His dark obsession

37. Samyuktika angry

As the moonlight spilled softly through the curtains, casting shadows on the walls, Ekansh settled into the plush armchair in his room. He had always enjoyed these late-night conversations, especially when they veered into the territory of secrets and confessions. He glanced over at Rihaan, who had perched himself on the edge of the bed, a contemplative look on his face.

"Why do you think we always end up having these deep talks at night?" Ekansh asked, breaking the comfortable silence that enveloped them.

Rihaan shrugged, his gaze drifting to the window. "Maybe it's because everything feels quieter. The world slows down, and you can hear yourself think."

Ekansh nodded, considering this. The stillness of the night often held a kind of magic, a time when worries could be shared without fear of judgment. "So, what's on your mind?" he probed gently.

Rihaan hesitated for a moment, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket. "It's just... sometimes I wonder if I’m making the right choices. With everything happening around us."

Ekansh leaned forward, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, all these expectations. Everyone thinks they know what's best for us. But do we even know what we want?" Rihaan’s voice was laced with uncertainty, revealing a side of him that few had seen.

Ekansh's heart ached at the vulnerability in his friend’s tone. "It’s okay to feel lost, Rihaan. We’re all just trying to figure things out. Sometimes, you have to follow your gut, even if it leads you down a difficult path."

Rihaan looked up, meeting Ekansh's eyes, and for a moment, they shared an unspoken understanding. In that late-night hour, their fears felt lighter, the weight of the world momentarily lifted by their shared struggles.

“Thanks, man,” Rihaan finally said, a hint of a smile breaking through his earlier gloom. “I guess I needed to hear that.”

As the clock ticked softly in the background, the two friends continued to talk, unraveling their thoughts and dreams, the night deepening around them. With each word, they forged an even stronger bond, the darkness outside only amplifying the warmth of their camaraderie.

Eventually, as fatigue began to pull at their eyelids, they knew it was time to say goodnight. "Tomorrow's a new day," Ekansh said with a reassuring nod.

"Yeah, let’s make it count," Rihaan replied, a newfound determination in his voice.

With that, they bid each other goodnight, the night still echoing with the whispers of their shared confidences.

As Ekansh entered the room, he was greeted by the soft glow of the lamp and the scent of floral skincare products wafting through the air. Samyuktika was seated at the vanity, meticulously applying a clay mask to her face. He couldn’t help but admire her focus; there was a serene beauty about her, even with her face covered in mud.

"Hey, you know you don’t need all that," he said casually, leaning against the doorframe. "You’re already beautiful."

Samyuktika paused, glancing at him through the mirror, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Oh really? And when did you become an expert on beauty tips?”

“Just stating the obvious,” he replied with a smirk, walking further into the room. “So, finally got some time for your husband, huh?”

Her brow raised in surprise, and there was a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. "Are you trying to make me jealous?" she asked, crossing her arms.

He grinned, his mind racing back to his childhood with Naira, his first crush. “You know, Naira and I used to spend a lot of time together. She always said I had great taste in women,” he teased, watching as Samyuktika's expression shifted.

He could see the flicker of jealousy cross her face, her jaw tightening as she stood up, brushing invisible dust from her pajamas. “And here I thought you had forgotten about her,” she said coolly, but there was an edge to her voice.

“Forgotten? Hardly. We had some great times,” he continued, savoring the reaction he was eliciting from her.

She turned to leave, and his heart dropped. “Where are you going?” he asked, concern edging into his tone.

“I’m all fine now,” she replied, her voice steady but distant. “I think I can sleep in my own room now.”

Ekansh felt a twinge of panic. Had he gone too far? The thought of her retreating to her room filled him with an inexplicable dread. “Wait, Samyuktika,” he called, his voice firmer now. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

She hesitated at the door, her back to him. “It’s fine, Ekansh. I just need some space,” she replied, but there was a slight tremor in her voice.

“Please, just sit with me for a moment,” he urged, taking a step closer. “I know things have been… complicated between us. I just wanted to lighten the mood.”

She turned to face him, her expression softening. “I understand, but you can’t keep bringing her up. It just makes me feel inadequate.”

His heart sank. “You’re anything but inadequate. You’re strong and beautiful, and I don’t want to lose you again.” The weight of the past hung heavily in the air, the memories of Kael’s intrusion and the panic that had gripped her still fresh in his mind.

“I just want to feel secure with you, Ekansh,” she whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “After everything that’s happened, it’s hard for me.”

He moved closer, reaching out to gently grasp her arm. “You are secure with me. I promise I’ll do better. I never meant to hurt you.”

For a moment, they stood in silence, the tension ebbing as they shared a look filled with unspoken emotions. “I don’t want to be locked away anymore,” she finally said, her voice breaking slightly. “I want to be part of your life.”

“Then let me show you,” he replied earnestly, stepping closer until he was just inches from her. “Let’s face this together.”

Her breath hitched, and for the first time in what felt like ages, a smile broke through her apprehension. “Okay,” she said softly. “Together.”

As they sat down on the edge of the bed, the night around them felt less daunting. They were two people navigating a complicated world, but together they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.