Chapter 7: Boundaries Blurred

Ananya

The morning sunlight filtered through my bedroom curtains, but it didn't bring the usual sense of calm. My mind was still tangled in the events of yesterday—the way Aarav had appeared at my college, his infuriating protectiveness, and, most of all, the unexpected call last night.

I couldn't forget the way his voice sounded—low and rough, with an edge of concern that seemed so at odds with the strict businessman everyone knew him to be.

I shook my head, trying to push the thoughts away as I got ready for the day. Priya would tease me mercilessly if I showed up distracted.

When I reached college, Priya was already waiting at the campus gate, a sly smile on her face.

"What's with that look?" I asked warily.

She raised an eyebrow. "Oh, nothing. Just wondering if a certain someone called you last night."

I stopped in my tracks. "How do you know about that?"

Her grin widened. "You just confirmed it."

"Priya!" I groaned, covering my face with my hands.

"Oh, come on, Ananya! It's not every day that the big, bad Aarav Malhotra calls someone to check on them. That's... well, honestly, it's kind of romantic."

"It's not romantic," I muttered. "He's just... overprotective."

"Sure," Priya said, dragging out the word.

I ignored her teasing as we walked to class, but her words stayed with me. Was there something romantic about Aarav's actions? Or was I just overthinking everything?

Later that evening

After a long day at college, I decided to take a slower route home, walking instead of catching an auto. The cool breeze felt refreshing against my face, and I thought maybe I could clear my head.

That was until Aarav's black SUV pulled up beside me.

"Get in," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I sighed but obeyed, sliding into the passenger seat. "Do you always have to show up unannounced?"

"Yes," he said simply, starting the car.

I rolled my eyes. "You're impossible."

He didn't respond, his focus on the road. I couldn't help but steal glances at him. Aarav Malhotra, with his sharp jawline, dark stubble, and deep-set eyes, looked every bit the commanding businessman the world knew him to be. But there was something softer in the way his hand rested on the steering wheel, his other hand drumming lightly on the gear.

The car suddenly slowed, and I looked up to see a small roadside ice cream stall.

"You want one?" he asked, surprising me.

I blinked at him. "Ice cream?"

He nodded, already stepping out of the car. Before I could protest, he was at the stall, handing over money and coming back with a cone.

"Here," he said, holding it out to me as he got back into the car.

I took it hesitantly, the cool sweetness a welcome distraction. "You didn't get one for yourself?"

"No," he replied, eyes on the road as he started driving again.

I frowned. "Why not?"

"I don't like sweets," he said casually.

"Everyone likes ice cream," I argued, taking another lick.

"Not me," he said, smirking slightly.

I shook my head, muttering, "You're unbelievable."

A few moments later, I felt a cold drip on my hand and realized the ice cream was starting to melt. I tried to catch it before it made a mess, but Aarav reached over, his fingers brushing mine as he tilted the cone back.

Before I could react, he leaned closer, his tongue catching the drip at the edge of my hand. My breath caught, heat rushing to my cheeks.

"Careful," he murmured, his voice low and smooth.

I stared at him, wide-eyed. "You—"

"What?" he asked, his expression unreadable.

"You just... never mind," I muttered, looking out the window to hide my embarrassment.

The car was silent for a while, the only sound the faint hum of the engine. I stole a glance at Aarav, his face calm and composed as if what just happened was completely normal.

But my heart was still racing, and I had no idea why.

Aarav

Watching her enjoy the ice cream, her lips occasionally brushing against the cone, was both distracting and endearing. She had no idea how captivating she was, how her every little action seemed to hold my attention.

When the ice cream dripped, I acted on instinct, leaning over to catch it. Her stunned reaction only amused me further.

As we drove in silence, I couldn't help but glance at her every now and then. Ananya, with her sparkling eyes and soft, delicate features, was so different from anyone I'd ever known. She was a whirlwind of innocence and warmth, completely unaware of the effect she had on people—on me.

And that made her all the more dangerous.

By the time I dropped her off, she seemed flustered, barely meeting my eyes as she mumbled a quick "thank you" and hurried inside.

I leaned back in the driver's seat, exhaling slowly.

She was slipping past my defenses, and I wasn't sure I could stop her.