THE IInd DECISION

33.Generational Gap

Ashi Pov:-

I rushed out of the room, my heart pounding so fast it felt like it might burst out of my chest. The moment I entered the kitchen, I leaned against the cold marble slab, pressing my hands against it, trying to steady myself. Why was my heart racing? I glanced down at my trembling hands, noticing the goosebumps spreading across my skin, even the fine hair on my arms standing on end.

What is wrong with me?

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my mind, but it felt impossible. Every breath was shallow, and his words echoed relentlessly in my head, taunting me.

"So, whose attention do you like?"

A shiver ran down my spine as the memory of his lips brushing against my ear flooded my thoughts. The warmth of his breath, the low timbre of his voice-it was maddening. I clutched the edge of the slab harder, my knuckles turning white as I tried to suppress the heat rising within me.

Stop it, Ashi. Just stop. He can't have this much power over you. He can't.

Ayyan Pov:-

I walked downstairs and saw Mom and Riya already seated for dinner. As I sat down, I noticed the empty seat next to me and asked, "Where's Ashi?" while absentmindedly turning her plate beside mine. Riya raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips.

Mom replied with a knowing look, "How would we know? She's your wife. Shouldn't you be the one to know?"

Riya couldn't hold back her laughter and started coughing, clearly enjoying the situation. I stood up from my seat, ready to go look for Ashi when Mom called out, "Dinner first! Then go after her."

I shook my head and responded, "After her," before turning towards the garden. She wasn't there. I was about to head towards our room when I noticed a faint light glowing from the study. Curiosity piqued, I quietly approached, peeking through the slight gap in the door. There she was, her dupatta tossed carelessly on the table, hair loosely braided, rummaging through the drawers.

A smirk crept onto my lips. Without making a sound, I pushed the door open and leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over my chest, watching her with amusement.

"Searching for a book, are we?" I finally said, my voice low and teasing.

Ashi froze, startled, her wide eyes locking onto mine. She didn't say a word, her hands still in the drawer. I stepped closer, but she stayed rooted in place, her body tensing.

"Speak, Ashi. Were you searching for that erotic book?" I whispered, my tone filled with playful accusation.

Her gaze dropped to the floor, her face flushed, and for the first time, I noticed the faint line of sindoor in her hairline. She usually hides it at the office. I stepped even closer, my fingers lifting her chin gently, forcing her to meet my eyes.

"Answer me," I murmured.

She hesitated for a moment before giving the faintest nod. "No," she whispered.

I took another step, now standing so close that the air between us was almost non-existent. She took a step back until her back hit the edge of the table. "I told you," I said softly, my eyes never leaving hers, "I hate liars, Ashi. Tell me the truth."

She lifted her head, her dark eyes locking with mine. The tension between us was electric, and I could feel something shift inside me, a spark that ignited every time she challenged me. She finally whispered, "Yes."