[FEATURED IN WATTPAD INDIA PROFILE]
❝Pioneering the art of constructing love, my Kanmani.❞
Xavier teased her skin, slowly caressing her cheeks and her lips trembled.
❝You don't dare!❞
And he kissed her.
------
When he had compromised his dreams and...
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From the corner of his eye, he noticed Krithika trying to walk behind him. He pulled Dhanya with him, his arm circling her shoulder, and followed Satya. Dhanya glanced at him in confusion and muttered, "Xavi?"
"No rush, sweetie," he winked at her.
Slowing his pace to match Dhanya's, he tried to catch up with Krithika. He knew she wouldn't be able to keep up with the snail's pace—she was surely intimidated by Satya. And just like that, his sweetheart started walking next to him.
He leaned in slightly, "You want to kill me, sweetheart?" he murmured in her ear, and she slightly stumbled.
"What?" Krithika breathed.
"Promise me, you'll never wear this fucking color again," he said, looking at her lower lip, which she was biting. "You're doing the worst job of rectifying your past two mistakes. Stop biting your lips or I will..." he hissed in a low voice.
"Huh? Did you say anything, Xavi?" Dhanya turned her head to look at him.
"No, I was just revising my script on how to beg for forgiveness from Satya," he replied to Dhanya.
"Oh, you can talk to her after the Poojai. Hopefully, after eating Pongal Prasadam, she'll be in a better mood," Dhanya advised.
He gave her a thumbs-up as she broke free from his grip and sprinted forward. Bringing the same thumb to his lips, he seductively kissed it while holding Krithika's gaze. He noticed how rapidly she blinked, trying to recollect herself.
His lips curled into a smile as she narrowed her eyes at him. His arm reached out to hold her back, but she ran past him, swatting his hand away, and caught up with Dhanya.
Wrong move.
He realized why she had walked behind him for the past five minutes—avoiding pacing faster alongside her god-like mentor. The back of her dress had a beautiful flaw; it exposed just enough of her delectable skin. His hands itched to feel it, and he was determined.
They all turned a corner, and he took one long stride to catch up. Just before he could place his hand where he intended, Satya turned and stared at him.
Damn!
Jerking both arms in front of him, he abruptly crossed them over his chest—maybe a reflex?
He cleared his throat. "Satya?"
She didn't say a word but pointed to indicate he should stand first. He realized they were standing across from the temple. When had they arrived here?
He knew the ritual by heart. He had been a part of this for the past five years. When Satya's father was alive, he used to be the one who stood first. After his passing, Satya had urged Xavier to stand in front and take her father's place.
Xavier hadn't been religious or spiritual in any sense—he was an atheist. But, from his childhood, he had respected those around him and celebrated every festival with his friends. He had been born into a Christian family but he grew up being secular.
He had initially debated that it was unfair to stand in for the righteous Mr. Devinathan—her father. Satya had shut him down, saying it was her father's wish, and he had complied. Two years later, he still followed through.
She stood next to him, and then her sister. Krithika walked ahead and stood across from the three of them, facing them. Satya urged the pandit to start, and he began his work. Hymns and sandalwood smoke filled the air.
It was nostalgic to him. Samiksha's mother used to pray similarly. He smiled, reminiscing about how he and Alisha used to fight over Prasad while the good girl Samiksha tried to calm them by acting as a referee. Good old days.
Satya's hand on his arm brought him back to the present, and his eyes fell on the sullen face of the pandit. Had he missed something?
"Take the Prasadam," Satya glared at him.
Oh, the Poojai's done already?
He raised his hand as the pandit chanted something and handed him the Prasadam. It was usually a jaggery-based sweet dish—rice and lentils cooked until mushy. It was called 'Sakara Pongal'. Well, it suited the name of the festival.
He ate it and looked across at Krithika. Her eyes were trained on his face, specifically his mouth. His fingers traced below his lips, cleaning the remnants of the Prasadam. He raised a questioning brow at her. She immediately turned her face and smiled at Satya.
Wait, why was she here?
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Do tell me what you feel about this and the upcoming chapters, always open to positive criticism.
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