LOVERS FOREVER

Chapter 9 - From Anger to Embrace: Finding Solace

Ahaan reached for the white shirt hanging in his closet, the one he'd ironed specifically for the office that day. He pulled it on but then frowned, peering down to see a lone button dangling precariously from the chest area. he was already running late and now this.. with a sigh, he started to unbutton the shirt, intending to grab another. But then, the gentle clinking of Ishqi's bangles stopped him in his tracks. He turned to see her emerging from the closet, a vision in a fresh saree, its vibrant colours catching the morning light.

A: Ishqi.. perfect time pe aayi ho..

Ahaan cleared his throat, his gaze flickering for a brief moment to the exposed skin at his chest before returning to Ishqi's face. 

A: Actually.. ye.. button lagaa dogi jaldi se.. please..? office ke liye bhi nikalna hai na mujhe..

Ishqi felt a blush creep up her neck as her eyes met his. The sight of his toned chest, usually hidden beneath his shirt, sent a jolt through her.

I: aap koi aur shirt pehen lo na.. she mumbled, her voice barely a whisper.

Ahaan chuckled, a low rumble that resonated deep within her.. 

A: itna kya sharmaa rahi ho..? pati hu tumhara.. ek button hi toh hai.. lagaa do na.. aur waise bhi.. change karne ke liye time bhi nahi hai..

A blush burned across Ishqi's cheeks with Ahaan's request..

I: aap.. aap shirt utaarke de dijiye.. mai sil dungi.. 

she suggested hesitantly, her voice barely a whisper.. turning away slightly, she extended a hand towards him..

I: dijiye..

A mischievous glint sparkled in Ahaan's eyes. 

A: Aise hi kar do na.. late jo ho raha hai..

Hesitantly, Ishqi agreed, her fingers fumbling with the needle and thread as she began to stitch the button back on, his shirt still adorning his broad frame. Ishqi fumbled with the needle, her fingers clumsy beneath the weight of Ahaan's gaze. Each stitch felt like an eternity, the awkwardness magnified by the close proximity of his body.

Suddenly, a hand snaked around her waist, pulling her impossibly closer. A gasp escaped her lips as her soft chest was pressed against his bare skin, sending a jolt of electricity through them both. He leaned in, his voice a husky whisper against her ear. 

A: Hmm, this is better.. (he murmured, his breath warm against her skin..) ab karo.. itna dur kyu khadi thi mujhse..?

Flustered and her heart pounding, Ishqi quickly secured the button with a final stitch..

I: h.. ho gaya.. she mumbled, stepping back a fraction..

Ahaan chuckled, the sound rumbling deep within his chest..

A: Hmm, button ka toh ho gaya.. (he teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement) par humaare beech jo reh gaya uska kya..?

Confused by his words, Ishqi's brow furrowed. 

I: huh..? she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

Before she could decipher his meaning, his warm breath tickled her ear once again. 

A: ek kiss toh banta hai na Mrs. Malhotra..? isi bahaane humaara first kiss bhi ho jaayega..

He murmured huskily, his voice sending shivers down her spine.. He tilted his head, his lips hovering above hers.. Just as their lips were about to meet, a shrill ring shattered the intimacy of the moment. Ahaan fished his phone from his pocket, a frown creasing his forehead as he glanced at the screen.. it was his manager.. he answered the call & informed that he would be there in about 30 minutes.. & turns to Ishqi..