Chapter - Annoying Yet Adorable

Chapter - Annoying Yet Adorable

The soft morning rays filtered through the narrow gap in the curtains, scattering over the room.

Sanyogita slowly stirred under the blanket.

Her lashes fluttered lazily as she turned onto her stomach.

Then ,

She froze .

Her heart jumped into her throat . The color of her face drained out .

There was barely an inch gap between her and Prithvi's face . His warm breathing crushed against her face . His broad chest moving up and down beneath her hand.

Sanyogita's ear flushed hot pink , a mix of comfort and embarrassment haunted her like a wild dream. The memory of last night crept back, turning her cheeks instantly reddened.

She clutched the blanket around her chest like a guard saving her authenticity.

The alarm clock on the bed side table groaned out like a crabby child , synced with her hammering heart .

Sanyogita jumped slightly, Prithvi still half asleep, a subtle hint of smirked tagged in his lips when he whispered lazily “ Good morning, little fox”, his voice was half gorggy , half clear

It was then his eyes dropped to her hand resting comfortably over his broad chest.

Prithvi's brow arched , his voice was low and teasing “ Taking advantage of my unconscious state ….greedy , little fox huh? “

She stared at him unblinking, still her heart racing wildly.

Her gaze glided to his eyes, before word could even get exchanged she scrambled fast and pulled back her hand over his chest and instinctively shifted from the blanket and sat against the headhood of the bed.

She stammered , flustered, lagging behind words “ I…I was just sleeping…I didn't take any advantage of you ….!”

A mischievous chuckle played in Prithvi's lips , he slid up from the blanket and sat beside her on the bed “ Yeh! I noticed .. you slept peacefully with me !”

Her eyes went wider “ What ?"

He corrected his words “ I mean on the bed …”

" I didn't do anything intentionally…" She protested

“ Okay relax.. little fox . I can understand, you can have plenty of time to ogling at me…but now your sole focus will be on the recording, not me !” He teased

“ Viraj ..stop teasing me ..I wasn't staring at you at all .." Sanyogita started with firm voice , but her heart was pumping wildly

“ Okay , I got it. Now wake up. You’ve got work to do.”

Prithvi climbed down the bed , leaving just enough space between them to give her a moment to pause and concentrate on the first step of her dream. However, he didn't miss the sudden rejigging glint mingle with determination and adorable smile sparkling in those gorgeous blue- grey streams.

Sanyogita returned from the washroom, after washing her mouth , her eyes widened as she see him

Prithvi stepped inside with two cups of coffee streaming with aroma across the room .

He handed her a cup smirking playfully “ drink the coffee, you need energy for your day . As I don't want my , my little fox, collapsing mid-recording “

Heat rising to her cheeks again but not from the coffee, but the way he said “ Your Day"

Her finger brushed his as she accepted the coffee, and she caught the faint sparkle of amusement in his eyes.

“Why does he even make coffee feel like temptation?”

" Why does he care so much all of a sudden? Just because he wanted his money back …or Mayuri was stating the truth….

“No”

“ That's not true. I'll never let that happen “

She shook her head.

Suddenly his hand stretched forward and brushed a few baby strands of hair that fell over her face. His finger brushed against her cheeks.

Sanyogita's entire body get freeze

He tugged the hair strands behind her ears.

“ Are you day dreaming about your recording or is there something else ?" His asking is more like an inquiry than a question.

Her heart skipped. “Nothing… just… curious how you keep surprising me.”

He stepped closer, lowering his voice, “Curiosity… dangerous, little fox. So be Careful”

She leaned against the wardrobe and started sipping the drink " anyway it's really nice !”

Prithvi sliding down over the plush sofa , leaning against the soft cushion,” I know..and you'll love it. Now finish it early,"

He watched the time on his mobile screen and glanced back at her and said “ It's past half seven . Your practice will be going to start after breakfast and finish it within thirty minutes if you get late won't get the Lunch “

Sanyogita blinked at him , dumbfounded. “ You're commanding me as if I joined military training instead of …music “ she teased , sliding down slightly on the same couch a good distance away from him .

He chuckled , his amber eyes darken, sparkling playfully. “ Okay then… climb the wall of Singhania house . And don’t even think about sneaking breakfast before you succeed in your mission”

Sanyogita's rolled her eyes" Viraj, you're impossible “

He leaned back, holding his laughter , voice low and teasing. “ I’m very possible, Sanjh ! But today, I’m merciless. And you will finish your practice on time, or unless I confiscate your favourite coffee.”

She scoffed, mock offense painted on her face. “Confiscate coffee? That’s cruel and unusual punishment! You can’t do that, “

He arched a brow, smirk widening. “ yes…I can do whatever I want and it's the law of Viraj Singhania. And the law says: no practice, no coffee. No excuses, no negotiations. “

Sanyogita giggled, pretending to write in the air. “Ah ..okay I got it Mr Singhaniya…as per the fine print of your ruthless tycoon act “

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Sanyogita followed Prithvi through the sleek corridors of the Singhaniya mansion until they reached a door she hadn’t expected.

Sanyogita paused for a while , then whispered with an awe glance, her eyes sparkling with amusement "Viraj ..this… is your music room?”

Prithvi smirked , nodding his head gently , a finest shadow of a smile lingering at his lips “ It used to be my escape. I sang a lot in my teenage years in school. But after Dad passed , responsibilities came crashing down . And music became a luxury “

Sanyogita's heart constricted, as if she could feel the weight of his pain within her .

Cool Breeze kept floating inside when Prithvi slid open the glass doors of the balcony. The sunlight danced across his face, highlighting the sharp angles of his jaw, the intensity in his eyes.

The outside view was spectacular, Sanyogita stood close, drawn to the view, awestruck by the beauty of nature . The vast Arabian sea stretched endlessly meeting the horizon in a flawless meeting just like a marriage between sky and water.

Sanyogita felt a new kind of awe for him. Her eyes sparkled with a playful glint “ Viraj …then you should have to join me in the studio as well ! Come on practice with me !” She urged

Prithvi hesitated for a moment, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “ Sanjh, ..no Way it's your day . I can help but ...I can't participate in singing "

She nudged him playfully, her tone teasing, pouting and also just enough to be infuriatingly cute " Not an issue Kharate Singhaniya…I already survived your demonstration that night . So I can survive so this one as well “. She teased

His cheeks flush with half embarrassed and half amused. " Sanjh …stop teasing me with that name ..!”

She grinned, savoring the rare sight of him letting his guard slip. This was the first time she saw the man beneath the tailor suits - a boy trapped in a ruthless tycoon’s skin.

Prithvi arranged the microphone, the guitar, every instrument with the precision of someone who still cared about music, even if it had been buried under years of duty. Sanyogita watched him, captivated.

“ Viraj .. I'm serious,..you too have to sing with me …if you love something then don't hold it back with chain….give wings to it“ She gently held his hand

Prithvi paused and , gaze locked into hers, a long , quiet moment stretching between them.

Then he chuckled, surrendering.

“Fine… but only because you asked so nicely.”

They settled comfortably on the couch . He picked up the guitar onto his lap , his long fingers strumming the strings as if they remembered the way even if he didn't .

The first few strums were clumsy… but then his voice emerged — loose at first, then eventually smooth , steady and unexpectedly deep .

However , he wasn't . Not perfect. Not trained. Yet captivating.

Sanyogita shivered . His high notes faltered slightly, but yet his voice was surprisingly soulful. There was a warmth in his voice… a sincerity that cut straight through her.

Although, he wasn't that good like Yash .

Yash would never miss a note .

Yash was born to sing — polished, passionate, devoted and music was his life, and his survival.

But Viraj …

Viraj wasn’t chasing applause.

He wasn’t singing for a crowd.

He wasn’t even singing for himself.

He was singing for her.

Why did that feel heavier on her heart?

Yash fights every day for his dreams.

While Viraj fights so hard he doesn’t get to have any.

Two men.

Two extremes of life.

One battling poverty to rise.

One drowning in luxury and responsibility.

And she… somehow in the middle.

“Yash… once I come out of this marriage, we will chase our dreams together. I will make everything right. We’ll get married soon… won’t we?” she murmured in her mind . Give force to her determination as if she was proving her loyalty to him.

Her chest tightened.

Why was I comparing them?

Why did Viraj’s voice pull me in like gravity?

Why did my heart betray me with curiosity?

A familiar guilt stabbed her.

A pang of shame mocked Sanyogita as she thought about Yash.

“ Am I a traitor?

“ Am I using Viraj — his resources, his protection, his support … to build a future with another man?

But I never asked him for any favor.

He chose to help me .

He insisted.

He cared…

And why?

No! No, Mayuri is wrong.

Prithviraj Singhaniya can’t love me.

He shouldn’t. He mustn’t.

Yet… she felt trapped — not by his power, but by his kindness, his silent attention, the way his eyes lingered on her dreams like they mattered.

Her thoughts shattered when the music stopped.

Prithvi was watching her. His curious glance pricked her skin . Reading her like she was an open book.

She blinked, forcing a smile, her heart still sprinting.

“You were staring,” he said, voice low and mischievous.

Sanyogita blinked, caught like a deer in headlights.

“No. I wasn’t.”

“Oh?” He leaned back slightly, eyes narrowing with playful accusation.

“So your eyes were admiring the sky then?”

She rolled her eyes, heat rising to her cheeks.

“Don’t flatter yourself, Viraj.”

“Okay I got it…I think I should start putting charges for each glance laid on me ” he teased, ginning

Sanyogita rolled her eyes and stated “ Stop it Viraj, …nothing special. I was just watching you singing and ...you sing really well. With a little more practice..you could be amazing. “

She praised, her voice held amusement, warmth and something else she didn’t quite name.

Prithvi grinned , his response was immediate, mischief and guarded “ it's your recording , Little fox. Don't let me steal your spotlight “

She laughed, and he leaned closer, voice dropping just enough for her to hear the teasing edge.

“I’m good with business. If I came into music… famous singers might hide behind the curtain. They couldn’t tolerate my voice.” Prithvi winked, flashing a mischievous grin .

Her laughter spilled into the open space between them, light and genuine.

“ You don't sing that bad .. actually it was really good…” she said, almost reluctantly, her voice softening.

“Thanks for the compliment, madam. Now, concentrate on your singing… don’t forget about my investment!”

" Investment?” Her curiosity piqued.

" About twenty crores!” He made her remember with a grin, half serious , half playful.

She rolled her eyes" Yes , yes ..I remember. I'll repay you very soon !”

Her tone shifted " By the way, Viraj…if you practice with me, how do you get any work done ? Since I know you're very punctual “ Her asking laced with hint of innocence and teasing

Prithvi's response was immediate, he gave a sly grin, leaning back , every inch the alpha boss “ Little fox,... I'm the boss . All are my rules . And my work !"

She squinted at him, eyes narrowing in mock suspicion “ You missed a twenty crores deal that day and now you're bunking your work !"

She looked at him for a subtle change in his expression.

But Prithvi's was unpredictable.

He let out a dramatic sigh , rolling his eyes like it was casual , a daily routine for him “ Who said I bunk office like you , sneaky little fox ? I can still handle deals from here as well

Now start singing ….unless you want me to add interest to my investment!"

Sanyogita gave him an awful look “ You're terrible!"

“ And you're a hopeless, trouble," he said, smirking , holding back a chuckle .

Sanyogita couldn't help but smile at his words.

Sanyogita tilted her head after a while and addressed , “Mom once mentioned that you used to sing really well… but now… I don’t believe you can sing this well!”

Prithvi’s gaze fixed on her, his eyes tracing the gentle curve of her face, the soft glow in her cheeks, the way her baby hair strands fell just slightly over her eyes. “It seems like you’ve done your homework on me, Little Fox… sneaky, clever, and curious,” his voice was low, playful, and almost dangerous in its amusement.

Sanyogita’s cheeks turned a delicate pink. She narrowed her gaze, placing her hands firmly on her hips, pretended to look stern. “Viraj… aap bahut bure ho!” she pouted.

Prithvi’s grin widened, wickedly amused. “Aur tum bahut…” he began, trailing off just long enough to make her fidget slightly.

“Tum kya?” she asked, crossing her arms, lips pressed into a stubborn little line.

He grinned wickedly, tilting his head. “Aur tum… bahut… annoying ho .”

Her eyes widened. “Annoying? Me? ” she stepped forward, wagging a finger, “aap pagal ho gaye hai kya ?”

“I might be,” he admitted smoothly, the corner of his lips curling up, “cause… it's a side of staying with a crazy little fox .”

Sanyogita laughed, throwing her head back in exasperation, though her eyes sparkled with delight. “Viraj… you are impossible!”

“And you… are utterly… infuriating,” he said, leaning back with mock seriousness, though his eyes never left hers.

Sanyogita felt heat rise to her cheeks again, caught between wanting to scold him and the warmth spreading through her chest.

************

Eventually , they started singing together, their voices weaving into a seamless , melodious pairing. Every note she took drew his keen gaze, sharp and focused , drinking in every nuance of face had made , distracting him to concentrate on her voice, her rosy lips , taking pouting shape with every note .

Suddenly, when she leaned forward slightly, he instinctively moved closer to adjust her posture. His hand brushed against hers. For a heartbeat, she froze, stopped singing, just staring at him , her pulse quicken

Conscious of the sudden closeness, she shifted back . Prithvi also collected his composure , putting a careful distance between them on the same couch to maintain that guarded barrier.

Hours passed , yet he stayed by her side , only occasionally stepping away to take brisk calls , approving deals with the same precision he carried in everything.

When he returned , the glint in his eyes was unshakable . A flicker of protective pride mixed with his signature mischievous amusement . He watched her dissolve into the song , as if this was her salvation.

Her final note hung in the air like a delicate thread.

The tranquility of the atmosphere in the balcony was only pierced by the echo of footsteps approaching .

Sanyogita and Prithvi turned their heads , and saw Pranali and Shanaya standing in the doorway.

Shanaya’s mocking voice dropped with an obvious derision “ So …,our Adarsh Bahu is showing off again…Quite a performance ... .Biwi ke singing ki practice ki ja rahi hai, huh! ”

Sanyogita stiffened, her gaze went narrow as she stood up on her legs to protest . She parted her lips but before a word count escaped, Prithvi stepped forward . His jaw was tightened slightly , a barely concealed edge of irritation lurking in his amber eyes.

“ Aunty,..Sahi kaha aap ne …biwi ki practice chal raha hai…” his tone was kind but sharp " and why not jab Biwi meri hai ...uske sapne poore karne ki zimmedari bhi meri hai. Aur zimmedari uthane ki adat hai mujhe .”

Sanyogita's gaze shifted from Shanaya to Prithvi. Goosebumps prickled in her skin as his full weight of words sank in .

She couldn’t believe her fate , this was the man she had once thought she needed to deceive, the man she feared might scold her,may be the biggest obstacles between her and her dreams and yet… he was here, standing fiercely beside her, supporting her, protecting her dreams as if they were his own .

Prithvi then turned to Pranali next , his voice softened just to convey respect and sincerity but remained confident.

“Mom… kala toh kala hai. You once said Sanyogita has Goddess Saraswati’s blessings… So if she wants to nurture that gift and bring them to the world, what’s wrong with it?”

Pranali’s stern gaze softened . A smile lighting her face.

“There’s nothing wrong, beta . I’m glad you finally understand the meaning of marriage. Instead of restricting her dreams, you chose to support her. If you’d shown this side earlier, perhaps she wouldn’t have had to hide her singing at that local function.”

Sanyogita’s heart fluttered violently in her chest , a whirlwind of awe , gratitude and guilt engulfed her .

She glanced at Prithvi, who gave her a small, reassuring smile. No words were needed —

The message was crystal clear: he was her partner, her protector, and her unwavering supporter.

**********

Pranali and Shanaya walked down the hallway, the faint echo of Sanyogita's last note still lingering behind them.

Pranali glanced sideways, curiosity twinkling in her eyes

“ Shanaya, “ she asked gently , “ why do you always taunt Sanyogita? I’ve noticed you don't exactly go easy on her . Is there any reason you have ?”

Shanaya slows down , flipping her iron silk hair dramatically as if preparing for a television interview. “ oh , so now you think I'm a sick Villain here, always ready to bite the gharki badi Bahu ! You're accusing me , haan bhabhi ? ”

Pranali raised her hands quickly " No, no ! I'm not accusing you , Shanaya. You got me wrong . I'm just asking what I see and what I realise!”

Shanaya stiffed like she was deeply wronged " Bhabhi, I already told you how Sanyogita misbehaved with me and Virkant that day at the party . Despite those humiliations , I didn't register a humiliation complaint against her , it's my goodness! “

Shanaya smirked , clasping her hands over her chest.

" Waise mera dil itna bhi bada bhi nahi ki iin zidi baatemeez baacho ko aar har waqt maaf karoodoon “ Her head nodded dramatically as she blinked frequently.

Pranali chuckled under breath. She nodded her head sideways on Shanaya’s dramatic nature.

She put her warm hand over Shanaya’s shoulder “ Shanaya, I know you. You speak bitterly sometimes , but your heart is clean . Jo hua , forget that as a bad incident. Sanyogita is like your daughter too . And if you two keep this…cold war it will only get –

Before she could finish , Shanaya rolled her eyes melodramatically " Fine, fine ! But if she crosses the line again – I swear —I’ll pull her ear like this –

Shanaya demonstrated, twisting an imaginary ear in the air like a strict PT teacher – “ and I'll make her do 50 uttak - baithak !”

Pranali burst into laughter, clutching her stomach “ Shanaya! You'll treat her like a school kid ?"

“ Oh please, " Shanaya let out , putting hands on her hips. “ Ye naye generation ke bachche – thoda discipline zaroori hai! Warna ulta humko hi uthak - baithak karana pad jaayenge !”

Pranali raised a brow teasingly.

“And if Prithvi sees you doing this?”

Shanaya froze for a moment… then quickly waved her hand like nothing could faze her. “Arre woh..woh kya karega ..mein uski Mami hoon .. Usko daara dhamka dunki aur boldungi … ‘beta, you watch the business, and I’ll handle your wife”

Both women laughed together, their giggles echoing down the hallway.

Pranali glanced at Shanaya with a curious smile. “Toh Shanaya, Sanyogita ka gaana kaisa laga?”

Shanaya smirked, folding her arms like a general giving a war report. “Hmm… achha tha. Waise naachti bhi kaafi acha hai ..usdin Soumya ko sikha rahi thi uske school ke cultural function ke liye . Wakai talent toh hai is ladki mein ..”

Pranali raised her eyebrows, nodding slowly in disbelief. “Shanaya… tum bhi abhi tak bachi ho! Agar Sanyo ka gaana itna pasand aaya, aur uska dance bhi , toh itna sonya kyun? Thodi taarif toh kar sakti thi bacchi ki !” She laughed, nudging Shanaya playfully.

Shanaya gave her a half-sincere, half-dramatic glare. “Arre bhabhi… taarif” she smirked " I'm a professional critic hoon… aur professional critic kabhi openly praise nahi karti. They do internal applause !”

Shanaya's expression turned dramatic , blinking her eyes frequently..

Pranali shook her head, grinning at Shanaya’s antics.

Meanwhile, hidden behind the slightly ajar hallway door, Sanyogita couldn’t help herself. A soft, amused smile spread across her cheeks. She heard every word — the praise disguised in mock criticism, the playful banter and her heart fluttered in a warm, cozy way.

Maybe Shanaya wasn’t the villain at all.

Maybe she was just the dramatic, loud, big-hearted chachi who loved her family… just in her own ulta-pulta way.

Prithvi who was standing beside her quietly, noticed the subtle smile dancing at her lips.

His amber eyes softened ever out of curiosity he asked . “Notice something?” he asked, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

Sanyogita turned to him, teasing. “What…? “

He raised a brow. “Sure, little fox. That smile…you were definitely eavesdropping.”

Sanyogita's face flush, she rolled her eyes and pretended not to reply instead.

Prithvi’s expression turned serious again, “Sanjh… Shanaya Aunty is… guarded. She’ll never show her soft side openly. If she smiles or praises, it’s because she truly means it but don’t expect her to admit it easily.”

Sanyogita laughed, nudging him lightly. “Viraj… kya yahan sab log bas yase hai hai , pretend villain nominees? Everyone carried their own dramatic screen guard!”

Prithvi’s lips curved into a rare, amused grin. “Kyun… main hoon na.. bilkul authentic…Person!”

Sanyogita tilted her head, narrowing her eyes while giggling. “Kya aap ? No …Aap toh… Kharate Singhaniya hain ?”

He chuckled, unable to resist. Their laughter mingled, soft and genuine, filling the hallway with warmth.

For a moment, the world shrank to just the two of them .