4

"You're mine, not because I own you, but because no one else is allowed to even think they can have you."

Abhimanyu slowly opened his eyes to the soft morning light. He tried to move, but stopped when he felt a weight on his chest. Avanthika was curled up against him, her head resting right over his chest, like a small doll. Her arms were loosely wrapped around his torso, as though she couldn't bear to let go even in her sleep.

A small smile tugged at his lips as he looked down at her face, her long lashes casting delicate shadows on her cheeks. He leaned down, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. She stirred slightly, mumbling something, and then rolled onto her side, her hand still clutching his shirt.

He chuckled softly, his fingers brushing a strand of hair away from her face. She looked so calm, so beautiful. For a moment, he forgot about everything else, the world outside, the worries, the responsibilities. Right now, it was just her.

As if sensing his gaze, her lashes fluttered, and she opened her eyes slowly, meeting his warm gaze.

"Good morning," he said, his voice deep and soft.

She blinked a few times, her sleepy eyes focusing on his face. "Good morning," she whispered, her voice still drowsy.

"Aap kahaan dekh rahe hain?"

(What are you staring at?)

"You," he replied without hesitation.

"Tum sote waqt khoobsurat lagti ho."

(You're beautiful when you sleep)

Her cheeks flushed a soft pink, and she quickly turned her face away, burying it in his chest. "Subah-subah aisi baatein mat kaha karo." She murmured.

(Don't say things like that first thing in the morning)

He laughed quietly, his hand reaching out to gently cup her cheek, turning her face back to him. "Kyun nahi? Yeh to sach hai."

(Why not? It's the truth.)

She sighed dramatically. "You're impossible."

"And yet, here you are," he teased, shifting closer and pulling her into his arms again.

She glanced up at him, her eyes softening. "Lagta hai ab main aapke saath phans gayi hoon."

(I guess I'm stuck with you now.)

"Forever," he murmured, brushing a light kiss over her temple.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she hid her face in his chest, mumbling. "Phir tum mujhe jaane mat dena."

(You better not let me go then.)

"Kabhi nahi," he promised, his arms tightening around her.

(Never)

Avanthika tilted her head and looked at Abhimanyu with a slight frown. "Are you even listening to me?" she asked, her voice tinged with playful irritation.

He blinked, his gaze finally shifting from her face to her questioning eyes. But instead of answering, a faint smirk curved his lips.

"I'm talking to you," she repeated, her brows furrowing deeper.

He let out a low chuckle, his voice warm and teasing. "With our bodies pressed together like this," he said, his hand casually resting on her waist, "how do you expect me to focus on anything else?"

Her eyes widened in realization as the words sank in. She followed his gaze, noticing how she was practically draped over him, her legs tangled with his and her hand resting on his chest. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson.

"Oh my God!" she exclaimed, quickly pushing herself off him and sitting up on the bed. She brushed her hair back with nervous fingers, her heart racing from both embarrassment and... something else.

Abhimanyu propped himself up on his elbow, watching her with amusement. "Don't act shy." he teased, his tone light but his eyes holding a mischievous spark.

"That's not the point!" she shot back, trying to sound stern but failing miserably as her voice cracked. "You could've said something sooner instead of... instead of"

"Instead of enjoying the moment?" he interrupted smoothly, his smirk deepening.

She turned to glare at him, her face still flushed.

Avanthika's face was still warm from the earlier teasing, but she tried to compose herself. As Abhimanyu lazily stretched out on the bed, clearly in no rush, she glanced at him, biting her lip nervously.

"What if your parents hear us?" she asked.

He didn't seem the least bit worried. With a relaxed grin, he replied, "They went out early this morning."

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," he said, leaning back against the pillows with a smug expression.

"Stop trying to distract me," she scolded, lightly swatting his arm. Then, with a playful smirk, she added. "Ab utho. Tayaar ho jao."

(Now, get up. Get ready.)

He groaned dramatically, covering his face with his arm. "Do we have to? This bed is so comfortable, and you're here."

She grabbed the edge of the blanket and tugged it off him. "Yes, we have to!"

He sat up slowly, his hair tousled and his eyes still heavy with sleep, giving her a grin.

She crossed her arms, feigning sternness. "You're really lazy. Now, move!"

He laughed, shaking his head as he stood up. "Alright, alright, I'm going. But only because you asked so sweetly."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the smile tugging at her lips. As he disappeared into the bathroom, she shook her head, thinking to herself, This man is impossible... but I wouldn't have it any other way.

■

They both got ready, and as she sat at the dining table, she rested her head on the surface. "I'm starving," she murmured, her voice muffled against the table.

He chuckled as he walked into the kitchen, plate in hand. "Food is ready, Sahiba," he said, placing the plate in front of her.

He'd made her a toast. She took a bite, but before she could even finish, she suddenly pulled away, turning to the side and puking it out.

He jumped up in alarm. "Kya hua?."

(What happened?)

She wiped her mouth, looking embarrassed. "I hate cheese," she admitted, her face turning a little red.

His eyes softened with understanding. "Oh, shit. I'll make you something else. Wait here."

She quickly waved her hand, trying to calm him. "Koi baat nahi, theek hai. Fikar mat karo."

(It's okay, fine. Don't worry about it."

But he couldn't help it. With a grin, he went back to the kitchen, already planning on making her something else, the thought of seeing her happy more important than anything else.

He smiled, opening the fridge. "I have my diet food ready, but you'll have to eat it too. It will be no tasty" he said, taking out containers of grilled chicken and vegetables.

She raised an eyebrow but shrugged. "Okay, I'll try it."

They both sat down at the table, digging into his diet food. She took a bite, chewing slowly as she tried to adjust to the taste. "It's not bad," she said, giving him a small smile.

As they ate, he glanced at his phone when it buzzed with a notification. His expression darkened as he read the message. Anger flashed in his eyes, and he quickly set the phone down, trying to hide his frustration.

"What happened?" she asked, noticing the shift in his mood.

"Nothing," he replied, his voice a little sharper than usual.

She didn't buy it. "What happened?" she asked again, more insistently.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Many are against me being the new captain. A few are plotting to take it away from me."

She frowned, shocked by his words. "How can they do that?"

He leaned back, taking a deep breath. "That's how cricket works. It's all about their own interests"

"No," she said firmly, her eyes bright with determination. "This shouldn't happen. You're a great player, and a great captain. How can anyone think about you like that?"

Her words caught him off guard, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He met her gaze, his anger slowly fading.

"This will not happen," she added.

He looked at her, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you," he said quietly. "Your belief in me means everything."

■

Abhimanyu grabbed Avanthika's hand, his excitement evident as he started pulling her along.

"Where are you taking me?" she asked, trying to keep up with his pace, her curiosity piqued.

"You'll see," he said, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

Before she could press him further, they stopped in front of a massive open ground. The lush greenery stretched out before them, with a pitch set up in the middle and a few cricket stumps leaning against a tree.

"Is this... where you practice?" she asked, turning to him.

He nodded, a hint of pride in his expression.

Her lips curved into a smile as she took in the serene yet vibrant setting. "It's amazing," she said, glancing at him.

"Come on, let's play cricket," he said suddenly, a boyish grin lighting up his face.

She hesitated, biting her lip. "I don't know how to play,".

He turned back to her, his expression softening. "That's okay. I'll teach you. Come."

"Sit," Abhimanyu said with a soft command, motioning toward the bench nearby.

Avanthika sat down, her brows knitting together in curiosity as she watched him searching through a large sports bag. "What are you doing?" she asked, tilting her head.

He turned around holding a pair of batting pads, gloves, and a helmet. "Getting you ready," he replied kneeling in front of her.

"Ready for what?" she asked, her tone laced with suspicion.

"To play," he said with a grin, strapping the pads securely around her legs. "I don't want you getting hurt."

"But" she started, only to stop when he slipped the gloves onto her hands. His movements were quick yet gentle, and his focus was entirely on ensuring everything fit perfectly.

Finally, he grabbed the helmet and placed it carefully on her head, adjusting the strap under her chin. He stepped back to inspect his work and nodded in satisfaction. "Now you're ready to play," he said, his grin widening.

Avanthika stood at the crease, looking around the vast ground with wide eyes. "Who's bowling?" she asked.

Abhimanyu smirked as he walked over to her, pointing to the machine positioned a few feet away. "The ball comes from that bowling machine. No real bowlers today, just me and you."

She raised an eyebrow. "You trust a machine?"

He chuckled, stepping closer. "Let's just say it leaves me free to focus entirely on you."

Her cheeks warmed slightly, but she didn't look away. "Alright, so what do I do now?"

"First," he said, placing his hands gently on her shoulders, "you need to stand straight. Like this." He adjusted her posture, his touch firm yet careful, sending a flutter of nerves through her.

Then he moved in front of her, holding the bat between them. "Now, grip the bat like this," he said softly, his hands covering hers. His fingers curled around hers, guiding her grip until it felt secure. "Feel that?"

She nodded, her focus entirely on him.

"When the ball comes," he continued, leaning in slightly so his voice was just above a whisper, "watch it closely. Don't think about anything else. Just swing the bat."

She swallowed hard, her gaze darting to his face. "Anything else I should know?"

He smiled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Just trust me."

Before she could respond, the machine whirred, and a ball shot out. She panicked for a moment, her grip tightening on the bat. "What do I"

"Now!" he said, his hands still guiding hers as she swung. The bat connected with the ball, sending it rolling down the pitch.

Her eyes lit up with surprise. "I hit it!"

"You did," he said, his voice filled with pride. But his hands didn't leave hers, and neither did his gaze. "See? I told you, you could do it."

She looked up at him, realizing how close they were, her heart racing for an entirely different reason now. "You didn't even let go," she murmured.

"I wasn't ready to," he admitted softly, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability.

Her breath caught, the world around them fading as his fingers lingered over hers. "Abhimanyu..."

When she called his name softly, her voice barely above a whisper, Abhimanyu paused. Her tone held something that tugged at his heartstrings, making him forget the world around them.

Without a word, he stepped closer and gently removed the helmet from her head, setting it aside. His hands found their way to her face, cupping her cheeks with a tenderness that made her breath hitch.

His eyes locked onto hers, filled with emotions she couldn't understand but could certainly feel. Slowly, he leaned in, his lips brushing her forehead in a soft, lingering kiss.

Her eyes fluttered closed at the contact, warmth blooming in her chest. When she opened them again, she found him watching her, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Before she could say anything, he leaned in again, this time pressing a light kiss on her cheek.

Her breath hitched, and her cheeks flushed a deep pink. She didn't need a mirror to know she was a blushing mess.

"Abhimanyu..." she whispered, but her voice betrayed her flustered state.

He didn't respond, not with words. Instead, he leaned in one more time, his lips finding the other cheek, planting another soft, affectionate kiss.

Her heart pounded so loudly she was sure he could hear it. She raised her eyes to meet his, only to find him grinning.

"You blush so beautifully," he murmured, his thumbs lightly brushing against her warm cheeks.

"Stop teasing me," she mumbled, trying to look away, but he tilted her chin gently, ensuring her gaze stayed on him.

"Why would I stop?" he asked, his tone playful yet sincere. "This is my favorite look on you."

Her blush deepened, and she lightly pushed his chest. "Let me go!"

"Never," he teased, but the softness in his eyes told her he meant something entirely different.

■

"It's getting late. I should get back to the palace," she said softly, glancing at the setting sun.

Abhimanyu stepped closer, gently cupping her face as he placed a tender kiss on her forehead. "Can't you stay forever with me?" he whispered, his voice filled with longing.

Her cheeks flushed a deep red, and she quickly stepped back, avoiding his gaze as her heart raced.

"I kissed you more than five times today," he said, a teasing grin on his lips. "When will you kiss me back, Sahiba?"

She looked up at him, her cheeks still tinged with the pink of a shy smile. Taking his hands in hers, she replied, "When is your next match?"

"Next week," he answered, his brow furrowing slightly.

"For every run you score, I'll give you that many kisses," she said, her voice filled with playful confidence.

"Seriously?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

She nodded, her smile growing wider.

Without saying another word, he pulled her into a tight hug, lifting her off the ground slightly.

She laughed softly as he held her close, his embrace warm.

"I thought to ask you one question," he said, his tone hesitant but curious.

"What?" she asked, looking up at him.

"Is it allowed for your royal to marry outside people? I mean, I am not part of the royals..." he trailed off, unsure of how to phrase it.

She paused, her gaze softening as she thought about it. "It's not allowed," she replied quietly. "But my grandmother did. She married someone outside of the royal family."

He frowned, his curiosity piqued. "What happened after that?"

"They sent her away," she said, her voice tinged with sadness.

He was visibly shocked by the response. "They sent her away?" he echoed, disbelief in his eyes.

She gave him a reassuring smile, her hand reaching out to gently squeeze his. "It's okay," she said softly. "My parents will accept you. They'll understand. I'll make sure of it."

"You sure we will meet again?" she asked.

He smiled softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "Yes, now that I'm your boyfriend, we can't not meet again. Whenever you want, I'll be there."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, and she couldn't help but smile. "Promise?" she whispered, hope and trust shining in her eyes.

"Promise," he replied, his tone firm and sincere, as if he had all the time in the world for her.

■

The moonlight gently streamed through the large windows of royal room as she stepped inside through the window, alone. She moved toward the large mirror, staring at her reflection for a moment, then walked over to the bed, her movements slow, almost hesitant.

She is missing Abhimanyu already.

She sat down, pulling her knees to her chest as she reached for her phone from the bedside table. Her fingers trembled slightly as she unlocked it and opened the photo gallery. There, at the very top, was the picture of him.

She pressed the photo to her chest, closing her eyes as she let out a soft sigh, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Come back to me soon," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Then I can finally tell you everything I've been holding inside. Everything I've been too afraid to say."

Her chest tightened, and for a moment, she felt as if she might break down. But she held it together. This wasn't just any man. He was different. He had changed her life in ways she could never explain. He made her see everything with new eyes, filled her days with laughter and hope when everything felt like it was falling apart. He was everything she had always wanted, even though she'd never been brave enough to admit it until now.

"Thank you," she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for coming into my life when I least expected it. Thank you for showing me that love, real love, isn't just a fairytale. You made my world so much more beautiful, just by being you."

Her thumb hovered over the screen, caressing his face in the photo as if she could reach out and touch him. "You're the guy every girl dreams of, and I don't deserve you. But I can't let you go. I won't. Not now. Not ever."

She set the phone down gently beside her, feeling a mix of emotions overwhelm her. Hope. Longing. Fear. But most of all, love. Deep, unconditional love that had grown silently within her heart, even when she hadn't realized it.

"I'll wait for you," she whispered, her voice steady now, though her heart raced. "And when you come back, we'll build something that no one can ever tear apart. Just you and me. Forever."

She settled back against the soft pillows, gazing at the ceiling, her mind drifting to him. And in that moment, Avanthika knew, no matter what the future held, she would wait for him. Because some things in life were worth waiting for.

To be continued

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