Chapter 10

"How long are you going to torment me like this? Please, please, just open up. I beg you," he pleaded, pressing his forehead against hers. Lakshmi's eyes welled up with tears as she looked at him, her heart aching at the sight of him in such distress. Slowly, she lifted her head and met his gaze, nodding gently.

Vikram watched her in disbelief, a small smile tugging at his lips, though he couldn't quite believe it. He wanted to hear the words from her mouth. "What?" he asked, his voice filled with shock.

"Yes," she replied, her face lowered in embarrassment.

Vikram bent down to her level, trying to catch her eye. "Yes, what?" he asked softly.

Unable to meet his gaze, Lakshmi tried to pull away, but Vikram wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. "Tell me, or you'll never leave this room," he said, his tone both serious and pleading.

Lakshmi gasped at his sudden action, her heart racing. She knew he wouldn't let her go unless she said it out loud. Summoning her courage, she whispered, "I... I... I too love you," and closed her eyes, too embarrassed to look at him.

Vikram's heart swelled at her confession. A smile spread across his face as he pulled her into a tight hug. "Thank you, Lakshmi. Thank you so much. I promise I will make you happy forever and never make you regret loving me. I'll carry you in the palm of my hands."

Lakshmi felt a rush of happiness, but fear crept into her heart as she thought about his family. She slowly pulled away from him, her face unreadable.

Vikram, sensing her unease, gently cupped her face. "Look, Lakshmi, don't worry about anything. I'm here for you. I don't care about anyone but you. I'm even ready to leave my family for you. So, please, let go of your worries and let's live our life."

She met his gaze, her heart torn. After a long pause, she nodded. "Okay. Now, eat your food. I'll come back later to collect the plates," she said, stepping back and trying to leave.

Vikram grabbed her hand, pulling her gently back. "So soon? We just became lovers, and you're leaving me already? Please stay, at least until I finish eating."

Seeing him like this, Lakshmi felt torn. She wanted to stay, but the reality of their situation set in. It had already been a while since she entered his room, and someone might notice. She didn't want to cause trouble. "No," she said softly, "It's already been a few minutes. What if someone notices? I don't want any trouble. Please, let me go."

Vikram understood her hesitation and sighed, releasing her hand. "I understand," he said quietly.

With a final glance, Lakshmi left the room. Vikram lay down on his bed, a huge grin on his face as happiness filled his heart. He quickly grabbed his phone and dialed Adharv's number to share the news about his newfound love.

—----------------------

That night, Vikram tossed and turned, unable to sleep. He longed to see her, to spend just a little more time with her. Unable to resist, he quietly got out of his room and made his way to Lakshmi's. On the other side, Lakshmi wasn't faring much better. She, too, missed Vikram. With a sigh, she turned onto her back, staring up at the ceiling. Just as she closed her eyes, she heard a knock on the door. She instantly knew who it was. Her heart raced with excitement as she rushed to open it.

When she opened the door, a smile spread across her face. Vikram, equally happy and mesmerized by her smile, stood there, his heart swelling. This was what he had longed for—her smile, directed at him. He stepped into her room, gently closing the door behind him. Lakshmi took a step back, still smiling shyly.

"Why are you here at this hour? What if someone sees you?" she asked, her voice a mixture of concern and curiosity.

"I just wanted to see you... to spend some time with you," Vikram replied, extending his hand toward her.

Lakshmi hesitated for a moment but then placed her hand in his. He led her to the bed and gently made her sit, settling beside her. He studied her closely, his gaze full of admiration. She, however, lowered her head, unable to handle the intensity of his stare.

Gently, Vikram cupped her chin and lifted her face to meet his gaze. They locked eyes, both lost in the moment. After a pause, Vikram softly asked, "Tell me about you."

"There's nothing much to tell," she said, her gaze shifting to the photo of her parents on the wall.

Vikram followed her gaze and smiled playfully. "So, these are my in-laws, the ones who created this beautiful creature?" he teased, hoping to lighten the mood.

Lakshmi couldn't help but giggle, the tension easing between them. The two of them began sharing childhood stories, laughing and consoling each other as they listened to one another's memories. Time seemed to slip away as they enjoyed the simple joy of being together.

Suddenly, Lakshmi's eyes flicked to the clock. It was 1:30 AM. Panic set in as she realized how late it had gotten. She quickly grew anxious. "Hmm... it's enough. Shouldn't you leave now? It's already late," she said, her voice tinged with hesitation.

Vikram, who had been so absorbed in their conversation, gave her a frustrated look. He didn't want to leave, not yet. But Lakshmi, with a gentle but firm insistence, urged him toward the door.

"Please, You should go," she said softly.

With a reluctant sigh, Vikram stood up and walked toward the door. Lakshmi pushed him out and quickly closed it behind him, leaning against the door with a soft smile. She couldn't quite believe what had just happened—the warmth of his presence still lingered in her room.

She lay down on her bed, replaying their conversation in her mind, a smile tugging at her lips. Slowly, her eyes closed, her heart light as she drifted off to sleep, cherishing the memories of their quiet, intimate time together.

—----------------------------

Days passed, and Vikram and Lakshmi continued to meet secretly every night in her room. Savitri noticed Lakshmi's newfound happiness and liveliness, and she was pleased to see her moving forward with her life after the loss of her parents.

However, Rekha grew frustrated with Vikram spending so much time at home. She dismissed it as a simple phase—an attraction to Lakshmi due to his age and the natural interest he might have in the opposite sex, believing that he would tire of her soon. But a nagging feeling in her heart told her that Vikram wasn't the type to act on fleeting impulses. What if his feelings for Lakshmi were real? The thought terrified her. She knew that if Vikram truly loved Lakshmi, he would not care about anyone's opinions, not even his father's. With this realization, she knew it was time to act.

—---------------------------------

Vikram sat in his office, focused on his work, when Adharv walked in and sat beside him.

"Don't you have any work? Just roaming around?" Vikram asked, his eyes fixed on his computer screen.

"No, I'm leaving. I have a movie date tonight," Adharv replied with a grin. Then, after a pause, he added, "So, have you taken Lakshmi anywhere? Like a movie, the beach, or a restaurant?"

Vikram sighed and shook his head. "No, you know her situation. She can't leave the house just like that."

He, too, longed to take Lakshmi out, to show her the city on his bike, to go on a real date. But he knew it wasn't that simple.

Adharv noticed the frustration in Vikram's eyes and smiled knowingly. "Don't worry, everything will change," he reassured him.

Vikram nodded, but there was a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "Yes, first, I need to become financially stable. Until then, I have to keep everything a secret. You know how my father is, right? So I can't be bold and take her out like that."

Adharv understood, nodding in agreement. "Alright, then. I'll leave you to it," he said, standing up.

Vikram nodded back, still lost in thought. As Adharv left, his mind wandered back to Lakshmi. He couldn't help but wonder when they would finally be able to be together without any barriers holding them back.

—-------------------

Vikram was in Lakshmi's room, the soft moonlight filling the space with a serene glow. Lakshmi lay in his arms, her head resting on his chest, as he gently played with her hair. After a few moments of silence, Vikram spoke softly, his voice full of tenderness.

"Lakshmi, can I ask you something?"

She lifted her head and looked at him, a questioning frown on her face. "What is it?" she asked.

Vikram hesitated for a moment, his eyes hopeful. "Shall we go for a movie tomorrow?" he asked, his voice tinged with hope, waiting for her response.

"A movie? No. How can I come?" she responded, her tone filled with surprise.

Vikram smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'll make sure no one notices," he said.

She shook her head, anxiety creeping into her voice. "No, I can't. What if someone finds out I'm not here for so long?" Fear was evident in her eyes as she looked at him.

Vikram understood her worry and gently stroked her hair. "Okay, not a movie," he said. "But at least come for a ride with me, just for a few minutes. I promise no one will find out."

She hesitated, still unsure. "Why is it so important to go out? We meet every day, don't we?" she asked, trying to make sense of his request.

Vikram's expression softened, and he looked at her with a longing that she couldn't quite place. "You don't understand," he said, his voice dreamy. "It's every boy's dream to take his lover on the back of his bike and ride around the city. It's a feeling like no other. You wouldn't understand unless you feel it for yourself. It's heaven," he added, his voice filled with emotion.

Lakshmi could see how much this meant to him, and though she was still frightened, she didn't want to disappoint him. With a sigh, she finally nodded in agreement.

"Okay," she said quietly. "I'll come."

--------------------------

Hey guys!!!

so what do you think about this chapter?

Comment your thoughts.

And Enjoy reading!!!

Bi BI!!!