Book 1 of "𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐐 𝐀𝐔𝐑 𝐑𝐀𝐀𝐇" series
INAYA'S POV
Before me, he sits. After 7 long years-7 years of absence, he shows up. Yet, when I study his eyes, I find nothing but unfamiliarity. His once warm, brown orbs are now veiled with darkness, dev...
I know exactly what she was staring at yesterday in the car-my hands. The way her gaze lingered, the way she seemed to be lost in her own world, completely absorbed. I can't help but wonder what she was thinking. I'm no Raaj, but I like to think I fall somewhere in the "attractive" category. Her reaction, though, made me feel like I was the only person in the room-or in this case, the car.
Honestly, I don't usually think much about my own looks, but watching her try to hide her fascination was something else. I was practically grinning like an idiot all the way to the cafe, but I somehow managed to pull myself together before getting back to the car. Still, the thought of it keeps replaying in my mind: her wide eyes, that awkward laugh, her cheeks a little flushed when she realized she'd been caught. It was enough to set off a whirlwind of butterflies in my stomach, something I haven't felt in years. Heck! I'm behaving like a teenage boy in love for the first time, but do I care? Absolutely not.
But then there's the mystery. What's going on in her mind? I'd give anything to know. If she finds me attractive, why doesn't she take that step? Is it because she thinks I'm not interested, or is she just holding back, hesitant to break whatever unspoken boundaries we're walking around? If I knew, maybe I could stop second-guessing and finally take that step myself.
"...and that is how we went on our honeymoon," said the person standing to my right.
He's been rambling on about his honeymoon destinations, each detail more elaborate than the last. I nod politely, trying to muster a smile even though my interest is barely there. My own honeymoon feels like a distant thought-one that requires me to first coo my woman who's already got my heart in a vise.
My eyes drift around the room, subtly searching for her. Tonight, she's abandoned her usual kurta pajamas and chosen a black dress with puffed sleeves, her hair pulled back in a half-tied style that leaves me practically speechless. When she walked in, she looked so stunning I couldn't tear my gaze away. And even while talking to others, my eyes kept finding their way back to her. But now, somehow, I can't seem to spot her, and it's throwing me off more than I care to admit.
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Excuse me," I said, excusing myself from those people as I walked around to spot her.
My eyes swept the hall again, but she was nowhere to be seen. A knot of unease twisted in my chest. Is she alright? The thought nagged at me, filling my mind with questions. Trying to keep my composure, I headed toward the far side of the hall, searching for her familiar figure. She's probably just in the restroom, I tried to reassure myself, but that did little to calm the anxiety building inside me.
Finally, I stepped outside, scanning the area-and then I saw her. Her back was to me, her shoulders tense as she stood, transfixed, staring at the swimming pool. The soft glow of the lights around the pool reflected faintly in her eyes, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of fear pass over her face.
