Hidden Marriage

CHAPTER 18: CHANCE??

As soon as Isha broke free from Abhinav’s hold, she turned on her heels and ran straight to her room. Her heart pounded against her ribcage as she slammed the door shut and locked it, pressing her back against the wooden surface. Her breath was uneven, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she tried to calm herself.

Her trembling hand rested over her racing heart, but nothing could steady the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. Every touch, every whispered word of his replayed in her mind like a loop she couldn’t escape.

Slowly, she walked to the mirror and gasped at her reflection. Her face was flushed—red as a tomato. Her hair was slightly disheveled, her dupatta barely clinging to her shoulder. She looked nothing like her usual composed self.

Her lips parted slightly as Abhinav’s voice echoed in her head.

"Sleep properly tonight because I won’t let you sleep the whole night tomorrow."

Her eyes widened, and heat crept up her neck.

“Is he… going to do all those thin—” Her voice trailed off, her thoughts spiraling into dangerous territory.

Her hands flew to her face as she shook her head furiously, trying to erase the images forming in her mind. “No, no, no! What am I even thinking?!” she muttered under her breath.

But no matter how much she tried, his smirk, his voice, and the way he kissed her palm refused to leave her thoughts.

On the other hand.

Kavya stormed down the hallway, her fists clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. She could still hear the argument ringing in her ears, the way Abhay had barged into her moment with Shaan and turned it into chaos. She didn’t know if she was more furious at Abhay or at herself for letting him get to her.

But she didn’t get far before she heard hurried footsteps behind her.

“Kavya, stop!” Abhay’s voice rang out, frustration lacing his tone.

She gritted her teeth, ignoring him, but he was faster. Within seconds, he grabbed her wrist and spun her around, forcing her to face him.

“Let me go, Abhay!” she snapped, jerking her hand away.

But he didn’t. Instead, he stepped closer, his grip tightening—not painfully, but just enough to keep her rooted in place. His eyes, dark and burning with emotion, locked onto hers.

“No,” he said, his voice low but firm. “Not this time. You don’t get to walk away from this.”

Kavya shoved his hand off. “Walk away? Are you serious? You were the one who caused that whole scene back there! What the hell were you thinking?”

Abhay’s jaw clenched. “I was thinking that I couldn’t stand there and watch him try to weasel his way back into your life like nothing happened.”

“That wasn’t your decision to make!” she shot back, chest rising and falling with anger. “You think you know everything, Abhay? You think you get to decide who I talk to, who I forgive?”

“Yes, when it comes to him, I do!” he thundered, stepping even closer. “Because unlike you, I can see exactly what he’s trying to do!”

Kavya let out a sharp laugh, shaking her head in disbelief. “Oh, so now you’re my knight in shining armor? Spare me. You don’t give a damn about me.”

Abhay’s eyes darkened. “You think I don’t care?” His voice dropped, dangerously soft. “You think I would’ve lost my mind seeing you with him if I didn’t care?”