Love Rivals: The Day I Saw Your Tears

93. Flustered In Her Closeness

I spotted Sarah across the crowded wedding hall, her brow creased with worry as she fidgeted with her saree pallu, which was slightly undone. I watched as she leaned in to ask Shruti something, her voice barely audible over the lively chatter. After a brief exchange, Shruti hurriedly approached me, her face a mix of urgency and concern.

"Sarah needs help," she said, glancing back toward her. "But I have to grab the garlands for the bride and groom. Pandit ji is hurrying me up. Please, can you assist her? She gets uncomfortable with strangers, even if it’s another girl."

I nodded, sensing the weight of Shruti's request. As I made my way to the room Sarah had retreated to, I hesitated briefly at the door, then turned the handle and stepped inside.

Sarah looked startled to see me. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice sharp as she tried to gather her pallu.

"Shruti sent me to help," I replied, closing the door behind me to offer her some privacy.

"I don’t need any help. Just get out," she insisted, her tone firm but tinged with frustration. It was clear she was struggling to pin her pallu correctly, her fingers fumbling in frustration.

I took a step closer, my heart pounding. "Why are you so nervous about me helping you? After all, I’m your husband," I said, a hint of playfulness lacing my words, despite the underlying tension.

Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that she had never truly treated me as her husband. I extended my hand, ready to assist her, but she shrugged me off with determination. "I can do it myself," she replied, her eyes blazing with a mixture of defiance and embarrassment.

I positioned myself behind her, leaning in closer to her neck as I carefully held her pin and the pallu in place. The moment our hands brushed against each other, she instinctively pulled away, a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks.

“Do you even realize how much I have to control myself?” I whispered, my voice low and teasing. “I’m still a boy, Sarah, and boys lose their minds when they find themselves in a closed room with a girl—even if she’s their enemy.”

I felt her breath hitch slightly, a sign that my words had struck a chord. To push her boundaries a bit further, I deliberately grazed my fingers near her neck, my pulse racing with the thrill of being so close. She spun around, her expression a mix of irritation and flustered surprise. “It’s done. Mind leaving the room now?” she asked, her tone sharp yet hesitant.

“I won’t leave,” I replied, a chuckle escaping my lips as I saw the conflict in her eyes. I could tell she was desperate to fix her saree, but my presence seemed to add to her discomfort.

With a playful grin, I approached her, saying, "Let me help you with that chain."

She instinctively stepped back, shaking her head. “It’s alright,” she replied, her voice firm but edged with hesitation.

I leaned in slightly, trying to coax her, “I promise I’ll leave the room as soon as I help you with the chain.”

Taking the chain from her hand, I turned her gently around. As I positioned myself behind her, I couldn’t resist the urge to tease. My fingers grazed her skin as I flipped her hair backward, causing her to shiver slightly at the unexpected touch. The moment she sensed our skin making contact, she quickly tucked her hair away, trying to regain her composure. I leaned in closer, allowing her to feel my breath against her neck.

I could see her muscles tense up, and I noticed her holding her breath, a smile tugging at my lips as I reveled in the moment. “Breathe,” I whispered softly, locking the chain around her neck.

“Huh?” she responded, momentarily thrown off balance.

“Breathe,” I repeated, pulling away just enough to give her space. “It’s done.”

She turned to face me, irritation flickering in her eyes as she playfully hit me on the shoulder. “Try to do this again!” she warned.

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The next evening, my mood had taken a sharp downturn, mostly thanks to Dad. My head was pounding, and to make matters worse, I had to keep a coffee date with Nitya. But what truly set my nerves on edge was seeing Sarah at the café with Vicky.

Without thinking, I called her.

“Hello?” she answered casually.

“Turn to your left,” I said, barely able to hide the frustration in my voice.

She turned, spotting me immediately. A look of surprise crossed her face before she walked over to where I was seated.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, glancing from me to Nitya and back.

I ignored her question, my eyes narrowing. “Why are you with him?” I demanded.

Sarah blinked at me, unfazed by my tone. “I came to take some pictures of Krystal for her wedding album,” she explained casually, as if my question hadn’t bothered her at all.

“Are you done?” I asked, still on edge.

She nodded.

I didn’t waste a second before turning to Vicky, my voice firm. “You can go now. She’ll be coming with me.”

Vicky hesitated for a moment, shooting me an unreadable look before quietly leaving. Sarah, now seated across from me, watched him leave and then turned her attention back to me with a raised eyebrow.