Her Secret

Chapter 24 - HS

"WHAT'S MINE IS MINE. AND ONLY MINE."

The intensity of Kartik's stare was too much, even for her caffeinated body. She was almost about to shiver as she kept on staring in his endless eyes, lost in a world of their own. Light twinkled in his eyes, like stars in the night sky. She flicked her gaze back and forth from his eyes to the luster of his lips. Kartik's breath fanned her face, and his cologne engulfed her in its clutches.

She kept her body still and in front of the camera of Kartik's laptop in which from her peripheral view she could see many nosy eyes on them both. When she had leaned in to flick his hair off his forehead, she saw he didn't see the camera was turned on and neither did she. However, as she returned back on her seat after Kartik uttered that fucking nickname, her diverting eyes landed on his laptop that gave a beautiful view of their interaction to the world.

Her first reaction was an internal panic attack. However, she knew they were mute, so no part of their indecent conversation was leaked. Relief sagged her like heat to ice. She melted under the heat of the realization that even if no one knew what they said, her actions were proof enough for rumors to stir. Rumors about the equation between Kartik Malhotra and Anni. And that realization became the reason for the appearance of the mischievous glint in her eyes that no doubt Malhotra noticed.

Wonderful!

If Kartik wouldn't let her buy the land because he wants to erase the accusation off of himself then she'll use him to remove the accusation from herself as well. Being related to Anni would either be a very big disadvantage for Kartik, or a very big advantage to her. She doesn't care which is what and for whom. She won't let him get out of this alone. If he lets her fall and into the raging storm, then she'll take him with her too.

Either they'll both reap the advantages, or they'll both be blamed for the worse.

But she won't let him leave the war zone unscathed and alone.

Hence, she ended up in this situation with Kartik's face hovering above her own and her heartbeat skipping after every second. A different energy danced between them. One that pushed them into locked moments, scorching heat and a feeling that she thought she had lost forever. The void devoured her in the form of his eyes. She felt like diving into a pool of her darkest sins, her reflection reflecting back in her eyes.

She let her fingers skim over his hair, rolling a strand on her finger, "What kind of company are you hanging out with? It seems like your memory is degrading day by day."

Kartik bristled, "What is this bullshit?" And snatched his hair back from her.

She pouted, "This is not bullshit, I'm talking some sense in you."

"No, you're not."

"Yes, I am." She argued. Kartik opened his mouth to speak but she pressed her hand on his lips, sealing them shut as she continued, "Answer me," She breathed in a sharp breath as her fingers tingled with being in contact with his skin. She ignored the feel of his lips on her skin and focused on what she was saying. "Honestly," Her eyes held hope. She hoped for him to give her an answer that'll save them both some time and her having a heartbreak all over again.

"Do you know me?" Kartik removed her hand from his mouth, scoffing as her hand went limp again.

"A very unintelligent question but yes, I do." She stifled a scream. Of course, how can this dumb man ever understand a word spoken by her.

"Let. Me. Rephrase. Do you even know me anymore, Kartik?" She pressed herself more to the table. Her fingers digging in the wood right beside his rigid hand. Kartik's body went stiff, and she saw his chest rise in a deep breath before falling back to its original place with a sigh. She chuckled as he struggled to say anything. "Ahh! Silent per usual." She was a fool to think he'd say something. She was a fool to give herself an iota of hope knowing how shattering it will feel once that hope will be crushed by Kartik.