Obsession

Chapter 23: Whispers of Heart

Rishabh.

I parted from the kiss and looked at her. Sunidhi was looking down, her face flushed in a shy, adorable way. Her hands fidgeted slightly, and I couldn't help but marvel at how easily she made my heart skip.

"Let's drink the tea now," I said with a teasing smile, watching her try to collect herself.

She nodded without meeting my eyes. "Now, if you could... let go of me," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Her shyness was magnetic. I smiled, loosening my hold but not entirely stepping back. "Go ahead," I said, my tone playful. "Push me away yourself."

Her wide eyes darted to mine, and for a second, I thought she might refuse. But then, with a soft chuckle, she placed her hands on my chest and gave a gentle shove. I freed her but stayed close, leaning casually against the counter.

"Don't you think you've gotten a little too frank after last night?" she asked, raising a questioning eyebrow at me.

I cleared my throat, feigning seriousness. "If I recall correctly, it was you who initiated this new level of...frankness."

Her lips parted, searching for a comeback, but she gave me a playful glare instead. I chuckled.

"By the way," I began, "I'm going to my cousin's wedding next week. Would you like to come with me?"

Her face lit up in surprise and excitement. "Of course! But..." she paused, tapping her chin, "you'll need to take me shopping."

"Absolutely, my lady," I said with mock formality.

She grinned, but her expression turned serious in a second. Taking a step closer, she pointed a finger at me. "And you are not wearing black or white!"

I blinked, confused. "And may I ask why, Madam Sarkar?"

She leaned in, narrowing her eyes. "Because I don't want any other girl gossiping about you. That's why."

I raised an eyebrow. "Possessive, are we?"

"Call it whatever you want. Just follow my instructions," she said with a bossy tone that only made her look cuter.

I laughed, folding my hands and bowing theatrically. "As you command, Sarkar."

We spent the next half hour talking and teasing each other until it was time for me to leave. As I walked out the door, I turned back one last time, catching her watching me from the doorway. She smiled, and my heart swelled in my chest.

---

Siddharth

I don't know when it happened. I don't know when I started noticing the little things about her-
The way she tucks her hair behind her ear.
The way her smile lights up a room.
The way her laughter has become the highlight of my day.

I don't know when I started...
Finding her kind.
Finding her adorable.
Finding her beautiful.

And for the first time in years, Maitri didn't cross my mind.

I'd been carrying the weight of my past love for so long that I didn't realize when Avni had lightened the burden. Now, standing here in the kitchen, I couldn't hold it in anymore.

"Avni," I said softly.

She looked up from the stove, her almond-shaped eyes meeting mine.

"I think I..." I hesitated, the words caught in my throat.

Before I could finish, she suddenly hugged me, catching me off guard. For a moment, all I could do was wrap my arms around her in response, letting the warmth of the embrace speak for itself.

"Listen," she said, her voice muffled against my chest.

"Hmm?"

"The parantha might burn. Should we check on that first?"

I pulled back, blinking at her. "Huh?"

She tilted her head toward the stove, her expression completely serious.

This girl... She just ruined the most memorable moment of my life to save a parantha!

"Akdu, come on, let's check on it!" she insisted, tugging my hand.

I sighed, following her lead. She flipped the parantha with expert ease, lowering the flame before rolling out another. I just stood there, watching her in disbelief.

As she worked, I turned to leave, deciding to give her some space. But then, I felt her hand grab mine.

I turned back to see her holding my hand tightly. Without a word, she pulled me toward her until I was standing right behind her. She guided my hands to rest on her waist, keeping her back pressed against me.

The smell of the cooking parantha mingled with the faint scent of her shampoo, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

She glanced over her shoulder. "You're so unromantic," she said, rolling her eyes.

"Huh?"

"At least after confessing, you could try to flirt, woo me, get my answer," she teased, flipping the parantha again. "But here you are, just standing there like a statue."

I chuckled nervously, leaning in closer. "So, do you like me, Avni?" I asked hesitantly.

She paused, pretending to think. "No and yes."

I frowned, unsure of what to make of her answer.

"I mean," she continued, "I don't like you when you call me Avni instead of Madam Ji.
I don't like you when you stop arguing with me and go all quiet.
But I do like you when I spend time with you, and... I like you, just like that."

Her words sank in, and a smile broke out on my face. Without thinking, I tightened my arms around her and buried my face in the crook of her neck.

"Hey! Akdu, leave me!" she protested, but I could hear the laughter in her voice.

I finally let her go and turned her around to face me. My hands rested on her shoulders as I gazed into her eyes, feeling lighter than I had in years.

"Avni," I said softly, my voice filled with emotion, "you've made me happier than I thought possible."

Her cheeks flushed, and she looked down, but I gently tilted her chin up, making her meet my gaze.

"You're stuck with me now, Madam Ji," I said with a grin.

She laughed, and the sound was music to my ears.

And just like that, in the warmth of her kitchen, I realized I didn't need anything more than this.

----

This lovely friend of mine, found my wattpad Id after searching for hours just with the memory of story cover I gave.

Thank you for the appreciations my dear friend.
sinduu12

Revised and edited
Word count: 1063~