It had been a week since Abhay had come home and drastically changed their relationship dynamics. It was the most exciting time of her life, and she never expected to be where she was. She was constantly smiling like a fool thinking about all the naughty things they did together without going all the way. She wanted to be with him all the time—she wanted to be part of his every waking moment to talk to him and listen to him.

It was an unspoken pact they would enjoy each other until they feel the need to consummate their marriage. She liked the fact they were taking it slow. After he showed her the ways a man and woman could please each other, she had become an addict. She felt like a teenager wanting to explore her sexuality.

They could not keep their hands off each other, but they had their own set of priorities. The only time they had common goals was when Abhay returned home each night until the morning.

Anika stirred when she heard the alarm go off. Slowly, she fluttered her eyes open when she heard a groan rumbling under her.

She was sprawled naked over her husband with her cheek against his chest. Tightening her hold on him, she took in his musky scent that was a combination of an expensive cologne and their passion from last night.

She stretched like a cat when Abhay's large hand started to move over her bare butt in smooth strokes indicating his wakefulness.

“Let's stay in longer this morning,” she purred, burrowing into his neck.

Abhay chuckled.

“Please,” she begged.

“No excuses,” he rumbled out.

“But it's chilly outside, and this feels so good.” She tightened her hold on him.

He was quiet, while he continued to stroke her back.

“Why do we have to go each and every morning?” She burrowed even deeper as she hugged him.

At her slightly whiny tone, there was another amused chuckle.

She raised her head to look at him. Slowly, she smiled, putting on what she termed inside her head as her sultry expression. “You know what we can do if we stay in?” she asked, rubbing her lower body over his morning arousal.

She saw his heated look and smiled. “Imagine doing that until it's time for the clinic to open.”

His hands tightened on her hips and pulled her closer, making them both groan in pleasure. But the words that came from his mouth were completely contrary. “It's five fifteen, Dr. Singham. We need to be out in another fifteen minutes, so either hurry up and get ready, or I'll drag you as you are.”

Anika glared at him before rolling away. “Dominating, controlling, infuriating, taskmaster,” she grumbled as she stood shivering next to the bed.

She saw an amused smile on his face, and she smiled back as she began to get ready.

Ten minutes later, they rode towards the range.

Anika was standing with her legs slightly apart, with one eye closed and the other focused on her target.

“Shoot!” At Abhay's instruction, she pulled the trigger, and there was a loud noise.

This time she only recoiled back slightly. During her first practice, she fell on her ass, and it smarted for a couple of days.

“Not too bad,” he said as he watched the target.

Anika grinned. “You mean, at least it hit the target's knees even though you were asking me to aim for the head?”

Abhay had a flash of amusement in his eyes before snapping back to his serious taskmaster mode. “All right, I need you to stay focused on the target. This time, I'm going to give you a smaller gun. Ten more rounds and we can be done for the day.”

Anika groaned internally as she continued to follow his instructions. After the attack on Sonu and Meena, Abhay was taking additional precautions when it came to the security of the people living within the Singham lands.

He wanted everyone to carry a weapon and since most of them learned how to shoot a gun as children, his focus fell on Anika. As soon he had returned from his trip, the next morning he had dragged her to the shooting range, before even the sun rose, to teach her how to defend herself.

During their private moments, Abhay was hot and sexy while being playful on rare occasions. But when it came to her security, and things like—her learning how to shoot—he was dead serious. He pushed her again and again, until she met his expectations.

“That's much better,” he said, when she hit the target in the middle.

“Do I get a prize?” she asked.

“Ask me anything, and I'll have it delivered in no time.”

She laughed. “No. Not that kind of prize. The prize I want is to be able to spend an entire day with you.”

He watched her while he contemplated. “Done. How about tomorrow? I'll push my appointments.”

Anika was excited. “Really? I'll check whether Dr. Rao can handle the appointments I have.”

Thirty minutes later as they stepped out of the shower and were getting ready for their day, she asked him. “Can we go on some kind of picnic within the estate grounds?”

“The orchard,” came an immediate reply. “You'll enjoy it there, but it might require us to take additional security along.”

“Oh.” She felt disappointed. She was hoping for a more private place. “I think spending our time within the house is fine.”

He watched her and then contemplated something before he answered. “There is another place that is relatively more private and also secure. The Singham lake house. Let's go there.”

 

*****

 

“You are pregnant,” Anika announced to a visibly shocked woman.

The woman had come to the clinic with the complaint that she could have possibly been suffering from food poisoning.

“You are a goddess, and you definitely being here is a blessing, and will lift the curse. I never thought I would be a mother. I have been trying to conceive for the past ten years with no luck.”

Anika smiled at the woman. “I haven't done anything except for announcing the news.”

“I can’t wait to tell my husband. I’m sure he will want to thank you personally.” The woman beamed.

“That’s not necessary, and I am also close to wrapping up here. You are my last patient for the day.”

“I will ask Ravi to come by when he gets back. He went with Abhay today,” the woman stated.

Anika realized the woman was the wife of one of Abhay’s trusted men who had returned after the incident at the barn. Ravi was her bodyguard appointed by Abhay her hospital debacle. “Congrats again to you and Ravi.”

The setup of the clinic was getting bigger and bigger day by day. Anika had the important equipment like the ultrasound machine moved to the clinic from the hospital.

Dr. Rao also offered to expand his hours to look after the patients. Abhay was still actively working on hiring more doctors so that the Arundhati Mansion will once again be a running hospital. Meantime, Anika had suggested he hire a few more doctors who were willing to offer video consultation.

After seeing the woman out, she went to the kitchen and spoke with the cooks about packing some ingredients for the picnic the next day.

“Where are you and Abhay going?” Malini asked, looking visibly excited.

Anika smiled. “To the Singham Lakehouse,” she answered.

There was a sudden shift in the atmosphere. Everyone froze visibly.

“Abhay is taking you to the Singham lakehouse?” Malini asked.

This time, Anika didn't smile. “Yes. What's wrong?”

There were few more moments of silence before everyone burst into cheers and began clapping and jumping excitedly.

“What? Tell me what is it?” Anika asked.

Most of them exchanged glances eager and wanting to tell her.

“We can't. We are not allowed to talk about the family. Ask Abhay,” said one of the women.

Anika didn't push the women to tell her. She knew that even though Abhay was softening towards her, he was not the kind to allow anyone within his household to break an explicit rule. “Okay, I'll ask him tomorrow,” she said, smiling at them.

That evening, she spent some more time at the library working on the computer and also going through a few books. She was interrupted when Abhay scooped her up from the sofa at the library to carry her into their room where their dinner was waiting.