Zayaan's POV,
I turned the bedroom door handle, but it was locked, so I knocked.

"Not yet! Just a minute, Love," Inarah yelled from inside. She had been repeating that for the past hour. I gave up and headed to Asad's room instead, to change out of these overly fancy clothes, opting for something casual from Asad's wardrobe. He's definitely going to throw a fit though.

Finally, the door was unlocked. As soon as I opened it, a whiff of roses and aromatic candles filled my nose. My jaw dropped at the sight of a path lined with candles and rose petals. The dark room was illuminated solely by the soft glow of the candles.

Did my Inarah do all this? When?

I walked through them and reached the bed which was again decorated with rose petals and formed with the words LOVE. I smiled.

Beautiful

Wait hold on a minute!
Is this all what I....think it is?
My heart started pounding with fear and anticipation. Also, as I looked around, she was no where to be seen.

"Inarah?" I called out to her.

Suddenly the bathroom door opened and my eyes almost popped out of thier sockets. My whole body went still as I saw the.... world's most sexiest women in front of me.

My heart pounded even more erratically, and my mouth went dry. She stood before me in black sheer lingerie... through which almost nothing was hidden.

"This is your main surprise, Zayaan. The main present I've prepared for our anniversary.... Me!" She uttered in a slow, seductive voice, leaving me gaping at her in a spellbound daze.

She strode towards me, her eyes locking with mine as my blood heated up in my veins with each step that brought her closer to me.

Who is this? She's not my sweet, innocent Inarah. Who's this sexy seductress?

I gulped as she stopped just inches away from me. By now, I could hear the rhythm of my own heartbeats and the pulses coursing through my veins.

"How did you find your surprise?" She whispered, leaning closer to my ear, causing my eyes to close in response to the velvety softness of her voice.

"I... Inarah..." My voice barely emerged.

Her soft hand sensually met my face and I, unknowingly found myself holding her waist.

What a beauty!

I shook my head getting a hold of myself.
"I can't Inarah.... I'm sorry!" I mumbled in a hoarse voice and pulling myself off of her, darted towards the door.

"Huh? No Zayaan! Please wait! ZAYAAN!!!"

I tightly shut my eyes, painfully ignoring her cries. Without a backward glance, I kept running, my steps seemingly endless. My body was on the verge of giving in, yet I pushed on, fueled by an unyielding determination.

Finally, when exhaustion threatened to consume me and my racing heart showed no sign of slowing down, I came to a halt, leaning against a railing for support. My breaths came in ragged gasps, reminiscent of a dog's, while my heart continued its wild dance. My clothing and hair were drenched in a sheen of sweat.

As I fought to catch my breath, I surveyed my surroundings. I had distanced myself considerably from the villa, the crashing of high tides reached my ears. The heat emanating from my body was so intense that even the cold wind brushing against my skin felt negligible.

Having left the forested area, I found myself by the sea. How many miles had I covered? The thought of Inarah being all alone sent a pang of concern through me.

Damn it! Inarah!!!

The image of her enticing figure clad in that seductive black lingerie flashed through my mind, and as my gaze shifted downward, I realized...

Fuck! I need to run a few more miles now!

****
"."What the...?"

A boisterous voice jolted me awake, and I blinked against the harsh onslaught of sunlight. My entire body felt sluggish and weighed down.

"What are you doing here on the swing, and why aren't you with your wife?" It was Asad.

Swing?

It hit me then—I had drifted off to sleep on the swing outside.

The memories of the previous night crashed into my consciousness, and as I attempted to sit up, my body protested with a chorus of aches. Just how many miles had I covered in my run last night?

"I narrowly escaped death last night," I groaned, sitting up with my head in my hands.

Asad burst into laughter. "Really?! Mr. Mafia couldn't handle the heat!"

I shot him a glare, but my efforts felt futile. There's no point in arguing with a brick wall.

"Well, it appears someone had quite the vivid dream," he teased, pointing downward. I looked down at my pants and winced. Fuck!

"Wait a minute...." He rubbed his chin.
"Are those my clothes you're wearing?!" He bursted.

I sighed.
"I'll get them washed and returned to you."

"No need! There's no way I could ever wear them again. Gross! Burn them or something!" He made a face, disgusted.

I managed to stand on my feet. I can't go back to the room. She'd gut me alive. So I looked at Asad.
"Can I use your washroom?"

He glared at me.
"Die!"

****
Uddhav's POV,
"Saheb... saheb, wake up. It's already morning," she urged.

She started to rise off me, but I pulled her back on top, hearing her gasp, and I held her tightly.

"You're awake, aren't you?"

I remained silent.

"Saheb!"

"I have a name, Geeta," I mumbled, still groggy.

"H... how can I address you by your name? Please, saheb, get up now. Your phone rang twice already, and I have to return before Bano finds out."

"Gitanjali... if you don't use my name, I'll stay here like this with you until tomorrow morning," I said in a husky voice, keeping my eyes shut.

"But..."

"Tsk tsk. After everything that happened between us last night... are you still feeling shy?"

Even without looking, I could imagine her face turning crimson.

"U... Uddhav," she whispered shyly, burying her head back into my chest. I grinned, a warm sensation filling my heart. Opening my eyes, I let my fingers glide through her soft, straight hair.

"Look into my eyes and say it again, my little kitten."

Slowly, she raised her head, her cheeks blushing.

"Uddhav."

I planted a gentle kiss on her forehead as she closed her eyes.

"That's my girl," I whispered. Her blush deepened even more.

"You belong to me now... My Geeta!" I murmured.

She nodded, tears shimmering in her eyes.

"Yes, I'm all yours, Uddhav."

I smiled and kissed away the tear on her lashes. She smiled back at me, so incredibly beautiful. I couldn't resist any longer. My phone rang once again, but I silenced it and rolled over, getting on top of her once more...

****
Inarah's POV,
I grunted loudly, a surge of adrenaline coursing through me as I effortlessly threw Raghav off my shoulder once again.

"Ouch! Bhabhi! Show some mercy to your poor, young devar," he groaned from the floor, wriggling while clutching his waist.

Ugh! I'm so infuriated with that fool of a husband! I could break every bone in his body and toss him into the Arabian Sea right now. After all the effort I put into making our first time perfect, he just left me there... and bolted away like he had a wildfire on his tail. Was I truly that repulsive?

"I thought... you might be in a better mood today after yesterday..."

My glare bore into Raghav, and he recoiled in fear.

"Who's next?" I roared.

Without hesitation, all four men scrambled to their feet and made a hasty retreat.

My frustration peaked, and I released an ear-piercing scream.

"Whoa! That's exactly what I meant by channeling rage into strength!" The twins applauded, clearly impressed.

****
My head spun, and a lump formed in my throat. Nausea clawed at my insides; I despised these moments.

Entering the kitchen, I stumbled upon my clueless husband. He looked at me with a lost-puppy expression, but I ignored him and headed for the fridge.

"Oh, good morning, bhai, bhabhi..." Wafeeq chimed in.

My glare pierced through him, and he visibly flinched.

"Ouch! What's wrong, bhai?" I heard him whisper to Zayaan.

I slammed the fridge door shut, causing them both to flinch again. Anger surged within me, and I turned around, only for my head to spin once more. I steadied myself before Zayaan could reach out, then filled a glass with cold milk.

Oh no! It was happening. I clamped my hand over my mouth, feeling the urge to vomit rise, and rushed to the nearest bathroom. The contents of my stomach came out in a tumultuous rush.

"Oh, bhabhi! Are you alright?"

My insides ached, and weakness overcame me. I hadn't realized it was Uddhav's room; he must have returned.

"I'm fine," I uttered hoarsely, rising to flush. "Sorry for using your bathroom," I added, my voice barely audible.

"It's alright, bhabhi. Take your time," Uddhav said, waiting outside like a gentleman.

"Are you okay? Should I call someone? Should I call bhai?"

"No!" I responded firmly.

"Uh... okay."

I emerged from the bathroom, having composed myself, although Uddhav looked as if he hadn't slept all night.

"Should I fetch a doctor?" he inquired.

"No need, Uddhav. I'm alright now."

"Alright... If you say so," he said, his concern evident.

Stepping out of the room, I found myself face-to-face with Zayaan. I walked past him without a word and headed for the kitchen, with him following behind.

Oh, now he's concerned? What an asshole!

"Oh... vomiting and all, huh? Bhabhi, is there a chance we might receive some good news?" Wafeeq teased.

I chuckled. "Good news? Wafeeq, how could I possibly be pregnant when..." I walked up to Zayaan, glaring directly into his eyes as he instinctively retreated, clearly intimidated.
"... your dear brother here hasn't even touched me yet!" I shouted, my voice echoing throughout the villa. All eyes were on me, including the bodyguards, as I planted a forceful stomp on Zayaan's foot, my Jimmy Choo heel adding to his discomfort.

"Ow... ow... Ina... ow... damn it!" Zayaan groaned, clutching his foot and hopping around like a bunny, while everyone else displayed shocked and incredulous expressions.

"Huh? What?! Is that even possible?"

"You're joking, right? But it's been three months?"

"Bhai? What? Seriously?"

I cast one final withering glare at Zayaan before turning on my heel, grabbing my cold milk, and storming into my room.

Zayaan's POV,
I sat in the study, attempting to review the stocks, but my concentration was slipping away.
Inarah is so furious with me. What should I do?

Suddenly, a knock interrupted my thoughts.

"Hmm, Wafeeq. Come in."

"Bhai, here's this month's account report," he said, handing me the file.

I began perusing the contents, while Wafeeq remained standing in the room.

"Uh... bhai, it seems you've been quite stressed lately," he commented.

Well, I do have a wife like Inarah!

"Hmm."

"I understand. Managing two businesses simultaneously, working late, burning the midnight oil... it must be taking a toll on your health."

"Hmm," I responded, my attention divided.

"Take this file to Asad and inform him to depart for Dubai to handle the upcoming negotiations," I instructed, passing him the file.

"Okay, bhai. Well, there's something else I wanted to mention..."

I looked up at him, sensing his hesitation.

"Spit it out quickly, I don't have all day," I said impatiently.

"Of course, certainly. It's about bhabhi. I mean... as a man, I can comprehend. It's completely natural, and there's no need to be embarrassed..."

One of my eyebrows arched in confusion.

"What are you trying to say?"

He swallowed audibly. "You know... men can encounter certain issues. But there's this Baba I know who provides genuine medicine, highly effective."

My patience was waning. "Baba? Medicine? Wafeeq, articulate yourself before I decide to crack your skull open," I retorted.

"Don't be upset, bhai. It's alright. I'm your brother, you can confide in me about your... problems."

"What... problems?" I growled, a clear warning.

"You know... that," he pointed at his own groin, looking both uncomfortable and serious.

I scowled, sensing where this was headed and contemplating sending him there sooner than he thought. "What?"

"Tsk, bhai... you know... issues related to manhood," he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

The veins in my forehead pulsated as I struggled to control my temper. This brat dared to utter those words?

A smirk formed on my lips. "Is that so?"

Wafeeq chuckled. "Absolutely, bhai. So tell me, should I arrange some assistance for you..."

I reached into my drawer, pulled out my gun, loaded it, and watched as he turned pale with terror.

"But before that... let me provide you with a one-way ticket to hell," I muttered.

"No, no, s-s-sorry, Zayaan bhai!!!"

I began firing shots near his feet, causing him to hop and scamper out as if the floor were made of burning coals.

"Don't you dare show your face to me today, or I'll personally castrate you!" I yelled after him.

Asad laughed, leaning against the doorway as he observed the scene. "Don't blame that kid. It's all your fault. I mean, who can resist someone like Inarah? Even women throw themselves at her."

I rolled my eyes.
"Fuck off!"

"Come on, buddy!" He barged in and took a seat across from me.

"If I had a wife like Inarah, I wouldn't even let her out of my sight for a second. But you, you seize every opportunity to escape. How long are you planning to play 'hard to get'? She's just so... irresistible. That body, that hair, those lips... damn, that—"

I slammed my head onto the table.

"Get those indecent thoughts about my wife out of your head!" I grunted, giving him a fierce glare.

"Alright, alright... simmer down, Romeo. What I'm asking is, why did you bolt last night when she put so much effort into everything?"

I furrowed my brows. "How did you find out about last night? And about what Inarah did?"

He smirked. "Well, it was my brilliant idea, of course, lover boy."

I was dumbfounded. This rascal!

"I suggested to her that she should seduce you that way."

I raked my fingers through my hair, feeling utterly frustrated. So it's his fault that I nearly had a heart attack and now Inarah is upset with me?!

I reached for another set of bullets from my drawer, loading my gun.

"You're a dead man today!"

****
I gently pushed the bedroom door open and found my Jaan sobbing softly, clutching a pillow to her chest as she lay on the bed. My heart ached at the sight.

"Inarah," I murmured softly, quietly closing the door behind me.

"Go away! I don't want to see you. I'm going back home to my family because essentially... you'll never be my family," she sniffled, her face turned away from me.

My heart raced. Going back? No! I can't bear to be even a day without her anymore.

"You can't leave now. It's too dangerous. You know Dilshad is still—"

"I'd rather face his wrath than have my hopes shattered every day, living with a husband like you," she choked out between sobs.

I lay down beside her and gently pulled her back into my embrace, wrapping my arm around her waist.

"Don't touch me!" She said firmly, yet she made no effort to free herself.

"I'm truly sorry, Inarah. Please, forgive me," I whispered.

"I starved myself all day just to fit into that lingerie for you. Without proper food or sleep, I excitedly planned and arranged the dinner, decorations, and surprise. Yet you... didn't even remember our anniversary. I got sick because of all this, and even now I'm suffering from nausea. But why would you care? You must have had many attractive girls before me. While for you, I was everything: the first hand you held, the first hug, the first kiss... my first love. You mean so much to me, yet... I'm nothing more than a burden to you."

"That's not true..." I turned her face toward me, seeing her teary eyes and red nose, which only intensified the ache in my chest. If only I could express how much she truly meant to me...

"Actually, I didn't forget our anniversary. I know all this is important to you, so I... got you this," I said, sitting up and retrieving a small square box from my jacket.

She sat up too, facing me, wiping away her tears.

"Do you think this will make up for my broken heart and wounded pride after you rejected me so cruelly last night?"

I let out a sigh. "At least open it, please."

She took the box hesitantly and opened it, a small smile forming on her lips.

""Anklets? I've never worn anything like this before."

My heart sank. She didn't like it. What was I thinking?

She playfully punched my arm, pouting. "Put them on me, you fool."

A smile broke across my face, and I gently cradled her feet in my lap, as if they were the most delicate treasures in the world. I carefully lifted the edge of her saree and fastened the anklets around her milky ankles, fighting the urge to shower them with kisses.

"Exquisite," I breathed.

As my gaze lifted to meet hers, her cheeks flushed a delightful shade of red. I couldn't resist any longer, and I pressed kisses onto both of her ankles, eliciting a surprised gasp from her.

"Isn't that part of the deal?" I whispered, locking my gaze with her mesmerizing eyes.

She smiled, her eyes softening. "That was only two, Mr. Hashmi. You have six more to go..."

_____________________________________