chapter 66

YOU ARE THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART!GChapter 66 :Startled, Nandu froze for a second, then softened. Holding her hands, he turned and pulled her into a full embrace, burying his face in the crook of her neck.“Aadu… I let you down by letting that…”, he stopped, trying to control the bitterness,“...let that woman touch me. I didn’t expect it, I swear. Please believe me. I’d never even think of another woman when I have someone so precious, so irreplaceable like you in my life”.His voice trembled slightly as he held her tighter.Gently pushing his shoulders, Aadhya looked into his eyes, her gaze filled with warmth and sincerity.“Krish! I have complete faith in you. I know you wouldn’t have let her touch you if you had even the slightest idea of her intentions. My love for you isn’t so weak that it could be shaken by some meaningless actions”, she said calmly.Placing her palm on his cheek, she continued,“It’s just… I couldn’t bear to see another woman touch you. It felt like my heart was exploding—like I was losing you. That fear… it was worse than death”.“Aadu…”, Nandu whispered, cupping her face. “Don’t ever say that. You are the breath of my life. Without you, my heart wouldn’t beat. You’re the rhythm that keeps me alive. I’m sorry for making you feel insecure. But believe me—no one, no other woman, could ever capture my attention… not even in my most vulnerable state. Okay?”.Hearing his heartfelt words, Aadhya's eyes welled up with tears of contentment. Looking deeply into his eyes, she whispered,“These few hours felt like a few lifetimes. I know how deeply my heart ached for you. I had doubts if we could ever talk again like we used to. Only I know how much pain I endured while pretending to be indifferent to you”.Nandu cupped her cheeks tenderly, placing a kiss on each of her eyes as he whispered with heartfelt sincerity,“Aadu… I’m truly sorry for hurting you, even if it was unintentional. I promise to keep my distance from any woman who tries to get close to me. I’ll never give you a reason to feel insecure again. But remember one thing—wherever I go, whatever I do, the only person who holds my heart is you. And only you have the right to claim every part of me. Okay?”.Seeing the truth in his eyes, Aadhya nodded, her own eyes shining with unshed tears and her lips stretching into a wide smile. Without another word, Nandu pulled her into a passionate kiss. As their lips moved in sync, the rest of the world faded. Caught up in each other, they didn’t even realize when Nandu gently lifted her, her legs wrapping around him instinctively, and carried her toward the bedroom.That night, they poured out all their love, all their longing, and wiped away the pain of the hours they had spent apart—losing themselves in each other until they were too exhausted to move.At last, the day of the competition arrived. Everyone was getting ready in their allotted rooms, buzzing with anticipation. But Aadhya felt anxious—Laila hadn’t arrived yet, and Nandu, who had gone to meet a few fellow businessmen, hadn’t returned either.Feeling the weight of her nerves closing in on her like the walls were collapsing, she turned to Akhil and said,“I’ll just step out for some fresh air”.As she walked through the quiet, secluded outer corridor, away from the commotion, she suddenly heard a familiar voice. Her steps halted. Her body froze.“Laila!”, Krish’s voice rang through the space.-  *KRISH*