Chapter 45 - Chapter 42

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Shivansh' POV

I woke up to the softest weight pressing against me. It took me a moment to register that Isha was practically draped over me, her head buried in my chest, her legs tangled with mine.

A smirk tugged at my lips. So much for maintaining distance.

I ran a hand down her back, and she stirred slightly, mumbling something incoherent.

"Jaana," I whispered against her hair. "Wake up."

She groaned, clutching my shirt tighter. "Five more minutes…"

I chuckled. "You said that ten minutes ago."

She peeked up at me, her face still laced with sleep. "Then five more minutes."

Before I could respond, her phone buzzed on the bedside table. I reached over, grabbing it before she could. "It's Ishika," I said, holding it out.

That woke her up. "Oh, crap—give it!" She scrambled to sit up, but I held it out of reach.

"You're not even dressed yet," I teased. "Should I answer for you?"

Her eyes widened. "Shivansh, don't you dare!"

I smirked, answering the call and putting it on speaker.

"ISHAAA! Where the hell are you?" Ishika's voice rang through the room. "And why didn't you come home last night?"

Isha shot me a glare. "Uh… I—I was busy."

Ishika snorted. "Busy doing what?"

I took that as my cue. "Busy sleeping in my arms," I answered casually.

There was dead silence on the other end.

Isha gasped, smacking my arm. "SHIVANSH!"

Ishika, meanwhile, was losing it. "OH MY GOD! WAIT, YOU'RE STILL WITH HIM?! I KNEW IT!"

Isha groaned, grabbing the phone and ending the call. Then she turned to me, fire in her eyes. "You're dead."

I just laughed, pulling her back into my arms. "Come on, Jaana, admit it. You like waking up next to me."

She huffed, but her face was red. "Shut up and let me go freshen up."

"Fine," I murmured, stealing a quick kiss before releasing her.

As she walked away, I leaned back with a smirk.

Mornings with Isha were going to be fun.

In the meantime she take a bath, I also take a bath in guest room. And then I went to our room to take something to wear.

Then I saw her in towel just tower around her body.

I didn't mean to but I did.

I leaned against the wardrobe door, arms crossed, watching as Isha rummaged through the drawers in search of something to wear.

She was mumbling to herself, her hair still messy from sleep. "Ugh, I told you I didn't have clothes here…"

I smirked. "And I told you, you don't need them."

She shot me a glare before grabbing the oversized shirt I had given her last night. "You really expect me to wear this and go out?"

I shrugged. "Why not? It's mine. Looks good on you."

She scoffed. "That's not the point."

Before she could protest further, I walked up behind her, resting my hands on her waist and leaning down to whisper, "Fine, don't wear it. Just stay here in my room all day."

She gasped, elbowing me in the ribs. "SHIVANSH!"

I laughed, stepping back before she could hit me again. "Okay, okay. I'll get you something from the guest room."

She huffed, crossing her arms. "Good."

I walked out, smirking to myself. I had barely been awake for an hour, and teasing her was already my favorite part of the morning.

By the time she sat down for breakfast, I made pancakes for her but Isha was still sulking. She had finally settled for one of my sweatshirts, which looked ridiculously big on her, and a pair of ishika shorts she found in the guest room.

Her hair was damp, her face free of makeup, and she looked… perfect.

Isha, however, seemed less than pleased. "Stop staring."

I took a sip of my coffee. "Not my fault you look adorable."

Her cheeks turned pink. "I hate you."

I smirked. "Liar."

She grabbed a piece of pancakes and pointed it at me. "One day, Shivansh, I will win against you."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what exactly are we competing in?"

She narrowed her eyes. "Everything."

I chuckled. "I look forward to it, Jaana."

She tried to scowl but ended up smiling instead.

After breakfast, I drove her home, knowing full well she'd be in for an interrogation.

I pulled the car into the driveway of Isha's house, smoothly bringing it to a stop.

The morning had passed in an easy rhythm—breakfast at my penthouse, then a quiet drive here. Isha was mostly silent, but I could tell she was lost in thought. She wasn't ignoring me, but she also wasn't looking at me too much either.

I smirked to myself. What is she overthinking now?

The moment I stepped out of the car, I spotted Ritvik and Ishika standing by the door, grinning.

That grin meant trouble.

Before I could react, they were already at Isha.

Sure enough, the moment we stepped inside, Ishika and Ritwik were waiting, arms crossed, grinning like idiots.

Ishika gasped dramatically. "YOU'RE ALIVE!"

Ritwik smirked. "And wearing his clothes? Hmm."

Isha groaned. "I swear to god—"

I cut in smoothly, wrapping an arm around her waist. "She was with me all night, yes. And she looked beautiful in my arms while sleeping."

Isha's mouth dropped open. "SHIVANSH!"

Ishika screamed. "OH MY GOD!"

Ritwik just burst out laughing. "Damn, dude. You really enjoy messing with her, huh?"

Isha pushed me away, her face red. "I hate all of you!"

I chuckled, leaning in to whisper, "Still lying, Jaana."

"Look who finally decided to show up!" Ritvik teased, arms crossed.

Ishika gasped dramatically. "Did you two have fun at the penthouse? Hmm?"

Isha froze mid-step. Her eyes widened, then narrowed instantly.

"SHUT UP." She snapped.

Ishika leaned closer, wiggling her brows. "Why? We're just asking. You came straight from there, didn't you?"

Ritvik nudged my shoulder. "Man, tell us, do you ever get your hoodies back? Or do they permanently belong to her now?"

I chuckled but said nothing.

Isha groaned. "Oh my god, just MOVE!"

"Aww, look at her blushing."

She glared at them, shoved Ritvik aside, and stormed inside.

I shook my head. "You two are relentless."

Ishika smirked. "We live to tease her."

She huffed, storming off while Ishika ran after her, demanding details.

I watched her go, my smirk fading slightly.

I didn't want to leave, but my phone buzzed with a call from Jaipur.

My smile disappeared entirely.

Duty was calling.

And this time, I might have to leave her longer than I wanted.

I had barely stepped onto the porch of Isha's house when my phone buzzed in my pocket.

I sighed, pulling it out. Dhruv.

I glanced at the door before answering. "Yeah?"

"You need to come back to Jaipur."

Straight to the point. Typical Dhruv.

I ran a hand through my hair. "What's the rush?"

"Some business issues came up. Plus, you know how it is with family. Just get here by tonight."

I exhaled slowly, glancing at the door in front of me. "Fine. I'll be there late at night."

"You're with Isha, aren't you?"

I smirked. "Jealous?"

"I don't have time for this, Shivansh," Dhruv muttered. "Just come on time."

The call ended before I could reply.

I slipped the phone back into my pocket and finally went inside.

With a sigh, I followed Isha inside.

The living room was warm with conversation. Her parents were sipping tea, sitting relaxed, while the rest of them—Ritvik, Ishika, and Arjun—were lounging around.

I nodded in greeting to her parents. "Good morning, uncle and aunty."

Uncle smiled. "Shivansh, good to see you."

I took a seat next to Isha, who was now quietly sipping tea, pretending she didn't exist.

She wasn't fooling anyone.

Ritvik and Ishika exchanged glances before attacking again.

"So, Isha…" Ishika started.

Isha stiffened. "…What?"

Ritvik leaned forward. "You stayed over, huh?"

She choked on her tea. "EXCUSE ME?!"

"What? You did, didn't you?" Ishika winked. "Stayed the night. In his clothes."

Isha's face turned red. "I DID NOT."

I took a slow sip of my coffee, watching her slowly lose her sanity.

"You're not denying the hoodie part," Ritvik noted, raising a brow.

Isha groaned and buried her face in her hands. "You guys are impossible."

Meanwhile, Arjun was quiet.

I glanced at him. Something about his silence felt off.

Usually, he'd smirk, add a sarcastic comment, or shake his head at their antics. But today, he was just… there. Not amused, not irritated.

I didn't say anything, but I took note of it.

A few more minutes of teasing, and Isha snapped.

"THAT'S IT! I'M LEAVING." She got up so fast, she almost knocked over the table.

Her mother nudged her playfully. "Isha, beta, don't just sit there so quietly. Say something."

Isha shot her a look. "I'm literally just sitting, Mummy."

Her father chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "That's what's strange. Usually, you never stop talking. But now that Shivansh is here—"

Isha groaned.

"papa, please!"

I nearly choked on my coffee, biting back a laugh.

Her mother wasn't done. "You know, beta," she turned to me, "she was just telling me last night about how much she—"

"Mummy, I swear to God—" then ishika cut her.

Ishika gasped dramatically. "Running away? Are you THAT embarrassed?"

Ritvik added, "You can't hide forever, Isha."

"WATCH ME." She yelled and stormed off to her room.

I smirked. Too easy.

Her mother and father exchanged amused glances, then turned to me. Her father smiled.

"Beta, if she ever gets too much, just send her back to us."

I grinned. "I don't think I'll ever want to do that, uncle."

Her mother laughed softly. "That's what we wanted to hear."

I set my cup down and stood up too.

Ishika gave me a knowing look. "And there he goes."

Ritvik grinned. "Man's got a mission."

Ignoring them, I followed Isha to her room.

I found her standing near the window, arms crossed.

She knew I was there.

"I know you're gonna tease me too," she muttered. "Go ahead."

I leaned against the doorframe. "No need. You already lost."

She turned around, glaring. "Lost what?"

"The argument." I smirked. "You ran away first."

She groaned. "I hate all of you."

I chuckled and stepped closer. "Listen, I have to tell you something."

She blinked. "…What?"

I hesitated before saying it. "I have to leave for Jaipur tonight."

Her expression faltered for a second. Just for a second.

Then, she shrugged. "Oh. Okay."

…That's it?

She turned back toward the window, acting like it was nothing.

But her hands gripped the curtain a little too tightly.

I sighed. "You thought I was staying longer, didn't you?"

She didn't answer.

I smirked and tilted my head. "Isha."

"…What?" She snapped.

Then, slowly, she faced me, eyes searching mine.

"Tonight?" Her voice was quieter than before.

I nodded. "Dhruv called. There's some work."

She bit her lip, glancing away. "I thought… you were staying for a few days."

She wasn't saying it outright, but I knew what she meant.

She was upset.

And for some reason, that made me want to stay even more.

I stood up, walking toward her. "Come on, don't look like that."

She didn't say anything.

I chuckled. "You're upset."

"I am NOT."

"Your voice says otherwise."

She turned around, glaring again. "I SAID I'M NOT."

I raised a brow. "Fine. If you say so."

A pause.

Then, I gave a small smile. "I have time until night. Wanna make the most of it?"

She frowned. "…What do you mean?"

"Shopping." I said simply. "Let's go."

She blinked. "Wait, seriously?"

I shrugged. "Why not? You have one more day with me."

Her eyes narrowed. "You hate shopping."

I shrugged. "Maybe. But I don't mind if it's with you."

Her lips twitched. Like she wanted to smile but wouldn't let herself.

I stepped closer, tilting my head. "Come on. Let's go before you change your mind."

She sighed dramatically. "Fine. But if we're shopping.

She stared at me for a long moment.

Then, finally, a small smile crept onto her lips.

"…Fine. Let's go shopping but you're carrying the bags."

I chuckled, taking her hand and pulling her toward the door.

"Deal."

After convincing Isha to come shopping, I could tell she was trying not to look too excited.

She had that fake nonchalant expression, as if she didn't care, but I knew better. She loved shopping.

I smirked to myself. Cute.

We arrived at one of the best designer stores in Delhi, and as expected, Isha's eyes lit up for a second before she caught herself and pretended to be indifferent.

"We don't have to buy anything," she said.

I raised a brow. "Then what's the point of coming?"

She gave me a look. "To look around."

I chuckled. "You? Just looking? Impossible."

She huffed, grabbed a dress off the rack, and marched toward the trial room.

I watched her go, shaking my head.

Dramatic as ever.

I was about to check my phone when I noticed that Isha had been inside the trial room for too long.

Suspicious.

I glanced at the store attendant, distracted at the counter.

Fuck it.

I followed after her, slipping inside the trial section unnoticed.

Her door wasn't locked.

I pushed it open slightly.

She was standing in front of the mirror, adjusting the strap of her dress.

She gasped when she saw me through the reflection.

"SHIVANSH! What the hell—"

I shut the door behind me.

"Took you long enough."

She crossed her arms. "What are you doing here?!"

I stepped closer, voice dropping. "You already know."

Her breathing hitched as I tilted her chin up, brushing my thumb along her jaw.

Her lips parted, but before she could protest, I leaned in.

And kissed her.

She froze for a second—before melting into me.

I pulled her closer, pressing her against the wall.

Her hands clutched my shirt, pulling me in.

Fuck.

I deepened the kiss, moving to her jaw, then her neck.

Her breath hitched.

I smirked against her skin. "Still want me to leave?"

She didn't answer.

Instead, her fingers tangled in my hair, tugging me back to her lips.

I groaned, dragging my mouth down to her shoulder.

I left a mark.

Then another.

Possessive. Unapologetic. Mine.

She shivered.

"Shivansh—" she whispered.

I exhaled sharply. Fuck, I need to stop before—

A knock.

"Ma'am, is everything okay in there?" A store attendant's voice.

Isha shoved me away instantly. "YES! I'm fine!"

I chuckled, stepping back, watching her cheeks burn red.

She glared at me. "You're impossible."

I smirked. "You love it."

She grabbed a hanger and threatened to hit me.

Time to leave.

I slipped out of the room before she actually threw something.

After shopping, we went to a quiet, upscale restaurant.

I booked a private table, away from people.

Isha was still flustered.

Good.

I picked up the menu. "Order whatever you want."

She scowled. "I always do."

I smirked. "Except when you pretend not to like expensive restaurants."

She ignored me and called the waiter.

Isha took a bite of her food and sighed.

"Okay, this is actually really good."

I raised a brow. "Did you think I'd take you somewhere bad?"

She shrugged. "No. Just... you always act like you know everything."

I leaned forward, lowering my voice. "Because I do."

She glared. "You're so full of yourself."

I took a sip of my drink, smirking. "And you're full of complaints. We make a great pair."

She opened her mouth to argue but paused.

I tilted my head. "What?"

She stared at me for a second before shaking her head. "Nothing."

But her expression softened.

I didn't push.

After lunch, I suggested heading back to our penthouse.

She hesitated but agreed.

As I drove, I glanced at her.

She was staring out the window, playing with the bracelet on her wrist.

I could tell she was thinking about something.

I tapped her knee. "You good?"

She looked at me.

"…Yeah."

I didn't believe her, but I let it go.

For now.

Then she said to watch movie together.

I didn't really care about the movie.

Isha, on the other hand, was completely into it.

She had picked a romantic drama, something soft and slow, where the couple spent half the movie stealing glances and the other half fighting their feelings.

She was practically sitting on me at this point, leaning into my side, her legs curled up on the couch.

I should've moved.

But I didn't.

Instead, I watched her.

Not the movie.

Just her.

The way her eyes flickered when something emotional happened.

The small, unconscious smiles she gave whenever the lead characters finally got their moment.

She was too lost in it.

And I was too lost in her.

She reached for another croissant, taking a bite, completely relaxed.

Then she took a sip of her cold drink, the condensation dripping onto her fingers.

She didn't notice.

But I did.

I swallowed hard, dragging my eyes away from her lips.

She sighed contentedly, shifting even closer, her head now resting lightly against my shoulder.

Fuck.

I clenched my jaw, trying to focus on anything else.

The screen.

The plot.

Anything but her warmth pressing into me.

She suddenly turned to me, smiling.

"It's a nice movie, right?"

I blinked, realizing I hadn't heard a single word of it.

I nodded. "Yeah."

She tilted her head, studying me.

"You're not even watching."

I smirked. "Maybe I found something better to look at."

Her cheeks flushed.

She quickly looked back at the screen, pretending to focus. "Just watch the movie, Shivansh."

I chuckled, leaning back.

If only she knew.

Watching her was the only thing I wanted to do.

"Isha, it's getting cold," I muttered as she dragged me to the balcony.

She turned back, a soft smile on her lips. "So? That's the best part."

I sighed, but followed her anyway.

The sky was dark, painted in deep blue, but the stars were scattered across it, shining like tiny diamonds.

The moon hung low, full and soft, casting its silver glow over the city.

She leaned against the railing, closing her eyes, letting the night air brush against her skin.

For a moment, she looked untouchable.

Like something out of a dream.

Then, she turned toward me and said, "Let's sit."

I pulled her close, settling her between my legs as she leaned back against my chest.

She fit there so perfectly.

Like she was meant to be here.

I rested my chin on her shoulder, inhaling the soft scent of chocolate and vanilla.

"Tell me something about the future," she murmured, her fingers tracing idle patterns on my arm.

I hesitated. "Like what?"

"Like… do you ever think about it?" She tilted her head slightly, looking at me. "What you want to do, where you want to be?"

I stared at the stars.

What did I want?

For years, my future had been set—deals, meetings, expanding the empire.

But with her sitting here, warm against me, it all felt... different.

"I don't know," I admitted. "Maybe I just want to be where you are."

She went still.

Then, after a pause, she whispered, "That's unfair."

I smirked. "Why?"

"Because now I have to say something equally good, and I can't think of anything."

I laughed, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Then don't. Just stay here."

She sighed, relaxing into me.

For a long time, we just sat there, breathing each other in.

Then, finally, I murmured, "Come on. You're getting cold."

She groaned. "Five more minutes."

"Nope." I stood up, lifting her effortlessly in my arms.

She let out a small squeak, gripping my shoulders. "Shivansh! Put me down!"

"No."

She huffed, but didn't struggle as I carried her inside.

I set her on the counter, stepping between her legs.

She shivered slightly, rubbing her arms.

"See? Told you it was cold."

She made a face. "Fine. But I was enjoying it."

I rolled my eyes, opening the fridge. "What do you want to eat?"

She hummed, thinking. Then, "Surprise me."

I raised a brow. "You sure? I could be a terrible cook."

She smirked. "I doubt that."

I pulled out some ingredients, deciding on something simple yet warm—fried tofu with stir-fried vegetables and jasmine rice.

As I moved around, she watched me, her eyes soft.

"You look good cooking."

I glanced at her, amused. "Yeah?"

She nodded. "Like… weirdly attractive."

I smirked, setting the pan on the stove. "Be careful, sweetheart. I might think you like me."

She rolled her eyes but didn't deny it.

I started plating the food, when suddenly, she hopped off the counter and walked up behind me, wrapping her arms around my waist.

I paused.

Her cheek rested against my back, her fingers splayed across my stomach.

"You okay?" I asked softly.

She nodded. "Just… wanted to hug you."

A slow warmth spread through me.

I turned around, cupping her face, tilting it up.

"Sit down. I'm almost done."

She pouted but obeyed, sitting back on the counter.

Once I set the plates down, she pulled me toward her, making me stand between her legs again.

She grabbed a bite of tofu and held it up to my lips. "Say ah."

I chuckled but let her feed me. "Happy?"

She grinned. "Very."

Then I took a bite, grabbed another, and fed her back.

She blinked, surprised, then giggled. "Okay, this is nice."

"Hmm?" I fed her again, watching as she chewed, smiling softly.

"This," she said, voice quieter. "Just us. Here. Like this."

I studied her for a second, then pressed a slow, lingering kiss to her forehead.

"Yeah," I murmured. "I like it too."

And for the rest of the night, we fed each other, laughed, and stole little moments—just us, lost in our own world.

After dinner, I was sitting on the couch, scrolling through my phone when she walked out of the bedroom, wearing one of the dresses she had just bought.

She twirled slightly, looking at me expectantly. "How do I look?"

I leaned back, letting my eyes roam over her. "You really want me to answer that?"

She raised a brow. "Why not?"

Instead of answering, I stood up and closed the distance between us. My fingers brushed against her waist as I pulled her close.

"You look…" I murmured, pressing a slow kiss to her lips, "…like mine."

Her breath hitched as I deepened the kiss, my hands sliding down to her hips. She sighed against my mouth, her fingers tangling in my hair.

I pulled away slightly, letting my lips ghost over her jaw. "Should I show you how much I like this dress?"

She shivered, but before I could go further, she pushed me back playfully. "Later. First, I want to go on long drive."

I groaned. "You're really testing my patience, jaana."

She laughed, pulling me toward the entrance.

The city lights blurred as I drove, the cool night breeze drifting through the open windows.

Isha sat beside me, her face turned toward the road, her fingers lazily playing with the hem of her dress.

The streets were quiet, the kind of quiet that felt intimate—just us, just this moment.

"This is nice," she murmured, stretching her legs slightly. "The wind, the silence… it's peaceful."

I glanced at her. "Tired?"

She shook her head. "Not at all. In fact, I feel more awake than ever."

I smirked, reaching over to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "Good. Because I don't want this night to end just yet."

Her lips curled into a small smile, but before she could respond, she suddenly sat up straight. "Stop the car."

I frowned but obeyed, pulling over near a small ice cream stall.

"Ice cream?" I asked, amused.

She nodded, already unbuckling her seatbelt. "Do you want one?"

"I don't really eat—"

She cut me off with a look. "I wasn't asking, Shivansh. We're eating."

I huffed out a small laugh, shaking my head. "Fine. But you're picking the flavors."

She hopped out, making her way to the stall, but then she paused.

Her head tilted slightly, her eyes scanning the surroundings.

I watched as a knowing smirk crossed her lips.

Turning back to me, she crossed her arms and said, "Let's ask them too."

I blinked. "Ask who?"

She rolled her eyes. "Do you think I'm a fool?"

My body tensed slightly. "Isha—"

"Don't act innocent, Shivansh." She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "Do you think I didn't notice? Your guards have been following us the entire day."

My jaw clenched.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

She scoffed. "Really? So you're telling me that the 'random men' who were in the restaurant, the shopping boutique, and even outside your house were just a coincidence?"

I exhaled slowly. "It's for your safety."

She softened slightly but held her ground. "I know that. And I know you're trying to keep me safe and I know it's good cause media and public don't know about me, about us,about our engagement, about we're together. You don't want anyone to know."

I opened my mouth, but she shook her head. "Forget that. Right now, just ask them which ice cream they want to eat."

I raised a brow. "What?"

"Ask them." She gestured toward the shadows. "I don't like that we're eating while they just stand there, watching."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair before pulling out my phone. "This is ridiculous."

She gave me a sweet smile. "And yet, you're doing it."

I dialed a number, and within seconds, a few guards emerged from their hidden positions, standing awkwardly near us.

One of them cleared his throat. "Yes, rana sa.?"

I sighed. "Isha wants to know which ice cream you want."

They exchanged glances. "That's not necessary, rana sa. We—"

Before they could finish, Isha stepped forward, hands on her hips. "I wasn't asking."

They hesitated, clearly unsure how to respond.

Then she added with a teasing smirk, "Your Rani sa is asking."

The guards stiffened slightly at the title, glancing at each other before finally mumbling a few choices.

I watched as she happily placed the orders, chatting with the vendor like this was the most normal thing in the world.

One of the senior guards, a man named Raghav, shook his head with an amused chuckle. "What a Rani sa we got, huh?"

I bit back a smile, watching as Isha handed them their ice cream, completely at ease.

When she returned to me, holding out my cone, she grinned. "See? That wasn't so hard."

I shook my head, pulling her close. "You're impossible."

She leaned against me, taking a bite of her ice cream. "And yet, you love it."

I smirked. "I do."

And as we stood there, under the glow of the streetlights, with the cool night air around us, I realized—

She was right.

I did.

The drive back to her house was quiet—not the uncomfortable kind, but the kind where words felt unnecessary.

She sat beside me, her ice cream almost finished, her fingers lazily tracing circles on her lap.

I didn't say anything, but I could feel it—the heaviness in the air, the weight of goodbye.

As I pulled up outside her house, she didn't move.

Neither did I.

"You should go inside," I finally said. My voice was softer than I intended.

She didn't respond immediately. Instead, she stared ahead, her brows furrowed like she was trying to find the right words.

Then, almost reluctantly, she turned to me. "You're really leaving tonight?"

I nodded. "I have to."

Her lips parted as if she wanted to say something, but she didn't.

Instead, she leaned toward me, wrapping her arms around my neck, burying her face into my shoulder.

I froze for a second before my arms instinctively came around her, holding her against me.

She wasn't letting go.

And neither was I.

"Stay," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

A sharp ache shot through me. Damn.

I closed my eyes, resting my chin on her hair. "I wish I could."

She gripped the fabric of my shirt tightly. "Then do."

I let out a quiet sigh, rubbing slow circles on her back. "You know I can't."

She pulled back slightly, just enough to look up at me. Her eyes searched mine, as if hoping I'd change my mind.

"At least stay a little longer," she murmured.

I swallowed. Damn her. Damn the way she made it so hard to leave.

"I shouldn't…"

She tilted her head. "But you will."

I exhaled a laugh, shaking my head. "You're impossible."

"And yet, you love it." She smirked, throwing my words back at me.

I chuckled, tapping her nose lightly. "I do."

Neither of us spoke.

She didn't want to leave.

And I didn't want to let her go.

She reached for the door handle, hesitating.

With a sigh, she pulled out her phone and called Ishika.

"Come open the door," she murmured, her voice quiet but firm.

Within moments, the door to her house creaked open, and Ishika appeared, peeking outside.

Isha was about to step out of the car, but before she could, I reached for her wrist and pulled her back in—straight into me.

Her surprised gasp barely had time to escape before my lips crashed onto hers.

A kiss that was anything but gentle.

A kiss that tasted of desperation, of longing, of the ache of goodbye.

I felt her shiver, her hands gripping my shoulders for balance, but she didn't push me away.

If anything, she melted into me, her fingers curling into my shirt, holding onto me like she didn't want to let go either.

Damn.

I tilted my head, deepening the kiss, letting myself drown in the moment, in her.

Her breath hitched when my lips trailed down to her jaw, then her neck, leaving a slow, lingering kiss there—one that I knew she'd feel long after I was gone.

Only when I heard a soft cough from Ishika, still standing at the doorway, did I finally pull back.

I rested my forehead against hers, my breath uneven. "Now you can go."

Her eyes were still closed, her lips slightly parted. "You're the worst."

I smirked. "And yet, you love it."

She sighed, nudging me away before stepping out of the car. Without another word, she hurried inside, the door shutting behind her.

But I knew she was still standing behind it, just as reluctant to part as I was.

I was alone.

For the first time tonight, there was no Isha, no one.

Just me.

And the empty seat beside me that still carried her warmth.

The car moved through the quiet roads, the city lights blurring past, but my mind was stuck somewhere else.

With her.

My fingers tapped against the steering wheel as I stared ahead, but every few minutes, my gaze flickered to my phone.

I wanted to call her.

To hear her voice one more time.

To tell her that I already missed her.

With a sigh, I reached for my phone and typed:

Me: Get some sleep, bachha.

A few seconds later, my screen lit up.

Isha: I will. You too.

I exhaled a quiet laugh, shaking my head.

She was trying to act normal. Like she wasn't struggling to sleep either.

I ran a hand through my hair, gripping the steering wheel tighter.

Damn it, Isha.

This wasn't supposed to be this hard.

But it was.

Because no matter how far I went, she was always with me.

I parked my car at the airport and stepped out, but my mind was elsewhere.

The flight to Jaipur was barely two hours, but for the first time, it felt too long.

Every moment I spent away from Isha felt longer than it should.

I checked in, went through security, but my hands kept reaching for my phone.

No new messages.

She hadn't texted again.

I should have been relieved—at least she was trying to sleep—but instead, I felt the urge to text her again. To say something. Anything.

But I didn't.

Instead, I boarded the flight, put in my headphones, and closed my eyes.

I needed to stop thinking about her.

But as soon as the plane took off, I realized—I couldn't.

The moment I stepped inside the palace, I felt it—the difference.

The air felt heavier. The halls quieter. The warmth from the past two days was gone.

Because she wasn't here.

I walked straight to my chamber, throwing my coat onto the chair. The room was the same—but I wasn't.

Yesterday, I had left this place without a second thought.

Now, I was back… and I hated it.

I tossed my phone onto the bed, running a hand through my hair.

Damn it.

I tried sleeping, but my body refused to relax. I was too used to her presence now.

The way she'd curl up beside me while watching a movie.

The way she'd nudge me at dinner, stealing bites from my plate.

The way she'd fit perfectly in my arms.

I groaned, turning onto my side, but it didn't help.

I could still smell her perfume on my shirt.

I sat up, frustrated. This was ridiculous.

I grabbed my phone, ready to text her, but before I could, a message popped up.

Isha: You reached?

I stared at the screen, a small smirk playing on my lips.

Me: Yeah. Missing me already?

Isha: You wish.

I chuckled, lying back on the bed, but somehow, just seeing her message made it easier to breathe.

I walked into the dining hall the next morning, feeling like a target before I even sat down.

As expected, the moment I pulled out my chair, everyone's eyes turned to me.

Maa sa gave me a knowing smile. "Look who finally decided to come home."

Chote papa hummed, sipping his tea. "Two whole days. Must have been a very important… trip."

I sighed, pouring myself a cup of black coffee. Here we go.

Dhruv leaned forward, smirking. "So… should we ask where you were? Or should we just assume?"

Avi, who was never one to miss out on teasing me, added, "The real question is—who were you with?"

I ignored them, picking up my spoon. "None of your business."

Veer grinned. "But see, it is. Because someone wasn't answering his phone. And when he finally did, guess where the background noise was coming from?"

Maa sa gasped dramatically. "Wait, don't tell me—was that a boutique? Oh no, was our great Shivansh Rajvansh shopping?"

Choti maa sa, who had been quiet until now, suddenly spoke up. "Or was he… with someone special?"

I shot her a look, but she just smiled sweetly, like she hadn't said anything wrong.

Dadi sa the only one who didn't enjoy their teasing, spoke up, "Let the poor boy eat. He must be tired."

Dhruv smirked. "Tired from what, Dadi sa? That's what we're trying to find out."

Laughter erupted around the table, and I gave up.

There was no escaping this interrogation.

I took a sip of my coffee, pretending not to hear them.

But as they continued teasing, I felt my phone buzz under the table.

Isha: They're teasing you, aren't they?

I glanced up at my overly curious family, then back at my phone.

Me: Torturing me, actually.

Isha: Good. You deserve it.

I smirked. Damn her.

But God, I missed her already.

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