The Wedding Whisperer

Chapter 18: Worlds Apart

Akshara's heart raced like a bullet train in her chest as she lowered her eyes, unable to handle the rush of emotions.

"Akshara, look at me." It was a plea.

She took a deep breath and slowly raised her eyes to meet his. "Abhimanyu, let's not take this any further."

"Why?"

"It's... it's a bad idea."

"Why?" His tone was persistent.

She fell silent as a million reasons why there would be no future for them swarmed her mind. Abhimanyu got up from his chair, walked over to where she sat, and kneeled in front of her. A few moments passed as she kept her eyes lowered. He slowly moved his hand to gently touch her cheek before running his fingers under her chin to make her look at him.

"Akshara..."

She raised her eyes to his, a lost expression in them. He cupped her cheek with his hand and said, "I... I can't breathe when you look at me like that."

"Abhimanyu..." She let out a sob, unable to speak.

"Akshara, there may be many reasons why this is a bad idea, but we need just one reason to give this a shot." He took her hand and flattened her palm on his chest.

"This is not normal for me, and I can't ignore it. If you feel what I am feeling, then that is the only thing we need not to give up on... what we feel for each other."

She pressed her lips together and shook her head. "I want you, but—"

He silenced her, his lips gently brushing over her quivering ones before planting a kiss on her cheek. He laid a trail of kisses on her cheek before pulling back to look at her.

"That is all I want to know, and everything else we can figure out. I have been waiting to hear those words. I want you too, and I can't imagine being able to enjoy another moment without you. I want all your smiles, and I want those beautiful eyes to look at me and sparkle with joy. I want to be the one to fulfill every one of your dreams because you are my dream come true. I want—"

She wasn't listening anymore as she reached up and pressed her lips to his, her eyes closing. The moment was incredible. His lips were soft as she held on to him, one hand on his collar, the other around his neck. The sweetness in the moment, the warmth and softness in his touch, soothed the pain she never thought could be relieved, and she felt at home.

She let out a moan when he pulled her closer, angling her head to deepen the kiss. His lips were cajoling as he robbed her of her breath. Her hand went up to his cheek, and she felt him groan in pleasure, setting something off inside her.

When they both surfaced for air, he planted tender kisses on her cheeks and held her close to him, their foreheads touching.

"Come home with me. Spend your break with me."

She smiled. "Are you sure you don't want a break from me?"

"I want you, all of you."

"What will I do at your place?"

"You can do whatever you want to. You can paint all the walls black or bring all the plants from outside into the house, eat all the desserts you want... anything. But I cannot be without you."

She smiled, knowing she would be lying to herself if she said she didn't feel the same way.

"Abhimanyu, I know what you mean, and I feel the same way, but what if... what if it doesn't last? You and I may be feeling this way because we've seen each other a lot the past few months."