Chapter 21: CHAPTER 19

Author's POV

The soft evening light filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow across the luxurious penthouse.

Noor lay sprawled on the plush king-sized bed, her delicate frame comfortably tucked against Reyansh's side. Her head rested on his muscular bicep, her soft hair brushing against his skin, while her left leg lazily draped over his.

It was a scene of pure intimacy, yet a quiet tension lingered in the air—one that neither seemed ready to acknowledge yet.

Noor broke the silence first, her voice curious and playful. "Whose penthouse is this?"

Reyansh’s lips curled into a faint, almost reluctant smile. His grumpy demeanor had always been a stark contrast to her chaos, but in moments like this, the softness of his affection peeked through.

"Ours," he replied simply, his deep baritone sending a shiver down her spine.

A wide grin spread across Noor’s face, and without a second thought, she pressed a soft peck to his cheek.

Her lips lingered there just long enough to leave a faint warmth, and when she pulled back, she couldn’t help but chuckle as she caught the sight of his ears turning red.

"You’re blushing, Grumpy Malhotra," she teased, her voice laced with mischief.

Reyansh cleared his throat, attempting to mask his embarrassment, but his faintly pink cheeks betrayed him.

He didn’t reply, and Noor, satisfied with her victory, chuckled once more before laying her head back on his chest.

For a while, the two lay in comfortable silence, the sound of their steady breathing filling the room.

But then Noor spoke again, her tone shifting to something more serious, more probing.

"Ansh… who is Anaya?"

Her words were a quiet ripple that disrupted the peaceful stillness. Reyansh stiffened, his relaxed posture suddenly rigid. He sat up slightly, his dark eyes narrowing as he looked down at her.

"You don’t trust me?" he asked, his voice tinged with disappointment.

Noor sat up as well, her expression earnest. She placed her hand on his chest, her touch gentle.

"I trust you with all my heart," she said softly. "But I want to know about her. I want to understand how she hurt you, how she… troubled you."

Reyansh exhaled, his tense shoulders relaxing slightly. He ran a hand through his messy black hair and gave her a small, almost amused smile.

"She didn’t hurt me, Noor. She annoyed me, and that’s putting it mildly."

Noor’s eyebrows furrowed, curiosity gleaming in her dark eyes. "Tell me everything."

He leaned back against the headboard, his gaze distant as he began to recount the story. "Anaya and I were classmates. Back in college, I was the crush of half the girls in my batch." He smirked at the memory, but it quickly faded.

"But I wasn’t interested in any of them. My focus was on building my future, on making something of myself. I had no time for distractions."

Noor listened intently, her fingers absentmindedly tracing circles on his arm.

"Anaya was persistent," Reyansh continued. "I rejected her countless times, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer. She was… manipulative, always finding ways to corner me or make things difficult. I thought I was done with her after college, but she showed up at the party last night."

Noor’s grip on his arm tightened. "She was unexpected at the party?"

He nodded. "Completely unexpected. I didn’t even know she was back in town."

Noor’s eyes grew teary, and without thinking, she threw her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug.

Her voice was muffled against his chest as she said, "I’m so sorry, Ansh. I shouldn’t have slapped you."

Reyansh chuckled, the sound low and comforting. He gently pulled back, cupping her face in his hands and wiping her tears with his thumb.

"That slap was so light, I almost liked it," he teased, his lips twitching into a smirk. "I’d happily take a hundred more if it means I get to see your fiery side."

Noor couldn’t help but laugh through her tears, playfully swatting his chest. "You’re impossible."

He leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "And you’re my chaos."

They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped in each other’s warmth, until Noor broke the silence again. "Can I ask you something else?"

Reyansh nodded, his expression soft. "You don’t need my permission to ask me anything, Baby."

She hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Have you ever dated anyone? Or had any kind of relationship?"

Reyansh shook his head. "You’re my first," he said, his voice unwavering. "And you’ll be my last. I’ve never dated anyone, but there was one time…"

Noor’s eyes widened slightly. "One time?"

He smirked at her reaction, then explained. "My mom arranged a meeting with a girl. She was pressuring me to settle down, and I agreed just to get her off my back. When I met the girl, I realized she wasn’t interested in marriage either—she was planning to run away."

Noor gasped. "Wait. Are you talking about the girl whose picture Karan uploaded on my story?"

Reyansh’s smirk widened. "The very same."

Noor’s jaw dropped, her mind racing with the revelation. Before she could respond, Reyansh suddenly pulled her into a kiss, his lips capturing hers with a hunger that took her breath away.

Their hands roamed each other’s bodies, the kiss growing more fervent with each passing second.

Reyansh hovered over her, his lips trailing down her neck as he left a trail of love bites on her soft skin. Noor’s fingers tangled in his hair, a quiet moan escaping her lips as she melted beneath him.

When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other.

"We should get going," Reyansh said, his voice low and husky.

Noor pouted but nodded. "Fine. But only because I promised mom I’d be home early."

Reyansh chuckled and helped her up, his hand lingering on hers as they got dressed.

A short while later, they were in his car, the city lights twinkling outside as he drove her home.

When they arrived at her house, Reyansh turned to her, his expression soft. "Take care of yourself, Noor."

She smiled, leaning over to press a soft kiss to his cheek. "You too, Grumpy Malhotra."

As she stepped out of the car and disappeared into her house, Reyansh sat in the driver’s seat for a moment, a small smile playing on his lips.

For someone as grumpy and reserved as him, Noor had become his unexpected, beautiful chaos—and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

>

The clock on the dashboard blinked 9:07 PM as Reyansh pulled into the driveway. The day had dragged longer than it should have—lectures, papers to grade, and Noor. Always Noor.

She lingered at the edge of his thoughts, like a shadow he couldn’t shake even when he wanted to.

He stepped out of the car and slammed the door shut. The crisp night air hit his face, grounding him for a moment before he made his way to the house.

The porch light cast a warm glow on the familiar doorway. Home. The place that usually offered solace. Tonight, though, something felt off.

The faint sound of the television greeted him as he opened the door. He paused in the hallway, slipping off his shoes. His eyes traveled to the living room.

There he was.

Rohan sat on the sofa, one leg draped casually over the other, the picture of ease. He looked up as Reyansh entered. "Hi, bhai," Rohan greeted, a half-smile on his face.

Reyansh's brows furrowed. "What are you doing here?" His tone was sharper than he intended, but the question had escaped before he could filter it.

Rohan raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "What do you mean, 'What are you doing here'? It's my home too, isn't it?" He leaned back, crossing his arms.

"I came back from Bangalore this afternoon. Thought I’d surprise you."

Reyansh didn’t respond immediately. He nodded once and sat down beside his brother on the sofa.

The exhaustion of the day weighed heavily on his shoulders. Silence settled between them, broken only by the faint hum of the television in the background.

Then, out of nowhere, Rohan spoke. "Bhai, aap shaadi kab karoge?"

(When will you get married?)

The question came so casually, yet it struck Reyansh like a bolt of lightning.

His mind drifted before he could stop it—drifted to Noor.

Her laugh, her eyes, the way she fidgeted with her pen during lectures.

He felt a small smile tug at his lips, and before he knew it, the words slipped out, low and almost inaudible. "Jab teri dost ha karegi."

(Whenever your friend says yes.)

"What?" Rohan asked, his forehead creasing as he turned to look at him. "What did you say?"

Reyansh shook his head quickly, masking the slip with practiced indifference.

"Nothing," he replied, his voice steady. "I said nothing. And for the record, I have no plans to get married."

Rohan looked unconvinced, but he didn’t press further. Reyansh didn’t give him the chance.

He stood up, his movements brisk, almost abrupt. "I’m tired. I’ll see you in the morning."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and made his way to his room.

The door shut behind him with a quiet click, sealing him in the solitude he both craved and loathed.

He leaned against the door for a moment, running a hand through his hair.

His thoughts betrayed him again, circling back to Noor. Her face was all he could see. Her voice, all he could hear.

He sighed and shook his head, as if that simple act could dispel the emotions he’d worked so hard to suppress.

But deep down, he knew better.

>

The classroom buzzed with the usual chatter as Reyansh strode in, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room. The noise died instantly, replaced by the nervous shuffle of students pulling out notebooks.

He placed his books on the desk and straightened his posture, commanding the attention of the entire room.

Except one seat was empty.

Reyansh’s eyes flicked toward the vacant desk near the window. Noor. She wasn’t there.

His jaw tightened for a split second before he masked it with his usual stern expression.

She was always late, but she always made up for it with her boundless energy, her chaotic presence—a presence that somehow grounded him.

Just as he was about to start, the door creaked open.

“Sir, may I come in?” Noor’s voice rang out, sweet and unapologetic.

She stood at the doorway, her bag slung over one shoulder, looking like she didn’t have a care in the world.

Reyansh’s eyes narrowed. “Get in,” he said curtly, gesturing with his hand.

She walked in, her skirt swaying slightly as she moved. And that’s when he noticed what she was wearing.

A fitted top that clung to her curves, paired with a mini skirt that barely reached mid-thigh.

His jaw clenched as he turned his gaze away, forcing himself to focus on the lecture.

He couldn’t let his emotions show—not here, not in front of the class.

The lecture went on, but his mind kept wandering to Noor. He hated how much control she had over him without even realizing it.

When the bell finally rang, he dismissed the students, but not before shooting Noor a pointed glance.

She either didn’t notice or pretended not to as she skipped out with her friends.

Reyansh exhaled deeply and made his way to his office.

He didn’t trust himself to confront her in the classroom, but this—this was unacceptable.

He pulled out his phone and typed a quick message:

“My office. Now. And no ifs or buts.”

Five minutes later, a hesitant knock echoed on the door.

“Come in,” Reyansh said, his voice firm but calm.

Noor entered, her usual confidence replaced with nervousness.

She looked at him with wide eyes, clutching the strap of her bag like a lifeline. Reyansh gestured for her to close the door.

“Sir, I—” she began, but he cut her off.

“Close the door, Noor,” he repeated.

She did as he asked, the soft click of the door amplifying the tension in the room.

Reyansh leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze locked on her.

“Come here,” he said, his voice softer now but no less commanding.

She hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. He reached for her bag and gently tossed it onto the sofa.

Something fell out—a small notebook or what?—but neither of them paid it any attention. Their eyes met, and the air grew heavier.

Reyansh reached for her hand, pulling her closer until she was standing between his knees.

In one swift motion, he grabbed her waist and guided her onto his lap.

“Reyansh—” Noor gasped, her voice trembling, her legs instinctively wrapping around him for balance.

Her body pressed against his, her softness against his hard frame. He tightened his grip on her waist, his eyes burning into hers.

“Are you wearing shorts under this skirt?” he asked, his voice low and husky.

Noor’s cheeks flushed crimson. She stammered, “N-no.”

Reyansh’s lips curved into a smirk. “Then tell me, should I make you regret wearing this?”

Her eyes widened, her breath hitching. “What… what do you mean?”

“Move your hips, baby.” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Noor froze, her lips parting in shock. “What?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“I won’t repeat myself,” Reyansh replied, his hands steady on her waist.

She hesitated, biting her lower lip in nervousness. He reached up, gently brushing his thumb against her lip. “Don’t bite them. That’s my right.”

Her breath hitched, and after a moment’s pause, she began to move, slowly, hesitantly.

Reyansh groaned softly, his grip tightening, but then he noticed the discomfort in her expression.

He stopped immediately, lifting her off his lap and standing as well. “Noor,” he said, panic lacing his voice. “Did I make you uncomfortable?”

She looked up at him, startled. “Reyansh—”

“I’m sorry,” he blurted out, running a hand through his hair. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean—”

“Reyansh!” Noor interrupted, placing a hand on his arm. “You didn’t make me uncomfortable.”

He froze, staring at her.

“It’s just… it was new,” she admitted, her cheeks still flushed. “I’ve never experienced anything like that before.”

Relief flooded his features, and he let out a deep breath. “You have to tell me, Noor. If I ever cross a line, you have to tell me.”

She smiled softly. “I could never feel uncomfortable with you.”

For the first time that day, Reyansh smiled—a real, unguarded smile. He pulled her into a hug, his arms wrapping securely around her.

“I should go home,” she said after a moment, pulling back slightly.

He nodded, stepping back as she grabbed her bag. She rummaged through it, her brow furrowing.

“What are you looking for?” he asked.

“My phone,” she replied, biting her lip.

“Don’t worry,” he said, pulling out his own phone to call hers.

Moments later, they heard the faint ring from behind the sofa. Reyansh bent down and retrieved it.

When he looked at the screen, his brow furrowed. “What the hell is this?”

Noor peeked over his shoulder and grinned sheepishly. “Oh, that’s your contact name.”

“Crocodile?” he asked, his tone incredulous.

“You’re my muscular crocodile,” she said with a mischievous grin, snatching the phone from his hand.

Before he could respond, she bolted for the door. “Bye, crocodile!” she called over her shoulder, laughing as she ran out of his office.

Reyansh stood there for a moment, staring at the door, his lips curving into a soft smile.

“Noor,” he murmured to himself. “You’ll be the death of me.”

>

Reyansh stood in front of his mirror, meticulously adjusting his light blue shirt. It was untucked, casually paired with black jeans, giving him a look that was effortlessly handsome.

But as he checked his reflection for the fifth time, his grumpy demeanor surfaced.

"Why am I even nervous? It’s just Noor," he muttered under his breath, though the quickened beat of his heart betrayed his words.

With a sigh, he picked up his phone and shot her a text.

Reyansh: “Are you ready yet?”

Within seconds, his screen lit up with her reply.

Noor: “Of course! Waiting for you, Crocodile.”

A faint smile played on Reyansh’s lips. He grabbed his car keys and headed out, the cool evening air doing little to calm his nerves.

The drive to her house felt both too short and too long, his mind racing with thoughts of how the evening would go.

As he parked outside Noor's house, his eyes instinctively moved to the front door. And there she was.

Noor stepped out, her light blue frock swaying gently in the breeze. The dress ended just at her knees, showcasing her playful yet charming style.

Her hair cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves, framing her glowing face. She was a vision of chaos and calm, a contradiction that somehow made perfect sense.

Reyansh, leaning against the car, couldn’t help but stare. His fingers moved to open the passenger seat door, but his gaze remained fixed on her. Noor caught him staring and smirked.

“Don’t worry, Crocodile,” she teased, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

“I’m wearing shorts underneath. You can stop worrying about dress codes now.”

Reyansh blinked, his lips twitching into a reluctant smile. “Good girl,” he murmured, his tone carrying a hint of mock seriousness.

Noor’s wink in return made his heart skip a beat.

She climbed into the passenger seat, her energy filling the car instantly. As Reyansh slid into the driver’s seat, their hands brushed, lingering for just a moment longer than necessary.

It was a small, wordless connection that sent a spark through both of them.

The drive to the café was filled with Noor’s chatter, her voice animated as she described the chaos of her day.

Reyansh, ever the reserved one, listened with a soft smile, occasionally throwing in a dry remark that made Noor laugh.

Her laughter—it was a sound he didn’t realize he needed until now.

When they arrived at the café, the soft glow of string lights and the hum of quiet conversations welcomed them.

Reyansh led Noor to their reserved table, pulling out her chair with an ease that masked the slight nervousness bubbling under his stoic exterior.

“You’re spoiling me, Ansh,” Noor teased, sitting down with a grin.

“And yet, you never seem to learn,” Reyansh replied, his gruff tone betrayed by the warmth in his eyes.

They settled into their seats, conversation flowing as naturally as ever.

They talked about everything and nothing, their laughter mingling with the café’s soothing ambiance.

Reyansh found himself relaxing, his usual seriousness melting away in Noor’s presence.

But then, a voice cut through the calm.

“Noor?”

Noor froze mid-laugh, her head snapping toward the sound of her name. Her eyes widened as she saw the person standing a few feet away.

___________________________________________

3194 words

This is the last update of this week. I'll be back after 30th.

Still I updated before because target is about to be completed.

Stay blessed and healthy.