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Arjun
The moment we stepped out of the plane, the sharp Swiss air hit us, crisp and cool, a stark contrast to the warmth inside the aircraft. Ananya instinctively pulled her coat tighter around her body, her fingers clutching the fabric near her chest. From the corner of my eye, I caught the way her gaze locked onto the view beyond the airport's glass walls-snow-capped mountains stretching into the horizon, their peaks dusted in white.
She looked... mesmerized.
I should've been checking my emails. A backlog of work awaited me, and my phone buzzed with constant notifications. But instead, I found myself watching her. Her lips were slightly parted, her eyes wide with something close to childlike wonder.
I had been to Switzerland more times than I could count. To me, it had always been just another destination-another city, another boardroom, another set of meetings. But now... with Ananya, it wasn't just another place. It felt different. It felt like something more.
"It's beautiful," she murmured, almost to herself.
I leaned in slightly. "You like it?"
She nodded, still mesmerized. "I've always wanted to come here."
For the first time, I found myself wanting to see this place the way she did.
Something about the way she said it made me pause. This trip was a gift from her mother-our so-called honeymoon, arranged as part of her birthday present. I had reassured Ananya that she didn't need to feel any pressure, that we could treat it as just a holiday. But now, hearing the quiet awe in her voice, I realized it might mean more to her than I had expected.
Our car was waiting outside, the driver already standing by. The moment we stepped out, a gust of cold wind wrapped around us, carrying the crisp scent of impending rain. Lucerne-the city where we'd be staying-was known for its unpredictable weather, a mix of cold, misty mornings and occasional rain showers that painted the city in an almost dreamlike haze.
I handled the luggage while Ananya slid into the backseat. She turned to me with a hesitant look. "Where are we staying?"
A smirk tugged at my lips. "You'll see."
She frowned. "You love surprises, don't you?"
I didn't even have to think before answering. "Only when they involve you."
Her breath hitched just slightly, but she quickly turned away, focusing on the scenery as the car pulled away from the airport. I let my smirk fade as I followed her gaze. Switzerland was as breathtaking as ever-pristine white snow, wooden chalets, the towering Alps in the distance, their peaks vanishing into low-hanging clouds.
But right now, I wasn't looking at Switzerland.
I was looking at her.
And for the first time, I wondered if this trip would change more than just her mood..
The car ride was quiet, but not uncomfortably so. The city unfolded around us, its cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings, quaint cafés, and boutique stores. The overcast sky gave Lucerne a soft, muted glow, and the distant peaks of the Alps stood tall against the misty horizon. A light drizzle had begun, raindrops trailing down the car windows, blurring the world outside.
Ananya sat beside me, her fingers tracing idle patterns on the fogged-up glass. She hadn't said much since we left the airport, but I could tell she was taking everything in.
"We're staying at Bürgenstock," I said finally, breaking the silence.
She turned to me, brows slightly raised. "Is that a hotel?"
I smirked. "More like a resort. It's up in the mountains, overlooking Lake Lucerne."
Her lips parted slightly, but she didn't say anything right away. Instead, she turned back to the window, watching as the city streets gradually gave way to winding mountain roads.
"I didn't expect this," she admitted after a moment. "I thought we'd be staying in the city."
"I wanted you to see more than just the city," I said simply.
She didn't respond, but I noticed the way her grip on her coat loosened, the way she relaxed ever so slightly into her seat.
By the time we reached the base of the mountain, the drizzle had turned into a soft rain. The driver navigated the winding roads with ease, taking us higher and higher. The view outside was stunning-emerald green slopes dusted with mist, the vast lake stretching out beneath us like a sheet of glass.
When we finally arrived at the resort, I stole a glance at Ananya. Her eyes were wide again, that same quiet awe from earlier returning.
The Bürgenstock Resort stood tall, a masterpiece of glass and wood, blending into the landscape as if it had always belonged there. The clouds hung low around the peaks, making the entire place look like something out of a dream.
The driver stepped out first, opening the door for Ananya. She hesitated for just a second before stepping into the crisp mountain air. I followed, coming to stand beside her.
She exhaled softly, barely above a whisper. "It's beautiful."
I should've looked at the view. At the mountains, the lake, the way the mist curled around the trees like a scene from a painting.
But I didn't.
I was too busy watching her.
Oh God, I don't know what's happening to me these days. Why am I feeling like this? Why am I acting this way?
But for now, I'm pushing these thoughts aside. Right now, all that matters is the breathtaking sight standing before me, and I'm going to let myself enjoy it.
â¡â¡
As we stepped into the suite, the door swung open to reveal a breathtaking view of Lake Lucerne through floor-to-ceiling windows. The entire space exuded warmth and understated elegance-wood accents, soft lighting, plush furniture, and a king-sized bed that looked far too inviting for my own sanity.
But none of it held my attention.
Not when Ananya stood by the window, silhouetted against the misty lake, her fingers grazing the cold glass as if trying to touch the view itself. There was something about the way she gazed outside, completely lost in the moment, that made my chest tighten.
She turned to me suddenly, her lips curling into a soft, almost shy smile. "This is perfect."
Leaning casually against the doorway, I smirked. "Told you, Firefly. I only like surprises when they involve you."
She let out a small laugh before tilting her head. "You know," she mused, "I always imagined CEOs staying in extravagant penthouses. Not places like this."
I chuckled. "You expected gold-plated furniture?"
She shrugged. "Maybe just a little."
"Well, I didn't want to show off."
Her eyes twinkled with amusement. "So humble."
I grinned, but inside, I was cursing myself. The more she smiled, the harder it became to keep my damn hands to myself. I had never struggled with self-control like this before. Never felt like this before.
I needed to get a grip.
"Alright, let's go," I said, pushing off the doorway.
She blinked. "Now? We just got here."
"Trust me, Firefly. You're going to love it."
She eyed me suspiciously but followed without protest.
â¡â¡
I had planned to show her everything-the charming old town, the wooden bridges, the glistening lake under the setting sun. But instead, I found myself barely paying attention to any of it.
Because all I could see was her.
"Arjun," she called softly.
"Hm?"
"Stop staring at me."
I smirked. "Am I?"
She stopped walking and turned to face me. "You've been staring at me since we landed."
How could I possibly tell her the truth? That it wasn't just today-that it had always been this way with her.
"Can you blame me?" I said smoothly.
Her eyes widened slightly, and the lightest shade of pink dusted her cheeks. She hadn't been expecting that.
I was mentally cursing myself. What the hell was wrong with me? It had never been this hard to control myself. But then again, I had never met anyone like her.
She recovered quickly, turning her attention back to the lake. Her eyes sparkled under the soft golden light.
"It's so beautiful," she whispered in awe.
"Yes..." I murmured. But I wasn't looking at the lake.
She turned to me, smiling so brightly that something in my chest clenched. Everything about her was too damn enchanting-the way she moved, the way she laughed, the way she could unknowingly unravel every ounce of my composure.
And the worst part? She had no idea.
"What's going on in that head of yours?" she asked, shooting me a sly smile.
Nothing good. Absolutely nothing good.
"I was thinking about how much I appreciate the fact that you haven't run away from me yet," I said lightly.
Her eyebrow arched. "Am I supposed to?"
I let out a low chuckle, but my stomach twisted. "You'd be the first."
She didn't say anything for a moment, just studied me with an expression I couldn't quite place. Then, she smiled.
"No chance."
God, I was in trouble.
She had no idea how badly I was struggling. Every time she came near, every time she laughed, every time she just existed... it was like the world narrowed to just her.
Every second with her made it harder-harder to resist, harder to pretend I wasn't falling deeper into something I had no control over.
And no matter how much I wanted her, I refused to let her feel obligated.
I refused to be selfish with her.
â¡â¡
The ride back to the resort was filled with Ananya's endless chatter. She was still buzzing from the day-talking about the cobblestone streets, the cafés, the hidden bookstores she had dragged me into.
I had spent most of the day watching her, trying-and failing-not to be completely consumed by her.
When we stepped inside our suite, the warmth was a stark contrast to the cold drizzle outside. Ananya immediately kicked off her shoes and flopped onto the couch with a dramatic sigh.
"My feet hurt," she whined. "Why didn't you stop me from walking so much?"
I leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "You were the one running around like a kid in a candy store. What was I supposed to do? Put you on a leash?"
She gasped, sitting up. "Arjun Malhotra! Did you just compare me to a puppy?"
I smirked. "If the shoe fits."
With a determined look, she grabbed a cushion and hurled it at me. I caught it effortlessly.
"Missed."
She huffed. "Ugh! So unfair."
I walked over and dropped the cushion back onto the couch. "Come on, freshen up. We're heading out again soon."
She groaned, flopping back dramatically. "Why? Can't we just stay in?"
I raised a brow. "You were literally the one complaining we didn't have enough time to see everything."
"Yeah, but now I'm sleepy."
I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Okay, Firefly. You've got ten minutes to rest. Then we're going."
"Ten minutes," she murmured, her voice already heavy with sleep.
I stared at her for a moment longer than I should have.
She looked so peaceful, her lashes resting against her cheeks, her lips slightly parted.
And then it hit me again-that ache, that restless pull inside me that had been growing ever since we got here.
Damn it.
I turned away, running a frustrated hand through my hair. This wasn't normal. I had never felt this out of control before. Not even when I was younger, reckless, and didn't give a damn about anything.
But Ananya wasn't just anyone.
She was my wife.
And she was the most delicate thing I had ever known-not because she was weak, but because she felt everything so deeply.
She pretended to be strong, and she was. But I knew better.
I couldn't-wouldn't-make her feel obligated. No matter how much I wanted her. Close to me. Beneath me. With me.
But I wouldn't.
Not when I had promised her that this was just a holiday, not a honeymoon.
Not after Kashmir.
Even though she had said she didn't regret it, I still wanted her to be with me with all her senses-fully willing, fully mine-in our most intimate moments.
And if that meant I had to suffer a little longer... so be it.
We had taken the funicular up to the Chapel Bridge, a historic wooden structure stretching over the Reuss River. The view was breathtaking-the golden glow of the city lights reflecting on the water, the soft mist rolling over the distant hills-but I barely noticed.
Because my entire focus was on her.
Ananya, however, was a bundle of energy.
She kept stopping every few seconds to take pictures, gasping over the smallest details-the flower boxes lining the bridge, the swans gliding lazily over the water, the way the raindrops sparkled under the lanterns.
She was fascinated. Mesmerized.
And so was I.
At one point, she grabbed my arm, tugging me toward a small cart selling roasted chestnuts. "Let's get some!"
I sighed. "I don't even like chestnuts."
She narrowed her eyes. "That's because you haven't tried them with me yet."
Before I could argue, she handed the vendor some Swiss francs and grabbed a small paper cone filled with warm, roasted chestnuts.
I watched as she carefully peeled one, her fingers working delicately to remove the shell. Then, she held it up to my lips.
"Try it," she insisted, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
I hesitated.
Big mistake.
Because now I was staring at her-at the way the cold had turned her cheeks slightly pink, at the way her lips curved just enough to make my stomach tighten.
Damn it.
Without a word, I leaned in and took a bite, letting her feed me.
It wasn't the chestnut that sent warmth through my veins-it was her.
The way she was looking at me. Watching me. Waiting-as if my opinion actually mattered.
"Well?" she prompted, tilting her head.
I swallowed, trying to focus on the taste instead of the fact that she was standing too close.
"...Not bad," I admitted.
Her face lit up like a damn Christmas tree. "Ha! I knew it!"
She looked so ridiculously pleased with herself that I couldn't help but chuckle, shaking my head.
The rain had turned into a soft drizzle as we continued walking. Suddenly, she reached for my arm, looping hers through mine as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Arjun?"
"Hmm?"
"Are you..." She hesitated for a moment, her fingers tightening slightly around my arm. "Are you enjoying this?"
I turned my head, studying her.
She wasn't teasing this time.
Her voice was softer, more hesitant.
I didn't answer right away.
Instead, I stopped walking, gently tugging her closer.
She looked up at me, her breath catching.
And before I could think better of it, I lifted my hand and tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, my fingers grazing her skin.
She shivered.
Damn it.
"I am," I said, my voice rougher than I intended. "I'm enjoying it more than I thought I would."
And then, because I knew I wouldn't be able to stop myself if I lingered any longer, I leaned in and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
I wanted to kiss her lips.
God, I wanted to.
But I wouldn't. Not yet.
Not when I had barely managed to hold myself back all day.
Her lashes fluttered as she blinked up at me. For a second, I thought she was going to say something, but then she just smiled-soft, genuine, beautiful.
"Me too."
We kept walking, but my mind was already spiraling again.
I needed to get a grip.
Because every second with her made it harder.
Harder to resist.
Harder to pretend I wasn't falling.
Falling into something I wasn't ready to name.
Something I wasn't ready to accept.
And hardest of all...
To remind myself that this wasn't love.
Not yet. Not ever.
I didn't believe in love.
Love had no place in my life.
If someone had a place, it was only Ananya.
But damn if it didn't feel like it could be.
Ananya
The wind was crisp, carrying the scent of rain and roasted chestnuts as we walked along the bridge. My fingers were still warm from the paper cone, but the real warmth was coming from something else-someone else.
Arjun.
Everything he did, everything he said, carried a quiet thoughtfulness that wrapped around me like a shield. He never pressured, never demanded. Instead, he always made sure I was comfortable, always gave me space to breathe. Even now, as he walked beside me, his hand was close-so close-but he didn't take mine. He never crossed a line I wasn't ready for, no matter how much the world might expect it.
And that made my chest ache in a way I couldn't explain.
I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. His face was unreadable, his expression calm-too calm. But his hands...
Clenching. Unclenching.
Again.
And again.
Like he was battling something within himself.
Why?
Was it because of me?
I bit my lip, my mind racing. He had been looking at me differently all evening-longer, deeper. And when he kissed me earlier, it wasn't where I thought he would.
Where I wanted him to.
He had leaned in, his gaze dropping to my lips, his breath warm against my skin. My heart had pounded so hard I was sure he could hear it. But at the last second, he shifted, pressing a lingering kiss to my forehead instead.
It should have made me feel safe.
It should have reassured me.
But instead...
I felt the slightest, most unexpected hint of disappointment.
Because for the first time, I had wanted him to kiss me. Really kiss me.
I swallowed, forcing myself to focus on the lights reflecting off the river. This wasn't about me. There was something on his mind-something that was making him hold back.
And I wasn't sure if I was ready for the answer.
I know he told me to take this as a holiday instead of a honeymoon-he did it for me. Because of me. Because he wanted me to feel safe, to feel like I had a choice.
But we had kissed before.
We had touched before.
It was never a problem. So why is it different now?
Why is he holding back?
Why is he clenching and unclenching his fists like he's battling himself?
And why does it hurt to see him stopping himself?
I don't know when it happened-when I started craving his touch, his warmth, the way his hands used to find my waist, the way his lips used to claim mine without hesitation. But now, I do. I know it. I feel it. I want it.
I never thought I'd feel this way, that I'd want this from him. But I do. And it clenches my heart to see him holding back as if he thinks I'll shatter if he lets himself touch me again.
Does he think I'm that fragile? That I'll break if he takes a step toward me, toward what we both know is there-simmering, waiting, unspoken?
Well, I'm not.
And I need him to know that.
I need him to understand that I don't want the distance he's trying to put between us.
Not when I'm already used to his touch. Not when he made it habitual. Not when I-
I... crave it.
So I do the only thing that feels right.
I take his hand.
The one that was so close to mine, the one he wanted to hold but didn't.
His fingers tense for a fraction of a second, like he's startled. But then, slowly, they relax, intertwining with mine in the way they were always meant to.
He exhales sharply, his grip tightening around my hand like he's afraid to let go.
"Ananya..." His voice is rough, like he's barely keeping himself together.
I turn to him, looking straight into his eyes, and for the first time, I don't hesitate. "You don't have to stop yourself."
His jaw clenches. "You don't know what you're saying, Firefly."
I step closer, my free hand pressing against his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart. "I do. And I know why you're holding back. But Arjun..." I take a deep breath. "You don't have to protect me from you."
His eyes darken, a storm of emotions swirling in them. "You think that's what this is?"
"Isn't it?" I whisper. "You think I'm too fragile. That if you touch me, I'll break."
He shakes his head, his grip on my hand tightening. "No, Ananya. It's not about that."
"Then what?"
His breath comes out unsteady, his forehead resting against mine. "It's because when I touch you... when I kiss you... I don't want to stop." His voice drops lower, rougher. "And I won't rush you into something you're not ready for."
My heart stutters, warmth spreading through me. "What if I am ready?"
His head jerks up, eyes locking onto mine, searching, questioning.
I give his hand a small squeeze. "I trust you, Arjun. More than you know."
Something in him shifts. The war inside him doesn't disappear, but the battle eases.
His other hand lifts, cupping my face, his thumb grazing my cheek. "You have no idea what you do to me," he murmurs.
I smile softly, leaning into his touch. "Maybe I do."
His breath hitches, and then, just when I think he's going to kiss me-
He presses his lips to my knuckles instead.
Slow.
Lingering.
And somehow, it's more intimate than anything before.
I feel it in my bones, in the depths of my soul.
Because this isn't just desire.
This is him.
Loving me in the only way he knows how-by making sure I never feel like I owe him anything.
"Let's go back to our hotel, Firefly." His voice was rough, edged with something I couldn't quite place. "It's already getting late. And it looks like it's going to rain."
But I knew.
I knew he wasn't just talking about the time or the weather. He was still holding back, still battling himself. He still didn't believe me.
Did he think I was saying those words just to say them? That I didn't mean them?
I nodded, but I didn't let go of his hand. And neither did he.
The silence between us was thick, but not uncomfortable. If anything, it felt heavy-weighted with all the things we weren't saying.
We started walking, his thumb absently brushing over my knuckles. It was such a small gesture, but it sent a shiver down my spine.
He was there, right beside me. Touching me. Holding me.
But still, there was a wall.
And I hated it.
"Arjun," I said quietly, glancing up at him.
He didn't look at me, just hummed in acknowledgment.
I tightened my grip on his hand. "You don't have to keep doing this."
That made him stop. His jaw tightened, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. "Doing what?"
I took a step closer, searching his face. "Acting like you're made of steel, like you have to control everything-even this. Even us."
His eyes flashed with something unreadable. "Ananya-"
"I know what you're doing," I cut him off softly. "And I know why."
He exhaled sharply, running his free hand through his hair. "You think you know, but you don't."
I tilted my head, studying him. "Then tell me."
His lips parted, but no words came out.
So I did the only thing I could think of.
I let go of his hand-only to place both of mine on his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath my palms.
"Arjun," I murmured, my voice softer now. "You said you won't rush me into anything I'm not ready for." I looked up, holding his gaze. "But have you ever thought that maybe... I am ready?"
His entire body tensed beneath my touch. His hands curled into fists at his sides.
"Ananya," he warned, his voice hoarse.
I shook my head, my fingers pressing against the warmth of his skin through his shirt. "You don't have to protect me from this. From you."
He let out a shaky breath. "I have to."
"Why?" I whispered.
His hand lifted as if he wanted to touch me, to cup my face, to pull me in-but at the last second, he clenched his fingers into a fist and dropped it.
Damn it.
The rejection stung more than I expected.
"You think I don't want you?" His voice was low, strained, like he was barely holding himself together.
I swallowed hard. "Then why-"
"Because if I start, Firefly..." He inhaled sharply, his hands flexing at his sides. "I won't be able to stop."
My breath hitched.
For a second, neither of us moved.
The air between us crackled with something undeniable, something so intense it was almost too much.
Then, just as I was about to say something -
A fat raindrop landed on my cheek.
And then another.
And just like that, the sky opened up.
A downpour. Cold and relentless.
I gasped as the rain drenched me instantly, my dress clinging to my skin.
Arjun cursed under his breath. "Come on." He grabbed my hand, his grip strong, his warmth seeping into me even through the cold.
We started running, the streets of Lucerne emptying around us as people rushed for shelter. But we didn't stop.
Not until we reached a small, deserted alleyway where a wooden awning offered a sliver of protection from the rain.
Arjun pulled me under it, his hands on my shoulders as he looked me over, his brows furrowed. "Are you okay?"
I laughed breathlessly, brushing wet hair out of my face. "It's just rain, Arjun."
He didn't smile. He was too close, his wet shirt clinging to his body, his hair dark and dripping.
And he was staring at me.
Like he was fighting every instinct, every damn urge.
And losing.
I swallowed, my chest rising and falling too quickly. "Arjun..."
His hands clenched at his sides again. "We should go."
And I knew then-he wasn't walking away because he didn't want me.
He was walking away because he did.
More than he could handle.
More than he trusted himself with.
And that realization?
It made my heart ache and soar all at once.
The rain had slowed to a soft drizzle by the time we reached the hotel. The warmth of the lobby wrapped around us, chasing away the lingering cold, but my damp clothes still clung uncomfortably to my skin. I turned to Arjun, brushing a few wet strands away from my face, just as he let out a deep breath and ran a hand through his soaked hair.
"You need to take a shower," he said, his voice firm but gentle.
I blinked up at him. "You should go first," I argued. "I'm used to waiting."
His brows pulled together. "Used to?"
Giving him a small smile I said "Whenever Isha and I got drenched in the rain or came back from swimming, I always let her shower first. She caught colds too easily, so it became a habit."
His jaw tightened slightly. "And what about you?"
I shrugged. "I was fine. I could handle it."
His eyes darkened, his grip on the towel in his hand tightening. "I don't like that," he said simply.
I blinked, caught off guard by the intensity in his tone. What was there to dislike?
He stepped closer, his voice softer this time but no less firm. "You won't have to wait anymore, Firefly. Not for things like this. You matter just as much."
Something in my chest tightened-an unfamiliar ache, raw and unsettling. Nobody had ever said that to me before. Nobody had ever looked at me like I was just as important.
I never minded putting my sister first. I loved doing it. But I had never expected someone to do the same for me. And now that he had, I didn't know how to react to the warmth spreading through me-so unfamiliar, yet so dangerously comforting.
"Go," he murmured, tilting his head toward the bathroom. "I'll wait this time."
I hesitated for a second longer before nodding. "Okay."
But just as I passed him, he added, "And don't rush just because I'm waiting. Take your time."
I smiled a little. "Is that an order, CEO Malhotra?"
He smirked, crossing his arms. "Damn right it is, Firefly."
â¦â¦â¦
The warmth of the shower soothed my chilled skin, but no matter how much I tried to focus on it, my mind kept circling back to him.
To the way he had looked at me.
To the way his voice had softened when he told me I mattered.
And to the way his hand had twitched slightly-like he wanted to reach out and touch me but held himself back.
I sighed, stepping out and wrapping myself in a robe, towel-drying my hair as I stepped back into the room. Arjun was leaning against the wall, scrolling through his phone, but the second he saw me, he pushed off and walked toward me.
"Your turn," I said, tossing the towel onto the bed.
He nodded but paused just before stepping inside the bathroom. "Good girl," he murmured, almost as an afterthought.
I froze.
My heart did an embarrassing flip.
By the time I recovered, he was already gone, the sound of running water filling the silence.
Damn him.
â¦â¦â¦
By the time he returned, I was already curled up in bed, scrolling through the pictures we had taken today.
"Move," Arjun muttered, towel-drying his hair.
I blinked at him. "Excuse me?"
He didn't repeat himself-just reached for me and effortlessly pulled me closer to the center of the bed before sliding in beside me.
His warmth was immediate.
So was the scent of his shower gel-clean, fresh, him.
I barely had time to process it before his arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me into him.
It was so easy, so natural-the way he held me like this, like it was second nature.
Like he always did.
"Good night, Firefly," he murmured, his breath warm against my hair.
I swallowed, my pulse betraying me. "Good night."
There was a pause.
And then, just as I thought he had fallen asleep-
"We have more to see tomorrow."
I smiled, nestling into his warmth. "I can't wait."
He hummed in response, but I felt it more than heard it-the way his hold on me tightened ever so slightly.
And even though I knew he was still holding something back-still keeping himself just out of reach-at that moment, wrapped in his arms, I let myself believe that maybe, just maybe...
Tomorrow, he would let himself loosen.
Tomorrow, he would stop fighting us.
And maybe... just maybe, tomorrow would bring us closer than ever before.
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