𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥 : 𝑨 𝑴𝒂𝒇𝒊𝒂 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆

{42}•ʜᴏʟɪ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀɴɢᴇʟ•(🔥)

BONDITA

The night had draped itself in golden hues as the palace lit up with the soft glow of lamps and fairy lights, the air filled with the fragrance of flowers and the crackling anticipation of the Holika Dahan. The festivities were about to begin, and I was ready-at least on the outside.

I stood before the mirror, my lehenga flowing gracefully around me, the color of peace-soft, elegant, untouched. The intricate embroidery glowed under the dim light of my chamber, reflecting the shimmer of my heavy jhumkas swaying against my flushed cheeks. My bangles clinked softly as I adjusted the dupatta, ensuring it draped perfectly over my shoulder. The kohl in my eyes was dark, my lips tinted with the softest pink, and yet, all I could think about was... him.

That emoji.

A giggle bubbled from my lips as I recalled it. Oh, Durga Maa, what had I even thought? The way he had sent it so innocently, so unaware, and the way my heart had raced before realization struck. Anirudh didn't even know the meaning! My cheeks flamed again, the memory playing in my mind like a forbidden thought I shouldn't be indulging in.

"He really doesn't know anything about such things," I whispered to myself, shaking my head.

A shiver ran down my spine, and I wasn't sure if it was from embarrassment or something else entirely. Did I... like it? No! I scolded myself, pressing my lips together. I was just being silly. Right?

But that wasn't the only thing on my mind.

Anirudh. He had promised.

"I'll come before Holika Dahan."

Yet, the night had almost arrived, and he was nowhere to be seen.

My fingers tightened around the silver spoon in my hand as I stirred the kheer, the rich aroma of saffron and cardamom filling the empty kitchen. He had gone to meet Aliya. My breath hitched. Nani Maa's words echoed in my mind.

"Binoy Baba was the same at first. He used to swear by love, and then... the temptations came."

No! My head snapped up. No, no, no! I was overthinking. Anirudh wasn't like that! He wasn't a man who would betray. He wasn't someone who would-

I inhaled sharply, placing the spoon down as I rubbed my temples. Stop thinking, Bondita! You trust him! And yet, the doubt lingered, cruel and unrelenting.

What if I'm wrong?

I bit my lip, my heart sinking. The kheer was done, but my thoughts were a mess. I carefully poured it into small bowls, setting one aside especially for Nani Maa. She had insisted that I make it myself tonight, saying she craved something cooked by my hands. A small smile tugged at my lips as I also prepared one for Anirudh.

If he even comes.

I placed the nuts delicately over the warm kheer, trying to focus on something other than the strange ache in my chest. The golden pieces shimmered under the lantern's light, and just as I was about to turn-

A warm hand wrapped around my waist from behind.

A gasp left my lips as the touch seared through the thin fabric of my lehenga, slipping under my dupatta, pressing against the soft skin of my stomach. I didn't even need to turn. I knew who it was.

A shiver ran down my spine as his fingers brushed over my waist, the heat of his touch seeping through the delicate fabric of my lehenga. My breath hitched, my fingers curling slightly as I gripped the edge of the counter for support.

"Uhm hm-hm..." I hummed softly, my throat suddenly dry, not knowing what to say, not knowing how to react.

His grip on my waist tightened, his thumb stroking lazy circles against my skin, making my heartbeat stammer in confusion, in anticipation, in something I couldn't name. His body was so close, his presence overwhelming. I could feel the weight of his gaze burning into me.