Title: His Arranged Marriage

part 8 to 10

Part 8: Breaking Down Walls (continued)

Despite his constant teasing, Arjun’s caring side emerged in quiet moments, catching Naina off guard. Late one night, Naina was curled up on the couch, fighting off a headache after a long day at work. She tried to mask her discomfort, but Arjun noticed her wincing and silently slipped away. Moments later, he returned with a glass of water and pain relievers.

“Here,” he said softly, his tone surprisingly gentle as he sat beside her. “You should take this.”

She looked up at him, surprised by his thoughtfulness. “Thank you.”

He smiled, brushing a thumb across her forehead as if to smooth away the tension. “I may be a flirt,” he murmured, “but I know when to behave.” He gave her a wink that still managed to make her heart flutter, but the warmth in his gaze reminded her that beneath his playful facade, he truly cared.

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Part 9: Unexpected Confessions

As the days turned into weeks, Naina found herself growing more comfortable with Arjun’s teasing, even beginning to respond with her own shy comebacks that only fueled his flirtations further. But one evening, things took a different turn.

They were in the middle of a late-night conversation, Arjun leaning against the kitchen counter, watching her with that familiar mischievous glint. “You know,” he said, tilting his head, “you’re the only woman who’s ever made me feel this way.”

She froze, caught off guard. “What do you mean?”

Arjun’s smile faded, replaced by an intensity she hadn’t seen before. “You make me want to be better, Naina. And trust me, I didn’t expect that from an arranged marriage.”

Her breath caught, and for the first time, she saw vulnerability behind his teasing words. “Arjun…”

He took her hands, his grip firm yet gentle. “I know I flirt with you—probably too much. But it’s because you’re constantly on my mind. And if I’m honest, I think I’ve fallen in love with you.”

The words hit her like a wave, washing over every doubt and fear she’d been holding onto since their wedding. She had tried so hard to keep him at arm’s length, afraid of what his boldness might mean for her, but hearing him speak so honestly softened something in her heart.

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Part 10: The Beginning of Love

Naina didn’t respond right away. Instead, she simply stepped closer, her hands slipping from his and resting on his shoulders. “I think,” she whispered, “I might feel the same way.”

He grinned, pulling her close and resting his forehead against hers. “Good. Because you’re stuck with me now.”

She laughed, feeling a warmth bloom in her chest. As they stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, she realized she no longer minded his boldness, his constant teasing, or even his flirtations. Because now, she knew that underneath it all, he was hers, just as much as she was his.

Arjun pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, murmuring, “I’ll spend the rest of my life proving it to you, Naina. No more games, I promise.”

But as he pulled back, his mischievous grin returned. “Well, maybe a few games,” he added with a wink, making her laugh and fall for him all over again.

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To be continued...