His dark obsession

21. Moment of exposure

Samyuktika stood under the warm shower, lost in thought. She didn't realize her mistake until she stepped out.

Her clothes were still on the bed. "Ekansh!" she called out. No response.
She tried again, louder.

"Ekansh! I need my clothes!" Silence. Realizing he wasn't around, a mischievous grin spread across her face.

Seizing the opportunity, she wrapped the towel around her securely. She was about to make a dash for her clothes when the door swung open.

Ekansh stood in the doorway, a hint of surprise on his face. Their eyes met.

Samyuktika's cheeks flushed.

" you?" she asked. Ekansh raised an eyebrow. "I went downstairs for a drink," he replied.

His gaze drifted to her towel-clad figure.
A flicker of amusement danced in his eyes.

Samyuktika's flush deepened. She stood frozen. Unsure what to do.  The tension between them was palpable.

Samyuktika's eyes widened as she suddenly felt exposed. She dashed back into the bathroom. Ekansh's voice followed her. "Sorry!" he called out.

She grabbed her clothes, which she had fortunatey taken with her inside the bathroom. Samyuktika quickly locked the door.

And began to dress..Her heart still racing from the surprise. She couldn't help but smile.

At Ekansh's hasty apology..And swift departure. The bathroom door creaked open.

Samyuktika stepped out. Dressed and composed. The bedroom was empty. Ekansh had left.

Their earlier encounter. Lingered in the air. A mix of embarrassment. And playful tension.

Samyuktika leaned against the bathroom counter. Her face burning with embarrassment.

"Why, God, why?" she muttered. "What did I do to deserve this?" She glared at her reflection.

"You're so clumsy, Samyuktika.Can't even take a shower without drama." Her cheeks flushed.

She couldn't believe Ekansh saw her. In nothing but a towel. Their eyes met. The memory replayed.

Her mortification deepened. "Ugh!" she groaned. "Why did I have to react like that? Running back into the bathroom. Like a frightened rabbit."

Samyuktika shook her head. Disgusted with herself. She splashed water on her face.

Trying to wash away her embarrassment. But it lingered. A nagging voice.

Reminding her of her vulnerability. "Get a grip, Sam," she told herself. "It's just Ekansh." But the humiliation stung. And she couldn't shake it off.
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Ekansh stood in front of the bathroom mirror, removing his t-shirt. His gaze drifted to his reflection, admiring his well-built abs and chest - a product of years of dedication. He smiled, satisfied.

But his thoughts unexpectedly shifted to Samyuktika, standing in the towel, her damp hair clinging to her skin and her cheeks flushed. Ekansh's eyes narrowed as he recalled the moment.

She looked...hot. The thought caught him off guard, and he cursed himself. "What's wrong with you, Ekansh? You're not supposed to think that way." About Samyuktika, his best friend since childhood.

No, no, no. He shook his head vigorously, trying to clear the image. But it lingered - Samyuktika's laughter, her smile, her sparkling eyes.

Ekansh sighed heavily, feeling his resolve slip. He needed to focus, not complicate their friendship with unwanted feelings. He turned away from the mirror and began to splash water on his face, cooling down and regaining control.

But the memory of Samyuktika in that towel refused to fade, haunting him like a pleasant ghost.

Ekansh's thoughts raced wildly. "You're going to lose your mind, Ekansh," he told himself. This girl, who just walked into your life, is driving you crazy.

He couldn't understand why he was reacting this way. They had just met, and yet, one glimpse of her in a towel had left him breathless.

"What's happening to me?" Ekansh wondered. He had never felt this way before. This turmoil. This confusion. This aching desire.

He looked at himself in the mirror, searching for answers. But his reflection showed only a man torn apart by conflicting emotions.

He tried to shake off the feeling, focusing on the present. "Get a grip, Ekansh," he muttered. "You don't even know her."

But his heart refused to listen. It stubbornly clung to the image of Samyuktika, her damp hair, and flushed cheeks.

Ekansh sighed, defeated. He couldn't deny the connection he felt.

"Why?" he whispered to himself. "Why does she have this effect on me?"

His mind searched for answers, but his heart already knew.

It was more than just physical attraction.

There was something deeper.

Something that stirred a part of him he thought was long buried.

Ekansh's gaze dropped, his eyes avoiding the mirror's reflection. He didn't want to confront the truth. Not yet.

But his heart continued to beat with a newfound intensity. A rhythm that whispered her name. Samyuktika.

This morning, after bathing, Ekansh had hoped the awkwardness would dissipate.

But seeing Samyuktika at the breakfast table, her hair still damp and her skin glowing, brought it all back.

The memory of her in that towel. The rush of emotions. The struggle to breathe.

Ekansh poured himself another cup of coffee, his hands shaking slightly. Samyuktika sat across from him, her eyes fixed on her plate.

Neither dared to break the silence. The air was thick with tension. Ekansh cleared his throat, attempting to sound casual.

"Sleep well?" Samyuktika's gaze flickered up. For a moment, their eyes locked. Then she looked away. "Yes," she replied softly. The word hung in the air.
Like a promise unfulfilled. Ekansh's heart pounded. He knew he had to say something.

Anything. To shatter the silence. To ease the tension. But his words remained trapped. Frozen in his throat.

Ekansh retreated to his office, seeking refuge from the awkwardness..He shut the door behind him. And leaned against it. Exhaling deeply.

Trying to clear his mind. But Samyuktika's image lingered. Haunting him.

He strode to his desk. And dropped into his chair. Focus on work. That's what he needed.

Ekansh booted up his computer. And began reviewing files. But his attention wandered.

To the sound of her laughter. The sparkle in her eyes. "Ekansh, get a grip!" he muttered.

He rubbed his temples. Tension headache brewing. Suddenly, his phone buzzed.