ABHIRA [SLOW UPDATE]

CHAPTER 9: HAM TO MACHAL GYE HO HO HO-III

"Let's start the music!" the announcer called out, and as if on cue, the music began to fill the air, the festival atmosphere came alive, laughter and movement all around them.

Abhimanyu leaned down toward Akshara, his presence suddenly closer, his breath warm against her ear. The feel of him so near sent an unexpected shiver down her spine, and she froze in place for a moment, surprised by the closeness.

"I'm sorry in advance," Abhimanyu whispered, his deep voice nearly drowned out by the music. "I don't know how to dance, so I might by mistake step on your feet."

Akshara couldn't help the giggle that escaped her lips. His awkward confession felt so out of character for him. She tilted her head to look at him, her eyes sparkling with humor.

"It's okay," she said, a soft smile on her lips. "I'm not that great at dancing either."

Abhimanyu chuckled, a warmth spreading across his face as he looked at her. "Akshara, I've heard you sing. I'm sure you at least know about rhythm and all that." His gaze lingered on her, the softness in his eyes almost palpable.

At his words, Akshara's mind flashed back to last night—his reaction to her singing. She remembered how he'd teased her, saying it was just 'okay-okay.'

Akshara playfully scrunched her nose, pretending to be annoyed. "That singing... the one that was just okay-okay?"

Abhimanyu laughed at her mock anger, his expression softening into something more sincere. "I was just joking, Akshara," he said, his voice genuine. "You sing really well."

The sincerity in his words made Akshara smile. She glanced around, noticing the other couples already dancing, some expertly, some just having fun. "I don't think anyone here is a trained dancer," she said, her smile growing wider. "They're just having fun. So, let's do the same."

Abhimanyu nodded, his smile widening. He stepped back slightly, offering his arm to her in an exaggerated, almost princely gesture. "Shall we?" he said, his eyes gleaming with playfulness.

Akshara looked at his outstretched hand and then back up at his face. There was something about the way he smiled at her that made her feel... safe. She placed her hand in his, and as soon as their skin touched, she was enveloped in the warmth of his touch. His hand was steady, strong, and somehow, it made her feel grounded.

Abhimanyu pulled her a little closer, his hands settling on her waist, just as everyone around them was doing. The sudden closeness made Akshara's breath hitch, and before she could steady herself, she gasped, losing her balance and falling against his chest. Her heart raced as she felt the steady beat of his heart beneath her hands, mirroring her own rapid pulse.

She quickly pulled back, creating a small distance between them, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Sorry," she mumbled, avoiding his gaze.

Abhimanyu just smiled. "It's fine," he said softly, his voice so gentle that it put her instantly at ease.

As they started moving to the music, their dancing was awkward at first, their steps clumsy as they tried to copy the people around them. But soon enough, they found a rhythm, their movements becoming more in sync, the tension between them softening into something comfortable. Akshara's nerves slowly began to settle as she focused on the dance, but when she glanced up, she found Abhimanyu's eyes already on her, watching her intently.

In that moment, her heart seemed to skip a beat. She missed her step, Her eyes squeezed shut as she braced for the impact, but when she didn't feel it, she opened her eyes to find herself suspended in his arms, her body weightless in his hold.

For a few breathless seconds, the world around them seemed to fade away. Abhimanyu's eyes were locked on hers, and the intensity of his gaze made her pulse quicken. His hand moved almost on instinct, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face, his fingers lingering a second longer as they tucked the hair behind her ear. The gentle touch sent a wave of warmth through her.