𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥 : 𝑨 𝑴𝒂𝒇𝒊𝒂 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆

{30}•ᴛʜᴇ Qᴜᴇᴇɴ'ꜱ ᴡᴏʀᴅꜱ•

(There a glitch on WATTPAD please do read the chapter number's before reading or you will get confused)

BONDITA

The car hummed softly as it sped along the road, the scenery outside shifting between lush greenery and open stretches of land. I sat beside Anirudh in the backseat, my eyes glued to my phone screen, trying-and failing-not to let my mind wander to him. The soft rustle of papers as he turned the pages of his file was the only sound he made, his sharp features illuminated by the golden light of the afternoon sun streaming through the window.

It had been nearly two hours since we started driving, and I'd been chatting with Priya to distract myself. But no matter how hard I tried, the awareness of Anirudh sitting so close to me was impossible to ignore. Every time he adjusted his posture, the faint brush of his kurta against the seat sent shivers down my spine. My heart raced in the most ridiculous way, and I internally scolded myself.

Focus, Bondita. Don't act like a schoolgirl with a crush.

I returned my attention to my phone, typing a response to Priya's dramatic messages.

Priya: So, you're ditching me for God knows how long. Lil bitch, I can't stay all alone! *crying emoji*

I smiled, suppressing a chuckle. Priya always had a way of lightening my mood.

Me: It's not like I want to! This is... complicated.

Her response came almost instantly, as expected.

Priya: Complicated? Oh please, what about the "Make the Mafia Anirudh Fall in Love with You" plan?

I paused, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. My gaze flickered to Anirudh, who was still engrossed in his work. His brow furrowed in concentration, his jawline sharp, lips set in a serious line. I swallowed hard, feeling my cheeks heat up.

Me: Forget the plan. He's starting to trust me now... he sees me as a friend. I think that's enough for now.

Priya: Friend?! Husband-friend, you mean! You're seriously in the "friend zone" with your own fucking hot hubby? Bondita, you're killing me.

I groaned softly at her teasing. Was it really a "friend zone" if he didn't even realize I had feelings for him?

Me: I mean, not everything has to be a plan, right? Maybe being his friend is better... safer.

Priya: Ugh, you're hopeless. Anyway, gotta go. Classes are about to start. Love you, Bondi.

Me: Byeee. Love u too. *kissing face emoji*

I locked my phone and leaned back against the seat, staring out the window to calm my racing thoughts. But, as always, they wandered back to him. Anirudh Roy Choudhary-the man who had unknowingly stolen my heart. Every moment I spent with him made it harder to ignore my feelings. But I also knew the truth. He didn't see me that way. To him, I was just Bondita-a responsibility, a friend, nothing more.

Still, the way my heart fluttered whenever he was near, the way I'd catch myself staring at him without realizing-it was hopeless.

"Stop glaring and ask whatever you want, little angel."

His deep voice broke through my thoughts, startling me. My eyes widened in panic as I turned to him, heat rushing to my face. Oh no, he noticed.

"I... I wasn't glaring!" I blurted out, trying to sound convincing.

His eyes remained on his file, but the corner of his mouth lifted slightly, almost imperceptibly. "Yeah I know I'm hot, but that doesn't mean you have to stare."