shadows of desire

forbidden glances

**Chapter 1: Forbidden Glances**

**The Story Begins**

Mahira adjusted her dupatta, the rich maroon fabric cascading down her shoulder as she glanced at her reflection in the mirror. The flickering lights of the Diwali celebration outside cast a warm glow over her room, and she couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement. Tonight was one of those rare nights when she could let loose and enjoy herself.

"Arre Mahira, jaldi karo! Everyone's waiting," her brother Arpit called from the hallway, his voice tinged with impatience.

"Coming, bhaiya!" Mahira replied, grabbing her clutch and hurrying out of her room.

As she descended the stairs, her eyes caught sight of Ayush standing near the entrance. Tall, with a commanding presence, Ayush looked every bit the successful CEO he was known to be. Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, he exuded an air of mystery and authority that was hard to ignore. Mahira's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met, and she quickly looked away, feeling her cheeks heat up.

"Happy Diwali, Mahira," Ayush said, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine.

"Happy Diwali, Ayush," she managed to reply, her voice barely above a whisper.

The gathering was in full swing, with family and friends mingling, laughter filling the air, and the aroma of delicious food wafting through the house. Mahira tried to focus on the celebrations, but she could feel Ayush's eyes on her, watching her every move. It was as if an invisible thread connected them, pulling her towards him despite her best efforts to stay away.

"Mahira, come dance with us!" one of her cousins called, dragging her to the makeshift dance floor in the living room.

She joined the group, trying to lose herself in the music and laughter. But every time she spun around, her gaze seemed to find Ayush, standing at the edge of the room, his eyes never leaving her. The intensity of his stare made her feel exposed, vulnerable, yet inexplicably drawn to him.

As the night wore on, the party moved outside to the garden, where fireworks lit up the sky in bursts of color. Mahira stood with her family, watching the display, when she felt a presence beside her.

"Enjoying the show?" Ayush's voice was low, almost a whisper, as he leaned in close.

Mahira turned to face him, her heart racing. "Yes, it's beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you," he murmured, his eyes dark and intense.

Mahira's breath caught in her throat. The way he looked at her, with such raw desire, made her pulse quicken. She knew this was wrong; Ayush was her brother's best friend, and this attraction could only lead to trouble. But in that moment, all she could think about was how much she wanted him.

"Mahira!" Arpit's voice cut through the tension, snapping her back to reality. "Come help with the sweets."

She nodded, stepping away from Ayush, her heart pounding. As she helped distribute the sweets, she couldn't shake the feeling of his eyes on her, burning with an intensity that both thrilled and frightened her.

Later, as the party wound down and guests began to leave, Mahira found herself alone in the kitchen, cleaning up. The house was quiet, the only sound the distant crackle of fireworks.

"Need some help?" Ayush's voice startled her, and she turned to see him leaning against the doorway, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Sure, why not," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

Ayush stepped into the kitchen, his presence filling the small space. He moved closer, reaching for a dish, and their hands brushed. The contact sent a jolt of electricity through her, and she quickly pulled away, her breath hitching.