Chapter 70: Chapter Sixty Three.

"Are you sure this is a good idea? You didn’t even tell your parents, Meera." Jiya whispered, her voice thick with concern.

The two of them stood in front of Arjun’s private estate, the very place he had once brought Meera. The grand mansion loomed before them, its dark, towering gates making it feel even more intimidating.

Meera swallowed hard, her grip tightening around the small bag she held. Inside was a simple gift—something she had picked with care. Something to thank him.

She turned to Jiya, forcing a small smile. "I’ll be fine, Jiya. I just need to thank him for saving me and give him this." She lifted the bag slightly as if to reassure herself. "Besides, I didn’t tell my parents because Papa would never let me step out of the house by this time, let alone come anywhere near their estate."

Jiya studied her for a long moment before sighing. "I understand, but at least let me come with you." Her brows furrowed in worry.

Meera let out a soft giggle, shaking her head. "Trust me, I’ll be fine. Also, Arjun said this place was private for a reason. If I bring someone along, who knows how he’ll react?" She squeezed Jiya’s hands. "You should go back. You must be exhausted after work, thank you for the ride—I’ve already taken up a full week and a few days of your time."

Jiya didn’t look convinced, but she exhaled in surrender.

"Okay. But please, Meera, I beg you—call me or send an emergency text right away if anything feels off, okay?"

Meera laughed lightly, touched by her friend’s protectiveness. "Sure, silly. I promise."

Jiya pulled her into a tight hug before hesitantly stepping back. "Be careful." she said one last time before hopping onto her scooter and driving off.

Meera watched until Jiya disappeared down the street. Then, she turned back to the estate, her heart hammering against her chest.

She took a deep breath. You can do this.

Steeling herself, she walked towards the massive iron gate and pressed the small button beside it, expecting a guard to appear. Instead, the gate creaked open on its own.

Meera flinched at the unexpected movement, her breath catching. The eerie silence that followed made the moment feel even more unsettling.

She hesitated but forced herself to step forward. The moment she crossed the threshold, the gate shut behind her with a loud clank, making her jump.

"God." she muttered under her breath.

Just then, a guard appeared, walking towards her with precise steps. Meera straightened, bracing herself to speak.

But before she could utter a word, the guard lowered his head slightly and gestured ahead. "This way, Ma’am."

Meera blinked in confusion. "W-What? How… how did you know I was—"

The guard didn’t answer. He kept his gaze averted, his posture stiff, as if he wasn’t even allowed to look at her.

"This way, Ma’am." he repeated, his voice eerily monotone.

A strange unease settled in Meera’s stomach. Why is he acting like this?

Her fingers gripped the strap of the bag as she glanced around.

Meera followed the guard in silence, her footsteps light against the pristine floors.

The place was just as she remembered—grand, immaculate, and drenched in the heavy presence of its owner.

As they reached the entrance, the guard suddenly stopped, turning slightly toward her but keeping his gaze down.

"Have a good day, Ma’am." he said flatly, then without another word, he pivoted and walked away.

"Wait…" Meera called out instinctively, but he didn’t stop. He didn’t even hesitate.

Within seconds, he had disappeared around the corner, leaving her standing there, confusion tightening in her chest.

She swallowed hard. Why was he acting so strange?

Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside.

The moment she crossed the threshold, a strange familiarity settled over her.

Everything looked the same—the polished floors gleaming under the warm lighting, the scent of expensive cologne and leather lingering in the air. It was still so perfectly neat, so eerily quiet.

So undeniably Arjun.

Meera’s fingers tightened around the small gift bag in her hand as she glanced around. She hadn’t thought this through. She had no idea where Arjun was.

Was she supposed to call out for him? Would that be weird?

She exhaled, her voice coming out in a soft mutter. "Why was that guard acting so weird?"

"Because a single glance at you could cost his family their lives."

A sharp gasp tore from Meera’s lips, her body stiffening.

The deep, familiar voice sent a shiver down her spine. Slowly, she turned toward the staircase, her breath catching at the sight of him.

Arjun was descending the stairs, his movements unhurried, deliberate. He was dressed casually—something she rarely saw—but even in a simple fitted black T-shirt and sweatpants, he carried an aura of quiet dominance. His hair was slightly wet, the sharpness of his jawline accentuated by the dim lighting.

Meera swallowed, suddenly feeling small under his gaze.

A slow smirk curved his lips as he approached. "Wow." he drawled, stopping just a step away from her. "I didn’t think you’d actually come to see me."

She cleared her throat, trying to ignore the way his presence made the air feel heavier.

"Um… I’m s-sorry." she murmured, then frowned slightly. "I didn’t mean to leave you at the hospital like that. My parents were worried, and I had to go home."

She hesitated, then met his gaze, her voice softening. "But I really appreciate everything you did to save me, Arjun. I… I owe you."

Before he could respond, she quickly held out the small gift bag. "Here."

Arjun’s eyes flickered to the bag, then back to her, his expression unreadable.

"It’s just a little thank-you gift." she added, suddenly feeling embarrassed.

His smirk deepened as he took the bag from her, his fingers brushing against hers for a fleeting second.

"Well, you did leave me to die in that hospital." he mused, his tone teasing but laced with something deeper. "But since you brought me something, I suppose I can forgive you."

Meera gave a small, guilty smile. "I didn’t leave you to die, Arjun. Karan was with you. And… I’m just glad you’re okay."

Arjun tilted his head slightly, his dark eyes pinning her in place. "But he wasn’t you." he murmured, his voice dropping to something almost dangerous.

A slight frown creased Meera’s forehead, but she brushed it off. She didn’t want to dwell on the strange intensity behind his words.

"How are you feeling now?" she asked quickly, hoping to shift the conversation.

Arjun’s lips quirked at the sudden change of topic. "Better now that you’re here." He paused, his gaze darkening. "Besides, Meera, a bullet would have to pass through my heart before I die. And the shooter would have to be you."

Meera’s breath hitched, her eyes widening slightly at his words.

There was something unnerving in the way he said it—not dramatic, not playful. Just… matter-of-fact. Like a truth he had already accepted.

A lump formed in her throat, but she forced a smile.

"Um… I-I should go now." she stammered, suddenly feeling the need to put some distance between them.

Arjun’s entire demeanor shifted. His smirk faded. His brows drew together, and the glint in his eyes turned sharp, unreadable.

"Why?"

The simple word carried weight, making Meera instinctively take a step back.

"I… um… I have to get to work. And I didn’t tell my parents I was coming here." she admitted, her voice slightly shaky.

Arjun’s jaw clenched. "I can call Father-in-law right now and tell him you’re here with me." He took a slow step forward, his voice dropping to something even more chilling. "That you’ll be staying with me—just like you promised to."

Meera’s stomach twisted.

His tone. His words. The way his presence suddenly felt suffocating.

What was happening?

What was wrong with him?

And more importantly…

How was she supposed to leave now?

'Wait… promised?'

Meera’s brows furrowed, her mind racing.

"Promised?" she echoed, her voice laced with confusion. "Arjun, I never promised you anything."

Arjun tilted his head slightly, his dark eyes holding a dangerous glint. "You said you owe me. And that’s a promise, isn’t it?" His tone was deceptively soft, yet laced with something unsettling.

Meera’s lips parted slightly. "Yes, I did say I owe you, but that doesn’t mean I promised to stay here." she countered, her voice sharpening.

For a moment, he simply stared at her, and the silence in the room thickened. Then, abruptly, his expression shifted, his voice dropping into an almost casual tone.

"I love you."

Meera’s breath hitched. Her fingers curled into fists, gripping the fabric of her dress as she swallowed hard.

"I… Arjun, please." she murmured, looking away, her voice barely above a whisper. "This is not the time."

Arjun took a step closer, his presence overwhelming, suffocating in its intensity. "I know you love me too." he said, his voice unwavering, filled with quiet conviction.

Her head snapped toward him, her brows furrowing in disbelief. "What?"

He didn’t flinch. He didn’t waver. "I see it in your eyes, Meera." he continued, his tone softer now, almost coaxing. "That day… the way you looked at me, there was care, concern… love." His gaze darkened as he studied her reaction. "Siddhartha told me how worried you were."

Meera felt something twist painfully in her chest. She clenched her jaw.

"What? No, Arjun." she said, shaking her head, willing herself to sound firm. "But..I don’t love you."

His expression shifted, the warmth in his eyes flickering into something unreadable.

"You were worried about me." he pressed on, his voice turning dangerously smooth. "You were restless, thinking about me. Why? Because you care, Meera."

"I was worried because you got shot!" she snapped, frustration bubbling inside her.

"You risked your life to save me. Of course, I was concerned. Of course, I was grateful." She took a shaky breath, staring directly into his piercing gaze. "But don’t mistake that for love. I don’t love you, Arjun."

Silence.

Arjun’s stare bore into her, unwavering, searching—his expression a storm of emotions she couldn’t place.

The intensity in his eyes made her uneasy, as if he was unraveling her with just a look, stripping her down to something she didn’t want to acknowledge.

Then, his lips curled slightly. Not a smirk, not a smile—something far more dangerous.

"Is that what you truly believe?" His voice was soft, deceptively calm.

Meera stiffened.

"Yes." she whispered, but even to her own ears, the word lacked conviction.

Arjun took another step toward her, closing the remaining distance between them. The air grew thick, charged.

Meera’s heartbeat pounded so loudly she swore he could hear it.

"You can lie to yourself, Meera." he murmured, tilting his head slightly, his gaze locked onto hers. "But you can’t lie to me."

Her breath caught.

Before she could respond, before she could even process the weight of his words, he stepped back.

"Take a seat, Meera." he suddenly said, his tone shifting as if the conversation had never happened.

Her body tensed at the sudden shift. "What?"  She blinked.

"Sit down." he repeated, this time more firmly.

She hesitated. Everything about him seemed… off. A moment ago, he was baring his soul, and now? Now, he was back to being the Arjun she couldn’t quite understand.

Her gaze flickered toward the door. I should leave. I need to leave.

"Arjun, I need to go." she said, turning back to him.

"You will." he assured her. "I just need ten minutes of your time."

That… surprised her. Just a few moments ago, it felt like he wanted to keep her here indefinitely, yet now he was offering an easy way out?

Something about this didn’t sit right.

Still, if ten minutes were all it took to be able to leave without an argument, she could endure it.

Exhaling softly, she moved toward one of the plush sofas and sat down.

Arjun watched her closely before placing the small gift bag she had given him on a nearby seat. Without another word, he turned and walked toward the glass door leading to the kitchen.

Meera's eyes followed his every move. He moved with practiced ease, opening the fridge and pulling out a bottle of grape juice. Then, he retrieved two glasses from the counter.

The sound of her phone vibrating snapped her attention away. Jiya’s name flashed on the screen.

Are you okay?

She quickly typed back, Yes, I’m fine. Heading home soon.

As she hit send, Arjun returned, carrying two glasses filled with the deep red liquid.

He extended one toward her.

Meera stared at it. "Arjun, what is this?" she asked warily.

"Just drink it." he said, his voice calm yet firm. "Then you can leave."

She hesitated. Something about this felt off. But she also wanted to leave as soon as possible. If drinking this meant she could go, then… fine.

Slowly, she took the glass from his hand. Under his watchful gaze, she lifted it to her lips and drank, the slightly bitter taste coating her tongue.

As she placed the empty glass on the table, she noticed the way Arjun was watching her, his expression unreadable.

Then… he smirked.

A slow, deliberate smirk that made the hairs on the back of her neck rise.

"You walked into my den, Meera." he murmured, setting his own glass down. His voice had taken on a new edge—low, possessive, unrelenting.

"A starving man who has been craving his fix for three months."

A sudden unease settled in her stomach. Something wasn’t right.

Meera shot up from the sofa—too fast. Her vision swam, the room tilting slightly.

Dizziness.

A wave of weakness washed over her, her limbs suddenly heavy.

Her heart pounded as she looked up at Arjun, who was watching her closely, his smirk widening.

"I waited for a week." he continued, stepping closer, his movements slow and purposeful. "I thought you'd come to me. But you didn’t. Not until today."

Meera tried to steady herself, but the dizziness only worsened.

"I eliminated everyone who tried to take you from me." His voice was smooth, almost gentle. "Ranveer. Mahira. The men who kidnapped you from the start."

Each name he spoke sent a chill down her spine.

Her breaths came quicker. No… no… this isn’t happening. Was it a mistake coming here?

"A-Arjun…" Her voice was barely a whisper. Her body felt sluggish, as if something was pulling her into exhaustion. "I… I don’t feel so good."

His smirk didn’t fade. Instead, he reached out, brushing his fingers against her cheek.

"You’ll be fine, my love." he murmured.

And then, everything blurred.

Meera’s body went limp against him, her weight pressing into his arms as she slumped forward.

Arjun caught her effortlessly, cradling her as if she were the most delicate thing in the world. His jaw clenched, his grip tightening around her.

“Gosh… I can’t wait anymore.” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. He pressed his forehead against hers briefly, inhaling her scent. “Every second away from you is hell.”

Her phone slipped from her fingers, clattering onto the floor, but he paid it no mind. His only focus was her.

Without hesitation, he carried her up the stairs, his strides slow and measured.

The house was silent except for the sound of his steady footsteps and the soft rhythm of her breathing.

When he reached his bedroom, he nudged the door open with his foot and stepped inside.

The room was dimly lit, the cool air brushing against their skin as he approached the massive bed.

Gently, he lowered her onto the mattress, taking care not to disturb her peaceful state.

Arjun knelt beside the bed, his gaze fixed on her face.

Even in unconsciousness, she looked ethereal—her delicate features illuminated by the faint moonlight streaming through the window.

His fingers brushed over a stray lock of hair that had fallen across her cheek, tucking it behind her ear. A deep sigh left his lips as he let his fingertips linger against her skin.

“I love you so much, Meera.” he whispered, his voice raw with intensity. “So much that the space between us feels like a knife to my chest.” His hand drifted down, tracing a featherlight touch along the curve of her jaw.

“You need to be close to me.” His voice dropped lower, filled with a quiet desperation. “So I can protect you… so no one can ever take you away.”

His eyes flickered down to her lips, temptation stirring deep within him.

Leaning in, he pressed a lingering kiss to her cheek.

His lips hovered just inches away from hers, and for a moment, he hesitated—torn between restraint and the overwhelming need clawing at him.

Then, slowly, he closed the distance.

The kiss was soft, fleeting—almost hesitant, as if he was savoring the moment. But the fire inside him burned too strong.

With a sharp inhale, he pulled away, exhaling shakily. His fingers curled into fists as he forced himself to step back.

Straightening, he cast one last glance at her sleeping form before his expression hardened.

“Let’s see who dares to take you from me now.” he muttered, his voice laced with dark determination.

With that, he turned and strode out of the room, his mind already set on what needed to be done.

♧♧♧

Guyss!!!!!!!! Votes please🥲🥲🥲 100 maybe? 🥲 and please comment 🙏