I certainly didn't expect a lot of love on the teaser. Thank you, guys. Here is an update as promised! Do comment and that will encourage me to write more :)

Note : 

The gondola is a traditional, flat-bottomed Venetian rowing boat, well suited to the conditions of the Venetian lagoon.

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"You look stunning, baby girl," Siddharth whispered into her ear as she observed herself in the mirror. Wearing a navy blue designer piece, she indeed appeared ravishing. He hugged her by the waist from behind while she wore her earrings.

"You don't look bad yourself, hubby," Avni winked, turning towards him and pinching his cheeks. He appeared just as ravishing in a navy blue shirt and black suit.

"You can judge my looks once we enter the party," Siddharth smirked, challenging her. Avni shrugged, not understanding his tease.

"Wear flats," Siddharth advised sternly while Avni looked for matching footwear.

"I have plenty of heels," She pouted, checking out her Louboutins.

"You're not used to them. Remember the last time you almost skid?"

"You caught me in time. Moreover, I'll look like a dwarf next to you," She pestered.

"Better behave, baby girl," Siddharth warned, grabbing a pair of flats.

"No. I want heels." Avni declared, grabbing a silver pair of Louboutins.

"Your wish," Siddharth agreed, sighing in annoyance at her stubbornness. His wife can be too childish and stubborn at times. Arguing with her would lead the discussion nowhere, and they're already running half an hour late.

"Be careful," He mumbled, looking straight into her eyes. His thumb automatically ended up rubbing over her cheek.

"I will," Avni assured, giving him a peck on the cheek.

--

"There are numerous reporters and cameramen," Siddharth sighed in disappointment as they reached the party venue. "No pictures and questions," He instructed the guard through the phone.

Avni gasped in surprise as the world around stilled for a moment. Everyone's eyes were on Siddharth once he got down from the black limousine, and they forgot what they were doing.

Avni's eyes grew round as she observed her surroundings. There wasn't a single person who hadn't noticed Siddharth. Women were publicly drooling over his looks while men stood still, disturbed by his powerful aura.

"Shall we, baby girl?" Siddharth opened the door for her and forwarded his hand. "Baby girl," He called, bringing her out of her trance.

Avni took his hand and balanced herself. She started taking slow steps, holding his hand firm.

"Are you really THE Siddharth Malhotra?" Avni whispered into his ear, biting her nails.

"What?" Siddharth chuckled, taken aback by her question. "Just because your nails finally grew a tad bit doesn't mean you have to bite," He laughed quietly, moving her fingers away.

"That's because I'm not in a super confused state these days," Avni stated as a matter of fact. "I know you're my husband. It's easy. The moment I look into your eyes, you're just the man I love with all my heart," She babbled, making her points.

"What happened?" She looked behind, noticing Siddharth had suddenly stopped. He looked expressionless, but she knew better. He appeared calm, but his eyes told a whole different story.

"Continue, baby girl," Siddharth smiled, controlling his emotions. Alas! They're in the middle of a party. He would've done unimaginable crazy things had it been a quiet place. The words he had been dying to hear are finally on her lips, and his baby girl is yet to realize what she blurted out.

"But, I still can't digest that you're THE Siddharth Malhotra, the world's most powerful and influential industrialist. I mean, like people would kill to spend a moment with you," Avni continued, unaware of the volcano she created in his heart.

"Lucky for me, I am both," Siddharth smiled, leading her inside. Everyone greeted them as they walked hand in hand.

"Grandpa," Avni wrapped her arms around Henry as soon as she spotted him. Henry excused himself from a bunch of people, caressing her.

"You look absolutely stunning, sweetheart!" Henry complimented and turned to Siddharth. "Glad to see you, young man," He greeted.

"Pleasure all mine, Mr. Williams. Congratulations on your inspiring accomplishments throughout your career, and Happy retirement," Siddharth greeted, shaking hands with Henry.

"Don't be so formal. Call me Henry," He smiled, adding, "I am glad you found my journey inspiring."

"Sneaking out for chocolates at night is definitely inspiring. Isn't it, Grandpa?" Avni teased.

"Only you can say that to Henry and get away with it," Siddharth held Avni's ear, taming his little kitten.

"Domestic violence, Grandpa," Avni shrieked, faking pain.

"It's indeed interesting to handle my little girl," Henry chuckled, patting Siddharth's shoulder in praise.

"She's super naughty yet fun," Siddharth agreed, pulling Avni closer by the waist.

"Happy retirement, Grandpa!" Avni forwarded a bunch of homemade sugar-free chocolates, earning a thousand-watt smile from Henry.

"Best gift, sweetheart," He eagerly opened the box and popped a chocolate into his mouth. They later gifted him his dream car - Lamborghini.

Avni excused herself after a while, letting the duo discuss business, and moved towards the bar. "Orange martini mocktail, please," She ordered, sitting across the bar counter.

"SM's wife is a dork. No wonder he doesn't show her off," She heard voices from behind, and her ears automatically tuned in.

"He's so ashamed of her that he denied pictures and interview. That dork paired a gold chain with an off-shoulder dress," Someone else laughed off.

"Such a pity, indeed!"

"I don't see why a smart man like SM married a dork like her. I just don't see the connection."

"SM must've married her out of compulsion. We all know it's an arranged marriage!"

"SM must be sleeping around to satisfy himself," Avni could no longer tolerate it and was about to leave when a lady rushed towards her and stood in front.

"Hey girls," She called the women that gossiped about Avni a few moments ago. "Here's the dork," She laughed, eyeing Avni from top to bottom. A group of five immediately appeared near her.

"I was about to leave since every one of you is drunk. But, now that you've invited the trouble yourselves let's have some fun." Avni started off, taking in a deep breath.

"There's no doubt that my husband, SM as you call him, is a brilliant man, and that's the very reason he settled with me. I am mature enough to not gossip behind one's back and waste my time. I would rather invest that time in my husband and make him happy, the importance of which you ladies will never understand." She smirked, crossing her legs.

"Coming to fashion, it's all about confidence, and I wear mine well. I don't give a damn about what others think," She continued, sipping her mocktail.

"Moreover, My husband is not ashamed of me. He considers me a delicate treasure and wouldn't do a single thing to make me uncomfortable. There's no doubt he loves me," Avni finished, placing the glass on the counter.

"Come on, girl! It's all in your head. He would never love a dork like you," One of them mocked.

"Let me show you," A lady in red challenged. She pulled her dress down, showing off her boobs. She barely left anything to the imagination with her thigh-high slit dress. The woman had a figure to die for and was no less than a supermodel.

Avni sucked in a deep breath as the lady joined the group of men in discussion with Siddharth. She believed in her husband, but he was a man at the end of the day. She kept biting her nails in nervousness.

It's been a few minutes since the lady joined them, but Siddharth was indifferent to her subtle advances. He clearly ignored her and continued the discussion.

"What is this man made of!" The lady stomped her foot, coming back to the group.

"That doesn't mean he loves you. SM never paid attention to ladies," She warned as Avni giggled, pitying her.

"What the hell, man! How dare you interrupt!" A man from the group yelled at a waiter who offered them drinks. Everyone was taken aback by the sudden seriousness.

"Alright! We will believe you if you can disturb SM now. It's simple. Go to him and say you feel bored. If he doesn't yell, we'll believe," The ladies made a deal. Siddharth is amidst a crucial discussion, and anyone who disturbs him now will face severe consequences.

"Interesting challenge," Avni smirked, getting up. She appeared confident but was shivering inside. She knew how Siddharth was very particular about his work. Slowly and timidly, she approached him from behind and stood there momentarily.

Avni was about to call him, but he turned around in the meanwhile, taking her by surprise. "Are you bored, baby girl?" He smiled, lovingly adjusting a few fringes falling over her face.

Avni grabbed a glass of mango juice from Siddharth's hands while he smiled at her childishness. "It tasted weird," She commented, chugging the drink in a go.

"Stay with me," He pulled her closer by the waist, inhaling her fragrance. He continued the discussion as if it was always uninterrupted. None dared to say a word as she hid her face in his chest and moved closer to him. He wrapped his hands around her protectively and spoke for another few minutes.

"Let's continue this discussion later, gentlemen. I would like to take my wife for a dance," He excused himself.

"You really love me," Avni gasped, noticing the dropped faces of the ladies who challenged her.

"Wow! Such a speed realization," Siddharth smirked, teasing her. He knew all about what happened among the ladies previously. He somehow got used to keeping an eye on her no matter what he did and made sure she was comfortable when they were outside.

Siddharth was about to approach Avni when the ladies surrounded her but stopped noticing her confidence. His little girl always excused herself in the past and would be upset over the matter. But, his wife has evolved. She learned to handle such situations and emerge in victory without taking words to heart. The purpose of having Scarlett as a PA indeed served well.

He is a public figure, and there will always be numerous women craving his attention. The way Avni answered back confirmed her trust in him, and his heart swelled in pride.

"All the women are drooling over you," Avni pouted, hitting his chest.

"I have my eyes only for you, baby girl," He declared, forwarding his hand for a dance. "Shall we?"

"Always a yes, hubby," Avni giggled, taking his hand.

Siddharth led her towards a dimly lit, quiet corner. She wrapped her arms around his neck and started swaying to the light music while he supported her.

Avni looked around, noticing the couples in romantic positions. She twirled, enjoying herself.

Avni came crashing onto his chest as he pulled her closer in a blink. Resting his hands on her waist, he pulled her into a slow sensual kiss. It felt like an eternity since they last kissed, and she was drawn to him like a moth to a flame.

He tasted like lemon and mint, the flavor she slowly learned to love. She pulled him closer, ruffling his hair and loving the feeling of his silky strands in her palm.

"Siddharth," Avni moaned, feeling his warm breath over her neck. The off-shoulder gown gave him full access to carry on with his ministrations. He didn't feel the need to control himself anymore.

The song continued playing, and everyone was engrossed in their partner.

"You're mine," Avni stated, arching her neck sideways.

"All yours, baby girl," Siddharth smirked, moving his hands upwards from her waist.

"Are we moving from romantic to hot love?" Avni giggled, encouraging him.

"We sure are," Siddharth agreed, pulling her into another kiss.

The song came to a halt, and everyone returned to their chairs.

"Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. It's a pleasure hosting each of you," Henry began, addressing the guests and continuing his speech.

"I am tired. When do we leave?" Avni nudged Siddharth once the speech ended.

"Stay safe and take care, Grandpa," Avni wished, hugging Henry.

"Here's a small gift, sweetheart," Henry forwarded a box and asked them to open it. Avni's eyes glinted as the box revealed a pair of diamond rings.

"They're lovely," Siddharth thanked Henry, and they exited the party.

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"It's beautiful," Avni gasped, taking in the view of The Grand Canal of Venice. Lights scattered by the tall magnificent buildings are reflected by water, and the place looks no less than a miracle.

Avni frowned in disappointment as she struggled to enter the gondola in heels. Tossing her heels into a bin, she looked at Siddharth for help.

"Here you go," Siddharth chuckled, handing her a bag of spare sneakers. As the gondola moved, Siddharth pulled her into his lap while she admired the view. 

The night, silence, dim yet beautiful lighting, and frigid climate set a romantic mood. Siddharth covered her with his coat as she shivered. 

"You are handsome, hubby. I can look at you all day long," Avni giggled, resting her palm on his cheek.

"What brings it on?" Siddharth lifted his brow in surprise but loved her compliment nevertheless. It's always a pleasure to hear such words from his wife.

"You have nice abs. I drool over you every day after you bathe," Avni giggled more, spilling her little secret.

"What else?" Siddharth smirked, paying utmost attention. She probably had a drink unknowingly, and he would take full advantage of it.

"But I never got to touch you," She whined, lips forming a cute pout. It's no surprise that she felt this way. He enjoyed her watching him and would leisurely dress up just to give her enough time.

"You want to?" He asked, holding his breath. His girl is indeed making things difficult for him.

"I want so much more, but I'm afraid," Avni batted her lashes in pure innocence. He would treasure the innocent look on her face for a lifetime.

"Why, baby girl? You know I love you," He asked, looking straight into her hazel-blue orbs.

"You do, but I'm afraid you don't find me attractive. You must've seen more beautiful women, and I am nothing like them," Avni explained her worries, leaning onto him and playing with the buttons of his shirt.

"I love you, baby girl," Siddharth declared, taking her face into his hands and looking into her eyes. 

"No woman could ever make my heart beat for her like it's beating for you," Siddharth placed her palm above his heart.

"My heart beats rapidly when you're near, and I crave to be closer to you every single moment," He explained.

"To be bolder, there were numerous nights I couldn't sleep. I couldn't hold myself from imagining how it is to make love to you," He spoke in a husky voice, adjusting the few fringes falling onto her face. Her cheeks flushed, and she blinked twice before a small smile crept on her lips.

"Can't you feel my desire for you when we kiss? Don't you realize how hard it is for me to pull back and do nothing more?"

"So you find me attractive?" Avni asked, more as a confirmation. 

"You're making it super hard for me to not rip your clothes apart and make love to you all night," He groaned, pulling her into a passionate kiss under the Rialto bridge.

They crossed the Rialto bridge, walking hand in hand. None spoke a word enjoying the silence. Their hearts had a language, and they didn't need words to convey their feelings.

Avni blushed frantically, waking up the next day. She couldn't help reminiscing about the previous night's conversation. It took her half a day to look him in the eye and be comfortable. Luckily, he didn't bring up the topic.

They spent the entire day visiting tourist spots in Venice. At night, Siddharth surprised her with an extended honeymoon to an unknown destination.

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Thanks for reading,

AishuPurple

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Your votes and comments encourage me to write. Thank you for taking time to vote and comment!

I did think of a thousand ways Avni could propose but wrote it randomly cause it fit the situation. Do you guys like?

Romantic to hot love :) xD

An extended honeymoon!! Excited?