18. Smitten By Her Strength

Shaurya

Ananya was in the middle of her fiery arguments with Akshith, her energy captivating as always. But what left me utterly spellbound was how she reached out and grabbed my arm, dragging me along without a second thought.

And then, she said it— "My Shaurya."

For a moment, the world seemed to blur, her voice the only thing I could hear. My name had never sounded this sweet, not even when chanted by a stadium full of fans. My Shaurya. It wasn't just the way she said it—it was the way she owned it, as if I belonged to her and no one else.

I let her lead me, my body moving on autopilot while my mind replayed her words on an endless loop. The warmth of her touch burned through my skin, but it was nothing compared to the fire raging inside me at the thought of being hers, even if just in that moment.

And then she did it again—dropped a bombshell that shook me to my core.

"And my Shaurya is the captain of the team you're talking about."

Her words hit me like a thunderbolt. My chest swelled with an almost unbearable happiness, my heart threatening to leap right out of me. She said it so confidently, so boldly, as if there was no room for doubt.

In that moment, I wasn't just Shaurya, the cricket captain. I was her Shaurya. Her declaration felt like a claim, a promise, and I could hardly believe how much it meant to me.

Hearing her call me hers with such authority made me want to grab her and hold her close, to tell her she could call me that forever.

I had no idea how my friends reacted to her words, and frankly, I couldn't care less. My entire world narrowed down to the angel standing before me, her cheeks tinted with the most delicate blush, her wide eyes betraying the realization of what she had just said.

She called me hers. Hers.

The way her blush deepened, blooming across her milky cheeks, made my heart thrum in ways I never thought possible. She looked so adorably flustered, and all I wanted in that moment was to pull her into my arms, to feel her close to me.

And as if the universe itself had heard my silent wish, someone bumped into her, sending her stumbling right into me.

Her soft, warm body collided with mine, and I felt a thousand sensations ignite under my skin, sparking through my veins like fireworks. She fit so perfectly against me, as though she was meant to be there. My hands instinctively moved to her waist, hovering for a moment before finally settling over the soft curves just beneath her top.

The feel of her silken skin beneath my fingers sent a shiver of raw exhilaration through me. She gasped softly, her stomach pulling in as my touch seemed to steal her breath away.

Leaning in, I inhaled deeply, the scent of her hair and skin flooding my senses. Her body trembled, and I could feel her heartbeat racing, echoing the wild rhythm of my own.

Her hands twitched at her sides, hesitating for a moment before she began to lift them, as if she was about to hold me too. My chest tightened at the thought of her hugging me back, and I felt like I could live in that moment forever.

But then, a piercing scream shattered our little bubble of magic. She froze, her body pulling away from mine as reality came crashing back.

The loss of her warmth made my blood boil with frustration, my jaw clenching at the intrusion. For just a moment, she had been mine—entirely mine—and I wasn't ready to let her go.

"Leave me!" a desperate, high-pitched scream tore through the air, yanking us both out of our moment.

Our heads whipped around to see the source of the commotion. A man was dragging a girl by her hair, her pleas echoing across the empty ruins. Behind him, four other men followed, their sinister smirks painting an ugly picture of what was to come.

In the middle of the crumbling, desolate walls stood a terrified girl, trembling as tears streamed down her face. Her hands were clasped together in desperate supplication, shaking uncontrollably as she begged the brute in front of her.

The man was built like a fortress—thick muscles straining against his shirt, a jagged scar cutting across his left eye, and a gleaming silver earring dangling from one ear. His presence was terrifying, his every step radiating menace as he advanced toward her.

The girl, fragile and helpless, tried to crawl away on the dusty ground, her bare knees scraping against the broken terrain. But the brute followed her slowly, deliberately, like a predator savoring its prey. The desolate premises, devoid of any sign of help, only amplified the dread.

Every fiber in my body tensed at the sight, anger bubbling in my chest like molten lava.

"I'll call the police," Akshith said firmly, pulling out his phone, his voice barely steady as the tension in the air thickened.

Ananya took a step forward, her instinctive need to help evident in the determination blazing in her eyes. But before she could move any closer, I grabbed her hand, my grip firm yet gentle.

"It's too risky," I whispered, my voice low but urgent. "Let's wait for the police."

Her gaze flickered between me and the helpless girl, her inner turmoil etched clearly across her face. Her lips parted as if to argue, but she must have seen the seriousness in my eyes, because she nodded hesitantly and stepped back.

But as we waited, the scene in front of us became unbearable. The brute had closed the distance between himself and the girl, his massive hand tangling in her hair and yanking her up with cruel force.

The girl cried out in pain, her sobs tearing through the air, and that was it. My blood boiled, fury coursing through my veins like wildfire.

Bastard!

The word echoed in my mind as I clenched my fists, every muscle in my body screaming to act.

"Scream all you want. No man is going to come and save you," the brute sneered, his voice dripping with twisted pride.

I took a step forward, my instincts screaming at me to intervene before the girl suffered any more of this nightmare. But just as I moved, I felt a soft yet firm grip on my hand.

Turning, I saw Ananya clutching me, her eyes burning with a mix of determination and something deeper—something resolute. She shook her head gently, her silent plea for restraint clear. And then, to my utter shock, she stepped forward.

"I will handle them," she said, her voice calm yet charged with an undercurrent of steel.

I blinked at her, flabbergasted. What does she mean she'll handle them? Did she not see the size of those men? They looked like they were carved out of stone—hulking bulls with pure menace in their stance. And here she was, my fragile, delicate doll, standing there, ready to take them on.

"Ananya, but—" I began, my voice laced with panic and disbelief.

Before I could finish, a sharp, agonized scream tore through the air. Our heads snapped back toward the girl just in time to see the brute strike her across the face with a resounding slap. She crumpled to the ground, her sobs growing louder, echoing in the eerie silence of the ruins.

That was all it took for Ananya.

With a determination that left me rooted in place, she gently removed my grip from her hand, her touch lingering for the briefest moment before she pulled away. She turned to me, her eyes meeting mine with an unspoken assurance that somehow calmed the storm raging inside me. And then she ran.

"Ananya!" I shouted, my heart seizing in fear as she darted toward the group. I couldn't let her face them alone—not her.

I surged forward, chasing after her, my pulse pounding in my ears. My friends, catching onto the gravity of the situation, didn't hesitate and followed close behind.

"Leave her!" Ananya's voice thundered, cutting through the air like a sharp blade. It wasn't the sweet, gentle tone I knew—it was raw, fierce, and commanding. My breath hitched as I watched her, this unfamiliar fire burning in her eyes. They weren't the soft pools I was used to; they were blazing fireballs, daring anyone to defy her.

A shiver ran down my spine, goosebumps rising on my skin as the sheer intensity of her fury washed over me.

"Or else? What will you do?" the brute sneered, his voice laced with mockery. His taunting tone made my hands curl into fists. I wanted nothing more than to launch myself at him, to make him regret ever crossing our path.

"You'll see," Ananya retorted, her voice as cold as steel. Without breaking her glare, she strode forward, her every step radiating unyielding resolve.

She reached the girl, who was trembling like a leaf, and gently pulled her to her feet, her protective presence a stark contrast to the chaos surrounding them. Then, with a deliberate grace, she placed herself between the girl and the men, her small frame standing tall against their hulking figures.

One of the goons, his ego bruised by her audacity, lunged forward, his hand outstretched to grab her neck. I felt my heart leap in fear.

But Ananya didn't flinch.

With speed and precision that left me stunned, she caught his wrist mid-air, her grip unyielding. Before he could react, she twisted his arm back, the sound of tendons straining and his agonized scream ripping through the air.

The man dropped to his knees, clutching his arm, while Ananya's gaze didn't waver for a second.

"Don't you dare touch me!" Ananya's voice rang out, sharp and commanding, echoing off the ruined walls. It wasn't just a warning—it was a threat, brimming with raw power. The brute who had dared to raise his hand froze, his confidence wavering under her fiery glare.

The other men, who had seemed invincible just moments ago, exchanged uneasy glances. I saw it—fear flickering in their eyes as they realized they were up against something far more formidable than they'd anticipated.

But one of them, bolder—or perhaps more foolish—than the rest, stepped forward, his sneer dripping with arrogance. "Let's see how tough you are," he mocked, lunging toward her.

Before I could even process what was happening, Ananya moved. Her foot shot out in a swift, calculated motion, landing a brutal kick squarely in his stomach. The impact was so forceful that he stumbled back, crashing against the crumbling wall behind him. He doubled over, gasping for breath, the wind knocked out of him.

My heart was pounding, a chaotic mix of pride and worry swirling within me. She was breathtaking—a force of nature unleashed.

Another man tried his luck, charging at her with a roar. But Ananya was ready. She sidestepped his attack with ease, grabbing his arm and twisting it behind his back in one fluid motion. His scream of pain pierced the air as she slammed him down to the ground with a strength I didn't know she possessed.

The third man hesitated, his confidence visibly faltering as he watched his comrades fall one by one. But his hesitation didn't last long. He charged at her with a wild swing, but Ananya ducked effortlessly, spinning around to deliver a sharp elbow strike to his jaw. The crack was audible, and he crumpled to the ground, clutching his face.

The remaining two men, clearly shaken, tried to circle her, hoping to overwhelm her with numbers. My fists clenched as I fought the urge to intervene, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from her.

"Come on, then," Ananya taunted, her voice laced with daring. She stood her ground, fearless, her stance steady and unwavering.

The first man lunged, and she met him halfway, her knee slamming into his ribs with devastating precision. He let out a guttural groan before collapsing, writhing in pain.

The final man, now visibly trembling, made a desperate attempt to grab her from behind. I moved instinctively, ready to protect her, but Ananya didn't need me. She spun around, catching him off guard, and delivered a roundhouse kick that sent him sprawling to the ground.

By the end of it, all five men were lying on the dirt, groaning in pain and humiliation.

I couldn't take my eyes off her. Ananya stood amidst the chaos she had created, her chest heaving, her fiery gaze sweeping over the fallen goons. She was radiant, and her courage and strength left me utterly speechless.

And then the sound of sirens cut through the tension, growing louder as the police arrived. Within moments, the officers were on the scene, cuffing the men and hauling them to their feet.

"Bhai, I irritated her a lot in the past, didn't I?" I heard Akshith whisper nervously from my left. I turned to him, finding him trembling, his hands clasped together in a desperate, almost comical gesture of prayer.

I couldn't help but chuckle, though there was a tight knot of pride in my chest. "Forget the past, Akshu. You were just arguing with her a few minutes ago. Look at her now." I nodded towards Ananya, my voice low but filled with awe. "She looks damn scary, bro."

Akshith's wide-eyed expression was priceless, but it was Yuvaan who made the moment all the more amusing. "If she punches you in the same anger, your fans will be missing your handsome face for a month, bro," he teased, his grin sharp with mischief.

Akshith swallowed hard, wiping the sweat from his brow. Honestly, it was no wonder he was afraid—Ananya had just handled five grown men like they were nothing.

I couldn't help but admire her, a swell of pride filling my chest. She was stronger than I had ever imagined, her determination blazing like fire. My heart swelled as I turned to her, seeing the way she stood among the wreckage of those men, the calm after the storm.

But as I approached her, a wave of concern washed over me. I couldn't help myself. I needed to make sure she was okay. Despite the way she'd dispatched those goons with such force, a part of me couldn't shake the worry. What if she'd hurt herself in the process? What if a stray punch or a kick had left its mark?

I reached out for her hands, my fingers brushing hers in a gentle, almost tentative motion. She turned to me, her expression softening slightly at my touch, but I was too focused on checking her over to care about anything else.

"Are you okay?" I asked, my voice filled with quiet concern, my eyes scanning her for any sign of injury. "None of them got to you, right?"

I knew deep down that she was strong—stronger than anyone I'd ever known. But the sight of her fighting those men, her every movement so graceful yet powerful, made me realize just how much she meant to me.

Her soft chuckle broke the silence, and I met her gaze, the intensity of her stare calming the storm of worry in my chest. "I'm fine, Shaurya," she said, her voice steady, though I noticed the faintest tremor in her hand as she gripped mine in return.

"I'm more worried about you," I murmured, pulling her into me instinctively. "You were incredible, but I couldn't bear it if you got hurt."

She smiled up at me, the warmth in her eyes making my heart skip a beat. "I can handle myself, Shaurya. But I guess I like it when you get concerned about me."

And with that simple statement, I knew. I would always be there for her—no matter what.

"Kuch khaane chale? Bhook lag rahi hai," she whined, her lower lip jutting out in the most adorable way, and her eyes—those innocent puppy eyes—were so irresistible that I felt my heart melt. I couldn't help the overwhelming urge to pull her cheeks, to kiss those soft, pink lips that were teasing me with their cuteness.

Cute!

(Shall we go eat something? I'm hungry.)

I couldn't stop the smile that tugged at my lips. "Come," I said, gently grabbing her wrist. As I led the way, I noticed Akshith was keeping a fair distance from Ananya. He was practically tip-toeing around her, as though she might turn him into chutney with one wrong move. It made me want to burst out laughing, but I held it in, not wanting to look like a fool in front of my girl.

My girl!

She called me her Shaurya, didn't she? So, if I'm hers, then she's definitely mine. There was something so grounding about the thought—like everything suddenly felt right in the world.

I shook my head, trying to push away the silly thoughts threatening to distract me. I needed to focus. My girl was hungry, and I was going to feed her.

I scanned the area, my eyes darting over food stalls and small shops, looking for something quick. Then I spotted a momos stall at a distance, the scent of steaming hot dumplings filling the air, making my stomach growl in sympathy.

I turned to Ananya, about to ask if she'd like to stop there, but she was already looking at the stall with those eager, hungry eyes. She caught my gaze and, sensing my question before I could even ask, gave me a grin that could only be described as mischievous.

Without a word, she turned and started pulling me towards the stall, her excitement so contagious that I couldn't help but laugh. "You're dragging me there already?" I teased, letting her lead me with an enthusiasm that matched her energy.

"Well, you were taking too long to decide!" she shot back, her tone playful, and I found myself completely enchanted by her.

I didn't care anymore if Akshith was following us or if the world was watching. In that moment, it was just me and her—the warmth of her hand in mine, the sound of her laughter, and the joy of knowing that we were together, sharing this little piece of happiness.

I knew I had everything I ever needed right here—my girl, her puppy eyes, and the promise of food that would make her smile even brighter.

"But how will you guys eat? You can't take off those masks, na?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of disappointment, once we were standing in front of the shop. The concern in her eyes made me pause for a moment, but I shook my head, about to order. But then, before I could, she pulled me back by my sleeve.

I turned, eyebrows raised, to face her. "What now?" I asked, already sensing a mischievous thought brewing behind those eyes.

"What if they recognize your voice?" she whispered, her lips so close to my ear that I could feel her warm breath against my skin. I blinked, but I couldn't catch a single word she was saying. The closeness between us was overwhelming, each breath she took sending shivers down my spine. Her hand tightened around the sleeve of my shirt, and I could feel the electric spark between us, like a current running through my veins. Goosebumps sprang to life on the back of my neck, my body reacting to her touch even as my mind struggled to stay focused.

I nodded mindlessly, not caring much about the words she was speaking. It was as if everything faded away when she was near. Just the sound of her voice and the soft whisper of her breath were enough to drown everything else out. I was lost in her.

"Bhaiyya, 7 plate momos pack kar dena please," she ordered, her tone casual yet assertive. The stall owner smiled and nodded at her, completely unaware of the storm that had just taken place in my mind. His wife added a generous portion of pickle in a silver foil and began packing the momos.

Ananya took the bags and, before I could react, she paid for them online with a quick swipe on her phone.

I opened my mouth to protest—after all, I was supposed to be the one treating her—but she stopped me with a single finger pressed to her lips.

The gesture was so innocent, yet the way she looked at me with those teasing eyes made it feel like I was about to lose all control. Those pink, plump lips... I could almost taste them, and the sight of her slender fingers pressed against them had me questioning my own sanity.

Come out of those thoughts, Shaurya!

I mentally slapped myself back into reality, but my mind wouldn't stop running wild. Every little movement, every look, was enough to keep me tied to her, and in that moment, I realized just how much she had already become a part of me.

"Let's go?" she asked, her voice soft and inviting. It felt like the world paused for a moment as we all nodded in unison. We made our way back to the quiet alley, away from the crowd, and found a few stones to sit on. As we removed our masks and goggles, I couldn't help but glance at her—there was something effortlessly beautiful about her, even in such an ordinary setting.

She handed out the momo packets, and we dug into them, the conversation flowing lightly between us. But every now and then, my attention would drift back to her. The way her lips moved when she spoke, the subtle way her eyes glistened in the low light, the way her laughter filled the air—everything about her felt like magic.

"Water?" she asked, breaking my trance.

Akshith practically lunged for the water bottle she pulled out from her bag, chugging it down like he hadn't seen water in days. He passed it to Yuvaan, who finished the rest, leaving me wondering, now what will she drink?

"I'll get you another bottle," I said, ready to get up, but she stopped me with a gentle tug on my arm.

I glanced at her, and she shook her head. So, I sat back down, my curiosity piqued. She reached into her bag and pulled out a flask, handing it to me. The sleek, polished bottle wasn't what I expected—certainly not water. I twisted the cap off and took a sip, only to find that it wasn't water at all, but my favorite orange juice.

"Orange juice?" I asked, surprised and a little amused.

She shrugged, the smile playing at the corner of her lips. "I ordered it before you came to my room and brought it along."

I couldn't help but smile at the thoughtfulness behind it. She had remembered. Just like that, she always seemed to know what I needed, even when I didn't say a word.

I took a few more sips, enjoying the sweet taste, before handing the flask back to her. She took it with a quick grin, lifting it to her lips, but to my surprise, she didn't let her lips touch the bottle. With a casual flick of her wrist, she tossed the bottle back into her bag. It was such a small thing, but it made me smile—a little gesture, a shared moment of intimacy, one that made me feel closer to her than ever before.

I leaned back slightly, watching her with a soft smile. I wasn't sure if I'd ever get used to how she made even the most ordinary things feel extraordinary.

"Let's go buy some goodies!" Her voice sparkled with excitement, and I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. We all got up, ready to explore the vibrant market, and I noticed how her energy seemed to light up everything around us.

We wandered through the bustling lanes, picking up little treasures. I bought a few sandalwood oils and soaps, along with two intricately designed Rosewood inlay workpieces, which I knew would make great gifts for the family.

She, on the other hand, chose a delicate sandalwood Ganesh Ji idol—something about the way she handled it, so gently, so thoughtfully, made me admire her even more. She also picked up some Coorg coffee powder and a few incense sticks, the sweet scent of which filled the air, adding to the charm of the moment.

Then, as we continued strolling, she helped me select a couple of sarees for Maa and Di. She was so sure about what would suit her family, her eyes sparkling with love as she imagined how happy they would be. It was clear how much she cared for her family, and that only made me appreciate her even more.

While she was busy looking for a saree for her mother, a beautiful piece caught my eye. It was an exquisite shade of deep crimson, with golden threads that shimmered in the light. I could already picture her wearing it—she would look absolutely stunning in that saree. Without a second thought, I turned to the shopkeeper.

"Add that saree to my purchases, please," I said, my heart racing just a little as I imagined the look on her face when she saw it.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride, knowing I had bought something so special for her—something that would make her feel even more beautiful than she already was.

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Okay! How is it?

The chapters up to 31 are up on scrollstack and so is the complete book! Well, except for the penultimate 2 chapters!

If interested, you can read the complete book that is available in ebook format on Scrollstack. The title is "Secrets and Sixers". If you decide to read it, please give me feedback after reading guys!

Also, I am planning to complete the book on Scrollstack by the end of Feb or the first week of March and on Wattpad by the end of March or mid-April. It will be a great help and motivation if you all can engage more, vote, and comment.

Also,I am wondering if I should make it a paperback one. Should I go for it or not?