Her anarkali
Now,
Here's the continuation:
Samyuktika held up her discharge papers, scanning the contents.
"Looks like I'm free to go," she said, folding the papers.
Ekansh nodded, his eyes on the road. "Let's get you home."Ekansh navigated the winding road, his eyes on the horizon.
Samyuktika broke the silence, "Why do you live in between the dense and the Forbidden forest?"
Ekansh's gaze remained on the road, "It's my family's ancestral property."
Samyuktika's curiosity piqued, "But why here, specifically? It's so isolated."
Ekansh's expression turned introspective, "My ancestors believed this land held power. They built the mansion as a symbol of strength and resilience."
Samyuktika raised an eyebrow, "Power? What kind of power?"
Ekansh's eyes flickered toward her, then back to the road, "Old stories, ancient legends. Some say this land amplifies one's inner energy."
Samyuktika's skepticism was palpable, "You believe that?"
Ekansh shrugged, "I believe in what I see. This land has a certain... aura."
Samyuktika gazed out the window, the dense forest looming ahead.
"You're not worried about the Forbidden forest?" she asked.
Ekansh's jaw clenched, "I can handle its secrets."
Samyuktika's eyes narrowed, sensing hidden truths.
"What secrets, Ekansh?" Ekansh's silence was his response.
They came home as she was going to her room. Samyuktika's eyes widened as Ekansh swept her into his arms, cradling her like a bride.
"Yeh kya kar rahe ho tum?" (What are you doing?) she demanded. Ekansh's gaze locked onto hers, his voice firm.
"Tum abhi puri tarah se theek nahi ho" (You're not fully recovered yet). "Toh tum mere saath hi rahogi iss room me" (So you'll stay with me in this room).
Samyuktika's cheeks flushed.
"Ekansh, this is ridiculous!" Ekansh shouldered open his bedroom door. "No arguments," he said. He deposited her onto his bed.
Samyuktika's eyes scanned the room. Intimacy lingered in every corner. "Ekansh, I can't stay here," she protested.
Ekansh's expression softened. "Need me to prove why?" His eyes sparkled with challenge. Samyuktika's heart skipped a beat. Was she ready for this?
Ekansh stepped closer, his voice low.
"Doctor's orders. You need rest and care."
Samyuktika's resolve wavered. "Fine. But just for tonight."
Ekansh's smile was triumphant. "I'll take what I can get. Also you are here till you will be okay."
She said,"No" but she gulped her saliva down after receiving a glare from him that was enough for her.
He began to unbutton his shirt. Samyuktika's eyes widened. "What are you doing now?"
Ekansh's grin was mischievous. "Getting comfortable." He slipped off his shirt, revealing chiseled abs.
Samyuktika's cheeks burned. "Ekansh, stop!" Ekansh chuckled. "Relax. I'm just getting ready for bed."
He slid into bed beside her. Samyuktika's tension was palpable. Ekansh's arm wrapped around her.
"Sleep," he whispered. His warmth enveloped her. Despite her reservations, Samyuktika's eyelids drooped.
As she drifted off, Ekansh's gentle hold lulled her into a peaceful slumber.
Samyuktika woke up, stretching her arms. The room was quiet, Ekansh nowhere to be seen.
She assumed he'd left for office. "Who sleeps like this, half-naked?" she muttered. "Such a ridiculous man." She shook her head, tossing off the covers.
As she swung her legs over the side of the bed, her foot brushed against Ekansh's discarded shirt. She picked it up, folding it neatly.
A faint scent of his cologne lingered. Samyuktika's cheeks flushed. She quickly put the shirt aside.
In the bathroom, she freshened up. While dressing, she noticed a note on the bedside table.
"Breakfast in the dining room. Don't leave the mansion." - E
Samyuktika raised an eyebrow. Who did he think he was, ordering her around?
But her stomach growled, reminding her of her hunger. She headed to the dining room.
The spread was lavish. Samyuktika served herself. As she ate, she pondered Ekansh's mysterious ways.
What secrets lay hidden behind those piercing eyes? And why did she feel drawn to him despite his arrogance
Samyuktika's thoughts drifted back to Ekansh's chiseled physique. Those well-toned abs, his broad, well-built chest...
She recalled how his shirt had clung to his muscles. A flutter rose in her chest.
"Irritating man," she muttered.
Why was she thinking about him like this? She pushed the thoughts away. But her mind betrayed her. Vivid images of Ekansh's bare torso resurfaced.
Samyuktika's cheeks warmed. She focused on her breakfast. Trying to distract herself.
But Ekansh's presence lingered. In every corner of the mansion. In every beat of her heart. Suddenly, her phone buzzed.
A text from an unknown number. "You're thinking about me, aren't you?" Samyuktika's eyes widened. How did he know?
Samyuktika's eyes rolled. "It's Ekansh," the text read.
She typed hastily. "Whatever you thought was wrong, okay? It's not like that." Ekansh's response came quickly. "Tell me if you need anything."
Samyuktika bristled. "You don't need to show your fake concern to me."
Ekansh's next text materialized. "It's not fake, Samyuktika. Just ensuring your well-being." Samyuktika scoffed. "Save it for someone who believes you."
Ekansh's silence was palpable. For a moment, Samyuktika wondered if she'd pushed too far.
Then, her resolve hardened. No weakness. Not around Ekansh. Just then, her phone buzzed again.
"My concern isn't fake, Samyuktika. Remember that." Samyuktika's lips compressed. The conversation was over.
She turned off her phone. And focused on her day. Free from Ekansh's unsettling presence.
Samyuktika surrendered.
"Chalo, waise bhi, ab tum itne force kar hi rahe ho, mujhe toh steam momos with teekhi chatni."
( Okay if you are forcing me so bring steam momos with spicy sauce.)
Ekansh's eyes sparkled. "Tumhari momos jaise tabiyat hai bhi."
( You aren't well for momos)
Samyuktika raised an eyebrow. "Toh poocha kyu tha?"
( Why did you ask them?)
Ekansh's grin was mischievous. "Kisi naate se biwi lagti ho meri, isliye."
( Because at some point you are my wife.)
Samyuktika's cheeks flushed. "Main tumhari biwi nahin hoon!"
( I am not your wife )
Ekansh chuckled. "Abhi tak toh ho, lekin bhavishya ka kuchh nahin keh sakta."
( For now you are, cannot say about future)
Samyuktika shook her head, "Tum bahut bure ho, Ekansh!"
(You are very bad)
Ekansh's expression softened. "Shayad, tumhare liye."
(Perhaps for you)
Their banter was interrupted by a knock.
"Momos aur teekhi chatni, mam," the servant announced.
( Momos and spicy sauce mam )