Chapter 25

After his shower, Aryan changed into his night clothes and emerged from the closet. His gaze fell on Disha, who had just awakened and was sitting up in bed.

Upon seeing Aryan, Disha greeted him with a smile and said, "Let's go, Aryan. I'll warm up some food for you. You must be hungry."

Due to his drowsy state, Aryan, with sleepy eyes, replied, "I'm not hungry. You go to sleep; I'm heading to bed too."

Although feeling hungry and somewhat disappointed, Disha, maintaining her smile, persisted, "Come on, Aryan...

Before Disha could finish her sentence, Aryan, who disliked repeating himself, expressed his frustration by angrily throwing his phone on the bed, stating, "Can't you understand what I said? I told you to stay away from my matters. I don't need you to act like my wife."

Frightened, Disha quickly stood up from the bed, tears welling in her eyes as she witnessed Aryan's angry expressions. At that moment, they heard the knock on the door. Aryan and Disha's attention shifted towards it. Then he went to open the door, and in an attempt to conceal her emotions, Disha rushed to the balcony.

When Aryan opened the door, he was greeted by Maya, the household cook and their longest-serving maid. Maya had played the role of nanny for Aryan and Abhi during their childhood, earning Aryan's deep respect, who affectionately addressed her as "Daai."

Noticing the food in Maya's hands, Aryan politely declined, saying, "Daai, I'm not hungry. Please take this back."

In response, Maya explained, "Aryan baba, Nita Ma'am specifically instructed me to bring food for you and Disha madam when you return from the office."

Aryan, a bit surprised, asked, "Disha hasn't eaten yet?"

Maya replied, "No, Baba. Nita ma'am called her several times, but she declined each time, waiting for your return." With that information, Maya handed the plate to Aryan and left.

Aryan closed the door and entered the room, placing the plate on the table before heading towards the balcony.

Aryan, feeling regretful for his unjust outburst, made his way to the balcony where he could clearly hear Disha's sobs. Understanding that his anger, triggered by Vidyut, had unfairly impacted Disha, Aryan was overwhelmed with a sense of guilt.

With a gentle tone, he called out Disha's name, seeking to convey his remorse and offer comfort. However, Disha, in the midst of her tears, remained unmoved, not turning or responding to his calls.

Undeterred, Aryan persisted with affection in his voice, calling her name one more time. Slowly approaching, he gently enveloped her in a hug from behind, placing his chin on her shoulder.  Despite the initial unease, Disha stood there, revealing a strength to weather the emotional storm, seemingly unaffected by Aryan's closeness.

Aryan whispered Disha's name with a gentle touch, "Disha."

Aryan's warm breath near her ear sent shivers down her spine, and Disha's heartbeat quickened. Aryan delicately moved his chin, planting a soft kiss on Disha's neck. As he rested his chin on her shoulder again, he tenderly expressed, "I am sorry, Disha. Today, exhaustion got the best of me, and I unintentionally let out my frustration on you because I was sleepy."

Disha, amidst the whirlwind of emotions, found her tears subsiding.

With a slow and affectionate turn, Aryan faced Disha. "Sorry, Disha. I promise I won't yell at you again," he vowed, his gaze filled with care and love.

Disha, still with closed eyes, remained in a moment of quiet intimacy, overwhelmed by a rush of romantic feelings and a blush of embarrassment.

Aryan tenderly raised Disha's chin with a gentle touch of his finger, wiping away her tears. Subsequently, he gently positioned both his hands on Disha's back, pulling her towards him with a reassuring embrace. As Disha slowly opened her eyes, their gazes intertwined, and in that profound connection, they became lost in each other's eyes.

Aryan questioned, "Why haven't you eaten anything until now?"

Disha, keeping her balance by holding her hands behind Aryan's neck, remained silent in response.

Pressing the matter, Aryan insisted, "Tell me, Disha. What's wrong? It's so late, and you haven't eaten."

Filled with frustration and teary-eyed, Disha vented, "I was waiting for you. I wanted to have dinner with you. But you shouted at me, telling me not to act like a wife! Well, if I'm a wife, I'll behave like one."

Expressing her feelings, Disha attempted to free her hands from Aryan's grip, but his hold was strong. Suddenly, Aryan pulled her towards him, causing her entire body to collide with his. To maintain balance, Disha instinctively placed her hands on Aryan's shoulders.

Disha, taken aback by Aryan's unexpected move, turned to look at him, trying to understand the situation.

Aryan, wearing a smirk, questioned, "What did you say?"

Perplexed by Aryan's words, Disha raised her eyebrows, expressing confusion as she looked towards Aryan for clarity.

Aryan gently moved his lips towards Disha's ear and stated, "What did you say, Disha? If you're a wife, you'll behave like one! Then I should behave like a husband too."

After uttering these words, Aryan softly planted a kiss on Disha's ear. Disha, overwhelmed by a myriad of emotions, couldn't quite grasp everything. To avoid Aryan's gaze and the intensity of the moment, she rested her head against his chest.

Aryan tenderly kissed Disha's hair, prompting her to close her eyes. Gently, he cradled Disha's face with both hands, placing a loving kiss on her forehead. Moving with care, Aryan planted soft kisses on Disha's closed eyelids, then continued with a gentle peck on her nose. Drawing closer to her lips, he paused, maintaining a slight distance.

Disha, with closed eyes, felt the warmth of Aryan's breath on her lips, gradually opened her eyes, witnessing a blend of longing and desire in Aryan's gaze. However, she felt for some inexplicable reason, he had held back. Closing her eyes once more, she subtly tilted her toes, bringing herself closer to Aryan. With utmost delicacy, she pressed her lips against Aryan's in a tender kiss.

The connection between Aryan and Disha deepened as Aryan's hand securely rested on Disha's waist. Simultaneously, he cradled her head with the other hand, initiating a profound and passionate kiss. Overwhelmed by various emotions, Disha clung to Aryan's T-shirt for support. Her other hand delicately ran through his hair, intensifying the bond between them.

As time passed, their kiss deepened even further, and both became breathless, then they broke the kiss, and started grasping for their breath. Disha slowly opened her eyes, previously closed in the intensity of the moment. Aryan, with a tender gesture, embraced her, sealing their shared passion with a gentle kiss on her forehead. In this harmonious unity, they entered the room, the atmosphere charged with the evolving depth of their connection and the intimate embrace they shared.

Aryan extended his hand towards Disha, leading her to the sofa where he carefully seated her. Taking a place beside her, they shared a meal in a relaxed atmosphere. The ambiance was free from any awkwardness, allowing them to engage in pleasant conversation.

After dinner, the room pulsated with heightened emotions as Aryan and Disha lay on the bed. In an unspoken connection, Aryan initiated another deep kiss, and Disha responded with equal fervor. Subsequently, Aryan held Disha tenderly against his chest as they peacefully surrendered to the night's embrace. The room transformed into a sanctuary for their shared intimacy, and tranquility settled over them as they embraced the serenity of sleep.

As the morning sunlight filled the room, Disha slowly opened her eyes to find Aryan's arm wrapped around her waist, and his face nestled close to her neck. Believing Aryan to be a deep sleeper like herself, she gently removed his hand, thinking he wouldn't stir. Unbeknownst to her, Aryan, who was actually a light sleeper, had awakened with her touch. Maintaining the illusion of sleep, he continued to lie there as Disha, with affection, kissed his cheek. Oblivious to Aryan's awakened state, Disha proceeded to get ready for the day, leaving Aryan in bed with a contented smile.

Disha, after a refreshing shower, draped herself in a bathrobe. Swiftly, she selected a greenish-colored saree from the closet, transforming her appearance. After emerging from the closet, she gracefully approached the dressing table to enhance her look. While noticing the now-empty bed, she inferred that Aryan had already ventured for a shower. In the mirror, she appreciated her attire, and with satisfaction, she decided to forgo making the bed, proceeding to the kitchen with a determination to prepare breakfast for everyone. However, the thought of preparing something special for Aryan brought a subtle blush to her cheeks, evoking a shy feeling.

As Disha descended the stairs, her attention was drawn to Nita making her way towards the temple. Following suit, Disha changed her direction and joined in. Soon, the entire family gathered, and Nita prepared to commence the prayers.

With a tender plea, Disha spoke, "Mom, can we wait for a moment? Aryan should be joining us shortly."

Nita responded with a warm smile and proceeded with the prayer. The family had also been surprised that Disha hadn't learned about Aryan's usual absence during prayers until then.

After the prayer, everyone congregated around the dining table. Nita approached Disha, delicately offering an explanation, "Beta, Aryan never attends prayers; that's why we don't wait for him."

Disha, initially with more questions, restrained herself upon recalling her responsibility to prepare breakfast. Politely excusing herself, she made her way to the kitchen, promising to return shortly.