Heartstring

Chapter 7

Amira's POV
"I didn't forget," I said, though I had indeed forgotten. With everything going on with my family, especially my dad's declining health, I had been too busy. I really needed the money from this competition, but I would never tell Agastya that. I was desperate to win, and the prize cash was a big motivation.
"So, be ready for the event. See you," he said before leaving.
I replied with a simple "okay," even though I really didn't want to go. Since he helped me, I felt obligated to attend. It was a farewell party, similar to prom, where you could bring a date. I didn't understand why he asked me; he could have taken any girl from our college. But whatever. I went home and slept.

One Week Later

Amira's outfit

I couldn't believe my two years of college had flown by. This was also Agastya's last year. I hated him during my first year, but who could have imagined we'd get so close in my second year? I had misunderstood him initially, but he wasn't that bad. In fact, I had developed a strange affection for him. I once saw him helping an old lady outside our college, and he often bought food for beggars. Yes, he was involved in gangs, but it was never to hurt any innocent people.

I did my makeup and wore a pretty off-shoulder black dress with a slit. As I was putting on my earrings, I got a call from Agastya.

"When are you coming?" he asked.
"I'm leaving now," I replied.
"Okay," he said.

I arrived at college, taking a deep breath. I was filled with emotion, knowing he wouldn't be around anymore. I was about to call him when I felt his presence behind me. I immediately knew it was him.

"Amira," he said softly, his voice sending shivers down my spine. I turned around to find him standing incredibly close.
He looked at me with an intensity that made my heart race. "You look... stunning," he said, his eyes roaming over my dress. The way he looked at me made me feel exposed and exhilarated at the same time.
"Thanks," I whispered, barely able to find my voice.
He reached out and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering on my skin. The touch sent a jolt of electricity through me. "You really do," he repeated, his voice lower now.

I felt the heat rise between us as his hand moved from my hair to my neck, his thumb lightly tracing my jawline. My breath hitched, and I couldn't look away from his eyes. They were dark, filled with an emotion I couldn't quite place.

"Amira," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper. "I've wanted to say something for a while now."
Before I could respond, he moved even closer, his body almost pressing against mine. I could feel the heat radiating off him, and my heart raced faster.

"Why did you choose me?" I finally managed to ask, my voice trembling slightly.
He leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. "Because you're different. And I couldn't get you out of my mind."
I shivered at his words, the closeness making me feel both vulnerable and excited. "Agastya, I—" I began, but he pulled back just enough to look into my eyes again.

His gaze was intense, and I felt like he could see right through me. "Just know this," he said softly, his hand still on my neck, his thumb brushing against my jaw. "I'm not going to let you go that easily."

I was  unable to speak. The connection between us was undeniable, and in that moment, I realized just how much he meant to me.

Agastya's POV

I saw Amira, looking all stunning, and it brought me back to the day I first met her. She was so annoyed by me. I can't believe my last year is over, and I really like this girl now. She's so kind to others. I've never met a girl who kept me on my toes like she does. I loved annoying her, but God, I'm going to miss her a lot. I haven't felt this happy in a while.
I took her hand and led her to meet my friends.

"Guys, this is Amira Singh," I introduced her, and they all turned their attention to her with curious smiles
.
Fun Chit-Chat Between Amira and Agastya's Friends
Rohan: "ouh is amira, finally mil gaye humein bhi. Agastya hamesha tumhare baare mein baat karta rehta hai."
Amira raised her eyebrows and said "sach mein? Aur kya bolta hai?"
Neha: "Bas wahi, ki isne tumhe kitna tang kara hai" Amira smiling: "Well, kara toh hai"
Rohan: "Amira, seriously, kaise tolerate karti ho isko? Humein toh din mein hi sar dard shuru ho jaata hai."
Amira: "Patience is key, Rohan."
Vikram: "Woh toh dikh raha hai. Par tumne isko sach mein seedha kar diya. Hum toh hamesha sochte the ki yeh impossible hai."
Smirking I said "I'm not that bad, okay"
Neha: "Haan haan, tumhe toh hum jaante hain. Par sach bata, Amira, yeh tumhare saath acha behave karta hai na?"
Amira: "He's... manageable."
Rohan laughingly : "Oh wow, Agastya, manageable ah huhhh'."
Vikram: "Amira, after-party ke liye plans hai. Tumhe zaroor aana chahiye, you are fun"
Amira: "Sounds interesting, I will join you guys"
Neha: "yeah ab toh maza aayega. Welcome to the group, Amira"
Vikram: "Amira ke saath Rohan kitna acha lag raha hai, haina Neha"
Neha: "Haan, dekho kitne cute lag rahe hai dono" I gave a death stare to Vikram "Tumhe toh main baad mein dekhta hu."
Amira confused "kya hua?"
Rohan: "Arey chill yaar I already have a girlfriend they all know it."

As the conversation flowed, I watched Amira fit right in with my friends, her laughter mixing with theirs. Seeing her smile and enjoying herself made my heart swell with a warmth I hadn't felt in a long time. Tonight was going to be unforgettable
.
Amira's POV
I enjoyed my time with Agastya's friends; they were all teasing him, which was fun to watch. But after some time, Agastya took my hand and led me to the dance floor. "I told you, I won't dance," I protested.
He gave me those irresistible puppy eyes, and I couldn't help but agree. Suddenly, "I Wanna Be Yours" by Arctic Monkeys started playing, and he pulled me closer.
Dancing to "I Wanna Be Yours
"
The slow, sultry rhythm of the song filled the room as Agastya wrapped his arms around my waist. I placed my hands on his shoulders, feeling the heat radiate between us. We began to sway slowly to the music, our bodies moving in perfect sync.
"I never thought we'd be dancing this way together," Agastya murmured, his breath warm against my ear.
"Same," I replied softly, making eye contact with him. His dark eyes seemed to pierce right through me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

He pulled me even closer, his grip on my waist tightening. Our bodies were now pressed against each other, and I could feel his heartbeat. The proximity made me shut my eyes briefly, overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment.
"You look stunning tonight," he whispered, his lips dangerously close to my ear.

I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks. "Thanks," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.
"You know," he continued, his voice low and husky, "I've always found you intriguing. There's something about you that I can't quite figure out."

I opened my eyes and looked up at him, my heart racing. "And you think dancing will help you figure it out?" I asked, a teasing smile playing on my lips.
"Maybe," he said, his eyes locked onto mine. "Or maybe it'll just make me more confused."

We continued to move to the rhythm, our bodies so close that it felt like we were sharing the same heartbeat. His hand slid up from my waist to the small of my back, sending a jolt of electricity through me.

"You have a way of making everything more complicated," I said, trying to maintain my composure.

"Complicated isn't always bad," he replied, his voice smooth and confident. "Sometimes, it's just what you need."

As the song neared its end, he leaned in slightly, his forehead almost touching mine. "This was the best night" he said softly.
I felt a strange mix of emotions—nervousness, excitement, and something else I couldn't quite place. "indeed ," I admitted.

The song ended, but we remained close, neither of us wanting to break the moment. The world around us seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us lost in each other's gaze. Agastya says "I want to tell you something"