20. CONFESSION OF LOVE

3000+ words !

So this is lengthy chapter I posted because  you all were asking for it ! Jisse humari story bhi tejiii se aage bade 🤭 .

Well you know guys ? I am also curious with you all for next chapters because I haven't decided yet and not even written next what it will be !

But but ! Don't worry as I always bring new suspense 😜 like that I will brings again that's why for you all i am writing lengthy chapter like this so it will not be boring for you ! And guyss ?? Please share the story with your loved ones as you all are loving it i know ❤️

So now continue your reading without wasting any time .

The evening sky over Udaipur is painted in shades of orange and purple as the cool breeze from Lake Pichola touches Arvika’s face. She stands on the balcony of the hotel, looking over the shimmering water, lost in thoughts. The events of the day keep replaying in her mind—Kartik’s unexpected presence the way he kept watching her, and the feeling that something was shifting around her.

Just then, Rushali and Navya enter the room, both carrying plates of snacks.

Rushali (teasingly): “Madam, still lost in deep thoughts? Don’t tell me you’re thinking about someone.”

Navya (grinning): “Maybe someone whose name starts with ‘K’?”

Arvika turns sharply, rolling her eyes.

Arvika: “Stop it, both of you! I’m not thinking about Kartik, if that’s what you mean.”

Rushali (raising an eyebrow): “We didn’t say Kartik… but look at you, taking the name yourself.”

Arvika huffs and grabs a snack from Navya’s plate, changing the topic.

Arvika: “Forget all that. Did you both see how stunning this city looks at night?”

Navya: “Yes, and also saw how Kartik was hovering around you the entire time.”

Arvika: “Ugh, can we talk about something else?”

Rushali and Navya exchange knowing looks but decide to let it go for now. Just then, Arvika’s phone buzzes with a message. She hesitates before picking it up. It’s from Kartik.

Kartik’s Message: "Hope you're enjoying the city. If you're free, meet me at the rooftop café. No pressure, just thought we could talk."

Arvika stares at the screen for a moment. Rushali, noticing her expression, snatches the phone and reads the message.

Rushali (grinning): “Oho! Someone is being very polite. So… are you going?”

Arvika (after a pause): “I… don’t know. Should I?”

Navya: “It’s up to you but— i think you should go ”

Arvika exhales, glancing at the city lights again. A part of her wants to refuse, but another part… is curious. She types a reply and sends it before she can overthink.

Arvika’s Reply: "Fine ! Ten minutes. "

Rushali and Navya exchange excited looks as Arvika grabs a shawl, preparing to step into yet another unexpected moment in Udaipur.

The rooftop café is quiet, bathed in the golden glow of hanging lanterns. A cool breeze brushes against Arvika’s face as she walks toward a corner table, where Kartik is already waiting. He stands up the moment he sees her, his gentlemanly manners effortlessly present. Dressed in a crisp white linen shirt, sleeves neatly rolled, he looks both polished and easygoing, as if he belongs in places like this—where time slows down, and silence speaks volumes.

Kartik (with a soft smile): “You actually came. I thought you might ignore my message.”

Arvika (settling into her chair): “I almost did.”

Kartik chuckles lightly, his eyes observing her in a way that isn’t intrusive but curious, as if he’s trying to understand the things she doesn’t say. He signals the waiter and, without asking her preference, orders two cups of chamomile tea.

Kartik: “I figured you might like this.”

Arvika raises an eyebrow, slightly amused but not letting it show too much.

Arvika: “And you figured that out just by meeting me twice?”

Kartik (grinning slightly): “Not twice. I’ve seen manytimes , Arvika. More than you think.”

Her fingers instinctively tighten around the napkin in her lap. His words hold a weight she wasn’t expecting. There is no arrogance in his voice, only quiet certainty, as if he has spent time observing, understanding.

Arvika: “That sounds almost stalker-ish.”

Kartik lets out a lighthearted laugh, shaking his head.

Kartik: “Not in that way. I just notice things about people. Like how you avoid people's talking unnecessary and ...i also think you hide emotions. ”

Arvika looks away, his words hitting too close to home. She feels exposed, as if someone has just read a page from her diary that she never meant to share. The waiter arrives with their tea, and Kartik takes a sip, waiting for her to respond.

A few seconds of silence stretch between them, but instead of feeling awkward, it feels strangely safe. And then, just when she thinks he’ll push for an answer, he surprises her.

Kartik (softly, his voice carrying a weight she isn’t ready for): “You know what’s strange, Arvika?”

Arvika (glancing at him with curiosity): “What?”

Kartik takes a slow step closer, the space between them thinning. His fingers drum lightly on the railing as he exhales, as if debating whether he should say the next words out loud.

Kartik (his voice lower, more intense): “I’ve seen many people's in my life coming and going but it never affected me much but... But you… you’re different. ”

Arvika (raising an eyebrow, feigning indifference even as her pulse quickens): “Different how?”

Kartik studies her for a moment, the playfulness fading from his features. His voice is quiet, but the sincerity in it makes her breath hitch.

Kartik (a ghost of a smile playing on his lips, but his eyes serious): “Like a fire I should stay away from… but instead, I just want to burn.”

Arvika’s fingers tighten around the railing. A part of her wants to scoff, to tease him like she always does, but another part—the one that’s dangerously close to slipping—freezes. He’s not joking. And that scares her.

Arvika (tilting her head, forcing herself to smirk): “That’s a dramatic way to say you find me interesting.”

Kartik chuckles, but there’s no humor in his eyes. He leans in slightly, close enough that she can feel the warmth radiating from him.

Kartik (his voice softer, but firm): “It’s a dangerous way to say I don’t think I can walk away… even if I should." His eyes met with her " You are first love in my life .. ”

Arvika swallows, looking away, trying to gather the words that seem to have scattered in her mind. But then she turns back, her own gaze holding fire.

Arvika (lost in her thoughtsthat it make reminds her of something): “And what makes you love me this much ? How anyone can love me ? ”

Kartik smirks, but there’s something raw beneath it—something unshaken.

Kartik (stepping back slightly, but his eyes never leaving hers): “how anyone can ignore you ...I don’t know if you will… but I do know that even if you push me away, I won’t stop wanting to come back.”

A silence settles between them, thick and charged. For the first time, Arvika doesn’t know whether to fight or let herself fall. And for the first time, Kartik Ahlawat isn’t just flirting—he’s waiting for an answer.

Kartik don't want to bother her so he changed the topic (leaning slightly closer, his voice calm but probing): "By the way, Arvika… I didn’t ask earlier, but Vardhan—what did he talk to you about?"

(Hit the star 🌟 Button for rate the story and comment your fav part .. don't forget to follow and share the story )

Arvika stiffens. She knew this was coming, but even so, the question unsettles her. She casts a glance at Kartik, noticing the subtle shift in his expression—casual on the surface, but his eyes demand answers. She swallows, forcing herself to stay composed.

Arvika (lightly, looking away): "Nothing much… just some words here and there."

Kartik watches her closely, his fingers tapping lightly against the railing. He doesn’t believe that for a second.

Kartik (voice dipping lower): "Vardhan Roy.. Arvika he  doesn’t talk to people without a reason."

Arvika lets out a small, almost tired chuckle, shaking her head as if brushing off the weight of the conversation. But she knows Kartik won’t drop it that

Arvika hesitates. She knows she can’t tell Kartik the full truth—can’t tell him how Vardhan’s words had felt like a sharp blade, cutting deeper than she wanted to admit. Can’t tell him how Vardhan had looked at her like he was calculating something, like she was just another piece on his chessboard.

Arvika (carefully, glancing at Kartik): "Just… things about my life. My choices. He likes to talk in circles, doesn’t really say anything directly. You know how he is."

Kartik lets out a slow breath, his fingers curling into a loose fist. His silence is louder than words. He knows she’s not telling him everything, but he also knows she won’t—not now. He watches her for a long moment before speaking

Kartik (his voice lower, controlled): "He  doesn’t seems casual conversations, Arvika."

Arvika (forcing a small smile): "It wasn’t anything serious. Just words."

Kartik exhales, shaking his head slightly as if trying to rid himself of an unpleasant thought. He places his glass down with deliberate slowness, his movements suddenly feeling too precise, too restrained.

Kartik (his voice darker now): "I don’t like him talking to you."

His bluntness catches her off guard. Her eyes snap to his, searching for something—an explanation, maybe. But all she sees is something guarded, something intense simmering beneath his calm exterior.

Arvika (raising an eyebrow, trying to lighten the mood): "Kartik, I can handle him ..."

Kartik (smirks, but it doesn’t reach his eyes): "It’s not about handling, Arvika. It’s about why he’s suddenly interested in you. And knowing him? It’s never without a reason."

Arvika swallows, feeling the weight of his words settle in her chest. She doesn’t want to think about why Vardhan was interested. She doesn’t want to acknowledge that Kartik might be right.

Kartik (leaning slightly closer, his voice a whisper of something possessive, something protective): "Just… don’t trust him. And if he tries to push you into something—" he pauses, his jaw tightening "—tell me."

The way he says it, the way his voice dips into something almost dangerous, sends a shiver down her spine. This isn’t just concern. It’s something deeper. Something personal. But before she can say anything, he steps back, running a hand through his hair as if trying to brush off the weight of the moment.

Kartik (forcing a lighter tone, but his eyes betray him): "Anyway, enough about him. I didn’t come all this way to talk about Vardhan Roy."

After this aarvika doesn't feel like to sit there  for more time a lot they talked about which she don't want but the words of kartik today made aarvika to feel something which she was not expecting " kartik ..I am sleepy now I should go now .. bye "

Kartik also didn't forced her and waved at her .

______..____________..____________..__________________..

The jet landed smoothly on the private airstrip, but Naksh barely acknowledged it. His focus was already on the series of meetings lined up for the day. As he stepped out, the cold Canadian breeze hit him, but he didn’t slow his stride.

The black SUV was already waiting. Kaden opened the door, standing by as Naksh slid into the backseat. The drive to the office was quiet, but Kaden finally spoke.

“The board wasn’t expecting you this early. They assumed you’d need more time to recover.”

Naksh glanced out of the window, his voice calm but firm. “I am like this .”

Kaden gave a short nod, making a note on his tablet. “The London deal is ready for signing, but there are negotiations left on the New York front. Also, investors are waiting for a response on the expansion proposal.”

“Set up the meeting,” Naksh replied, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest. “And tell Daniel I want the numbers in front of me before I step into that room.”

By the time they reached the headquarters, the air inside the boardroom was already thick with anticipation. Executives sat up straighter, conversations dying down as Naksh entered. He took his usual seat at the head of the table, adjusting the cuffs of his suit before speaking.

“Updates.”

The CFO, Harris, cleared his throat and spoke first. “The European partnership is finalized. We just need your signature.”

Naksh nodded. “What about the Middle East sector?”

Daniel leaned forward. “The negotiations are moving, but they’re pushing for revised terms. They want a higher percentage on the profit margin.”

Naksh’s gaze sharpened. “They’ll take the deal at the existing terms or we walk.”

A moment of silence. Then, Harris spoke carefully, “They’re a major client. If we step back now—”

“They need us more than we need them,” Naksh cut him off. His voice was firm, final. “Schedule a final call. If they don’t agree, we shift our focus elsewhere.”

No one argued.

The meeting continued with more reports, numbers, and projections. Naksh listened, made decisions, and by the time he left the room, the air was filled with a renewed sense of urgency. He didn’t believe in wasting time.

Kaden caught up with him in the hallway. “Where to now?”

Naksh buttoned his coat and stepped towards the exit. “Back to work.”

_________..__________.._________..________.._________..

Here in delhi Vardhan reached in morning with aviraaj and shanaya at home and he directly headed to AS corporation. Firstly Vardhan attended meetings and checked filles with vyom as he was not in Delhi for so long between naksh and Aarvika's matter he forget about the things which are pending here .

After the work when everyone was returning for home at evening. glass walls, sleek marble floors, and an atmosphere thick with authority. Inside Vardhan Roy’s private office, the tension crackled like a live wire, laced with something far more intoxicating than business.

Across the expansive desk, Miss Aisha one of the employees there but more than that perched on the edge, her pencil skirt riding up just enough to tease. The city skyline stretched behind her, the dim evening light casting shadows across the room.

Vardhan leaned back in his chair, the top buttons of his shirt undone, his gaze slow and consuming as he traced the curve of her crossed legs. A smirk played at his lips, cigarette lazily resting between his fingers.

She was the one who started it. Leaning against his desk, her fingers traced the fine wood surface before trailing up to the undone buttons of her silk blouse. A smirk played on her lips as she watched him from beneath thick lashes.

“I thought you were busy, Mr. Roy,” she murmured, her voice laced with temptation.

Vardhan, sitting his sharp gaze scanning her with amusement and something darker—possession. He didn’t move immediately, letting the moment stretch, letting her feel the weight of his silence. Then, with a lazy yet deliberate motion, he got up, closing the distance in two strides.

“Busy?” he repeated, his fingers catching her wrist before she could tease him further. He pulled her flush against him, his breath hot against her skin. " Not for this .. , let’s see if you can handle it.”

She shivered at his words, anticipation dancing in her eyes. His grip tightened on her waist as he pushed her back against the cold surface of his desk, his lips grazing the sensitive skin of her throat. The scent of whiskey and expensive cologne clung to him, intoxicating.

Her hands tangled in his neck as he kissed her, deep and consuming, his touch rough yet calculated. She wasn’t delicate, and that’s exactly what he liked. His fingers skimmed down her spine, pressing her closer, his body dictating control.

The heat between them built, the office door was unocked as they thought everyone left , the world outside forgotten. His mouth traced along her jaw, down to her collarbone, as her breath hitched. He wanted to ruin her for anyone else, and she was more than willing to let him try.

Just as his hand slid up her thigh, a sharp knock echoed against the door.

Vardhan froze, his expression darkening instantly. She let out a frustrated sigh, but he placed a firm finger against her lips, silencing her.

“Not a word,” he whispered, his voice dangerously low.

The knock came again—louder this time.

“Vardhan!” A voice, irritated and insistent, called from the other side.

His jaw clenched. Whoever it was, they had just interrupted something they shouldn’t have.

His hand slid away from her, and as she adjusted her clothes , her lips curled into a knowing smirk. “Looks like someone disturbed you,” she whispered, biting her lip.

Vardhan smirked back, running a thumb along her swollen lower lip. “shhh.. let me handle ”

With one last glance at her, he straightened his shirt and strode toward the door, his expression shifting from dark desire to cold fury.

As Vardhan open the door with an irritated sigh, the sharpness in his eyes could have sliced through steel. He yanked it open, his gaze immediately landing on one of his senior executives, a man too seasoned to be stupid—yet here he was, disturbing him at the wrong time.

The executive hesitated for a second, noticing the slightly disheveled state of his boss—the unbuttoned collar, the darkened gaze, the tension in his shoulders. His gaze flickered behind Vardhan, where the woman was still adjusting herself, a sly smirk playing on her lips.

Vardhan leaned against the doorframe, his expression cold and unimpressed. “This better be important.”

The executive cleared his throat, forcing himself to maintain eye contact. “Sir, there’s an urgent situation regarding the some deal. The documents you asked for—”

Vardhan cut him off with a scoff. “ you think now is the time to discuss paperwork?” His tone was laced with dangerous amusement.

The man stiffened but stood his ground. “You asked for immediate updates, sir. The legal team found discrepancies in the contract. If we don’t resolve it now, it might cause complications.”

Vardhan ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. The thrill of the moment was gone now, replaced by the ever-looming weight of business. He turned his head slightly, throwing a glance over his shoulder. Girl on his desk raised a playful eyebrow, trailing her finger along his desk as if waiting for him to decide.

Vardhan clicked his tongue in frustration. “Get out,” he ordered her, his voice devoid of the previous seduction.

She pouted but obeyed, straightening her skirt as she strutted past him, intentionally brushing her fingers against his chest.

Once she was gone, Vardhan turned back to the executive. His expression was unreadable, but the simmering annoyance was evident.

“Where are the documents?” he asked, his voice low but sharp.

The executive handed him the files. “They’re on the desk. You might want to see the clause regarding partnership shares.”

Vardhan took the papers and skimmed through them. His jaw tightened. “Someone thinks they’re smart,” he muttered under his breath, tossing the file onto the desk. His mind shifted from pleasure to business, calculating his next move.

“Arrange a meeting ,” he ordered. “I want this fixed before i leave from here .”

The executive nodded. “Understood, sir. I’ll inform the team well .. youare leaving again ? Where ? .”

" I have something to complete " Vardhan said with devil smirk on his lips

As the door shut, Vardhan let out a slow exhale, rolling his shoulders. The game never ended—whether in business or in pleasure. And right now, Kanpur was calling.

He smirked to himself, already thinking about the chaos he was about to unleash.

(Hint: he is going to do something which will make you shock !, regret many questions you all will have )

I will post next chapter soon as i know you all will wait after reading this 👀📚 .

Do share with your loved one and rate the story guys comment also I like to read your comments very nuch 👀🤧love you guyss !

Follow on wattpad and Instagram @author._.aarnvi