Hearts In Harmony

45 | Appa's decision.

| AUTHOR |

“Akka!” Mayu called out, but there was only silence. She’d just woken up, and the empty house was giving her the creeps. She wandered into the kitchen, calling again, “Akka! Aathai! Where is everyone?” But it was empty too.

With a frustrated huff, she spun around and ran out the front door. Just as she reached the entrance, she crashed right into someone, stumbling back a few steps. She looked up, her glare ready—but the moment she saw who it was, her expression shifted from annoyed to downright scared.

“Mayu… watch where you’re running,” Karthik's grin stretched wide, sending an icy shiver down her spine.

“S-sorry,” she mumbled, trying to slip away. But his hand shot out, gripping her arm. She looked up, heart pounding. “Do you… need something, Mama?”

He tilted his head, smile still fixed. “It’s been so long since we last met. Don’t you want to sit and chat with me?”

Mayu forced a nervous smile, desperately trying to keep her voice steady. "I... I need to find Akka. She must be around here somewhere..."

She started to pull her arm back, hoping he would let go, but Karthik’s grip only tightened. "They all went to the temple, Mayu," he said, his voice unnervingly soft. "You’re here all alone."

Her heart dropped. Alone.

Karthik's hand moved up, his fingers brushing against her cheek, lingering there just a moment too long. "You’ve grown up so much," he murmured, his eyes holding a strange glint. His thumb traced along her jawline, making her skin crawl.

Mayu tried to lean back, keeping a brave face, though she could feel her stomach twist. "I should… I should go and catch up with them," she stammered, attempting to step back again.

But Karthik’s hand slid up to cup her face, holding her still. "Why the rush, hmm?" His gaze roamed over her, his grin widening as he leaned in. "Stay a while. I’ve missed my little peahen."

Mayu’s breathing quickened, her mind racing.

Karthik’s thumb brushed over Mayu’s lips, and she felt a wave of nausea rise within her. His gaze darkened as he whispered, “Do you remember our little kiss, Mayu? I’d like to feel that again.”

Her blood turned to ice, and she forced herself to stay calm, trying to think of an escape. She swallowed hard, clenching her fists to hide the tremors running through her. “M-Mama, I don’t think that’s appropriate…”

“Oh, come now,” he cooed, fingers pressing against her cheek. “Don’t act so shy. You used to love being around me.”

Mayu’s heart hammered as she fought to keep her voice steady. “I was a naive then. Things are different now.”

Karthik’s grin faded, a shadow crossing his face. “Different?” he repeated softly, his thumb trailing down her cheek to her neck. “I don’t think they are.”

Her skin crawled under his touch, and she tried to step back, only for him to tighten his grip, pulling her close. “Please…” Her voice wavered, pleading. “Let me go...”

He tilted his head, a twisted smile tugging at his lips. “Why don’t you stop being so difficult and give me what I want?”