Our Burning Desire

Chapter 17

Ashwin tugged Shriya toward the bed, promising he would return soon. Now, he stood under the intense gaze of his brother, Vidharth. Memories flashed in his mind, and a wave of fear washed over him.

"Explain yourself, Ashwin. I want to avoid frightening her further,"

Vidharth said, his voice low but firm.

Ashwin felt a knot in his stomach, grateful for his brother's patience, a silent thank you to his bhabhi ma.

"She is Shriya..."

Ashwin began, laying out the story as Vidharth listened intently. Vidharth's expression shifted from anger to pride, then back to anger as Ashwin described how they had eloped.

Vidharth glared at Ashwin, who couldn't meet his brother's intense gaze. Sensing the silence, he pressed on, even weaving in lies about Shriya's mother.

Vidharth listened without interruption, but as Ashwin finished, he rose slowly, his posture threatening.

"Aadhi shaadi karke aaye ho... You didn't think it was important to inform the family?"

Vidharth's words dripped with a mix of anger and irritation.

Ashwin was looking down not knowing how to explain his reason. He knows it will just anger Vidharth more than he already. Vidharth was about to shout at him for looking down ignoring his question but before that

"Please don't scold him," came a timid voice from Shriya. She stepped forward, trembling under Vidharth's fierce glare.

He looked away, closing his eyes to regain his composure.

"He did this to help me. I can explain everything,"

she continued, misunderstanding their talk. She had rushed out when she heard Vidharth's anger, wanting to defend Ashwin before things escalated.

Vidharth sighed, rubbing his face in frustration as he took in Shriya's fearful demeanor.

Despite his protective instincts for his Angel, he couldn't find any faults in her. Years spent in the mafia world had taught him to read people, and he felt an unexpected sense of relief mixed with happiness.

"He's innocent; it was all my fault. Please, let me explain, bhaiya."

With her address, she struck a chord with Vidharth. He glanced at Ashwin, who looked between them with concern. Just as Ashwin opened his mouth to speak, Vidharth issued a command.

"Ashwin, take her."

Shriya looked uncertainly at Vidharth as Ashwin grasped her hand. She gently stopped him, her voice barely above a whisper.

"P-please listen, we aren't doing anything against-"

"Shriya, let's go," Ashwin urged, glancing at Vidharth, who seemed lost in thought.

"We have to explain," she insisted.

"I've already explained everything to him," Ashwin replied gently, trying to ease her anxiety.

Vidharth scrutinized them both, his gaze moving between Ashwin's worried face and Shriya's apprehensive one. A small smile broke through his serious demeanor before he cleared his throat.

"Shriya, come here." His tone was firm but not harsh.

She approached hesitantly, hiding her trembling hands behind her back. Vidharth chuckled softly, then shot a glare at Ashwin.

"You need an invitation to stand here?" he said, his voice still carrying a hint of annoyance.

Ashwin quickly stepped beside Shriya, and Vidharth observed the two of them before addressing her again.