The Billionaire's Bought Bride

Chapter 19: Holi Hai!

The crisp morning air buzzed with anticipation. Vibrant colors – pinks, greens, blues – splashed across windows and balconies, a testament to the upcoming festival: Holi, the festival of colors.

Aditi woke up with a smile, the playful spirit of the festival already infectious. She peeked at Arjun, still fast asleep beside her. A mischievous glint entered her eyes. This year, Holi wouldn't be just about traditional blessings and sweets. It would be about payback.

Carefully, she crept out of bed, grabbing a water balloon filled with a vibrant purple dye. Sneaking back, she aimed it at Arjun's unsuspecting face.

"Happy Holi, sleepyhead!" she declared before bursting out laughing.

Arjun's eyes flew open, startled. The purple dye splattered across his forehead, a stark contrast to his sleep-tousled hair. He sputtered, a mixture of shock and amusement on his face.

"Aditi!" he exclaimed, wiping the dye with a groan. "That's not how you play fair!"

But a playful smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He grabbed a nearby pillow, launching a surprise counterattack. Laughter filled the room as they engaged in a playful battle of water balloons and pillows.

Suddenly, the door flung open, revealing Mrs. Kapoor, her face a mask of disapproval. The sight of her son and his wife drenched in colored water did little to improve her mood.

"Arjun! Aditi! What is this mess?" she exclaimed.

"Holi, Mom!" Arjun grinned, wiping dye from his cheek. "The festival of colors."

Mrs. Kapoor sighed, her stern expression softening slightly at the sight of their playful energy. "Very well," she conceded. "But try not to make too much of a mess, alright?"

Later that morning, they ventured outside, ready to embrace the vibrant chaos of Holi. The streets were awash with color, people throwing water balloons and smearing each other with gulal (colored powder). Laughter and music filled the air, creating an infectious energy.

Arjun and Aditi, armed with water guns and pouches of gulal, joined the revelry. They chased each other through the streets, dodging attacks and launching playful counteroffensives. Soon, they were a kaleidoscope of colors, their laughter echoing amidst the joyful chaos.

"This is amazing!" Aditi exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've never seen anything like it!"

Arjun grinned, pulling her close for a quick kiss. "It's even better when you're here to share it with me."

Suddenly, a group of Arjun's friends approached, their faces smeared with vibrant colors.

"Hey, bro!" one of them yelled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Looks like you've finally found your match!"

"Oh, shut up, Rohan," Arjun chuckled, playfully shoving his friend.

He introduced Aditi to his friends, their initial surprise quickly melting into warm welcomes. Aditi, ever the social butterfly, charmed them with her wit and infectious laughter.

"So, Aditi," Rohan said, a playful smirk on his face, "are you ready for your first real Holi experience?"

Before Aditi could respond, he grabbed a handful of bright pink gulal and smeared it across her nose.

"Hey!" she exclaimed, feigning offense. But a playful grin spread across her face.

The group spent the rest of the day immersed in the festival's spirit. They danced to Bollywood music blaring from loudspeakers, shared plates of traditional sweets, and participated in the age-old tradition of seeking blessings from elders.