He Was My First Love

Part : Four

Priya turned to leave, her breath shallow and her mind racing, but Ram's hand shot out, gripping her wrist gently yet firmly. "We need to talk," he said, his voice steady but filled with something deeper, almost pleading.

She froze, her body tensing at his touch. "Why?" she whispered, refusing to meet his eyes. "I have nothing to say to you. Peehu is here. If she sees you..." Her words trailed off, her voice thick with anxiety.

Ram's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing slightly. "She already saw me," he said bluntly.

Priya's heart stopped for a moment, her breath catching in her throat. "What?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Ram nodded, his gaze steady. "Yes. That day. So why should I hide myself from her, or from you?"

Priya's pulse raced. "Ram, please. I don't know why you came back or what you want, but you need to leave. Now."

He didn't let go. "Just for a few moments. Please, I just want to talk."

Priya shook her head, her emotions tangled between anger, fear, and confusion. "I don't want to hear anything from you," she snapped, her voice trembling as she took a step back. But in her haste, her foot caught on a loose crate, and before she could catch herself, she stumbled. Her arms flailed for balance, but before she could fall, Ram was there.

In one swift movement, he pulled her into his arms, holding her steady against him. Priya's heart pounded, her body pressed against his strong frame. For a moment, neither of them moved. Her breathing was shallow, and his eyes searched hers, dark and intense. The past between them hung like a thick fog in the air, suffocating, undeniable.

Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed up the stairs. Peehu.

Priya's eyes widened in panic. "Ram, she's coming," she whispered, her voice urgent.

Without thinking, they hurried toward the door, locking it just as Peehu reached the top of the stairs. They pressed their backs against the door, the sound of the knob rattling as Peehu tried to open it. Ram's body pinned Priya to the door, their faces inches apart, tension thick between them.

Peehu sighed in frustration from the other side of the door, giving up on the lock. After a long moment, her footsteps retreated back down the stairs.

In the silence that followed, Ram's eyes remained fixed on Priya, his lips curling into a soft, knowing smile. "So," he whispered, his breath warm against her face, "I still make your heart race."

Priya's eyes flashed with indignation. She scoffed, pushing him away with all her strength. "Don't flatter yourself," she spat, her voice sharp. Her body trembled, not from fear, but from the overwhelming surge of emotions flooding her.

Without looking back, Priya stormed out of the room, her heart pounding, leaving Ram behind in the shadows.

Priya hurried into the kitchen, her hands trembling slightly as she leaned against the counter, trying to collect herself. The moment with Ram had left her shaken, but she couldn't let Peehu sense anything was wrong. The last thing she wanted was for her daughter to get involved, especially when she knew how much Peehu resented her father.

Just then, Priya's phone buzzed. It was Peehu.

"Mom, where are you? I've been looking for you everywhere!" Peehu's voice came through, sounding slightly annoyed.

"I'm in the restaurant," Priya replied, trying to sound casual as she wiped her brow, hoping her anxiety wasn't evident in her voice.

"Come on, Mom! I'm here too, and you're not around. Where exactly are you?" Peehu pressed, her tone impatient.