Part 1 : Loved ones

The front door clicked open gently.

Armaan comes home from work late, still in his suit. He takes off his coat with a sigh and looks around for his wife.

"Love, I'm home!" He smiled slightly and was feeling too tired.

He turned sideways and found his dear wife, Shilpa sitting on the couch frowning while holding a book. As always...Armaan thought while shaking his head, smiling slowly.

Shilpa looked up from her book, hearing his voice. Her eyes lit up on seeing him.

Armaan's tired face instantly lights up the second he sees her. Without hesitation, he strides across the hall and gently takes away her book while pulling Shilpa into a tight embrace, his strong arms wrapping around her body, as he sat down on the couch holding her.

He kisses her forehead deeply before leaning down to peck her lips in a loving kiss which was soft at first, then lingered with a slight longing. When he finally pulls back just a little, his eyes search for hers.

"Missed you so damn much." he murmurs hoarsely, holding her tighter.

Shilpa rolled her eyes with mock-sterness at his words. "You and your never ending drama...you were away for just 10 hours!"

He let out a slight groan. "C'mon, it was too long for me. And by the way where's Nikki?"

"It's already past 10 pm na..she is soundly asleep." Shilpa pointed towards Nikki's room.

Armaan nodded in understanding, leaning his head on her shoulder.

A beat passed, then-

Shilpa nudged him away slightly, teasing. "Go away! You are so stinky!" She further pinched her nose for full effect.

His head shot up from her shoulder as he immediately narrowed his eyes. Accha...that's how she wants to play?

Before Shilpa could tease him more, he scoops her up easily in bridal-style and starts marching towards their room like a man on mission.

A squeak in surprise escaped her as she felt the ground beneath her disappear and she held onto him for her dear life.

She began punching his chest exasperated. "Put me down! What are you doing?!"

"You're right. Your stinky husband needs cleaning." He grins down at her mischievously. "And lucky for me… my beautiful wife is going to help."

Shilpa whined in a playful protest.

Armaan only laughs harder, tightening his grip on her as he takes the stairs two at a time, her flailing legs and playful swats doing absolutely nothing to stop him. He's built like a damn brick wall, and he was absolutely loving this banter.

In no time, he reached upstairs.

He pushes open the bedroom door with his foot, walking towards the bathroom and then gently but firmly, he sets her down on the counter beside the sink then starts unbuttoning his crisp white dress shirt right in front of her.

Shilpa jumped off the counter quickly and dashed to the bathroom door. "I won't give you any company...remain by yourself."

Before he could chase her down, she stuck out her tongue at him and escaped.

He left a out huffed laugh and gave up.

Soon, sound of water flow came from inside.

~

Shilpa began arranging the bed to sleep. She stretched out her stiff muscles and flopped on the bed covering herself with the warm comforter.

From time to time, her eyes darted towards the closed bathroom door.

Only a few minutes had passed but it seemed like an eternity to her.

~

She quickly shut her eyes when she heard the shower go off.

Armaan let out a chuckle as soon as he got out and his eyes landed on her figure, watching knowingly. She was sleeping already or was obviously pretending to be.

He followed at his usual steady pace, towel still loosely tied around his hips. He changed into comfortable pajamas before joining her in the bed. When he reached the edge, he sat down, then stretched out beside her with a contented sigh.

The room was now dark except for the soft moonlight which was filtering through the open window, casting a quiet glow inside the room. He turned to face her.

Without saying anything, he gently nudged her and opened his arms wide.

An unspoken 'Come here' which was absolutely needed. A husband calling for his wife into cuddle mode after a long day.

Shilpa cracked open an eye and immediately rolled towards him on seeing his inviting arms.

Because of course..who could resist him?

Armaan smiled against her hair, his chest rising and falling in deep, even breaths.

"It's so nice..." Shilpa murmured sleepily against him.

"Mmm," he hummed in agreement without any loud words.

Because yeah. This was everything.

Her weight on him felt like the most natural thing in the world. His fingertips continued their lazy dance along her back, tracing patterns no one else would understand, a soothing touch in a language only they two would understand.

The room grew warmer, not from blankets or heat but from pure affection.

After a few moments of silence, sleep engulfed both of them slowly.

This was everything...a home which can defeat even the strongest house.

___________________________________

That's it for the first part let me know how it was...