Talab - Chapter 10: Chapter 10

Early Morning at Samarth's Apartment
Early in the morning, Mr. Samarth woke up with two very important tasks on his mind—staring at his newlywed wife and hitting the gym.
He lay on his bed, his arms crossed behind his head, watching Fanaa sleep peacefully. Her soft breaths and innocent face made his heart flutter.
"Wow, I'm so lucky," he thought, a goofy smile plastered across his face.
His dreamy gaze was interrupted by his mother's phone call. Sighing, he answered while still sneaking glances at his sleeping beauty. She was the best view he could ever ask for.
After a quick conversation about their well-being, Samarth freshened up and made his way to the kitchen, where he found his beloved aunt—who was more like a mother to him—busy preparing breakfast.
"Hello, beautiful! How are you?" he greeted her playfully, bending down to touch her feet.
She laughed softly, placing her hand on his head. "I'm good, my handsome boy. Stay blessed."
Flashing his signature cute smile, he whispered, "So, beautiful lady, I have a request. If my wife comes to the kitchen and offers to help, ask her to bring my protein shake to the gym. And—don't tell her I said this!"
Before she could respond, he winked and left, humming his favorite romantic tune.
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Fanaa's POV
Ugh! This is the hardest task ever—delivering my husband's protein shake.
When I offered to help in the kitchen, Aunty handed me the shaker with a smirk. Why do I feel like I'm being played?
I sighed, walking toward the gym, ready to call him—until my gaze fell on him.
My breath hitched.
He was shirtless—his toned, sweaty body glistening under the lights. Each flex of his muscles, the tattoos stretching across his biceps, and those perfectly sculpted six-pack abs... He looked like a beast—a dangerously attractive one.
My mouth fell open as my grip on the shaker tightened.
He cleared his throat suddenly, snapping me out of my trance. My face burned with embarrassment as I quickly lowered my gaze to the floor.
With a teasing smirk, he took the shaker from my hands and leaned closer. "Am I hot, biwi ji?" he asked, winking before strolling out of the gym.
I slapped a hand over my face, trying to calm my racing heart. What was that?!
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Samarth's Mind vs. Heart Battle
Mind: Wow, Samarth! She must be thinking how lucky she is to have such a hot and handsome husband. My plan worked perfectly!
Heart: Idiot. She probably thinks you're a complete jerk. You look like a monkey hanging from a tree, and she's the banana you're desperate for.
Mind: Shut up. You're just jealous of my charm.
Heart: Jealous? Of you? My foot!
Mind: Enough. I'm the hero of this love story!
In the middle of their hilarious mental war, Samarth suddenly yelled, "Shut up!" without realizing it.
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Fanaa's POV
I had just entered the gym with a cup of coffee when his loud outburst startled me. My hands trembled, and the cup slipped, crashing to the floor. Tears welled up in my eyes.
His expression immediately softened as he realized his mistake. Before he could explain, I held my ears and mumbled, "Sorry, ji... I won't come to your gym next time—or stare at you..."
The innocence in her voice cracked his tough exterior. A smile broke across his face, and he chuckled softly.
"Relax, biwi. That wasn't meant for you," he said, stepping closer. "And it's okay—I'm too hot to resist. You can stare at me all you want... or even do more than just stare."
Her cheeks flushed bright red as she turned and bolted out of the room.
Samarth's POV
Biwi... you're too innocent and beautiful to resist. I can't wait to love you and take care of you forever.
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Meanwhile... Raj's POV
Ah, Fanaa...
The thought of her made his blood boil with twisted desire. He licked his lips as he imagined having her again—her helpless cries, her trembling body beneath him.
I'm hungry for you. I want to touch you, squeeze you, until you beg me to stop.
He chuckled darkly, the memory of her tearful pleas playing like music in his mind.
Soon, I'll ruin everything for you, baby girl. I can't wait to show your husband the photos... and make him believe you're nothing but a whore.
His laughter echoed in the empty room—cold and sinister.
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Samarth's Apartment – A Call from Home
"Hello, Fanaa beta. When are you coming with Samarth for the ritual?" her mother's warm voice asked over the phone.
"We'll be there by this evening, Mummy. Take care, okay?" she replied softly, trying to push away the heavy feeling in her chest.
After a few more minutes of chatting, both mother and daughter returned to their day's work.
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At Fanaa's Home – The Ritual
By evening, Samarth and Fanaa arrived at her family home. Seeing her parents filled her heart with joy—but her happiness was short-lived.
The moment he walked in, her body froze.
Raj.
He greeted everyone with a charming smile—one that only she knew hid a monster. When he hugged her—right in front of her husband—her skin crawled, but she forced a smile.
The pain of pretending was unbearable.
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Fanaa's POV
Dinner felt like torture. That monster sat across from me, acting as if nothing ever happened. I knew he'd try to touch me again. I needed to find a way to keep Samarth close—I couldn't be alone with Raj.
As Samarth was about to leave, I gathered my courage. "Listen, ji..." I called out softly.
He turned back with his usual playful smile. "Ji, biwi ji? I'm all ears."
I blushed, hesitating. "Please... stay. We'll leave together tomorrow."
His face lit up with a heart-melting smile. "As you wish, biwi. Now, show me where we're staying."
With a smile spreading across her face—a real one—she led him to her room, feeling safer with him by her side.
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