Sacred Games Of Twisted Fate {18+}

*aap bhaari ho .. hat jao mere upar se *

***author's pov***

Aayara's gaze softened as she took in the sight of Arjun, head resting on her arm, his breathing calm and steady. The faint moonlight streaming through the window cast a gentle glow over his face, and for the first time, she noticed a vulnerability in his features she hadn't seen before. His usual cold, hard expression was softened in sleep, and the worry lines that often marred his brow were gone, replaced by an almost childlike peace.

She winced slightly, the pain in her head reminding her of her fall. Her fingers instinctively reached up to touch the bandage, and her eyes flickered back to Arjun, realization dawning on her. Despite all his anger and indifference, he had been here, watching over her. It was such a small gesture, but it stirred something deep within her-hope, maybe, or the tiniest spark of warmth that somehow cut through the pain.

Unable to resist, she gently brushed her fingers through his hair, a soft, featherlight touch, as though afraid to disturb him. Arjun stirred slightly but didn't wake, only muttering something incoherent as he shifted closer to her, unconsciously seeking the warmth of her touch.

Aayara allowed herself a small, tired smile. In this quiet moment, when the walls he kept around his heart seemed to lower, just a bit, she felt a fragile connection that made her heart ache.

As Arjun shifted in his sleep, his face pressed closer against her side, his warm breath tickling her skin through the fabric of her saree. Aayara's breath hitched, her heart pounding as she felt the unfamiliar closeness between them. She dared not move, afraid any slight shift might wake him and break this rare, unguarded moment.

His arm moved, wrapping more snugly around her as though instinctively seeking comfort, making him look almost childlike, a stark contrast to the usual commanding figure he portrayed. Aayara's fingers brushed lightly against his hair, her touch feather-soft as she absorbed the quiet intimacy of his embrace, a warmth blooming in her chest despite everything that had happened.

For the first time, she felt a gentle vulnerability in him, and she held on to the fleeting moment, allowing herself the smallest glimmer of hope, even if it was just for tonight.

Aayara's heart raced as he whispered, "Mujhe ghoorna band karo..." Her eyes widened, caught off guard, and she quickly cleared her throat, looking away, embarrassed. But when she dared to glance back, she found Arjun's eyes fully open, his gaze locked onto her, intense and unwavering.

With a lazy ease, he shifted, resting his chin on her stomach, still staring up at her as though studying every part of her expression. She felt her pulse quicken under his gaze, her cheeks growing warm, unable to hide the effect he had on her.

In that quiet moment, words seemed unnecessary as his eyes spoke volumes, leaving her wondering if, perhaps, there was something hidden beneath his cold exterior that he would never admit.

Aayara's breath caught in her throat as Arjun leaned closer, his smirk deepening, eyes glinting with mischief. He rested his chin lightly against her, clearly testing her reaction.

"B-bhaari ho... Hat jaao mere upar se aap..." she stammered, trying to regain composure. But her words only made his smirk grow.

"Sach?" he whispered, voice low. "Kabhi bataya nahi jab main... tumhare upar rehta hoon? Tab nahi lagta bhaari?"

Her eyes widened, cheeks flushing under his bold gaze. She tried to look away, flustered, but he didn't move, only leaned in closer, reveling in her reaction. She felt her heart race, the air thick with tension, each second making it harder for her to look away from him.

He chuckled darkly, a hint of amusement lacing his voice as he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss on her collarbone. The warmth of his lips sent shivers through her, making her heart race even faster. He straightened up, brushing off the crumpled fabric of his shirt, the stain of her blood from earlier a stark reminder of the chaos that had unfolded.

Aayara's breath quickened, her mind racing as she processed the intimacy of the moment. The kiss had been unexpected, stirring feelings she was still trying to understand. As he stood there, his expression shifting to a serious one, she couldn't help but feel a mixture of vulnerability and excitement in his presence.

"Are you okay now?" he asked, his tone more concerned than teasing, his eyes searching hers for any sign of pain. The shift in his demeanor was jarring; one moment he was teasing, and the next, he was genuinely worried.

She nodded slowly, still processing the sensations swirling inside her. "I'm fine, just a little... dizzy," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Arjun's gaze softened, but the intensity was still there, like a storm brewing just beneath the surface. "Good," he replied, taking a step back and crossing his arms. "But next time, try not to give me a heart attack."

Aayara felt a mix of relief and confusion. His playful nature made her heart flutter, but the reality of their situation loomed heavy in the air. She couldn't shake off the feeling that beneath his tough exterior lay layers of emotions he kept hidden.

"Next time, I'll be more careful," she promised, trying to maintain a light tone.

"Make sure you do," he replied, his voice returning to its usual edge, though a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Because I won't always be here to catch you."

The tension between them hung palpable in the air, and as Arjun stepped away to gather his thoughts, Aayara couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them, especially with Akriti's presence looming in the background.