The morning after yes felt different.
Lighter.
Warmer.
And far more dangerous.
Because now, everyone knew.
The Malhotra House – Evening
The Malhotra home was glowing with celebration—soft lights, fresh flowers, laughter echoing through the halls.
Aditi stepped inside with her parents, wearing a deep wine-coloured saree, hair loose down her back. She looked calm on the outside.
Inside?
Her heart raced.
Arjun saw her the moment she entered.
And forgot how to breathe.
“Wow,” Riya muttered beside him.
“You’re embarrassing.”
“I’m engaged,” he replied lazily.
“I’m allowed.”
Too Close Already
As greetings began, Aditi found herself standing beside Arjun near the living room.
Too close.
His arm brushed hers.
Once.
Twice.
Then his hand settled—casual, confident—at the small of her waist, as if it had always belonged there.
Aditi froze.
His thumb pressed lightly, reassuring… intimate.
“You okay?” he asked quietly, lips near her ear.
She nodded. “Yes.”
“Good,” he murmured. “Because I don’t plan on moving.”
Her cheeks burned.
From the sofa, Nisha’s eyes widened.
Rohit cleared his throat loudly.
Arjun didn’t react.
Dinner Preparations & Dangerous Teasing
In the dining area, everyone helped arrange plates and cutlery.
Aditi reached up to adjust a flower string.
Arjun stepped behind her—too close to be necessary.
“Careful,” he said softly.
“With what?” she whispered.
“My self-control.”
Her breath hitched.
His fingers brushed her waist again, slower this time, guiding her gently aside as someone passed.
Not urgent.
Intentional.
“You’re doing this on purpose,” she accused quietly.
He smiled. “You noticed.”
“I’m blushing,” she said.
“I like that,” he replied. “Very much.”
Friends Add Fuel
Nisha leaned toward Aditi while everyone settled at the table.
“So,” she whispered, grinning,
“does he always stand that close now?”
Aditi groaned softly. “He’s impossible.”
Across the table, Rohit raised an eyebrow at Arjun.
“Trying to behave?”
Arjun smirked. “Trying is the key word.
Dinner & Eyes That Don’t Behave
Throughout dinner, Arjun barely touched his food.
His attention stayed on Aditi.
The way she laughed softly.
The way her bangles slid down her wrist.
The way she avoided his gaze—and then looked anyway.
When she leaned forward to serve her mother, Arjun’s fingers lightly brushed her lower back as he steadied her plate.
She sucked in a breath.
He leaned closer.
“Relax,” he whispered. “I won’t do anything inappropriate.”
She turned to him. “You already are.”
His smile turned slow.
“And you’re still standing here.”
Parents Notice, Say Nothing
Meera watched the exchange with a soft smile.
Anita leaned closer.
“They’re comfortable.”
Raghavan nodded.
“And respectful.”
Vikram smiled knowingly.
“Yet clearly in trouble.”
A Quiet Moment
Later, near the balcony doors, Arjun found Aditi alone.
He stood close—but didn’t touch.
This time.
“You’re quiet,” he said.
“You’re overwhelming,” she replied honestly.
His gaze softened.
“Too much?”
She shook her head.
“No. Just… new.”
His hand rose—slow, asking without words—resting lightly at her waist again.
“Tell me if I cross a line,” he said quietly.
She met his eyes.
“I will,” she promised.
Neither moved.
The moment lingered—charged, restrained, intimate.
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