The Arranged Marriage

17

My mind is consumed by thoughts of the APAC (Annual Police Adventure Challenge), swirling like the blend of cardamom and ginger in my tea.

I like my tea with a kick, just like men - spicy.

Just as I'm lost in this flavourful distraction, two warm hands suddenly encircle my bare waist, breaking the train of my thoughts.

Ash, with his signature warmth, nuzzles his face against mine. A shiver courses through me as his beard brushes against my sensitive skin. "Good morning, beautiful," he murmurs in his sleep-laden voice, sending a jolt of heat through me.

I chuckle. "Aren't we supposed to be playing the Self-Control game, hun?" I tease him, attempting to focus on making my tea while my heart threatens to escape my chest.

The warmth of his touch leaves me abruptly as the stove's warm air replaces it. In any other country, it might have been a chilly breeze, but in India's tropical climate, warmth is a constant companion. No wonder older folks here are anti-romantic; even holding hands becomes a sweaty affair in this climate.

"The full moon lasts only one night, you know?" Ash questions, gently moving my hair away from my face.

"So does your stamina," I blurt out without thinking, immediately regretting the slip. I avoid turning to face his reaction, mentally kicking myself. Before I can process further, I feel a hand switch off the stove, and then I'm abruptly turned to face him

"What did you say?" he whispers against my neck, sending delightful shivers down my spine.

"I, uh, nothing. I mean, the full moon actually lasts for three days," I stutter, feeling his soft kisses on my neck as he inches closer.

"Oh?" he responds. I realize with a mix of frustration and desire that I'll have to wait two more days to break the self-control challenge we foolishly agreed upon. He moves back slightly, the lack of contact leaving me yearning for more.

Would he think that I didn't want his touch? Hush, no overthinking.

As I finish preparing our tea, the fragrant aroma envelops the room, adding to the cozy atmosphere. Pouring the tea into our cups, I serve one to him, noticing how lost in thought he appears.

"The full moon lasts for three days?" he queries, looking up at me with a mischievous grin as he takes a sip.

"Not exactly," I chuckle, meeting his gaze with a playful glint in my eyes. The first day is almost full moon day, next is the actual full moon day, then the past full moon day, but all three days it appears to be a full moon to a human eye.

His grin widens, a hint of challenge in his tone. "You know what that means..." he trails off, rising from his chair and moving towards me with purpose.

"What?" I inquire innocently, finishing my tea in a deliberate sip.

"The liar gets punished," he declares, playfully charging at me. With a laugh, I dart away just in time, teasingly evading his grasp. Our living room transforms into a playground as we engage in a chase, him deliberately matching my pace to prolong the game.

I dart around the dining table, duck past the television, circle the kitchen island, then out onto the porch, darting through the backyard, weaving around trees and hedges. He's always a step behind, letting me enjoy the thrill of the chase.

I didn't care if the elders saw us. I was having fun. Finally, as we reach the front of our bedroom, he catches me with a swift yet gentle grasp, causing me to squeal in surprise.

"Gotcha!" he announces triumphantly, lifting me in a bridal style embrace. My heart races.

"Time to prove that my stamina isn't limited to just one night," he teases, winking as he carries me into our bedroom, the door closing behind us with a soft click, leaving the rest to our imagination.

Xxxx

The remainder of the day was an exchange of teasing between Ash and me, often centered around how loud we could be or the imaginative yet dirty thoughts others might have about us. Their opinions were like water off a duck's back for me; I simply couldn't be bothered.

Ash informed me that we would be departing for Singapore that very night to ensure we had at least a day to prepare for the APAC. Without dwelling on the lengthy departure farewells that often consume hours in Indian households, we swiftly made our way out of India.

However, before leaving, I endured the customary lectures from well-meaning but overly concerned family members:

"Make sure to cook for him every day."

"Feed him at least three times a day."

"Don't spend all his money on unnecessary things."

I nodded along politely, knowing that these were well-intentioned but unnecessary reminders. After all, Ash and I had our routines and understandings that didn't need external validation.

I didn't feel the need to explain to them that cops need to maintain their physique regardless of how much I cook and feed Ash; his job demanded it, and he was disciplined about it. However, Ash, in his characteristic straightforwardness, bluntly cut off their unsolicited advice, stating, "Do not talk for the sake of talking."

This response earned him glares and rude remarks:

"See, as soon as he got married, he got whipped."

"She has him around her finger."

"She brainwashed him."

Their words were like a broken record, repeating the same tired clichés. Ash, unfazed by their remarks, simply ignored them and continued on his way, pulling me along without bothering to turn around and engage further. I couldn't help but admire his unyielding confidence and the way he refused to let their comments affect him. This boy definitely had guts, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride at his resilience.

The banter between Asher and me continued as we settled into our seats on the flight, each vying for the coveted window seat.

"Baby, why are you glowing all of a sudden?" Asher's voice was laced with amusement, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

"I glow every day. You just failed to see it," I replied with a teasing smirk, rolling my eyes in mock exasperation.

"Oh, I know! You're glowing because you're an angel on Earth—" he started, his tone full of charm.

"And this angel will be taking the window seat," I cut him off with a laugh, seeing through his playful tactics.

Asher feigned disappointment, his lips forming a pout. "But baby, I wanted to enjoy the view with my favorite person."

I leaned in closer, a playful glint in my eyes. "You'll still enjoy the view, just from the aisle seat this time."

He chuckled, shaking his head in mock defeat. "Alright, angel, you win this round."

I grinned triumphantly, feeling a rush of excitement. "Just this round? I always win, you know."

He leaned even closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Well, maybe I let you win because I like seeing that victorious smile on your face."

My cheeks flushed at his words, and I playfully nudged his shoulder. "Smooth talker."

He winked, his gaze holding mine. "Only foryou, angel."

xxxx

A/N: Hope you guys liked this chapter. Vote and comment <3