confession

Ridhima stood outside Veer's hotel room, her heart pounding in anticipation. She had found his room number through her contacts, and now, standing in front of his door, she could barely contain her nervous excitement.

Taking a deep breath, she pulled out her phone and called him.

Veer's voice came through, slightly distracted. "Ridhima? I'm in a meeting. Why are you calling?"

She hesitated for a moment before saying softly, "Nothing... just wanted to know where you are."

Veer sighed. "I'm busy. If you need something, tell me quickly."

Ridhima bit her lip and whispered, "No... it's nothing."

Before he could question further, she hung up and pressed the doorbell.

Inside, Veer frowned at the sudden ringing. "Coming," he called out, still unaware of what was waiting for him on the other side.

Impatiently, Ridhima rang the bell again.

Veer finally walked over, slightly irritated, and swung the door open—only to freeze at the sight before him.

Ridhima stood there, dressed in a stunning black saree, her eyes glowing with something unreadable. The soft fabric draped around her curves, the deep neckline teasing just enough to make his throat dry. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders, and the faint scent of jasmine filled the air.

For the first time in his life, Veer Arora was speechless.

"Ridhima... what—what are you doing here?" he asked, his voice husky with confusion.

She met his gaze, her eyes determined yet vulnerable. "I had to tell you something."

Veer ran a hand through his hair, still processing her sudden appearance. "You could've called. I would've met you later."

Ridhima took a step forward, her fingers trembling as she pushed past him and entered the room.

"No," she whispered, locking the door behind her. "I can't wait any longer."

Veer turned sharply, his eyes darkening as he took in her sudden boldness. "Ridhima, what's going on?"

But she didn't answer. She simply took another step closer, closing the distance between them, her heart racing.

Tonight, she wasn't going to hold back.

Ridhima took a step forward, and instinctively, Veer stepped back. It happened again—one step closer, one step away. It was like an unspoken dance between them, an invisible force pulling them together while fear held them apart.

Veer's back finally hit the wall, and Ridhima stopped just inches away from him, her gaze locked with his. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she knew she had to say it now—or she might never get the chance again.

"Yes, I loved Yash at some point in my life," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But he cheated on me, and with that, all my feelings for him died. There is nothing left for him, Veer. Nothing."

Veer clenched his jaw, but he didn't interrupt. He was listening. Really listening.

"But with you..." Ridhima exhaled shakily, her hands trembling. "With you, I'm afraid. I'm afraid you'll do the same to me. I'm afraid of feeling that kind of heartbreak again. Because whenever you come close to me, I feel something I've never felt before. The way you look at me... it makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. You make me feel special, Veer."

Her voice cracked slightly as she continued, "But if you don't love me... if this is just a game for you, then I won't be able to handle it."

Veer stared at her, feeling every single word like a punch to his chest. She wasn't pushing him away because of Yash. She was pushing him away because she was scared of how deeply she felt for him.

A moment of silence passed between them.

Then, without breaking eye contact, Veer reached over and shut his laptop on the nearby table, as if silently saying—this moment is more important than anything else.

Ridhima swallowed hard.

"I love you, Veer." The words left her lips, raw and full of emotion. "And I don't want to lose you. For the last two months, I've felt love, pain, fear... everything because of you."

Veer's breath hitched.

Without hesitation, he cupped her face, his thumbs brushing against her cheeks. His eyes burned with intensity as he whispered, "And I love you, Ridhima. From the moment you entered my life, I have only seen you, only wanted you. You're not just my wife by name—you're the only woman I've ever truly wanted to be with."

A tear slipped down Ridhima's cheek, but Veer wiped it away instantly.