She didn't move. Didn't blink. Just stood there, gaze locked onto mine, like she was waiting.
But The way she was looking at me-like she wasn't scared, not even a little bit. It was almost infuriating. Almost tempting.
My jaw tightened.
I took a slow step forward, and she instinctively mirrored it backward until her back met the wooden frame of the doorway. There was nowhere left to go.
The dim light barely kissed her features, but I saw them clearly-those pretty brown doe eyes. A storm brewing inside them Like she could set this whole place ablaze if she wanted to.
And here I was, spending my entire day figuring out ways to protect her, dealing with things she shouldn't even know about. But Naina? She didn't follow rules. She shattered them. Walked over their broken pieces with a quiet defiance that made my blood run hot.
She shouldn't be here.
She shouldn't have gotten this close-so close to things I had spent my entire life burying.
A dangerous woman who was a rule-breaker. Who was not afraid of- Anything? Sure? Let not say this yet.
"Rule breaker" I murmured, my voice sharp as I tried to keep my expression unreadable.
"Excuse me?" she breathed and pretending she had no idea what I meant.
She's bad it.
I let the silence stretch, watching the way her breath hitched just slightly. The way her fingers curled against the wooden frame when I took another step closer.
"Mastering the art of doing exactly what you weren't told to do" I muttered in dangerously low voice as I continued, "Because when I say 'don't' you hear 'definitely do' Right?"
She held my stare, silent for a moment, as if trying to process my words.
Cute.
Her breathing was steady, but I heard it-the slightest hitch when I leaned in a little more. Close enough for her to feel my presence. Close, but not touching. Never touching.
"What's wrong?" she exclaimed, voice soft yet laced with challenge. "Not used to someone breaking your rules?"
I let out a slow breath as low smirk tugged at the corner of my lips. "Not used to someone walking straight into danger"
Her lashes fluttered. "What type of danger?" She asked, Her gaze held mine, searching.
For what? Answers? A crack in the walls I had built so carefully?
"The kind you don't walk away from" I murmured, my voice low, deliberate.
Her lips parted, and for a second, just a second, I saw it-hesitation. A flicker of uncertainty in those sharp, fire-lit eyes.
Good.
She should be scared.
She should turn around and leave but her sharp tongue betrayed her. "Then why do you keep pulling me into it?"
"Who said I was pulling you in?" I asked.
She smirked, dark and knowing. "Who said I wasn't already there?" she smoothly shot back.
Heat licked up my spine. My jaw tightened, and I forced myself to step back-but my body didn't listen.
She had that effect. A silent pull.
"I don't want you to be there" I replied, my voice quieter this time.
"Then what do you want?" she asked trying to sound normal.
She was playing nice, wasn't she?
I signed and took my steps back a little finally. "Stay out of this. Use that sharp mind of yours somewhere else."
"Okay, fine. Then answer my question-solve my mystery for me and tell me about that red stain on your shirt." She crossed her arms, eyes locked onto mine.
"You're such a stubborn" I muttered, maintaining her gaze with same intensity.
"I'm, thanks." she smirked.
I broke the straight gaze as I exhaled before delivering a lie. "I told you, it's nothing. Just red paint."
Why should I tell her anything? And why the hell was she so interested in me?
She hummed, unconvinced. "Alright, what about the sca-" She hesitated, then met my gaze again. "The scars?"
"Scars?" I repeated, my brows Knitting together as Something in my chest twisted.
She had noticed. Of course. Lawyer's brain cells at work. But how? And when?
My voice turned cold. "And why" I said slowly as I continued "do you think I'd tell you that?"
"Because I asked" she replied simply.
I watched her for a moment. Sharp. Too sharp. Smarter than I gave her credit for.
"Are you judging me with these looks" She muttered.
A small smirk tugged at my lips. She was curious, like a child eager to piece together a puzzle.
"You talk too much" I muttered back.
She sucked her lower lip, eyes glinting with mischief. "Then make me shut up."
I raised a brow, and she grinned."By answering the questions, of course," she added, barely holding back a laugh.
I exhaled sharply, turning away, shoving my hands into my pockets-pushing back the urge to let her in.
Naina didn't play by the rules and that made her dangerous.
I stepped inside the room and covering the shattered things again. "You want answers?" I asked, turning to face her. She was still standing near the doorway, frozen like a statue.
Her head bobbed in an eager nod. I hummed, letting the silence stretch before speaking.
"There are conditions."
Her brows furrowed. "What conditions?" she asked, following the step behind me as I walked out.
I locked the door behind me, turning to find her already staring. Searching for something.
"You take the bodyguards with you and do whatever I say" I said, my voice low, firm.
Silence. I looked back at her. She took a moment like calculating something.
"Fine" she said.
"Alright. If you want answers, wait for my message." My words were final as I walked down the corridor toward my room.
"Wait, what!? But-" She exclaimed, following me as frustration laced in her voice.
I controlled a laugh and turned back just as I reached my door.
"Do as I say, Naina" I murmured. "Go to your room. Now."
She silently glared at me as about to kill me right there before she could. "Eyy-" I cut her off, shutting the door between us.
A few moments later, a soft knock.
I sighed, reaching out to open it, only to find her standing there, arms crossed, lips pressed into a thin line.
There was no gun in her hand.
I raised a brow. "Now what?"
"You don't have my number" she stated like she had caught me in some grand scheme. "So how exactly are you planning to message me?"
I huffed. "Not necessary. But if you're that eager, go ahead." I held out my personal phone.
She took it, fingers moving swiftly over the screen. I glanced down just as she hit save.
Detective of my life-flashed on the screen.
A smirk tugged at my lips. Funny. Annoying. Yet-oddly fitting.
"Alright, goodnight" she said, stepping back with a satisfied smile.
I hummed. The second she turned, I edited the contact.
Witch.
I smirked, shutting the door.
She thought she was solving a mystery. But didn't realize-she was stepping right into one.
__________
(Wasn't covering all things with character's pov so...╥﹏╥)
|| Author's pov ||
Naina sat cross-legged on the couch in her room, arms folded, glaring at the two bodyguards standing near the door like statues.
If they weren't breathing, she'd have assumed they were wax figures stolen from some museum.
Her phone buzzed. Not Siddharth. Again.
She groaned, tossing it on the cushion beside her. Where the hell was his message?
"You two don't blink, do you?" she muttered, eyeing them.
Silence.
"At least breathe louder or something. It's creepy."
Still nothing.
She groaned, rubbing her temples. This was all Siddh's fault. She could already hear his smug voice in her head- "Do as I say, Naina." And like an idiot.
she had.
Before she could spiral further, a loud thud erupted downstairs, followed by a yelp.
"Naina!!! Your brother JUST TRIED TO KILL ME!"
Ahh. Morning entertainment had arrived.
Naina shot up and rushed downstairs, bodyguards trailing behind her like shadows. At the bottom of the stairs, she found Rakshita clutching a pillow like a shield while Rishi held a rolled-up newspaper, poised for attack.
On the side, anika was sipping tea calmly, completely ignoring the mess, while elders exchanged tired glances, clearly questioning their life choices.
Naina plopped onto the nearest couch, unimpressed. "Alright. What now?"
Rakshita dramatically pointed at Rishi. "Your brother is a murderer."
Rishi scoffed. "I was waking you up. You slept like a corpse."
"You hit me with a damn newspaper!"
"A soft one!"
"It was rolled like a freaking baseball bat!"
Naina pinched the bridge of her nose. "So you're telling me my morning peace was ruined because of a newspaper fight?"
"NO" Rakshita huffed. "It's because Rishi has anger issues."
"And you have drama issues" Rishi shot back.
Naina glanced at Anika "You're just going to let them kill each other?". without even looking up, she casually replied, "Nothing new."
Parth scrolled through his phone. "It's good for their health."and chuckled.
Shree, who had been enjoying the show for a while, suddenly declared, "They need this therapy." And laughed too.
Naina blinked. "What?"
Before they could explain their questionable logic, a new voice joined the chaos.
"Are you all done wasting time?"
Siddh.
Everyone turned to look at him as he walked in, effortlessly commanding the room without trying. Dressed in all black, sleeves rolled up, hair slightly messy-like he had just walked out of a goddamn movie.
Naina hated how good he looked. It was unfair.
His sharp gaze landed on her for a second before he turned to address the rest. "We're leaving in 15 mins, Pack whatever you need."
"YAYYY !" Shree bounced toward him, and he effortlessly picked her up.
"15 minutes?" Rakshita shrieked. "I need at least an hour!"
"If anyone's late, they're staying behind," Siddh said flatly before landing his gaze again on naina.
Rakshita bolted to her room. Rishi followed, still taunting her. The elders sighed, probably regretting having kids?
As everyone scattered, Naina lingered.
She turned at Siddh as he was adjusting his watch. She waited until the room cleared before casually asking "So... you're coming too?"
A small smile ghosted his lips as he set Shree down and stepped closer.
"Problem?" he asked, gazing towards the bodyguards behind her.
"You tell me!" she asked, her voice steady, but her eyes-searching, demanding.
He smiled. A dry, almost empty curve of his lips, but enough to twist something deep in her chest.
"Good, You're following orders." He said, finally landing his gaze on her.
Her jaw clenched. Smug bastard.
She turned to see Bodyguards, raising a brow. "So, what about them? Are they coming to Bhangarh too?"
Siddh tilted his head, pretending to think. "Not a bad idea." She gave him the deadliest glare she could manage. "I. Will. Kill. You."
He smirked. "Try."
Her glare shattered just in moments. He wasn't wrong and she was giving him the satisfaction of saying it.
Before she could retaliate, Shree interrupted, crossing her arms. "Okay, why is everyone acting like kids nowadays except me? And WHY do you two sound like Rakshita and Rishi now?"
A brief silence for a while And just like that, he walked away, leaving her fuming more.
_____
Naina stepped out from the car, stretching her arms, inhaling the crisp air.
The sky was painted in deep hues of orange and purple, casting eerie shadows over the ancient stone walls.
Finally, freedom.....Well, almost. She turned-and ofc, her two loyal bodyguards were right behind her, staring straight ahead like robots.
"Seriously?" she muttered under her breath and signed.
Before she could complain to God about this, Rakshita linked their arms, her excitement bubbling over. "We're actually here! Can you believe it?"
Naina gave her a frustrated look. "Excited to get haunted?"
Rakshita grinned. "Dude. If I don't see a ghost today, I want my money back."
Behind them, Rishi and the cousins were already goofing around, taking pictures, while the elders discussed safety protocols.
And Siddh?
He was a few steps away, talking to some local guide, his expression unreadable as always. His black shirt, sleeves rolled up, slightly dusty from the drive, made him look even more infuriatingly good.
"Hey stop staring at my brother like this" Rakshita whispered from back.
Naina inhaled sharply, turning back to Rakshita. "shut up and tell me what's the plan? Are we just wandering into a cursed fort like dumb horror movie characters?"
"Obviously." Rakshita smirked. "It's called the full experience, babe."
Naina chuckled sadly. "I hope the ghost takes me with them. Better than this chaos" Before she could protest further, anika (bhabhi) called out, "Everyone, stick together! Fixed time-5 PM. No wandering off!"
Everyone nodded, while Shree adjusted her investigator gadgets, muttering, "I'll find them today."
"Cute"
Naina and rakshita chuckled slightly.
The moment they stepped inside the ancient ruins, the energy shifted. The towering stone walls, the crumbling archways, the eerie silence-it was pretty yet elegant. But did that stop this crazy family from turning it into their personal picnic spot?
Uncles were busy debating the "real scientific reasons behind ghost stories" cousins were daring each other to peek inside the darker corners of the fort, and Rakshita? She had already decided this was the perfect location for her next Instagram shoot.
But Naina's gaze flickered back to Siddh, who was still talking to the guide, his brows furrowed.
Serious. Absolutely making him effortlessly hot.
His sharp eyes scanned every corner, every shadow. His security team blended into the background, silent but alert. Good. Because even though this was just a family trip, he had to look out for their safety too.
She didn't hesitate before walking up to him. "You're thinking too much," she murmured, stepping beside him.
He exhaled, shaking his head. "And you're thinking too little."
She smiled, tilting her head. "Opposites attract, I guess?"
His eyes darkened, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. "Not in this case."
She finally said with a sign. "What's with the serious face? The ghost isn't real, you know."
His jaw ticked, eyes flickering to hers. "That's what you think."
She chuckled slightly before saying, "What's that supposed to mean?" Instead of answering, he glanced at her bodyguards. "Stay close to her."
Naina groaned. "Oh, come on! It's just an old fort, not a battlefield"
His gaze sharpened. "Wherever Naina Malhotra is present, trouble doesn't need directions."
She swallowed hard, avoiding his intense stare. "Says the one who's a walking, talking trouble in herself."
Ignoring his remark, she changed the subject. "So, do you believe in ghosts?"
He took a step closer, his voice dangerously low. "No. But I do believe in danger."
Her mind screamed in frustration.
[What danger? Why danger? How much danger? Huh?! Itna hi 'danger danger' karta hai toh bata na, kya danger hai?? Bhagta rehta hai aur 'danger danger' karta rehta hai, jaise duniya bhar ka sara danger isi ke paas aa raha hai?! Kab tak? Hufff!]
[What danger? Why danger? How much danger?? Huh?! If he's going to keep chanting 'danger, danger,' then at least tell me what it is! He keeps running around acting all mysterious like every danger in the world is personally chasing him! Till when?! Ugh!]
But of course, if she actually said all that out loud... he'd just respond with more danger.
"More question?" He asked, moving his straight gaze over her.
Her heart did an annoying little skip. Not because of his words. Definitely not because of how close he was standing.
She flinched at sudden interruption.
"GUYS! I saw an orange light over there!" she pointed at an old stone pillar.
The whole group turned. Rakshita smirked, shaking her head. "Shree, for the last time, stop trying to be a ghost hunter."
Shree pouted. "But there was something!" Her mother sighed, stuffing the 'investigator gadgets' into her purse. "Enough shree. Focus on the trip, not ghosts."
"But Mom!"
"No buts. Now stand with the group here"
Shree grumbled but obeyed, though not without sending rakshita a look that said, This isn't over.
Naina chuckled, but her amusement faded when she glanced back at Siddh. He wasn't laughing. He wasn't even smirking.
"Boring person" She muttered and moved away.
The moment Naina turned away, Siddh's sharp eyes followed her, unreadable.
"Boring person?" he repeated under his breath, a ghost of a smirk touching his lips.
If only she knew that what was running through his mind.
Naina, however, walked a little ahead, trailing her fingers along the cold stone walls.
She smiled admiring the beauty of old things. The air here felt heavier around her as a sharp gust of wind rushed through the narrow corridor, making her shiver.
"Naina."
She turned, expecting to see Rakshita or Rishi But there was no one.
Not even the bodyguards.
The group was a few steps behind, too far for anyone to have whispered so close to her ear.
Her stomach twisted. Okay. What the hell was that?
Naina's fingers curled into her palms as she took a slow, measured breath. It was just the wind. Just the damn wind.
The corridor behind her was empty. Just the cold stone walls, the eerie silence, and the faint scent of something... burnt?
Her throat went dry.
Before she could spiral any further, a hand grabbed her wrist.
She flinched, spinning around-only to find herself staring into the dark, piercing eyes of Siddh.
"You okay?" His voice was low.
Naina blinked, forcing a scoff. "Why wouldn't I be?"
His grip on her wrist tightened just slightly. "You looked pale for a second."
"Maybe because you scared me half to death." She tried to calm her racing beats.
His lips pressed into a thin line. He didn't look convinced. Before she could argue more, Shree came skipping over, newly freed from her mother's scolding.
"Didi, guess what? I found-" She stopped mid-sentence, eyes narrowing at the way Siddh was still holding Naina's wrist.
Siddh let go immediately, stepping back. "Stay with the group" He said, his voice returning to its usual unreadable calm.
Naina forced a smile. "Yes, Your Highness."
Shree, however didn't let it slide so easily. She crossed her arms, glaring at Siddh. "If you want to hold hands, just say so. No need for excuses."
Naina choked on air. "Shree!"
Siddh to her horror, didn't react at all. He simply gave Shree a flat look. "Go bother someone else."
Shree pouted, tilting her head slightly. "Such a boring person." Naina chuckled. "See? Told you."
Siddh shot her a look that sent a shiver down her spine. "You'll take that back soon enough."
The breath in her throat hitched, all her chuckles fading into thin air. Before she could ask what the hell that meant, Rakshita's voice echoed through the ruins.
"You guys coming or not? We found something!"
Shree immediately perked up and ran ahead, leaving Naina and Siddh standing alone in the eerie, dimly lit corridor.
Naina turned to follow, but Siddh caught her wrist again-gently this time.
Naina bit back a smile and turned to see him as she raised a brow.
"You're not following what I said" He said, his voice quieter than before but enough to sent a strange thrill down her spine.
She swallowed, smiled a little just to cover it up. "You're paranoid."
His gaze didn't waver. "And you're reckless."
She immediately looked away "Fine. I'll stay close. Happy?"
He didn't answer. He just let go of her wrist and walked ahead, like the conversation never happened.
Naina stared after him, heart pounding annoyingly fast. "This man is making me crazy" She muttered under the breathe.
"Okay, time to head back before the real ghosts get angry!" Anika called out. With that, the group started making their way out.
Siddh let out a breath, finally relaxing.
But as they exited the fort, Naina glanced back one last time-just for a split second.
"Bhoo!!!" Rishi suddenly jumped in front of her.
She flinched, almost letting out a scream. Without a word, she punched him hard on the arm before walking past him, throwing him a glare that promised revenge.
The ride back was quieter than expected. Maybe everyone was just exhausted.
Naina leaned back against the seat, letting her head rest against the window. She wasn't tired, but her mind was a mess.
She glanced at Siddh, who was sitting stiffly in the front seat, silent, brooding, and definitely lost in thought.
Rakshita, sitting beside Naina, nudged her. "You're staring."
Naina huffed. "I'm observing."
Rakshita blinked at her, then grinned. "Oh, toh yeh naya naam hai pyaar ka?" she teased.
(Oh so it's the new name of love)
"Shut. up." Naina whispered with a slight smirk and looking at him back.
_______
It was 10 pm. The full moon bathed the world in silver, stars flickering like whispered promises. She sat on the terrace of their resort as her gaze lost in the sky.
The night air cool against her skin, but the storm inside her burned hotter with every passing second.
Her patience had withered hours ago. Fingers tightened around her phone, stared at the dark screen- No text. No call. Just nothing.
A silence that spoke louder than words ever could.
"Does he want to tell me Or not" She questioned to herself in a slow muttering.
She glared at the screen for a while, supposing his text pop up any of moment. But as usual. Nothing.
"Unbelievable" she muttered, locking her phone and shoving it into her hoodie pocket.
She could just go and demand answers-but why should she? He was the one avoiding her, not the other way around.
She was following his every rule, obeying every order, so he should be na, right?
"Naina!"
Rakshita's voice rang out, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps. A moment later, she plopped down beside her.
"what's going on? You disappeared after dinner."
Naina sighed, resting her chin on her palm. "Nothing. Just needed some air."
Rakshita narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Or waiting for a certain someone's message?"
Naina scoffed. "If he wanted to message, he would have."
Rakshita gasped dramatically. "Arrey wah! Madam has decided to play the ignoring game now?"
"Not a game. Just done wasting my time."
Rakshita hummed, unconvinced. "Well, good luck with that. But don't be too mad, okay? We're leaving tomorrow morning. You might not see him for a while."
That hit differently.
Leaving tomorrow. Back to Delhi. Back to normal life-except, nothing felt normal anymore.
Naina sighed. "Yeah... I know."
"Hmm." Rakshita nudged her shoulder. "Who knows when we'll get to breathe this Rajasthani air again? Honestly, I don't get it-why can't we just live here?"
Naina glanced down at her phone one last time. Still nothing. If Siddh wasn't going to say anything-then neither was she.
She exhaled sharply, pushing the disappointment aside. "Everything happens for a reason."
"Whatever," Naina muttered before turning to Rakshita. "Wanna go for a night walk?"
Rakshita's eyes lit up. "Ooo, now that's the Naina I know! Let's go before someone catches us" Naina smirked, standing up and stretching. "Let's at least try to not get murdered in a horror-movie setup."
The two of them tiptoed down the terrace stairs, sneaking past the hallway like criminals. The resort was mostly quiet-most of the family had gone to sleep, exhausted from the trip.
Outside, the air was crisp, carrying the scent of earth and the distant hum of night creatures. The soft glow of lanterns lined the garden pathway, casting flickering shadows.
"Perfect" Rakshita whispered. "Now, let's act like mysterious heroines from a suspenseful novel."
Naina chuckled. "Yeah? And then what? A dark, brooding hero appears out of nowhere?" Rakshita wiggled her brows. "With your luck, absolutely."
Naina rolled her eyes but smiled. The night was peaceful, and for a moment, she let herself forget everything-Siddh, his secrets, the weight pressing on her chest.
But peace never lasted long.
As they turned a corner, footsteps echoed behind them. Both girls froze.
Before they could react, a stone flew in from outside and landed right in front of them.
They exchanged a glance before Naina hesitantly picked it up. A piece of paper was wrapped around it.
Rakshita grabbed Naina's wrist. "Open it."
Naina nodded slowly, unwrapping the crumpled note.
"Stay away from him."
The words were scrawled in the worst handwriting they had ever seen.
"Huh? Who's 'him' here?" Rakshita asked, letting out a chuckle.
But before they could even process it-a another sound of footsteps-Closer this time.
Both of them turned at the same time, instinctively hiding the paper behind them And came face-to-face with the last person Naina never wanted to see.
The bodyguards stood just a few steps away, guns in their hands.
Naina's heart stopped for a second-then started racing for an entirely different reason.
"Him? Oh, of course, you should be!" Rakshita quipped before bursting into laughter.
The guard's voice cut through the air, dangerously calm. "I heard a noise from here. Is everything okay, ma'am?"
Naina hesitated before giving a slight nod. "You should go inside, ma'am." He said. Before Naina could respond, Rakshita took a quick step back.
"Well. We suddenly value our lives, so we'll be heading inside. Byeee!" with that, she grabbed Naina's hand and dragged her away.
_______
Naina scanned the paper twice, thrice-several times-before exhaling sharply and tossing it into the dustbin. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, her mind kept circling back to him. Urgh.
Grabbing her phone, she unlocked it for the hundredth time. Still no messages.
"He did a Black magic on me for sure" she muttered, hurling the phone onto the pillow.
"This is exactly why I hate him."
Her voice held frustration, but as she threw herself onto the bed, it softened into something almost fragile.
Silence. Then, quieter this time-"Of course, I do."
Sleep didn't come easily that night.
Every time Naina closed her eyes, the words on that crumpled paper burned behind her eyelids- Stay away from him.
Her fingers curled into the sheets, frustration pulsing through her veins. With a groan, she ran her hands through her hair, forcing herself to stop overthinking.
"And after tomorrow... I don't even know when I'll see him again," she whispered to herself, sadness lacing her words. She turned onto her side, her eyes fluttering shut.
_
______
"This is unfair! Why are you all leaving so early? Even Papa doesn't want you to leave this soon. Please!" Akira threw her hands in the air , making the morning even more dramatic than it already was.
Naina sighed, closing her eyes for a second as if this morning wasn't frustrating enough, now Akira was here, making things worse.
And just when Naina thought nothing could be more annoying-Siddh entered the hall and Before he could even take another breath, Akira's eyes lit up. She lunged at him, throwing her arms around him in a hug.
No one seemed particularly affected. Probably No one rather than Naina, who was already shooting daggers at the girl But She quickly looked away, scolding herself. Why do you care? He clearly didn't
"My child, I wish we could stay, but we have to leave now." Mr. Rathore's voice broke the silence.
"But Uncle-" Akira hesitated before glancing up at Siddh, her eyes filled with hope. "At least Siddh can stay a little longer, right?"
Siddh exhaled slowly, considering the idea. It wasn't a bad one-staying back would give him time to focus on his work and find the killer without any distractions.
No. No. No. No. Naina crossed her fingers behind her and Just as Siddh was about to answer, Rakshita spoke up, her voice light but firm.
"Umm, Akira, you know he's not just your friend, right? Since he met you, he also met me, so I also want to spend time with my Bhai."
Shree jumped in, grinning. "Of course! I have so many things to do with him too. You can't just take our SSR like this."
A small, victorious smile played on Naina's lips. Good job, girls. But as soon as she felt herself softening, she remembered-she was mad at him. Immediately, she straightened her face, clearing her throat.
"We're getting late, I guess" she said coolly, breaking the moment. Mrs. Rathore nodded. "Yes, we should leave now."
One by one, everyone started heading out, but in the end, only Akira, Siddh, and Mr. Rathore remained behind.
Akira turned to Mr. Rathore, trying one last time. "Uncle, please, just let Siddh stay-please."
Mr. Rathore chuckled. "You're not wrong. Siddh can stay... if he wants to."
Akira's face lit up with a smile.
But Siddh, who had already made up his mind, shook his head slightly. "Dad, I would, but I have a lot of things to take care of. I promise I'll come back soon."
Akira pouted. "Promise?"
"Promise" Siddh confirmed, as she pulled him into another hug.
Mr. Rathore patted Akira's head. "Say goodbye to your father too, and take care of yourself." She nodded.
"Noo, I don't want to go with him" Naina whispered back at Rakshita as rishi and shree already waiting for her inside the car.
"But why? What happened?" Rakshita asked.
"I just don't want to sit in your brother's car" Naina insisted. "My brother-" Before Rakshita could say anything, Siddh's voice interrupted them.
"What happened?"
Naina immediately turned to leave, waving her hand dismissively. "I just don't like your brother's car fragrance so I'm going with Dadu and Bhabhi."
Siddh's gaze lingered on her retreating figure, his expression unreadable.
Rakshita, standing beside him, arched a brow. "Her problem is your car fragrance?"
Siddh exhaled, utterly confused. "Apparently."
"Uh-huh." Rakshita gave him a suspicious look. "And what perfume do you even use?"
Siddh replied casually. "The same one your friend doesn't like." Rakshita glanced at him. "Huh?"
"Never mind, just get in the car," Siddh said, pulling the door open for Rakshita.
She slid inside, but her eyes stayed on him, curiosity sparking in them. "You're seriously not gonna say anything?"
Siddh didn't respond. But the sharp clench of his jaw said enough.
"Oho there's no space naina" Bhabhi's voice called out from the other car as parth and grandpa were already squeezed inside with stuff, leaving zero space for another passenger.
"Beta, I think you'll have to go with Siddh." Dadu gave her an apologetic smile as naina smiled back too.
Naina's eyes widened. No. No. No. "Dadu, I can sit on the-"
"sit in the trunk? I don't think so it's a good idea. So you better go in Bhai's car." Parth cut her off with a smirk.
Naina chuckled Sadly. "Yah you're right" With no choice left, she turned on her heels, dragging herself toward Siddh's car like it was a punishment.
Siddh stood by the driver's side, arms crossed, watching her with amusement. "Changed your mind about my car's fragrance?"
She clenched her jaw, yanking the passenger door open. "No. I still hate it." She said dryly, clearly ignoring his gaze.
Sliding into the seat, she slammed the door shut with an unnecessary thud, kept her posture stiff, arms folded, gripping the seatbelt tighter than necessary, eyes stubbornly fixed on the road ahead.
Siddh got in, the air suddenly feeling heavier as he shut the door. He didn't start the car immediately. Instead, he leaned back slightly, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel.
"You sure you don't want to wait for another car?" he asked, his tone casual. Naina inhaled sharply. "Just drive."
From the back seat, Shree grinned. "Are you mad, Didi?" Naina forced a sweet smile. "Why would I be, Shree?"
He just smirked but said nothing, the engine purring to life. She had a valid reason to be annoyed, right? A reason to feel that sharp pinch in her chest when Akira hugged him.
Her nails dug into her palm as she replayed the scene. The way he stood there, letting Akira hold onto him like that.
Naina kept her eyes fixed outside the window, watching the blur of trees and empty roads, pretending like she wasn't hyper-aware of the man sitting next to her.
The air inside the car was cool, but her skin felt oddly warm when his fingers casually adjusted the AC, brushing dangerously close to her hand resting on her lap, she almost felt the electricity crackling in the air.
Damn it.
This ride was going to be too long but it was silent-too silent.
She had no idea how much time passed, but when the car finally slowed down and turned towards her house, she let out a breath as she was finally breathing in delhi's air.
"Naina, your home came" Rakshita called out as Naina unbuckled her seatbelt and reached for the door, desperate to escape But before she could step out-She froze, her fingers gripping the door handle.
"Are you avoiding me?" Siddh asked, his voice calm too calm. Finally naina met her gaze with him.
Her heart did a strange little flip, but she quickly masked it with a scoff. "Avoiding you? Why would I waste my energy on that?"
Siddh hummed, as if he didn't believe her. He didn't press further, though. Instead, he leaned back, watching her with an unreadable gaze.
"Good" He said.
Naina stared at him for a moment longer before exhaling sharply. Without another word, she stepped out and slammed the door shut behind her.
He smirked inside the car as he knew what he was doing.
"Byeeee Didi!" Shree called out, waving excitedly from the back seat.
Naina smiled, waving back as she watched the car disappearing. She let out a sigh, whispering under her breath-
"I'm already missing him."
"Ikr, I'm missing her too"
She flinched, turning to see Rishi standing there, staring at her like they both caught each other off guard.
Silence.
A long, awkward stare.
Naina huffed, storming inside. "Go away." But even as she walked in, she knew the truth.
She wasn't just missing him.
She was already waiting for the next time they'd meet.
To be continued...
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5700+ words!
A long chapter after so long! Also, really sorry for not updating-I've been caught up with my board exams. Hope you all understand!
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