Ekansh stirred awake, instinctively reaching out for Samyuktika, but all he found was the cold pillow beside him. He groaned softly, the emptiness in the bed serving as a stark reminder of the distance growing between them. It bothered him more than he cared to admit.
Pushing those thoughts aside, he got up and headed to the bathroom, determined to make this day different. After a quick shower, he stood in front of the mirror, slipping into his usual formal attire-a crisp white shirt paired with a tailored charcoal suit. The fit was perfect, the look mature and commanding. He adjusted his tie, running his hand through his slightly damp hair, and glanced at his reflection. Even he couldn't deny that he looked sharp-hot, even-but there was only one person whose opinion mattered.
He grabbed his watch and phone, glancing at the empty room once more before heading out. Today, he would make things right.
Just as Ekansh was about to leave the room, he collided with someone in the hallway. He instinctively reached out, his hand wrapping around her waist, preventing her from falling. Their bodies were close, and as he steadied her, his eyes met hers.
It was Samyuktika.
For a moment, the world seemed to pause. Her wide eyes stared into his, filled with an intensity that always left him breathless. Neither of them spoke, the tension between them crackling in the air. He could feel the softness of her waist beneath his hand, and he hated how even in the middle of their unspoken issues, her presence still ignited something within him.
Samyuktika's breath hitched as she realized how close they were. She never missed a chance to challenge him, and he never let her go without making her heart race. This was their dynamic, the push and pull that kept them on edge. But this time, the moment wasn't just charged-it was laced with unresolved emotions, words they hadn't yet spoken.
For a second, they stayed locked in each other's gaze, neither willing to step back. It was as if neither wanted to break this fragile connection, despite everything else that lingered between them.
Samyuktika's heart raced as she remained locked in Ekansh's grip. His eyes, dark and intense, held her captive, and for a moment, she felt her resolve wavering. But when he didn't release her, the silence stretching between them, she grew more aware of their closeness.
She cleared her throat softly, hoping to break the moment. "Ahem," she coughed, her eyes flicking away from his in a nervous attempt to regain composure.
Ekansh blinked, as if pulled out of a trance. His grip on her waist loosened, though he still held her firmly, reluctant to let go. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, his gaze teasing. "Sorry, I didn't realize I was holding onto you so tightly."
Samyuktika rolled her eyes, stepping back once he finally released her. "I noticed," she replied, her tone sharper than she intended, though the warmth in her cheeks betrayed her cool demeanor.
Despite the tension between them, their chemistry was undeniable. Even in moments like this, it was as if they couldn't resist pulling each other back into their orbit.
"Good morning," they both said in unison, their voices softer than usual. Samyuktika's eyes instinctively traveled to Ekansh's tie, and she stifled a smile. As expected, it was already slightly crooked.
"I was coming for this," she remarked with a teasing glint in her eyes. "I knew you can never wear your tie properly."
Without waiting for a reply, she reached out to adjust it, her fingers deftly undoing the mess and retying it with practiced ease. As she focused on straightening the knot, Ekansh's gaze never left her. The proximity between them felt electric, and before he realized what he was doing, his hands found their way to her waist, pulling her closer.
Samyuktika, caught off guard, didn't immediately react. She was so engrossed in fixing his tie that she hadn't noticed the shift in the air between them. When she finally did, her heart raced wildly, thudding in her chest as though it were running a marathon. They were so close now, her hands brushing against his chest as she finished.
She hesitated for a second, her breath catching, and tried to move away. But Ekansh tightened his grip on her waist, his hold firm yet gentle, refusing to let her go. He brought a hand up, delicately removing the stray hair that had fallen across her face, his fingertips grazing her skin. "This was ruining my view," he murmured, his voice deep and laced with something that made her pulse quicken.
Samyuktika's breath hitched as she felt the warmth of his hand, her heart now pounding in her ears. Being this close to him, with his intense eyes locked on hers, made her feel as though the world had shrunk to just the two of them.
Ekansh's eyes lingered on her for a moment longer before a soft smile tugged at his lips. "You're looking absolutely gorgeous, by the way," he said, his voice low, laced with admiration.
Samyuktika felt a slight blush creep up her cheeks at the compliment, but she quickly masked it with a teasing tone. "If I'm here, then who's cooking breakfast?" he asked, his brow raised in confusion.
She rolled her eyes, the sarcasm dripping from her words. "Oh, don't worry. Your best friend Naira wants to cook breakfast for her best friend Ekansh," she replied with a forced smile, crossing her arms as she looked at him, clearly emphasizing the connection between the two with an edge in her voice.
Ekansh's smile faltered slightly at her sarcasm, realizing that she was still hurt. The tension that had momentarily softened between them returned, and he could sense the jealousy behind her words.
Ekansh raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk forming on his lips. "Someone's a little jealous," he teased, leaning in slightly as he gauged her reaction.
Samyuktika's eyes widened in disbelief, a mix of frustration and surprise washing over her. "Jealous? Me?" She shook her head, trying to maintain her composure. "I'm just stating facts. It's not my fault that your best friend has taken over the kitchen."
He chuckled softly, enjoying the banter. "It's just breakfast, Samyuktika. You know how she is-always trying to impress. But I can't help but notice that you're acting a bit possessive."
"Possessive?" she echoed, her tone incredulous. "I'm not possessive. I just think it's ridiculous that she's making breakfast for you when you can't even tie your own tie properly."
"Touché," he replied, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "But I'd rather have you in the kitchen than her any day."
Samyuktika felt a warmth in her chest at his words, but she quickly masked it with a feigned scowl. "Well, if that's the case, you better get ready for a breakfast made by me."
"Now that's a deal I can't pass up," Ekansh said, his smile broadening as he watched her face soften, the playful tension between them lifting slightly.