It was a new morning, and the sunlight streamed across my face. I was lying beside Sarthak, his arms wrapped possessively around me. I tried to sit up, gently removing his hand—my waist throbbed as if it had been broken. Groaning softly, I went to freshen up.
As I returned, my phone rang. It was Manya:
"Hey… are you okay? I saw my brother storming to your room in anger, and then I heard screaming. Everything alright?"
"Yeah… I'm fine. Is breakfast ready?" I replied.
"Yes, come downstairs," she said.
I washed up and went downstairs, still wincing from the pain. Everyone was seated at the table, eating breakfast. I quietly took my seat. Moments later, Sarthak appeared. He walked over, leaned close, and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek.
"Good morning, baby," he whispered.
Everyone froze. Manya blinked in shock. "Brother… did someone do black magic on you?"
"What are you saying?" he asked, grinning devilishly as he slid into the seat beside me.
"Bhaiya… you're so clingy. Are you… okay?" Manya asked cautiously.
"Of course I'm okay," he said, voice low and teasing. "Now sit."
"Sarthak… don't say things like that… it doesn't suit you," I murmured.
"Okay… then… hubby, wife, love, sweetie," he teased.
"Nothing… just Sammy," I muttered.
"Why Samira?" he asked, his dark eyes locking onto mine.
"Because it doesn't suit your personality," I whispered.
"I'll call you whatever I want," he said, leaning closer, his breath warm against my ear.
"But—"
"No arguments," he interrupted, picking up his blazer and leaving. Everyone stared at me, and I blushed furiously. The morning had already started on such an awkward note—I decided to escape and meet my school friends.
---
At the café, Sparsh, Diksha, and Nitya soon joined me. We ordered food and laughed, sharing stories.
"I'm getting married!" Nitya suddenly announced.
"What? With whom?" we all asked.
"Ishitwa," she smiled.
"When? Are you together?" I asked.
"Of course! We've been dating for years. Wedding's on December 15th—and you all are invited," she said, eyes sparkling.
"Of course we'll come!"
She laughed, and her story tumbled out—how he had grabbed her, pressed her against the wall, kissed her passionately, and whispered that he loved her more than anything. My heart swelled hearing it.
"She got what she wanted," I said softly.
"Yeah… she was madly in love," Diksha added.
"And it was the happiest day," Sparsh smiled.
We chatted for hours, finally heading home.
---
The house was quiet when I returned. Papa read the newspaper, Manya typed away on her laptop, Mummy directed the maids, and Aarav focused on his project. I didn't see Sarthak anywhere—until he appeared behind me, kissing my cheek. I shivered, embarrassed, and whispered sharply:
"Why are you doing this? It's so embarrassing! Aren't you the cold, domineering CEO who never loses control?"
He smirked and left, and Mom said softly, "Sweetie, he loves you… don't mind him."
"He wasn't like this with Aarne," I muttered.
"They didn't love each other," Mom replied.
I decided to go to Sarthak's study. He was bent over his laptop. My heart raced as I slipped on the black nightgown Nitya had gifted me. Slowly, I approached him, my steps deliberate, my eyes fixed on him.
"Sorry, baby… I'm sorry for being mad," I whispered, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
He looked up, startled. I closed the distance, sitting on his lap, my body brushing against his. He inhaled sharply.
"What are you doing? I'm in a meeting!" he said, voice tense.
"Meeting adjourned," I whispered back, leaning closer, letting my hand rest on his chest. His heartbeat raced under my touch.
I let my sleeve slip slightly, teasing him, and he groaned, eyes darkening.
"Samira… don't," he warned, but there was desire in his voice.
I pressed closer, my lips grazing his neck. "Just a little… baby," I murmured.
He grabbed me gently, tilting my face up to his. "Not now… we'll continue tomorrow," he said, though his hand lingered possessively on my waist.
I ran to my room, flushed and breathless. He followed, wearing his night suit, his eyes softening as he pulled me into a hug.
"It's okay, Samira. Don't be embarrassed," he whispered.
"Today… no more. My waist still hurts," I murmured, resting against him.
"Okay… I won't be clingy in front of everyone," he promised, brushing my hair back.
"Just… not in front of parents," I said softly.
"Okay," he replied, pressing a lingering kiss to my lips.
We lay down side by side, bodies entwined, hearts beating together. He held me close, our warmth mingling, and we drifted off to sleep, the world outside fading away.