𝐃𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐎𝐟 𝐑𝐀𝐉𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐒

24.

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Anika startled, her cheeks flushing even more.

"Kabir! I didn't need any help.
I know my way around a kitchen, thank you very much," she replied, trying to regain her composure.

Kabir laughed softly, pushing off the doorframe and walking towards her.

"I wasn't offering to help with the kitchen, Anika.
I was offering to help with... this." He pointed between them, indicating the charged atmosphere.

Anika rolled her eyes, but the corner of her mouth twitched upward.
"I don't need help with anything, especially from you."

Kabir stepped closer, his playful grin not wavering.
"Oh really? Because it seems like you might be having a bit of a... heart problem."

Anika crossed her arms, trying to appear unimpressed despite the fluttering in her chest.
"Heart problem? More like a headache."

Kabir leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper.
"You know, for someone who's always got a smart comeback, you're pretty flustered right now."

Anika took a step back, bumping into the counter behind her. She forced herself to hold his gaze.
"You're imagining things, Kabir."

He chuckled, the sound warm and genuine.
"Am I? Because I think that song did something to you. Or maybe it was just me."

Anika picked up a water glass and filled it, trying to focus on the simple task to steady her nerves.

"The song was beautiful, Kabir.
You have a great voice. But don't read too much into it."

Kabir took the glass from her hand, his fingers brushing against hers for a moment longer than necessary.

"Thank you, Anika.
But I wasn't just singing to entertain everyone. I meant every word."

Anika swallowed hard, the intensity in his eyes making her heart race. "I... I need to get back. Everyone's waiting."

Kabir blocked her path, his expression serious now.
"Anika, wait.
I know we joke and tease a lot, but I've always respected you. And tonight, singing with you, it felt different. It felt right."

Anika looked up at him, her defenses crumbling slightly.
"Kabir y-"

He smiled gently, taking her hand in his.
"You don't have to say anything right now. Just think about it, okay?"

She nodded slowly, her heart pounding.

Kabir squeezed her hand before letting go, stepping back to give her space.
"Alright, let's get back before they send a search squad."

As they returned to the living room, the rest of the group was waiting, their expressions curious.

Shivanya leaned back, a smirk on her face.
"Took you long enough. Did you find the warm water?"

Anika shot him a glare, but there was no heat in it.
"Yes, we did. Now, whose turn is it?"

They spun the bottle again and it stopped at Riddhi this time

Anika glanced at the bottle, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"I believe it's your turn, Riddhi."

Riddhi being the excited girl. "truth"

Anika grinned, leaning forward. "Alright, Riddhi. Do you have feelings for someone?"

Riddhi's eyes sparkling, darting briefly to Aransh before looking away. She hesitated, knowing all eyes were on her.