Shattered (Book #1 In Heart Series)✔️

Chapter 34: Getting Closer

"Aditya, did you hear the news?" Abhimanyu asked, drawing Aditya's attention away from Kritika.

"What news?" Aditya replied, his tone nonchalant.

"Anirudh Singh Rathore has been admitted to the hospital. He's in critical condition," Abhimanyu explained.

"Why should we concern ourselves with that? It's their family matter. Anyway, I'm going,"
 Aditya said curtly, marching towards his room with Kritika following close behind.

Once inside, Kritika saw Aditya wincing in pain. Shaking her head, she retrieved the first aid kit from the wardrobe and approached him.

Aditya looked at her, confused.

"Sit," Kritika commanded, gesturing to the bed. Aditya complied, sitting silently.

She sat beside him and took his hands in hers, applying cream to his bruised knuckles with careful precision.

"Why did you beat him?" Kritika asked, focused on her task.

"I didn't beat anyone," Aditya lied, tapping his foot nervously. Sighing, Kritika looked up at him.

"Don't lie to me. I know you're the one responsible for that jerk's condition," she said firmly. Aditya looked at her, amused.

"How do you know?" he asked.

"In case you've forgotten, I'm a psychiatrist," Kritika replied, pretending to adjust her imaginary collar. They both laughed.

"Alright. But why did you do that to him?" she asked, her tone more serious.

"Because he deserved it," Aditya said, his words halting her movements. She looked up to see him already gazing at her.

"It's done. You should change now," she said, clearing her throat and standing up to put the first aid kit away.

As she returned, she saw Aditya struggling to unbutton his blazer, hissing in pain. Gathering her courage, she stood in front of him, catching his attention.

"If you don't mind, I-I can help you," Kritika offered, her cheeks turning red. Aditya, amused by her blush, nodded.

"Go ahead," he said, placing his hands on his hips. Kritika gulped and stepped closer, her hands trembling as she began unbuttoning his blazer. Aditya assisted her in removing it.

Next was his shirt. Kritika clenched her hands into fists, nervous.

"Is he naked under that shirt?" she wondered.

"Don't worry, I have a vest on underneath," Aditya said, making her gasp.

"Did I say that out loud?"

"Yes. Now, go on," Aditya encouraged. Kritika nodded and started unbuttoning his shirt.

 Once she finished, Aditya shrugged it off, revealing his bare chest. Kritika screamed and instantly turned around.

"What the hell? Where's your vest?" Kritika shouted, eyes closed. Aditya leaned in close to her ear.

"I don't like wearing vests. And why did you turn around? Don't I look hot?" he asked huskily, his lips brushing her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

Kritika rushed out of the room while Aditya laughed heartily. She stood by a pillar, taking deep breaths.

"Did I just see him naked? Oh god," Kritika thought, palming her face.

"But his abs were stunning... Kritika, stop being a pervert," she chastised herself.---During dinner, Kritika served everyone, her hands trembling as she reached Aditya, who smirked at her. She sat beside him awkwardly, trying to focus on her food. Aditya kept glancing at her, his gaze unsettling. Annoyed, she gathered her hair to one side to avoid his eyes. Aditya chuckled at her discomfort.

As bedtime approached, Kritika arranged her bedding on the couch while Aditya emerged from the bathroom.

"I never thought the great Kritika Rai could blush," Aditya teased, smiling. Kritika hid her smile and turned towards him.

"Shut up. I didn't blush. You're mistaken, Mr. Singhania," she retorted, continuing her work.

"Sure, Mrs. Singhania, I can see that," Aditya replied, laughing. Kritika froze at the term "Mrs. Singhania," but a smile crept onto her lips.

"Stop laughing and go to sleep. Good night," she said, lying on the couch and turning her back to him.

"Okay, okay. Good night to you too," Aditya said, lying on his bed.

Kritika lay there, thinking about the day's events, a shy smile playing on her lips.

"What's happening to me? I know I'm attracted to him, but it's wrong, right? God, please help me," she thought.

Days passed, and Aditya and Kritika grew closer. The Singhania family, including Karthik and Aradhya, noticed the change and were pleased. Aditya began to open up, sharing his day with Kritika, who found herself falling for him despite trying to resist. His closeness affected her deeply.

One evening, Kritika walked through the backyard, enjoying the cool breeze. She looked up at the stars, a small smile on her lips. She stiffened as she felt a blanket draped over her shoulders. Turning around, she saw Aditya smiling down at her.

"You'll catch a fever if you keep walking around in this cold," Aditya said, gesturing to her sleeveless attire.

"Thanks," Kritika whispered, turning away.

"Why did you come out here? he asked.

"Nothing. I just felt like it," she replied.

They walked in silence for a while.

"You wanted to say something?" Aditya prompted.

"You're a good man," Kritika said, making Aditya chuckle.

"Why do you think so?" he asked.

"Just a hunch. And I'm a psychiatrist, so I can read people easily," Kritika said, smiling.

"This is the first time I've received a compliment like that," Aditya scoffed.

"Well, that's your fault. You deliberately act like a rude person so everyone thinks you're a monster," Kritika said, grinning.

"As a matter of fact, you're right," Aditya admitted.

"I know, because—"

"Because you're a psychiatrist. Is that what you were going to say?" Aditya interrupted, making Kritika nod and smile sheepishly. Aditya laughed.

"You really like saying that, don't you?"

"Yes, very much. It was my dream to become a psychiatrist, and I'm proud to say I am one," Kritika said. Aditya smiled at her, their eyes locking.

"Um, I think we should sleep," Kritika said, breaking the moment, rubbing her hands together nervously.

"Yeah, let's go," Aditya agreed. They walked back to their room together.