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He held her back just as tightly, as if afraid letting go would break the spell between them.

He pulled back slightly, cupping her face in his hands. His forehead rested against hers, their lips merely a breath away, when she suddenly pulled back.

“You have me,” she whispered. “I’m not going anywhere.”

A wave of relief and joy washed over him. His smile widened.

“Not even if your grandpa tells you to marry you that Rohit?”

Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “You are all I want, Mr. Ahuja… you with every ounce of that grumpy charm.”

He leaned in to kiss her, but she suddenly tensed, a thought striking her.

“Oh my God,” she gasped. “I just ran out without telling Lakshmi Aunty! And Grandpa could be back any minute.”

Shaurya sighed heavily, his arms falling to his sides. “You’re kidding me.”

She laughed softly, wiping her eyes, and leaned in to kiss his cheek. “I’m not. I really need to go.”

As she rose to leave, his hand shot out, catching her wrist and pulling her gently back into him. She looked up at him, caught in his intense gaze.

“Your Valentine’s party with your friends...” he said. “Is that still on?”

Nandini teased. “Why? Planning to crash it, Mr. Ahuja?”

He gave her a lopsided smile that made her knees weak. “No. Planning to steal you away that night before someone else gets the chance.”

Nandini smiled, a playful glint in her eyes. “Alright,” she said softly, “I’ll come up with some excuse not to go. But what about Grandpa?”

Shaurya leaned back, thinking for a beat, before a slow smirk curved his lips. “I’ll take care of that,” he said. “I’ll talk to Mrs. Mehra and arrange something special… maybe a Valentine’s evening for the seniors at the community centre. I’m sure she’ll love the idea. I’ll even sponsor the whole thing if that’s what it takes to steal you away for a few hours.”

Nandini beamed. “Then do your best,” she whispered. “And I’ll be yours.”

She leaned in and kissed him, this time no longer soft or teasing, but deep and certain. His body tightened with need themoment her lips touched his. He didn’t think, didn’t wait. His one arm slipped around her waist while the other pulled her effortlessly onto his lap. Pulling her closer, he deepened the kiss, gently sucking on her lower lip, his breathing ragged against her mouth.

“I missed this,” he murmured, his voice husky and strained. “Your taste. Your touch. The feel of you.”

A soft moan escaped her as his fingers instinctively found the slit of her robe and brushed against the warm skin of her inner thigh. Her breath hitched. Desire laced her every heartbeat, yet she pulled back, trembling.

“Not now,” she whispered, her voice thick with need and restraint. “I really have to go.”

He paused, his eyes searching hers, reading the ache she tried to hide. He nodded slowly, understanding without a trace of frustration. He helped her up, his hands lingering at her waist.

Just as she turned, he leaned in close, his lips brushing against her ear.

“Valentine’s night, then,” he whispered. “No more excuses. That night, you’re mine.”

Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she gave him one last smile before hurrying out, waving behind her as she slipped through the door.

Shaurya stood still for a moment, letting the silence wrap around him. For the first time in what felt like years, he exhaled fully, a weight lifting off his chest. He had finally told Nandini everything. His truth, his past, his pain, his fear. And she hadn’t walked away.

She had stayed.

She had chosenhim.

CHAPTER 21

Valentine’s Night