𝐆𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐬

Ayush walked down the corridor toward Divyansh's office, a slight smirk playing on his lips as he whistled a familiar tune. Just as he reached the door and stretched out his hand, Divyansh stepped out, buttoning his suit jacket with his usual calm demeanor.

"Hey, bro," Ayush greeted smoothly. "Got something I need to discuss. Aditya's out for that important meeting, so I'll be here for a bit."

Divyansh gave him a nod, a hint of a smile. "I have a meeting myself right now, but if you can wait for half an hour, I'll be back, and we'll talk."

Ayush shrugged. "Sure, I'll keep myself entertained."

Once inside, he shut the door and glanced around the room, only for his gaze to lock onto a familiar figure lounging on the couch. Saad sat there, watching him with a smirk that was all too knowing, as if he'd been waiting for Ayush to walk in.

Ayush's easy grin faltered, his heartbeat quickening as he stammered, "Y...You're here?"

Saad's smirk widened, and he leaned back casually, his eyes dragging over Ayush in a way that made Ayush's skin tingle. "Yeah, had some business to take care of." He patted the spot beside him. "Why are you standing? Come sit."

Ayush hesitated but eventually took a seat, all his earlier confidence melting into a shy tension under Saad's piercing gaze. 

Before he could speak, a knock on the door cut through the charged silence. A young woman entered, her voice taking on a honeyed tone.

"Sir," she addressed Saad, her eyes lingering on him, "Mr. Oberoi asked me to check if you need anything."

Saad barely spared her a glance, his icy stare dismissing her with a single look that had her shifting awkwardly. Ayush, however, seized the moment to recapture his swagger, flashing her a playful smirk before glancing at Saad.

"Well, sweetheart, there's nothing I need at the moment," he said smoothly, "but I'll be sure to find you if I do."

The woman blushed, ducking out of the room quickly as she left them alone once more. But Ayush's confidence evaporated just as fast when Saad closed the distance between them in a heartbeat, pinning him against the back of the couch with one strong arm, his face inches from Ayush's.

"Thought you could flirt your way out with that woman, did you Babyboy?" Saad murmured, his tone low and taunting as he leaned in, eyes gleaming with a dangerous challenge.

Ayush's breath caught, and his cheeks flushed as he felt Saad's intense presence close to him. "D-Don't call me that..." he stammered, barely able to meet Saad's gaze.

Saad's smirk deepened, his fingers brushing lightly over Ayush's jaw, tilting his chin up so he had nowhere to look but into Saad's piercing eyes. "Oh, come on, baby boy," Saad whispered, his voice like velvet. "You know you love it when I call you that—especially when it's just us."

A flush crept up Ayush's neck, and he swallowed hard, feeling his pulse race under Saad's firm hold. But Saad's touch was relentless, his thumb brushing over Ayush's bottom lip, leaving him breathless and utterly disarmed.

"Where's all that confidence now, hm?" Saad taunted, his voice a soft murmur that had Ayush's nerves unraveling. "Does my little tease turn shy the second I get close?"

Ayush's words faltered as Saad's touch lingered, his teasing gaze never leaving Ayush's face. He was helpless, his heart pounding in his chest as Saad's hand slipped down his jaw and onto his neck, firm yet warm, anchoring him in place.

For a moment, Ayush was lost, a breathy response finally slipping past his lips. "You... you know exactly what you do to me."

aad leaned in, his smirk softening but still intense, his voice dropping to a low, sultry whisper. "Oh, I know," he murmured, the words dripping with promise. "You have no idea how much I missed you, Babyboy. But you ran away after that night... left me like I didn't matter. It hurt, Ayush."

Ayush's breath hitched as he looked away, guilt and conflict clouding his gaze. "Saad, we have to stop this. We can't be together. My family... they'd never accept it. They'd rather see me dead than accept me as Gay."

A flash of rage sparked in Saad's eyes, his jaw clenching as he leaned even closer, his voice sharp yet fiercely protective. "Your family even thinks about hurting you, and they won't see another day." His hand moved to cradle the side of Ayush's face, his touch firm yet gentle. "Leave them, Ayush. Come with me. I'll protect you—just trust me."

Ayush swallowed, the emotion thick in his throat. "I know, Saad... I know you would." His voice broke slightly before he took a shaky breath, changing the subject. "Does... does Aisha know? About... what you do?"

Saad's expression changed a little but quickly masked, decided to change the topic "I... I can't talk about Aisha right now. Not when you're right here in front of me." He cupped Ayush's face, his thumb brushing softly over his cheek. "I missed you too damn much to waste time on anyone else."

In an instant, Saad's mouth was on Ayush's, the kiss hungry and filled with all the emotions they'd held back for too long. Ayush melted into it, his hands clutching at Saad's shoulders as their breaths mingled, each touch growing hotter and more desperate. Saad's hands roamed, fingers digging into Ayush's waist as he pulled him closer, pressing him against the couch with a possessiveness that left Ayush breathless.

Ayush's heart raced as Saad's kisses trailed from his lips to his jawline and down his neck, each touch searing into his skin, igniting every nerve. Their closeness deepened, their kisses becoming more fevered, as Ayush's fingers tangled in Saad's hair, pulling him even closer. The world faded away, leaving just the two of them, lost in their own world of heat and connection.

Just as they began to lose themselves completely, the door swung open, startling them both as Divyansh's voice cut through the room.

"Man, today's meeting was short—oh!"

Divyansh's voice trailed off, his eyes widening as he took in their flushed faces and hurried movements to pull apart. Saad adjusted his collar, his usual smirk returning as Ayush tried to compose himself, both of them breathless.

" WHAT THE FUCK "

✨

Flashback

Aisha- 4 years old

Rivaan- 11 years old

Rivaan sat in the park, arms crossed, his face set in a stubborn pout. He'd only been in Lucknow for a day, and he already missed New York—his friends, his favorite spots, and the familiar chaos of the city. 

Everything here seemed so slow, so different, and he wanted nothing more than to go back. Frustrated, he kicked at a pebble, watching it skitter across the path as he fumed.

Just then, he noticed a small figure toddling nearby. A little girl, maybe four years old, was walking along with her nose buried in a book, two tiny pigtails bobbing with each step. 

She seemed totally absorbed, mumbling to herself as she walked—until her foot caught on a stone, and she tumbled to the ground. Some kids nearby snickered, pointing at her.

Rivaan watched as she sat there, clutching her book, a few silent tears slipping down her cheeks. She tried to get up, but her knee was scraped, and she looked down at it, trembling as she held back more tears. Something about her wide, gray eyes struck Rivaan, and before he knew it, he walked over and crouched beside her.

"Hey," he said, offering his hand. "Are you okay?"

She looked up, her gray eyes wide, still brimming with tears, but now with a touch of awe. He gently helped her stand and dabbed at her scraped knee with his handkerchief, his expression softening. 

"Don't mind them," he said, nodding toward the giggling kids. "They're just silly."

Her eyes brightened just a bit, and she gave a small, shy smile. "Thank you," she mumbled. Rivaan's heart melted a little as he helped her over to a nearby bench.

As soon as she sat down, she hugged her book tightly. Rivaan, a bit curious, leaned over. "What are you reading?"

Her face lit up, like someone had just given her candy. "It's 'bout Tinka Bell!" she said excitedly, wiggling in her seat. "She's a fairy! An' she got sparkly wings and magic dust that make peoples fly!"

He raised an eyebrow, trying not to laugh. "Tinker Bell, huh? I've never heard of her."

Her mouth dropped open, and she stared at him with big, horrified eyes. "You don' know Tinka Bell?" she gasped. "Oh, dat's so sad! She's the bestest fairy ever!"

He chuckled. "Really? What makes her so special?"

Her eyes sparkled as she nodded furiously. "Uh-huh! She's got a wand—an' she fights pirates! Big, scary pirates! An' she's real small, like me, but she's got super magic powers!"

She beamed proudly, puffing her chest a little, "An' her dress is sooooo shiny and sparkly, an' she can fly anywhere she wants! An' she's brave, like a super fairy hero!"

Rivaan grinned, listening to her animated 온라인카지노게임telling. She leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You know, I really like her Pixie dust. I wish I had some, too! I want big magic—like, super big!"

Rivaan chuckled, reaching over to pinch her chubby cheek. "One day, you will have the magic, Pixie."

She blinked at him, tilting her head. "Pixie? Me?" she asked, pointing at herself with her little finger.

He nodded. "Well, I don't know your name yet, but you made me feel better today when I was really grumpy. So, you're my Pixie. My magic."

Her whole face lit up, and she wiggled in excitement. Rivaan leaned back and asked, "So, what else do you like?"

Without missing a beat, she piped up, "Lavender flowers!"

He raised an eyebrow. "Why's that?"

She clapped her hands, her pigtails bouncing. "They are beautiful and also because they're tiny like me! And one time, Kaki told me they mean 'purty and calm.' She said I'm like that."

Rivaan nodded, agreeing. "Kaki was right."

Her cheeks blushed, and she added, "Oh, and Switzerland! I saw it in a book. It looks sooo beautiful and calm. I really wanna go there one day." Her tone softened, a little sad.

Rivaan blinked, feeling her wish reach him. "One day, Pixie. I promise, I'll make all your wishes come true."

Her eyes went wide. "Really?"

He nodded, making a quiet promise to himself, and she happily rambled on about all her other little dreams. 

Unknown to them, Rivaan's mother stood nearby, quietly watching with a soft smile as her son, usually so reserved, looked genuinely happy with this tiny new friend.

Rivaan finally chuckled, shaking his head. "Look at us, silly. We don't even know each other's names."

She gasped, tapping her forehead dramatically. "Oh, silly us!"

He laughed. "Well, I'm Rivaan Malhotra. And you?"

The little girl grinned up at him. "I'm Aisha! Can I call you Aan? Rivaan is sooooo long to say."

He nodded, amused. "Aan it is, Pixie." He leaned down and kissed her forehead, his heart warmed by her innocent smile.

Then, to his surprise, Aisha grabbed his face with her tiny hands, and standing on tiptoes, she planted a little peck on his lips. 

Rivaan blinked, shocked, as his mother, hiding nearby, clicked a picture, trying not to laugh at the little girl's boldness.

Aisha looked up at him, a big grin on her face. "Thank you, Aan! You're the first one who's ever made me sooooo happy."

Rivaan's heart melted. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a star and pearl bracelet. "I brought this from New York because I thought it was pretty. Now, I want you to keep it."

Her face lit up, and she squealed with joy, bouncing in place as she hugged him. It was, after all, her first-ever gift.

✨

Rivaan lay sprawled on his bed, his heart heavy and his eyes swollen from tears. "No, no... I don't wanna leave now!" he cried, his voice shaking with desperation as he clung to his bedpost like it was the only thing grounding him. "I... I can't leave her!"

His father's tone was stern, but behind it, there was a hint of confusion. "Rivaan, this isn't like you. First, you didn't want to come here, and now that I'm telling you we're going home, you're fighting to stay? What's this all about?"

Rivaan looked up at his father, his vision blurry, but all he could think of was her—Aisha, his little "Pixie." How she'd fallen and scraped her knee, and how she had bravely tried to hold back tears. How, somehow, in her company, he felt... something he'd never quite felt before. A feeling of lightness, like maybe, just maybe, she had some kind of magic after all.

"Rivaan," his mother knelt beside him, her gaze soft and understanding, "Do you not want to leave... because of that little girl?"

He nodded, barely able to speak. "I... I don't wanna go, Mum. I... I don't want to leave her behind."

Her eyes softened. "Do you know where she lives, sweetheart? Maybe we can go say goodbye properly or talk to her family?"

Rivaan's voice quivered. "No... I don't know where she lives. I only know her name is Aisha. That's it. Mum, please... please don't make me leave her. She's my Pixie... she's... she's like magic."

In a final burst of hope, he ran outside, the night air cold against his tear-streaked face as he sprinted back to the park. His parents followed him, sharing worried glances, searching with him, asking anyone nearby if they'd seen a little girl with two small pigtails and wide, stormy-gray eyes. But there was no sign of her. She was gone, as if she'd simply vanished.

Back home, Rivaan buried his face in his pillow, his small shoulders shaking with quiet sobs. He felt like he'd lost something precious, something he wasn't even sure he'd ever have again. His father sat down beside him, unable to bear seeing his son's heartbreak. Gently, he lifted Rivaan's face, brushing his hair back. "Did you really like that girl, son?" he asked softly.

Rivaan looked at his father, his voice breaking. "Yes, Dad. She's my Pixie. She made me feel... happy. What if she gets hurt? She's so small, Dad... I need to be there for her."

His father's gaze softened as he pulled Rivaan into a hug. "I know, beta. Sometimes... we meet people who are only meant to be with us for a short time. But if she's truly meant to be in your life, you'll find her again someday. Trust in that, okay?"

Rivaan nodded slowly, wiping his tears with determination. "And if I do... I'll never let her go. I'll keep her safe... always."

As his father left, Rivaan lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling the ache in his heart but holding onto a tiny spark of hope. "I'll find you, Pixie," he whispered into the darkness. "And when I do... I'll protect you from everything.

Flashback ends

✨

Switzerland

Rivaan poured his heart out, reliving every memory of that precious childhood bond they'd shared. As he spoke, his voice softened with each detail, but he left out one part—the innocent kiss she'd given him all those years ago. He wanted to be respectful, to not make her feel any discomfort.

But Aisha's face was hidden, her head hanging low, and as Rivaan spoke, silent tears began to fall down her cheeks, unchecked.

She didn't remember any of it—not the park, not Rivaan's kindness, not even the small gestures he cherished so vividly. And she knew it wasn't simply because she'd been a child but because of the trauma she face that night.

As Rivaan mentioned the bracelet, the star and pearl she still kept in her old trophy box, a faint memory stirred—fragmented images of that night, of the person she had lost.

Her heart clenched, her chest heavy with guilt. She remembered that night vividly, even though she tried not to. Her kaki, the maid who had been more of a mother to her than anyone else, was the one person who'd cared for her, protected her, and made her feel safe. The warmth and safety she'd found in her kaki's embrace was gone in a flash, leaving behind the cold, harsh world of the Joshi mansion and the endless years of isolation. She felt a pang of remorse knowing that her mistake that night had led to losing the only family she'd known.

The burden of that memory had pressed down on her, forcing her mind to shut away pieces of her childhood, hiding them behind walls too high and too dark to cross. And now, here was Rivaan, telling her about their first meeting, a moment she could no longer reach because of the trauma and guilt she carried.

Unable to bear the weight of it, she shut her eyes, guilt swirling in her chest, twisting like a thorn. She blamed herself, saw her own mistake as the reason her kaki had been taken from her, and it gnawed at her relentlessly.

Rivaan knelt down in front of her, cupping her chin gently so he could meet her gaze. "I know it's a lot, Aisha," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "But I love you, I always have. I know I was just a kid then, but I never forgot you. And as I grew up, I realized my feelings were real. I love you...."

Aisha bit her lip, taking in his words, the weight of his feelings. She could see his sincerity, but to her, it wasn't right. The girl he remembered, the one he adored, no longer existed. She had died long ago, replaced by someone she barely recognized herself.

With a heavy heart, she whispered, "Thank you, Rivaan... for loving me. But we can't be together." She lifted her face, meeting his eyes with her own tearful gaze.

"Why, Aisha?" he asked, desperation in his voice. "Why?"

Aisha's voice was a whisper, laced with a pain she could barely hold back. "I'm not that little girl anymore, Rivaan. I'm not your pixie. I'm... not that person you think I am."

Rivaan's gaze didn't waver, his eyes steady and unrelenting. "It doesn't matter, Aisha. I still love you."

A bitter laugh escaped her lips, tinged with frustration and disbelief. "You don't even know me, Rivaan. You think you do, but you don't. The person you love doesn't even exist."

He stepped closer, his expression resolute. "Then let me learn. Let me know every part of you—the beautiful, the broken, all of it. I have my whole life to know you, Aisha. And I won't stop."

Her breath hitched as she took a step back, her voice shaking. "Rivaan, I'm not good for you. I'm broken... beyond anything you could ever fix."

He reached for her hand, gently but firmly. "No, Aisha. You're not broken. You're too good for me, more than I ever deserved. You are a pure soul, and nothing anyone's done to you can change that."

She choked back a sob, her words coming out in shuddering fragments. "You don't understand... I was molested, Rivaan. I'm not... I'm not clean. I'm not pure. I'm... ruined."

His jaw clenched, eyes blazing with anger and sorrow, but his voice was tender. "Aisha, you are not ruined. You are not dirty. The only thing filthy is what that person did to you—not you. Never you. You are everything good, everything I've ever wanted."

She pulled away, her voice cracking, desperation overtaking her. "Stop it, Rivaan. Stop loving someone who's broken beyond repair! You're holding on to a memory, to an illusion. I'm not the same girl from five years ago. I'm shattered. There's nothing left inside me—nothing you can love, nothing anyone can."

Rivaan's gaze softened, but his words were iron. "Then let me love you through the emptiness, Aisha. Let me hold you until you feel whole again. I don't care if you think there's nothing left. I see you, all of you—the real you—and I want to love every part."

Tears were streaming down her face now, her shoulders shaking. She looked at him, her voice barely a whisper, filled with resignation. "Thank you... for wanting that. For wanting me. But you have to let me go. You need to move on, Rivaan. I can't be what you need, what you deserve."

He stepped forward, closing the space between them, his voice low and unwavering. "No. Listen to me, Aisha. No matter what you think, no matter what you say to push me away, you're mine. You'll always be mine. I'll make you see it, not through force, but through everything I am. Because I know... I know you feel something for me too."

Her heart clenched at his words, each one hitting her like a wave. She couldn't meet his gaze, her breath unsteady as she turned and walked toward the car, the weight of his declaration sinking deep.

When she slid into her seat, she felt the ache of his presence next to her as he got in and silently drove them back to the hotel, each second heavy with the things left hanging between them, raw and exposed.

I'm sitting on the comfy bed in my hotel room, but right now, it feels anything but comfortable. Rivaan dropped me off with a gentle smile that felt like a knife twisting in my heart. 

I can still feel the warmth of his touch, the way he looked at me with that mix of hope and determination, and I can't shake the feeling of guilt that clings to me like a second skin. I've hurt him again—pushed him away when all he's done is show me kindness.

Frustration bubbles within me as I run my fingers through my hair, tugging at the strands as if that might pull the chaos from my mind. Why do I keep doing this? I like him, maybe even love him, but how can I trust those feelings when Aditya shattered my faith in love? Every time I think about letting Rivaan in, I'm haunted by the ghosts of my past—the memories of pain and betrayal that echo through my mind, reminding me of everything I've lost.

"What if my true self emerges and I hate what I see?" The thought paralyzes me. I know the girl who once believed in fairytales is gone, replaced by someone broken and afraid.

"Ughhhh! Fuck this!" I exclaim into the silence of the room, my voice thick with frustration. It's time to reach out to Radhika and Manvi. Maybe they can help me figure out this mess.

I dial their numbers, my heart racing as I wait for them to pick up. "Hey, finally you called!" their cheerful voice contrasts sharply with my mood.

"Guys," I manage to choke out, "I hurt him."

Radhika's tone shifts instantly, worry flooding in. "Aisha, are you crying?"

"He confessed to me that he loves me so much!" The admission feels like a weight lifting off my chest, but it quickly turns to lead as I realize I rejected him again.

Manvi jumps in, "Girl, that's a good thing! Why are you crying?"

"I don't know!" I burst into tears, the dam breaking. "Because I rejected him again!"

"What do you mean again?" They yell in unison, their concern palpable even through the phone.

"I forgot to mention he proposed to me months back." The confession hangs in the air, and I can almost hear their collective gasp.

"Fuck, this girl is crazy!" Manvi exclaims, disbelief lacing her voice.

Radhika takes a breath, her voice steady. "Aisha, what actually happened?"

And just like that, the floodgates open. I pour out everything—the memories of my childhood, the laughter, except my trauma part. I recount Rivaan's love, his unwavering support, and my own failures to accept it. Their reactions mirror the turmoil inside me: shock, disbelief, concern.

"That means the Devil Malhotra loved you from childhood," Radhika says slowly, piecing it together.

Manvi squeals, "Girl, this is so beautiful! He took you to your favorite place and proposed to you there? It's so cute!"

"And I rejected him," I whisper, the weight of regret crashing down around me like a tidal wave.

Radhika's voice softens, filled with sincerity. "Aisha, I know what happened with Aditya wasn't right, but trust me, Rivaan is good. He would kill himself before even thinking to hurt you."

Manvi chimes in, "Yeah, girl! He's good for you. Give it a try—trust us."

I take a deep breath, feeling a flicker of hope mixed with fear. "Maybe I should try," I say, though doubt lingers in my mind.

"Listen," Radhika says gently, "you can't let your past dictate your future. Rivaan isn't Aditya. He's not the one who hurt you. You have to let go of that fear and give yourself a chance."

"Yeah," Manvi adds, her voice steady, "you deserve to be happy, Aisha. And it's okay to feel scared. It's okay to be vulnerable. But pushing Rivaan away won't make the pain disappear. It'll just make you feel more alone."

"Radhika is right," she continues. "Rivaan genuinely cares about you. If you keep shutting him out, you might lose something beautiful before it even begins."

I feel the heat of their words wrap around me, a lifeline in the storm of my emotions. I ask, my voice trembling. "What if he sees the darkness inside me?"

Radhika's voice is firm. "Then you show him that darkness. You let him see the real you. Because that's the only way he can truly love you. Love isn't about perfection; it's about acceptance. And if Rivaan loves you like he says he does, he'll embrace all of you—flaws and all."

Manvi adds, "You're not broken, Aisha. You're healing. And you need to believe that you're worthy of love. You're not a burden to him; you're a blessing. You can't keep running away from what could be."

Taking a deep breath, I let their words sink in. "What if I get hurt again?" I whisper, the fear creeping back in.

Radhika softens her tone. "Aisha, you can't control everything. Yes, you might get hurt again, but you might also find happiness. You have to take that risk. If you never try, you'll always wonder what could have been."

Suddenly, it clicks in my mind. "You both really believe in him, don't you?"

"Yes!" they chorus, their enthusiasm palpable.

"Okay," I say, determination sparking within me. "Maybe I should talk to him."

Radhika's voice brightens. "Yes! Go for it! Tell him how you feel."

"Yeah," Manvi adds, "just be honest. It's the first step. And if he's meant to be in your life, he'll stick around."

A smile breaks through my tears as I think about Rivaan, his unwavering support and kindness. "Alright, I'll try. Thank you both."

As I hang up, leaving me with the quiet thrum of my heart. I feel torn—caught between the fear of my past and the pull of something that could be beautiful. Can I really open my heart again? Will Rivaan still want me when he sees the truth of who I am?

I close my eyes, envisioning Rivaan's face—his eyes filled with warmth and affection, the way he holds me like I'm the most precious thing in his world. I want to believe that, but the darkness inside me whispers that I don't deserve it.

Taking a deep breath, I whisper to myself, "I'm worth it. I'm worthy of love." The words feel foreign, but I hold onto them tightly.

Maybe, just maybe, I can take that leap of faith. With a newfound determination, I wipe my tears and resolve to confront my fears. Rivaan deserves a chance, and perhaps I do too.

As Aisha lay beneath the covers, she heard the faint creak of the door opening and quickly closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep. She felt the room shift with Rivaan's presence, his quiet footsteps approaching the bed. 

He lingered, watching her with a tenderness she could feel even with her eyes closed, then leaned down and brushed a gentle kiss against her forehead. Her heart tightened, and she had to bite back a surge of tears. He knew she was pretending. And yet... he let her be.

When she heard him move toward the balcony, she slowly opened her eyes, a pang of regret sweeping over her. How was he still so caring, so patient, after everything she'd put him through? The guilt gnawed at her, pressing down on her chest until she couldn't take it anymore. 

Throwing back the covers, she rose and walked to the balcony, finding him with his back turned, looking out over the city lights.

She hesitated, then asked quietly, "Did you ever... date anyone before me?"

Rivaan turned, startled but sincere. "No."

She chewed her lip, frustration creeping in. "So... have you ever kissed anyone?"

He shook his head, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "No. I wanted you to be my first."

Her heart twisted painfully at that. "Why, Rivaan?" she whispered to herself, almost angrily. "Why would you wait for someone like me?" She looked down, blinking away tears. 

She had always thought of herself as broken, as carrying far too much darkness to be worthy of someone like him. 

He noticed the change in her, the conflict on her face. "Aisha, are you okay?"

She glared at him, feeling the flood of emotions rise, too strong to hold back anymore. "Do I look okay to you, Rivaan?" Her voice cracked, and she clenched her fists. "You tell me that you love me, that you've never even kissed anyone, that you've waited... and here I am, with my past and my mistakes, holding onto baggage I don't even know how to unpack. You're... you're this gift, this blessing. And I... I'm terrified."

She sucked in a breath, her eyes filling with tears. "But the truth is, I love being with you. I love how you make me feel safe, how you stay even when I'm pushing you away. I don't know what I'm doing, but I know I'm falling, Rivaan. I'm falling for you."

Rivaan's face softened, and he took a step closer. She could feel the strength of his gaze, that fierce loyalty that seemed unbreakable, wrapping her in warmth. She felt her chest tighten, a swell of emotion that was both hope and fear.

"I'm sorry," she choked out. "I keep hurting you. I'm terrified of happiness, of letting myself believe I deserve it. But I want it, Rivaan. I want to feel safe. I want to feel home. I want to be loved. And I want... that love to be with you."

He reached out, pulling her into his arms, pressing her tightly against him. "Are you sure?" he murmured, his voice soft but intense. "Because once you get in, Aisha, I won't let go. Even if you try to leave, even if you push me away, I'll stay. I'll hold on."

She nodded, her gaze locked onto his. "Yes, I want that. I want someone who won't let go, even when I'm too scared to hold on."

A tear slipped down her cheek, and she hesitated, then glanced at his lips. "Can I... have the honor of being your first kiss?"

He wiped the tear away, a gentle smile crossing his face. "It was always yours."

They leaned toward each other, her heart pounding, when she suddenly pulled back, smirking as a glimmer of her playful self returned. "If this is going to be our first kiss," she said, teasing, "then it has to be perfect. I've got standards, you know. I want the kind of kiss that'll steal my breath away, something dark and passionate, like in those romance novels, the fictional man do."

Rivaan's eyes darkened, his lips curving into a smirk. He stepped closer, his gaze intense and consuming, making her heart skip. In one swift motion, he backed her against the glass door, his hand sliding to her waist, pulling her firmly against him. 

"Let's see," he whispered, his voice low and dangerous, "if that fictional men do better or your real man."

Before she could even blink, Rivaan's lips were on hers, intense and demanding, sending a shock through her entire body. His hand slid around her waist, pulling her against him so firmly that she felt her heart beating wildly in sync with his.

The kiss wasn't just passionate—it was possessive. Rivaan's mouth moved over hers with a hunger that took control, as if he was letting her know she belonged to him and only him.

When she gasped in surprise, he took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, his grip on her waist tightening, leaving no space between them. His other hand found its way to her neck, his thumb tracing along her jaw, guiding her head to exactly where he wanted. Every movement was deliberate, purposeful, showing her that he was done holding back.

Aisha clung to him, her fingers twisting into his shirt as if it were the only thing anchoring her to reality. Rivaan's intensity left her mind reeling—she couldn't think, couldn't breathe, as he claimed her completely with every press of his lips. His possessiveness poured out, months of frustration and longing bundled up in every touch. She could feel the message in the way he held her: he wasn't going to let her go.

When he finally pulled back, both of them were gasping for breath, their foreheads pressed together. His gaze was dark, almost primal, and his voice dropped to a rough whisper as he looked at her with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.

"That," he murmured, his voice barely above a growl, "is only a taste of what it means to be mine.."

She nodded, her lips still tingling from his kiss, but his expression remained serious, waiting for her response. Summoning her courage, she managed a shaky smile. "That... was hot."

Rivaan's smirk returned, but his eyes stayed locked on her, a possessive gleam sparking.

Before she could say another word, she leaned up to kiss him again, but the height difference made her stumble back with a pout.

He raised a brow, amused, but she gave him a fierce look. "I want more," she whispered, her voice tinged with need, "and I'm not going to wait. I'm already yours and you are mine, Rivaan."

A slow, dangerous smile spread across his face. "Be careful what you wish for," he warned, but before she could respond, he scooped her up, throwing her over his shoulder.

Rivaan carried her to the bed, dropping her gently onto the mattress. As he hovered over her, his dark gaze burned into hers. "This is your last chance. Once I start, Aisha, I'm not letting you go, and I won't stop."

Her breath caught, but she refused to back down. "I don't want you to stop," she whispered, her eyes challenging. "Make me yours."

He didn't wait for a second invitation. His lips crashed down on hers, rougher this time, igniting a wildfire in her that left her dizzy. His hand slid down to her thigh, gripping firmly as he pulled her even closer, his touch leaving a trail of heat in its wake. She could feel the possessiveness radiating from him, a silent promise that she belonged to him completely.

As he moved his mouth from her lips to her jawline, then down her neck, she felt herself melt under his touch, surrendering fully. Every kiss, every brush of his hand was a reminder that Rivaan wasn't just kissing her—he was claiming her, body and soul.

The next morning, Aisha was sitting across from Rivaan, glaring at him. Rivaan leaned back, arms crossed, an amused smirk playing on his lips as he watched her.

Aisha huffed, breaking the silence. "I really thought last night would be the night, you know... that I'd finally lose my virginity. But you didn't follow through."

Rivaan's smirk only deepened. "Baby," he drawled, clearly entertained by her boldness, "you collapsed after just one orgasm. And that was only my fingers. How were you planning to handle the rest?"

Aisha's cheeks flushed a bright red, her confidence faltering at his words. She was bold, sure, but Rivaan had a way of breaking through her bravado, leaving her shy and flustered. Before she could think of a comeback, he gently pulled her onto his lap, wrapping her in a warm blanket. She was only in his oversized shirt, and he in his sweatpants. With his arm around her, he leaned back, his gaze never wavering from her now-shy smile.

Gaining a little courage, she brushed her fingers across his jawline, scrunching her nose. "Your beard has grown... it tickles every time you kiss me." Her fingers traced his scruffy jaw, as her eyes sparkled with mischief.

He raised an eyebrow. "Should I shave?"

Her eyes widened, and she quickly shook her head. "No, I like it. Makes you look rugged. Like a real man, my man." She grinned, and he let out a laugh, pulling her closer.

"Real man, huh?" he smirked, running his hand through her hair as he leaned in close, his voice soft. "Then get ready, because 'your real man' wants to show you around before we head back to India tonight."

Aisha nodded, pressing a quick, shy kiss to his lips, then scrambled off his lap, her cheeks a deeper shade of red as she bolted for the door.

Watching her run off, he smirked, a possessive glint in his eye as he whispered to himself, "My cute pixie."

✨

Rivaan held Aisha's hand as they walked through the snowy landscape, his fingers warm and firm around hers, steadying her as her feet crunched over the fresh snow. She glanced around, her eyes wide and sparkling with wonder as she took in the endless blanket of white, covering trees, rooftops, and even the tops of distant mountains. For a moment, she stood still, her breaths visible in the crisp, cold air, and then, as if a switch had flipped, she let go of his hand and sprinted forward, laughing with a mix of awe and excitement.

"Rivaan!" she called, her voice full of joy as she spun in the snow, her arms flung wide. "It's... it's magical!"

Her cheeks were rosy, flushed from the cold and from pure delight. Rivaan watched her, his heart catching at the sight. He was so used to her guarded side, to her resilient, independent spirit. But here, she looked almost like a child experiencing wonder for the first time, and it was beautiful.

He stepped closer, a soft smile playing on his lips. "You like it?" he asked gently.

"Like it? I love it!" She bent down, cupping her hands to scoop up the powdery snow, but her grin turned mischievous as she looked back at him. Before he could react, she tossed the snow at him, laughing when it landed on his face.

Rivaan let out a surprised laugh, brushing the snow off his face. "Oh, you're asking for trouble now," he warned, his voice playful but holding a glint of challenge. Without missing a beat, he reached down, grabbing a handful of snow and tossing it in her direction. She squealed, dodging, but not quickly enough to escape his aim entirely.

They chased each other through the snow, their laughter echoing in the stillness, their playful breaths mingling in the chill. Rivaan finally caught her, his arms wrapping around her waist as he lifted her off the ground, spinning her. Her laughter softened, her hands finding their way to his shoulders as he set her down gently, but he didn't let her go. His fingers lingered on her waist, his gaze locked on her face.

"You're beautiful," he whispered, a faint smile pulling at the corners of his mouth as he reached up, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. She blushed, her gaze flickering downward, and with a surge of playful confidence, she scooped a handful of snow and pressed it to his face, laughing as he jolted back in surprise.

He narrowed his eyes at her, smirking, before he caught her around the waist once more, pulling her close as he leaned down. "You're not getting away that easily," he murmured. With her still laughing, he captured her lips in a quick kiss, feeling her giggle melt into a soft gasp. She looked up at him, her cheeks turning even redder, caught somewhere between laughter and a shy smile.

"Rivaan! We're in public!" she whispered, glancing around.

He only chuckled, holding her tighter. "Doesn't matter where we are. You're mine," he said, his tone teasing but with a note of sincerity that made her heart skip a beat.

"Besharam," she muttered, trying to suppress a smile as she hid her face in his shoulder, feeling his arms pull her closer. She hugged him back, rising up on her toes as her chin rested on his shoulder, her eyes closed in contentment.

But then, as she opened her eyes, her gaze drifted over his shoulder, and something caught her attention. A man was standing a little way off, talking to a group of other men. Aisha's heart skipped, and her smile slowly faded. Recognition flickered in her eyes, and with it, a wave of anger and a flicker of something darker. She pulled back slightly, blinking as she tried to shake the feeling, but her mind was racing.

Forcing a smile, she looked up at Rivaan. "Rivaan," she said, her voice steady but carrying a slight tremor, "I could really go for some hot chocolate right now. Do you mind getting me some?"

He looked at her, tilting his head slightly as if sensing a change in her, but he nodded, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Of course, baby. But next time, don't ask—just tell me. Be right back, okay? Stay here."

She nodded, watching him as he walked off. The second he was out of sight, her smile dropped, her gaze hardening as she pulled out her phone, discreetly lifting it to snap a picture of the man. Her fingers trembled slightly, but her eyes were steady, darkened with a mix of intent and quiet fury.

Aisha fingers moving swiftly as she dialed Saad's number. He picked up almost immediately, his voice dripping with mock frustration. "Finally! You get a second to talk to your bhai? Now tell me where that bastard is, and I swear—"

Aisha rolled her eyes, cutting him off. "Hold up. First, do you have any connections here in Switzerland?"

He paused, clearly taken aback but responding smoothly, "Yeah, I've got some. Why, what's going on?"

Without missing a beat, she replied, "I'm sending you a picture. I want this man on a flight back to India as soon as possible. I'll be back tomorrow."

Saad's tone turned serious. "Done. But who is he?"

Her gaze drifted back to the man standing a short distance away, her eyes narrowing. "One of those men on the board," she said, her tone carrying a dangerous edge.

Realization dawned on Saad's end. "Alright. But now where's Malhotra? I swear, I'm gonna—"

"Saad," she cut in, her voice firm, "you're not laying a finger on my man."

A stunned silence met her statement before Saad's voice shot back with pure disbelief. "Oh, now you're actually dating him? Like, officially?"

She couldn't help but smile, her mind drifting to last night's memories, but before she could respond, she glanced back toward Rivaan. Her smile instantly vanished as her eyes narrowed, spotting a woman standing too close, her hand lingering on his arm, giggling flirtatiously.

Her voice turned icy. "We are, yes. And—damn it." She clenched her fist.

Saad's voice was laced with concern. "What happened?"

Aisha's tone was icy as she hissed, "Uss bhutni ki himmat kaise hui mere bande ko chune ki?" Her words dripped with fury, and Saad snickered on the other end, sensing her protective rage. (How dare that witch touch my man?)

Before he could respond, she ended the call, her eyes blazing as she turned toward Rivaan. She crossed the snowy path, not caring about the curious glances around her. Her target was clear—the woman who dared touch her man.

She reached them, her hand shooting out to grab the woman's hair, yanking her back. The woman gasped in shock, her eyes widening.

"Keep your hands off my man," Aisha hissed, her voice low but lethal.

Before Rivaan could process what was happening, she turned to him, grabbing his collar and pulling him down toward her, pressing her lips to his in a fierce, claiming kiss. The shock in his eyes softened almost instantly, giving way to something deeper. She could feel him melting into her, his hands instinctively wrapping around her waist as the kiss deepened.

When she pulled back, her eyes held a glint of satisfaction as she met the astonished look on his face, his own gaze a mix of surprise and admiration.

Rivaan blinked, still processing what just happened, before a slow smirk crept onto his face. "Not that I'm complaining, but... possessive much?"

Aisha shrugged, a smug smile dancing on her lips. "Just making sure everyone knows you're off-limits."

He chuckled, his eyes warm. "Noted. And just so we're clear..." He pulled her close, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, "I'm all yours, and only yours."

Her smirk turned softer, leaning into him, her fingers still gripping his collar. "Good," she murmured, glancing back at the woman who was now watching them with a flushed, embarrassed look before scurrying off.

Rivaan tilted her chin up, catching her gaze. "You know, I think I like seeing you like this."

She grinned, her eyes flashing with mischief. "Well, get used to it. Because I don't share."

Target 🎯 - 70 votes & 20 comments

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