The Billionaire's Bought Bride

Chapter 17: Hiking Shenanigans

Saturday morning arrived, crisp and clear. The promise of a day free from emails and deadlines had Aditi practically bouncing with excitement. Arjun, however, looked a tad apprehensive as he surveyed the overflowing backpack she'd meticulously prepared.

"Are you sure we need all this?" he asked, eyeing the multiple water bottles, an assortment of snacks that resembled a small grocery store haul, and a rather bulky first-aid kit.

Aditi swatted his arm playfully. "Better safe than sorry, Mr. CEO," she teased. "You never know what kind of wild beasts we might encounter on this 'easy trail' you promised."

Arjun chuckled, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Wild beasts? The only beasts you'll encounter are mosquitoes with a taste for designer shoes."

Aditi feigned a gasp. "My Louboutin! Arjun, you should have warned me! Now I need bug spray for my shoes too!"

He couldn't help but laugh at her mock seriousness. Her playful antics always managed to chase away any lingering stress. He grabbed her hand, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Alright, alright, drama queen," he conceded. "Let's conquer this 'easy trail' and prove your elaborate survival kit is unnecessary."

The drive to the trailhead was filled with easy conversation and playful banter. Aditi shared snippets from her story, her voice animated as she described a particularly hilarious scene involving a pair of overzealous bodyguards. Arjun, in turn, recounted a series of disastrous first-date stories from his college days, his self-deprecating humor making Aditi laugh until her stomach hurt.

By the time they arrived at the trailhead, the air was thick with the scent of pine needles and fresh earth. Sunlight filtered through the canopy of trees, casting dappled light on the path ahead. Arjun adjusted his backpack, a playful smirk on his lips.

"Ready for your first wilderness adventure, Mrs. Rathore?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement.

Aditi met his gaze, a glint of challenge in her eyes. "Just try to keep up, Mr. CEO," she countered, striking a heroic pose that sent him into a fit of laughter.

The first part of the hike was a breeze. The trail was well-maintained, and Aditi, fueled by her enthusiasm, skipped ahead, snapping pictures of the scenery with her phone. Arjun followed at a leisurely pace, enjoying the peace and quiet, and the sight of Aditi's infectious enthusiasm.

But things took a turn for the worse – or rather, for the hilarious – as the trail progressed. What Arjun had described as "easy" turned out to be more "moderately challenging" for Aditi, a self-proclaimed girl with minimal experience in outdoor activities.

The first hurdle arrived in the form of a steep incline. Aditi, clad in her trendy athleisure wear designed for aesthetics rather than functionality, found herself huffing and puffing, her designer sneakers slipping on the loose gravel.

"Maybe you underestimated my survival skills, Mr. CEO," she wheezed, pausing to catch her breath.

Arjun reached her side, a smile dancing in his eyes. "Perhaps, Mrs. Rathore," he teased, offering her a hand. "But fear not, I'm here to rescue you from the perils of... a slightly uphill slope."

Aditi rolled her eyes but accepted his help. As they continued their ascent, she couldn't help but notice a group of young hikers giggling at her struggle.

"Okay, laugh it up," she mumbled, puffing out her cheeks in mock indignation. "But just wait until you see me conquer that rock wall next!"

Arjun burst out laughing. "Rock wall? Where did a rock wall come from? Aditi, this is an easy trail!"