SHADOWS OF DESIRES

chapter 6

The sangeet ceremony was alive with vibrant energy, the music and colors creating an enchanting atmosphere. But on the dance floor, there was a different kind of tension between Abhiman and Adriti—one that neither could ignore.

As they moved together, Abhiman tightened his grip on her waist, pulling her closer. He leaned in, his voice a dark whisper against her ear. “I’ve had sinful thoughts about you, Adriti.”

Her heart fluttered for a moment, but she quickly steadied herself. “You’re no one to me, Abhiman,” she replied, her tone firm and unwavering. “You have no right to feel that way. I belong to no one.”

Her words were like a challenge, hitting him harder than he expected. No one had ever spoken to him like that before, and the surge of jealousy and frustration it triggered was almost overwhelming. But instead of pushing him away, her defiance only made him want her more.

As he watched her, eyes blazing with resistance, something clicked within him. This wasn’t just about attraction anymore. Adriti was different—strong, unyielding, and unlike anyone else he’d encountered. She didn’t see him as the all-powerful man everyone else did, and that only fueled his desire.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed, interrupting the moment. Adriti glanced down at it, then back up at him with a small, victorious smile. “Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Abhiman. Remember, you’re no one to me,” she said coolly before pulling away to take the call.

As she walked off the dance floor, Abhiman’s eyes followed her every step, a smirk slowly spreading across his face. The frustration of the moment only deepened his resolve. She might have walked away tonight, but that didn’t matter. In fact, it only made the game more interesting.

Now, more than ever, he knew what he wanted, and he wasn’t the type to be denied. Adriti had just unwittingly lit a fire in him that wouldn’t be extinguished until she was his. The thrill of the chase was intoxicating, and he relished the thought of breaking down her defenses, one by one.

As the night continued around him, Abhiman began to plan his next move. She might think she could resist him, but he knew better. He wouldn’t stop until he had her, and when he did, she would finally understand who she belonged to.

The smirk on his face remained as he imagined the many ways he would make her his, his mind already weaving a web she wouldn’t be able to escape.

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Next day

The grand hall was abuzz with the final preparations for the sangeet ceremony. Amidst the chaos, Abhiman descended the stairs with his mother, his eyes scanning the room with a predatory glint. He had one person in mind—Adriti.

Adriti was busy directing a team of helpers, her focus unwavering. Abhiman made his way over, a calculating smirk on his lips. His gaze was fixed on her, not with admiration, but with a cold, strategic interest.

Shreeti and Vikram, noticing Abhiman’s approach, exchanged knowing glances. Shreeti nudged Vikram and whispered, “Looks like Abhiman’s taken quite an interest in Adriti.”

Vikram observed with a mix of amusement and curiosity. “Yeah, but he seems to have more than just casual interest. There’s a sharpness to his gaze.”

Abhiman finally reached Adriti and leaned casually against a nearby table. “Busy as ever, I see,” he said, his voice smooth but laced with an underlying edge. “You’re handling everything quite efficiently.”

Adriti glanced up, her eyes meeting his with a mix of irritation and surprise. “Mr. Suryawanshi, I’m not sure why you’re here. I’m managing just fine without your help.”

Abhiman’s smile widened, revealing a hint of his ruthless side. “Oh, I’m sure you are. But I couldn’t resist seeing how you’re handling things. After all, I’m always interested in efficiency—and in people who think they’re untouchable.”