The late afternoon sun was casting a golden glow across the college campus as students streamed out of the gate, chatting and laughing in groups. Shiv sat in his car, parked at the side of the road, waiting for Poorva to come out. He hadnât told her he would be there, but heâd had a feelingâone of those protective instincts he couldnât ignore.
His eyes narrowed as he spotted her in the crowd. Poorva was walking out with a girl and a boy beside her. The boy, a little too close for Shivâs liking, laughed at something Poorva said and casually touched her arms as he leaned towards her closer than Poorva's comfort. Shivâs jaw clenched.
Without thinking, he got out of the car and strode toward them. His eyes were focused on the boy, who was now leaning in a little closer to Poorva, something possessive and territorial flaring up in his chest.
His jaw clenched, fists tightening at his sides. Jealousy surged within him, and before he knew it, he was striding toward them, his gaze fixed on the boy. Poorva looked up just in time to see Shiv approaching. Her eyes widened in surprise.
Shiv? Poorva whispers.
Without a word, Shiv stepped between Poorva and the boy, his arm instinctively reaching out to wrap protectively around her shoulders, creating a physical barrier between her and the stranger and he pulled her a bit close, the message for clear - she was his.
Whoâs this guy? The boy asked, his voice laced with annoyance as he stepped back, clearly not liking the intrusion.
Poorva opened her mouth to speak, but Shiv interrupted her.
I am Poorva's boyfriend. Shiv said
The words hung in the air, heavy and deliberate. Poorva blinked, momentarily stunned, while the boyâs expression hardened.
I didnât know Poorva had a boyfriend. She never mentioned you. the boy, Rohan, said, his tone growing colder as he glanced between Poorva and Shiv.
Iâm sure she didnât think it was important to bring me up every time. But now you know. Shiv replied smoothly, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Poorva shot Shiv a sharp look, her lips pressed into a thin line, but before she could say anything, the girl next to her stepped forward, breaking the tension with a warm smile.
Shiv, right? Iâm Sofia. We met at the reunion party. Sofia said and extended her hand, clearly trying to diffuse the situation.
Shivâs tense posture relaxed slightly as he shook her hand.
Yeah, I remember. Nice to see you again, Sofia. Shiv said
And this, is my brother, Rohan. We were just catching up with Poorva. Sofia gestured towards Rohan.
Shivâs eyes flicked toward Rohan, who was watching him closely, clearly uncomfortable. The protective arm around Poorva didnât go unnoticed. Shivâs grip loosened slightly, but his stance remained possessive.
Nice to meet you, Rohan. Hope everythingâs going well. Shiv said, his tone polite but edged with challenge.
Rohan crossed his arms, his jaw tightening.
It was.... Untill now. Rohan said
Shiv raised an eyebrow.
I see. I hope Iâm not causing any inconvenience. Shiv said
You kind of are. I donât appreciate strangers getting too close to people I care about. Rohan replied bluntly, his irritation evident.
Funny. I could say the same thing. Shiv said, his eyes darkened, his voice lowering.
Poorva stepped forward, placing her hand lightly on Shivâs arm, trying to ease the tension before it escalated further.
Shiv, calm down. Rohan is Sofiaâs brother, and theyâre just friends of mine. You donât need to⦠you know⦠get all territorial. Poorva said
Shivâs gaze softened slightly when he looked at her, but his jaw was still set in that protective way she had come to recognize.
Iâm not being territorial. Just making sure everythingâs good. Shiv said
Sofia, sensing the rising tension, quickly stepped in again, her voice upbeat.
Anyway, we were just talking about going to the Rajasthani fair thatâs happening in the city. Poorva was really excited about it. You should join us, Shiv. Itâll be fun. Sofia said
Shiv hesitated, his eyes flicking back to Rohan, who was staring daggers at him. But then he looked down at Poorva, who seemed a bit flustered by everything. His protective instincts kicked in again, and he gave a slow nod.
Yeah, sounds like a good plan. Iâll join. Shiv said
Poorvaâs eyes widened slightly, and she looked up at Shiv in surprise.
Aren't you busy? You don't have toâ Poorva said but Shiv interrupted
I want to. I wouldn't want to miss the chance to spend more time with my girlfriend. Shiv said while he looked directly at Rohan.
Rohanâs eyes narrowed, but Sofia quickly changed the subject, trying to keep things light.
Great! The more, the merrier. Shiv, Iâm sure youâll enjoy it. Sofia said
As they began walking toward Shivâs car, Poorva fell into step beside Shiv, leaning in slightly to whisper.
Did you really have to do that? Introduce yourself as my boyfriend like that? Poorva asked
Shiv glanced down at her, his expression softening.
So should I let that guy think he could get as close to you as he wanted? Shiv asked
Poorva rolled her eyes, though there was a hint of a smile on her lips.
Heâs just Sofiaâs brother, Shiv. You didnât need to act like some jealous boyfriend. Poorva said
I wasn't acting. Also, you never know when you might need me to step in again. Shiv said
Poorva rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the smile tugging at her lips.
You're impossible. Poorva said
And you're adorable when you're flustered. Shiv teased
Shiv leaned against the car door, his gaze fixed on her.
By the way, I wasn't joking back there. I'm not letting anyone get too close to you. Shiv said
Poorva's smile faltered slightly as she looked at him, the seriousness in his tone catching her off guard.
Shiv's hand brushing against hers briefly as they walked. For a moment, their fingers touched, and a spark passed between them. Poorva's heart was beating a little faster but she didn't pull her hand back as she liked it and Shiv knew this.
As they drove off toward the fair, Poorva glanced sideways at Shiv, her mind racing. She had never seen him this possessive before, and while part of her wanted to be annoyed, another part couldnât ignore the warmth blooming in her chest. Shivâs protectiveness, his jealousyâit all pointed to one thing, something she had been avoiding thinking about.
The bustling sounds of the Rajasthani fair filled the evening airâchildrenâs laughter, the melodies of traditional folk music, and the chatter of vendors offering colorful wares. Shiv, Poorva, Sofia, and Rohan walked side by side through the lively market, but there was a tension simmering beneath the surface. Shiv kept close to Poorva, his protective instinct kicking in every time another man even glanced her way. Rohan, on the other hand, was clearly not enjoying the sight of Shivâs possessiveness over Poorva.
Wow, this place is amazing....Poorva, look at these bangles! Sofia said, her eyes wide as she took in the vibrant stalls.
Poorva smiled, nodding.
Yeah, theyâre beautiful. Poorva said
As they stopped by the bangle stall, the shopkeeper eagerly showed them a glittering array of brightly colored bangles. Poorva picked out a delicate set of gold ones, holding them up to her wrist to check how theyâd look.
You want to try them on? the shopkeeper asked, his hands reaching out to help.
Before Poorva could answer, Shiv smoothly stepped in, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly as he reached for the bangles.
Iâll do that. Shiv said calmly, taking the set from the shopkeeper.
Poorva blinked in surprise, looking up at Shiv.
You donât have toâ Poorva said but Shiv again interrupts
I know. Shiv said quietly, meeting her gaze for a brief moment before taking her hand gently in his. His fingers were firm yet tender as he slid the bangles onto her wrist, one by one, ensuring they fit perfectly.
The touch was brief, but it sent a shiver down Poorvaâs spine. She could feel Rohanâs eyes on them, but her attention was fully on Shivâthe way his brow furrowed slightly in concentration, the softness in his touch. He wasnât just doing this out of possessiveness; there was a kind of unspoken care in his actions that made her heart skip a beat.
When he was done, Shiv held her wrist up for her to admire the bangles.
They look good on you. Shiv said softly, his voice low enough that only she could hear.
Poorva swallowed, her heart racing. Thanks. Poorva mumbled, not trusting herself to say more and Shiv paid the shopkeeper.
Sofia, who had been watching the scene with a wide smile, clapped her hands together.
You two are just too cute! Shiv, youâre such a gentleman. Sofia said
Rohan, standing a few feet away with his arms crossed, scowled slightly.
Yeah, a bit too much. Rohan muttered under his breath, just loud enough for Shiv to hear.
Shiv glanced at Rohan, his expression calm but with a glint of challenge in his eyes.
Itâs called taking care of someone you care about. You should try it sometime. Shiv said, his tone even.
Rohanâs scowl deepened, but before the tension could escalate, Sofia grabbed Poorvaâs hand, pulling her toward another stall.
Come on, letâs check out the jootis! Youâve got to get a pair to match those bangles. Sofia said
Poorva laughed, grateful for the distraction, and followed Sofia. Shiv and Rohan trailed behind, Shivâs eyes never leaving Poorva for more than a second. When they reached the jooti stall, Poorva immediately spotted a pair of traditional Rajasthani shoes that caught her eyeâ golden with intricate light peach embroidery.
These are gorgeous. Poorva said, holding up the pair with admiration.
Sofia meanwhile tried a yellow jooti which she loved.
You should try them on. Sofia encouraged, giving her a playful nudge.
Poorva hesitated, glancing at her jooti.
Iâm not sure theyâll fitâ Poorva said but before she could finish, Shiv stepped forward once again. Without a word, he took the jootis from her hand and knelt down in front of her, his movements fluid and natural. Poorvaâs breath caught as she watched him, completely thrown by what he was doing.
What are youâ Poorva began, but Shiv was already undoing the straps of her sandals, his fingers deftly removing them from her feet.
Iâm making sure they fit. Shiv said, his voice calm and steady, as if this were the most normal thing in the world.
He gently lifted one of her feet, slipping the jooti onto it with care, then did the same with the other. His touch was careful, his gaze focused entirely on her, and Poorva couldnât help but feel her heart swell. There was something about this momentâthe way he was kneeling before her, taking care of the smallest detailâthat made her feel cherished in a way she hadnât expected.
Sofia grinned, nudging Poorva again.
Youâre so lucky, girl. Shivâs such a keeper. Look at how heâs treating you. Most guys wouldnât even think about doing something like this. Sofia said
Poorvaâs cheeks flushed, and she glanced down at Shiv, who was still adjusting the jootis on her feet.
Heâs⦠heâs just being nice. Poorva said quietly, though she couldnât deny how much her heart was fluttering.
Shiv looked up at her then, his expression unreadable.
Itâs not about being nice, Poorva. Itâs about making sure youâre taken care of. Shiv said, his voice low but firm.
Poorva felt a lump rise in her throat at his words, her emotions swirling in confusion. She had never expected Shiv to be so⦠attentive. And the way he was looking at her now, with those deep, intense eyesâit was making her feel things she wasnât ready to admit.
Rohan, who had been watching the entire scene with a clenched jaw, couldnât take it anymore.
You know, Poorva doesnât need you hovering over her all the time. She can take care of herself. Rohan said, his voice was sharp.
Shiv slowly rose to his feet, turning to face Rohan. His expression was calm, but there was an underlying tension in his posture.
I know she can. But Iâm here because I want to take care of her. Shiv replied coolly.
Is that what you think? That she needs someone like you to protect her? Rohan asked
Shiv took a step closer to Rohan.
I donât think she needs anyone. But she has me. And thatâs not going to change. Shiv said
Poorva, sensing the tension rising again, quickly stepped in.
Guys, come on. This is supposed to be a fun night. Letâs not make a scene. Poorva said
Shiv shot one last glance at Rohan before stepping back, his hand finding its way to the small of Poorvaâs back as they began walking again. Poorva felt a wave of warmth at his touch, and despite herself, she didnât pull away.
As they wandered through the fair, Shiv continued to do small, thoughtful thingsâhe bought her a glass of sugarcane juice when she looked thirsty, shielded her from a group of rowdy fairgoers, and even won her a small stuffed elephant at one of the game stalls. Each action, though subtle, left a deeper impression on Poorva.
Sofia, clearly enjoying every moment, leaned in close to Poorva as they walked.
You know, Poorva, Iâve never seen a guy so attentive. Heâs crazy about you, isnât he? Sofia said
Poorva bit her lip, glancing at Shiv out of the corner of her eye.
Heâs⦠heâs just protective. Poorva said
Protective? Honey, heâs head over heels. Donât tell me you donât feel it too. Sofia said
Poorva didnât answer. She didnât know how to. But she knew that Shiv was starting to mean more to her than she wanted to admit.
The fair was alive with the sound of laughter, the smell of spicy street food, and the vibrant colors of traditional Rajasthani stalls. Poorva, Sofia, and Rohan were standing near a booth, admiring a set of beautiful handcrafted jewelry while Shiv momentarily checked his phone for business updates. As Shiv's attention was diverted, Rohan saw an opportunity and slowly leaned closer to Poorva, his hand casually landing on her shoulder.
Rohan smirked, casting a glance toward Shiv, who was still preoccupied.
You know Poorva, you should be with someone, who has time for you. Not someone who is always distracted by business. Rohan said
Poorva froze at his touch, a flicker of discomfort crossing her face.
She turned slightly to move away but Rohan's grip tightened. Before she could say anything, she heard a cold, familiar voice behind her.
GET. YOUR. HANDS. OF HER. NOW!! Shiv said, his voice menacing, each word drenched in fury that made Rohan immediately pull back.
Can you stop being dominant all the time? You don't own her. Rohan said
Poorva turned to find Shiv's eyes darkened, rage simmering just beneath the surface.
Without a second thought, Shiv grabbed Poorva by the waist, pulling her close to him. His lips crashed onto hers in a fierce, possessive kiss, shocking Poorva and everyone around them.
Poorva's eyes widened at the suddenness of it all, her heart racing as she felt the heat of Shiv's lips against hers. For a moment, she resisted, but something inside her melted under his touch. Her hands instinctively reached up to grip his shirt as she gave in, kissing him back with a mixture of shock and raw emotion.
The world around them seemed to blur, and for a few heart-pounding seconds, it was just the two of them-locked in a moment neither had anticipated.
When Shiv finally pulled away, his chest heaving, his gaze was still locked on Rohan, who stood there in stunned silence.
Shiv.... Poorva whispered
SHE IS MINE..... And no one dares to touch what's mine. Shiv said in a dangerous voice.
Rohan's face flushed with embarrassment, his cocky demeanor gone in an instant.
I.... didn't mean.... Rohan said
Shiv's jaw tightened.
You think this is some kind of game? Trying to show off in front of me? Let me make something very clear- Poorva isn't someone you get to mess around with. Shiv said
Rohan glanced at Poorva, who was still catching her breath from the intensity of Shiv's actions.
I wasn't â Rohan began but Shiv interrupted stepping closer to him, his voice a quiet growl.
You weren't what? You think you can play with her feelings? That you can just touch her like that? Shiv asked
Poorva, still shaken by the kiss and Shiv's fierce protectiveness, found her voice.
Shiv.... It's okay â Poorva said in a soft voice.
But Shiv cut her off, his eyes still burning with anger.
No, it's not okay. No one touches you like that, Poorva. No one. Shiv said
Poorva's heart fluttered, caught between the intensity of Shiv's words and the memory of the kiss that had left her breathless. She didn't want to argue, there was something in his eyes-something raw and real-that made her feel a strange mix of safety and desire.
Sofia stepped forward and grabbed Rohan's hand.
We are sorry guys for the trouble Rohan caused. We shall go now. I'll see in class tomorrow Poorva. Sofia said and left with Rohan.
Shiv looked back at Poorva, his expression softening for a moment as he gently cupped her face.
You're mine, and I won't let anyone cross that line. Shiv said.
********
So guys, that's all for today.
Vote, comment and share.
Maybe you guys had missed Darshil and Aarvi in this part, but this part was completely for Shiv and Poorva. From the next chapters, I'll make sure to include Darshil and Aarvi for sure.
Thankyouð¥