The clock struck 2 a.m. when Darshil's phone vibrated on the nightstand. The room was dimly lit by the faint glow of moonlight seeping through the curtains, and Aarvi lay fast asleep beside him, her breath soft and even.
Darshil quietly reached for his phone, his expression hardening as he read the message on the screen. Without a second thought, he slid out of bed, careful not to wake Aarvi, and slipped on his clothes.
His movements were silent, practiced, as if he had done this before. He cast a glance at Aarvi, her peaceful face tugging at something deep within him, but he quickly buried the feeling.
He left the house, disappearing into the night like a shadow.
When Aarvi woke up the next morning, the room felt unusually empty. She instinctively reached out for Darshil's side of the bed, but her hand met cold sheets. Confused, she sat up, rubbing her eyes and looking around.
Darshil? Aarvi called out, her voice slightly groggy. There was no response.
She quickly got up, checked the bathroomâempty. The rest of the houseâempty. Her confusion turned to concern as she dialed his number.
The phone rang, but there was no answer. Aarvi frowned, her stomach tightening with unease. Darshil never left without telling her. This wasnât like him. Aarvi then walked to the washroom to freshen up.
It was early in the afternoon when Shivâs phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, and his heart skipped a beat when he saw Poorvaâs name flashing. Without hesitation, he picked up the call.
Hey, Poorva! What's up? Shiv asked, trying to keep his voice casual.
Shiv, are you free this evening? Poorva said, her voice sounded light, yet hesitant, as if she was about to ask for something important.
Shiv frowned slightly, sensing something behind her words.
Yeah, Iâm free. Do you need something? Shiv said
Well... itâs kind of embarrassing.
Thereâs this college reunion party by our seniors, tonight, and I sort of told my friends that I have a boyfriend. Poorva admitted
Shiv blinked, momentarily taken aback.
Wait! What?? Do you really have? Shiv asked
No..... I lied. Itâs stupid, I know. But I told them Iâm dating someone from outside the college, and now theyâre all excited to meet him. So, I was wondering... could you come with me as my fake boyfriend? Just for tonight? Poorva asked, in hesitation
Shiv felt his chest tighten, but a playful smile spread across his face.
You want me to pretend to be your boyfriend? Do I get a contract for this role? Shiv teased
Poorva chuckled, her tone playful.
Oh, stop it! Iâm serious. Can you do this for me? Please? I really donât want to deal with all their questions. Poorva said
There was a pause, and then Shivâs voice softened.
Of course, Iâll be there. What time should I pick you up? Shiv asked
Seven. Thank you, Shiv. I owe you big time! Poorva replied, her voice full of relief.
Donât worry about it. See you at seven, girlfriend. Shiv said with a teasing tone before hanging up.
It was almost 2 p.m. when Darshil finally returned home. Aarvi stood at the kitchen counter, her fingers fidgeting with a glass of water, when she heard the front door open. Her heart raced with a mixture of relief and frustration as Darshil casually walked in, looking nonchalant as ever.
Where were you? Aarvi asked
Darshil looked at her with a teasing smile, running a hand through his hair.
Why? Did you miss me? Darshil said while grinning
Aarviâs eyes narrowed slightly, her concern now mixed with irritation.
Darshil, I called you all day. You didnât pick up. You didnât leave any messages, nothing. Where were you the whole night? Aarvi said
Darshil shrugged casually, stepping closer to her, his grin widening.
Aww, is someone getting jealous? Youâve never been this curious about my whereabouts before. Whatâs changed? Darshil said playfully
Aarvi folded her arms, trying to keep her composure, but she couldnât shake the nagging doubt in her mind.
Darshil, Iâm not playing. Iâm asking because Iâm worried. You just disappeared without a word. Whatâs going on? Aarvi said seriously
Darshilâs teasing demeanor softened for a moment, but then he smirked again, leaning against the counter.
Maybe Iâm meeting someone special? You know, since you donât accept me as your husband yet, I thought Iâd explore other options. Darshil said with a teasing smile and tone.
Aarviâs eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat as she stared at him in disbelief.
What are you saying? Is this some kind of joke? Aarvi asked
Why so serious, Hazel? Youâve made it clear a hundred times that you donât love me. So, why should it matter what I do? Darshil said
His words hit Aarvi like a slap, and she felt her pulse quicken with a mixture of anger and hurt. But she wasnât going to let him get away with teasing her like this.
It does matter. Whether or not I love you, weâre married. I have the right to know where youâre going and what youâre doing. Aarvi said
Darshil laughed, stepping even closer to her, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Aarvi felt her cheeks flush with frustration. She wanted to shake him, to get him to take her seriously, but he seemed to enjoy pushing her buttons.
Stop playing games, Darshil! If you're going to meet someone, then at least have the decency to say it to my face. Donât hide behind jokes! Aarvi said angrily.
Darshilâs playful smirk faltered for a moment, and his gaze turned sharper, more intense.
And if I am meeting someone, Hazel? What then? Youâll fight for me? Youâll claim me as yours? Darshil asked
Aarvi felt her heart thudding in her chest, the weight of his words sinking into her. The idea of Darshil being with someone else gnawed at her insides, though she couldnât fully understand why. She wasnât sure if she loved him, but the thought of losing himâof him being with another womanâleft her feeling hollow.
She opened her mouth to respond, but nothing came out. She was stuck between anger and confusion.
Seeing her struggle, Darshil leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper
If you care so much, Hazel, then prove it. Stop pretending you donât feel anything for me. Darshil whispers and then walks towards the bedroom.
Aarviâs breath caught in her throat as his closeness overwhelmed her. His teasing, his tauntsâeverything was blurring the lines between anger, attraction, and frustration. She wanted to push him away, but at the same time, she couldnât deny the flutter of emotions rising within her.
Aarvi also walked towards the room and as she looks around, she noticed Darshil is in the washroom.
I wasn't doubting on him. He should've not said all that. Now.... I am serious? Aarvi murmured.
The sun was at its peak, casting warm golden rays through the windows of the room as Darshil stepped out of the changing room. Aarvi who was already waiting for him to come turns to him.
She noticed Darshil standing by the wardrobe, dressed in a way she hadnât seen before. He wasnât wearing his usual sharp business suits or formal attire. Instead, he stood there in a casual yet effortlessly stylish outfitâa well-fitted black leather jacket, dark jeans, and a crisp white t-shirt that clung to his sculpted chest. His hair, still slightly damp, was combed back with precision, and there was something different about the way he carried himself.
Aarviâs eyes narrowed as she observed him. Something was off. He wasnât just dressing differentlyâthere was a new energy about him. He seemed too carefree, almost as if he was up to something.
Darshil caught her staring through the reflection in the mirror and smirked. He picked up his cologne and sprayed a fresh scent, more intense and alluring than the ones he usually wore. He turned to face Aarvi, his lips curling into a playful smile.
Like what you see, Mrs. Rajvanshi? Darshil asked in a playful voice
Aarvi blinked, taken aback by his sudden teasing tone. She crossed her arms, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling in her chest.
Whatâs with the change? Where are you going? Aarvi asked
Darshil chuckled, adjusting the collar of his jacket, clearly enjoying her confusion. He looked her up and down, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Why? Are you jealous again? Youâre paying a lot of attention to me these days. Should I be flattered? Darshil said
Aarvi felt her irritation rise at his playful attitude. He was purposely avoiding her question, and it only made her more suspicious.
I'm not joking, Darshil. First, you disappear without a word, then you come back as if nothing happened, and now this? Why are you dressing up like youâre going on a date? What's going on with you? Aarvi said angrily
Darshil, still unfazed, leaned against the wardrobe, crossing his arms over his chest. His eyes locked onto hers, a smirk playing on his lips.
Maybe I am going on a date. Why, does that bother you? Darshil said in a teasing voice
Aarviâs heart skipped a beat at his words, but she quickly masked her reaction with a glare.
Stop it, Darshil! Iâm not in the mood for your games. Who are you meeting? Aarvi asked
Darshil took a step toward her, his gaze never leaving hers. He was enjoying every second of this, seeing how his words were getting under her skin.
Relax, Hazel. Why are you so tense? Youâve never cared about where I go or who I meet before. Whatâs changed? Could it be... youâre finally admitting that you care about me? Darshil said
Aarvi clenched her fists, trying to control her rising frustration. His teasing was only making her more anxious. Something wasnât right, and she didnât like the way he was brushing off her concerns.
I deserve an answer, Darshil. Where are you going? And why are you acting like this? Aarvi asked
Darshil tilted his head, his expression softening just for a moment. He stepped closer to her, standing just inches away, the playful glint in his eyes dimming slightly as he reached out to tuck a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.
Hazel, you know I love you, right? But if you donât want to accept me as your husband, I canât keep waiting forever. Maybe I should... explore my options. Darshil said with a smirk
Aarvi's eyes widened in shock, her heart pounding as his words hit her like a punch to the gut.
What... what are you saying? Aarvi asked in surprise
Darshil leaned in, lowering his voice to a whisper, his lips dangerously close to her ear.
I'm saying, you need to figure out what you want, Hazel. Because if you donât want me... someone else might. Darshil said
The insinuation sent a wave of panic through her, but she quickly masked it with anger. She grabbed his collar and pulled him close.
Stop messing with me, Darshil! If you're going to meet someone else, just say it to my face! Donât play these games! Aarvi said angrily
Darshil pulled back slightly, a sly smile playing on his lips. He looked down at her, his eyes dark and unreadable.
Youâre the one playing games, Hazel. You keep saying you donât want me, but then why do you care so much about what I do? Darshil said
Aarviâs throat tightened, the weight of his words sinking into her. She couldnât find the right response. She wasnât even sure what she felt anymore. His constant teasing and pushing were confusing her, making her question her own emotions.
Before she could gather her thoughts, Darshil took a step back and grabbed his car keys from the table.
Iâll be back late. Donât wait up. Darshil said
Aarvi watched as he turned to leave, her mind racing with a mix of anger, doubt, and confusion. She had no idea where he was going, but something about his behavior didnât sit right with her. For the first time, a pang of jealousy and fear crept into her heart, a feeling she hadnât expected.
As the door clicked shut behind him, Aarvi stood frozen, her mind swirling with questions. Was Darshil really meeting someone? And why did the thought of him with someone else bother her so much? She was supposed to hate him, wasnât she?
But now, as she stood alone in their empty room, she couldnât help but feel a growing sense of dread and doubt creeping into her heart.
It was 7 pm, Shiv pulled up in front of Poorvaâs house right on time, dressed in a crisp black shirt and jeans that made him look effortlessly handsome. When Poorva stepped out, his breath caught in his throat. She wore a simple, elegant silver top whose one side was off shoulder and black flared trousers , her hair falling in soft waves, and her makeup was just enough to enhance her natural beauty.
You look stunning. Shiv said, his voice low and sincere.
Poorva smiled, a slight blush coloring her cheeks.
Thanks. You donât look too bad yourself. Poorva said
As they drove to the party, Shiv couldnât help but steal glances at her. Tonight, even if it was all fake, he would get to be close to Poorva in a way he had only dreamed of.
When they arrived at the venue, the energy was palpable. People were mingling, laughing, and catching up. Poorva held onto Shivâs arm as they walked in, her nerves evident in the way she clutched him a little too tightly.
Relax, Iâve got your back. Shiv whispered in her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.
As soon as they entered, a group of Poorvaâs college friends spotted them and rushed over.
Poorva! You actually brought your boyfriend?! one of the girls squealed excitedly. Her eyes immediately drifted to Shiv, and she looked visibly impressed.
Heâs... wow! She said
Shiv smiled confidently, wrapping his arm around Poorvaâs waist as they moved closer to the group.
Hi, Iâm Shiv. Shiv introduced himself, shaking hands with a few of the guys and nodding politely at the girls.
One of the boys eyed Poorva and Shiv, clearly envious.
You two make quite the couple. The boy said, unable to hide his jealousy.
Poorva smiled awkwardly while Shiv pulled her closer, a teasing glint in his eyes.
Well, what can I say? Iâm lucky to have such an amazing girlfriend. Shiv said, looking down at Poorva with a flirtatious smirk.
Poorvaâs heart skipped a beat, but she tried to play it cool, even though Shivâs playful possessiveness was starting to affect her more than she expected.
Throughout the party, Shiv stayed by Poorvaâs side, introducing himself to more of her friends. The girls couldnât stop talking about how lucky Poorva was to have such a handsome, charming boyfriend, while the boys exchanged jealous glances, clearly envious of Shivâs presence.
As the evening went on, Shiv would occasionally tease Poorva, whispering in her ear.
Youâre really enjoying this, arenât you, girlfriend? Shiv asked
His words were filled with playful sarcasm, but Poorva found herself laughing along, enjoying the way Shiv was making her feelâspecial and safe.
Youâre getting too comfortable with this fake boyfriend thing. Poorva teased back, trying to ignore the growing warmth inside her.
Maybe. But I have to make it convincing, donât I? Shiv said
They were laughing together when Shivâs phone buzzed, pulling him out of the moment.
I need to take this. Iâll be back in a second, okay? Shiv said, brushing her arm gently before stepping aside to take the call.
Poorva nodded, waving him off. As Shiv stepped away for his call, Poorva found herself near the pool, chatting with some girls. Thatâs when a group of boys and girls, in a playful and slightly tipsy mood, decided to have some fun.
Come on, Poorva, lighten up! Letâs see if your boyfriend can rescue you. One of them joked
No guys please..... Poorva said
C'mon Poorva, it's a pool party... A boy said before pushing her lightly.
Poorva stumbled, her heart suddenly pounding in fear as her foot slipped on the wet tile. Before she could react, she was thrown into the pool.
The moment she hit the water, panic took over. Poorva was aquaphobicâher fear of water overwhelming her as she flailed, struggling to keep herself afloat. The cold water swallowed her cries for help, and soon she was sinking, breathless, her chest tightening with terror.
Shiv turned just in time to see Poorva fall into the pool. His heart stopped. He knew about her aquaphobiaâshe had mentioned it once in passing. Without thinking, he sprinted towards the pool, his body moving before his mind could catch up.
Poorva! Shiv shouted as he dove into the water without hesitation.
Shiv reached her within seconds, his arms wrapping around her waist as he pulled her limp body to the surface. Her eyes were closed, her face pale, and she wasnât breathing.
Shiv felt a surge of panic as he lifted her out of the water, his mind racing.
"Move!" He barked at the group of boys and girls, his voice filled with fury as he carried Poorva to the side.
He gently laid her down on the ground, his heart pounding as he checked for her breath. Nothing.
Poorva, wake up. Shiv whispered, shaking her slightly. Please⦠wake up. Shiv said as he caresses her pale face but she didn't respond.
*********
So guys, that's all for today.
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As English is not my first language so there can be some grammatical mistakes, I just request to please ignore it.
Thankyouð¥