Page 48 of ARIDHI: His Never-Ending Desire

The sunrays blessed me in the early morning as I drifted out from my slumber.

My eyes adjusted to the sudden brightness. I tried to stretch my arms but wasn't able to.

And soon I realised that beneath me was no longer a bed, but a wall of hard muscles.

I lifted up my head and a beautiful, serene and peaceful form of Ruvit's face greeted me.

I don't remember how we fell asleep but a hue covered my cheeks as I came to the fact that I was sleeping on him.

His chest bared to my eyes like last night and my legs were strangling his. His arm around my waist kept me in place.

It isn't the first time we are sleeping like this and here I'm behaving like some high school girl whose crush just accepted her proposal.

I still wonder sometimes. How did I manage to pull out such a perfect man?

The light rays coming from the french windows fell on Ruvit, making his nose scrunch in return.

His forehead was covered with the dishevelled form of his hairs, further complimenting his beauty.

My palm raised up in the air to the point that now it was blocking the sunlight to reach his face.

The little action brought me to a memory of our 12th class.

"Do you know who is playing today?" One of the chaotic girls from another class asked her friend.

Sure enough, the sports festival was going on.

The school ground will be filled with numerous students engaged in various games.

I even planned to take part in Basketball but got my ankle sprained at the last moment.

The injury is mild but can become dangerous if I didn't take care.

And that's wae basketball is out of the list. However, I opted for chess.

So here I'm in our school's activity room, sitting amidst the herd of students.

The girl beside my table, who is just here for the show, is definitely excited about the games going outside.

Since her friend is my competitor, she is waiting for her to finish.

It can happen in a second if her friend goes on with my plan for the checkmate.

"C'mon Sasha! Do it fast. I possibly can't lose this golden opportunity of seeing my greek god competing against his best friend!"

The girl sounded desperate, throwing her arms in the air.

"Greek god as in Ruvit? And best friend as in Dhruv?" My competitor, Sasha as the girl called her, said in a bored tone.

My heart fluttered when I heard Ruvit's name. It shouldn't happen by the way.

Yeah, Ruvit and Dhruv did tell me that they are going to compete against each other in football this time.

But I thought it was next week. And no way in hell, I'm going to miss it.

Sasha moved her bishop in an urgency but in the way I planned it.

"Checkmate." I finalized my step, making her eyes wide as if she didn't expect that.

Her mouth hung low in amusement. I thought she figured out my trick but fortunately no.

She fell into my trap seamlessly.

"You are amazing!" She forwarded her hand which I took in a handshake with a thank you.

After they left, I told the teacher about my win against Sasha and sudden absence.

I rushed to the ground and well, all the fangirls were blocking my way.

Seriously? Ruvit and Dhruv need not be this charming.

Other girls envie me so much. They would all giggle and say, "You are lucky to be surrounded with two handsome bodyguards."

As much as I enjoy Ruvit's and Dhruv's company, I would never understand the algorithm of their fangirls.

As I made myself a different way to the football ground, some girls rolled their eyes and glared at me.

Jealous bitches.

It's not my fault that I don't confide in crowds, rather I choose a different path.

Soon enough, Ruvit's face came into my view.

His jersey was sticking to his chest while his forehead was covered with sweat.

Oh well, only I know how many ways he pulled out to get 26 as his jersey number.

And when I asked wae he was so stubborn about getting 26 only, he said something which I will never forget.

He said and I quote, "26 is your birthday date and my lucky number. I want my lucky charm, that is you, with me all the time. So whenever I'm wearing it, you should know you are going to win."

I blushed and giggled too much on that. Not in front of him obviously.

It was the first time a guy made me feel so exceptionally weird and special at the same time.

I thought these things were cringe until Ruvit did and said those things.

The sudden brightness in my eyes snapped me from my thoughts.

As I realised it was due to the hot weather and the sun directly over us, I lifted my hand to cover my face but I felt something different.

My eyes shifted to the warm presence, the same presence I was thinking about a few minutes ago.

Ruvit stood in front of me while his hand was ahead of my hand in the air, apparently blocking my view from the sunlight.

"Is your injury okay? You won't be able to stand here for long hours. Wae are you even here in first place? You might get a sunburn, Aridhi."

"Relax, relax. The injury isn't that serious, I can stand. And I'm not any najuk kali who won't be able to withstand the sunlight. Moreover, there's no way I'm missing your match!"

He gripped my arms on either side and pulled me closer, "I know you are strong but I was just worried about you."

Before I could be greeted with sunlight again due to the disappearance of his hand, he rotated me to his side.

He was now himself standing in front of me and the sun. His tall height is enough to make a shelter above me.

"And I understand that. Thanks for worrying about me." I grinned.

"Mhm. Now sit under that tree if you want to watch the match and I hope you are here for me instead of that bastard Dhruv." He pointed.

I pouted, "You are not telling your fangirls to sit there, wae me? They all are rooting for you, you don't mind them. But as soon as I come here, you want me to sit behind. And of course I'm here for you both. But if you behave like this, I am going to Dhruv's side."

A chuckle left his mouth before he cupped my cheeks, "Because you matter, they don't. And don't you dare support Dhruv over me."

My cheeks under his palm tinted with a blush when his eyes suddenly darkened out of possessiveness.

"As I told you before, I wear a jersey with your birthday date imprinted on it. That's enough of an indication for you to be with me and your support. Also, who said I don't mind those so-called fangirls?"

The said fangirls glanced in our direction, throwing daggers at me.

I internally smirked and thought,

I'm his favourite girl.

Their glares increased, some were even trying to listen to our conversation so I got a plan.

"Okay baby, All the best!" I wrapped my arms around his neck for a brief moment, before dropping a kiss to his cheek.

Then leaving him surprised and froze at his place, I walked towards the mentioned tree and sat under it.

The so called fangirls flared their nostrils at me before stomping away.

I giggled at myself at their reaction. I'm not always a mayhem or naughty type but they are worth it.

A smile grazed my lips after remembering that heartful memory.

Ofcourse throughout the game, I was being watchful by many girls but I chose to put all my attention on Ruvit.

And sadly, Dhruv's team lost on which he gave a excuse that, "My lady luck wasn't there, that's why you won."

Too bad, Nandini was at a family function at that time.

"Is it only me or you are actually smiling all by yourself?" The familiar rough voice interrupted my thoughts.

I looked at him, a smugly smile plastered on his face.

I let my hand fall to my side as I replied,"I was thinking about something."

"Like what?" His arm tightened around my waist, my chest flattened against his.

His body temperature feels normal now.

"About the football match between you and Dhruv back in 12th class." I told him.

"What about that?" I shook my head at his question.

Nothing special that he needs to know.

"What's your plan for today?" He asked instead of pushing the answer out of me for his previous question.

"Shopping!" I chirped with excitement.

There is one more reason for that; he will stay away from me.

"Uhm, Let's go then." He said making my heart shatter.

He doesn't go shopping for god sake.

"You are not going anywhere with me." I ordered, went out as a request but whatever.

"Wae not?" He raised his eyebrow, the minimal action I found hot for some reason.

"Girls thing." His grip loosened around my waist at my non-negotiable answer.

I took it as a chance to stand up from the bed.

I expected him to be reluctant about coming with me but he didn't even try.

His phone, which was kept on the side table was now affixed in his hand.

Instead of staring at him like a creep, I turned around to walk towards the bathroom but paused when I heard his voice.

"Alright I will be going for my work then."

I looked at him over my shoulder. He wore his shirt and tucked it into his pants before styling his hair.

Seriously? He agreed so easily? And what's the work he is going for?

My mind exploded with numerous unanswered questions.

For a moment, I wanted to ask him but didn't because the real question is why do I care?

I wanted to stay away from him, right? And now that he is giving me space, I'm craving for his presence?

My heart arched as I saw him leaving.

?

"Aridhi!!"

I stopped in my tracks when I heard someone shouting my name.

It's surprising how someone knows my name in this unknown city.

Did anyone recognise me or what?

My body rotated back, a familiar guy in casual tees and cargo pants came in my view.

"Ishir?" Oh right, he is a successful businessman so he must be here for the business event too.

Sometimes, I really forget that there are numerous guys still existing other than Ruvit.

"Long time no see." He said which I reciprocated with a smile.

"So.." His eyes scanned all the handbags hanging around my arms,"Shopping? I presume."

"Uh-yeah!" I nodded with an awkward chuckle.

He stepped closer, bending to reach for my bags but I denied by simply pulling my arm away from his reach.

"It's not a big deal, let me help you."

?

"Ohh so you are not just invited in the event but also as the chief guest." Ishir concluded.

After he helped me with all those shopping bags delivered to my hotel's room, we decided to catch up on each other.

The black linings on the walls gave a massive view for the cafe we are sitting in.

The decoration is modern but minimal details about each stuff compliments the entire space.

"By the way, Congratulations on your engagement." His voice caught my attention back to our coffee cups on the table.

"Thank you Ishir." I smiled bitterly, remembering how disappointed I was in the morning when Ruvit left.

I really don't understand what's wrong with me.

It was my decision to stay away from him and now my heart is getting desperate to get a sight of him.

Is this what regret called?

"If you don't mind, can I ask something?" I looked at Ishir who almost turned serious.

I gave him a slight nod as I took a sip from my coffee, the rich taste wetting my mouth down the throat.

"You once said that you don't have any plans to get married. And what's your age right now? 24 or 25, I guess?"

"You are right." But that plan was long gone since Ruvit entered again in my life.

"What changed your mind?" He asked curiously.

I opened my mouth for an answer but paused as my eyes came to rest on a certain person behind our seats.

An old lady back facing me.

For a reason, her silver white hairs, falling on to her shoulders resembled someone familiar.

My eyes shifted back to Ishir's curious face, covered with a little concern now.

Right, he was here. I totally forgot.

Stop behaving like a creep.

Ignoring my intrusive thoughts, I got myself back together.

"You see, I know Ruvit since our 10th class. We eventually became best friends because of our mutuals. And I had a little crush on him at that time."

Okay maybe a huge crush but I'm not gonna admit that out loud in front of Ishir.

He listened each word with concentration as if it would be asked in UPSC.

It was when a thought struck my mind.

Is he genuinely curious or has some ulterior motives? I mean we are not that close of the friends or perhaps I'm overthinking it.

I shook my head internally as I continued, "I know Ruvit very well so that's wae I agreed to marry him. He is...perfect!"

"Didn't expect you a type of person who will praise me infront of other guys, Jaan."

My head lifted at the familiar accent of the person who is not leaving my head since morning.

Ishir looked at Ruvit who nonchalantly stride in my direction.

Wae is he wearing formals?

He was walking with a grace that couldn't escape anyone's attention, especially girls.

They should be locked up in jail for eyeing someone else's fiance.

God, this man's beauty should be declared illegal.

As I was admiring him and of course shoving glares at all the girls, I didn't realise when Ruvit walked closer.

His breath came on my neck from behind as he bent slowly on purpose, his left hand tucked in his pocket and the other supported the table.

Just an inch and my thighs will touch his right hand.

The action was hot as fuck by the way.

"Did you hear what I say?" He whispered right against my ear.

I looked up in his eyes because I need to, ignoring everyone including his question.

I want to feel his intense gaze on me, and just me.

My cheeks heated as a small smirk lifted up on his lips.

"Jaan, don't look at me like that."

"Like what?"

His head moved impossibly closer as he bit down my earlobe.

I gulped down to stop the moan escaping my lips.

"Like I'm your fucking property and you want to claim ownership on it right away."

"Well aren't you my property?" I raised my eyebrows.

"Mhm ofcourse, I'm yours whatever you want me to." His voice rumbled straight to my core. Damn Butterflies.

He planted a kiss on my cheek, "You are looking so gorgeous that I am unable to control myself, sweetheart."

The blush coating my neck and ears intensified.

Ishir who was witnessing all the PDA cleared his throat, getting my eyes but Ruvit's eyes were still on me.

"Get a room you two." He smiled awkwardly,"I should get going now."

"Thanks for today." I smiled which Ishir reciprocated with a nod.

He paid the bill before leaving though I insisted.

"Are you going to keep standing here?" I asked Ruvit, not looking at him this time.

I will embarrass myself just under his scrutiny.

His long calloused fingers wrapped around my throat as he forced my neck in his own direction.

"What are we playing Ardhangini? If I go with some other girl, have a chat with her in a couple based cafe, how will you feel? Hmm?"

His eyes darkened, "I was literally going to punch a wall or two when I came to know you were having a fucking date with that Ishir."

He popped on the word date.

"You won't go with any other girl." I said with fake courage because fuck him for intimidating me without trying.

"Right, because I don't have any beside you." He growled and I blinked my eyes as if it would stop the blush creeping on my face.

"I just met Ishir on the way." It's surprising how I'm sounding calm in such a situation.

"Get up." Two words. And I followed them without any second thought.

He straighten his spine, his talk height looming over my head.

He is seriously angry and here I'm swooning over his possessiveness.

"Ruv." I called out softly when he suddenly held my hand in his and dragged me outside the cafe.

"RUVIT." He looked back, his eyes enough to shut me up.

I didn't realise it was already getting dark as the sun had already set.

"Ruv-" I started again but he glared at me.

"Okay Ruvit!" The frustration in my tone audible, "Atleast tell me where are we going."

He didn't reply, just tightened our intertwined hands.

A car came in my view, the designated version of Rolls Royce parked in an alley.

Ruvit pulled me and made me sit on the car's hood.

Caging me between his arms, his eyes gleam with anger.

"Manao mujhe ab." His voice sounded much light now.

"What?" I was taken aback at his sudden childish demand but that didn't stop the smile forming on my lips.

~·~

Should we leave the lovebirds to themselves or you need a scene? ????

Of course you all crave them! ??

Might be here just for them ??

Tease apart, we are so close to 50 chapters!! It's all because of your love and support.

Thanks you very much my dear readers!