Ishq hua (Duet 1)

Chapter 29: The assembly

Author's pov:

Aira's hands moved over the open suitcase as she packed her Sarees and other stuff. The past three days had been a game of avoidance, her presence in the house like a shadow - slipping out of his gaze at any cost. Arsh had been occupied, most of the time out of the house, consumed by some very important stuff, but the tension between them remained thick.

He'd announced their return home that morning. Vyom was recovering, and there were no more reasons to linger. But even then all she could feel was anxiety. She folded the last of her sarees, the fabric trembling slightly in her grip.

She'd always wanted to escape this mansion ever since he brought her here but now that he was taking her back to the place where people atleast cared for her, she was afraid to face them after being the reason of Vyom's deteriorating condition.

The door creaked open, and she felt his presence before she saw him. Her Husband. His tall frame loomed in the doorway, He didn't call her name or announce his presence and he didn't really need to.

"Are you done packing?" His voice was low, the rasp carrying a weight that gnawed at her composure.

Aira didn't respond. Instead, she picked up her jewellery box, fingers brushing against the cool metal, pretending as if his presence meant nothing.

He took a step forward. Then another.

"You have been avoiding me." The accusation in his tone was sharp. "Three days, Aira."

Still, she said nothing. Her heartbeat drummed against her chest, but she kept her expression calm. Unreadable.

"Is this how you deal with things always? By running?"

Aira's fingers curled around the edge of the suitcase. "I don't owe you an explanation."

His jaw tightened. The room seemed to shrink as he closed the distance between them. Arsh didn't offer her another chance to turn away. His hand caught her wrist, firm yet careful. The heat of his touch burned through her skin.

"Enough," he growled. His fingers traced up her arm, forcing her to meet his gaze. "You don't get to pretend like nothing happened."

She tilted her chin defiantly. "You think you deserve anything from me?"

He pulled her closer, their breaths mingling. "I think I deserve your acknowledgement especially after we..." He paused looking straight in her eyes.

She held his stare, refusing to let him see the flicker of vulnerability that threatened to break free. But Arsh was relentless. His eyes searched hers, demanding an answer.

Finally, he murmured, his voice laced with frustration, "Itna guroor? Kis baat ka hai tumhe?"

Aira's lips curled into a bitter smile. "Ho bhi kyun na? Just three days ago, you were down on your knees for me."

His eyes darkened, the storm within them raging uncontrollably. Her words ignited something vicious, something he had tried to push down since that night.

Before she could take another breath, his hand tangled in her hair. The strands slipped through his fingers like silk, but the force of his grip made her gasp. He pulled her closer, her face inches from his, his eyes boring into hers with a ferocity that sent chills down her spine.

He opened his mouth to say something but closed it again, staring deep into her eyes.

Aira's fingers dug into his chest, resisting the pull even as the air between them grew heavier. But she didn't lower her gaze. She refused to yield.