CROWNED WITH LOVE : A JOURNEY OF TRADITION AND TEMPTATION

CHAPTER 22 : CUTE

HAPPY READING

The next morning, Vihanna woke up early, her gaze lingering on Aadhyant's sleeping form, the memories of the previous night flooding back. Just the mere thought of it caused her cheeks to flush with warmth. Careful not to disturb him, she quietly prepared herself for the office and slipped out.

In the evening, the living hall buzzed with the comforting hum of family. Vihanna sat on the sofa, engrossed in the television with Alisha, surrounded by Maa Sa and Kaki Sa. Kaka Sa, immersed in his paperwork, while Baba Sa rested in his room. Amidst the cozy scene, Vihanna took the opportunity to update everyone on her project progress.

As she spoke, Aadhyant entered the hall, drawing attention. Vihanna continued, "...so we are planning to visit Lalpura village this weekend to organize a workshop, where we will teach the women new skills."

Kaka Sa interjected, concern lacing his tone, "But beta, that village is quite far from here, and I've heard it's not safe. Make sure to take some security with you."

Respectfully, Vihanna replied, "I understand your concern, Kaka Sa, but please don't worry. Our entire team will be there, and I've already arranged for security measures. I assure you, I'll be safe."

Nodding understandingly, Kaka Sa acknowledged her reassurance.

However, Aadhyant interrupted, his voice breaking the silence, "It's good they have arranged for you guys, but what is the problem with taking security with you?" Vihanna glanced at him briefly, then shifted her gaze away, the lingering awkwardness from the previous night still palpable.

Turning towards Kaka Sa, she began to explain her perspective, "I understand your concern for me, but please try to see it from my point of view. I don't want to approach this as a VIP surrounded by bodyguards. My aim is to forge a genuine connection with those women, to earn their trust. I want them to see me as one of them, someone who shares their struggles and aspirations. I want to inspire them to believe that if I can achieve success, so can they."

Her words resonated deeply with everyone present, including Aadhyant, who was visibly impressed. However, he remained unconvinced about letting her go without adequate safety measures.

"Everyone already knows that you belong to a royal family," Aadhyant countered, "so I don't think having a bodyguard will do any harm."

She huffed frustratingly and rose from the living room, striding towards their room. Aadhyant followed suit, his steps echoing hers as he entered the room and closed the door behind him. Anticipating her anger, he braced himself for the confrontation.

As soon as she saw him, she sprang from the bed, advancing towards him with fiery determination. With a burst of emotion, she unleashed her pent-up frustration, "What is your problem? Why do you insist on contradicting every decision I make? Just because I'm married to you doesn't give you the right to control my life. And let me remind you, in case you've forgotten, this is a fake marriage. We had a deal that neither of us would interfere in the other's personal life. So I am not taking any bodyguards with me. Is that clear?"

Aadhyant had been studying her face intently throughout, a hint of amusement playing in his eyes. Suddenly, he interjected, "CUTE." Vihanna's brows furrowed in confusion. Was he serious?

With a soft smile, Aadhyant continued, "You look cute when you're angry." Instantly, butterflies took flight in Vihanna's stomach, her cheeks warming under his gaze.

Then, unexpectedly, he added, "Okay, don't take the bodyguards," before casually strolling towards the closet. Vihanna was taken aback, grappling to make sense of the sudden turn of events. "Okay? Is that all you have to say?" she asked, surprise evident in her voice. It was hard to believe he was convinced so easily.

Just as he was about to disappear into the closet, Aadhyant paused, turning his head to meet her gaze. "Yes," he affirmed, a hint of determination in his tone. "You don't need a bodyguard when I'm coming with you."

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It was Friday night, post-dinner, and Vihanna found herself in the midst of packing for her upcoming three-day trip. With departure set for Saturday morning, she had little time to spare. Laying out all the necessary items on the bed, she surveyed the scene before her.

Packing had never been her forte; back at home, it was always her mother who meticulously handled the task. Now, faced with the responsibility herself, she felt a twinge of reluctance. As she attempted to neatly arrange her clothes into her luggage, she couldn't shake the feeling of frustration. Try as she might, everything simply refused to fit.

Aadhyant entered the room, observing Vihanna's struggle with her packing. Sensing her predicament, he offered, "Need some help?" With little choice but to accept, she sheepishly nodded in agreement.

Methodically, he emptied the contents of the suitcase onto the bed, folding each garment with precision. Taking note of the sizable pile, he couldn't help but jest, "I thought we were going for a three-day trip, not a month." She responded with a feigned offense, explaining, "Well, actually, I've never been to the village before, but Maa Sa and Kaki Sa mentioned that people there might prefer traditional attire. So, I've packed both ethnic and western wear.". She cutely added "And you know with the clothes, I have to take matching accessories as well. Hence my suit case is full."

With a smile at her adorable explanation, Aadhyant reassured her, "Of course. But remember, you should always wear what makes you comfortable, whether Indian or western. Don't worry about what others say." Vihanna nodded, affirming, "Yes, I know. But I feel comfortable in both styles, and I like to dress according to the occasion." She then added cheerfully, "Besides, my mom always says I look beautiful in Indian wear."

He cast a loving gaze her way, his words soft but sincere, "You look beautiful in anything you wear," before returning his attention to his task. Her heart skipped a beat at his compliment, butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She couldn't help but marvel at how her body reacted to his every word and touch, pondering the sudden influx of compliments from him lately.

Shaking off her reverie, she cleared her throat and continued to watch him pack, unable to resist the urge to inquire, "Um... you're really good at this. How so?" He paused, taking a moment to respond, "I used to live in California before, and one of the first skills you pick up while traveling is packing efficiently. I used to travel extensively before I permanently shifted here."

Listening attentively, she found herself struck by how little she truly knew about him, her mind buzzing with curiosity.

She yearned to delve deeper into his life, to unravel the mysteries behind his love for airplanes, evident from the vintage aircraft models adorning his room. Questions swirled in her mind, pondering the happiest moments he'd experienced and much more.

As he folded the last top and sealed her suitcase, he remarked, "I should pack my stuff too." With practiced ease, he retrieved two sets of pants, shirts, a t-shirt, and some lowers from the cupboard, neatly arranging them in his backpack. Vihanna couldn't help but be taken aback by his swift packing. Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, she blurted out, "That's it? Is that all you're taking?"

With a playful smirk, he teased, "Yeah, I'm only going for three days, and I don't have to worry about matching accessories. Plus, rule number two of traveling is to pack lightly." With his bag packed, he casually added, "Oh, and I forgot to mention, Arjun is coming with us."

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