The Billionaire's Bought Bride

Chapter 4: Gilded Cage Giggles

The following days were a whirlwind of activity for Aditi. Mumbai, once a daunting city, began to reveal its hidden charms. Dadi Maa, her champion and confidante, became her guide, introducing her to bustling markets, hidden temples, and the city's vibrant street food scene.

While the city captivated her senses, the impending wedding loomed large. A legion of planners, stylists, and caterers descended upon the Rathore mansion, transforming it into a swirling vortex of wedding chaos. Aditi, initially overwhelmed, surprised herself by immersing herself in the process.

One afternoon, amidst a sea of fabric swatches and flower arrangements, she found herself giggling uncontrollably. A particularly flamboyant decorator insisted on incorporating a life-sized replica of the Taj Mahal into the wedding reception. Arjun, who had been engrossed in a business call, glanced up, a frown creasing his forehead.

At the sight of Aditi doubled over with laughter, the frown melted away, replaced by a surprised smile. It was the first genuine smile she had seen on his face, and it sent a warmth through her chest.

The decorator, oblivious to the amusement he had caused, continued to drone on about the "symbolism" of the Taj Mahal. Arjun finally excused himself from the call, his gaze lingering on Aditi for a moment before joining the discussion.

"I appreciate your enthusiasm," Arjun said to the decorator, his voice polite yet firm, "but a miniature Taj Mahal is a bit... excessive. Perhaps we can focus on a more understated theme?"

The decorator, crestfallen, slunk away, leaving Aditi and Arjun alone amidst the chaos. A comfortable silence settled between them, punctuated only by the faint hum of the air conditioner.

"Thank you," Aditi said finally, still wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. "He was... something."

Arjun chuckled, a low rumble that sent a tremor through her. "He was certainly... enthusiastic." They stood there for a moment, a shared amusement bringing them closer.

Suddenly, his gaze shifted, and his eyes locked onto her lips. The air crackled with electricity. Before either of them could react, he leaned in, his lips brushing lightly against hers. It was a fleeting touch, a whisper of a promise, that left them breathless.

"We should probably get back to work," he murmured, his voice husky, but his eyes lingered on her for a beat too long before turning back to the wedding planners.

Aditi, her heart pounding in her chest, felt a flush creep up her neck. It was an office, a business meeting, yet the spark between them refused to be extinguished. The rest of the afternoon flew by in a daze. Every glance, every stolen touch, sent shivers down her spine.

Later that evening, Dadi Maa invited them both for a game of carrom, a traditional Indian board game. As they sat on the plush carpet, the competitive spirit in both Aditi and Arjun came alive. Their laughter filled the room as Arjun's expertly aimed shot ricocheted off the board, landing in Dadi Maa's lap.

Dadi Maa, ever the playful soul, pretended to be scandalized, throwing her hands up in mock outrage. The playful atmosphere brought out a side of Arjun Aditi had never seen before. He was charming, witty, and a surprisingly sore loser.

Amidst the laughter and friendly competition, Aditi found herself drawn to him even more. The billionaire façade seemed to melt away, revealing a man who was fun, endearing, and unexpectedly competitive.

As the game came to an end, Dadi Maa, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, announced that she was going to bed. With a wink at Aditi, she left them alone in the sprawling living room.

A comfortable silence settled between them once more. Arjun stood up, and Aditi watched him, captivated by his every move. He walked towards the window, his broad shoulders filling the doorway.