Deep In Desires

Chapter 7: Atharv

"Hey, don't go" I said, my tone surprisingly soft and sincere. "Look, let's go to my chamber and talk, okay? I promise I'll be on my best behavior."

I watched as Rup paused, her eyes narrowing as she studied my expression, trying to determine if I was being genuine or if this was just another one of my playful games. After a moment of hesitation, she gave a slight nod, her determination getting the better of her.

"Great, follow me," I said, turning and leading the way towards my office. As I walked ahead, I couldn't help but wonder what she wanted to talk about? Why was she waiting for me? This was my chance to finally have a proper conversation with Rup. I couldn't believe she was the one initiating it either. Well, the girl was quite the firecracker, always knowing the right buttons to push to get under my skin.

That day in the seminar, I was taken aback by her boldness. I never lose my composure easily. Being poised and reserved was my thing. But that day, she made me really mad by questioning my ethics in front of the audience. Had my secretary not came at that time I don't know what would I have said or done.

And the way she'd stood up to me after the scooty incident? Unforgettable. I'd been having a terrible day, reeling from a fight with my father over my company. His constant meddling in my work was suffocating me. Giving ideas was understandable, but taking MY decisions for MY company? Absolutely not! I'd been driving in a rage, trying to escape my thoughts, when I accidentally hit her scooter. Okay, fine, it wasn't entirely an accident. But why did she park it there in the first place? I wasn't exactly thrilled about damaging her precious scooty, but I didn't feel guilty either(maybe just a tiny bit). It wasn't my fault, after all.

When she'd screamed at me, jabbing her cute little finger in my chest, demanding I fix her scooty, I'd felt a spark of anger. Who did she think she was, shouting at me like that? The Atharv Raghavan! But as I looked into her dark brown eyes, her cute little nose scrunched up in anger, I felt a twinge of... something. Not guilt, exactly. More like curiosity. She looked like a pissed-off kitten, and it was kind of cute.

That night, I'd pulled an all-nighter fixing her scooty myself, of course not because I felt responsible, I did it because.... well I don't know but i had an urge to do it myself. I don't why but after learning that it was gifted by her grandmother, I felt something. I don't know how to explain it but right then I had decided I will fix this myself.

As I worked on the scooty that night, I couldn't help but think about Rup. She was beautiful, in a feisty, annoying kind of way. Her long, brown, wavy hair fell over her shoulder like a waterfall, her dark brown eyes twinkled, and her full, lush lips... well, let's just say I'd noticed them. She also had a sharp tongue though.

I did fix the scooty, which weirdly named "Pushpa" in one night but didn't plan to return it anytime soon. What? Can you blame me for wanting to make her suffer a little?

I don't know what it was about her that made me want to fix her scooter, so when she came stomping towards me, jabbing her cute little finger in my chest, I let her do it. That night, I didn't sleep. I fixed her scooter myself the whole night. Well, it took me a whole freaking night because of how bad the condition it was in. I fixed it way before I returned it, simply because I wanted to make the girl suffer a little.

As we entered my office, I noticed Rup's eyes scanning the room, taking in the sleek decor and modern furniture. I gestured for her to proceed, and she walked ahead, her flip-flops clicking on the polished floor. But in her haste, she didn't notice the rogue rug in front of the chamber, its edge curled up.

Her foot caught in the rug, and she let out a tiny yelp as she felt herself being pulled down. I reacted instinctively, dashing forward to catch her. My arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her close as I steadied her.

For a moment, we froze, our bodies flush against each other's. I could feel her warm breath on my skin, and her eyes locked onto mine, sparkling with surprise. My heart skipped a beat as I gazed back at her, our faces inches apart. My eyes flickered down to her flush lips and back to her doe eyes.

I could hear my heart beating erratically against my chest. I wondered if she could hear it too.

I don't know how long have we been standing like that but that's when i heard a familiar voice approach us, footsteps accompanying the voice.
"Atharv, where are you? I've found another girl for you, come see her picture!" Her tone was playful, oblivious to the scene unfolding before her.

Rup's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as my mother approached, her gaze still fixed on the papers in her hands. I quickly guided Rup into a more upright stance, my hand leaving her back with reluctance.

"Mom, it's not what you think," I said, my voice tinged with exasperation. But it was no use, she had already started making assumptions, I know her.

With a mischievous glint in her eye. "Oh, then what is it? Thank God you've found your own bride! I'm relieved, and Grandma will finally get to see her granddaughter-in-law."

I tried diffusing the situation, "Mom, I told you, nothing's going on. Rup was about to fall, and I just saved her."

My mother raised an eyebrow and as if testing me, she thrusted a photograph towards me. "When nothing's going on, then look at this picture. I like her."

I inwardly groaned, knowing her pursuit of finding me a suitable bride would intensify. It's been going on for almost a year and I have tried everything to delay this marriage bullshit. But now it was time I get a permanent solution for this. In desperation, I blurted out, "Actually, Mom, I already have a girlfriend."

Rup's ears perked up at the words, her gaze darting between us, unsure how to react.

"Who is she?" my mother asked, demanding answers.

I couldn't think, so I did what seemed best at the moment. "Rup!"

Rup's eyes widened in shock, her heart pounding as she processed my words. She turned to look at Atharv, as if questioning 'What the fuck are you saying?'

"Tell her, baby. There's no need to hide it now, she already saw us," I said, my voice urgent, hoping she grasp the situation and plays along.

Rup felt heat rise to her cheeks when she heard the word 'baby' from Atharv's mouth.
She felt trapped, her mind racing as thousands of scenarios played out in her mind in the span of 1/ seconds. She knew this was a ruse, but the weight of Atharv's arm around her shoulder sent a shiver down her spine. And maybe that was what compelled her to say what she would never even dream of.

Swallowing hard, Rup nodded, her eyes locking with Atharv's. "Yes, Auntie, Atharv and I are together."

I snapped my head to look at Rup, her words barely a whisper but satisfying nonetheless.

My mother's eyes widened in surprise, her lips parting in a delighted smile. "Oh, wonderful! I knew it the moment I saw you two together. You're such a beautiful couple!"