Warning: Mature content
Aadhi's POV
Just as promised, Shivada ditched the train halfway and hopped into my car. We were on our way to Bangalore, just the two of us. I still can't believe it sometimes—she's mine. My Shivada. Her smile, those soft, sweet words she says—it's like they're designed to make my entire day. And her scent... God, it drives me insane.
She's small, not tall enough, or so she says. She often complains about how her friends are taller, how they can pull off certain dresses she doesn't think she can wear. But she doesn't realize how perfect she is. Her curvy, petite frame fits just right into my arms. When I hug her, she's at the perfect height, her head resting against my chest, and there's this warmth, this sense of belonging that always fills me. She's made for me, and I can't imagine anything else.
Her words, her encouragement—they've helped me through so many challenges at the company. Whenever things got tough, it was her voice in my head that kept me grounded. Now, sitting beside me, she's picking a song, her tongue poking out at the corner as she concentrates. This little vixen has no idea what she's doing to my heart.
"Ummm, Aadhi, give me your Spotify. I'll add my songs to your playlist. Most of your songs are already my favourites." Her voice had that playful lilt, and I couldn't help but smile.
Without a word, I handed her my phone, watching as she eagerly started scrolling through my playlist. She didn't realise just how many of those songs reminded me of her—the way she makes me feel, the memories we've shared. It was as if she had always been there, even in the music.
Seeing her so engrossed, a soft smile tugging at her lips, made my chest tighten in the best way possible.
As soon as the songs started, she began vibing to the music, humming along at times, and even doing these tiny, adorable little dance steps in her seat. I couldn't help but smile as I watched her, completely lost in the moment, her joy infectious.
"Hey, why are you smiling like that?" Shivada asked, arching her eyebrows at me.
"You're cute when you do your little dance," I teased, reaching over to pinch her cheeks playfully.
"Ohhooo, look at the confidence that comes with having a few muscles, huh?" she shot back, her eyes sparkling as she playfully punched my arm.
"When did you start hitting the gym, Aadhi? I remember it was back in your engineering days. Was it to show off, impress girls, or did you just become health conscious?" Shivada asked, teasing me as usual.
I shook my head. "No, it wasn't any of that. It was... to escape from bullying and ragging."
Her playful expression instantly shifted to one of concern. "What? They ragged you?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with worry. Her hand instinctively reached out to hold mine, the warmth of her touch resting gently on my hand, which was on the gear.
"Yeah... it was a public university," I said, nodding. "And the rules were just for books. The first year was rough for me. All they saw was this tall, lanky guy who didn't stand out much. At first, it was just harmless ragging, you know? Typical stuff. But it got worse. They started demanding money, making me do their assignments, and if anyone disagreed, the seniors would gang up and beat us."
Shivada's eyes widened as I spoke, her fingers gently tracing mine, a silent reassurance that she was here, listening.
"So, I started going to the gym," I continued, "hoping that if I built some muscle, they'd leave me alone. I figured if they saw me bulk up, they might think twice before messing with me. And it worked, to an extent. Once I started putting on muscle, they picked on me less."

YOU ARE READING
A Web of Love and Deceit
Romance"In the tender embrace of family and friendship, an intricate web of love, secrets, and self-discovery unfolds. Cousins Sivada and Ram, once inseparable, find their lives entwined with Shiva and his younger brother, Aadhi. As Sivada navigates her on...