103. Aahira

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♡♡♡♡♡

Aarush knew exactly what he was doing when he fell.

The second Mahira’s warm hands pressed against his chest, shoving him back, he let himself fall.

Right into the water.

SPLASH.

The lake rippled violently around him, swallowing him whole. Cold, dark, silent.

And he didn’t come up.

Not yet. Not when he knew how she would react.

Mahira’s laughter died immediately.

"Aarush sir?" she called, her voice rising in panic.

The water stilled. No movement. No reply.

"Aarush sir!" Her heart pounded.

Nothing.

Her breath caught in her throat. Her hands shook. The lake was deep, and she couldn’t see him anymore.

Oh God.

Her stomach twisted painfully. Did he hit something?

No. No, no, no!

She threw her sandals aside, took a deep breath—and jumped in.

The icy water hit her like a slap, stealing the air from her lungs. But she didn’t care.

Mahira opened her eyes, desperately searching for him.

And there he was. Suspended in the water, eyes closed, his body still.

Too still.

Fear clawed at her chest.

Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around him and kicked toward the surface, dragging him up with her.

The moment their heads broke the water, she gasped for air, her grip tightening around him.

"Hold on, Aarush sir," she murmured, her heart pounding so loudly she could hear it in her ears.

Somehow, she managed to pull him to the bank, laying him down on the soft earth.

But he didn’t move.

Didn’t blink. Didn’t even breathe.

Mahira’s hands trembled as she shook his shoulders.

"Aarush sir! Wake up!"

Nothing.

Her breathing turned ragged. She had to do something.

CPR.

With shaking fingers, she placed her hands over his chest and started pumping.

"Come on, come on," she whispered, her voice breaking.

She tilted his head back, her own heart hammering as she leaned down—

And just as her lips hovered over his to give him oxygen—

His arms suddenly wrapped around her waist, pulling her down.

Her breath hitched. Her heart stopped.

And then—

His lips crashed against hers.

Mahira’s mind blanked. The shock, the warmth, the way his lips moved—

And then, reality slapped her.

She yanked herself back, her breathing uneven, her eyes wide in shock.

Aarush sat up, smirking.

Mahira stared. In complete disbelief.

"You—" She shook her head, her fingers curling into fists. "You—"

He grinned. "Had to stop you somehow."

And then, it clicked.

He was faking it.

The panic, the stillness, the CPR—

All a trick.

Mahira’s entire face turned red. Not from blush, but from pure, absolute rage.

Before she could think twice, her palm struck his cheek.

A sharp slap. The sound echoed across the lake.

Aarush froze. His smirk vanished. Eyes wide.

"Mahira—"

She stood up abruptly.

Without a word, without even looking at him, she stormed to his car, yanked open the door, and slipped inside.

She stared out the window, arms crossed, body tense.

Aarush sat there, still too stunned to react.

The sting on his cheek was nothing compared to the guilt settling in his chest.

He took it too far. His playful smirk faded as he slowly stood up, his soaked clothes clinging to him.

Without saying anything, he walked to the car, got in, and started the engine.

But the silence between them was deafening.

She didn’t even glance at him.

Aarush tightened his grip on the steering wheel.

For the first time, he didn’t know what to say.

And he hated it.

♡♡♡♡♡

The car ride was silent.

Not the comfortable kind. The kind that felt heavy.

Mahira sat still, arms crossed, her gaze locked outside the window. Not once did she glance at him.

Aarush stole a side glance at her, gripping the steering wheel a little too tightly.

He had messed up.

Badly.

And he knew it.

The usual teasing smirk? Gone.

The usual glint in her eyes? Gone.

And the worst part, he didn’t know how to fix it.

When they finally reached her apartment, Mahira stepped out without a single word.

Aarush sighed. Deeply.

Then, he followed. She didn’t stop him.

She walked in, left the door open, and he quietly stepped inside.

The moment he shut the door—

“I’m sorry.”

Mahira froze. His voice was soft. Sincere.

She slowly turned, and her anger flared all over again.

She walked straight up to him, her eyes burning.

“What the hell were you thinking, Aarush sir?”

She yelled. Not loudly. Not harshly.

But in that soft, trembling voice—with her eyes glassy with tears—

It shattered him.

Aarush felt something tighten in his chest.

He opened his mouth, but she beat him to it.

“What if—” She sucked in a shaky breath, her lips quivering. “What if I lost you?”

His heart dropped.

“What if you didn’t come back up?” she whispered, voice breaking.

He swallowed hard. Mahira took another breath, but this time, it was uneven.

“What if it was my fault? Again?”

Aarush’s brows knitted together. Again?

He took a step closer, searching her face.

“What do you mean, again?” he asked, voice cautious.

She turned her face away.

Aarush’s jaw clenched. There was something she wasn’t saying.

"Mahira," he tried, voice softer now.

She let out a bitter, hollow laugh.

“My mother…” Her voice was barely a whisper now.

“She didn’t die because he beat her.”

Aarush stilled.

His hands clenched into fists. Mahira finally met his gaze.

Her next words made his blood run cold.

“She died because he drowned her.”

Silence.

Mahira took a deep, shaky breath.

“He put her in the water and… he held her down.”

Her fingers curled at her sides.

"I was there."

Aarush’s heart fucking shattered. His mind flashed with images.

A young, terrified Mahira, watching helplessly as—

No.

He would not picture it. He couldn’t.

He refused.

Aarush’s body moved before his mind did.

In an instant, his arms wrapped around her.

Tightly. Protectively.

Mahira stiffened.

But then, slowly—

She melted into him.

Her fists gripped the fabric of his shirt. Aarush held her closer.

"I'm sorry," he murmured against her hair.

Mahira took a trembling breath. She didn’t push him away.

She just… stood there.

And then she said something in her soft voice again.

Aarush stiffened.

His grip on her tightened instinctively.

“What?” His voice was firm, borderline demanding.

Mahira didn’t look at him.

“You’ll leave me eventually, Aarush sir,” she whispered, her words carrying the weight of something deep.

Aarush’s frown deepened.

“What makes you think that?” His voice was gentler now, but there was an edge to it.

Mahira swallowed.

Her eyes flickered for a brief second, as if debating whether to say it or not.

Then, in a voice so soft, so fragile—

“I am not pure.”

Aarush’s breath hitched.

His mind instantly went to the worst.

His grip on her arms tightened, just a little.

That man. The one who attacked her.

His jaw clenched, his eyes darkening.

“You mean because of what happened with—”

“No.”

Her voice cut through the silence.

Aarush’s eyes widened slightly. Mahira pulled back, lowering her gaze.

She looked… ashamed.

Why?

His chest tightened. She hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath.

“There’s something I haven’t told you.”

Aarush stared at her.

Then, slowly, he stepped back, his eyes never leaving her.

“Then tell me,” he said, voice firm.

Mahira’s fingers trembled at her sides.

Then, finally—

She lifted her gaze. And spoke.

♡♡♡♡♡

Mahira exhaled, staring at the floor. The words were heavy on her tongue, a burden she had carried for years, never daring to let them out.

Even now, standing here with Aarush, the one person who had managed to slip past her walls, she hesitated.

But she had to say it.

“I didn’t run away the day my father killed my mother.”

The words hung in the air, sharp and cold. She expected the weight of them to crush her, to choke her—but they didn’t. Maybe because she had carried them for too long.

Aarush didn’t react immediately. He stood still, watching her, his body tense, but his eyes held no judgment. No pity. Just a quiet patience that made her feel like she could keep going.

“I should have,” she whispered. “Maybe I could have. But I didn’t.”

She ran a hand through her hair, gripping the strands at the back of her head as if the pressure could hold her together.

“He held me captive for a year.”

Aarush inhaled sharply, but he didn’t interrupt. She knew he wouldn’t.

Mahira let out a shaky breath. “He used to beat me every day. At first, I thought it was punishment. For crying too much. For screaming when I saw her blood on the floor. For existing. Then I realized—there was no reason. He did it because he could. Because I was trapped and no one was coming for me.”

Her throat burned, but she kept speaking. “Sometimes, I would sit near the window, pretending I could hear my mother’s voice in the wind. That she would come back for me. That someone would. But no one ever did.”

She looked up at Aarush then. His eyes were dark, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. The air around him felt charged, like he was barely holding himself together.

But she wasn’t done yet.

“But that wasn’t the worst part,” she whispered.

His breathing grew heavier, but still, he waited.

“After a few days… he started touching me.”

The words sliced through the room like a blade. Aarush’s entire body went rigid.

His jaw clenched so tightly she thought it might break. His fingers curled, his knuckles turning white, veins pressing against his skin.

But he didn’t speak. She didn’t need him to.

She looked away. “It started with small things. A hand on my shoulder for too long. Standing too close. Staring. Watching. I could feel his eyes on me all the time. At first, I thought I was imagining it. That maybe my mind was just broken. But I wasn’t wrong.”

Her breath hitched. “One day, he broke my bedroom door. I stopped sleeping. I stopped bathing when I knew he was home. I locked myself in the kitchen at night, but he found me. I slept on the terrace sometimes, hoping he wouldn’t come there. But he did.”

She swallowed, the memory suffocating her, wrapping around her like a noose. “And then, on my fourteenth birthday, he tried to—” She couldn’t even say it. The word itself felt too vile to speak.

Aarush moved then. Just a step. Not reaching for her, not closing the space, just… moving. Like he couldn’t stand still any longer.

“I fought back,” she forced herself to continue. “I scratched, I bit, I kicked. Somehow, I ran. I don’t even remember how I got to the train station. I don’t remember how I climbed onto that train. I just knew I couldn’t stay. I didn’t care where I was going.”

Her arms wrapped around herself, her voice breaking. “I was fourteen.”

Silence.

She had never heard silence like this before. Heavy. Suffocating. She finally looked at Aarush.

His head was lowered, his eyes shadowed, but his fists were shaking. His entire body looked like it was holding back a storm.

Then he spoke, his voice rough, raw. “Where is he now?”

She shook her head. “I don’t know. I don’t want to know.”

Aarush exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. His entire body was still tense, but there was something else in his gaze now. Something lethal.

“He doesn’t deserve to breathe.”

She let out a bitter laugh. “Maybe not. But I do.”

That made him look at her again.

She met his gaze, her lips pressing together. “And I don’t want to waste my breath thinking about him.”

Aarush didn’t speak for a long time. Then, finally, he moved closer, slow and deliberate.

She stiffened, but he stopped right in front of her, close enough for her to feel the warmth of him, the steady rhythm of his breath.

Then, ever so gently, he placed his hand on her cheek. She tensed, her instinct screaming at her to pull away. But she didn’t.

His thumb brushed against her skin, his touch featherlight. “You are the bravest person I know, Mahira,” he murmured, his voice deep with emotion.

“And you are pure. No matter what happened, no matter what he did—you are you. Strong, kind, and… so, so precious.”

Her lips trembled. “But… I’m broken, Aarush sir. I’m not—”

He placed a finger on her lips, shaking his head. “You are not broken.”

Her breath caught.

“You are a survivor,” he said firmly. “And I swear, no one will ever hurt you again.”

A tear slipped down her cheek. He caught it with his thumb, wiping it away before it could fall.

And for the first time in years, she felt lighter. Not healed. Not whole.

But lighter.

Because she had spoken. And he had listened.

Mahira swallowed hard, staring at Aarush through tear-blurred eyes.

“You won’t leave me, will you?” Her voice was barely above a whisper, fragile like a thread stretched too thin.

Aarush’s gaze darkened, his jaw tightening. Without hesitation, he cupped her face, his touch warm and steady. “Never.”

The word wasn’t just a promise—it was an oath, carved into the very air between them.

She let out a shaky breath, searching his eyes, desperate to believe him. “Everyone leaves.” Her voice cracked.

“My mother left… She didn’t want to, but she did. And then—” She broke off, shaking her head. “Even when I ran, I was alone. I’ve always been alone.”

Aarush exhaled sharply, his hands steadying her, grounding her. “Not anymore.”

She let out a bitter laugh. “But you will. One day, you’ll wake up and realize I’m not worth it. That I’ll always be—”

His grip on her tightened ever so slightly—not to hurt, but to make her listen. “Don’t,” he said firmly, his voice raw. “Don’t you dare say that.”

She blinked, startled by the sharpness in his tone.

Aarush took a step closer, his presence surrounding her. “You think I would ever walk away from you? After everything you’ve been through? After everything you’ve survived?” His voice softened but held an unshakable conviction.

“I don’t care where you came from, Mahira. I don’t care what happened to you. You are not ruined. You are not damaged. You are not unworthy.”

She bit her lip hard, trying to hold back the wave of emotions threatening to swallow her whole.

His eyes softened, and he let out a slow breath. “You don’t believe me now, and that’s okay. But I will prove it to you every single day, for as long as you let me.”

She shook her head, her voice breaking. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

Aarush stepped back slightly, just enough to reach into his pocket.

Her breath hitched as she watched him pull out a thin silver chain. Dangling at the end was a tiny, delicate charm—a crescent moon.

He lifted it between them. “This was my mother’s,” he murmured. “She left it for me or so I was told...” His voice trailed off for a second before he cleared his throat.

“Before she left. She left me a note that said, the moon is constant, even when we can’t see it.” He looked at her.

“Even when you think you’re alone, you’re not.”

Mahira stared at the necklace, at the way the moon charm gleamed under the dim light. She felt her heart clench painfully.

Aarush took her hand and placed the chain in her palm, curling her fingers around it. “This isn’t just a gift. It’s a vow.” His voice dropped lower, heavier.

“As long as this moon exists, I will be here. No matter what.”

Tears slipped silently down her cheeks. “Aarush sir…”

He gently wiped them away with his thumb. “You don’t have to believe my words. Believe my actions.”

She clutched the necklace tightly, pressing it to her chest. A sob escaped her lips, and before she could think, before she could stop herself, she threw her arms around him.

For a second, Aarush froze, as if shocked by the sudden contact.

Then, slowly, carefully, he wrapped his arms around her. His embrace was warm, strong, safe.

Mahira buried her face in his chest, her shoulders shaking. “I don’t want to be alone anymore,” she whispered.

“You never will be,” he murmured against her hair.

And in that moment, she let herself believe him.

Aarush pulled back slightly, enough to look down at her tear-streaked face.

A flicker of guilt passed through his eyes. “Mahira,” he murmured, his voice softer now.

She blinked up at him, still clutching the silver necklace he had given her.

“I’m sorry,” he said, his thumb brushing against her cheek. “For what happened at the lake.”

He sighed, his jaw clenching. “I—I shouldn’t have done that. I just… I wanted to lighten the moment. I didn’t think—”

Mahira tilted her head slightly, confusion crossing her features. “The kiss?”

He swallowed hard, nodding.

To his surprise, she didn’t react the way he expected. No anger. No frustration. Just quiet contemplation.

“I wasn’t thinking about that,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I was just scared that you had drowned. That I’d lost you.”

Aarush’s breath caught in his throat.

She cared. More than he had realized.

Mahira lowered her gaze, her fingers gripping the necklace tightly. “I thought I was going to lose someone again. And I—I don’t think I could handle that.”

His heart clenched. He gently cupped her face, tilting her chin up so she had no choice but to meet his gaze.

“You won’t lose me.” His voice was raw, intense. “Ever.”

She stared at him, her lips parting slightly as if to say something, but no words came out.

Aarush exhaled slowly, his fingers tracing the curve of her jaw. “I don’t regret kissing you,” he admitted, his voice dropping lower, rougher. “But if it scared you, if it hurt you in any way, then I regret how I did it.”

Mahira felt her heartbeat quicken.

It hadn’t scared her.

Not the way he thought.

She swallowed, hesitating before whispering, “It didn’t.”

Aarush stilled. “What?”

She bit her lip, averting her gaze for a moment before looking back at him. “I wasn’t bothered by it.” Her voice was shy, uncertain. “I just… I wasn’t expecting it.”

A slow smirk tugged at the corner of Aarush’s lips. “So, you’re saying…” He leaned in slightly, his breath fanning against her skin. “You didn’t mind it?”

Mahira’s cheeks burned. “I—I didn’t say that!” she stammered, looking anywhere but at him.

He chuckled, stepping closer. “Oh? But you didn’t deny it either.”

She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “You should freshen up. You’re still damp from the lake,” she said, trying to change the subject.

Aarush raised a brow but didn’t push. “Hmm. Alright.” He took a step back but kept his gaze locked on her.

She glanced at him hesitantly.

“Don’t feel guilty,” she whispered. “About what happened at the lake.”

His smirk softened into something more serious. He gave a slow nod. “Okay.”

Just as he turned toward the room she pointed to, he heard her mumbling to herself. “If the situation was different…”

His smirk returned instantly. “If the situation was different, then what?” He turned back, amused.

Mahira froze, realizing what she had just said aloud. Her eyes widened in horror.

“N-Nothing!” she blurted, shaking her head furiously.

Aarush crossed his arms, leaning slightly toward her. “No, no, Mahira. You can’t just say something like that and not explain.” His smirk widened. “I’m curious.”

She clenched her jaw, refusing to meet his eyes. “Forget I said anything.”

He chuckled. “Oh, now I have to know.”

She quickly pointed toward the guest room. “Go! Change! Now!”

He laughed but obeyed, finally walking toward the room.

Just as he was mid-way in turning, Mahira’s heart pounded wildly in her chest.

Before she could stop herself, she darted forward, stood on her toes, and pressed a quick, warm kiss to his cheek.

Aarush froze.

For a whole second, there was silence.

Then Mahira’s eyes widened at what she had just done.

Before he could react, she gasped and bolted to another room, slamming the door shut behind her.

Aarush blinked, processing what had just happened.

Then, a slow, devilish smirk spread across his lips.

“Oh, love,” he murmured under his breath, amusement lacing his voice. “Now this is getting interesting.”

♡♡♡♡♡

After freshening up, Aarush stepped out of the bathroom, rubbing his damp hair with a towel.

His shirt was soaked from earlier, so he didn’t bother wearing it. The cool air hit his bare skin as he walked out, his eyes scanning the apartment.

From the kitchen, Mahira hummed softly as she cooked, the scent of spices filling the air. He smirked, watching her from a distance.

She looked so different like this—relaxed, at home. His gaze softened for a moment before curiosity got the better of him.

He wandered around, observing the small details of her space. A shelf with a few books, some soft cushions on the couch, and a small plant in the corner.

Everything about the apartment felt warm, lived-in. Just like her.

As he moved through the hallway, he noticed a door slightly ajar. Without thinking, he reached for the handle.

But before he could open it, Mahira suddenly appeared, blocking his way.

Her eyes were squeezed shut. “Don’t open it!” she blurted out.

Aarush raised an amused brow, crossing his arms. “And why not?”

“It’s—uh—just dusty!” she said quickly, her cheeks turning a shade darker.

His smirk grew wider. “Really now?”

She nodded furiously, still keeping her eyes shut.

He leaned down slightly, voice dripping with mischief. “Are you not looking at me because of the dust… or because I’m shirtless?”

Mahira’s lips parted, and her blush deepened. “I—I—”

Aarush chuckled. “Adorable.”

Ignoring her protests, he turned the knob and pushed the door open. Mahira gasped.

The room was beautifully lit, a soft golden glow from fairy lights wrapped around the walls. Photos covered nearly every inch—some framed, others simply pinned up.

They weren’t just of Mahira now, but of her as a child. Some with other people, some alone.

Aarush stepped inside, his expression shifting from playful to intrigued. “What is this place?”

Mahira bit her lip, hesitating before finally opening her eyes. She nervously stepped in after him, her fingers fidgeting.

He scanned the photos, pausing at one in particular. A little girl, with messy hair and bright, hopeful eyes.

She was grinning, standing beside a woman. A woman with kind eyes and a warm smile.

Aarush frowned slightly. “Isn’t that… Daisy?”

Mahira inhaled sharply. She hadn’t expected him to recognize her so quickly.

Still covering part of her face, she nodded. “Yes… she’s the angel who saved me.”

His gaze flickered to her. “Saved you?”

Mahira took a deep breath. “I told you I ran away, right? I got onto a random train, no idea where I was going, terrified and alone.” She stepped forward, gently touching the photo.

“Daisy was there. A stranger to me at the time, but she saw me… and she didn’t turn away.”

Aarush listened intently, watching the way her fingers trembled slightly as she spoke.

“She took me in. Gave me food. A place to stay. She raised me like I was her own,” Mahira continued, her voice thick with emotion.

“She was the first person to ever show me love.”

Aarush’s expression softened as he looked at the woman in the photograph.

He could see it now—the warmth in her eyes, the kindness in her smile.

“She must mean a lot to you,” he said quietly.

Mahira nodded. “She’s the only family I ever had after my mother.”

Aarush hummed thoughtfully at the mention of Daisy, nodding as if committing her name to memory.

Then, just as Mahira let out a small breath, thinking the conversation had ended, he turned and continued moving deeper into the room.

Mahira's heart leaped in panic. “Aarush Sir—wait!” she said, rushing forward, but it was too late.

His eyes landed on a section of the wall she had never intended for him to see.

Rows of photographs. Beautifully taken. Carefully arranged.

And all of them… were of him.

Aarush blinked, stepping closer. Some were candid shots—him laughing with friends, focused in class, walking across the campus in his usual confident stride.

Others were closer, more intimate—his side profile as he read a book, the way the sunlight hit his face at just the right angle, the intensity in his eyes during a debate.

And then there were sketches—detailed, intricate drawings of his expressions, the curve of his smile, the furrow of his brows. Mahira’s handwriting in the corners held little notes.

"He looks breathtaking when he’s deep in thought."

"That smile…"

Aarush turned to her, eyes questioning. “Mahira… why do you have these?”

Mahira swallowed, her cheeks burning. She looked everywhere except at him.

“They… they’re pictures of my first crush.” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Aarush stilled. His breath hitched for a fraction of a second as realization dawned. He looked at the photos again—at himself.

“Wait—” He turned to her, lips parting. “Me?”

Mahira squeezed her eyes shut, nodding quickly, her fingers twisting into her dupatta.

Aarush let out a soft gasp, followed by a slow, amused smile. “I was your first crush?”

Mahira groaned in embarrassment, still refusing to look at him. “It was a long time ago! I was young and stupid and—”

Before she could finish, Aarush took a step closer. She immediately covered her face with both hands.

He chuckled. “Still can’t look at me, hmm?”

“Y-you’re not wearing a shirt!” she protested, her voice muffled by her palms.

Aarush smirked, effortlessly prying her hands away. “You’ve seen my photos for years, Mahira. And yet, now you’re shy?”

Mahira’s breath caught. He was so close. His bare skin was warm under her trembling fingers. She refused to meet his eyes, her heart thudding against her ribs.

Aarush’s gaze softened as he studied her face—her flushed cheeks, the nervous way she bit her lip, the way her lashes fluttered like she was trying to will herself invisible.

Gently, he lifted her chin with his knuckles. “You could have told me, you know.”

Mahira swallowed, finally daring to look into his eyes. “It didn’t matter,” she whispered.

His brows furrowed. “Why?”

“Because… you were you,” she said hesitantly. “Handsome, charming, everyone’s favorite. And I was just… a girl who admired you from afar.”

Aarush exhaled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “And now?”

Mahira blinked. “Now?”

His voice dropped to a whisper. “Do you still admire me from afar, Mahira?”

A thousand emotions swirled in her chest. He was too close, too intense, too Aarush.

“I…” She couldn’t find words.

Aarush smirked, leaning in just a fraction closer. “You know… I think it’s adorable.”

Mahira’s lips parted. “What?”

“That you had a crush on me. That you kept these pictures. That you still get all flustered when I’m around.” His voice was teasing, but there was something deeper beneath it. Something real.

Mahira’s breath hitched. “I don’t—”

Before she could lie, he reached for her wrist and placed her own hand over his chest. Right over his heart.

Mahira gasped softly. His heartbeat was steady. Warm. Strong.

She felt her knees go weak as Aarush guided her trembling hand to his bare chest.

The warmth of his skin under her fingertips sent a shiver down her spine, her heart hammering so loudly she was sure he could hear it.

Her blush deepened, her breath hitching as her palm rested right over his heart.

It was steady, strong… but beating just a little faster than normal.

She looked up, expecting to find amusement in his gaze, expecting to be teased again. But what she found instead made her breath catch.

Love.

Pure. Unfiltered. Intense.

Aarush wasn’t smirking anymore. His expression was soft, his eyes holding an emotion so deep that it made her chest tighten.

Mahira felt the heat rise to her face again, her fingers twitching slightly against his warm skin.

And oh God—his abs.

This close, it was impossible not to be completely mesmerized.

She swallowed thickly, her lips parting slightly. She should pull away. She should say something. But she was frozen in place.

Aarush exhaled, his lips curving into a small, knowing smile. “You’re blushing again.”

Mahira let out a shaky breath. “Y-you’re shirtless.”

His smirk deepened. “Not my fault you kept all my pictures, Mahira.”

The way he said her name sent warmth flooding through her veins. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Aarush moved.

In one swift motion, he pulled her close.

Mahira gasped as she stumbled forward, falling against his bare chest. Her hands instinctively landed on his shoulders to steady herself, but all that did was make her more aware of the firm muscles beneath her touch.

Her entire body flushed with heat. She had never been this close to him before. She had never felt him like this.

And God, did it feel good.

Her heart pounded erratically, and she was sure she might faint.

Aarush let out a deep breath, his arms tightening around her. “You feel good against me.”

Mahira bit her lip, unsure what to say.

His voice dropped to a whisper. “I love you.”

Mahira’s eyes snapped up to his, her heart stopping for a moment. The words hung between them, soft but powerful.

She searched his face for any sign of hesitation, any hint that he might not mean it. But all she saw was truth. Raw. Unwavering.

A slow, genuine smile curled her lips. “I love you too.”

Aarush inhaled sharply, his eyes darkening with emotion. His hold on her tightened for just a second before he closed his eyes, as if savoring the moment.

Mahira couldn’t help but admire him. His long lashes, the way his brows furrowed slightly in concentration, the sharp edges of his face that softened only for her.

And before she knew what she was doing—before she could second-guess herself—she leaned up on her tiptoes.

Pressing her lips lightly to his.

It was barely a kiss. Just the softest brush of her lips against his. Gentle. Tentative. Testing the waters.

And yet, it sent electricity through her veins.

Mahira pulled back quickly, her eyes wide as she realized what she had just done.

Aarush froze.

His entire body tensed, his eyes locked onto her, his lips slightly parted in shock.

Butterflies.

That was the only way to describe what he was feeling. A rush of warmth, of something new, something right.

Mahira bit her lip nervously. “I—”

But before she could say another word, Aarush reacted.

He pulled her back in.

Mahira let out a soft gasp as his hand slid to the back of her head, fingers tangling in her hair.

And then, he kissed her.

A real kiss.

Deep. Slow. Claiming.

Mahira’s breath hitched as his lips moved against hers, his touch firm but unbearably gentle.

He wasn’t demanding. He wasn’t rushing. He was savoring her.

She didn’t resist.

Her hands gripped his shoulders, her entire body melting into his. He kissed her like she was something precious. Like he had been waiting for this moment for a long, long time.

Mahira didn’t know how much time had passed before they finally pulled apart. Seconds? Minutes? An eternity?

Aarush’s forehead rested against hers, their breaths mingling.

She had never felt this way before. Never felt so much.

Aarush chuckled breathlessly, his fingers still tangled in her hair. “So…” he murmured, his voice husky. “Still just a crush?”

Mahira smiled softly, her fingers tracing the outline of his jaw. “No.”

Aarush smirked. “Good.”

Mahira could feel her face burning. The heat of her blush spread from her cheeks down her neck, her entire body reacting to the sheer intensity of what had just happened.

The kiss. The feel of his bare skin. His abs—Goddamn, his abs.

She was drowning in the moment, completely consumed by the weight of his presence, his warmth, and the way his eyes darkened with something unreadable yet intoxicating.

Aarush smirked at her flustered state, his fingers brushing against her flushed cheek.

His touch was light but electrifying, making her breath catch in her throat.

"You know," he murmured, his voice low and teasing, "you can touch me all you want. I am yours, after all."

Mahira gasped, her eyes widening in shock. "Aarush sir!" she stammered, her hands instinctively pressing against his chest in protest—only to make things worse because now she was fully aware of how firm and sculpted he was.

Aarush chuckled, his smirk growing as he tilted his head playfully. "What? Just stating facts."

Mahira groaned in embarrassment, quickly trying to pull away, but before she could even take a step, he moved.

Effortlessly, he scooped her up into his arms.

Mahira let out a startled gasp, her arms automatically looping around his neck as she was lifted off the ground.

Her heart pounded wildly, her breath coming in short, uneven waves.

"Aarush sir, put me down!" she protested, but even to her own ears, her voice lacked conviction.

"Not happening," he said smoothly. "I like holding you."

Before she could argue further, his lips captured hers again.

This kiss was different.

It wasn’t just a press of lips or a hesitant exploration.

This time, Aarush took his time, savoring her, making her feel every emotion pouring from him.

His lips moved against hers in a slow, sensual dance, coaxing her to respond.

And she did.

Mahira melted into him, her fingers gripping the back of his neck as he deepened the kiss.

His lips were warm and firm, molding perfectly against hers. He tasted like the faintest trace of rain and something undeniably him.

She shivered as his arms tightened around her, one hand pressed firmly against her lower back, the other supporting her with ease.

She felt weightless in his hold, like she was meant to be there, wrapped up in him.

Aarush angled his head slightly, deepening the kiss, his tongue teasing the seam of her lips before slipping in, sending a shockwave down her spine.

Mahira whimpered softly against his mouth, heat pooling in her stomach as she clung to him.

She could feel his smirk against her lips, as if he knew exactly what he was doing to her.

Aarush pulled back just slightly, his breath fanning against her lips.

"Still blushing?" he murmured, his voice low and husky.

Mahira refused to open her eyes, her face still buried against his shoulder.

"Shut up," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aarush chuckled, holding her closer as he carried her out of the room. "Never."

Mahira knew she was doomed.

Because with him—this dangerous, breathtaking man—she would always be a blushing mess.

And he knew it.

And he loved it.

♡♡♡♡♡

Comment all you want about this chapter for a bonus chapter! 🫣

The kiss was chaos, yet she never felt safer...❤️‍🔥❣️🫀✨