Anaya-His heartbeat

CHAPTER 44

Anaya
As the soft morning light spilled into the room, I stretched lazily, my excitement bubbling up—it was my first Karvachauth. I could already feel the butterflies in my stomach at the thought of fasting for Shivarth. The thought alone made me blush, even though I knew he’d tease me endlessly about it.

After freshening up, I picked out a simple but pretty suit, something light for the morning rituals. Standing in front of the mirror, I opened the small box of sindoor, ready to apply it. Just as I leaned forward, a deep voice startled me.

“Are you planning to look even prettier, or is this just your everyday charm?” Shivarth’s playful tone made me freeze mid-motion.

I turned sharply to see him leaning against the doorframe, his gym clothes slightly damp from his workout. He looked unfairly good for someone who’d just come back from the gym.

“Shivarth!” I scolded, holding the sindoor box close to my chest. “Why do you always sneak up on me?”

He smirked and pushed off the doorframe, walking closer. “Maybe I like catching you off guard. Your expressions are adorable.”

I could feel my cheeks heating up, but I refused to let him win. “

Instead, his smirk softened into a warm smile. “You look... beautiful,” he murmured, his voice softer now. “But you don’t need all this for me, you know.”

“It’s tradition,” I replied, shrugging lightly. “And I want to do it.”

His eyes lingered on mine for a moment before darting to the sindoor in my hand. “If you’re doing this for me,” he said slowly, “then shouldn’t I be the one to put it on?”

My heart skipped a beat. “What?”

“You heard me,” he said, his smirk returning, though there was a hint of shyness in his eyes. “Let me do it. Come on, it’s only fair.”

I hesitated for a moment before nodding, handing him the sindoor box. His fingers brushed against mine as he took it, and the simple touch sent a flutter through me.

“Don’t mess it up,” I warned, trying to sound stern but failing miserably.

He chuckled, tilting his head. “You really have no faith in me, do you?”

I closed my eyes as he stepped closer, his fingers delicately applying the sindoor along my hairline. The moment felt strangely intimate, his touch both gentle and sure.

“There,” he said softly, his voice almost a whisper. “Now everyone will know you’re mine.”

My eyes flew open, and I glared at him. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re glowing,” he said, grinning as he stepped back to admire his work. “I mean, I know it’s the sindoor, but I’ll take some credit for it too.”

I rolled my eyes, but a smile crept onto my face despite myself. “You’re so full of yourself, Shivarth.”

“And you love it,” he teased, his voice dropping playfully.

I opened my mouth to retort, but he cut me off. “Wait,” he said, his tone shifting slightly. “You’re fasting today, right?”

“Obviously,” I replied. “It’s Karvachauth.”

He frowned slightly, his teasing demeanor replaced by concern. “You didn’t have to do this, Anaya. Fasting isn’t easy, and I don’t want you getting sick because of me.”

“I’ll be fine,” I reassured him.

His eyes softened, but he didn’t look convinced. “Promise me you’ll tell me if you feel even the slightest bit dizzy or tired. I mean it.”