Ekanshâs eyes locked on Samyuktika as he ended his phone call, his expression unreadable. She hesitated, her hands fidgeting, before finally speaking up. "Iâm sorry," she said, her voice quiet but sincere. "I misunderstood you. But your actions... they made me feel like I wasnât your wife, like you were more invested in your best friend than me."
Ekansh crossed his arms, his jaw tense. "So, thatâs what you think? That I was ignoring you on purpose?" His tone was controlled, but Samyuktika could sense the frustration underneath.
"I justâ" she started, but he cut her off.
"You wanted attention, right?" Ekansh's voice had a sharp edge to it. "Fine. Let me give you that attention." With deliberate steps, he closed the distance between them, his eyes never leaving hers.
Samyuktika's breath hitched as he came closer, the intensity between them suffocating the space.
Ekansh's gaze darkened as he closed the distance between them, his frustration palpable. Without warning, he reached out and pulled Samyuktika sharply by her waist, bringing her flush against him. His grip was firm, sending a jolt through her body.
"You wanted attention, right?" he whispered, his breath warm against her skin. "Is this what you were looking for?" His voice was low, a mix of challenge and something deeper as he held her close, their faces mere inches apart.
Samyuktikaâs heart raced, caught off guard by his sudden closeness, her breath coming in short gasps. She could feel the intensity in his touch, the heat radiating from him, but the tension between them only seemed to grow.
Without another word, Ekansh leaned in, pressing his lips against hers with a sudden urgency. Samyuktikaâs eyes widened in shock, her body tensing as she processed what was happening. His kiss was unexpected, almost as if he were teasing her, challenging her with his actions.
When he realized she wasnât responding, her lips unmoving beneath his, Ekansh hesitated, ready to pull away. But just as he began to retreat, Samyuktika's hands instinctively reached up, gripping his nape tightly, pulling him closer to her.
The tension in the air shifted as she deepened the kiss, drawing him in with an intensity that matched his. Her response was sudden, raw, and filled with emotions she had been holding back, leaving Ekansh momentarily stunned.
The moment their lips met, it was as if the world around them vanished. The kiss was raw, intense, and fueled by an undeniable passion that had been building between them for what felt like an eternity. His hands gently cupped her face, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver down her spine. Taraâs breath hitched as Ruhaan's lips moved against hers with a fiery urgency, as though he was trying to pour every unspoken word, every hidden feeling, into that single kiss.
The air between them crackled with electric tension, and she felt her heart race, each beat echoing in her chest like thunder. Taraâs fingers found their way to the back of his neck, threading through his hair, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss. The taste of him was intoxicating, making her forget every thought of resistance, every reason why this moment shouldnât have happened.
Time seemed to stretch as their bodies pressed against each other, caught in the magnetic pull of desire.
After about five intense minutes, they finally pulled away, their breaths heavy and the air between them thick with the remnants of their shared passion. Samyuktika, still feeling the lingering heat from the kiss, suddenly became aware of her flushed cheeks and racing heart. A wave of shyness overtook her, and she instinctively lowered her gaze, unable to meet his eyes. Her usual confidence seemed to falter, leaving her vulnerable and exposed in a way she hadnât felt before.
He smirked, leaning in closer, his voice low and teasing. "Youâre already exhausted from just a kiss," he murmured, his breath brushing against her ear. "What will happen if we go beyond this?" His tone held a playful edge, but the heat in his eyes sent a shiver through her. Samyuktikaâs cheeks flushed even deeper as she looked away, embarrassed yet unable to hide the flutter in her chest. His teasing left her both flustered and intrigued, the weight of his words lingering between them.
Samyuktika's cheeks burned with a mix of embarrassment and flustered excitement. She quickly shoved him playfully, her voice barely concealing her nervousness. "Shut up," she muttered, refusing to meet his gaze, though the small smile tugging at her lips betrayed her. His teasing had rattled her, but she wasnât going to let him see just how much he affected her.
Flustered and feeling the weight of the moment, Samyuktika quickly crossed her arms, trying to regain her composure. âIâm sleepy,â she mumbled, faking a yawn to avoid his gaze. âSo just let me sleep.â Her voice carried a hint of defiance, but deep down, she hoped he wouldnât push her further. She turned away, pulling the covers up to her chin, trying to hide her reddened face, though her heart was still racing from his teasing words.
Samyuktika lay on the bed, her mind wandering back to the day they had just gotten married. The memory was as vivid as if it had just happened. She recalled standing next to him, the heavy silence between them after the rituals were over. It was the moment when he had walked away, indifferent, leaving her standing alone. Their gathbandhanâthe sacred knot that symbolized their unionâhad caught in the flames. Panic had seized the priest, who quickly declared it a sign of misfortune, a bad omen for their marriage. In that split second, without thinking twice, Samyuktika had rushed forward, her hands burning as she yanked the knot away from the fire. Pain seared through her palms, but she didnât care. She had saved the gathbandhan, desperate to save what it represented, even if their marriage felt hollow at the time.
After the wedding, they had drifted further apart. The distance between them wasnât just physicalâit was emotional. They could barely tolerate each otherâs presence, always finding reasons to avoid one another. Every interaction was strained, and resentment had filled the air between them. She had convinced herself that she didn't need his company, that the coldness between them was mutual. But as time passed, something had shifted.
Now, every time he was near her, her heart betrayed her. It beat faster, her chest tightening with emotions she hadnât allowed herself to feel before. His presence, which once left her indifferent, now stirred something deep within her. And it wasnât just that. Every time another woman smiled at him or stood too close, a bitter jealousy surged inside her. She hated the way her chest tightened, hated how possessive she felt. She would catch herself watching him, wondering how things had changed so drastically.