Anindita :HIS Ardhangini

Chapter 11

The following evening, Anindita sat in her room, trying to shake off the memory of Avinash's proposal. His words echoed in her mind-firm, commanding, and so unlike anything she had ever heard before. A part of her was almost entranced, but she forced herself to dismiss the thought. This couldn't be real. Why would someone like Avinash Singh Rathore want her?

She shook her head, her resolve hardening. She would not be pulled into his world so easily. Just then, her phone buzzed. She glanced down and saw his name flashing on the screen, her heart skipping a beat.

Taking a deep breath, she answered, her voice calm, almost distant. "Yes?"

"I want to see you again," he said directly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Anindita clenched her jaw, forcing herself to sound indifferent. "No, Avinash. I'm not coming. I've already made my decision." She waited, half expecting him to argue or try to convince her. But instead, there was a brief pause, and then he spoke, his voice dangerously calm.

"If you don't meet me, I'll come to your house," he said. "And I don't think that's the kind of scene you want, do you?"

Her eyes widened, her grip on the phone tightening. She could hear the faint amusement in his voice, a hint of that ruthless determination that told her he wasn't bluffing. He would do exactly as he threatened, no matter the consequences.

"Are you... are you blackmailing me?" she asked, her voice wavering with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

"If that's what it takes, yes," he replied smoothly. "You know I'm not the type to back down. I meant every word I said, Anindita. You can come on your own terms, or I'll come to you. Your choice."

Anindita felt her defenses faltering, but she quickly steeled herself. She wouldn't let him see her vulnerability. She wouldn't give in so easily. "Fine," she said through gritted teeth. "But don't expect me to change my mind, Avinash."

"Good," he replied, satisfaction clear in his tone. "I'll see you tomorrow."

The call ended, leaving her fuming yet unable to ignore the strange pull she felt towards him. No matter how much she wanted to deny it, his determination affected her. She was used to people giving up on her, not fighting for her. But Avinash was different, relentless in a way that both terrified and intrigued her.

---

The next day, Anindita arrived at their meeting place, her expression composed, her stance guarded. She was determined not to let him see any weakness.

Avinash was waiting, his gaze intense as he looked her over. "I'm glad you came," he said, a hint of satisfaction in his tone.

"I'm only here because you left me no choice," she replied sharply, crossing her arms and lifting her chin. "Don't think you can control me, Avinash. I'm not one of your business deals."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her defiance. "I wouldn't dream of it. But I will say this-you can pretend all you want, Anindita, but I see through you." His voice softened, though his gaze remained unwavering. "You're trying so hard to keep me out. But tell me... why haven't you walked away yet?"

She stiffened, his words hitting closer to home than she wanted to admit. She narrowed her eyes, refusing to let him get the upper hand. "Don't flatter yourself. I'm here to make it clear that whatever you're thinking, it's not going to happen. You can't just decide something and expect me to agree."

He stepped closer, his eyes locking onto hers. "I've told you, I don't want someone who agrees with me just because it's easy. I want you, Anindita, as you are. And I don't care how hard I have to fight."

Her heart raced, but she forced herself to stand firm, crossing her arms more tightly. "Then keep fighting," she replied coolly. "Because I'm not going to fall for this so-called proposal of yours. Whatever interest you have-it'll fade."

He let out a low chuckle, his confidence unshaken. "You can keep telling yourself that," he said, his voice smooth. "But I'm not going anywhere. You'll be mine, Anindita, whether you admit it now or later." He took one final step closer, lowering his voice to a murmur. "Get ready to marry me, Princess. I'm not the type to give up."

She swallowed, trying to ignore the flutter in her chest, the undeniable pull she felt towards him. She was trapped between the walls she had built around herself and the undeniable draw of his conviction. But even as she fought against it, his words lingered in her mind, a powerful reminder that Avinash Singh Rathore was a force she couldn't simply ignore.

......