"Whispers of Fate"

Ranveer cupped Aarya's face gently, his thumb brushing over her cheek. His dark eyes held hers, unreadable, steady.

Aarya's breath hitched as realization crashed into her. What was she about to do? Her heart pounded as she abruptly pulled away, turning her face away.

"I... I'm sorry," she whispered.

Before she could step back, his hands found her waist, pulling her flush against him. Her back collided with his chest, his warmth seeping into her skin.

For a moment, he just held her-firm yet gentle, as if grounding her. Then, his voice came, low and deliberate.

"You don't need to say sorry, Aarya."

Her breath was uneven, fingers gripping his wrists, torn between pushing him away and holding on.

"There's nothing wrong you did."

Aarya squeezed her eyes shut. Then why did it feel like it?

Ranveer loosened his grip just enough for her to turn, but when she met his gaze, she was trapped in its intensity.

"You really wanted to kiss me, biwi?"

Her eyes widened, lips parting, but no words came out.

Ranveer smirked, his fingers tracing slow circles against her waist. "Tell me... was it a mistake, or was it what you wanted?"

Aarya swallowed hard, struggling to find an answer. When she remained silent, his smirk deepened.

"Silence, huh?" His voice was teasing, yet something deeper lurked beneath it.

Then, he leaned in.

Aarya's breath caught. Her fingers curled into his sweatshirt as his face drew closer. Her heart pounded in anticipation. Was he really going to-?

Her lashes fluttered shut, waiting-

But instead, a warm, lingering touch pressed against her forehead.

Her eyes snapped open in surprise.

Ranveer's lips rested there for a moment, steady, as if sealing something unspoken between them. Then, he pulled back, arms still wrapped around her.

"Don't rush what you don't understand yet, biwi," he murmured, his voice softer now.

Aarya's breath trembled.

Aarya's lips parted, but no words came out. Her heart pounded as Ranveer watched her-intense, unreadable.

She should have denied it. Should have pushed him away.

But she didn't.

Ranveer's fingers tightened on her waist-possessive, yet careful. His dark eyes studied her, searching for something beneath her silence.

"You're not answering, biwi," he murmured.

Aarya swallowed hard. "It was a mistake. I was just-"

"Just what, Aarya?" His breath ghosted over her cheek.

She clenched her fists. "Just... confused."

Ranveer smirked, though there was no amusement in it. His fingers traced slow circles on her waist. "Then why does your body tell me otherwise?"

Her breath hitched. "You're doing this on purpose."

He didn't deny it. "And?" His thumb brushed her lower lip-just a whisper of touch, yet it shattered her composure. "Tell me to stop, and I will."