Hold On My Heart (Complete)

4. The Night That Changed Everything

Nandini’s POV

We are standing at the same spot where we were last evening.

This road is almost deserted—no shops, no houses. It’s nearly 9 PM, and he’s still not here. Uncle is standing a little distance away, while Arnav and I stand together.

Cars arrive one after another. No doubt—he is a Mafia man.

He steps out, still wearing a mask.

"You tiny girl? Where is that bastard?"

"Control your mouth, dude," Arnav said.

"Oh, so you brought your boyfriend to save you? Ah, you poor people," he sneered.

"Shut your mouth. And here, take this!" I threw the envelope in his face. "Never show your dirty presence to us again!"
He grabbed my arm tightly.

"Leave her!" Arnav tried to pull me away, but he shoved Arnav, and his guards held him back.

"Leave me!"

"What do you think of yourself, huh? You bitch—you’ll have to pay for what you’ve done," he growled.

"We’ll see," I said coldly, and he let me go.

I collapsed to the ground as they left. Arnav rushed to me.

"You okay?"

"I’m fine."

"Let’s go back."

"Hmm."

A few days later...

Almost a week has passed. My bond with Arnav has grown deeper—we share everything with each other.

"You know... I think we should... uhmm—"

"What happened?" I asked.

"Nothing, forget it."

"Tell me, what is it?"

"I want a... kiss," he said hesitantly.

"Why are you hesitating?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You don’t have a problem?"

"No."

"Okay then—kiss me."

I kissed him on the cheek. He opened his eyes wide, staring at me like I was an alien.

"What?" I asked.

"What was that?"

"A kiss?"

"Nandini, I didn’t mean a cheek kiss."

"Then?"

"I meant... a French kiss."
I widened my eyes in shock.

"I can’t do that."

"Why? I’m not a stranger."

"Still, Arnav..."

"Nothing will happen with just a kiss."

"Still—I can’t."

"Okay, fine."
He was angry—I could see it on his face.

"You’re angry?"

"No."

"I know you are."

"I said I’m not."

"Arnav?"

"I’m going home. You should too." He walked away.

This isn’t easy for me. Why can’t he understand?