The Billionaire's Bride [ Rewritten]

Part 8 | Just Friends

It was late evening on a sunday, when I returned from the site visit. After a hectic week that doesn't seem to end, all I want is to hit my bed.

And to see her.

I haven't seen her for more than 48 hours now.

She had a sleepover at Aditi's place on Friday, and directly from there joined Rudra for a basketball game yesterday which developed into a night out with my parents. Later at night, Mom texted she insisted Naira to stay the night and leave in the morning. I had to leave early today for the site visit.

I spoke to her over call yesterday and listened to a 30 minute praise talk of my younger brother and his iconic moves.

Rudra plays in both national and international leagues. Academics may not come easy to him, but when it comes to sports, he is truly exceptional. He started representing the state at just 17 and pursued the game professionally. Mom was hesitant at first, but Dad convinced her. Today, his trophies fill entire racks, and he has a huge fan following. Honestly, I'm proud of him - everything he's achieved, the heights he's reached, it's all because of his own effort and determination.

It's no surprise to me that Rudra enjoys having fun and flirting around. But I had warned him to know his limits, especially when it comes to Naira.

Contract or not, she is still my wife.

If I had to confess anything about these three weeks of marriage, it would be this - Being around her felt dangerously effortless.

There's no awkwardness, no forced small talk, no pretending to be someone I'm not. Just a quiet, steady warmth that settles in my chest whenever she's near.

I catch myself lingering sometimes -watching her tuck her hair behind her ear when she's thinking, noticing the way her eyes crinkle when she laughs. Small things. Harmless things.

At least, that's what I tell myself.

By the time I reached home, the sky had turned dark. I walked in to notice the air carrying a fresh aroma, the soft sizzle of food. I removed my blazers and flipped it carelessly on the couch before making my way to the kitchen.

She stood there with the back facing me, her hair tied into a messy high bun as she focused on chopping the veggies.

" Missed me ? " I whispered from behind.

She shrieked and in a blink of an eye, turned around hoisting the knife, ready to strike.

I held her wrist, " Woah, Easy there. " Her body relaxed at the familiarity of my presence.

" Kartik! " She whined slapping my arms, " why do you move around like a sneaky cat in your own house! "

I chuckled, taking the knife from her in one fluid movement. " I'll help. "