Hate ,Love and Everything In-Between (HLEIB)

Chapter 19: The Confession

Prerna's POV

I gaze into Rehan's intense eyes, seeking truth. "Rehan. Why are you telling me this?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Rehan's gaze intensifies, "I've already seen his true colours, Prerna. And I–"

He paused.

As Rehan paused, his gaze intensified, piercing mine. My heart skipped a beat. A shiver ran down my spine; his intensity unnerved me. Rehan's eyes softened, his jaw clenched. "I won't let him manipulate you. Like the way Parth did to you without knowing or understanding your feelings."

Rehan's gentle fingers held my face, his thumb stroking my cheek. "You deserve better, Prerna," he whispered, eyes burning with sincerity. "Someone who truly understands and cherishes you." His touch sent shivers down my spine.

Just then my phone buzzed as Rehan's text glowed on the screen;-

"By the way, you were looking beautiful today. Be ready by 8pm, then we will go to Zaffran tonight."

Rehan's hold tightened,
"Dare to go on a date with him, and suffer the consequences of stepping over the line, Prerna."

I stared, incredulous. "Is he serious?" I thought, alarm coursing through me.

"That's not your decision to make." I said firmly, my eyes locked onto Rehan's piercing gaze.
Rehan's eyes darkened, his jaw clenched. "You're pushing your luck, Prerna," he warned, his voice low and husky.

His gaze held mine, intense and unyielding. My heart skipped a beat, my defiance dropping.

"What are you afraid of?" I whispered.
Rehan's expression twisted, his eyes flashing. "Losing you."

My heart fluttered, Rehan's words sparking warmth within. His intense gaze made me feel sensitive, yet cherished.
I felt so many things right now;
For example, Confusion
Why did Rehan care so deeply?
What secrets hid behind his possessiveness?

Rehan's proximity sent shivers down my spine. His touch ignited a flutter in my chest. My thoughts swirled, emotions tangled. "Why, Rehan?" I whispered.

Just then, he uttered those words which I had never ever dreamt of hearing from his lips. But I did heard what he said next.

As Rehan's intense gaze locked onto mine, my heart skipped beats. "Prerna, I've been loving you silently for so long," he whispered. "I wanted to tell you all my secrets, but you became one of them instead."

His words wrapped around me like a warm embrace. My cheeks flushed, and I looked away, struggling to process.
"We made each other feel something, Prerna," Rehan continued, his voice trembling.
"It's okay if it wasn't love. It's okay even if we were too scared to call it love." His eyes burned with sincerity.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. No one had ever spoken to me like this. Memories of our late-night conversations, laughter, and debates flooded my mind.

"I cannot describe you in words
You are beyond full stop," Rehan whispered. "I shared with you the parts of me which I never even shared with myself before." His gaze intensified. "Even on our farewell, you untied your hair without warning, and I had no choice but to fall for you."

My hair still tingled remembering that moment. That before?
Rehan's eyes softened. "Once I love you, I'll love you in every season of your life... I can see the good, the bad, and the ugly, and you'll still be everything to me."