Monster's Queen 👑

Chapter 23

By the time Abhimaan reached home, it was already 4 AM. Exhausted yet determined, he made his way to his room, tossing his blazer and tie carelessly onto the bed. Without wasting any time, he grabbed a duffle bag and packed two white shirts and pair of pants. Despite the late hour and the weariness clinging to him, a small, familiar smirk tugged at his lips as he glanced out the window.

Old habits die hard.

With practiced ease, Abhimaan slipped out of the main mansion and made his way toward the outhouse where Nandini stayed. The early morning air was cool against his skin, but it did nothing to quell the anticipation building within him. Reaching the base of her balcony, he began his familiar climb, each movement fluid and precise, as if he'd done this a thousand times before-because he had not thousand but yeah many times.

The moment his feet touched the balcony, a sense of relief washed over him. He was finally where he wanted to be.

As Abhimaan quietly slipped into Nandini's room, the soft light from the hallway cast a gentle glow across the space. His eyes immediately fell on Nandini, who was sprawled across the bed in a disoriented position, as if sleep had only come to her after a long struggle. Her hair was a tangled mess, one arm draped over her face, and the blanket was half off the bed, leaving her only partially covered.

She was wearing a cute T-shirt paired with equally adorable shorts, her bare legs stretched out and on full display. The sight of her like this, vulnerable and at peace despite the chaos of her sleep, stirred something deep within him. At the opposite end of the bed, Snowy was curled up in a tight ball, completely oblivious to the world, his soft purring the only sound in the otherwise silent room.

Abhimaan couldn't help but smile at the sight of them, but his heart ached slightly as he took in Nandini's restless state. It was clear she hadn't slept well, and guilt tugged at him. The distance, the worry, and now this-he felt the weight of it all as he quietly approached the bed, careful not to wake either of them.

Abhimaan leaned down and placed a tender kiss on Nandini's head, his lips lingering for a moment as he took in the warmth of her presence. With careful hands, he adjusted the blanket, pulling it over her to keep her warm. But even with all his caution, the gentle touch stirred her from sleep.

Nandini's eyes fluttered open, dazed and unfocused at first. But as her vision cleared and she recognized him standing there, the fog of sleep was replaced by a rush of emotions. Without a second thought, she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly as if afraid he might disappear.

Abhimaan felt her relief, her silent longing, in the way she clung to him. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, feeling the tension in her body melt away as she buried her face against his chest. In that moment, words weren't necessary. The embrace said everything they both needed to hear.

In a hushed voice filled with happiness, Nandini whispered against his neck, her breath warm as it brushed against his skin, "You're back." The softness of her voice and the way her face was nestled against his neck sent a shiver down Abhimaan's spine, almost drawing a moan from him despite himself.

The simple words, coupled with the closeness they shared, made his heart swell, grounding him in the one place where he could find peace-right there, in her arms.

Abhimaan couldn't help but smile as he felt her warmth against him. With a teasing lilt in his voice, he whispered back, "Had to be back... someone's waiting for me desperately." His words were playful, but the lingering smile on his face revealed the depth of his affection. Holding her close, he felt the weight of the world lift, knowing that no matter how far he had to go, he'd always return to her.