"Rudraaa!" Maitree called out, quickening her pace as she strolled her suitcase forward, heading straight into his waiting arms.
"You're here!" Rudra murmured into her ear, holding her tightly as she hugged him back.
Khushi and Shourya trailed behind, exchanging glances. "It's only been a week," Khushi muttered, watching them refuse to break the hug.
"You stay away from Shourya for a day, and we'll see what happens," Rudra shot back, finally pulling away.
Maitree chuckled softly, patting his chest as she looked up at him with sympathetic eyes.
Shourya smirked, slipping an arm around Khushi's waist. "I wouldn't last a day," he admitted, earning an eye roll from Khushi.
Maitree laughed, shaking her head. "Hopeless, both of you."
Rudra grabbed Maitree's suitcase and started walking toward the car. "Come on, let's get you all home."
"But I'm hungry," Khushi said, looping her arm through Maitree's while Shourya dragged both his and Khushi's suitcases behind them.
"You know what I'm in the mood for?" Maitree said, widening her eyes and snapping her fingers.
"Shawarmaaa!" Khushi exclaimed with a laugh.
"Yes!" Maitree cheered.
Rudra raised an eyebrow as he unlocked the car. "When did this happen?" he asked Shourya, eyeing the unexpected duo.
Shourya smirked as he opened the trunk to load the suitcases. "This is just the tip of the iceberg, my friend."
Rudra shook his head with a chuckle. "Great, now there are two of you."
Khushi smirked. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
Maitree grinned, nudging Rudra. "Admit it, you missed me."
Rudra sighed dramatically. "Yeah, yeah. Let's get your shawarma before you two start a hunger strike."
As they all piled into the car, Shourya leaned back with a smirk. "I give it five minutes before they start planning something chaotic."
Khushi gasped. "Excuse you, we are very responsible adults."
Maitree nodded. "Exactly! Now, step on it, Rudra. Shawarma awaits!"
With laughter filling the car, Rudra shook his head and started the engine. It felt like home.
___________
"Tum khush ho?" Rudra asked in a sweet tone, now seated on the couch.
After hours of catching up over shawarma and beer with Khushi and Shourya, Rudra had come to drop Maitree off at her apartment. With Sonakshi away at a conference in Bangalore, the two had settled onto the couch, deciding to watch a movie.
"Of course, Rudra," Maitree responded, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek.
Rudra smiled, turning his face slightly toward her, his eyes searching hers. "Bas yahi chahiye tha," he murmured.
Maitree chuckled, tucking her feet under her. "You always get so sentimental after a beer."
He laughed, shaking his head. "Nahi, bas... Seeing you happy—it means everything."
Maitree rested her head on his shoulder, fingers lightly tracing patterns on his hand. "It has been a journey," she admitted. "But I wouldn't change any of it. Because it brought me here."
Rudra squeezed her hand. "And here is exactly where you're meant to be."
Rudra turned slightly, his fingers brushing against Maitree's cheek, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His touch lingered, and Maitree felt her breath hitch as his eyes dropped to her lips.
"Rudra..." she whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of the movie in the background.
He didn't say anything—he just leaned in, closing the space between them, his lips pressing against hers in a slow, lingering kiss. Maitree melted into him, her fingers slipping into his hair as she deepened the kiss, her body instinctively leaning closer.
Rudra's hands found her waist, pulling her onto his lap, his grip firm yet gentle. Her heart pounded as his lips trailed down to her jawline, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. She tilted her head, giving him more access as he kissed down to the sensitive spot just below her ear, making her shiver.
Maitree's hands roamed over his shoulders, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest. She pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, her own filled with a mix of emotions—desire, affection, and something deeper.
Rudra studied her for a moment before brushing his thumb across her lower lip. "Are you sure?" he asked softly, his voice thick with emotion.
Rudra responded instantly, his arms tightening around her as their kisses grew more urgent. Maitree felt herself getting lost in the moment, her fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt as she pulled him closer. The warmth of his body, the way his hands roamed over her back, sent shivers down her spine.
Her heart raced as Rudra shifted, gently laying her back against the couch while hovering over her, his lips never leaving hers. His hand caressed her waist before sliding up to cup her cheek, his thumb stroking her skin tenderly.
Rudra searched her eyes once more, as if silently asking for permission. Maitree responded by pulling him closer, her fingers threading through his hair as she kissed him deeply. The space between them disappeared as their bodies pressed together, heat and longing intertwining.
Rudra's lips moved along her jaw, trailing down the column of her neck as she arched beneath him. The room felt warmer, the world outside fading until it was just them—two souls coming together after weeks of longing and distance.
Soft whispers, gentle laughter, and quiet sighs filled the dimly lit apartment as they explored each other with tenderness and passion. Every touch, every kiss, was a silent promise, a reaffirmation of everything they had ever felt for each other.
As the night deepened, their movements slowed, savoring the intimacy between them. Wrapped in each other's arms, their breaths steadied, their fingers still tracing soft patterns against warm skin.
Maitree rested her head against Rudra's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. He pressed a lingering kiss to her hair, his arms tightening around her as if he never wanted to let go.
"I love you," he whispered, his voice barely audible in the quiet night.
Maitree smiled, her eyes fluttering closed as she pressed a soft kiss to his chest. "I love you too, Rudra."
___________
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Threads of Destiny
Romance"I'm not interested in you, so I don't want to know anything about you," Maitree stated firmly. Rudraksh, responded with a playful tone, "Well, maybe you should go on more dates with me. You might find yourself becoming interested once you get to kn...
