76. HOT CHOCLATE

ABHIMANYU’S POV

The next morning, when I woke up, Shivnya was still sleeping soundly beside me. I didn’t want to disturb her peaceful slumber, so I stayed quiet. My eyes wandered around the room, and that’s when I saw Rexy and Leo curled up near Shivnya’s side of the bed.

Ever since Shivnya came home, these two little men had developed a new routine — after their morning walk, they would rush straight to our room, either to snuggle up or sit patiently, waiting for their mumma to wake up. Honestly, it’s almost impossible to wake their mumma, but I know my wife better than anyone. I know exactly how to make her wake up.

I glanced at the clock. Breakfast time was almost over — and today, I had something special planned for her. Which meant… I had to wake her up now.

Leaning closer, I nuzzled my face into the curve of her neck, peppering soft kisses along her skin. She stirred slightly, letting out a sleepy groan.

“Mhmm, Abhi… your beard is tickling,” she murmured, still half-asleep.

I smirked. “Then wake up, my queen… my love.”

Slowly, she opened her eyes, blinking a few times before her gaze focused on me.

“Good morning, baby,” I greeted, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

With a sleepy smile, she whispered, “Good morning, husband.”

My heart melted. She had completely forgotten about last night’s little argument — and honestly, that was one of the best parts of being with her. But just as I was savoring the moment, I made the mistake of mentioning our plans for the day.

“Mhm, yeah… let’s wake up. We have to go somewhere, remember?”

The second she registered my words, her expression shifted. Shivnya blinked at me, her face going completely blank before… WHAM! She shoved me away.

Arghhh, God… why did I have to remind her?!

“Go away, you idiot! I don’t want to talk to you!” she snapped, yanking the quilt over her head and pretending to fall back asleep.

I bit back a laugh, crouching beside her. Gently, I tugged the quilt down, speaking in my softest voice. “Sorry, na, baby…”

Her eyes peeked out, glaring at me with all the fury she could muster.

“Let’s wake up, hmm? We really have to go somewhere,” I coaxed carefully.

“Huh! Go alone. I’m not coming with you.” She turned her face away dramatically.

The moment those words left her mouth, I made my move. Without a second thought, I scooped her up — quilt and all — into my arms.

“Abhiii!” she shrieked, flailing her arms and legs in the air. “Let me go! You’re misusing your power! This is wrong!”

But did I listen? Nope. Not even for a second.

Rexy and Leo, sensing the chaos, immediately trailed behind me as I carried my very angry wife down the stairs. Once we reached the living room, I placed her carefully on the couch.

“Sit quietly with your babies. I’ll be right back,” I instructed, kissing her forehead before walking off.

Shivnya peeked out of the quilt like an angry little burrito, glaring at me as I left. Then, turning to Rexy and Leo, she began venting to them in a hushed, dramatic tone.

“You know what, babies? Your dada is an absolute idiot. He has no brains! Yesterday night, he upset your mumma so much. I can’t tell you the details — it’s mumma and dada’s personal matter — but in short? Your dada is a dumbo!”

Rexy tilted his head, listening carefully, while Leo just wagged his tail.

“I’m very angry with him,” Shivnya continued, crossing her arms. “And this time, I won’t forgive him so easily. Huh! He probably thinks I’m like those other wives who melt with a bit of pampering, caring, and a few gifts. I AM NOT ONE FROM THAT TYPE OF FOOLISH GIRLS huhh Well, guess what? Not happening this time!”

From the kitchen, I could hear every single word — and I had to bite my cheek to stop from laughing. Because I knew my wife.

Give it less than an hour, I thought with a smirk. She’ll be in my arms again.

I prepared a tray with her favorite almond croissant and a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Carefully, I walked back to the living room.

Shivnya immediately turned her face away with a dramatic “hmph!”

“Okay, okay,” I said, hiding my smile. “I won’t ask you to forgive me. But at least eat something. You must be hungry. Look—your favorite almond croissant and hot chocolate.”

Her eyes flicked toward the tray before she quickly looked away again. I sat down beside her, breaking off a piece of the croissant, dipping it into the hot chocolate, and gently holding it near her lips.

“Just one bite,” I coaxed softly.

Shivnya hesitated, then slowly opened her mouth. The moment the flavors hit her tongue, her eyes lit up in delight.

And that was my victory.

One bite turned into another, and soon I was feeding her while she kept grumbling between mouthfuls.

“If you didn’t act like a bad husband like you did yesterday,” she muttered, “I wouldn’t have been angry at all…”

Each complaint was met with my whispered apologies. “Sorry, baby… sorry, love… won’t happen again.”

Once she was full and finally calm, I wiped a crumb from her lips with my thumb… and then cheekily licked it off, earning a playful glare from her.

Pulling her into my arms, I hugged her tightly. Shivnya melted against me with a soft smile.

Rexy and Leo, watching the whole scene, exchanged glances.

Leo: “But didn’t mumma say she wouldn’t fall for dada’s tricks?”

Rexy: “Huh. Mumma loves dada. That’s why it’s so easy for him to win her back.”

Leo: “So… mumma is kind of… naive?”

Rexy: “Exactly. She’s very naive. Which means…”

Together: “We must protect mumma from dada’s tricks!”

Both dog and lion barked and roared in agreement, their tails wagging furiously — ready to be their mumma’s tiny knights.

As I watched Rexy and Leo sitting there with their little heads close together, whispering in whatever secret language they had, I narrowed my eyes.

“What are you two planning to do, hmm?” I asked, suspiciously raising a brow.

Both of them froze for a moment, blinking up at me with innocent eyes as if they hadn’t just been plotting something. Shivnya followed my gaze, then looked at me with a small laugh.

“What will they do to you, Abhi? They’re our little babies,” she said, patting Rexy’s head lovingly before looking back at me. Her voice softened, and her curiosity shone through. “Now tell me… where exactly are we going?”

Ah, there it was — that spark in her eyes that made my chest tighten every single time.

I couldn’t hide my excitement. “I want you to see one of my favorite places in the world,” I began, my voice almost trembling with eagerness. “There’s this famous museum here in Russia… and its park. The architecture, the history — everything about it is breathtaking.”

As I spoke, flashes of old memories came rushing back.

“In my twenties, I used to visit it all the time,” I continued, a faint smile tugging at my lips. “It was… my special place, you know? Whenever life got overwhelming or whenever I just… missed something deep in my heart, I would go there. The history of Russia, the way the buildings are designed — it always calmed me. I know you’ll love it too, Shivuu.”

When I finished, she was staring at me with that soft, warm smile that never failed to undo me.

“Of course, we’ll go there,” she said happily, her earlier anger completely forgotten. “Let’s get ready and go.”

My heart did this little flip in my chest. She didn’t even know what this meant to me.

Because that museum… it wasn’t just about history or architecture. It was the place where, years ago, I would sit alone, missing my “puffy cheeks” — the girl who didn’t even know how much space she had taken up in my heart back then.

Back then, I didn’t realize it, but every visit, every moment spent there was me… falling for her.

And today, I wasn’t going there alone. I was taking her — my wife, my love — to the very place where my heart had quietly chosen her long before I ever said the words out loud.

I glanced at her as she started getting ready, her excitement matching mine, and a smile tugged at my lips.

This wasn’t just another trip.
This was me falling for her… all over again.

SHIVNYA'S POV

As I looked at Abhimanyu, so excited about this place, there was no way I could deny him. His enthusiasm was contagious, and before I knew it, I’d said yes. We both headed upstairs to get ready.

I slipped into a high-neck black sweater with full sleeves and paired it with black bell-bottoms. Simple yet classy. Abhimanyu, on the other hand, chose a black turtleneck and matching trousers with a sleek belt. When I saw us together, perfectly twinning, a smile tugged at my lips. There’s something so sweet about matching with my husband — a little cheesy, but I secretly love it.

We layered up with our coats, helping each other with the buttons and collars. Finally, I adjusted the last details — my nuptial chain, earrings, and neatly pinned hair. While I fussed over my look, I felt his intense gaze. When I turned, there he was, standing still, staring at me like I was the only thing that existed in the room. His eyes brimmed with love, so deep it made my breath hitch.

“You’re staring,” I teased, raising a brow.

“Of course, I am,” he said without hesitation, walking up to me and gently cupping my face. “My wife looks like a dream. How can I not stare?”

My cheeks flushed pink, and he chuckled softly, clearly amused by the effect he still had on me even after six months of marriage. Then, he leaned down and kissed my forehead tenderly.

I gave him a playful smile. “You’re one to talk — you look insanely sexy in black today.”

He smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. Leaning close to my ear, his warm breath tickling my skin, he whispered, “That’s only because my wife is standing beside me. How could I look less than sexy?”

I burst into laughter, swatting his arm lightly. Hand in hand, we descended the staircase.

Rexy and Leo, our babies, barked and roared excitedly at our departure, tails wagging as if to say, Take us with you!

“Not today, babies,” I said, crouching to blow them a flying kiss. Abhimanyu waved at them before ushering me toward the door.

The ride to the destination began in a comfortable silence, the kind that only existed between two souls deeply connected. No words were needed — his presence alone filled the car with warmth.

Every now and then, I caught myself stealing glances at him. The sharp profile of his face, the way his jaw clenched slightly as he focused on the road, the soft reflection of the winter sun on his skin… he looked heartbreakingly perfect.

I didn’t know what was so special about this place, but the way his heart seemed to race with anticipation told me it held something deeply personal for him.

As we neared our destination, I noticed how his excitement grew. His grip on my hand l tightened, and his eyes lit up when the first glimpse of the museum came into view.

The building stood tall and proud, its intricate architecture echoing tales of a bygone era. The sprawling gardens around it were blanketed in a delicate layer of frost, shimmering like scattered diamonds under the soft morning sun.

The driver parked, and before I could move, Abhimanyu hopped out and opened my door with a gallant smile. He extended his hand, his eyes sparkling.

“Ready?” he asked, his voice filled with boyish excitement.

“Ready,” I replied, my heart fluttering in response to his energy.

The moment we stepped inside, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. I stayed quiet, simply observing him as his eyes darted around, drinking in every detail of the place — the high, arched ceilings, intricate carvings etched into stone, the faint, almost sacred scent of old books and preserved history.

It was clear this wasn’t just a museum to him.
It was a piece of his past — and today, he was sharing it with me.

Abhimanyu’s warm hand enveloped mine as he gently guided me deeper inside the museum. There was a soft gleam in his eyes, the kind you see when someone is walking through the pages of their own memories.

As we moved through the grand halls, he began to speak, his voice low and filled with nostalgia.

“Years ago,” he said, his thumb brushing over my knuckles, “I used to walk these same halls… alone. Back then, I was just a young man, trying to find myself. Trying to fill the emptiness I felt every single day.”

He glanced at me, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “And every time I felt that ache in my chest, I thought of you. My puffy cheeks,” — his old nickname for me slipped out with such tenderness it made my heart clench — “even when you didn’t think about me the same way. I didn’t even realize how deeply I had already fallen for you.”

My breath caught in my throat.

He looked around the hall and continued, “This place… it was the only thing that calmed me. Nothing else could give me that peace. Whenever my heart felt too heavy, I’d come here and just… breathe.”

As we walked, he showed me artifacts and paintings, pointing at each with a fondness that made it seem like he was introducing me to old friends. I listened silently, absorbing every word, every emotion.

When we finally stepped outside into the gardens, the winter air kissed my skin, and I noticed how light Abhimanyu seemed — like a burden had been lifted just by sharing his past with me.

I was smiling, but deep inside, a pang of guilt twisted in my chest. All this time, he had loved me so deeply… and I had been so blind. In my past, I hadn’t even spared him a glance, hadn’t considered his feelings, while he suffered silently. The thought of the pain I’d caused him was unbearable.

His voice pulled me out of my spiral.

“You know,” he said, gesturing to a small, old bridge nearby, “I used to practice here. For the clan.”

I blinked, startled. “Here? Really?”

He nodded, a soft laugh escaping. “Evenings were for strength training. Nights… nights were for missing you. And mornings were for going to college, pretending like I wasn’t breaking inside.”

His words painted a vivid picture in my mind — him alone under the stars, pushing himself through grueling training, his heart aching for someone who didn’t even know his love existed. I couldn’t stop the tears that pricked my eyes.

As we walked, his bodyguards followed discreetly behind. Abhimanyu’s voice softened as he continued, “There was one night… one I’ll never forget. I missed you so much that it hurt to even breathe. I just wanted to see you. Even a glimpse would’ve been enough.”

He chuckled bitterly. “I had these photos of you… ones I stole from your brother’s phone.”

My eyes widened, but before I could speak, he added quickly, “I used to claim I’d forgotten you, that I hated you for never looking at me, never missing me. But the truth? Even overhearing you and your brother talking on calls about someone else — about Advaith — it gave me this strange joy, like… at least I got to hear your voice, even if it wasn’t meant for me.”

He paused, his jaw tightening. “I promised myself that night, right here, that I would stop missing you. That I wouldn’t love you anymore. That I would never tell anyone about this story.”

He looked straight into my eyes then, his voice breaking just a little.
“But I broke every single promise I made to myself. And today, I thank God that I did.”

Before I could respond, fat raindrops began to fall, splashing onto the frost-covered ground. Within seconds, it turned into a downpour.

My vision blurred as tears mingled with the rain. I threw my arms around him, clutching him tightly. “I’m sorry,” I sobbed into his chest. “I’m so, so sorry for all the pain I gave you. I never meant to hurt you.”

He wrapped me in his embrace, one hand cradling the back of my head.
“Shh, my love,” he whispered, coaxing me gently. “I know you didn’t do it willingly. And I didn’t bring you here to show you how much I suffered. I brought you here to show you that no matter what happens, my love for you will never lessen. Not even by 0.0000001%.”

I looked up at him through tear-filled lashes and whispered, “I will love you too, Abhimanyu. Always.”

And then he kissed me.

It wasn’t rushed or fiery — it was slow, tender, like we were rediscovering each other. Falling in love all over again. The rain poured around us, drenching us completely, but we didn’t care.

When we finally pulled apart, breathless, he chuckled and murmured, “Enough for now, or you’ll catch a cold.”

He raised his voice slightly. “Umbrella!”

A bodyguard hurried forward, handing him one. Abhimanyu opened it and held it above me, guiding me toward the car. But just as we were about to step inside, a wild thought seized me.

I slipped away from under the umbrella and ran into the rain, laughing like a child.

“Shivuu!” Abhimanyu shouted in shock. “Come here, you’ll get sick!”

But I spun around, drenched and grinning. “Shhh! Just… live this moment with me.”

He blinked in confusion, but when I reached for his hands, he didn’t resist. Slowly, I guided him into a soft, romantic dance under the rain. His hands slid into mine, one moving instinctively to my waist.

We swayed together, lost in each other. Soft kisses rained down on my cheeks, my neck, and I giggled as he pulled me so close my feet lifted off the ground.

We were so wrapped in each other that the world melted away.

At one point, I let my guard down completely, relaxing in his arms, and he seemed to notice. His expression softened, and he kissed my forehead gently before scooping me up effortlessly.

“Sorry, my baby,” he said, his voice tender but firm. “But your health matters to me more than anything. You came here with me today, and that alone made this place my best memory. And dancing in the rain with you? That’s now my favorite thing.”

For a moment, I was stunned into silence, but then warmth spread through my chest. He cared so deeply for me, in ways I’d never even realized before.

I smiled at him, my heart overflowing, as he carried me to the car and gently set me down inside.

And as we drove away, the rain still falling, I knew one thing with absolute certainty —this place wasn’t just a part of his past anymore.

It was now our memory.

As soon as we entered the palace, Abhimanyu shouted, his voice echoing through the grand hall,
“Georgia! Towels!”

Within seconds, Georgia and Edward came running toward us, carrying warm towels. The moment they reached us, Abhimanyu snatched one and quickly wrapped it tightly around me. My entire body was trembling from the cold, my teeth almost chattering.

He crouched slightly so he could look into my eyes, his expression a mix of anger and worry.
“You know you can’t stay out in the cold like that!” he scolded, his voice stern yet soft underneath. “Why don’t you ever listen to me, Shivuu? Haan? Do you want to get sick?”

I opened my mouth to reply, but before I could say a word, he swept me into his arms effortlessly, ignoring my weak protests.

“Georgia, Edward,” he ordered sharply, his authoritative tone leaving no room for argument, “prepare hot chocolate for her. And cook proper homemade Indian food tonight — comfort food, the way she likes.”

They nodded and rushed away while he carried me up the stairs as if I weighed nothing, his jaw set in determination. My heart melted at his protectiveness, even though I could see he was still fuming.

The moment we entered our room, he went straight to the bathroom.

“Hot shower. Now,” he commanded, setting me down gently.

I began removing my drenched clothes while he helped, his large hands surprisingly gentle despite his obvious frustration. But in his rush, while trying to unclasp my bra, he accidentally tugged too hard and ripped the hook clean off.

I froze, staring at him in shock.
“Abhimanyu!” I snapped, glaring at him.

For a second, he looked startled… then that mischievous, sinful smile spread across his lips.
“Oops,” he said cheekily, holding up the broken piece as if it was no big deal. “Go on, sweetheart. Into the hot shower before you freeze.”

I huffed, narrowing my eyes at him, but didn’t argue further. I was too cold to fight — and secretly, his smile was doing dangerous things to my heart.

As the steaming water cascaded over me, it felt heavenly. My body, already wet from the rain, now glistened under the shower, heat replacing the cold shivers. My hair stuck to my skin, and every drop that slid down felt almost sensual.

When I turned my head slightly, I saw him.

Abhimanyu was undressing too, slowly peeling away his soaked clothes. Piece by piece, revealing that perfectly sculpted body of his — all hard planes and powerful muscles.

Oh. My. God.

My throat went dry, and my earlier anger melted into something much more… primal. The hot water and the sight of my gorgeous, half-naked husband made my pulse race. My mind screamed, Hungry woman alert!

But then — just as my fantasies were about to run wild — I sneezed.

“Ah-choo!”

And just like that, my entire mood shattered.

Abhimanyu’s head snapped toward me instantly. In two long strides, he was at my side, eyes blazing with concern.
“I told you, na? Not to run in the rain! But no, madam had to dance!” he scolded in a strict tone, cupping my face to check my temperature.

I wanted to yell, It was romantic! but my voice caught in my throat.

The hot shower turned purely practical after that — no stolen kisses, no heated touches. My romantic mood was officially ruined, thanks to one stupid sneeze.

When we finally stepped out, he wrapped a towel securely around his waist, looking devastatingly handsome and sexy as ever. I, on the other hand, was bundled into a soft robe like a grumpy burrito.

Still, he didn’t stop fussing over me. Sitting me down on the edge of the bed, he grabbed another towel and began gently drying my hair with painstaking care.

“Hold still,” he muttered, his brow furrowed in concentration. “I don’t want you catching a cold.”

I stared at him, completely smitten.
Because God… why did this man have to look so unfairly hot while being so caring?

The way his muscles flexed when he moved, the damp strands of his hair falling over his forehead, those intense eyes focused only on me — it was enough to make my heart race and my body warm all over again.

I sighed dramatically in my head. Uff! The nayan sukh (eye pleasure) this man gives me!

And then… just like that, sneeze! — gone. Ruined. Mood obliterated.

I groaned, throwing my head back.
“Why, God, why? Why did you give me such a hot husband and such a stupid, ill-timed sneeze?!”

Abhimanyu paused, giving me an amused side glance. “What was that?”

“Nothing!” I squeaked quickly, forcing a sweet smile.

He raised an eyebrow but didn’t push, only shaking his head before wrapping his arms around me protectively.

And in that moment, despite the ruined mood, I felt safe, cherished, and utterly in love.

✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:
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