His dark obsession

23. Restricted corridor

Here's the revised continuation:

Ekansh stormed out of the room, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.

Samyuktika rushed after him, her voice pleading. "Ekansh, wait! Please don't go!"

She grasped his arm, trying to stop him, but he shook her off.

"Don't disturb me," Ekansh growled, his eyes flashing with anger.

Samyuktika's eyes welled up with tears. "What's wrong? Why are you so upset?"

Ekansh's expression remained unyielding. "Just leave me alone."

She reached out again, but Ekansh jerked his arm free, his movement almost violent.

Samyuktika lost balance, stumbling backward. She fell hard onto the ground, a jolt of pain shooting through her elbow.

Ekansh didn't flinch, didn't look back. "Don't follow me," he warned, his voice cold.

He turned and walked away, leaving Samyuktika stunned and hurt.

She struggled to her feet, rubbing her sore elbow. Tears streamed down her face.

Why was Ekansh pushing her away?

What had she done wrong?

The questions swirled in her mind as she watched Ekansh disappear into the night.

As he  walked out, Samyuktika called after them. "Wait! What's happening?"

But he didn't respond.

The door closed, leaving Samyuktika alone and bewildered.

Samyuktika watched, her heart sinking, as Ekansh stepped into the elevator.

She knew that elevator led to the top-most corridor, a restricted area off-limits to her.

A sign etched in gold lettering above the elevator read: "Authorized Personnel Only."

Ekansh's eyes met hers for a fleeting moment before the doors slid shut.

The display panel above the elevator flashed: "Floor 20: The Penthouse."

Samyuktika's curiosity piqued. What was Ekansh doing up there?

Why was he shutting her out?

She felt a pang of frustration and hurt.

The elevator doors closed, and Ekansh vanished from view.

Samyuktika stood frozen, unsure what to do next.

Should she follow him, risking confrontation?

Or should she respect his boundaries?

Her thoughts swirled as she gazed at the closed elevator doors.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by the soft hum of the elevator returning to the ground floor.

The doors opened, empty.

Ekansh was gone.

Samyuktika's eyes lingered on the empty elevator, her mind racing.

She couldn't shake off the feeling that Ekansh was hiding something.

The penthouse, with its restricted access, seemed mysterious and intimidating.

Determined to uncover the truth, Samyuktika made a decision.

She would find a way to get to the penthouse.

Samyuktika's concern deepened as she thought about Ekansh's sudden departure. She hadn't noticed him eating dinner, and the thought of him leaving on an empty stomach gnawed at her. Ekansh's anger and hurt had been palpable, and now hunger pangs added to her worry.

As she stood there, she held a plate of dinner in her hands, the aroma of warm food wafting up. She had been about to serve it to Ekansh before he stormed off. Now, she felt an overwhelming urge to ensure he ate something.

Without thinking, Samyuktika decided to follow him. She would take the dinner to him, even if it meant going to the restricted penthouse. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead.

As she approached the elevator, she swiped her card and entered the access code. The doors opened, and she stepped inside, the plate of dinner still in her hands. The display panel flashed: "Floor 20: The Penthouse." Her heart pounded as the elevator ascended.

What would she find when the doors opened? Would Ekansh be receptive to her gesture, or would he push her away again? Samyuktika's thoughts swirled, but her determination remained unwavering. She would see this through, for Ekansh's sake.

Samyuktika walked through the corridors, her footsteps echoing off the polished marble floors. The plate of dinner remained steady in her hands, the warmth of the food a comforting contrast to the chill of uncertainty.

As she navigated the penthouse's opulent hallways, the silence seemed oppressive. Portraits of esteemed ancestors lined the walls, their stern gazes following her every step.

She turned a corner, and the corridor stretched out before her, dimly lit by crystal chandeliers. Ekansh's door came into view, its sleek wood surface adorned with intricate carvings.

Samyuktika's heart quickened as she approached. Would Ekansh welcome her? Or would he turn her away, rejecting both her concern and the dinner she'd brought?

With a deep breath, she raised her hand and knocked softly on the door. The sound seemed to reverberate through the stillness.

The door remained closed, but Samyuktika sensed a presence on the other side. She waited, her eyes fixed on the door, the plate of dinner growing warmer in her hands.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Ekansh stood before her, his expression inscrutable.

Samyuktika pushed open the door, her eyes scanning the room. The penthouse suite was usually immaculate, but now it was in disarray. Furniture was overturned, papers scattered everywhere, and shattered glass littered the floor.

Her gaze landed on Ekansh, his back to her. He was shirtless, sweat-drenched, and punching a punching bag with ferocious intensity. Each blow landed with a resounding thud, echoing through the room.

As she stepped inside, Ekansh's movements slowed, but he didn't stop. His fists continued to pound the bag, his muscles rippling beneath his skin.

Samyuktika's eyes widened, taking in the scene. Ekansh's usual composure was shattered, replaced by raw emotion.

She felt a pang of concern, her heart aching for the pain he was trying to release.

"Ekansh?" she called softly, her voice barely audible over the pounding.

He didn't respond, lost in his turmoil.

Samyuktika approached cautiously, the plate of dinner still in her hands.

As she drew closer, Ekansh's movements slowed, his chest heaving.

Finally, he turned, his eyes locking onto hers.

For a moment, they just stared, the tension between them palpable.

Ekansh's gaze dropped to the plate in her hands, then back to her face.

His expression softened, ever so slightly.

"Samyuktika?" he whispered, his voice laced with exhaustion.

They both looked at each other and suddenly Samyuktika's eyes fell on something different.