Unwavering Desire

Chapter 9

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ATREYI'S POV:-

“I know you have work to do but will you give me the pleasure of  enjoying Kulhad ki chai with you ?” his voice dropped to a husky note.

My ears turned hot, my gaze lowered and my tongue ? Oh she lost her ability to speak.

His right hand slowly moved up my body towards my face not touching but hovering just above my skin, enough to feel the warmth but not feel his touch.

His fingers first traced the curve of my right ear, slightly moving down the earlobe to the curve of my neck. He gently played with my earrings giving them his unsolicited attention. He smirked as my ears turned a darker shade of red. He is fully enjoying my flustered state.

Taking a deep breath I tried to regain my composure, note the keyword tried and yes failed miserably.

A squeaky shaky voice came out of my throat as I said, “Why ?”

I could have come up with thousands of ego shattering, respect crushing insults but I didn't want to.

This ‘why’ is not just for why he wants to take me out to have a cup of tea but a lot more than that; though I couldn't bring them to my tongue. They are stuck in my throat like a chewing gum at the bottom of one's shoes.

But he didn't seem to notice the whole lot of questions behind that ‘why’ and even if he did he preferred to avoid them.

“It's actually quite simple neonata. We will co-chair the Cultural Fest, it's only natural that we spend some time together and get to know each other better. That's it.” he said with a small smile playing on his lips and slowly untangling our limbs from each other.

A hollowness, a void built in my chest and a cloud of sadness and displeasure loomed over me. Although I couldn't pin point what was causing this.

Keeping these thoughts aside I questioned, “That's it ?”

Still smiling he replied, “Yes neonata that's it.”

I don't know what came to me as I whispered, “Okay.”

I knew he heard me but he still asked, “Are you really coming with me ?”

“No, I am not.” I answered. Oh, it's such a unique retort no one has ever used or even thought of. But in my defence I was still overwhelmed by both his words and my body's reaction towards his touches.

“Let's go !” he said completely ignoring my earlier words. Without saying another word I walked beside him. Our steps are in sync as well as our breathing.

My mind is still pondering over why I agreed to his offer and why I felt sad after listening to his reason which totally seemed valid but why do I feel dejected ? Was I expecting a different answer ?

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ATHARV'S POV :-

The university campus is nearly empty, except for the hostelites still roaming around.

She walks beside me not breaking the calmness around us but her mind, her mind is far from calm. I can practically see the screws of her brain twisting and turning as they follow the lead of her thoughts.

But I don't question her as I recall how chachu told me to be patient with her and to give her time. I am doing just that but that doesn't mean I will keep distance between us.

Atreyi is that puzzle which my entire being desires to solve and the key to that puzzle is her trust. Once I gain her trust, she will tell me her secrets and when I learn about them my interest in her will automatically subside.