𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬

3. Cruel Summer

Chapter 3
Cruel Summer
ADIRA

I stepped out of the car, my heart racing with excitement, as I took in the breathtaking view of the sea. The homestay villa stood tall, overlooking the pristine shores of Candolim Beach. I felt a gentle breeze brush against my face, carrying the salty scent of the ocean.

Kavya, Viraj, and Ayan gathered near the entrance, their eyes sparkling with anticipation. The warm sun casted a golden glow over their faces, mirroring the joy radiating our hearts. 

My eyes widened in awe as I took in the surroundings. "Wow, this place is truly a paradise!" I exclaimed; my voice filled with wonder. I couldn't believe that we would be spending the entire week in such a picturesque location, with the vast expanse of the sea right at the doorstep. 

Kavya, wearing a wide grin, agreed wholeheartedly. "It's like a dream come true," she chimed in, her excitement contagious.” Imagining the blissful mornings waking up to the soothing sound of crashing waves”, Kavya smiled.

Viraj teased us "I can already see you two spending hours sunbathing and sipping cocktails by the shore," he joked, nudging Ayan. "Remember to save some time for the rest of us, beach bums!" Ayan joined in the laughter, assuring Viraj that they would definitely share the beach and ensure everyone had their fair share of sandy adventures.

I embarked on a tour of our temporary coastal haven. The villa was a luxurious haven, blending elegance and comfort seamlessly. Tall palm trees welcomed guests into a tropical retreat. Coming inside, I saw modern design elements and expansive windows filled the space with natural light. The living area was spacious, adorned with tasteful furnishings and a large flat-screen TV. The decorations were beautiful, the lights were fancy, and there was even some artwork that added a nice touch There was a fully-equipped kitchen with an eight-seater oak wood dining table as well. I took a flight of stairs and found a couple of rooms on the first floor. I went inside a bedroom which provided private hideaway, with a luxurious bed and handcrafted woodwork. The balcony of our bedroom offered the panoramic views of the sea and the private swimming pool, perfect for relaxing and capturing unforgettable moments. The water of the pool looked so inviting, and there were comfy lounge chairs where we could relax, soak up the sun, or sit under an umbrella. After the tour of room, I descended down the stairs to the living room.

My heart fluttered with joy as I imagined the memories we would create in this settings. However, my moment of bliss was interrupted when Esha, made her entrance in the living room.

Time seemed to stand still as Esha glided into the room, exuding elegance, her outfit leaving little to the imagination. She donned a tight-fitted co-ord set, perfectly hugging her curves. The crop top showcased her toned midriff, revealing a hint of sun-kissed skin, while the skirt gracefully cascaded down, accentuating her slender figure. She looked like a model auditioning for a Barbie-doll commercial.

"Hello, everyone!" Esha greeted sweetly, her aura enveloping the room. The playful kiss she planted on Ayan's cheek, touching his arm and leaning on him, further accentuated my unease.

"Ayan, you're looking absolutely dashing today!" Esha's words, filled with admiration, caused Ayan's cheeks to flush slightly, his gaze meeting mine briefly. In that shared glance, I sensed a hint of discomfort between us, a silent acknowledgement of the tension that Esha's presence had stirred.

With my heart sinking, I mustered the strength to offer a polite greeting to Esha, concealing envy and insecurity swirling within me. I couldn’t help but think that was they were way too comfortable around each other.

Kavya's excited voice snapped me back to reality, and I tried to push aside my insecurities, maintaining a composed facade. She expressed her delight at Esha's presence,” Esha, it's wonderful to have you here! Long time no see.” Viraj smiled warmly, echoing Kavya's sentiment, “Absolutely! We're all set for some beach fun. Now only Arjun is left. The whole gang is here like good old days.”

I searched Ayan's eyes, seeking reassurance, but he remained blissfully unaware of the inner turmoil that consumed me. The image of Ayan and Esha's affectionate exchange lingered in my mind, fuelling my doubts.

I noticed the ease with which Esha fit into their close-knit group. My heart ached with an unsettling feeling.

As we made our way to the pool area, their laughter filled the air. Each step felt heavy as doubts clouded my mind. I observed Ayan and Esha engage in light hearted banter, their connection palpable. Inwardly, I questioned whether their bond surpassed what Ayan and I shared.

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I was on the same page of my book since last thirty minutes, reading or one could say trying to read but everything seemed gibberish. I sat at the edge of the pool, my legs dipped into the cool water, calming my senses and finding solace in the peacefulness it brought. The sound of chatter drifted from the living room where Kavya, Viraj, Esha and Ayan were engaged in a lively conversation.

Suddenly, the screeching of tires disrupted the tranquillity of the villa. My attention shifted, and I turned my gaze towards the source of the commotion. A robust and sophisticated black SUV came to a stop near the entrance, and as the door swung open, a tall figure stepped out, radiating an air of confidence. With his dark, tousled hair falling effortlessly, that person was none than the devil himself -Arjun Malhotra emerging from the vehicle, commanding attention with his presence.

Arjun and I shared a few encounters in the past, each time revealing a new side of myself I didn't know existed. It was as if the devil and angel within him were constantly playing tug-of-war, leaving me in suspense.

Ayan always mentioned that Arjun led a great lifestyle, with multiple girlfriends, attending extravagant parties in Mumbai, and enjoying a substantial income too. He was indeed a lucky fellow. Guys like him reflected the"out of league" notion.

As he closed the car door behind him, a glimmer sparkled in his dark eyes. Arjun took a moment to adjust his perfectly tailored attire. He wore a crisp, linen baby blue shirt, fitted to his muscular build, that perfectly complemented his olive tanned skin tone, paired with khaki chinos that showcased his effortless style. His polished shoes completed the ensemble. He made purposeful strides forward. His high cheekbones and sharp jawline made him look even more sophisticated. I pulled my legs out of the pool and stood up, keeping my book aside.

Unintentionally my eyes locked with his charcoal like dark eyes, and in that moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of us connected by an invisible thread, a strange magnetic pull that both excited and unnerved me.
It felt like a competition who would look away first and he wasn’t going to lose it either.

I couldn’t look away. More importantly, I wouldn’t want to look away. 

Suddenly Ayan’s loud voice brought me to senses, “Well, well, look the bastard finally decided to grace us with his presence.”

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