Ruthless Possession

Rival or Reliant?

Vaanya slowly stirs as her consciousness begins to return, her eyes fluttering open to a blurry world. As her vision focuses, she finds herself in a room she doesn't recognize, surrounded by unfamiliar furniture and a strange scent. It takes a moment for her groggy mind to recall the events of last night, and suddenly she remembers the attack and Aryan rescuing her. She sits up in the bed, her body aching and battered, and her gaze falls upon Aryan, who's lying asleep on the couch across her.

Vaanya takes in the sight of him, his body sprawled out on the couch, his face relaxed in sleep. The way his broad chest rises and falls with each breath causes an odd sensation in her chest, and she finds herself unable to look away. A strange mixture of gratitude and curiosity fills her as she continues to watch him sleep, taking in his messy hair, his strong jawline, and the way his lips are slightly parted.

The longer she watches him, the more fascinated she becomes. She notices the way his brow furrows in sleep, as if troubled by a dream, and the way he subconsciously runs a hand through his tousled hair, sending it sticking up in wild directions. Her eyes flick to his muscular arms, displayed freely since he's not wearing a shirt, and she has to force her gaze back up to his face, willing her thoughts to stay appropriate.

Aryan slowly brings himself out of sleep, keeping his eyes closed and maintaining the appearance of being asleep. Sensing Vaanya's gaze on him, he decides to tease her a bit. With his eyes still closed, he smirks and mutters sleepily, "You're trying to take advantage of me, aren't you, cookie? Can't help but admire my good looks, can you?"

Vaanya blushes slightly at his words, but quickly composes herself and denies it. "What? No, I wasn't staring!" she splutters, feeling embarrassed at being caught. "I was...I was just thinking."

Aryan, still keeping his eyes closed, grins wider at her flustered reaction. He can practically hear the blush in her voice. "Oh, really?" he teases. "And what exactly were you thinking about, huh? Let me guess...me?"

Vaanya's blush deepens at his assumption, and she hurriedly shakes her head. "No, no! I wasn't thinking about you," she protests, her voice tinged with denial. "I was just trying to..to figure out why I'm here in your room in the first place."

Aryan chuckles softly, his eyes still closed, enjoying her flustered state. "It's quite simple, really," he replies, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You're here because you needed a place to stay, and I obliged. Mike wasn't too happy about it, but what can I say? I couldn't leave a damsel in distress stranded now, could I?"

Vaanya raises her eyebrows, feeling a bit miffed at his nonchalant attitude. "Oh, so you just brought me here because you pity me, is that it?" she retorts, her tone sharp. "You don't even know me, and suddenly I'm a damsel in distress whom you have to save?"

Aryan's smirk fades slightly at her sharp tone, realizing she's taken his words the wrong way. "What? No, that's not what I meant," he quickly clarifies, finally opening his eyes to look at her. "I brought you here because I thought you needed help. It had nothing to do with pity."

Vaanya rolls her eyes, still riled up from his earlier comments. "Sure, sure. You brought me here out of the goodness of your heart, right? You're such a saint." Her voice drips with sarcasm as she continues, her frustration mounting. "You just happen to have a habit of picking up every damsel in distress and taking them back to your room without a second thought, is that it?"

Aryan's expression turns serious as he processes her words, his concern for her well-being taking precedence over their petty fight. "Vaanya," he says softly. "Look, I know you're upset, but the reason I brought you here is that you were hurt. There were no other motives, I promise."