Chapter 14

Waking up to find his palms intertwined in hers was a different feeling Zoya felt right at that moment – scooting closer to him Zoya balances herself on her elbow while staring at his sleeping face . Early mornings it was like a ritual for her, to stare at him wishing ONE DAY he would open up to her his feelings and he would tell her the reason why he is not willingly to make their marriage work. Lost in her thoughts Zoya does not notice him stirring and turning to sleep on his arm while his other arm flung in the air. Zoya's eyes widens seeing her lips pressed to the corner of his lips . Due to his heavy hand which knocked onto her head Zoya lost her balance on her elbow and ended up tumbling over him and accidently pressing her lips to the corner of his lip .

Aditya stirs and opens his eyes lazily trying to remove the 'thing' which was pressed against his lips . Aditya's eyes widens seeing Zoya looking at him her eyes big – as her lips were still pressed onto the corner of his lips . Aditya shocked moves a little brushing his lips against hers . They still in their places horrified , Zoya hurriedly pushes herself up as She sprints inside the washroom .

Aditya sits up cross-legged as he murmurs 'What just happened?" , realization dawns upon him – He kissed his wife ! wait not kiss a peck –a little brush of lips yet he felt electrified with the touch. Unknowingly a small tinge of pink appears on his lips remembering her reaction—The hazel dark orbs big as a saucer looking at him shocked – but how did it we end up in that position? He wonders .

Zoya turns the shower on as She looks flushed letting the water drench from her hairs to her body .unknowingly a blush creeps up her cheeks as she grins idiotically remembering the moment they had . She closes her eyes raising her head so the water falls on her face as a full smile appears on her face remembering the way he had consoled her . Zoya wraps her arms around her tightly remembering how he had his arms tightened around her consoling her and then he kissed me on my forehead . Zoya changes into dark orange kurti which ended few inches above her knees paired with a yellow upper jacket which had stone works on it and a light green and yellow Patiala pant . Zoya lets her hairs open while parting in the middle . She looks at herself in the mirror as a full smile appears – MAY BE everything is changing – The thought he is trying to give a chance to their relation makes her want to jump around squealing in happiness . Least she knew her happiness wasn't going to last very long .

Zoya walks out of the closet to see him sitting in the bed lost in thoughts . Aditya gives her a small smile feeling awkward but Zoya gives him a full smile making him smile back widely. There was something in her that made him want to hide himself in her smile in her arms . Zoya wasn't the way to shy away from showing affection from the people who were related to her . And it was her husband here ! If he is trying to work she too would give it a shot .

Zoya walks towards the dresser to wear her manglasutra and sindoor to fill her parting . Zoya looks to her front to see him standing right behind – His chest touching her back . For the first time she didn't feel nervous with the proximity in fact she liked it . Something changed after yesterday night . Aditya looks at their reflection – She looked like a Titli – so colorful and beautiful .

"May I?" Aditya whispers huskily into her ears . He wants to change for her if not for him already he had made up his mind he is going to make her happy and Why not start it today itself?

Zoya nods as Aditya puts his hands from behind taking the magalasutra in his hand . Zoya turns around as she looks up to find him already staring at her with fondly . He ties the magalasutra around her neck Zoya smiles lovingly at him as Aditya puts her hairs back letting the chain dangle down her neck proudly . She wanted to hug him tight at that moment but she restrains the urge .Aditya takes a step forward making Zoya look at him wide eyed wondering what is he planning to do. Zoya bends her back seeing him leaning down . Aditya smirks seeing her looking at him nervously . His hands brushes her left arm as he takes the sindoor box in his hand . Aditya slightly chuckled seeing her looking at him confused .

"May I?"

Zoya nods letting him feel the partition . She knew she wanted this since the day she married him – them to become or act like a real couple would do .Aditya pulls his phone out as she closes her eyes to feel the moment . Seeing her eyes closed he places the phone on the sofa behind him clicking on the camera button he puts it on video mode . He wants to capture the moment .

Aditya walks up to her least she opened her eyes . Taking a pinch of vermillion in his thumb he fills her parting . He sees a lone tear making its way through her cheek .Why the hell I am getting emotional ? Zoya chides herself mentally asking her tears to stop from leaking front of him . No I cannot f*cking cry in a happy moment like this ! God don't embarrass me front of him but Least she knew he was admiring her so affectionately that his thumb had already made its way to her cheeks to wipe off her tears .

Zoya feeling his fingers on her cheeks wraps her arms around him placing her head on his chest . Aditya looks at her surprised but hugs her back by placing his arms around her shoulder . The hug was a simple gesture ,an affection, from her side , perhaps this was the fragile beginnings of Love . The feel of her close to him in his arms soothed him more than he ever expected , His wounds and guilt perhaps had started healing , her head placed over his heartbeat made him feeling like he had just ran a marathon as His heart was pounding loudly. Zoya pulls away after few minutes , her mind swims with the heady excitement of starting from the beginning – Just like a normal couple would do .

Zoya raises her head up looking into his eyes which was now perhaps fallen a little but instantly list up in affection as she gazes at him . MAY BE She could hope again that He would walk along with her on their journey called 'Marriage' but the Big question was Will it crumble if she puts her hopes up again?

Aditya sighs in disappointment not feeling her warmth around him but When she looked into his eyes he could not help but look at her with his eyes full of affection . He wanted to pull her in his arms and tell her how much that hug meant to him – his heart was at peace with her one hug –He was a damaged soul –since the moment he knew She was no more but Zoya's arms around him her head placed over his chest he knew he had found the medicine to heal him . He F*cking knew She deserved a better man than him who would love her but he was selfish to let her go because He F*cking needed her but the fact he cannot give her , his heart made him cringe in guilt that he is being selfish . Aditya knew he wouldn't be able to love anyone like he loved Pooja but If not for his heart He is going to keep Zoya happy . He will ! He took an oath at that moment in his heart as the hazel brown dark orbs looked into his eyes as if to reach his soul .

Aditya taking a step forward cups her face in his palms , Zoya looks startled but soon composes gazing at him . Aditya leans forward and places his petal lips on her forehead – which held affection and admiration for the minion in his arms – For not giving up on him and For putting his pride above everything and caring for a Jerk like him . The kiss made her feel she was special to him – Her walls crumbled at that moment – She wasn't just going to try but She was determined to hold onto him . Aditya moves back seeing her eyes closed and the soft smile on her lips he flicks her nose and walks into the washroom to freshen up.

Zoya opens her eyes rubbing her nose to see him already gone . Her lips widens as She turns around to look into the mirror. Her eyes twinkles and her sparks of happiness had just returned . Aditya stops an inch away from the washroom as He tilts his head sideways to see the twinkle in her eyes had returned – It was the same sparkle of happiness she had in her orbs the first time he saw her in the park . Silently praying to the almighty She would have that smile forever in her face . Aditya tapping the wall walks inside to freshenup . The sparks of happiness had just returned on their faces but least they knew their happiness wasn't going to last long—it was short-lived – The storm is yet to arrive .

Aditya paces into the room with just a towel wrapped around his waist while drying his hair with the other towel in hand . Zoya who had been scrolling through her Instagram feed looks up from the phone truth to be told She did not want to walk down alone and face Daadi not after yesterday ! . Her cheeks heat up as She says in a stern tone , "There is nothing much to show off !" Zoya says sarcastically grabbing his attention.

Aditya looks at her with his eyes widen but soon composes himself as he frowns nothing much ! Woman it took me years to build six packs ! but seeing her flushed Aditya smirks so She is getting affected by him .

Zoya walks to the closet running her eyes through his shirts – Zoya picks a light pink plain shirt paired with a beige pant . Zoya turns around only to bump into his chest – She didn't know Adi was standing right behind her . Aditya holds her forearms hurriedly .

Zoya moves back as Aditya too leaves her hands feeling awkward . She passes the shirt and pant trying her best not to look at his well-toned chest . Aditya walks away taking only the pant in hand to the changing room. She frowns annoyed So much for selecting ! . Zoya throws the shirt on the bed as she slumps down on the bed ! .

Aditya walks back into the room shirtless as he passes a smile at Zoya but she glares back at him annoyed .Seeing the shirt lying mercilessly in the bed Aditya knew what was running in the pretty little head of his minion that he rejected her selection! , Aditya brushes his hair turns around to see her still pissed , Walking up towards her Aditya stands right in front of her , She looks up glaring at him as she stands up to move but he stops holding her wrist.

"If you walk away who will make your husband wear the shirt?"

Zoya blinks her eyes twice to know whether he was joking or being pretty serious . Seeing him pretty serious sighing she takes the shirt in hand but still haves a long face He could have told before without pissing me off!

Zoya makes him wear the shirt as he looks at her affectionately . She takes her hands off but Aditya holds her wrist "Who will button up Titli?" , Zoya keeps her face stern trying to fight the smile that was trying to break out .

She decides to give him a sassy reply but stops didn't she want this? To have little moments like this? Zoya buttons up leaving the first two button open . Aditya raises a brow at her asking 'Why?" but she doesn't answer instead works her fingers on his collar .

Because You look hot and sexy ! She wanted to say but stops restraining herself I am drooling over my husband's cleavage ! God what's wrong with me? .Once done Zoya pushes him aside making him frown .

"Let's Go down—everyone would be waiting" Zoya tells him as he nods at her .

Zoya walks first leaving Aditya behind didn't she say we are walking down together ? , Aditya takes long steps towards her as he intertwines his palm with hers making Zoya look at him surprised So many shocks in a day?

Aditya smiles at her – a smile which reached his eyes , Zoya grins back idiotically overwhelmed with happiness that she never felt since a month . That MAY BE ONE DAY seems near !

He was letting go his past slowly – If Making her happy makes him feel so much ecstatic – Aditya wonders how much his colorless life would turned out to be colorful if She would stay by his side until death does them apart? . He looks at the corner of his eyes to see how much her face was glowing without thinking twice Aditya presses his lips on her temple making her stop on her steps surprised . Aditya moves back and takes two steps forward as if nothing happened , Zoya blinks her eyes twice I might faint today! She feels herself being pulled Zoya looks down to see their palms intertwined and him trying to walk forward – Her smile blooms all she wanted right now was to hug him tight if this what they call the bliss of being in a marriage she would happily endure everything ! .Zoya tightens her grip around his palm as a gesture to show how much she is touched by him today.

Zoya knew holding a grudge against him is not going to let their relationship work – rather it is going to make them stay in the same phase . She knew her life with him had so many downs since the beginning but today since he was approaching her first and the pain in his eyes when she refused to write his name on her palm made her rethink her decision . Life doesn't mean holding a grudge against anyone or ignoring them if the other person is trying to repent and she saw that he was guilty for his doings . Only She hoped that he would open up to her what was bothering him . Seeing him holding her palm in a firm grip Zoya grins widely She had read it somewhere that holding hands firmly meant that the other person needed them so much that he was afraid to let it go , Does that mean he needs me? Zoya wonders but brushes away the thoughts She was happy today A Hug and a Forehead kiss and the temple kiss meant so much for her that she couldn't put in words !

Anjana was happy to notice the changes and the glowing face of her children who had just walked down the stairs a smile and sparkle playing in their orbs. It had been years she had seen the glint of happiness in her son's eyes as much as She wanted to know the reason why he changed Anjana kept to herself , her son wasn't the one to open up easily –but she hoped he would be happy if a girl comes to his life brings the colors of happiness and love back into his life and Anjana's intuition was right . Her son was getting back –back to his self and the reason is ' Zoya' – A Little Titli fluttered her wings into his life .

Daadi had a scowl itched on her face seeing the couple walk down hand-in-hand . Daadi felt exasperated seeing them that ghatiyas dare to insult her ! – Daadi wanted Zoya out of her sight as quickly as possible and if it means to separate Zoya from Aditya she would gladly do it . She hated the sight of Zoya around her – Seeing the gleam of happiness in Zoya's eyes Daadi clenches her fist angered – Did Something happen between them? Daadi wonders seeing the glow of Zoya's face .

"Anjana tell your Bahu this is not her mother's house to wake up whenever she wants ! There are some rules and she is bound to follow them!" Daadi snaps at Anjana .

Aditya tightens his palms around Zoya's giving her assurance .Zoya for the first time in a day wanted to give him numerous tight hugs . Aditya checks the time to find it was only half past seven technically they had woken up early at six but with the few moments they had time had flew by .

"Daadi—We woke up early and were doing yoga !" Aditya says with a smile Zoya rolls her eyes couldn't he come with a better lie? Me and yoga will never come in one sentence !. Daadi scowls at Zoya who was busy frowning at her husband .

"And Daadi—" Aditya calls her softly his thumb caressing the back of Zoya's palm "She is my wife and this is her home – A place where she could flutter her wings freely without the need to follow a set of rules !" his voice stern but Daadi and Anjana knew the underlying warning in his tone .

Daadi glares at Aditya "Don't make me remind you – I am the matriarch of the family and Everything happens according to my wishes ! " Daadi says coldly her heated gaze directed towards Zoya.

Aditya's opens his mouth to argue back but Zoya holds his forearm firmly and shakes her head sideways asking him to stop. Zoya hated how her peaceful happy morning had turned to – they were just accepting each other into their lives trying to start a new relationship but Daadi had too spoil her mood early morning ! Why Daadi? Wasn't yesterday humiliating her parents not enough? Why do you have to hate me so much? What did I ever do to you?

Aditya lets out an annoyed sigh and darting his eyes towards Daadi in anguish reminding her of his warning the night before , after Zoya had slept .

"Maa why did you have to do that? Maa can't you let go off your orthodox behavior for once? How could you talk like that to Ashwin ? You've called his daughter a burden –did you see the pain in his eyes ?" Harsh says upset .

Anjana who had walked into the scene after sending off the guests looks at Daadi disapprovingly "Why did you that Mummyji?" She asks in a raised tone – She had witnessed Daadi calling them names but she hadn't walked into the scene because they had guests around and she did not want to create a mess .

"Anjana mind your tone!" Daadi snaps at her seeing her Daughter-in-law raising her tone for the first time

"How could you Mummyji?" She repeats again as her eyes wells up "How could you tell Ashwin that he sold his daughter to Hooda's? How could you use such harsh words ?" Anjana whispers softly making Harsh 's eyes widen terrified knowing the pain that Zoya's parents would have gone through.

"Why are you money-minded ?" Harsh yells .

Aditya who had extricated his palm from Zoya who was sleeping beside him – feeling thirsty wearing his slippers he decides to grab a glass of water from the kitchen . Aditya holds the railing of the staircase tightly feeling anger shoot up hearing his Mom's word.

"Why did you do that Daadi?" Aditya yells furiously upset "She was shattered Daadi but I never knew my Daadi could be the reason !"

"I hate her and her family enough?" Daadi snaps at them "How can you even marry my grandson that low-standards?" Daadi yells at Harsh

"Money doesn't define everything Maa!" Harsh tells upset

"Why wouldn't you tell Harsh ? After all it was your Father and me who put our sweat and money to grow and make the empire that is today ! Money Is everything Harsh ! If Aditya had married Bella – The Hooda corps would have merged with the Chauhan and We could have increased the market share and the yearly turnover more than three times but Your son had to like the girl from the low standards –I warned Anjana not to even show her picture ! "

"So at the end what matters to you is money not my happiness?" Aditya asks upset

"You would have been happy with Bella !" Daadi replies back

"How do you know that?" Aditya asks back softly hurt "Zoya is my happiness Daadi—She is the woman who puts her husband's pride above everything ! Have you ever seen her talk bad about me? –answer me Daadi! –How you ever seen her talking bad about our family to the outsiders?—Even after the way you treated her & her parents that girl refused to mention your name ! –but You! –I am really hurt Daadi!"

Aditya turns around to walk back but stops as he says directly looking into Daadi's eyes "Stop taunting around My Zoya! She is my wife and not a slave!"

He was furious and upset knowing the pain Zoya was going through just because She married him –first because of him and now because of his Daadi ! and looking at her sleeping form Aditya sighs and this girl did not even breathe out it was his Daadi who spoke those words , Aditya was sure if she wasn't high in emotions she wouldn't breakdown front of him. Laying back on his side Aditya takes her palm in his as intertwines – She , her hold, made him sleep free from nightmares of that dreadful day! And He would make her happy and forget all the pain she went through.

Daadi pushes her chair with a loud creak as She walks out of the dining area fuming in anger .Zoya sighs not liking what just happened but Aditya holds her palm which was in his forearm and pats it lightly assuring her all would be fine . It was amazing how they did not need any words instead little gestures and actions could assure each other .

"Zoya –Adi—come have breakfast –We already had Ours !" Anjana says smiling trying to lighten the atmosphere . Harsh pats Zoya's head affectionately and leaves still upset on his Maa . Anjana follows suit of her husband as they leave the two alone .

Aditya pulls a chair for her and serves food on her plate . Zoya sits as she serves his plate . They eat in silence time to time gazing at each other . Aditya gets a call breaking the silence as he sees the Id . Ron calling .

"Randhir " Aditya sounds annoyed as he answers the call Why in the hell everyone needs to break their moment ?

"Why do you sound pissed?" Randhir asks curiously

"What's the matter?" Aditya asks getting straight to point , his eyes on her plate She had completed half of her plate ­he had only a little time with her before she gobbles the other half .

"Wooah –Woaah –What's wrong with you Young man? You are annoyed as if I disturbed something you were doing --Oh F*ck—I know So Zoya's Devil was spending time with my little sister and I—"

"I am hanging up ! –I swear " Aditya threatens , Zoya raises her head up from the plate as She asks through her eyes if anything is wrong . Aditya shakes his head with a smile .

"ohh hold on Zoya's husband ! We have got an invitation from Singhanias – they have invited all the business associates to attend the Valentines Party held in Delhi!"

"Should –We –I mean Go?" Aditya asks not liking the idea

"Not We—You should with Zoya—after all I am a Single man over here!" Randhir says feigning sadness

"Ohh—--Single Man!" Aditya imitates him back

"Is it Randhir Bhaiya?" Zoya asks

Aditya nods "Is Zoya over there?" Randhir asks from the other end

"Yes" Aditya mumbles

"Give her the phone!" Randhir orders

"Give me the phone here –it's been long I spoke to Bhaiya!" Zoya says ordering

Aditya looks annoyed seeing them ordering Urgh This Bhaiya and Behan ! Why she has to have so many brothers? In a hour Arjun would call as usual taking an hour from the time I could spend with her ! Aditya chides them in mind.

"Bhaiya" Zoya squeals over the phone

"How are you little one?" Randhir asks fondly

"Never been this happy" Zoya says truthfully looking through the corner of her eyes at Aditya who was busy devouring his meal but She knew he was giving his ears to her conversation .

Randhir could feel the happiness in her tone and the thought that Aditya is trying to make her happy which was evidence through Zoya's tone made him ecstatic. Good that tough nut had left the thought of divorcing her !

Randhir tells her about the valentine party making Zoya debate whether she should accompany him mentally and Randhir goes on whining how he is a single man .

"Bhaiya –Get yourself a date !"

"Zoya—No girl would date me " Randhir says chuckling

"Why is that? My Bhaiya is Handsome –tall and hot!"

Aditya ends up spitting water and coughs badly hearing her call Randhir 'hot'!

"Shut-up!" Randhir says blushing from the other end

Zoya worriedly pats Aditya's back and helps him have water.

"Zoya—you there?" Randhir asks over the phone

Aditya pulls the phone from her hand as he says "The subscriber you are trying to reach is currently unavailable –please try again later!" , Aditya hangs the phone.

Randhir pulls the phone from his ear to check what's wrong with the call – the line had gone dead .What's wrong with Aircel company?

Zoya glares at him tying her arms across her chest "What was that?"

"Nothing !" Aditya says shrugging getting up from the seat

"Why did you hang up? –I was talking to Bhaiya –I was helping him get a Date!" Zoya says annoyed

"You—were—what?" Aditya asks her

"Helping him get a date!"

Aditya's lips curve up in a smirk as he says her "How about you find a date for your husband too? –Your husband is got to attend The Valentines Party tonight!"

"Wait let me check –Whether I could rent a date for You , Husband! ," Zoya says with a smile pulling her phone out while searching on Google.

Aditya's ears perk up hearing her , Curiously he peeps in to see her actually placing an order for a 'Date'.

"What are you doing?" Aditya asks horrified as He takes her phone in his hand

"Renting a date !" Zoya says shrugging

"Where do you get this ideas from?" Aditya asks her he had expected her to screech

Zoya ignores his question as she takes back her phone as she laughs "You are rejected !"

"What—rejected?" Aditya asks shocked

"No girls want to date a man who is 30 even for a day!" Zoya says laughing

"I am 28!" Aditya says annoyed

"But approximately 30 isn't it?" She says cheekily grinning raising both her brows . He looks at her frowning .

Zoya takes few steps forward as She turns around to see him looking at her annoyed "As the girls rejected My husband –I being the Big hearted – Had decided to attend the party with my husband !" pausing she says "I don't have a proper dress to wear –get me one !" She orders him as She sprints out to the kitchen to have her Coffee.

Aditya's lips curve up into a grin – She is crazy he mumbles under his breath shaking his head grinning .

"But Do I look that Old?" He wonders as all the girls rejected him! But what he didn't know is Zoya had sent the picture of some monkey not him .

Zoya laughs taking a sip of her coffee in the kitchen hell I will send my husband's picture and let those girls drool over him !

True to her words , Aditya got her a dress. Zoya dressing up sees the frock in the mirror – It was sleeveless and had a deep back which almost exposed her back fully . The Red Gown hugged her in correct places giving a view to her sinful curves . Aditya looks at her hypnotized as He gulps seeing her milky white back Aditya don't act like a pervert! These days his thoughts were going hazy !

Aditya's lips twitches seeing her exposed back All the men would ogle her ! and that very thought made him feel himself burning in jealousy . Walking towards her in two long strides Aditya pulls the clip down letting her hair open – Aditya smiles satisfied seeing her hair covering her back .

"What did you do? It took me an hour to tie up!" Zoya says pissed

"You look beautiful in open hair!" Aditya whispers in her ears and not letting any room for arguments drags her wrist as Zoya quickly grabs her purse as she hits on his forearm to slow down .

***

Hope You guys like it Vote & Leave a Word

and Please Do tag Fellow Adiyans Who would love to read