THE PRINCE WHO LOVED ME ??

The streets of the city had begun to quiet down as the night deepened. The warm glow of streetlights reflected off the polished sidewalks, and the air was cool with the promise of a peaceful evening. Yamini and Rudransh had just returned to their hotel. The weight of the day's work had been lifted, but something else lingered in the air, something that had been building between them over time, unspoken but unmistakable.

They walked side by side through the sleek, modern lobby of the hotel. The soft hum of conversation and clinking glasses from the bar was a distant murmur, but for the two of them, the world outside seemed to have momentarily disappeared.

As they reached the elevator, Rudransh turned to Yamini, his face earnest, yet there was a glint of something playful in his eyes. 

Rudransh : Yamini, I was thinking.

He began, his tone is just a little unsure, as if testing the waters. 

Rudransh :Since we've got into a relationship. I want you to....I mean, a date, just you and me. No work, no pressure, just the two of us. What do you say ? 

Yamini blinked, taken aback for a moment. For her this... this was different. There had always been a subtle undercurrent between them, a spark that neither had fully acknowledged until few days ago. Her heart fluttered unexpectedly. She smiled softly, the weight of his words sinking in, and nodded. 

Yamini : I think I'd like that.

A flicker of relief crossed his features, followed by the smile she had seen only a few times, a genuine one that lit up his entire face. 

Rudransh : Great ! 

He said, his voice is slightly lighter. 

Rudransh : Be ready by 9:00 am tomorrow. 

Yamini : Alright, I'll be ready.

She  replied, her smile is still lingering. For a moment, they simply stood there, looking at each other. There was no need for more words. They both knew what this meant.

The elevator doors opened, and they entered in silence. The ride up to their rooms felt longer than usual, but neither of them rushed to break it. When the doors dinged open at her floor, they both stepped out into the hallway.

At the door to Yamini's room, Rudransh turned to her. 

Rudransh : Well, I guess this is goodnight, then.

Yamini nodded. 

Yamini : Goodnight.

She took a step toward her room, but before she could slide the keycard into the lock, she heard him step behind her. The sound of his shoes on the carpet made her pause, and she turned to find him watching her intently, his posture casual but his gaze full of something else.

Rudransh : Yamini ! 

He called softly.

She looked up, her breath catching for a brief moment. There was something in his eyes now, a question, an invitation, a silent plea.

Yamini : Yes ? 

She replied, heart is suddenly racing.

Before she knew what was happening, Rudransh closed the distance between them. His hand reached for hers, gently pulling her toward him. His expression softened, and without a word, he moved so close that she could feel the warmth of his body against hers.

Yamini's pulse quickened as she looked up into his eyes. She could see the emotion flickering there, the unspoken tension between them,  unacknowledged feelings, now coming to the surface.

Rudransh : I... I've been wanting to ask you something.

He murmured, his voice is barely above a whisper. His thumb brushed the back of her hand, and she shivered.

Yamini's breath caught in her throat as she looked up at him. For a long moment, they stood there, inches apart, the world narrowing down to the quiet space between them. Finally, she spoke, her voice low and steady.

Yamini : Rudransh... do you... do you want to kiss me ? 

His eyes widened just slightly, as though he hadn't expected her to ask him so directly. But then, his lips curled into a small, knowing smile. It wasn't a grin, not the playful, easygoing smile she was used to seeing from him, it was something deeper, something that told her he felt the same way.

Rudransh : I do ! 

He answered, his voice is a little rougher now, as if the words were difficult to get out.

And in that moment, everything seemed to still. There were no more questions left between them. No more uncertainty.

Yamini stepped closer, her breath mingling with his. She didn't need to say anything else. She reached up, her hand grazing his cheek, and whispered,

Yamini : May I ? 

He nodded, his eyes never leaving hers, his face is soft with affection. His lips parted slightly as he leaned in, his hand moved to her waist, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them.

And then, as if the world had ceased to exist, Rudransh's lips found hers. The kiss was slow, tender, as though both of them were savoring the moment they had held back for so long. His lips pressed against hers, and Yamini felt a surge of warmth, a deep connection that went beyond words. It wasn't just a kiss, It was an expression of everything they had silently shared in the past, of all the work, the late nights, the unspoken admiration. It was a promise of more.

She kissed him back, her fingers threading through his hair, pulling him closer as though she couldn't get enough. And he responded in and  his arms wrapped around her, holding her as though nothing else mattered. In that moment, there was nothing but the two of them, the world outside faded into a distant blur.

When they finally broke apart, it was with reluctance, as if neither of them was ready to let go.

Rudransh looked at her with a quiet intensity, his expression filled with unspoken words. 

Rudransh : Goodnight, Yamini ! 

He whispered, his voice is hoarse but full of meaning.

Yamini : Goodnight, Rudransh.

She  replied softly, her fingers still lightly resting against his chest. She took a small step back, but her gaze lingered on him, as if trying to etch the memory of this moment into her mind forever.

They didn't speak again as she unlocked her door and entered her room.

..............

How's the chapter ? 

Where Rudransh is going to take her ?