60. Attack

Shivaay glanced at the clock, realizing it was almost time to leave for the mansion. He exhaled deeply, his nerves still buzzing as he thought about what he was about to do. The parcel sat on his desk, neatly wrapped again, holding the anklets and the pendant that symbolized everything he felt for Niharika.

He leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming on the armrest. Would she understand the depth of his feelings? Would she accept him for who he truly was, not just as the CEO or the king of Jaipur, but as Shivaay—the man who had fallen deeply, irrevocably in love with her?

Shivaay shook his head to clear his thoughts. He had faced countless enemies, made life-altering decisions in seconds, and ruled an empire with an iron fist. Yet, the idea of confessing his love to Niharika made his heart race in ways he never thought possible.

He grabbed his coat and the parcel, taking one last look around the cabin. The sky outside was beginning to turn shades of orange and pink, signaling the end of the day. It was now or never.

As he walked out of his office, his men nodded respectfully, sensing his unusual calmness. Little did they know, their fearless leader was preparing for a battle of the heart—a battle he desperately hoped to win.

On his way to the car, he imagined her reaction. Would she smile? Would her eyes light up the way they always did when she was happy? Or would she be shocked, unsure of how to respond?

He clenched his jaw, silencing his doubts. Whatever happened, he needed her to know the truth. His love for her was no longer something he could suppress.

The driver opened the car door for him, and as Shivaay settled in, he gazed out the window, the city passing by in a blur. His thoughts were consumed by her—her smile, her voice, the way she had unknowingly melted the ice around his heart.

Soon, the mansion came into view. The grand gates opened, and the car rolled into the driveway. Shivaay straightened his coat, picked up the parcel, and stepped out, his resolve firmer than ever.

Tonight, he would make sure Niharika knew how much she meant to him. Tonight, everything would change.

Shivaay entered the mansion, his steps purposeful as he headed straight to his room. His heart pounded with anticipation, the parcel clutched tightly in his hand. When he opened the door, the sight before him brought an involuntary smile to his face.

Niharika sat cross-legged on the couch by the window, her notes spread out around her. She was completely engrossed in her studies, her brows slightly furrowed in concentration. A loose strand of hair had escaped her bun, and she absentmindedly tucked it behind her ear.

Shivaay paused for a moment, leaning against the doorframe as he watched her. How could someone look so innocent yet so captivating at the same time? Her presence filled the room, making it feel warmer, brighter—just like she had unknowingly brightened his life.

Sensing his presence, Niharika looked up from her notes, her eyes meeting his. A soft smile spread across her face as she greeted him.

"You're back! How was your day?" she asked, her voice calm and soothing, breaking the silence.

Shivaay stepped inside, closing the door behind him. He placed the parcel on the bedside table and loosened his tie, his gaze never leaving hers.

"It was... eventful," he replied, his voice lower than usual, the weight of his emotions evident.

Niharika tilted her head, noticing the shift in his demeanor. "Eventful? Sounds like something interesting happened," she said playfully, setting her notes aside.

Shivaay walked closer and sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes scanning her face. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. "Something did happen," he admitted, his tone serious now.

Her brows furrowed slightly, and she straightened up. "Is everything okay?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

He reached for the parcel and held it out to her. "Before I say anything, this is for you."

Niharika looked at him, surprised, before carefully taking the parcel. "What's this, Shivaay?"

"Open it," he urged softly, his heart pounding as he watched her.

She unwrapped it slowly, revealing the delicate anklets and the couples pendant. Her eyes widened as she looked at the beautiful jewelry, her fingers tracing the intricate designs. She glanced up at him, her expression a mixture of awe and curiosity. "Shivaay, this is... beautiful. But why?"

He leaned closer, his gaze intense yet vulnerable. "Because I wanted to," he said simply, his voice firm but filled with emotion. "Because you deserve to know what you mean to me."

Niharika's breath hitched, her heart racing as she processed his words. She could see the raw honesty in his eyes, the unspoken emotions he had kept hidden for so long.

Shivaay reached out, gently taking her hand in his. "I know I’ve been distant, cold, and even unfair to you at times. But somewhere along the way, you broke through all of that. You’ve changed me, Niharika. And now, I can’t imagine my life without you."

Her lips parted, but no words came out. She was overwhelmed, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

"I love you, Niharika," Shivaay said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And I don’t want to hide it anymore."

Tears finally spilled down her cheeks, and she smiled through them. "Shivaay... I don’t know what to say," she murmured, her voice trembling.

"Say that you’ll let me be the man you deserve," he replied, his thumb brushing against the back of her hand. "Say that you’ll give me the chance to make you as happy as you’ve made me."

She nodded, her emotions too overwhelming for words. "I love you too," she finally whispered, her voice filled with sincerity.

A wave of relief washed over Shivaay, and a rare, genuine smile spread across his face. He pulled her into a gentle embrace, holding her as if she were the most precious thing in the world.

In that moment, nothing else mattered. It was just the two of them, bound by love, ready to face whatever the future had in store—together.

As they pulled back from the embrace, their eyes locked, speaking volumes without words. The intensity of the moment grew, and Shivaay's gaze softened as he cupped her face gently.

Niharika's breath hitched, her cheeks flushed as she looked up at him, her heart racing uncontrollably. He leaned in closer, his forehead resting against hers, giving her the space to pull away if she wanted to.

But she didn’t.

Instead, she closed her eyes, her trust in him evident, her heart speaking louder than her mind. Taking that as an unspoken affirmation, Shivaay closed the gap between them. His lips met hers in a soft, tender kiss that spoke of everything he couldn’t put into words—his love, his gratitude, his promise to cherish her forever.

Niharika melted into the kiss, her hands instinctively moving up to rest on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat that matched her own. The kiss deepened, slow and unhurried, as if time itself had stopped just for them. It was a moment of pure emotion, free from the complexities of their lives and the world outside.

Shivaay’s hand slid to her waist, pulling her slightly closer, while his other hand cradled the back of her head, holding her as if she were the most fragile, precious thing he’d ever touched.

When they finally pulled back, their breaths mingling, their eyes met again, filled with unspoken promises and a newfound understanding.

Niharika smiled shyly, her cheeks glowing. "That was..." she started, but words failed her.

Shivaay chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Perfect," he finished for her, his voice laced with warmth and affection.

She nodded, biting her lower lip as she looked down, unable to hide her smile. "Perfect," she whispered back.

Shivaay leaned in once more, this time placing a soft kiss on her forehead. "Happy birthday, Niharika," he murmured, his voice filled with love.

And in that moment, surrounded by the silence of the room and the warmth of each other’s presence, both of them knew—this was the beginning of something truly beautiful.

As Niharika heard his heartfelt wish and felt the warmth of his love, tears welled up in her eyes. She quickly wiped them away, but they kept falling, betraying the emotions flooding her heart.

Shivaay noticed and panicked for a second, thinking he might have done something wrong. "Hey... why are you crying?" he asked softly, his thumb gently brushing away a tear from her cheek.

She shook her head, a smile breaking through her tears. "These are not sad tears, Shivaay," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "These are tears of happiness... I don't know how to thank you for making me feel this special. For making me feel... loved."

Her words hit him hard, and for a moment, he couldn't find the right thing to say. Instead, he took her hands in his, holding them firmly. "Niharika," he began, his voice deep and steady, "you deserve all the happiness in the world. And if I can be the one to give that to you, then nothing else matters to me. You are my everything now."

Hearing those words, she couldn't stop herself from wrapping her arms around him, burying her face in his chest as she let her emotions pour out. He held her tightly, stroking her back soothingly, letting her know he was there for her, always.

After a moment, she pulled back, looking up at him with eyes glistening. "Shivaay, I never imagined someone could love me this much," she whispered, her voice filled with wonder.

"And I never imagined I could love anyone like this," he replied, a small smile tugging at his lips.

She laughed softly through her tears, and he leaned down, placing a tender kiss on her forehead. "No more tears now," he said gently, cupping her face. "Today is your day, and all I want is to see you smile."

She nodded, finally allowing herself to let go of the heaviness she’d carried for so long. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely audible but filled with gratitude.

"For what?" he asked, his brow furrowing.

"For loving me," she answered simply.

His lips curved into a warm smile as he pulled her into another hug. "Always, Niharika. Always."

And in that moment, Niharika realized she had found her safe haven in him, someone who could heal every wound and bring light into every shadow of her life.

As Arav and Riya were making their way back from college, the quiet drive was suddenly disrupted by the sharp, echoing sound of a gunshot. The shattering of glass filled the air, and Riya screamed in shock as the bullet missed her by mere inches, striking the passenger-side window and cracking it completely.

Arav instinctively ducked, his sharp reflexes kicking in, but the sudden panic caused him to lose control of the steering wheel. The car swerved wildly, tires screeching as it skidded off the road.

"Hold on!" he shouted, gripping the wheel tightly in a desperate attempt to steady the vehicle.

But before he could regain control, the car collided with a nearby tree with a deafening crash. The impact threw Riya forward, her seatbelt the only thing keeping her from harm. The airbags deployed, cushioning the blow but leaving both of them momentarily dazed.

Arav shook his head, trying to clear his vision. His training and instincts immediately kicked in as he assessed the situation. Turning to Riya, he asked urgently, "Are you okay? Did you get hit?"

Riya, though visibly shaken, managed to shake her head. "No... I'm fine... I think," she stammered, her voice trembling.

But Arav wasn't reassured. He quickly unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned over to check her for injuries. "Stay here," he ordered, his tone firm yet protective. "Don't move until I say so."

Before Riya could protest, another gunshot rang out, this time closer, making her flinch in fear. Arav's jaw tightened as he realized they were under attack. He pulled a gun from the hidden compartment in the car, his grip steady and his eyes scanning the surroundings for the shooter.

"Riya, get down! Now!" he commanded, his voice low but authoritative.

She crouched low in her seat, her heart pounding as adrenaline coursed through her veins. Arav stepped out cautiously, using the car as a shield, his sharp eyes searching for the source of the gunfire.

From the corner of his eye, he spotted a shadowy figure moving among the trees. Without hesitation, he aimed and fired a warning shot, hoping to scare the assailant off. But whoever it was didn’t retreat—instead, another bullet came whizzing past, narrowly missing Arav's shoulder.

His mind raced. This wasn't random. Someone planned this. Someone wanted to hurt her.

Turning back to the car, he yelled, "Riya, lock the doors and stay down!"

"But—" she began, her voice trembling.

"Do as I say!" he snapped, his tone leaving no room for argument.

She reluctantly obeyed, her fingers fumbling with the lock as fear consumed her.

Arav knew he had to act fast. Taking a deep breath, he moved stealthily around the car, his gun raised, ready to face whoever had dared to attack them. His only thought was to protect Riya at all costs.

The sound of footsteps crunching on leaves grew louder, and Arav knew the attacker was closing in. Whoever they were, they wouldn't leave alive. Not if they were a threat to her.

Arav’s sharp eyes caught sight of a group of armed men emerging from the shadows, their figures growing clearer with each step they took toward the car. His heart pounded, but his resolve remained unshaken. He gripped his gun tightly, aiming at the approaching attackers.

Bang! His first shot hit its mark, taking down the man at the front. Another shot, and a second fell. His training was evident—each shot was precise, each move calculated.

But the numbers were overwhelming. For every man he took down, two more seemed to emerge. His ammo was running low, and he could feel the tension building in his chest.

Turning toward the car, he shouted urgently, "Riya, unlock the door! Now!"

Her hands were shaking as she fumbled with the lock. "What’s happening? Who are they?" she asked, her voice trembling with fear.

"Just do as I say!" he barked, firing another round at an advancing attacker. "We need to get out of here. Now!"

Riya managed to unlock the door just as Arav fired his last bullet, taking down the closest man. He threw the empty gun aside and yanked the door open, pulling her out.

"Run!" he ordered, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the cover of the nearby forest.

"But the car—"

"Forget the car!" he snapped, his grip on her hand tightening as he dragged her along. "They want us, not the car. We have to lose them in the trees!"

The sound of footsteps and shouts grew louder behind them. The attackers were in pursuit, and Arav knew they had to act fast. He led Riya through the dense undergrowth, his eyes scanning for any potential hiding spots.

Riya stumbled, her heels catching on a root, but Arav caught her before she fell. "Keep moving!" he urged, his tone softer now but still firm.

The rain-soaked ground made it difficult to run, their shoes slipping on the mud. Riya’s breaths came in short gasps, her fear evident in her wide eyes. But Arav didn’t let go of her hand, his determination to protect her driving him forward.

They finally reached a cluster of thick trees, where he pulled her down behind a large trunk. Placing a finger to his lips, he silently signaled her to stay quiet.

Riya nodded, pressing her back against the tree as she tried to calm her breathing. Arav peeked out cautiously, watching the men search the area. He counted at least ten of them, their weapons gleaming in the dim light.

He leaned closer to her, whispering, "Stay here. Don’t move, no matter what happens."

"But—"

"No buts, Riya," he interrupted, his voice low but firm. "I promised to protect you, and I will. Trust me."

Before she could argue, he moved silently toward the attackers, using the trees as cover. If he could create a diversion, he could lead them away from her.

Riya watched him go, her heart pounding with fear and something else she couldn’t quite name. She clutched her knees to her chest, praying silently for his safety. Who are these people? Why are they after us? The questions swirled in her mind, but one thing was clear: she trusted Arav with her life.

Arav returned to Riya, his steps cautious yet quick. His eyes scanned the forest for any sign of danger as he crouched beside her. “They’re heading in the opposite direction for now,” he whispered. “We need to move.”

She looked at him with tear-streaked cheeks, fear etched across her face. “Rohit… I… I don’t have my phone. I left it in the car.”

Arav cursed under his breath and instinctively reached into his pocket, only to find it empty. “Shit,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair. “It must’ve fallen back there.”

Riya’s lip quivered as she started crying again. “What do we do now? We’re lost! They’re going to find us, and we’re going to—”

“Riya!” he interrupted firmly, gripping her shoulders to steady her. “Listen to me. I won’t let anything happen to you, okay? Trust me.”

She sniffled, nodding hesitantly as he pulled her into a brief hug. “We’ll figure this out,” he promised, his voice soft yet resolute. “Now, let’s keep moving. Staying in one place will only make us an easy target.”

He helped her to her feet, his arm protectively around her as they began walking deeper into the forest. The trees loomed tall and dense, their shadows stretching across the ground as the light dimmed. The rain had stopped, but the air was still thick and cold, and the muddy terrain made every step a challenge.

After what felt like hours of walking, Arav stopped abruptly. His sharp eyes scanned the area, but the realization hit him like a brick. They were lost.

“Rohit,” Riya whispered, her voice trembling. “Do you even know where we’re going?”

He hesitated, then sighed heavily. “We’ve lost the track,” he admitted, glancing around the unfamiliar surroundings.

Riya’s eyes widened in panic. “What? We’re lost?” She looked around frantically, her fear escalating. “This can’t be happening. We’re going to die out here!”

“Riya, stop!” Arav said sharply, grabbing her arm to halt her pacing. “Panicking won’t help. We need to stay calm and think this through.”

“How can you be so calm?” she snapped, tears threatening to spill again. “We’re stranded in the middle of nowhere with armed men hunting us!”

“Because I have to be calm,” he shot back, his voice tinged with frustration. “For both of us. I told you, I won’t let anything happen to you.”

His words seemed to ground her, and she took a deep, shaky breath. “Okay,” she murmured, wiping her eyes. “Okay… What’s the plan?”

Arav looked around, his mind racing. They needed to find shelter, someplace safe to regroup and figure out their next move. “Let’s look for higher ground,” he said. “If we can find a vantage point, we might be able to spot a way out or signal for help.”

She nodded, following him closely as they made their way uphill. Every sound in the forest felt amplified—the rustle of leaves, the snap of twigs underfoot, the distant call of an owl. Riya clung to Arav’s arm, her fear evident in her tight grip.

As they climbed, Arav kept his senses on high alert, his eyes darting to every shadow and movement. The safety of both their lives rested on his shoulders, and he couldn’t afford to make a single mistake.

Riya stopped abruptly, yanking her arm from Arav's grasp, her voice trembling with frustration and anger. "Where are we going? We’ve been walking for hours, and we’re just getting more lost! What’s the point? Who even were those people, and why were they shooting at us? Tell me, Rohit!"

Her outburst echoed through the forest, and Arav froze. His jaw tightened as he looked at her, the weight of the situation pressing on him. He sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair before meeting her fiery gaze.

“Riya, calm down. I’ll explain everything, but right now, we need to keep moving before they—”

“No!” she snapped, cutting him off. “I’m done blindly following you. I deserve to know the truth. Why are they after us? Is it you they want? Are you really just a bodyguard, or is there something more?”

Arav clenched his fists, knowing he couldn’t dodge her questions anymore. The situation was spiraling, and she deserved some answers, even if not the whole truth. He took a step closer, his voice low but firm.

“Listen to me, Riya. Those men… they weren’t just random attackers. They’re after someone important, and that someone is you,” he said, his words deliberate. “I was assigned to protect you because of who you are—because you’re not just some girl going to college. You’re a Ranawat, and that name carries power, influence, and enemies.”

She blinked, stunned by his words. “But why? I’m just Riya. I don’t have power or influence—my family does. Why target me?”

“Because hurting you hurts your family,” Arav said bluntly. “They know that, and they’re using it against you.”

Her eyes filled with fear and confusion. “But… why are you here? Why did Shivaay assign you?”

Arav hesitated for a moment before replying, his tone guarded. “Because I’m the best at what I do. I was chosen to keep you safe, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do—no matter what it takes.”

She stared at him, her mind spinning. “But Rohit, you’re hiding something. You don’t talk like a normal bodyguard. You act like you know more than you’re letting on.”

His eyes darkened slightly, his calm exterior cracking just a bit. “You’re right,” he admitted. “I’m not just your bodyguard. But right now, that doesn’t matter. What matters is getting you out of here alive. So, either you trust me, or we both end up in trouble. Your choice.”

Riya’s anger wavered, replaced by uncertainty. She looked at him, her breaths coming in shallow gasps. “Fine,” she said quietly. “I’ll trust you. But you better not be lying to me, Rohit.”

He gave her a small, reassuring nod. “I’m not lying, Riya. Now, let’s go before they catch up. I’ll explain everything once we’re safe.”

With that, they continued walking, the tension between them palpable but their steps now more purposeful. Arav knew he had bought himself some time, but the clock was ticking. The truth about who he really was and why he was there would eventually come out—but not yet. Not until she was safe.

As the rain poured relentlessly, Arav led Riya towards the small wooden house at the edge of the woods. The storm had soaked them both completely, and there was no other option but to take shelter in the dilapidated structure. The door creaked as Arav pushed it open, and they stepped inside, both dripping wet from head to toe.

The interior of the house was gloomy and run-down, with dust settling on the old, worn furniture. It looked like no one had lived here in years. But for now, it would have to do.

Arav quickly scanned the space, assessing their temporary refuge. He looked at Riya, shivering in the damp air, and then began to peel off his soaked shirt. The damp fabric clung to his broad chest as he threw it aside, searching for something to help dry off.

Riya’s eyes inadvertently lingered on him, her breath hitching as she saw his well-defined physique. He didn’t seem to care that she was watching, his focus solely on drying his clothes. She quickly looked away, feeling heat rise to her cheeks.

He rummaged through a corner of the room and found an old, faded scarf. He walked over to her and tossed it in her direction.

“Here, wrap this around you,” he said, his voice low and authoritative. “I’ll be outside to make sure no one is following us.”

Riya’s eyes narrowed, her body still cold from the rain and the shock of everything that had happened. “What?” she asked, incredulous. “I’m not wearing this. It’s… it’s just a scarf.”

Arav's gaze hardened, and he gave her a firm look. “Then die in the cold for all I care. I’m not going to let you freeze to death in here.”

She stared at him, frustrated and angry at his bluntness. But deep down, she knew he was right. She had no choice but to accept his help. With a reluctant sigh, she wrapped the scarf around herself, her body shivering more from the emotional weight of the situation than the cold itself.

He noticed her hesitation and nodded, seeming satisfied. “Stay here. I’ll be outside. If anything happens, call me.”

She nodded quietly, watching him leave the small room. As the door closed behind him, she sank onto the dusty sofa, the scarf still wrapped around her like a fragile shield against the storm outside. Her mind raced with questions, doubts, and the gnawing fear that they were far from safe.

But for now, all she could do was wait.

As the rain continued to pour down, Arav stood outside, his mind occupied by the cold and the situation they were in. Yet, his thoughts kept drifting back to Riya—her beauty, her strength, and the vulnerability he saw in her eyes when she had been frightened earlier. The storm had made everything feel heavier, but it was her presence that weighed most on his mind.

Suddenly, her soft voice called out to him. “Rohit... come inside. It’s cold.”

His name on her lips sent a shiver through him, but it wasn't from the cold. He turned to face her, and for a brief moment, he forgot the harsh reality of their situation. She was standing there, the old scarf wrapped around her, her hair wet, her eyes warm and inviting despite the circumstances. The sight of her, standing there vulnerable and trusting him, made something stir deep inside him.

It became harder for him to control himself. His mind raced, conflicted between his duty to protect her and the undeniable pull he felt toward her. The storm outside seemed insignificant compared to the storm brewing inside him. He had never been one to get lost in emotions, but right now, with her standing there, his resolve was starting to slip.

Riya noticed the way he hesitated, his gaze lingering on her a little longer than necessary. She couldn't understand why she felt this odd tension between them. She had known him only as Rohit, her bodyguard, but in this isolated moment, he felt like so much more. His intense, searching look made her heart beat faster, and despite the situation, she felt herself drawn to him in a way she couldn’t explain.

"Come inside, please," she repeated softly, this time her voice a little more insistent. She didn’t want him to be out there, especially with how dangerous things had gotten. They needed to stay together, to be safe.

Arav snapped out of his trance, his focus shifting back to the present. He quickly walked toward the door, trying to shake off the thoughts that threatened to cloud his judgment. "I’m coming," he said, his voice low and controlled, though the tension was still there, barely contained.

He stepped inside, shaking the rain off his hair and shoulders, his eyes meeting hers as he closed the door behind him. The warmth of the small room wrapped around him, but the unspoken energy between them lingered, neither of them sure how to navigate the new dynamic that had been silently established.

Riya looked at Arav, her expression tense as she waited for him to continue. "What is it that you need to tell me?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with suspicion.

Arav took a deep breath before speaking, his tone serious. "You know Kanishk Verma, right? He's the one behind everything happening with Niharika. He’s been planning something for a while now. And he’s not alone. He has a few people working with him—people you might know."

Riya’s eyes narrowed in confusion. "What do you mean, people I might know? Who are they?"

Arav hesitated for a moment, glancing around them to make sure no one was listening before he leaned closer, his voice lowering. "These people are connected to your family, Riya. They're not just random people. They have power, influence, and their connection to Kanishk means they're not playing by the rules. They’re dangerous."

Riya’s stomach twisted at his words. "What do you mean connected to my family?" Her voice trembled slightly as the pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place, but she couldn’t make sense of it all yet.

Arav looked into her eyes, his expression full of urgency. "You need to trust me on this. Kanishk is using Niharika to gain access to something bigger, and those people around him—they're trying to get their hands on her too. If they do, things could get much worse for everyone involved."

Riya took a step back, her mind racing as she processed the information. "But why didn’t you tell me this earlier?" she demanded, her voice a mix of frustration and fear.

"I didn’t want to put you in danger," Arav replied, his tone softening. "But now that we’re here, I need you to understand how serious this is. Those people—your family—are at risk, and you might be too if we don’t stop Kanishk and his associates."

Riya was silent for a moment, her thoughts spinning. "I can't believe this," she whispered. "How could they be involved in something like this?" Her voice broke slightly as she tried to make sense of everything.

Arav placed a hand on her shoulder gently, offering a comforting but firm presence. "We don’t know the full picture yet. But I’m here to make sure you and your family stay safe. We need to find out who these people are and what they want with Niharika. We need to act before it's too late."

Riya took a deep breath, still shaken but determined. "So what’s the plan? How do we stop them?"

Arav nodded, his expression focused. "First, we need to gather information on Kanishk’s associates and figure out who’s involved. Then, we’ll take it from there. But I need you to stay alert, Riya. We can’t afford to make any mistakes."

Riya gave him a small nod, her resolve strengthening. "Okay. Let’s do this."

Arav’s eyes softened with a hint of relief, though he knew the road ahead would be difficult. But with Riya now in the know, they could take on this threat together. And that made all the difference.

As the thunder rumbled loudly, the sound of the storm grew more intense. Riya flinched, her body trembling with fear. The sudden crash of thunder made her heart race, and before she could think, she instinctively moved towards Arav. Without realizing, she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug, seeking comfort in his presence.

Arav, still in just his half-naked state, froze for a moment at the unexpected contact. His breath caught in his throat as he felt the softness of her body pressed against him, the warmth of her touch contrasting against the cold chill of the night. He didn’t pull away, unsure of what to do, but his body tensed slightly, caught in the strange moment.

Riya, unaware of how close they were, clung to him, her head resting against his chest as the storm outside raged on. She was scared, vulnerable, and in that moment, Arav was the only one there to comfort her.

"Riya, it’s okay," Arav whispered, his voice low, trying to calm her. His hand gently brushed against her back, soothing her as the thunder continued to echo around them.

But inside, his heart raced, his mind conflicted. He could feel the heat of her body, the softness of her skin, and the way her breath hitched with each thunderclap. It was a moment that was both comforting and unsettling for him. He was supposed to be protecting her, keeping her safe, but this closeness felt like something more—something he didn’t know how to handle.

Riya, feeling his heartbeat under her palm, pulled back slightly, realizing the proximity between them. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she didn't pull away completely, still clinging to the scarf wrapped around her body. "Sorry," she muttered softly, her voice barely audible over the sound of the rain. "I just... the storm."

Arav cleared his throat, trying to maintain his composure. "It’s alright," he replied, his voice steady, though he could feel the rush of emotions swirling within him. "I’m here. Just take a deep breath."

They stood there in the small wooden house, the tension between them palpable as the storm continued to rage outside. Neither knew what to say next, but both of them could feel the shift in the air. Something had changed in that moment, something neither of them had expected, but it was undeniable.

As the thunder roared again, louder this time, Riya’s body instinctively jolted. The fear gripped her again, and before she even realized what she was doing, she threw herself back into Arav’s arms, her hands clutching tightly to him. Her heart raced, not just from the storm, but from the overwhelming closeness between them.

In the chaos of the moment, she didn’t notice that the scarf she had wrapped around herself had begun to slip. She felt it loosen as she hugged him tighter, the fabric barely hanging on by a thread. A wave of embarrassment swept over her as she realized what was happening—if she pulled away, the scarf would definitely fall, leaving her exposed in front of him.

Her face flushed a deep shade of red, but she didn’t let go. The fear from the storm kept her frozen, her hands trembling against his chest as she held onto him for dear life, hoping he wouldn’t notice the awkwardness of the situation. Her thoughts were a whirlwind, trying to focus on something else, but the reality of the closeness between them was impossible to ignore.

Arav, feeling her cling to him even tighter, could sense the tension in her body. His hand instinctively moved to her back, trying to provide comfort, but then he noticed the scarf slipping, and he stiffened for a moment. He could feel the heat of her body through the thin fabric, and for a brief second, he lost his usual composure.

"Riya..." he whispered softly, trying to keep his voice steady. "The scarf... it’s slipping." He gently reached for the fabric, but as soon as his fingers touched it, Riya quickly pulled the scarf back up, her face burning with embarrassment.

"I—I’m sorry," she stammered, her voice shaky, but she didn’t pull away from him. The thunder crashed again, louder this time, and she clung to him once more, unable to move away for fear of the situation escalating.

Arav hesitated, his emotions conflicted. He wanted to reassure her, to make her feel safe, but the tension in the air was undeniable. He could feel the heat from her body against his chest and the soft touch of her fingers gripping his shirt. It was a strange, uncomfortable yet electrifying feeling that left him speechless for a moment.

"Just breathe," he finally said, his voice soft, trying to push away his own discomfort. "We’re safe here."

Riya nodded slightly, her face still flushed with embarrassment, but she didn't let go of him. The storm outside raged on, but in that small wooden house, all that seemed to matter was the strange, intense moment they were sharing. The world outside felt distant and far away, and the only thing she could focus on was the feeling of his arms around her.

In that tense moment, with the storm roaring outside, the world around them seemed to fade away. Riya's breath hitched as she remained pressed against Arav, the thunder outside mimicking the rapid beat of her heart. It was strange-she'd never felt this way, this close to anyone, especially not him. Yet, the intimacy of the moment pulled them together, a magnetic force they couldn't escape.

Arav felt her warmth against him, the feel of her fingers lightly trembling as they stayed wrapped around his shirt. His chest tightened as he realized just how close they were, how everything seemed to slow down around them. He could feel her heart pounding against his, mirroring his own. The atmosphere shifted between them, thickening with an intensity neither of them could deny.Neither of them knew exactly when it happened. Their minds were lost in the whirlwind of emotions, the electricity between them crackling in the air, and without a single word, they leaned into each other, moving closer until they couldn't stop.

Their lips met gently at first, unsure, tentative. But the world outside continued to rage, and with that, something inside them both shifted. The kiss deepened, slow and deliberate, as if their hearts had finally caught up to what their bodies had been craving all along. Every part of their being seemed to pulse with a longing they couldn't explain.

Riya's hands moved to Arav's chest, gripping the fabric of his shirt as she melted into him. It was as if the storm had been the catalyst, pulling them together in a way they couldn't have anticipated. They kissed like the rain itself-wild, uncontainable, and pouring out everything they have buried.

For a moment, time stood still. The storm raged outside, but they were lost in their own world, wrapped up in each other, their bodies pressed together in a tender yet passionate embrace. Neither of them spoke, but in the silence of that stolen kiss, everything was said. It was a kiss that spoke of yearning, of understanding, and of something neither could explain-but something that felt right, even in its chaos.

When they finally pulled away, both of them were breathless, their hearts racing even faster than before. Riya's face was flushed, her eyes wide, unsure of what had just happened, but knowing it was something that could never be undone.

Arav, too, was breathing heavily, his eyes locked onto hers, his mind a whirl of thoughts and emotions. But one thing was clear in his mind: the moment they had shared had changed everything between them.

"Riya..." he whispered, his voice hoarse, unsure of what to say next.

She didn't answer immediately, her gaze lingering on him as if she were trying to piece together everything that had just unfolded. All she could do was nod, her lips still tingling from the kiss.

"I don't know what this is," she finally said, her voice soft but sincere, "but... I think we need to talk."

Arav nodded, knowing that there was a lot to unpack, but for now, all he could do was hold her close and cherish the raw, real connection they had just shared.