Chapter 19: Chapter 14: Kiss of Confidence

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Ananya

Over the past few days, Arjun has been taking care of me—more than usual. He's always attentive, but since I was on my period, his care intensified. It caught me off guard when he went out of his way to bring a variety of snacks I didn’t even know existed. On top of that, he stocked the fridge with an assortment of non-alcoholic drinks, simply because I once mentioned I didn’t have a favorite food but loved unique drinks.

My period ended yesterday, and today I’m finally ready to return to the office. Arjun, however, had insisted I take four days off, and while I appreciate his concern, I can’t help but wonder what my colleagues must be thinking. I’ll handle that later. Right now, my focus is on Arjun, who has just stepped out of our room, looking sharp and ready for work.

Before he can start another round of insisting that he’ll drive me to the office, I grab my bag and speak up.

“Bye, Arjun. See you at the office,” I say quickly, making my way to the door.

“Wait! Let me take you,” he says, his tone firm but gentle.

“No, I’m getting late. Bye!” I call over my shoulder, trying to sound resolute.

But then I hesitate. Something inside me stirs—a longing to bridge the emotional gap I’ve been carrying. I turn around and walk back to him. He was clearly confused. Standing on my tiptoes to kiss him lightly on the cheek. I hold onto his shoulders for balance, feeling the warmth of his skin against my lips.

“Bye, my husband,” I whisper softly, my voice trembling with shyness. “And… sorry about that day. Next time, it won’t happen.”

Before he can react, I step back, offer him a small, tentative smile, and dash out of the house, my heart pounding like a drum.

I flag down a taxi, sinking into the seat as heat rises to my cheeks. I can’t believe what I just did. I kissed him. On the cheek, yes, but still! And I called him my husband with a possessiveness I didn’t even realize I was capable of.

What’s happening to me?

It took every ounce of courage I had to take that small step toward him. I don’t want my past to hold me back anymore. I want to try—truly try—to connect with Arjun. He’s been nothing but considerate, caring, and loving, even though he claims he doesn’t believe in love.

If this is how he treats me without love, I can only wonder what it would feel like if he did love me.

For the first time in my life, I want to know how it feels to be truly loved by Arjun Malhotra.

As soon as I step into the office, I feel a mix of relief and nervousness. It’s my first day back after four days off, and the usual bustling energy of Aurum Dynamics greets me. My colleagues nod in acknowledgment, some offering polite smiles. I’m sure there’s gossip brewing about my sudden absence, but I’m determined to brush it off.

I head straight to my desk in the Project Management Department and settle in, but my thoughts keep drifting to Arjun. Did I catch him off guard with that kiss? Probably. The thought of his expression—confused yet endearing—brings a slight smile to my lips.

I’m just starting to go through my emails.

Not long after, I feel the air shift. A subtle change that makes the tiny hairs on my neck stand on end. I glance up, and there he is—Arjun Malhotra, the CEO of Aurum Dynamics. My boss. My… husband.

He stands a few steps away, exuding his usual composed authority, but there’s a faint glimmer in his eyes that only I seem to catch.

“Good morning, Ms. Kapoor,” he says, his voice even and professional, carrying no hint of familiarity to prying ears.

“Good morning, Mr. Malhotra,” I reply, trying to sound casual while ignoring the heat creeping up my cheeks.

His gaze flicks briefly to the documents on my desk, then back to me. “I trust you’ve had enough time to recover?”

“Yes, thank you. I’ve already begun catching up on pending tasks,” I say, keeping my tone neutral.

He nods, his expression unreadable. But then, he leans slightly closer, lowering his voice just enough only for me to hear. “You left in such a hurry this morning. Did I do something to make you run away?”

My breath hitches. Does he know how much courage it took for me to kiss him? I look down, pretending to straighten some papers on my desk.

“No, of course not,” I mumble. “I was just… running late.”

“Hmm,” he says, clearly unconvinced.

He nods. “We have a client meeting in an hour. Ensure the latest projections are ready.”

“Understood. I’ll have them on your desk shortly,” I reply, scribbling a note in my planner.

He turns to leave but pauses, glancing over his shoulder. His voice softens ever so slightly—just enough for me to notice. “Don’t push yourself too hard, Ms. Kapoor.”

I blink, momentarily caught off guard by the subtle warmth in his words.

“I’ll be fine,” I reply, my voice steady, though my chest feels inexplicably lighter.

“Good.” A small pause lingers, just enough for his eyes to linger on mine before he continues, “I’d prefer you didn’t take another unplanned absence. The department relies on you.”

The corner of his mouth quirks ever so slightly, a faint smirk that no one else would notice.

“I’ll keep that in mind, sir,” I say, suppressing a smile of my own.

Arjun lingers for a moment, his gaze softening in a way that only I seem to notice. Leaning slightly closer, he lowers his voice to a whisper, ensuring none of my colleagues—busy at their desks—can overhear.

“By the way,” he murmurs, his tone calm yet deliberate, “you were wrong about something this morning.”

“Wrong? About what?” I ask, confused.

“You don’t need to apologize for that day,” he says, his voice gentle but firm. “Not to me. Ever.”

Before I can respond, he straightens and walks away, leaving me speechless. My heart feels like it’s doing somersaults.

I try to focus on my work, but his words replay in my mind. You don’t need to apologize… not to me.

I sit there, stunned, his words echoing in my mind. My hands hover over my keyboard as I try to refocus on work, but it’s impossible. Those whispered words feel like a warm balm to the cracks I’ve hidden so well.

He didn’t just hear me this morning. He understood.

For the first time, I feel a glimmer of hope that maybe—just maybe—I can leave my past

Arjun

The moment Ananya kissed me—she kissed me—I couldn’t believe it. It was so quick, so unexpected, yet it left me completely undone. That fleeting touch of her lips on my cheek did something to me. My entire body reacted, heat rushing through me. Thank God she left before she could notice the effect she had on me. I was damn hard as rock.

But as much as I was relieved, I also wanted her to stay.

Now, sitting in my office, I’m utterly lost in thoughts of her. Her lips. That soft, hesitant kiss. The way her cheeks flushed a deep red afterward. Damn it, her lips were so soft against my skin. I can’t stop thinking about it, replaying that moment over and over in my mind.

And then there’s what she said before she ran off: “Next time, it won’t happen.”

What did she mean by that? Was it a promise? An apology? Or… was she giving me permission? Did she mean that the next time, she wouldn’t stop me? Stop herself? My mind is running wild with possibilities, but there’s only one way to find out—and I’m not sure I have the courage to try.

Still, the thought lingers.

I want to kiss her. Properly. I want to taste those lips that have been haunting me all morning. They look so sweet, so inviting, and I’m sure they’re even softer than they felt against my cheek.

But then the doubt creeps in. I don’t want to hurt her again. I’ve already done enough of that in the past. If I make the wrong move, I could push her away completely—and that’s the last thing I want.

Yet, here I am, the same Arjun Malhotra who didn’t even want to get married, who swore to keep his distance, now sitting at my desk, obsessing over a simple peck on the cheek.

Except it wasn’t simple. Not to me.

It wasn’t even a real kiss, and still, it’s driving me insane.

I close my eyes, leaning back in my chair, trying to shake off the overwhelming thoughts of her. But it’s no use. Ananya Kapoor has done the impossible. She’s gotten under my skin—and into my heart—even if I’m not ready to admit it yet.

I run a hand through my hair, frustrated with myself. This isn’t like me. I’m supposed to be in control—of my emotions, my thoughts, my actions. But Ananya has thrown all of that out the window.

The knock on my office door jolts me from my thoughts. I straighten in my chair, putting on my usual mask of indifference.

“Come in,” I say, my voice steady despite the chaos in my head.

The door opens, and there she is—Ananya.

She steps in cautiously, her hands clutching a file. Her eyes briefly meet mine before darting away, her cheeks turning the faintest shade of pink. She’s avoiding me, which only makes me want to close the distance between us even more.

“I’ve prepared the projections for the client meeting,” she says, her tone professional but quiet.

“Good. Let me see them,” I reply, keeping my tone neutral.

She approaches my desk and places the file in front of me, her movements careful, almost hesitant. As she leans slightly forward, the faintest trace of her perfume drifts toward me. It’s subtle, but it’s enough to stir the memories of this morning all over again.

I glance at the file, trying to focus on the numbers and charts, but my gaze keeps drifting back to her. Her lips. She’s standing there, so close yet so distant, and I can’t help but wonder if she’s thinking about that kiss too.

“You did a good job,” I say, handing the file back to her.

“Thank you,” she replies, her voice soft.

For a moment, neither of us moves. The silence between us feels heavy, charged with unspoken words. I know I should let her leave. I know I should maintain the boundaries we’ve set. But I can’t. Not today.

“Ananya,” I say, my voice lower now.

She looks up at me, her eyes wide and questioning.

“This morning…” I hesitate, searching for the right words. “What you said—‘next time it won’t happen.’ What did you mean by that?”

Her cheeks flush deeper, and she looks away, biting her lip. “I… I just "

I raise an eyebrow, leaning back in my chair. “What's it?”

I stand, walking around the desk until I’m standing in front of her. She takes a step back, but I’m not going to let her hide this time.

“Ananya,” I say again, softer this time. “If there’s something you want to say… just say it.”

Her eyes meet mine, and for a brief moment, I see the vulnerability she’s trying so hard to hide.

“I…” she starts, but the words seem to catch in her throat. She takes a step back, clutching the file tightly against her chest. “I need to prepare for the meeting. Excuse me, sir.”

And just like that, she’s gone, leaving me standing there with unanswered questions and a longing I can’t seem to control.

I run a hand over my face, feeling the weight of my own thoughts. I’m going crazy. She didn’t even answer me, leaving me with more questions than before.

But one thing is clear—I want to kiss her.

The memory of the last time I tried flashes in my mind. She looked so startled, so scared. I didn’t know why, but maybe my sudden action had frightened her. Maybe I was too impulsive, too demanding.

But this morning... did she really mean what I think she did? That next time, it would be different? That it would be a real kiss? That she wouldn’t push me away?

I don’t know. I won’t know until I try.

The thought both excites and terrifies me. I want to feel her lips against mine, to see if they’re as soft and warm as I imagine. But more than that, I want her to feel safe with me. To trust me. To let me in.

But if I try again and she pulls away, what then?

I exhale sharply, shaking my head. This isn’t just about me anymore. I need to understand her hesitations, her fears, before I make another move. But damn, it’s hard to hold back when she’s the only thing on my mind.

The next time I try to kiss her, I want it to be her choice too. I want her to meet me halfway, without fear or hesitation. Only then will it mean something—something real.

Because one thing is clear: this morning’s kiss wasn’t just a kiss. It was the start of something more. And I’m not about to let it end there.

Ananya just left for home, and with my work finally done, I’m heading home as well. Most importantly, I’m going home to be with her.

By the time I step inside, she's already in the living room, removing her shoes. The sight of her, so effortlessly beautiful, stirs something in me that I can no longer ignore.

I take a deep breath, my heart pounding as I walk up behind her. I don't want to scare her again, but I can't stop myself. Gently, I wrap my arms around her waist from behind. She, stiffens at first, startled, but she doesn't pull away. "Ananya, " I  murmur, my voice soft yet filled with the emotions I've been holding back.

She turns her head slightly, just enough for me to catch the faint blush on her cheeks.

"Arjun? "

I tighten my hold slightly, leaning closer, my lips near her ear. "I'm sorry if I scare you before," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "But I can't stop thinking about you. About this morning....about you."

Her breath hitches, and I can feel her heartbeat quicken beneath my touch. Slowly I release her waist and gently turn her to face me. Her wide, expressive eyes meet mine, and I cup her face in my hands, my thumbs brushing against her soft skin.

"Ananya," I say, my voice low and steady, "may I kiss you?"

Her eyes search mine, as if looking for reassurance, and then she nods, so faintly I almost miss it.

That's all the permission I need.

I lean in slowly, giving her every chance to pull away. But she doesn't. Her eyes flutter shut, and I close the distance between us, my lips brushing soft against hers. The kiss is gentle at first, tentative, as if we're both testing waters.

But as her hand moves up to rest against my chest, I deepen the kiss, pouring into it everything I've been holding back—desire, longing, and something I'm too afraid to name just yet.

Her lips are everything I imagined and more—soft, warm, and sweet. The world fades away, and it's just us in this moment, completely lost in each other.

When we finally pull back, we're both breathless. Her cheeks have flushed, her lips slightly swollen, and she's even more beautiful than before.

"Thank you," I whisper, resting my forehead against hers after pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek.

"For what?" she asked, her voice barely audible.

"For trusting me," I reply, my thumb gently caressing her cheek.

"I always have," she whispers, her eyes glistening with unspoken emotions.

And in that moment, I know one thing for certain—I'll do everything in my power to never break that trust.

The taste of her lips lingers on mine, a sweetness I can’t seem to shake. Now that I’ve had a taste, I find myself craving more—more of her warmth, more of the way she makes me feel alive in a way I never thought possible. It’s as though the kiss unlocked something inside me, and I’m not sure I can contain it anymore.

I look at her, my thoughts racing, and a sudden boldness takes over. “Ananya,” I say, my voice low, filled with an intensity I can’t hide.

She looks up at me, a trace of confusion in her eyes.

"Before we go to bed... and before we leave for the office," I start, stepping closer, my hands gently cupping her face again, "Can I have this?"

I pause for a moment, watching her lips, the soft curve of her smile, knowing I’m asking for more than just a kiss.

"Can I have you... just a little longer?"

Ananya’s eyes flicker with surprise at my words, her breath hitching slightly. She stands still for a moment, as if weighing the gravity of my request. The air between us grows thick with unspoken tension, and I can feel the rapid beat of my heart in my chest.

She’s quiet, her gaze drifting from my eyes to my lips, and I can tell she’s hesitant—unsure of what I’m asking and whether it’s too much too soon. But then she takes a small, slow step closer to me, her hands reaching up to rest lightly on my chest.

“I…” she begins, her voice faltering before she regains some of her composure. “I’m not sure, Arjun. It feels like… a lot.”

I swallow, understanding her hesitation, but I can’t ignore the urgency inside me. “I know. I don’t want to rush you or make you uncomfortable,” I say softly, my thumb gently brushing her cheek. “But I can’t help the way I feel. I want you—want this with you—more than I ever thought I would.”

Ananya searches my eyes, as though she’s looking for the truth in them, trying to gauge if my words are genuine. Slowly, she closes the small distance between us, her lips curling into a hesitant smile.

“I just don’t want to hurt you,” she says quietly. “I don’t want to make any mistakes.”

I tilt her chin up slightly, pressing my forehead gently against hers. “You’re not making mistakes. We’ll take it slow, Ananya. Just… trust me.”

She nods, her breath soft against my lips, and for a moment, the world outside of us disappears. She leans in, her lips meeting mine in a kiss that’s deeper this time, filled with the weight of everything unspoken.

I savor the feeling of her against me, knowing this is just the beginning of something I’m not sure either of us fully understands yet, but I’m willing to explore it with her, one step at a time.

When we finally pull apart, breathless and a little dazed, Ananya smiles softly at me.

“Okay,” she whispers, her voice barely audible. “Let’s take it slow… together.”

Ananya

When Arjun asked for my permission to kiss me, for a moment, I was scared. Scared that my past, my panic, would ruin everything—that it would make things worse if he kissed me. But when I nodded, I did it because I wanted him to kiss me. I wanted to feel his lips on mine, to know their taste.

I decided, in that moment, not to let my past—or the person who caused me so much pain—stand between me and Arjun. Between us and our future.

To my utter surprise, I wasn’t scared or disgusted. The kiss... our kiss was pure, soft, and it felt nothing but right.

When he told me he wanted me, I wasn’t sure if I was ready for that, not yet. I’m still fighting with my past, with the shadows of what I haven’t told Arjun. But as he reassured me that we’d take it slow, I felt a sense of relief wash over me.

I believe in Arjun. More than I probably should. But that belief, that trust, is enough for now. I’m ready to try—ready to give everything a chance—with him. Only him.

As we got ready for bed, Arjun pulled me closer to him, wrapping me in his arms. I chuckled softly, and he responded by placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.

A few days ago, he would have asked for permission to hold me, but now, neither of us needs to ask. It’s become natural, like we belong this way.

But I’d be lying if I said his hugs during the night—the way he pulls me closer, his arms firmly wrapped around my waist—don’t still give me butterflies. It always feels like the first time, and I can’t help but love being in his arms.

His embrace is my safest place, my sanctuary. I love this. I love being in Arjun's arms.

As I nestle closer into Arjun's chest, I feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It’s comforting, lulling me into a sense of peace I haven’t felt in years. His fingers begin to gently trace circles on my back, sending a soothing warmth through me.

"Firefly ," he murmurs, his voice soft but filled with something deeper, something I can’t quite place.

I love when he calls me that.

"Yes?" I whisper, tilting my head slightly to look up at him.

His eyes meet mine, and for a moment, he just stares at me, as if searching for the right words. "You know… you don’t have to say anything, but I hope you know that I’ll always wait for you. For anything you’re ready to share."

The sincerity in his voice tugs at something deep inside me. I want to tell him everything—about my past, my fears, the shadows that linger—but the words stick in my throat. Instead, I rest my hand against his chest, feeling the strength and warmth there.

"I know," I say softly. "Thank you, Arjun."

He presses another kiss to my forehead, his arms tightening around me slightly, as if shielding me from the world.

For now, I let myself be held, comforted by the knowledge that he’s here, patient and understanding. The rest can wait—just a little longer.

♡♡

Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, its warmth gently waking me. I stirred, feeling Arjun's arm still draped protectively over my waist. I smiled softly to myself, savoring the moment. His steady breathing behind me was a comforting reminder of the safety and peace I’d found in his presence.

Reluctantly, I slipped out of bed, careful not to wake him. As I got ready for the office, my mind replayed fragments of last night—the way Arjun had held me, the way he’d reassured me.

Dressed and ready to leave, I grabbed my bag and headed toward the door. I wanted to avoid waking him; it's still early, and I didn’t want to disturb his peace. Also if he wakes up he will again insist on going to office together which I can't let happen.

But just as I reached for the door handle, his deep voice stopped me in my tracks.

“Aren’t you forgetting something, Firefly?”

I froze, my heart skipping a beat. Turning slowly, I found Arjun leaning casually against the bedroom doorway, his shirt half-buttoned, his hair slightly tousled. He looked far too good for someone who’d just woken up.

"F-Forgetting something?" I stammered, clutching my bag tighter, trying to ignore the heat creeping up my neck.

He smirked, that teasing glint in his eyes making my knees weak. "A goodbye kiss," he said matter-of-factly, as if it were the most normal request in the world.

My cheeks flushed instantly. "I—uh… I don’t—"

Before I could even form a coherent sentence, he was already in front of me, towering over me with that infuriatingly confident smile. He cupped my face gently, tilting my chin up so I had no choice but to meet his gaze.

"If you won’t give me one," he said, his voice low and teasing, "I’ll just have to take it myself."

And then his lips were on mine. Soft, warm, and impossibly perfect. My breath hitched as he deepened the kiss, one hand slipping to rest on my waist. It was tender yet possessive, a silent declaration that I was his.

When he finally pulled away, I could hardly breathe. My cheeks burned, my heart raced, and I knew I probably looked like a tomato.

"I—uh—bye!" I managed to squeak out before turning and practically running out the door.

I heard his low chuckle behind me as he called out, "Have a good day, Firefly. See you at office. "

And as I climbed into the taxi, still feeling the lingering warmth of his kiss, I couldn’t stop the small smile that crept onto my face. Arjun Malhotra was going to be the end of me.

Arjun

Oh God, I’m already missing Ananya. She must have reached the office by now.

As soon as I step into the office, my eyes instinctively search for her. It doesn’t take long to spot her. There she is—my Ananya—sitting at her desk, working so attentively, completely absorbed in her task.

Her focus makes me smile, but when her eyes lift and meet mine, I can’t help myself. I give her a quick, playful wink.

I watch as her cheeks turn that familiar shade of pink, her gaze darting back to her work as if to hide her reaction. So cute. It’s taking everything in me not to stride across the room and pull her into my arms right then and there.

But it’s the office. I have to control myself. At least, I tell myself that.

Except... I can’t.

Every time I catch her alone, I can’t resist. I find excuses to pass by her desk, to linger near her. When no one’s looking, I lean down to press a quick kiss to her temple, leaving her wide-eyed and flustered. Once, when she was at the printer, I sneaked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her into a quick back hug.

“Arjun!” she whispered harshly, glancing around to make sure no one saw. But I just grinned, pressing a light kiss to her shoulder before stepping back like nothing had happened.

The slightest brush of my fingers against hers when I hand her a document, the way I let my hand linger on her lower back when I pass her in the hall—it’s all deliberate. I know it drives her crazy, and I love seeing her flustered reactions.

By lunchtime, her red cheeks and stolen glances have become my favorite sight of the day. She tries to act unaffected, but I know better.

The rest of the day continues like this, and I find myself craving more of her attention. I’ve never been like this before, so restless and consumed by someone, but with Ananya... I can’t seem to help myself.

I know I’m probably being impossible, but watching her try to maintain her composure while I keep finding ways to be close to her is the best part of my day.

Work is almost over, and I can’t stop glancing at the clock. I send Ananya a quick message, suggesting we leave together.

Her reply comes almost immediately: We can’t. Someone might see us.

Before I can respond, I see her slipping out of the office, avoiding my gaze. Damn it. She left before me.

I run a hand through my hair, frustration bubbling to the surface. Why the hell did I suggest keeping our marriage a secret from my employees?

Because you wanted to maintain your distance from her, my brain taunts me. I scoff at the thought. That was before I knew what it felt like to have her in my life—her warmth, her smile, her everything.

Grabbing my blazer, I make my way to the parking lot, determined to get home as quickly as possible. Because home isn’t just a place anymore—it’s her.

I want to be with Ananya. Talk to her. Listen to her sweet, melodious voice. Get lost in her laughter. Taste those lips of hers—sweeter than honey and softer than cotton. Hold her in my arms, where she belongs.

The drive home feels like an eternity, every red light testing my patience. But I know that the moment I step through that door, she’ll be there. And that thought alone keeps me going.

When I finally pull into the driveway and step inside, I’m greeted by the soft glow of the living room lights. Ananya is sitting on the couch, her legs tucked beneath her, completely engrossed in a book. She doesn’t hear me at first, and for a moment, I just stand there, watching her.

She looks so peaceful, so beautiful, and the sight of her instantly melts away the frustration of the day.

“Staring is rude, you know,” she says suddenly, her lips curving into a small smile without looking up.

Caught, I chuckle and drop my blazer on the armrest before walking over to her. “Can’t help it,” I admit, settling down beside her. “You’re hard to look away from.”

Her cheeks flush, and she pretends to focus back on her book. But I gently tug it from her hands and set it aside.

“Arjun,” she protests softly, but I pull her closer until she’s nestled against my chest.

“I missed you,” I murmur into her hair, breathing in the faint scent of her shampoo.

“You just saw me a few hours ago,” she replies, but there’s no teasing in her tone. She’s relaxing into me, her head resting against my shoulder.

“A few hours too long,” I say, tilting her chin up so her eyes meet mine.

Her gaze softens, and for a moment, it feels like the world has stopped. Slowly, I lean in, giving her plenty of time to pull away if she wants to. But she doesn’t. Instead, her hands rest against my chest, her fingers curling into the fabric of my shirt.

Our lips meet in a kiss that’s soft, warm, and unhurried. Her lips part slightly, and I deepen the kiss, savoring the sweetness of her, the way she melts against me.

When we finally pull apart, she’s breathless, her cheeks flushed a delightful pink. I brush a strand of hair from her face, smiling at her.

“Every day should end like this,” I say, my voice low and filled with sincerity.

She looks away, biting her lower lip, but I gently turn her face back to me.

“Stay here with me,” I whisper, pulling her closer until she’s practically in my lap. “Just like this. No running, no hiding. Just us.”

And as she nods, her arms wrapping around my neck, I know there’s nowhere else in the world I’d rather be.

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