Talab - Chapter 20: Chapter 20

Beep... Beep...
John: Excuse me, everyone.
Mrs. Ellot: Princess, come. Let me take you to your room. It's almost midnight—you must be tired.
Mrs. Ellot gently leads Arohi upstairs to her new room.
Mrs. Ellot: This is your and John's room. He's currently in a conference and should be free within half an hour. I've placed a dress in the closet for you—your suitcases were in the other car that John's dad brought.
Arohi: Ji, Mom. Thank you.
Mrs. Ellot: Oh sweetheart, no need to thank me. You're my daughter now. I always wanted a daughter, but after John, I wasn't able to conceive. I'm lucky I got such a sweet daughter in you. Good night—and enjoy your night. [winks]
Arohi blushes deep red, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks.
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Arohi's POV
Everyone is so sweet—especially Mom. She's treating me like her own daughter. The mansion is beautiful, and the decor in John ji's room is amazing.
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Author's POV
After exploring the room, Arohi headed to the bathroom to freshen up. But when she saw the dress laid out for her, her eyes widened, and her cheeks turned a shade deeper than crimson.
It was a scarlet net nighty—ankle-length, with delicate straps and a sheer robe. It covered little, revealing more than it hid. Nervousness crept in. Was this really her first night?
With no other clothes available, she reluctantly slipped it on.
It was close to midnight when John returned home.
A few minutes later...
The door creaked open. John paused at the entrance, his eyes landing on Arohi asleep on the couch. A small smirk curled on his lips.
John's Thoughts: Trying to act innocent, my little seductress? Let's see how long you keep this game up. Damn... she's making me hard just by sleeping like that. How am I going to survive our entire life together?
He stepped toward her quietly, brushing his hand against her cheek. She stirred, slowly waking up. As her eyes opened and met his, she panicked slightly, realizing her cleavage was showing. She tried adjusting the nighty quickly.
As she tried to get up, John gently pushed her back down. He hovered over her, planting a soft kiss on her forehead, then her cheek, her nose, and the corner of her lips. Her heart raced. The scent of his cologne was intoxicating.
He leaned in, leaving warm, wet kisses on her neck. Just as he began sliding the strap off her shoulder, she clutched his coat tightly, eyes shut, whispering a silent prayer.
When she opened her eyes again, he was gazing at her—not just with lust, but with something softer... something deeper.
Then, to her surprise, he scooped her up in his arms, laid her on the bed, covered her with a quilt, and kissed her forehead.
John: Sleep, sweetheart. I'll freshen up. Good night.
John's Thoughts: Not so fast. Let me play the sweet husband card for now.
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Arohi's POV
John ji is a gentleman. I thought he would use me, but he didn't. Maybe... maybe I'm really lucky to have this family.
After a few minutes, John lay on the other side of the bed—at a respectful distance—and the two drifted into peaceful sleep.
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Next Morning
Arohi woke to an empty space beside her. She stretched and was about to enter the bathroom when John stepped out—shirtless, with droplets of sweat sliding down his chest. She gasped, turning her eyes away with both hands.
Arohi: S-sorry, ji! I didn't mean to see you.
John: It's okay, Arohi. I'm your husband. You don't have to be embarrassed. And call me John, not ji.
John's Thoughts: Hah... overacting.
Arohi peeked through her fingers, still blushing.
Arohi: Aapko ji nahi bolungi toh kya bolu? Aap mere pati hai.
(If I don't call you ji, what should I call you? You're my husband.)
John: What? What did you just say? Arohi, please speak in English?
Arohi: Sorry. I mean... if I don't say ji, what should I call you? It's a word of respect for husbands.
John: Hahaha. You're so cute, Arohi. Call me whatever you want. And freshen up. Your suitcases are now in the closet. We'll go for breakfast together.
John's Thoughts: Is she smart or just innocent? I'm so confused.
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After Bath
Arohi came out in a fresh outfit. John, busy typing on his MacBook, looked up—and froze. Her beauty in a simple dress made his heartbeat race. Speechless, he looked away and the two went downstairs for breakfast.
Later, everyone left for the day. Mrs. Ellot told Arohi to rest. She returned to her room and took out her diary.
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Dear Diary,
Mr. Stranger isn't bad at all. He's handsome, kind, caring, and he respects me. Even my in-laws are sweet and gentle. I feel lucky to have them. I'm really happy. It feels like heaven here. Hehe. Love you, diary. Bye!
—Arohi
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In the afternoon, Arohi decided to cook something special for the family. As she went downstairs, she was shocked to find her parents sitting in the living room. Nervous, she greeted them and rushed to the kitchen to prepare refreshments.
Her mother's eyes followed her every move, making her more anxious. Just then, John arrived from work and greeted everyone.
After dinner, her mother spoke in a sweet, sugary tone:
Arohi's Mother: Arohi sweetheart, can we have a word in private?
Arohi: Y-yes, Mom.
John, curious, quietly followed and eavesdropped on their conversation.
Arohi's Mother (coldly): This is just an act. Got it?
Arohi (softly): Y-yes, Mom.
John's Thoughts: If it's an act, sweetheart... then let's act. I can play the role of a perfect husband too.
After her parents left for India...
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Back in the Room
John: Ahh... sweetheart—sorry, I mean Arohi—there's a business party tomorrow evening. Would you like to come with me? It's okay if you're not comfortable, I'll go alone.
Arohi: It's okay, John ji. I'll come. But... what should I wear?
John: Whatever you like.
Later that night, Arohi noticed John rubbing his forehead.
Arohi: What happened, ji?
John: Just a headache.
She climbed onto the bed, crossed her legs, and gently asked him to lay on her lap. Hesitant at first, John eventually gave in. As her fingers massaged his scalp, a groan of relief escaped him.
John: Your hands have magic, sweetheart—uh, Arohi.
Arohi: It's okay, ji. You can call me sweetheart—I don't mind.
John: Thanks. I'm lucky to have you. Can I ask something?
Arohi: Ji, ask.
John: Why didn't you seem happy to see your parents today?
Arohi paused.
Arohi: They... hate me.
John sat up, shocked, and cupped her face.
John: What?
Arohi (choking): They always wanted a boy. When I was born, they hated me. Treated me like a maid. My mother would curse me... tell me I should've died the day I was born...
She broke into sobs. John wrapped his arms around her.
John: I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I didn't know. But I promise you—this home will be your heaven. You'll always be safe, respected, and cherished here. I swear it on my life.
She said nothing, only hugged him tighter.
John laid her down, kissed her forehead, and held her till sleep took over both of them.
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Next Evening
Arohi: Mom, I'm confused about what to wear. I want to look presentable.
Mrs. Ellot: Sweetheart, John's favorite color is black. Go with that.
Arohi: Thank you, Mom!
After much thought, Arohi wore a black saree with soft red lips, minimal makeup, sindoor, and her wedding ring. She looked like a dream.
When John saw her, his heart skipped.
John: Sweetheart, you look... stunning. Can I click a picture?
Arohi: blushing Stop embarrassing me, ji!
They reached the party. As media flashes went off, John kissed her forehead and held her waist. She gasped slightly but didn't pull away.
John (whispering): You're the most beautiful woman here. Don't compare yourself to anyone.
At the venue...
John: Arohi, meet our new business partner, Mr. Paul.
Paul: Hello, gorgeous.
Arohi politely ignored his handshake. John's phone buzzed.
John: Excuse me. Arohi, stay here—I'll be back.
Arohi: Ji.
Paul: You're looking hot, Arohi.
Arohi: Excuse me, sir. Behave. I'm married.
Paul: Oh, stop acting, Arohi.
Before Arohi could respond, John returned and noticed the tension.
John: Everything alright?
Paul (too quickly): I was just telling her about the deal.