Samyuktika's eyes widened in alarm as she scrambled away from Ekansh, her heart racing. "What are you doing in my room?" she demanded, trying to keep her voice steady.
Ekansh's gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable. He rubbed his temples again, as if trying to clear his head. "I don't know," he repeated, his voice laced with confusion.
Samyuktika's mind whirled. She recalled the previous night's events - Ekansh's anger, her tears, and then... nothing. How did he end up in her bed?
Ekansh swung his legs over the side of the bed, his movements fluid despite his obvious disorientation. His eyes locked onto Samyuktika's, and for an instant, she saw something there, something that looked almost like... concern.
But it vanished, replaced by Ekansh's signature coldness. "Get dressed," he ordered, standing up. "We have matters to discuss."
Samyuktika's cheeks flushed with annoyance. "What matters?" she asked, her tone wary.
Ekansh's eyes roamed her face before responding. "Last night's events. And us."
His words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. Samyuktika's heart skipped a beat. What did he mean by "us"?
Samyuktika's cheeks flushed with annoyance. "What about last night?" she asked, her tone wary.
Ekansh's eyes roamed her face before responding. "You were crying," he said, his voice low.
Samyuktika's hands instinctively went to her cheeks, remembering the tears. "That's none of your business," she snapped.
Ekansh's jaw clenched. "You're my business, Samyuktika," he said, his words sending shivers down her spine.
She stood, her heart racing. "I'm not your anything, Ekansh," she countered.
Ekansh's eyes flashed with anger, but he didn't move. "We need to talk," he repeated.
Samyuktika hesitated, unsure what to expect. But something in Ekansh's gaze made her nod.
"Fine," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ekansh turned, striding out of the room. "Follow me," he ordered.
Samyuktika trailed behind, her mind racing. What did Ekansh want to discuss? And why did she sense a shift in their dynamics?
He took her to balcony. He said,"Forget everything."
Samyuktika's eyes narrowed, confusion and relief swirling within her. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice cautious.
Ekansh leaned against the balcony railing, his gaze drifting to the cityscape below. "Last night. My presence in your room. Forget it ever happened."
Samyuktika's thoughts whirled. Why was he dismissing the incident? Had he regretted his momentary vulnerability?
"Okay," she said slowly, studying his profile.
Ekansh's jaw clenched, his eyes still averted. "And don't mention it to anyone."
Samyuktika's curiosity piqued, she stepped closer. "Why?"
Ekansh's gaze snapped back to hers, intense. "Because I said so."
The command in his voice rankled, but Samyuktika sensed a hidden motive. Was Ekansh protecting her or himself?
She nodded, her silence a reluctant agreement.
The city sounds filled the pause, the tension between them palpable.
Ekansh pushed off the railing, his eyes never leaving Samyuktika's. "Let's go. Breakfast is waiting."
Samyuktika followed, her mind racing with unanswered questions. What secrets lay hidden behind Ekansh's enigmatic gaze?
Samyuktika's eyes flashed with anger. "Main aapke saath nahin khaungi," she spat, her voice venomous. ("I won't eat with someone like you.")
Ekansh's expression remained impassive, unperturbed by her outburst. "Theek hai, jaisi aapki marzi," he replied, his tone indifferent. ("Okay, as you wish.")
He turned to leave, his calm demeanor fueling Samyuktika's ire.
"Akdu, khadoos!" she cursed under her breath, her words laced with disgust. ("Cruel, stone-hearted!")
Ekansh's departure left Samyuktika seething. How could he be so unbothered, so uncaring?
"Kya uske dil mein kuchh bhi nahin hai?" she wondered, her anger simmering. ("Does he have no heart at all?")
Samyuktika's thoughts swirled with resentment, her mind replaying every moment she'd spent with Ekansh. His coldness, his detachment â it all boiled down to one thing: he didn't care.
"Akdu insaan," she muttered, shaking her head. ("Cruel person.")
The silence that followed seemed to mock her, a reminder that Ekansh had effortlessly walked away, leaving her frustration and anger untouched.
Samyuktika's indignation lingered, her mind racing with thoughts of Ekansh's callousness. She paced around the room, trying to shake off the unease.
Suddenly, she stopped in front of the mirror. Her reflection showed a flushed face, her eyes blazing with anger.
"Why do I even care?" she asked herself, taking a deep breath.
Samyuktika attempted to compose herself, smoothing her hair and adjusting her clothes. But her gaze lingered on the door Ekansh had exited through.
"Main usse door rehke khush rahungi," she vowed. ("I'll be happy staying away from him.")
Determined, Samyuktika turned her attention to the breakfast tray. She lifted the lid, revealing a spread of steaming hot dishes.
Her stomach growled, reminding her of her neglected hunger. She sat down, taking a bite of the fluffy idlis.
As she ate, her thoughts drifted back to Ekansh. His words, "Theek hai, jaisi aapki marzi," echoed in her mind.
Samyuktika's expression hardened. She wouldn't let him get to her.
Just then, a knock on the door broke the silence.
"Enter," Samyuktika called out.
The door opened, revealing a maid with a discreet smile.
"Ma'am, Ekansh sir has left for a meeting. He'll return later tonight."
Samyuktika's eyes narrowed. Good riddance.
"Thank you," she replied curtly.
The maid nodded and left, leaving Samyuktika to her thoughts.
The day stretched before her, empty and uncertain.
What would she do?
And what secrets lay hidden behind Ekansh's impassive facade?
Samyuktika's gaze drifted out the window, her thoughts tangled in Ekansh's enigmatic presence. The city bustled below, a stark contrast to the oppressive silence within the mansion.
She shook her head, focusing on the present. What could she do to fill the empty hours?
Samyuktika spotted a book on the nightstand, a forgotten companion. She settled into the plush couch, losing herself in the story.
Hours passed, the words blurring together as her mind wandered. Ekansh's face intruded, his eyes haunting her.
Suddenly, the door creaked open. The maid entered with a tray.
"High tea, ma'am," she announced.
Samyuktika set aside the book, taking a cup.
"Thank you," she said, sipping the steaming tea.
As the maid left, Samyuktika noticed a small note on the tray.
"For Samyuktika," the elegant script read.
Curiosity piqued, she opened the note:
"Don't think you can escape me that easily. -E"
A shiver ran down her spine. Ekansh's words seemed to whisper in her ear.
Samyuktika crumpled the note, anger flaring.
How dare he!
But beneath her indignation, a spark of fear flickered.
What did Ekansh want from her?
And why couldn't she shake off the feeling that she was trapped?