Drenched in Desire
RIVAL HEARTS
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The sun hung high in the sky, bathing the coastal town in a golden glow as the group piled out of the minivan. After a long, music-filled road trip and a much-needed power nap for Aashna, they were finally ready to explore.
Manan, ever the self-appointed trip leader, dramatically spread out a crumpled paper. "Doston, yeh hai hamara aaj ka itinerary!" (Friends, this is our itinerary for the day!) he announced, only to be met with an eye-roll from Sia.
Raj snatched the paper and read out loud, "Eat, click photos, eat again, roam, repeat. Wow, Manan, such depth."
âBhai, mujhe toh bas khaane se matlab hai,â (Bro, I only care about food) Manan shrugged, making everyone laugh.
The first stop was a picturesque lighthouse with a breathtaking view of the endless ocean. While the others admired the scenery, Dhruvin had his attention elsewhereâon Aashna. She stood near the edge, the wind playing with her hair, her short jumpsuit making his heart hammer against his chest.
He walked up beside her, his voice low. "You know, there's only one thing that isn't perfect in this moment?"
Aashna turned, raising a brow. "Kya?"
He leaned in, his lips inches from her ear. "Tu mere paas nahi khadi, thoda aur close aana padega."
She scowled, playfully pushing him away. "Filmy mat ban."
The group continued exploring, clicking endless pictures, teasing each other mercilessly, and stealing snacks from each otherâs plates at a street food stall. By the time evening rolled around, they had laughed, eaten their weight in food, and exhausted themselves.
After a hearty meal, they returned to their villa, where the highlight of the night awaited themâthe swimming pool.
Manan was the first to jump in, splashing Raj, who had been peacefully sipping his drink. "Abey yaar, mere kapde geele ho gaye!" (Damn it, my clothes are wet!) Raj yelled, making the whole group burst into laughter.
Sia and Saumya joined in, and soon enough, everyone was in the pool except Aashna, who was still standing by the edge, contemplating.
Dhruvin swam up to her, tilting his head. "Kya soch rahi hai, madam?"
She crossed her arms. "Paani thanda lag raha hai."
His lips curled into a smirk before he grabbed her wrist and yanked her in.
A squeal left her lips before she splashed into the water, emerging with a glare. "Dhruvin, main tujhe maar dalungi!"
But before she could, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. "Acha? Maarne se pehle ek kaam kar... mere saath thoda swim karle."
With their bodies pressed together, her hands instinctively rested on his shoulders. His wet skin under her touch sent shivers down her spine. The moonlight reflected in his dark eyes, and there was a flicker of something mischievous there. "You look good like this," he murmured.
She narrowed her eyes. "Like what?"
He traced a slow, lazy line down her bare arm. "Soaked, breathless, and all mine."
Heat pooled in her stomach. "Shut up," she muttered, turning away, but he caught her chin, making her look at him.
"Not happening."
The teasing disappeared from his gaze, replaced by something deeper. He leaned in slowly, giving her every chance to pull away. But she didnât. Instead, she rose slightly on her toes in the water, meeting him halfway. Their lips met in a slow, searing kiss, the taste of saltwater and something uniquely Dhruvin making her dizzy.
His fingers traced patterns on her lower back, pulling her impossibly closer. She sighed against his lips, and he took that opportunity to deepen the kiss, making her toes curl. Her hands tangled in his wet hair, pulling him closer, desperate, wanting more.
A loud splash broke them apart. "Bhai, kamre le jao yaar! Bacchon ke saamne yeh sab accha nahi lagta!" (Bro, take it to the room! This isnât good in front of kids!) Manan whistled from the other side of the pool.
Aashna buried her face in Dhruvinâs shoulder, mortified, while he chuckled, his hold on her firm. "Jealous lag raha hai mujhe tu."
Raj swam up and added, "Main toh keh raha hoon, ek aur kiss ho jaaye?"
Aashna smacked Dhruvinâs chest. "Mujhe toh inn sab se door bhaagna chahiye."
But Dhruvin only grinned, his fingers grazing her waist under the water. "Lekin tu bhaagti nahi."
She rolled her eyes but didnât move away. Maybe, just maybe, she didnât want to.
Aashna and Dhruvin in swimming pool.
Dhruvin making sure his "Aashu" isnât cold.
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Authorâs Note
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