6

"In a world of chaos, your arms feel like home, and I never want to leave"

The next day

Abhimanyu was sitting on the couch, busy on a phone call. However, his attention faltered the moment Avantika entered the room. She was wearing a pink saree that clung perfectly to her figure.

Though he tried to stay focused on the conversation, his eyes betrayed him, darting toward her every few seconds. His voice wavered slightly, but he quickly corrected himself, hoping the person on the call wouldn't notice.

Avantika, fully aware of the effect she had on him, walked slowly letting the soft fabric of her saree shift just enough to reveal a glimpse of her waist. She smiled to herself as she approached and sat down on the couch in front of him, her posture relaxed yet teasing. She adjusted her saree slightly, ensuring her bare shoulder was visible, and waited for his reaction.

Abhimanyu's throat went dry. His gaze locked on her, and for a moment, he completely forgot he was on a call.

"Hello? Abhimanyu, are you there?" the voice on the other end asked, pulling him out of his daze.

"Yes, yes, I'm here!" he stammered, shaking his head to focus. "Sorry, what were you saying?"

He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, forcing his attention back to the conversation. "Okay, I'll check the bats and let you know. Just make sure to send me the ones with the same grip size as before. My old bat grip was around 8 inches, so I'll need the same."

As he finished speaking, he heard a soft chuckle. He glanced up to find Avantika trying to stifle her laughter. She pressed a hand to her mouth, but her shoulders shook with amusement.

Raising an eyebrow, he continued his conversation. "Alright, send them by tomorrow. Thanks." He hung up the call and set his phone aside, his curiosity piqued.

"Why are you laughing?" he asked, narrowing his eyes at her.

Avantika burst out laughing again, unable to contain herself. "Because... you said 8 inches!" she managed between giggles.

It took him a second to process her words, and when he did, a sly smile spread across his face. "Oh, so that's funny to you, huh?" he asked, leaning back slightly with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Very funny," she replied, trying to keep a straight face but failing miserably.

Abhimanyu smirked and slowly stood up. "Belt kaha he mera."

(Where is my belt)

Avantika's eyes widened as she saw him holding the belt in his hand. "What are you doing?" she asked.

He started walking toward her, twirling the belt casually. "Just teaching someone a lesson about teasing me,".

Before he could take another step, she ran out of the room, her laughter echoing behind her. "Avantika, baby, wait!" he called out, chasing after her.

"Stop running, Avantika! You're just making it worse for yourself!" he teased.

"No way!" she shouted over her shoulder.

After a few minutes of running, Avantika finally stopped, leaning against the wall to catch her breath. Her chest heaved, and she looked around, hoping she'd lost him. But the moment she turned her head, she saw Abhimanyu standing in front of her, his smirk as smug as ever.

Abhimanyu moved closer, his smirk deepening as he held the belt firmly. In one swift motion, he looped the belt around both their waists, pulling it tight so their bodies were pressed against each other. Avantika gasped softly, her breath hitching as their closeness left no space between them.

His smirk widened. "Well, today, I think I'll have to teach you a lesson for that."

Before she could respond, he leaned in and claimed her lips with his. With one hand, he gripped her hands together, pinning them against her side. She tried to free, but his hold was strong, making it clear he was in control.

His lips moved over hers with an urgency that made her knees weak, as though he were showing her exactly how much power she had over him and how much he craved her. He kissed her like he owned her, leaving no doubt about his intentions.

Avantika's initial surprise melted into surrender as she stopped resisting, her body responding to his. Her heart raced, and her breath hitched with every second their lips stayed connected.

Every time she tried to catch her breath, he kissed her harder, making it impossible for her to think straight. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her knees felt weak, but his strong hold on her kept her from faltering.

Between his relentless kisses, her chest rising and falling against his. "Abhimanyu..." she managed to whisper, her voice trembling.

He pulled back for just a second, his forehead resting against hers, his own breath slightly ragged. "What is it, baby?" he asked.

"I... I can't breathe," she whispered, her lips trembling as she struggled to steady herself.

He smirked, his hand cupping her face gently, his thumb brushing against her flushed cheek. "You can't breathe because of me, or because you're trying to resist?".

Her eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze, and she managed a soft, breathless laugh. "Both," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

He chuckled, leaning in to kiss her forehead this time, a softer gesture that contrasted with the fiery passion he'd shown moments ago. "Good," he murmured against her skin. "Because I'm not done with you yet."

Before she could respond, his lips found hers again, his free hand slipping to her waist, holding her as if she might vanish. This time, his kiss was slower but no less consuming, making her forget everything else but him.

Her breath hitched again, her chest pressed against his as he claimed her entirely. The world around them faded, leaving only the sound of their mingled breaths and the unspoken promises between them.

Abhimanyu finally broke the kiss, his breathing heavy, and Avantika couldn't help but notice the intense hunger in his eyes. Her lips tingled from his kisses, and her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink as she tried to steady herself.

He smirked, leaning in closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he teased, "Are you wondering if I'm going to have sex with you right now?"

Her eyes widened slightly, and she opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. Instead, her breath hitched, and she felt her face grow warmer.

Abhimanyu chuckled at her reaction, enjoying the effect he had on her. Tilting his head, he whispered, "You know, it's scientifically proven that having sex before a match improves energy levels. I didn't make that up; it's a fact."

Avantika's cheeks burned, and she bent her head to hide her embarrassment. She bit her lower lip, trying to suppress a smile, but it was impossible.

Not letting her escape, he gently held her chin, lifting her face so she had no choice but to meet his gaze. His expression softened, and a playful smile tugged at his lips.

"I was just kidding," he said, his voice softer now but still laced with amusement. "That's not happening with us until you want it to... and definitely not right now."

Listening that she bit her lip and lowered her gaze

"Well, you seem disappointed," he said, his voice laced with a dangerous edge and a sly smirk on his lips. "Let me take that disappointment away."

Before she could process his words, he snatched the belt from her grasp. Her breath hitched as he gently turned her around, binding her hands behind her back with a precision that left no room for resistance.

She gasped, her heart pounding wildly. "What are you doing?".

Ignoring her words, he bent slightly and scooped her into his arms as if she weighed nothing. His grip was strong but careful, holding her securely as he strode toward his room.

Her cheeks flushed with anticipation as he carried her effortlessly. Upon reaching his room, he pushed the door open with his foot and stepped inside.

Laying her gently on the bed, he leaned over, his face inches from hers. "Now, let's see if I can replace that disappointment."

Without breaking eye contact, he gently turned her over on the bed, as if savoring every second.

His hands found their way to her waist, holding her in place as though grounding her in the moment. She shivered at his touch, a soft gasp escaping her lips.

Leaning down, he brushed his lips against her shoulder, his breath warm and steady. His kisses trailed upward, until he reached her neck.

"You'll never feel disappointment again," he murmured.

The weight of his words and the heat of his touch sent a shiver down her spine, leaving her breathless.

Her breath caught as his lips traveled slowly from her neck to her jawline, his kisses igniting a fire deep within her.

She squirmed beneath him, a soft sound escaping her lips.

"Stop fighting it," he growled against her skin. His fingers tightened on her waist, pulling her flush against him.

"You can deny it with your words, but your body tells me the truth."

Her heart pounded, the weight of his presence overwhelming her senses. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words were swallowed by another kiss this time, as if he were staking his claim.

Breaking away only to catch his breath, he leaned down, his forehead brushing hers. His dark, piercing gaze locked onto hers, leaving no room for escape. "You don't get to run from me. Not now, not ever."

His hands moved up her sides, trailing heat wherever they touched, before tangling in her hair. "I've waited too long to have you like this," he murmured, his lips brushing against hers as he spoke. "You've consumed me, haunted me, and now you're mine. I love you avanthika, I can't wait to make you mine."

She turned her face away, trying to hide the storm of emotions. He gripped her chin, forcing her to look at him. "Don't hide from me," he ordered, his voice both tender and unyielding.

Her resistance crumbled at his words, and a single tear slipped down her cheek. He caught it with his thumb, his touch gentle now, a stark contrast to the earlier intensity. "You're mine," he said.

She closed her eyes, letting the walls around her heart fall away. "Then don't let me go," she whispered, barely audible, but enough for him to hear.

"I never will."

Then the sharp sound of Abhimanyu's phone ringing pierced through the silence. He sighed, his jaw tightening in frustration.

He pulled back, his intense gaze lingering on her flushed face for a moment longer. "Stay here," he murmured softly.

He reached for the belt that bound her hands, gently untying it. Her wrists trembled slightly as they were freed, but before she could move, he took her hands in his, bringing them to his lips.

His kisses were soft, as if apologizing. "You're mine, Avanthika," he whispered against her skin.

She looked up at him, her eyes searching his for answers, but before she could say a word, he stood. His fingers lingered on hers for a moment longer before he turned toward his phone, answering it with a sharp tone.

After the phone, he looked at her. "Come I will take you to a nice place."

■

In the evening

Avanthika sat alone on the bench in a park, fidgeting with her fingers as she waited for Abhimanyu to finish his call. She felt a tinge of unease as a group of guys nearby began to whisper and glance her way. Their whispers soon turned into crude comments about her figure and appearance, each word making her stomach churn.

Her hands clenched into fists, and her eyes brimmed with tears. She felt helpless and exposed, wishing Abhimanyu would return quickly.

Just then, Abhimanyu walked back toward her, a bright smile on his face, but his expression quickly shifted when he saw her looking upset. Following her gaze, he noticed the group of boys smirking and commenting loudly about Avanthika.

Without hesitation, he pulled a mask and cap from his bag, disguising his identity. He knew if they recognized him, the situation might escalate in ways that would put her and him at more risk.

"Hey!" he called out, his voice cold and sharp. The boys turned toward him, their smirks faltering for a moment.

"What's your problem?" one of them asked.

"My problem?" Abhimanyu repeated, stepping closer. "My problem is men like you who can't keep their filthy mouths shut. How dare you speak about her like that?"

One of them, taller and bolder than the rest, smirked and stepped toward Avanthika, raising his hand as if to touch her.

Before he could lay a finger on her, Abhimanyu grabbed his wrist and twisted it, making the man cry out in pain. "Touch her, and the next minute, you'll find yourself in hell,"

The other men, rushed toward him, fists raised. But Abhimanyu was faster. He dodged their blows, landing punches and kicks. One by one, they stumbled backward, groaning in pain.

Just as the fight seemed to subside, one of the guy grabbed a wine bottle from the ground and stormed toward Avanthika to hit her.

Avanthika froze, fear gripping her as the man raised the bottle, ready to strike. She squeezed her eyes shut.

But it never came.

When she opened her eyes, she saw Abhimanyu standing in front of her, shielding her with his body. The bottle had shattered against his arm, the shards cutting deep into his skin. Blood trickled down his hand, but he didn't flinch.

Avanthika gasped, her tears now flowing freely as she reached out to him, but he shook his head, his focus still on the guys.

Despite his injury, Abhimanyu didn't back down. He grabbed the man who had swung the bottle and threw him to the ground with a force that made the others pause. "Get lost," he roared.

The group, now frightened and injured, scrambled to their feet and ran, not daring to look back.

As silence fell, Abhimanyu turned to Avanthika, his bloodied hand clutching his arm. She stood, her hands trembling as she touched his face. "You're hurt," she whispered, her voice breaking.

He gave her a small, reassuring smile. "It's nothing," he said softly. "Are you okay?"

She nodded, though tears still streamed down her cheeks. "I was so scared..."

He cupped her face with his uninjured hand, wiping away her tears. "You're safe now. I'll always protect you,".

Despite his calm words, Avanthika couldn't ignore the blood dripping from his hand. "We need to get you treated," she said.

They went to a nearby clinic, the atmosphere tense as Avanthika kept glancing at Abhimanyu's injured hand. The doctor inspected the deep cuts on his arm, carefully removing the glass shards from his skin. Abhimanyu winced but said nothing, his eyes occasionally flickering to Avanthika, who sat silently in the corner, her eyes filled with guilt and tears.

After thoroughly cleaning and stitching the wounds, the doctor bandaged Abhimanyu's arm. "The cuts are deep," the doctor said, his tone serious. "You need to rest for at least a week. Avoid putting strain on your arm."

Abhimanyu nodded calmly, thanking the doctor, but Avanthika's heart sank. She knew what this meant.

As they stepped outside the, she couldn't hold back her emotions any longer. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she broke down, her shoulders shaking as sobs escaped her.

Abhimanyu immediately turned to her, his uninjured hand reaching out to touch her shoulder gently. "Avanthika, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

She shook her head, her voice choked. "It's all my fault," she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Your fault? How is any of this your fault?" he asked, his brows furrowing in concern.

She looked up at him, her eyes red and puffy. "If I hadn't been sitting there, this wouldn't have happened. You wouldn't be hurt, and now... now you can't even play your match in two days. I ruined everything for you!"

Abhimanyu's expression softened, and he sighed. He stepped closer, cupping her face gently with his uninjured hand, tilting her chin so she had to meet his eyes. "Listen to me, Avanthika," he said firmly but softly. "None of this is your fault. Those guys were in the wrong, not you. I would do it all over again to protect you."

"But your match" she began, her voice trembling.

Abhimanyu glanced at his bandaged hand, flexing his fingers carefully. He winced slightly but brushed it off, determination glinting in his eyes. "This injury can't stop me from playing my game," he said, his voice firm.

Avanthika looked at him in surprise. "But Abhimanyu, the doctor said"

He interrupted her, his tone softening but remaining resolute. "I know what the doctor said, but you also know how important the next game is to me. If I don't play, they'll take me of my captaincy. I've worked too hard to let that happen."

Her heart ached at the weight of his words, knowing how much his team and his role as captain meant to him. "But your injury, won't it get worse?" she asked.

He gave her a reassuring smile. "I'll manage. I've faced worse injuries before, and I always came back stronger. This is no different. I won't let anything or anyone stand in the way of my dreams."

She stepped forward and hugged him tightly, unable to hold back her emotions.

She pulled back slightly, looking up at him, her face etched with concern. "I just don't want you to push yourself too far. Promise me you'll be careful."

"I promise," he said, his voice steady, but the fire in his eyes remained. "But I have to play, Avanthika. For my team"

She leaned her head against his chest again. "Just don't get hurt any more than you already are," she murmured.

"I'll try," he said with a soft chuckle, holding her close.

After a moment of quiet, Avanthika pulled back slightly, her eyes still filled with worry. She studied his face, the determination etched into every line of it. "If you're going to play, at least let me take care of you until then," she said softly.

Abhimanyu smirked, raising an eyebrow. "You already do, Avanthika. You're my biggest distraction and my biggest motivation."

She rolled her eyes, but a faint smile tugged at her lips. "I'm serious, Abhimanyu. You need proper rest, and I'm not letting you mess this up."

He chuckled, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I know you are. And I'll rest, but only if you promise me something."

Her brow furrowed as she crossed her arms. "What now?"

"Stop blaming yourself for what happened today," he said, his tone suddenly serious. "It wasn't your fault, and I don't want to see you crying over it again. Ok?"

She hesitated, her guilt still lingering. But the intensity in his gaze left no room for argument. She nodded slowly. "ok," she whispered.

"Good," he said, his smirk returning. "Because you're too beautiful to cry over idiots like them."

■

They arrived at Abhimanyu's home, and as soon as they stepped inside, he was clearly exhausted. His face was pale from the pain, but he kept a brave front, trying to hide how much he was struggling. Avanthika immediately took charge, guiding him to the couch.

"Lie down," she said softly, gently helping him as he lowered himself onto the cushions. She adjusted his arm carefully, making sure it was comfortable, and then covered him with a blanket.

Abhimanyu gave her a tired smile, his eyes half-closed. "I'm fine, Avanthika," he muttered, though it was clear from his voice that he wasn't.

"You need rest," she replied firmly, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead. "You've been through a lot today. Don't argue with me."

He let out a small sigh, clearly too tired to argue further, and gave her a soft nod. As he drifted into sleep, his breathing steady and even.

She couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, still unable to fully shake off the burden of what happened. But seeing him now, looking peaceful and finally getting the rest he so desperately needed, she felt a sense of relief.

With one last glance at his sleeping form, she quietly left the room. Avanthika grabbed her bag and stepped out of his house, making her way to the car waiting outside.

She came back to the palace but her thoughts consumed by Abhimanyu. She had to admit to herself she was worried, but also so deeply grateful for the way he protected her. Despite his injury, he had stood up to those men, refused to back down, all for her.

As Avanthika stepped into the palace, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts about Abhimanyu. She couldn't shake off his smile, his voice, the way he looked at her when they last met. Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed the sound of voices coming from the living room. Curious, she headed in that direction.

The moment she entered, her mother looked up with a wide smile. "There she is!" she exclaimed, her voice full of excitement.

Avanthika's eyes swept across the room, noticing a group of royal guests seated elegantly. They turned to look at her with warm, expectant smiles. Before she could ask what was going on, one of the guests, approached her.

"Congratulations, Princess," she said, bowing slightly.

"Congratulations?" Avanthika repeated, confused.

Her mother stepped forward, glowing with pride. "Avanthika, we have wonderful news. The Prince of Kashmir has sent a marriage proposal for you."

Avanthika's heart skipped a beat. "What?" she whispered.

Another guest chimed in, "And your parents have accepted the proposal."

Avanthika felt like the ground beneath her was shifting. Her chest tightened as the words sank in. "Wait," she said, trying to find her voice amidst the chaos in her mind.

"There's no time for hesitation, Avanthika," her mother interrupted gently but firmly. "The engagement is in a few days, and the wedding will follow shortly after. You will be the Queen of Kashmir. This is a great honor for our family and for you."

"But I..." Avanthika started to protest, her thoughts racing back to Abhimanyu.

One of the other guests cut her off with a smile. "Don't worry, Princess. The Prince of Kashmir is a noble man with a good heart. He will cherish you."

Feeling cornered, Avanthika clenched her hands into fists at her sides. "I haven't even met him! How can I marry someone I don't know?"

"We've made the right decision for you. The Prince is everything you could ask for in a husband, and you will bring honor to both kingdoms."

Avanthika felt her chest tighten further. The room blurred for a moment as tears pricked at her eyes, but she blinked them away, determined not to show her turmoil.

The guests continued talking, excitedly discussing the upcoming engagement and wedding, but Avanthika barely heard them. Her mind was elsewhere, her heart aching for something or someone she couldn't even name aloud.

For now, all she could do was smile faintly and nod, hiding the storm brewing inside her.

To be continued

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