Haniya's thoughts were a storm she couldn't calm. Every moment of the last few days replayed relentlessly—Aarav's drunken confession, the stolen kiss in the hotel, and now, the unnerving jealousy she felt whenever Anamika appeared near him. Her chest tightened, a mix of anger, hurt, and longing twisting inside her.
Unable to bear the whirlwind of thoughts, she decided to get some water. Quietly, she slipped out of her room and moved toward the kitchen, the cool tiles under her feet grounding her. But as she reached the doorway, she froze.
Aarav.
He was standing there, leaning slightly against the counter, the dim kitchen light casting a soft glow over him. For a brief moment, it felt like the world had narrowed down to just the two of them. Aarav's eyes flicked toward her but quickly looked away, as if he had a sudden memory of something to attend to. He turned, trying to leave into his room.
"Aarav!" Haniya called sharply, her voice cracking slightly.
He stopped mid-step.
"What?" he asked, though his voice was quiet, cautious.
"You're such a liar," she burst out, her hands clenching at her sides. Her voice was almost trembling. "That night… you were kissing me. And now, you're completely ignoring me!" Her chest heaved with frustration. "And now… now you're with that Anamika. Seriously?"
Aarav froze, his eyes widening. He held up a hand, trying to calm her, but she continued, her words rushing like a storm.
"Don't forget that you were the one who said I was uncomfortable," he said carefully, stopping her mid-step.
"Did I tell you that?" Haniya shot back, voice rising, "Who said I was not comfortable with you? I never ignored you!"
Aarav exhaled, his shoulders tense. "Haniya… now I want to know… what do you really want?"
"You can't give me what I want," he added, his voice softer, vulnerable.
Haniya's eyes narrowed, tears threatening to spill as her heart pounded. "You want Anamika, right?"
He looked down, his gaze falling to the floor, then back at her, his voice quiet but firm.
"She's just my friend from childhood. I… I only ever liked you."
Her chest tightened, and for a moment, silence enveloped the kitchen. Their eyes met, and both were shimmering with unspoken emotion—red-rimmed and glossy, as if holding back tears. Haniya's mind raced, thinking about the deal, her feelings, and the love she had tried so hard to suppress.
Then something shifted inside her. She realized no one could dictate her heart. No one could tell her whom to love or how to act. The power was hers. She looked at Aarav with determination and mischief shining in her eyes.
"What if… I do something unexpected?" she whispered.
Aarav blinked, startled. His voice caught in his throat. "What…?"
Without another word, she closed the distance and pressed her lips to his. It was bold, fierce, and filled with everything she had been holding back. Aarav froze for a heartbeat, then responded, wrapping his arms around her. The kiss deepened slowly, passionately, a mingling of hesitation and desire that built with every passing second.
Their hearts raced, breaths mingling, and the world outside ceased to exist. Aarav's hands moved gently along her waist, drawing her closer, while Haniya's fingers threaded through his hair, pulling him toward her. Their lips parted for air, only to meet again, again, and again, each kiss a declaration, a reclamation of unspoken feelings.
Time became meaningless. The soft click of the refrigerator, the hum of the lights, even the distant city noise disappeared into the warmth of their closeness. They were utterly lost in each other, hearts pounding, breaths ragged, bodies pressed together in a delicate, intoxicating rhythm.
Suddenly, a noise interrupted them—a soft shuffle outside the kitchen. Vivaan. He had come to get a glass of water. Both froze instantly. Haniya's face blushed furiously, and she pressed herself against Aarav's chest instinctively, seeking both protection and comfort.
Aarav chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face, but neither dared move. Vivaan shuffled past, humming softly to himself, unaware of the storm just behind the kitchen door. Once he disappeared, Aarav let out a long breath, keeping his arms around her.
Haniya's head rested against his chest, and for the first time in days, she felt safe, warm, and completely at home. Her earlier jealousy, her doubts, everything seemed to fade into the soft thrum of his heartbeat.
Aarav pulled back slightly and whispered, "Haniya… is this a yes?"
She tilted her head, eyes meeting his, a faint smile on her lips.
"Did I say yes?" she replied coyly.
He smirked knowingly. "You're saying it… I know it."
A giggle escaped her, soft and teasing. "Okay… fine. But can I go now? This place isn't exactly safe—anyone could see us."
He nodded, standing and gently holding her hand to guide her.
"Goodnight," he said softly as they stepped toward her room.
"Goodnight," she whispered back, a small smile tugging at her lips. Inside, her heart was still racing, full of warmth, desire, and the thrilling knowledge that she had chosen her path—herself, and him.
The night outside remained quiet, the faint light of the early hours glinting off the walls, but inside, two hearts beat closer than ever before, ready to face whatever came next—together.
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