Our Burning Desire

chapter 22

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Ashwin knocked on the door once, but silence met his call. He raised his hand to ring the bell, but before he could, Shriya opened the door slightly and stepped back behind it.

He noticed her hesitant, nervous eyes as she turned away. Raising an eyebrow, he crossed his arms, waiting for her to face him.

Shriya looked down, fidgeting with her fingers after stealing a quick glance at him.

"Shriya, I need an explanation for your hesitation. I've made it clear you shouldn't hesitate when speaking to me," he said, his stern tone unintentionally heightening her fear.

She struggled to gather her courage but stammered instead.

Ashwin stood there, arms crossed, his intense gaze focused on her petite figure.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, causing her to flinch while Ashwin frowned.

"Shriya?"

Shutting her eyes tight and looking down, she stammered, "Bl-Blink-kit... pl-please..."

Ashwin felt a wave of disappointment wash over him. "You called me here just to receive the order?"

There was hurt in his voice. He sensed that maybe she wanted his company, perhaps she didn’t want to be alone.

"Go and receive the parcel," he said firmly, looking into her wide eyes, filled with fear.

"When will you look at me beyond these emotions? Can't you see it's hurting me?" he thought, his heart aching for her.

She remained rooted as the bell rang again, her heart racing in fear. She shook her head, silently pleading.

"Now, Shriya," Ashwin insisted. Tears filled her eyes as negative thoughts clouded her mind, all circling around one name: Agni.

"N-No..." she said, her voice trembling.

Ashwin's expression hardened, determination etched on his features.

"Pl-please, pl-please," she begged.

"Open the door, Shriya."

She looked at him with pleading eyes, her breath uneven from fear.

"I can't... Prabhu! Her tears stir my spirit," but he knew it was for her own good.

Ashwin's gaze softened as he moved closer. He raised his palm to brush away her tears, but she recoiled.

Yet he persisted, caressing her cheek gently, wiping away her tears, his voice a soft plea.

"Please, Shriya, get past your fear and open it."

She trembled visibly as Ashwin took her hand, gently turning her toward the door. She looked at him with desperation, but Ashwin was unwavering.

'Her eyes are bleeding with tears, and ironically I am the reason behind it... I don’t deserve to be her man for real,' he thought.