The car finally stopped.
Aanya didn't look at him.
She was afraid that if she did, she wouldn't be able to hide how fast her heart was beating.
"Get down," Aarav said calmly.
She obeyed.
The place was quiet. Too quiet.
A large house stood before her — dark, elegant, intimidating.
"This is where you live?" she asked softly.
"For now," he replied.
Inside, the air felt heavy. Not unsafe… just unfamiliar.
Aanya stood near the door, unsure of what to do.
"You're not tied," Aarav said, noticing her stillness.
"You're free to walk."
She looked at him then, confused. "Then why does it feel like I'm trapped?"
He paused.
For the first time, he didn't answer immediately.
"Because," he finally said, stepping closer,
"you're standing too close to someone you shouldn't trust."
Her breath caught.
He was right in front of her now.
She could feel his warmth.
Smell his faint cologne.
Hear his steady breathing — calm, unlike her own.
"Move," she whispered, though she didn't step back.
"You move," he replied.
Their eyes locked.
Seconds passed. Maybe minutes.
His hand lifted slowly… but stopped mid-air, as if he was giving her a choice.
Aanya swallowed.
"Why are you doing this?" she asked.
Aarav's voice dropped, quieter than ever.
"Because you look at me like you're scared," he said,
"but your heart… doesn't run."
Her chest tightened.
He lowered his hand.
That restraint shook her more than force ever could.
"Go rest," he said, turning away.
"We'll talk tomorrow."
As he walked off, Aanya realized something terrifying—
He didn't need to cage her.
She was already caught.