"From Rivals to Forever: A Journey of Love"

Chapter 50

Aditi's Perspective

As Kabir's lips moved against mine, a rush of warmth flooded my body, igniting a fire that had long been dormant. Our kisses danced between tenderness and urgency, a sweet exploration of all the emotions we had bottled up. I wanted to get lost in him, in us, in this moment that felt suspended in time. I could barely think straight, every nerve ending tingling as he pulled me closer.

But just as I began to let go completely, my phone vibrated insistently in my pocket. I pulled away slightly, breathless, eyes wide with desire and disappointment. "Wait," I murmured, trying to suppress a groan. I fished my phone out, glancing at the screen. It was my mom.

"I really should take this," I said, my heart sinking as I answered the call. "Hi, Mom!"

"Aditi! Where are you?" My mom's voice was bright, filled with concern. "I've been looking for you and the kids at Kabir's party."

"Uh, I'm—" I glanced at Kabir, who was still hovering close, his presence electrifying. "Just checking out the backyard."

"Make sure to keep an eye on Anaya and Arjun!" she instructed, her voice fading slightly. "They're all over the place, and I don't want them getting into any trouble!"

"Sure, I'll grab them," I replied, my heart racing. I could hear the laughter and chatter of the party in the background, and I didn't want to miss out.

"Great! I'll let you go," she said, her tone lightening. "And enjoy yourself! Just make sure they stay close!"

I hung up, looking at Kabir, who had an amused smirk on his face. "Guess we should get back," I said, feeling a mix of excitement and reluctance.

"Yeah, but first," he whispered, his lips brushing against my neck, sending shivers down my spine, "let me distract you a little longer."

"Kabir, we can't do this right now!" I gasped, trying to control my breathing as he continued to trail kisses along my neck. The sensation made it hard to think straight.

"Why not? It's just a little distraction," he murmured against my skin, his warm breath igniting a heat that consumed me. "They'll be busy with their own adventures. Just focus on us for a moment longer."

My heart raced as I glanced back at the door, knowing the kids were waiting. "I don't want them to get into any trouble," I managed, even as my body leaned instinctively into him, craving more.

Kabir chuckled, a playful twinkle in his eye. "You just can't resist the call of responsibility, can you?"

I shot him a glare, but couldn't help the smile creeping onto my face. "Not when my mom is involved."

"Let's go, then," he said, opening the door for me with a flourish. "After you, my lady."

I stepped out, the cool air of the hallway hitting me as I tried to gather my thoughts. I needed to make sure there was no trace of our moment lingering on me before we faced our families. I pulled out my compact and quickly checked my reflection in the mirror. A quick dab of lipstick was in order.

"Just a second," I said, turning away from him. I reapplied my lipstick carefully, glancing back to see Kabir leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching me with an amused expression. "What?"

"Just appreciating the view," he said with a smirk. "You always look good, but there's something about you right now that's... mesmerizing."

"Stop," I replied, feeling my cheeks flush. "We have to get back downstairs."

With one last look in the mirror, I pushed my hair back and made sure everything was in place. "Alright, let's go find Arjun and Anaya," I said, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness wash over me.