Chapter 37: 33. Melting hearts

Owned by YouWords: 14768

You don’t always have to act so tough, Darshil. Aarvi said looking at the wound

I’m not tough when it comes to you, Aarvi. You make me weak in ways I never thought possible. Darshil said seriously

Aarvi froze for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest. She met his gaze, and for a split second, the walls between them seemed to dissolve.

You... you really mean that? Aarvi asked

Darshil nodded, his expression sincere.

Every word. Darshil said

Aarvi looked into his eyes, their gaze met, both of them captivated by each other's eyes but then Aarvi looks back at his hand.

You need to take care of yourself. I swear, sometimes it feels like you enjoy getting hurt just so I'll fuss over you. Aarvi scolds

Darshil laughed, leaning back as she carefully cleaned the wound.

Maybe I do. It's the only time I get to see you this worried about me. Darshil said

Aarvi glared at him, but her touch was gentle as she bandaged his hand.

Just take care of yourself, okay? Aarvi said.

Darshil smiled, reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

Thank you for caring about me. Darshil said

Aarvi looked up at him, her eyes softer now, her heart lighter.

I always will, Darshil. Aarvi said, getting completely lost in his eyes.

Next morning , Poorva was on her way to college. The traffic was steady, and she was mentally preparing herself for her classes when, suddenly, her car began to sputter. A moment later, it jerked and came to a halt in the middle of the road.

Great, Just what I needed.Poorva muttered under her breath.

She tried starting the car again, but it was no use. Sighing, she stepped out of the car, adjusting her bag on her shoulder. The busy street seemed to mock her as people honked, maneuvering around her car. As she inspected the front of the vehicle, hoping it was something she could handle herself, she heard a familiar voice call out to her.

"Poorva? Is everything alright?"

She turned around to see Shiv stepping out of his car, parked just behind hers. He had been on his way to the office but now walked toward her with concern etched on his face.

Shiv! What are you doing here? Poorva asked, surprised.

I could ask you the same thing,   Looks like your car’s giving you trouble. Shiv replied, eyeing the car.

Yeah, it just stopped all of a sudden.  Poorva said, a hint of frustration in her voice.

Shiv glanced at her car briefly, then turned to his driver.

Take her car to the repair shop. I’ll drop Poorva at college. Shiv said

Before Poorva could protest, his driver was already getting into her car.

Shiv, that’s not necessary. I can call for a cab or— Poorva saud but Shiv interupted

No way. I’m not letting you stand here waiting for a cab. Get in my car. I'll take you. Shiv said

Poorva hesitated but eventually nodded, feeling a little grateful.

Alright, fine. Thanks. Poirva said

As they began walking towards his car, Shiv noticed the way Poorva was slightly limping. His sharp eyes immediately zeroed in on her ankles. Her heels were beautiful but looked painful. Sure enough, there were faint bruises where the straps had dug into her skin.

Poorva, wait. Shiv said, stopping her.

What? Poorva asked getting confused

Without responding immediately, Shiv pulled a small first-aid kit from his car. He knelt down in the middle of the street, causing her heart to skip a beat.

What are you doing? Poorva asked being surprised

He took out a hansaplast and gently reached for her ankle.

You’ve got bruises. These heels are hurting you. Shiv said

Poorva blinked, momentarily speechless.

Shiv, you don’t have to— Poorva said

I’m not asking. I don’t like seeing you hurt. Shiv said firmly, his possessiveness surfacing in his tone.

Poorva stood still as Shiv carefully applied the hansaplast to her bruised ankle, his touch so gentle that it sent a strange warmth through her. She watched him work with surprising tenderness, and for a moment, she didn’t know what to say.

There. You can’t wear these heels anymore. They’re only going to make it worse. Shiv said, finishing up. He looked up at her with a concerned expression.

I have to wear them,  I’m going to college, not a casual outing. Poorva protested lightly.

Shiv shook his head, standing up.

Not today. You’re not walking around in those heels with bruised feet. Shiv said

But— Poorva started to object, but Shiv cut her off

You can wear my shoes. He offered, already bending down to remove his shoes.

Poorva laughed at the absurdity.

Shiv, I can’t wear your shoes. I’ll look ridiculous. Poorva said

I don’t care what you look like, Poorva. I care that you're comfortable. But if you’re not okay with my shoes, then I have a better idea. Shiv said, his eyes flashing with a mix of concern and possessiveness.

Before she could argue, Shiv gestured to his driver.

We’re going to the nearest shoe store. Shiv said

What?  No, Shiv, I can’t be late for my class—Poorva asked, her eyes widening.

Class can wait. This is more important. His voice was firm but gentle, and despite her protests, he was already opening the car door for her.

Reluctantly, Poorva got into the car, her heart still fluttering from his unexpected gesture. Shiv drove them to a nearby showroom, and once inside, he wasted no time.

He walked over to the racks of sandals and began picking up different pairs, checking the soles and the material with utmost seriousness. Poorva watched, both amused and touched by his determination.

Finally, he found a soft, comfortable pair of sandals and turned to her.

These should be good. Sit down. Shiv said

She did as he asked, still feeling slightly embarrassed as he knelt down once again to put the sandals on her feet. His fingers brushed her ankle as he slid them on, and she felt her face heat up. Shiv checked the fit, ensuring it wouldn’t cause her any more discomfort.

There..... Shiv said, standing up and smiling. Perfect., he said

Poorva looked down at her feet, feeling a mix of emotions.

You didn’t have to do all of this, Shiv. Poorva said quietly, though her heart was melting at the thoughtfulness of it all.

Shiv’s eyes softened as he looked at her.

I wanted to, Poorva. You deserve to be taken care of. And I’ll always be here to do that, whether you like it or not. Shiv said

The intensity of his words hung in the air between them. Poorva looked away, feeling the weight of his gaze on her. She didn’t know how to respond to the emotion in his voice, so instead, she gave him a small smile.

Thank you. Poorva said softly, her heart swelling just a little at his gesture.

Let’s get you to college now. Shiv said with a satisfied smile.

As they left the showroom and headed towards his car, Poorva couldn't help but feel a shift in her feelings towards Shiv. His possessiveness, once intimidating, now felt like a form of protection.

The soft golden light of the morning filtered through the curtains as Aarvi stepped out of the changing room, adjusting the pleats of her saree. She had chosen a deep red saree today, something that accentuated her graceful figure and complemented her complexion. As she secured the pallu over her shoulder, her eyes wandered around the room, only to land on Darshil, who was standing shirtless in front of the mirror.

Her heart skipped a beat.

There he was, his damp hair tousled from the shower as he rubbed it dry with a towel. The muscles in his broad shoulders and arms flexed with each movement, his chest bare, revealing the tattoo that etched her nick name over his heart. The sharp lines of his abs led down in perfect definition. Her nick name... right there on his skin, on his heart. Aarvi felt her throat go dry, her palms sweating as her eyes wandered over his physique.

Oh my god.....he is..... How can someone look like this? Aarvi thinks

She swallowed hard, but the dryness in her throat only made it worse.

What the hell is happening to me....I just want him.... Darshil!!! Aarvi thinks

She was too mesmerized to even realize she was gawking. The heat rising in her chest was unfamiliar, and she unconsciously bit her lip. But then Darshil's eyes met hers in the mirror. He had caught her staring, and the moment their gazes locked, a mischievous smirk curled on his lips.

As if sensing her gaze, Darshil turned toward her, his lips curling into a slow, devilish smirk.

Enjoying the view Hazel? I can see you're struggling to look away. Darshil said

His voice was low, teasing, full of a sensual confidence that made her stomach flip. Aarvi's eyes widened, snapping out of her trance. Flustered, she immediately looked away, trying to busy herself with adjusting her saree, but it was too late. Darshil had already made his decision to tease her further.

He tossed the towel aside, his movements slow and deliberate, then turned to face her fully. Aarvi could feel his eyes on her, even though she was avoiding looking at him. The air in the room grew heavy as Darshil took a step toward her.

What's the matter Hazel? You look nervous..... Darshil said playfully.

Her breath hitched as he began walking toward her, his bare feet soundless against the floor. Aarvi instinctively stepped back, her heart pounding in her chest. The distance between them closed with each step he took forward, and each step she took back. She could feel her pulse racing, and the closer he came, the more her body reacted.

D-Darshil... what are you doing? Aarvi said softly

But her voice was shaky, and she knew it was no use. Darshil was enjoying her flustered state too much. He didn't answer her question; instead, he continued walking forward until her back hit the cool surface of the wall.

Trapped.

Darshil placed both his hands on the wall on either side of her, caging her in, his body dangerously close to hers, his tall figure towering over her. Aarvi's breath hitched. She could feel the heat of his body, and her palms instinctively pressed against his chest, trying to create some distance, but it was futile.

He leaned in, his lips brushing dangerously close to her ear.

He let his fingers lightly brush her bare waist where her saree didn't cover, sending a jolt of electricity through her skin. Aarvi gasped at the touch, her hands instinctively gripping her saree tighter. But Darshil wasn't done yet.

Aise na mujhe tum dekho, seene se laga lunga.... Tumko mai chura lunga tumse, dil me chupa lunga..... Darshil sings in her ears, his breath warm and gentle, tickled her ear as he sang softly, making her shiver. Her fingers, traced his chest as she closed her eyes, leaving faint red marks from her nails as they dragged lightly over his skin.

As his hand tightened around her waist, Aarvi felt her knees weaken. She could feel the heat radiating from his body, his chest brushing hers ever so slightly as he leaned in closer. The world around them seemed to fade, and all she could hear was the sound of his voice and her own heartbeat, which was thundering in her ears.

Their gaze net, both if them again getting lost in each other's eyes.

Darshil's gaze softens slightly as he stares into her enchanting hazel eyes.

Such beautiful eyes. Eyes that could bring a man to his knees. But remember, they belong to me now. Darshil said in a very low voice.

He raised her hands above her head, pinning them to the wall with one of his strong hands while the other slowly caressed her waist. Aarvi's heart raced, her mind reeling from the closeness. She could hardly think, her senses overtaken by the smell of him-fresh from the shower, warm, and intoxicating.

Darshil..... Aarvi whispers.

Yes.... Say it before I silence you with a kiss. Darshil said

But she wasn't convincing, not even to herself. Her body betrayed her, leaning into his touch as her breathing quickened. Darshil leaned in even closer, his lips just inches from her neck. He pressed his nose to the crook of her neck and inhaled deeply, sending chills down her spine.

Aarvi's breath caught again. She could feel his lips grazing her skin, not quite touching, but close enough to make her heart flutter uncontrollably. Darshil inhaled deeply, taking in her scent, and whispered against her neck.

You smell like heaven, so addictive..... Darshil whispered in her ears.

Aarvi's entire body reacted to his words, and she felt a heat rising in her that she had never experienced before. She closed her eyes, trying to hold back the overwhelming rush of emotions that were surging through her. But when Darshil tilted her chin up with his free hand, bringing her face closer to his, she couldn't stop herself anymore.

Darshil nose touches her cheeks softly and he traces it to touch her nose softly, his lips almost touching hers, Aarvi's eyes still closed.

The next moment happened so fast that neither of them realized it until it was over. Darshil's lips brushed against hers, tentative at first, as if testing her but Aarvi didn't pull away.

Instead, she leaned in, her lips parting slightly in response to his. That was all the encouragement Darshil needed.

The kiss deepened, their lips moving together in perfect rhythm. It was passionate, hungry, and full of a desire that had been building between them for so long.Aarvi's hands still pinned above her head twitched as she fought the urge to wrap them around his neck. Darshil's grip on her wrists tightened as he pressed her harder against the wall, his body flush against hers.

Aarvi felt like she was floating, her heart racing in her chest as the intensity of the kiss consumed her. Every inch of her body felt alive, burning with a fire she had never known existed. She couldn't think, couldn't breathe, couldn't do anything but kiss him back with the same intensity, the same passion.

When Darshil finally pulled back, both of them were breathless. Aarvi's face was flushed, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. She looked up at him, wide-eyed and dazed, her lips tingling from the kiss.

You're mine Hazel..... You belong to me. Darshil said

His words sent a jolt through her, and suddenly, the reality of what had just happened hit her like a tidal wave. She blushed furiously, her eyes darting away from his as she tried to compose herself.

Without another word, she pushed him back slightly and darted toward the door, her heart still racing. Darshil chuckled softly, watching her flee, his eyes filled with a mix of amusement and desire.

Run all you want, Aarvi... you'll always be mine. Darshil said and laughed softly as he watched her walk out of the room.

Aarvi didn't stop until she was halfway down the hallway, her hands trembling as she touched her lips, still feeling the heat of his.

*********

So guys, that's all for today.

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As English is not my first language so there can be some grammatical mistakes, I just request to please ignore it.

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