ADHURI KAHANI: A tale of an amnesic bond

36. RAIN SOAKED LIPS

ISHAAN'S POV

The car disappeared from sight, leaving behind a quiet stillness that matched the weight of the moment. Shivyansh and Tanvi would be leaving tomorrow, and since I wouldn't be able to see them off, this was my final goodbye. Inaaya stood beside me, her gaze locked on the road where the car had faded. A gentle breeze stirred, lifting strands of her hair. I glanced at her side profile, my eyes lingering as I tried to read her expression. In all my years in the business world, I'd become skilled at reading faces, yet my secretary remained an enigma-a puzzle I couldn't crack. But it wasn't just professional curiosity. She was a mystery I desperately wanted to solve, even if it took me a thousand years. I was willing to give it my all.

For a brief second, though, the veil lifted. When she turned, there was something unmistakable in her eyes-a sadness, a longing, as if countless unspoken words were pressing against her heart, begging to be let out. And then, just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished. Our eyes met, and the emotion was gone, leaving me uncertain. Had I really seen that sadness? Or was it just my mind playing tricks, noticing her so intensely that I was starting to imagine things?

What are you doing to me, Inaaya?

"I'll drop you, Miss Inaaya."

She immediately shook her head, refusing my offer.

"No, sir, it's okay. I'm going to take a cab," she said.

"I'm heading that way too. I'll drop you."

It's a lie, but a harmless one. I'm not heading in the direction of her house at all. In fact, I should be going the complete opposite way-where I live. My place is on the other side of town, but she doesn't need to know that right now. All I want is a little extra time with her, even if it means taking a detour and going far out of my way.

I'll play it off as casual, act like this is just a coincidence, and offer her a ride. She probably won't suspect anything, and I can't help but feel a little thrill at the idea of extending this time alone. I'm willing to bend the truth, take the longer route, whatever it takes. It's not about the distance, anyway-it's about being with her for just a few more moments, sharing the same space, even if it's in silence. I'll try every trick in the book, even if it means traveling in the wrong direction, just to be close to her a little longer.

"Ohh okay...sure"

Her tone carried a hint of uncertainty as her eyes drifted to the road, scanning for any approaching cabs. Another soft breeze swept past us, ruffling her hair, and in that moment, I silently wished, with everything in me, that no cab would show-not now, not yet. The seconds felt stretched, her gaze still searching, while a strange mix of hope and anxiety churned inside me.

Then, at last, her eyes returned to mine. In that look, there was something-maybe quiet acceptance, maybe resignation. Whatever it was, it felt like a small victory, one I wasn't willing to let go of.

"The car is parked a bit farther from here."

We started walking side by side, heading in the direction the car had gone. Another gust of wind swept past, cool against my skin. I glanced up at the sky, realizing for the first time how dark it had become. The soft hues of sunset were long gone, replaced by a thick, greyish blanket that spread across the horizon. The air carried a heaviness that could only mean one thing-it was going to rain.

The atmosphere shifted entirely as the rain began to fall. A drop landed just below my right eye, followed quickly by another on my head, and before I knew it, the sky opened up, pouring heavily. Instinctively, I quickened my pace, hoping to reach the car, but it became clear there was no outrunning the storm. My eyes darted around, searching for shelter. However, when I turned to Inaaya, expecting her to follow suit, she stood still.

She wasn't looking for cover. In fact, she didn't seem to mind the rain at all. Her head tilted slightly upward, eyes almost closed, as she embraced it. The raindrops trailed down from her hair, tracing a path along her nose before settling on her lips. My focus shifted entirely to those rain soaked lips, as everything around me faded into nothingness. The world, the rain, everything-except for her. For a brief moment, I even forgot how much I hated the rain. Because those plum lips captivated me, making me reconsider everything. I might despise rain, but not this-this view in front of me. It made me want to love the rain, if only because it felt like it belonged to her.

Two things became undeniably clear in that instant. First, she loves the rain. And second, I wanted to taste her lips more than anything. I was drawn to them like they were a drug, a craving I hadn't known I had, but now couldn't shake. Even though I'd never tasted them, I could imagine their sweetness. And Oh God, I wanted them.

I stood there, frozen in place, watching her as she welcomed the rain with open arms. The way the droplets danced on her skin, the serene look on her face-it was mesmerizing. I didn't care about the rain soaking through my suit, the chill in the air, or the growing discomfort of standing there. All I cared about was this moment, this scene in front of me, and her. I wanted to etch this memory deep into my mind, never to be forgotten. Every detail-the way the rain kissed her face, the soft curve of her lips, the peace she seemed to find in something as simple as a storm. It felt too precious to let slip away. Even if it meant getting drenched, I would stand here and take it all in, because moments like this, moments with her, were worth everything.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Here is the 36th chapter. I hope you guys liked it.

Ohh how i love this chapter!!! It met my expectations ,although the chapter itself is a bit short.

Show some love by voting and commenting. It motivates me a lot.

Chapter 37 will come out soon <3

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