Decided by Destiny

CHAPTER 28 *Teasings*

The room was dimly lit, the soft glow from the bedside lamp casting a warm ambiance. Ishaan lay on one side of the bed, facing the ceiling, while Aastha was on the other side, her back turned to him. Even though they weren’t looking at each other, their conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with playful teasing and hidden smiles.

Aastha: "I still can’t believe you lied to me for so long. Making me believe I was your wife? You really have some nerve, Dr. Ishaan Singh chouhan."

Ishaan: "Oh come on, Aastha. It’s not like I did it for fun. Besides, you were the one who fit into the role so naturally. Cooking, scolding me, throwing tantrums… Are you sure you weren’t my wife in our past life?"

Aastha: "Hah! In our past life? No way! If I was your wife, I’m sure I must have left you in that life too!"

Ishaan: "Ouch. That hurt. Right here." He dramatically places a hand over his heart. "You wound me, Aastha."

Aastha: "Good. You deserve it."

Ishaan: "But let’s be honest. You didn’t exactly protest when you found out you were living with a so-called 'stranger.' In fact, if I recall correctly, you were quite comfortable stealing my t-shirts."

Aastha: "Oh, please! Your t-shirts were just comfortable. Don’t flatter yourself."

Ishaan: "Mmm… Sure, sure. First, my t-shirts. Then, my house. Then, my bed. What's next? My surname?" He smirks, turning his head toward her.

Aastha: "You!!!" She swiftly turns and smacks his shoulder lightly. "Stop teasing me! You're impossible!"

Ishaan: "Ow, domestic abuse already? We’re not even married for real yet!"

Aastha: "Ughhh, I swear, you love annoying me."

Ishaan: "Guilty as charged. It’s fun watching you all flustered. You’re cute when you’re angry."

Aastha felt her cheeks heat up but quickly composed herself. She huffed and turned her back to him again.

Aastha: "Whatever. I’m going to sleep."

There was a beat of silence before Ishaan spoke again, his voice filled with amusement.

Ishaan: "Goodnight, Mrs. Chouhan."

Aastha’s eyes widened, and without thinking, she grabbed a pillow and smacked him with it.

Aastha: "Ishaan! Stop calling me that!"

Ishaan burst into laughter, dodging another pillow attack.

Ishaan: "What? You don’t like it? I think it suits you perfectly."

Aastha: "You are such a—"

Ishaan: "Handsome, charming, lovable man? I know, I know."

Aastha: "Ugh! No! I was going to say annoying, irritating, and insufferable!"

Ishaan: "Aww, don’t be shy. I know you have a soft spot for me."

Aastha: "The only soft spot I have is on my pillow, where I’m going to smash your face if you don’t shut up!"

Ishaan chuckled, completely enjoying himself. He turned on his side, resting his head on his hand as he looked at her back.

Ishaan: "You know, for someone who claims to hate my teasing, you sure do entertain my nonsense a lot."

Aastha sighed dramatically.

Aastha: "That’s because I don’t have a choice! You talk too much!"

Ishaan: "Says the girl who won’t stop arguing with me."

Aastha turned slightly, narrowing her eyes at him.

Aastha: "You really like irritating me, don’t you?"

Ishaan: "It’s my favorite pastime."

Aastha grabbed another pillow, threatening to hit him again.

Aastha: "One more word, and I’ll suffocate you with this."

Ishaan: "Aww, look at my fierce little wife."

That was the final straw. Aastha threw the pillow at his face, making him burst into laughter again.

Aastha: "That’s it! Goodnight, Ishaan! And don’t you dare talk to me again!"

She turned around again, pulling the blanket over her head.

Ishaan, still grinning, whispered teasingly.

Ishaan: "Goodnight, my dear wife."

He barely dodged the second pillow flying toward him.

As soon as Aastha threw the second pillow, Ishaan caught it effortlessly, his reflexes sharp. Instead of throwing it back at her, he tossed it away and suddenly leaned over her, his movements smooth yet deliberate.

Aastha’s breath hitched. The playful atmosphere from before shifted into something deeper, something intoxicating. The teasing had always been their thing, but this... this was different. Her heart pounded in her chest as she stared into Ishaan’s dark, intense eyes, now filled with something unreadable—something that made her skin tingle.

"You’re too much," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Ishaan smirked but didn’t move away. Instead, he reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek, tracing an invisible line down to her jaw. Aastha shivered under his touch.

"Am I?" he murmured, his voice low, husky.

She swallowed hard, her body betraying her as she leaned into his touch. The teasing had disappeared; all that remained was a tension that neither of them could ignore. Ishaan's gaze flickered to her lips for a second too long, and Aastha felt herself blush.

Before she could process anything else, he dipped his head and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. The tenderness of it sent warmth spreading through her chest.

Then, slowly, his lips trailed down, grazing her cheek, leaving a trail of heat wherever he touched.

"Ishaan..." she whispered, unsure whether it was a plea or a warning.

He didn’t answer. Instead, his lips finally found hers, capturing them in a slow, deliberate kiss. It wasn’t rushed or desperate; it was soft, deep, and full of unspoken emotions. Aastha’s fingers gripped the fabric of his t-shirt as she melted into him, letting herself get lost in the moment.

The kiss deepened, their breaths mingling, hands exploring cautiously. His fingers brushed against her waist, sending a shiver down her spine. She felt as if she was floating, the world around her fading until only he existed.

Ishaan broke the kiss first, resting his forehead against hers. Both of them were breathing heavily, their hearts beating in sync.

"You drive me insane, you know that?" he murmured, his lips barely an inch from hers.

Aastha smiled softly, her fingers tracing small patterns on his chest. "I could say the same about you."

He chuckled, a deep, rich sound that sent warmth through her. Without another word, he pulled her into his arms, shifting so that she lay against his chest. His arms wrapped around her protectively, holding her close.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence wasn’t awkward it was comforting. Aastha listened to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, letting it into a state of peace.

She sighed in contentment, closing her eyes. "Goodnight, Ishaan," she murmured sleepily.

He pressed another kiss to her forehead, his voice softer than ever. "Goodnight, Aastha."

And just like that, wrapped in his warmth, she drifted into the most peaceful sleep she’d had in a long, long time.

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