Conflicted Hearts

                                        

                                              
Guys pehele vote kardo ...
The first rays of sunlight crept through the curtains of Raj’s room, casting a warm glow over the elegant interior. Raj stirred awake, his mind heavy with lingering thoughts from the previous night. As he shifted, his gaze landed on the figure curled up beside him—Rashi.  
She looked serene, her delicate features relaxed in peaceful slumber. Her hand rested lightly on his chest, as if seeking comfort even in sleep. Raj’s heart swelled with an emotion he couldn’t name, an unfamiliar sense of completeness.  
The memories of the previous night rushed back to him—Rashi dancing, laughing uninhibitedly, her bright eyes sparkling with mischief. And then, the moment he saw another man attempting to touch her. The surge of possessiveness he’d felt was unlike anything he had experienced before.  
Leaning down, he gently brushed a strand of hair from her face and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. His voice barely above a whisper, he murmured, “I don’t know what’s happening, but I like the way you called me your husband.”  
Carefully, Raj slipped out of bed, making sure not to wake her. He freshened up and headed to the kitchen, preparing a drink that would help with her hangover. His movements were deliberate, almost tender, as he poured the concoction into a glass and brought it to her bedside.  
By the time he returned, Rashi was stirring awake. Her lashes fluttered as she blinked, taking in her surroundings. Her gaze darted around the room before realization hit—this wasn’t her room. It was his.  
Rashi bolted upright, her heart racing. Her mind was foggy, her thoughts fragmented, and she couldn’t remember how she had ended up in Raj’s room. Anxiety clawed at her as she recalled his strict warning never to step into his space.  
Her head throbbed, and she pressed her fingers to her temples. She tried to get up but stumbled, her legs weak beneath her.  
“Don’t, Rashi,” came Raj’s voice, firm yet gentle.  
She froze, her wide eyes locking onto his. He stood by the door, holding a glass. There was a softness in his gaze that caught her off guard.  
“You’re not okay,” he said, walking toward her. “Drink this—it’ll help with the headache.”  
Rashi hesitated, her emotions a whirlwind. This was the same Raj who kept his distance, yet here he was, showing a side she had never seen before. Slowly, she accepted the glass, their fingers brushing briefly.  
“Thank you,” she whispered, taking small sips. The soothing drink began to work its magic, easing the pounding in her head.  
As she finished, she set the glass down and tried to stand again. Determined to leave his room before he could ask her why she was there, she took a step. But dizziness overwhelmed her, and she stumbled once more.  
Raj was there in an instant, catching her before she could fall. His strong arms steadied her, and his voice was filled with concern.  
“Shine, are you okay?” he asked.  
Her breath hitched at the nickname. *Shine.* He had called her that before, but hearing it now, spoken with such care, made her chest tighten. She nodded quickly, trying to mask her emotions.  
“Yes, yes, I’m fine. Thank you for helping,” she said, stepping back slightly.  
Raj didn’t release her immediately. His hands lingered, as if ensuring she wouldn’t stumble again.  
“Raj…” she hesitated, her voice shaky. “Can I ask you something?”  
His brows furrowed slightly, but he nodded. “What is it?”