He laughs and nods.
I gasp, complaining to him. “I can’t believe this.” I fold my arms and huff, pretending to sulk.
He doesn’t respond as he turns the car into the parking lot. He climbs out of the car, jogs to my side, and opens the door. I narrow my eyes at him. But he just smiles, amused.
“Come on,” he says. “I have something to show you.” I give my hand to him, and he pulls me out as we walk inside.
We take his private lift that leads to his office. The lift reaches its destination, and the doors slide open, revealing the opulent interior.
The city skyline gleams outside the tall windows, like diamonds scattered across the night. He pulls me toward the wall, and I look at him, confused.
"You remember telling me once it’s your dream to have a library of your own? With a good view and good coffee?" He asks, his eyes full of warmth.
I nod, my face lighting up at the memory. It was late at night, and I could not sleep. He woke up, and when he saw that I was unable to sleep, we talked throughout the night. One of my favorite things to do is to talk to him. It was amazing. Although I did pay the consequences, the number of times I yawned the next day was probably unhealthy, and so was Aditi's teasing.
“Yes,” I whisper, the thought of that old conversation making my chest feel warm.
“Well then…” he says, pressing a button.
The wall opens up—startling me—and I step inside, breath catching in my throat. The room is stunning. Rows of empty shelves line the walls, waiting to be filled. Right by the window sits a cozy-looking couch, the kind made for curling up with a blanket and a book. The city lights spill into the space, making it look even more magical.
“I’m yet to buy all the books,” he casually informs me. “I asked Aditi for a list, but obviously, she hasn’t given it to me yet. She says it’s too big.” He completes the words, trailing off into the empty library.
I stare at him, completely dumbfounded.
“I was busy with this, my wife,” he adds with a small smile tugging at his lips.
A lump forms in my throat as I take in the beautiful room, overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness behind it. “Rudra… this is… unbelievable,” I whisper, still trying to process it.
He hugs me from behind, his face resting on my shoulder. “It shouldn’t be that unbelievable,” he murmurs with his warmth surrounding me. “I told you—I’ll give you everything you want.”
I lean back into his embrace, the solid weight of him grounding me. His words make my heart beat faster, and my eyes sting with emotion.
“But this is… this is too much,” I say weakly, gesturing around the room. “I don’t deserve all this…”
His arms tighten around me, firm and steady. “You deserve the world, darling,” he says, voice low and certain. “And I’ll give it all to you.”
“Thank you,” I whisper as I turn around and rise on my toes, pressing my lips to his. Rudra responds instantly, his arms sliding around my waist, pulling me in. His mouth parts against mine, his tongue finding its way in with a hunger that makes my knees weak.
I wind my arms around his neck, drawing him even closer as the kiss deepens. His hands roam my back, igniting sparks that ripple through me.
When we finally break apart, we’re both breathless. He rests his forehead against mine.
“And you say you’re clingy,” he says with a breathless laugh. “I made this place just so I can have you close to me.”
I laugh with him, my heart full. I went from dreaming to living it—all in a matter of months.
“See? You’re getting a good view too—the city skyline… and me, obviously.” He grins, smug as ever and proud, too.
“How modest of you, Mr. Malhotra,” I say, amused at his antics, swatting his arm, and we both burst into laughter again.
38
RUDRAKSH
"Dude, what are they even doing?" Aaryan grunts with a frown on his face.
We're all sitting in the living room, eyes glued to the screen. It’s a do-or-die match in the T20 World Cup. We have to win this one. If you grow up in an Indian household, you’re trained to love cricket. That’s rule number one.
