfolded in the living room. Arjun sat cross-legged on the plush carpet, combing Snowy's thick white fur with deliberate strokes. With her piercing blue eyes, seemed to enjoy the attention, her tail wagging gracefully.
Across from him, Sia was seated on a low stool, carefully combing Candy's fur. Equally striking with his amber eyes, let out a soft bark every now and then, as though complaining about Sia's extra attention to his fur.
"Snowy, you're such a beautiful girl," Arjun cooed, his deep voice filled with amusement. Snowy perked up at the compliment, her ears twitching as if acknowledging it.
Sia glanced over, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Beautiful? Candy is the true star here, aren't you, my little prince?"
Candy barked in agreement, wagging his tail and earning a laugh from Sia.
Arjun smirked, glancing at his wife. "Careful, Sia. You're going to inflate his ego too much. He already acts like he runs the house."
"And he does," Sia quipped, focusing on brushing out a stubborn knot in Candy's fur.
As the grooming session continued, Arjun noticed the playful glint in Sia's eyes. "What's that look for? You're up to something, aren't you?"
Sia bit her lip, trying to suppress a grin. "Well, I might have had a little plan..."
Arjun raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? Do tell, Mrs. Rathor."
She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I was thinking of training Snowy and Candy to... you know, scare Bhoomi away."
Arjun burst into laughter, the sound rich and deep. "You were going to unleash the huskies on her? Really, Sia?"
Sia shrugged, a mock-innocent expression on her face. "It was a solid plan. Snowy could growl menacingly, and Candy... well, he could bark ferociously."
Arjun shook his head, still chuckling. "I can't believe you. My wife, the mastermind of husky conspiracies."
Sia giggled, setting Candy down on the floor. "What can I say? Desperate times call for creative measures."
Arjun set the comb aside and motioned for Snowy to move. The dog obediently trotted off, leaving her spot on the carpet empty. Arjun patted the space beside him, his eyes fixed on Sia. "Come here."
Her heart skipped a beat at the sudden intensity in his gaze, but she played coy. "Why? Are you going to give me a lecture about my genius plan?"
"Just come here, Sia," he repeated, his voice softer this time.
She set the comb down and hesitated for a moment before moving to sit beside him. The instant she did, Arjun wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer.
"You drive me insane, you know that?" he murmured, his lips brushing against her temple.
Sia tilted her head to meet his eyes, her breath hitching at the raw emotion in his gaze. "Arjun..."
Before she could say another word, he cupped her face and kissed her. It wasn't rushed or playful like beforeâit was deep, consuming, and left her feeling lightheaded. Her hands instinctively gripped his shirt, pulling him closer.
When they finally broke apart, both breathless, Arjun rested his forehead against hers. "You don't need to train Snowy and Candy to fight for my attention, Sia. You already have all of it. Every single bit."
Sia smiled, her cheeks flushing. "I know. But watching you like this, seeing how much you enjoy me being possessive... it's fun."
Arjun chuckled, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her cheek. "You're dangerous, Mrs. Rathor."
"And you love it," she teased.
"More than you know," he replied, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.
Before their moment could deepen further, loud barks interrupted them. Snowy and Candy had returned, both looking at the couple expectantly, their tails wagging furiously.
Arjun sighed, his shoulders slumping dramatically. "Perfect timing, you two."
Sia burst into laughter, scooping up Candy. "Looks like our little partners in crime wanted some attention too."
Arjun glared playfully at the huskies. "You two really know how to ruin a moment, don't you?"
Snowy barked once, wagging her tail enthusiastically, while Candy wriggled in Sia's arms, nuzzling her affectionately.
Sia grinned. "Guess they're just reminding us who the real bosses are."
Arjun shook his head, pulling her close again despite the interruptions. "Fine, but let them know thisâyou're mine, Sia. No one else's."
"And you're mine, Arjun," she mummers, her voice soft but firm.
As Snowy and Candy settled at their feet, the couple shared a quiet moment, their love for each other growing even strongerâeven with their playful huskies' well-timed antics.