The Couple Who Lifts Together

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"This is a crime against humanity," Aashna muttered, rubbing her eyes, still half-asleep as she stood near Dhruvin’s bike.

The cold morning air wrapped around her, making her shiver slightly despite her snug workout set. Her hair was still a mess from sleep, and she looked at him with pure murder in her drowsy eyes. "Because of your fantasy, I had to wake up at five in the morning, Dhruvin. Five."

Dhruvin, instead of feeling guilty, cupped her face with a grin and kissed her nose softly. "Aww, my baby," he cooed, rubbing her cheek with his thumb before biting it playfully, making her swat at his arm. "I’m sorry."

"You’re not sorry," she huffed, pouting.

"Fine, I’m not. But look at you," he chuckled, pulling off his hoodie and draping it over her. "Already so cute in your workout set. You’re still shivering—wear this. Can’t have my baby catching a cold."

Aashna sighed, slipping into his hoodie, letting the warmth of his scent engulf her. It was too early to argue.

"Hop on," he said, patting the backseat of his bike.

By the time they reached the gym, the place was already buzzing with activity. A few guys nodded at Dhruvin in greeting, and some girls walked past, flashing bright smiles at him. One even placed a hand on his bicep as she walked by, saying, "Morning, Dhruvin!"

Aashna raised an eyebrow at that.

"You know everyone here?" she asked, watching as he casually fist-bumped another guy near the entrance.

Dhruvin chuckled, holding the door open for her. "Of course. I’ve been coming here for three years now."

Of course you have. She rolled her eyes.

"Come here," he said, leading her to a bench. He knelt in front of her and took her gym shoes from her bag.

"I can wear them myself," she said, slightly flustered.

"I know," he smirked, tying the laces for her anyway, securing them tightly. "But I like taking care of you."

She sighed, trying not to melt. "You’re so annoying."

"I know." He winked and stood up. "Ready?"

She groaned but nodded.

They started with a warm-up, followed by back workouts.

Dhruvin stood beside her, demonstrating the exercises. "We’ll start with lat pulldowns," he said, adjusting the machine’s weight. He pulled the bar down smoothly, his muscles flexing effortlessly, before letting Aashna take his place. "Keep your back straight, baby. Good posture, always."

She followed his instructions, and he stood behind her, his hands resting lightly on her waist, adjusting her posture. Every touch sent warmth through her skin.

After a few sets, they moved to bent-over dumbbell rows. Dhruvin handed her a pair of dumbbells, showing her how to lift properly. "Slow and controlled movements," he guided. "Feel your back muscles working."

Aashna nodded, her gaze fixed on his reflection in the gym mirror as he adjusted her form. How does he manage to look so good even while working out? His focus, his gentle corrections, the way his voice dropped to a murmur every time he whispered instructions in her ear—it was distracting.

Just as they were about to move to the next workout, a girl walked over. "Hey, Dhruv! Can you spot me on my bench press?"

Dhruvin nodded. "Yeah, sure, give me a sec."

Aashna's eyes narrowed as she watched him walk over. The girl was too friendly—touching his arm, laughing a little too much at his words. Aashna tried to ignore it, but the irritation bubbled inside her.

When Dhruvin returned, she was mid-set, gripping the dumbbells a little too tightly.

"Okay, drop them," he said, noticing she had done extra sets.

She set the dumbbells down with a loud thud and crossed her arms. "Oh, so now you have time for me?"

Dhruvin blinked, confused. "What?"

"Nahi, tu jaa, help kar sabko," she said, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Dhruvin chuckled, realizing what was happening. "Aashna..." He shook his head, amused. "It’s not like that. Everyone here is friendly."

"I don’t understand why you even feel that," he added casually, using his T-shirt as a towel to wipe the sweat off his face.

Aashna’s glare deepened as she saw a few girls stealing glances at him. His toned abs were on full display.

She grabbed her handkerchief and shoved it at him. "Ye lo."

Dhruvin smirked but took it anyway. "Arey, my girl is MAD mad."

She huffed, looking away.

Still smirking, he pulled out one of his AirPods, gently tucking it into her ear.

"Listen to this song, okay, baba?" he murmured.

As the music started playing, Aashna’s eyes widened.  Love me like you do.

The song that had played in the background the first time they made love.

Her gaze flickered to the gym mirror, and she caught sight of Dhruvin behind her, watching her reaction with an unreadable expression. Her ears burned as she met his knowing smirk.

He leaned in closer, his lips brushing the shell of her ear.

"How can I think about other girls," he whispered, his voice husky, "when you’re the one running through my mind and ruling my heart?"

Her breath hitched.

"You own me, Aashna. Physically, mentally, emotionally. So be the one either to cherish me... or to damage me."

Aashna clenched her fists, her heart hammering against her ribs.

He always did this. Always knew exactly what to say, how to touch her, how to undo her completely.

And just like that, her anger melted away.

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Author’s Note

If you’ve made it this far, thank you from the bottom of my heart! 💙

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