Chapter 17: Unspoken Rules and Rising Tension

Ananya

The day was suffocating. College had dragged on for what felt like an eternity, and by the time I was finally heading home, I felt exhausted—not physically, but emotionally. Things with Aarav had been... complicated lately. His possessiveness was growing, and I wasn't sure where I stood.

I walked out of class, still pondering what had happened earlier, when my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen—it was Rohan again, asking if I wanted to grab some coffee later. My heart did a little fluttering dance in my chest. Rohan always knew how to make me laugh, how to get me to relax. He had a way of keeping things light.

But then, I remembered Aarav's gaze this morning, that possessive stare that had made my heart race for reasons I didn't want to admit.

Aarav

Work was hectic, but my mind couldn't stay focused. Every time I glanced at the clock, it seemed to tick slower, reminding me that Ananya would be home soon. And whenever she was around, everything else seemed secondary. My thoughts circled back to her, to the way she looked at me—confused, hesitant, yet always drawn to me.

As the clock struck five, I couldn't sit still any longer. I made a mental note to check on the things I had to do, but for now, my attention was firmly on Ananya. I wanted to know how her day had gone, to check on her, to make sure no one had tried to get too close to her.

I left the office early, ignoring the persistent calls from clients. No one mattered more than her at this moment.

Ananya

I arrived home, only to find Aarav already there, waiting for me. His eyes caught mine instantly, that dark intensity always lurking beneath the surface. But today, something felt different—his jaw was tight, his expression more focused.

"You're home late," he muttered, his voice low and unyielding. I didn't miss the way his gaze flickered to the phone in my hand before locking onto me again.

"I just finished up some assignments," I said, offering a smile. "What's up?"

He didn't answer right away, his gaze lingering on me. I could feel the heat of his scrutiny, the way his eyes seemed to bore into me. There was something else in the air, something unspoken.

I tried to ignore the tension creeping in and turned toward the hallway. But just as I was about to pass him, I felt his hand on my wrist, pulling me back gently but firmly.

"Where do you think you're going?" His voice had dropped to a dangerous calm.

I blinked, a small shock running through me. "I'm going to change."

"Not yet." His thumb grazed the pulse point on my wrist, and I felt a sudden warmth in my chest. His touch, though gentle, had an edge to it.

"What is it, Aarav?" I asked, exasperated. "What's going on with you today?"

He exhaled sharply, as if he was trying to calm himself. But when he spoke again, his voice had a tinge of annoyance mixed with something more primal. "What's going on with you, Ananya?"

My brow furrowed, confused. "What are you talking about?"

He took a step forward, eyes narrowing. "I saw Rohan's message on your phone earlier."

A sharp sting of irritation surged through me. "It's just a message! Why do you care?"

"I care," he said, voice suddenly low and intense, "because I'm your husband. And I don't like the way he looks at you."

I couldn't help it. My mouth opened to argue, but before I could say anything, he pulled me closer. His fingers gripped my chin, tilting my head up so our faces were inches apart. His gaze darkened, and I could feel the heat radiating from his body.

"I don't want anyone looking at you the way he does," he muttered, his lips brushing against mine. "You're mine."

I froze, the words sinking into me, sending a flood of warmth through my veins. I had never seen Aarav like this—possessive, almost desperate.

"I'm not yours to control, Aarav," I whispered, my voice shaky despite the conviction I tried to muster.

His lips pressed against mine more firmly now, silencing me. The kiss was deep, hungry. There was no softness, no tenderness in it—just raw, unbridled need. When he pulled away, my lips were swollen, and I couldn't catch my breath.

"I won't let anyone take what's mine," he growled, his breath ragged as he cupped my face in his hands.

My heart hammered in my chest. "Aarav..." I tried to speak, but my voice failed me. His hold on me was unwavering, and the intensity of the moment left me breathless.

I had barely processed what had just happened when Aarav finally pulled away, his fingers tracing my jawline gently. His expression softened slightly, but the possessiveness in his eyes remained.

"Ananya," he whispered, his voice hoarse, "I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. But I can't stand the thought of losing you."

"I'm not going anywhere, Aarav," I whispered back. "But you have to trust me."

He looked at me for a long time, his eyes searching mine, as though trying to figure me out. And for a moment, the tension between us seemed to crack just a little.

"I don't want to lose you either," he said, his voice low. "But if you want me to back off, just tell me. I won't hurt you."

I shook my head, my chest tight. "I don't want that," I said quietly. "I just... I need you to trust me more."

He didn't answer immediately, but his lips curled into a soft smile, though the possessive gleam never quite left his eyes.

"I'll work on it," he promised, brushing his lips against mine once more.