64. The possessiveness

Niharika remained in her home, surrounded by the heavy silence that hung in the air. The house, once filled with warmth and laughter, now felt cold and hollow. Her heart was shattered, weighed down by the loss of her parents and her brother. She had stayed back to perform the rituals, to honor them one last time, but everything felt like a blur.

Relatives had gathered, murmuring quietly among themselves, their faces solemn as they paid their respects. Yet Niharika couldn’t bring herself to look at them. All she could think about was the pain—the guilt—that gnawed at her insides. She had always felt disconnected from her family, never truly believing in their love, and now they were gone.

The rituals felt endless, a reminder of the things she had never said to them. As she performed the final rites for her parents and Raaj, her hands trembled, the weight of the moment almost unbearable. Every action felt like a betrayal, and her chest ached with every breath.

Shivaay stood by her side, quietly watching over her. He knew the battle she was fighting, the self-blame she was drowning in, but he couldn’t find the right words to pull her out of the darkness. Every time he tried to offer comfort, her eyes would simply drift to the photographs of her family on the walls, and the sorrow would settle deeper in her soul.

Niharika’s relatives spoke occasionally, offering condolences, but none of their words reached her. She had never felt this alone, despite the presence of so many people around her. Her mind kept going back to the memories of her parents, of the love she wished she had recognized when she had the chance.

After the rituals concluded, Niharika retreated to her room. She needed space to breathe, to think, to mourn without the heavy eyes of relatives on her. Shivaay, understanding her need for solitude, followed her but didn’t push her to speak. He simply stood at the door, watching as she sank to the floor, her body trembling with sobs she couldn’t hold back anymore.

"Niharika," Shivaay finally said, his voice quiet but firm, "I’m here."

She didn’t answer. Instead, she buried her face in her hands, her body shaking with grief. The guilt, the pain, the realization that she had let precious time slip through her fingers—it was too much to bear.

Shivaay moved closer, kneeling beside her. "You didn’t deserve this. None of this is your fault," he whispered, his hand resting gently on her back.

But she shook her head, her voice broken. "I never gave them a chance to love me. And now… now it’s too late."

Shivaay’s heart tightened as he watched her, the depth of her pain reflected in her eyes. He wanted to make everything better for her, but he knew that there were some wounds that time alone could heal. Still, he promised silently to stay by her side, no matter how long it took.

As the hours passed, the house filled with more relatives and the continued rituals, but Niharika remained distant, lost in her grief. Shivaay didn’t force her to engage. Instead, he simply stayed close, offering quiet support as she processed the emotions too raw to express.

And while she couldn’t see it yet, in her grief, Niharika wasn’t truly alone. Shivaay’s presence—though silent—was the first step toward finding healing, and it would be a long journey, but she wouldn’t have to walk it alone.

The day of the last rites arrived, bringing with it a wave of solemnity and sorrow. Niharika stood near the riverbank, dressed in a simple white saree, her face pale and devoid of expression. The priest chanted the mantras, his voice carrying the weight of ancient traditions, but Niharika barely heard him. Her mind was clouded with grief and guilt.

Shivaay stood beside her, silently supporting her through every step. The rest of the family was present too, offering their condolences and performing the rituals, but it all felt distant to her. The flames of the funeral pyres reflected in her tear-filled eyes, a cruel reminder of the finality of it all.

As the rituals were completed and the ashes were immersed in the river, Niharika’s hands trembled. She couldn’t shake the thought that she had failed her parents and Raaj. She had always yearned for their love, but now, standing here, she realized she had never truly tried to understand them.

Once the priest declared the rites complete, the relatives began dispersing, offering their final condolences. Some came to Niharika, placing a hand on her shoulder or muttering words of comfort, but she barely acknowledged them.

Shivaay stayed close, his hand lightly resting on her back as she stared at the flowing water, her tears falling silently. He didn’t say anything, knowing that no words could ease her pain in this moment.

As the crowd thinned out, Niharika turned to Shivaay, her voice trembling. “It’s over. They’re gone, Shivaay. And I… I couldn’t even tell them I loved them.”

Shivaay’s heart ached at the brokenness in her voice. He held her shoulders gently, forcing her to look at him. “Niharika, they knew. Even if you didn’t say it out loud, they knew. Parents always know.”

She shook her head, fresh tears streaming down her cheeks. “I didn’t try hard enough. I always kept my distance. I thought they didn’t care, but now I’ll never know what they felt.”

Shivaay sighed, pulling her into a comforting embrace. “You can’t change the past, Niharika, but you can honor their memory by forgiving yourself. They wouldn’t want you to carry this guilt. They’d want you to live.”

Her sobs grew louder as she clung to him, finally allowing herself to grieve fully. The weight of the moment consumed her, but in Shivaay’s arms, she found a sliver of solace, a reminder that she wasn’t completely alone.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and red, Niharika stood by the river for a while longer. The rituals were done, but the pain lingered. Yet, with Shivaay by her side, she knew she had someone to lean on as she navigated the darkness ahead.

Days turned into weeks, and the palace gradually returned to a semblance of normalcy. The heaviness of Niharika's loss still lingered, but life continued, and everyone in the family tried their best to support her.

Kanika became a constant presence in the palace, not just as Niharika’s best friend but also as someone who brought lighthearted moments to Ishaan’s life. The two grew close, their conversations often filled with laughter and teasing. Kanika’s warm personality seemed to bring out a softer side of Ishaan, one that the family had rarely seen.

Shweta, noticing the bond forming between Kanika and Ishaan, encouraged Kanika to stay longer. “Beta, your presence has brought life back into this house,” Shweta had said one day, smiling at Kanika. “And you’re helping Niharika cope, which means the world to me.” Kanika stayed, not just for Niharika but because she felt like she belonged here.

Meanwhile, Ivaan and Saanchi’s friendship blossomed unexpectedly. What started as casual conversations turned into deeper connections as they discovered common interests. Saanchi’s easygoing nature balanced Ivaan’s composed demeanor, and soon they were often found sitting in the garden, lost in conversations or playfully arguing over trivial things.

Riya and Arav, or “Rohit,” as she still knew him, found themselves growing closer as well. Riya felt safe with him, and though she didn’t fully understand the complexities of who he was, she trusted him. Arav, on the other hand, found himself softening in her presence. Her laughter, her resilience despite everything—she intrigued him. Their moments together often started with banter but ended with quiet, unspoken emotions that neither of them dared to address yet.

Niharika, despite her grief, took comfort in seeing the bonds forming around her. Kanika’s cheerful nature lightened her mood, and Shivaay’s constant support gave her strength. Though the wounds of her loss hadn’t healed, she was beginning to find reasons to smile again, even if just for a moment.

Life wasn’t perfect, but it was moving forward. Each relationship, each new connection, was a small step toward healing and a reminder that even in the darkest times, there could be glimpses of light.

It was a peaceful afternoon in the college garden, with the soft rustling of leaves providing a calming background to the chatter of students. Riya sat on a bench, surrounded by her friends. Her laughter echoed through the air as she listened to one of her friends tell a funny story. Arav, standing a little farther away, kept his eyes on the group, ever vigilant, as he always was when it came to her safety.

Just then, a boy approached Riya. He smiled and casually greeted her, and before Riya could react, he pulled her into a friendly hug. Riya returned the hug with a smile, her tone warm as she greeted the boy.

But for Arav, the sight of that hug sent an unsettling wave through him. His jaw clenched, and his gaze sharpened. What is this? he thought. Why is she so close to him?

A mix of jealousy and frustration washed over him. He had always been protective of Riya, but something about this boy—someone so casual with her, so unbothered by boundaries—irked him. He couldn't stand it. She needs a man who understands her, someone who doesn’t just treat her like one of the crowd. Not some boy who's going to hug her so easily...

Arav’s hands tightened into fists at his sides as he watched the boy pull away from the hug, still chatting with Riya, making her laugh. The sound of her laughter didn’t comfort him, though. It only made his chest tighten. Why does she have to be so friendly with him?

His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, and for the first time in a long while, Arav found himself wishing for something he hadn’t considered before: Does she even see me as someone different? Or just as a bodyguard, a shadow in the background?

His gaze flickered back to Riya, and he felt a strange mix of protectiveness and... something deeper he hadn’t fully acknowledged before. He wasn't just her bodyguard anymore. He was feeling things he didn’t know how to handle, emotions that were growing stronger every day.

But he wasn’t ready to admit any of it. Not yet.

Arav's thoughts darkened as he stood there, watching the boy talk to Riya with ease. I'll show her, he thought, his mind racing with a mix of possessiveness and pride. He didn't like how she was so comfortable around the boy, how she seemed so at ease, while he, Arav, had been there for her all this time, watching over her, protecting her.

If she thinks she needs someone like that... His jaw tightened as he took a step forward, pushing through the rising frustration. I'll make her see who she truly needs.

He was tired of being the silent observer in her life, always standing back, always just a bodyguard. She’s been depending on me for so long, but maybe she doesn’t realize it yet. He felt a rush of determination flood his veins. It’s time I make my move. Time to show her who really understands her, who can be there for her in ways no boy ever could.

Arav’s expression hardened, and his steps became purposeful as he moved closer to where Riya sat with her friends. He wasn’t going to just stand by anymore, not when he felt this way. Not when the time to act had finally arrived.

I’ll make sure she knows who belongs by her side. I’ll make her realize that I’m not just some bodyguard to her. He stopped a few feet away from her, his eyes cold and calculating, as if every movement, every word, would bring him one step closer to showing Riya exactly what he was capable of.

Arav’s gaze locked with Riya’s, his usual composed demeanor replaced with a flash of intensity. Without a word, he pinned her to the side of the car, his body pressing her gently against the cold surface. Riya’s heart skipped a beat, her breath catching in her throat at the sudden change in his behavior.

“Rohit... what... what are you doing?” she stammered, her eyes wide with confusion and a hint of panic. The intensity in his gaze was overwhelming, and for the first time, she could sense something more in him — something she hadn’t noticed before.

Arav didn’t answer immediately, his face close to hers, his hands gripping the edges of the car. He leaned in slightly, his breath hot against her skin as he took a moment to study her. The tension in the air was thick, and Riya could feel her pulse quicken, unsure of what to make of his actions.

"Riya," Arav’s voice was low, his tone possessive, "you think just anyone can walk into your life, just like that? You think someone like him could be close to you, when you have someone like me around?"

Riya’s confusion deepened, and her heart raced. What is he saying? She tried to push him away gently, her voice trembling as she spoke, "What are you talking about, Rohit? This isn’t you…"

Arav’s grip on the car tightened, his eyes never leaving hers. "It’s exactly me, Riya. I’ve been standing by your side, protecting you, and all this time, you’ve been… looking at other people. You don’t see what’s right in front of you."

Riya’s eyes flickered with realization, but she wasn’t sure how to respond. She had never seen this side of Arav before, never felt such an overwhelming intensity from him. She was lost in the whirlwind of emotions that swirled around them, unsure of what to say or do.

Arav took a deep breath, his expression softening just slightly. “You don’t need him, Riya. You’ve always had me.” His voice was raw now, vulnerable, and she could feel his conflicted emotions, the way he struggled with his own feelings for her.

Her heart raced, but her mind was a whirl of thoughts. What is happening? she asked herself, unsure of how to handle the situation. The silence between them was heavy, as if the air itself was waiting for one of them to break it.

Riya's eyes widened in surprise as Arav's lips crashed into hers. The sudden intensity of the kiss left her breathless, and she felt her heart racing in her chest. She had been expecting a gentle, tender kiss, but Arav's passion and urgency caught her off guard.

As Arav's lips moved against hers, Riya felt a spark of electricity run through her body. She couldn't help but respond, her lips parting to allow Arav's tongue to deepen the kiss. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the intensity of their passion.

Riya's body responded instinctively, her hands moving to his chest as she tried to process the overwhelming emotions surging through her. The kiss was nothing like anything she had ever experienced before it was raw, possessive, and all-consuming. Arav's urgency made her heart race, and she could feel his pulse beating wildly beneath her fingers.

For a moment, Riya forgot everything - the world, the people around them, even herself. There was only Arav, his lips pressing against hers with a hunger that seemed to mirror the chaos in her own heart. Her thoughts were scattered, and she found herself caught in the storm of feelings she had tried to suppress

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Riya and Arav were no longer in the bustling college courtyard, surrounded by the noise of students and the usual distractions. It felt as though the world had faded away, leaving only the two of them in this bubble of tension, confusion, and undeniable chemistry.

Riya's mind was racing, but she couldn't seem to process everything all at once. The kiss, the intensity, the words Arav had said—it was all too much. She looked at him, her eyes wide, trying to comprehend the storm of emotions swirling inside her. Her chest tightened with uncertainty, yet there was also something thrilling about the way Arav had claimed her attention, as if he would never let her go.

Arav stood before her, his breathing heavy, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity she hadn’t seen before. His presence was overwhelming, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that he was waiting for something from her, something more than just her reaction to the kiss.

For a few moments, neither of them spoke. The usual sounds of the college—chatter, footsteps, distant voices—seemed to fade into the background. Riya was aware of nothing but Arav, his proximity, and the strange new feeling that lingered in the air between them. She could feel the weight of his presence, his intense gaze, like he was reading her soul.

Then, slowly, Arav broke the silence. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” he said quietly, his voice a little more controlled now. “But I couldn’t just stand by and watch someone else take your attention. You’re too important to me, Riya.”

Riya blinked, trying to find her voice. “But… why?” Her heart was still pounding in her chest, and her words felt foreign to her, as if she was speaking from a place she didn’t entirely understand. “We’ve barely known each other. Why does it feel like this is so much more than just... just a kiss?”

Arav stepped closer, but not too close, maintaining a space between them. “Maybe because it is more,” he said softly. “Maybe it’s always been more than just a passing connection. We both know that this... whatever this is between us... it’s real. And it won’t go away.”

Riya’s mind swirled with his words. He was right in a way—something had shifted. But did she feel the same way he did? Or was she simply caught up in the intensity of the moment? “Rohit, I don’t know what to say,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

For a long moment, he just watched her, his expression a mixture of longing and patience. He didn’t push her, just waited for her to find her own answer.

Finally, Riya took a deep breath, her heart still racing. “I don’t know what’s happening between us, but I do know that it’s not something I can ignore.”

Arav’s lips curled into a faint, knowing smile, and he nodded. “I wouldn’t want you to ignore it, Riya. Just... take your time. But don’t forget that I’m here. I’ll always be here.”

The moment lingered between them, the unspoken words hanging in the air. They stood there, for the first time, fully aware of the shift in their relationship, unsure of where it would lead, but certain that nothing would ever be the same again.

On the other hand, Ivaan and Saanchi were completely unaware of the intense moment unfolding between Arav and Riya. They were enjoying a lighter, more carefree time, laughing together in the college garden. It was a beautiful day, the sun shining brightly, and they were savoring the simplicity of the moment, lost in their own world.

Saanchi, with her infectious laugh, was recounting a funny incident from their class, and Ivaan couldn't help but chuckle. His playful demeanor had always been one of his most charming qualities, and Saanchi found herself drawn to his carefree attitude.

"You're such a troublemaker, Ivaan," Saanchi teased, nudging him playfully. "How do you manage to stay out of trouble with your antics?"

Ivaan grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I don't get caught," he said with a wink, making Saanchi laugh even harder.

They continued chatting, their conversation flowing effortlessly. Despite the chaos and complications surrounding their friends, they found peace in each other's company. Ivaan was genuinely enjoying the connection they were building. Saanchi, on the other hand, felt a sense of comfort with him that she hadn't experienced in a long time.

As they sat together on the bench, Saanchi leaned her head on Ivaan's shoulder, a gesture that felt natural and comforting. Ivaan, surprised at the closeness, smiled softly and wrapped an arm around her, his heart racing just a little.

"You're really easy to be around, Saanchi," he said, his voice sincere.

Saanchi looked up at him, meeting his eyes. "I feel the same way," she replied, her voice soft but warm.

There was something unspoken between them, an undeniable chemistry, yet neither of them felt the need to rush things. They were content with the moment, and as they continued to sit in the peaceful garden, the world around them seemed to slow down. For now, they were just two people enjoying each other's company, unaware of the complex emotions brewing in their other friendships.

It felt simple. It felt right.

___________

This story ends on 6 Feb with part 70