Chapter 65

The night air was warm, carrying the salty scent of the sea as the yacht sailed smoothly over the dark waves. It was around 9 PM, and everyone was gathered in the main deck area, lounging on the cushioned seats, laughing, and simply enjoying the evening. A speaker played a soft, nostalgic Bollywood song, and the group swayed to its rhythm, some humming along, some lost in quiet conversation. The atmosphere was easy, comfortable—yet for Niharika, her mind was far from at ease.

She sat near the edge of the seating area, wrapped in the glow of the yacht's ambient lights, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her juice glass. She wasn't drinking—just holding onto the cold surface absentmindedly. Her mind, however, was still stuck on the kiss. The way his hands had framed her jaw, the warmth of his lips against hers, the slow, intoxicating way he had led the moment... Her cheeks flushed at the memory, and she quickly looked down, hoping no one noticed.

What was that? she thought to herself. Why did it feel so... good? So right? Her heart raced slightly just thinking about it. She'd never felt like this before. It had been soft, yet deep, and the way he had pulled her close—it was as if the whole world had melted away.

Meanwhile, across the yacht, Mayank was sitting with the uncles, casually engaged in conversation. He had a relaxed expression, nodding along to something one of them was saying about business in Dubai, but his mind wasn't entirely there.

His thoughts kept drifting back to her. To the way she had looked at him right before he kissed her. The way her breath had hitched. The way she had leaned into him.

It had felt perfect.

But now, he wasn't sure. She had barely spoken to him since. Had he misread the moment? Had she kissed him back only because it had been the heat of the moment? A small crease formed on his forehead.

Maybe I should give her some space, he decided. I don't want to make her uncomfortable.

So, he stayed where he was, choosing not to join her just yet, letting her have her time.

But on the other side of the yacht, Niharika was beginning to notice it.

She hadn't expected things to change much, but... why wasn't he talking to her? Usually, he'd find some way to tease her, throw in a remark, at least look at her. But now, he was just sitting there, acting as if nothing had happened between them.

Her fingers curled slightly around her glass. Why isn't he saying anything? Is he regretting it?

The thought hit her suddenly, and a strange feeling of unease spread through her. What if it had meant nothing to him? What if, to him, it had just been some moment that didn't matter?

She stole a glance at him, but he wasn't looking her way.

And just like that, a knot of doubt began to form in her chest.

The yacht ride ended past midnight, and by the time they got back to their room, exhaustion was beginning to settle in. The long day of trekking, the evening of dancing, and—of course—the kiss had left both of them feeling something neither of them had fully figured out yet.

Mayank ran a hand through his hair as he stepped into the room, glancing at Niharika, who was quietly removing her earrings in front of the mirror. He wanted to say something—anything—but the way she had been distant all evening made him hesitate.

Maybe she needed time. Maybe she regretted it.

He wasn't sure, and he didn't want to push. So instead, he opted for space.

Letting out a small, tired sigh, he said lightly, "Niharika, I'm so sleepy. I'll sleep now, Goodnight." His voice was casual and warm, giving her no room to think anything was wrong.

Before she could respond, he walked over to his side of the bed, got in, and turned onto his side, facing away from her.

Niharika blinked, her hands stilling as she reached for her bracelet. He hadn't even waited for her to say anything.

A strange pang of disappointment settled in her chest.

She had expected—what exactly? That he'd bring up the kiss? That they'd talk about it? Maybe even joke about it?

But no. He had just... shut himself off.

She bit her lip and shook her head, trying not to overthink it. Maybe he really was just tired. Maybe she was just imagining the distance.

Swallowing down the nagging thoughts, she quietly switched off the lamp and lay down as well, turning onto her side, her back to him.

Sometime in the middle of the night, Mayank stirred awake.

He blinked groggily, adjusting to the dim light filtering in from the windows. His gaze instinctively shifted toward Niharika.

She was curled up, her breathing soft and even, her hair fanned slightly over the pillow. The blanket had slipped down, barely covering her, and without thinking, he reached forward and gently pulled it back over her.

A small smile tugged at his lips. She looked so peaceful.

His fingers lingered near her for a second before he exhaled, his expression shifting.

I'd love to kiss you again.

The thought came so naturally, so effortlessly, that it caught him off guard. His gaze lingered on her lips for just a moment before he sighed and ran a hand over his face.

But she probably didn't want that.

Not if she was upset about the kiss.

Shaking his head slightly, he lay back down, forcing himself to close his eyes.

Unbeknownst to him, Niharika was awake.

She had woken up the moment he shifted but had kept her eyes closed, pretending to be asleep.

Feeling the warmth of the blanket being pulled back over her, hearing the quiet sigh he let out—it made something in her chest flutter.

She bit back a small smile.

But even as she felt that warmth, the evening's confusion still lingered.

What changed?

That question remained unanswered as she slowly drifted back into sleep.

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