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And then it happens. Vikram Singh Grover kisses me.
We've stopped pretending to dance. He's devouring my lips, and I can taste the alcohol on his breath. His hand at my nape tightens, holding me firmly in place as his lips move against mine with increasing urgency.
My hands slide up his chest, fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as if to anchor myself. The kiss deepens, his tongue teasing my lips apart, seeking entrance. I part them, unable to resist the pull, and our tongues meet in a dance of desire. His lips are soft yet insistent, moving in perfect sync with mine, exploring and tasting, leaving me breathless.
Vikram's other hand moves from my waist, trailing up my back to pull me closer. I can feel the heat of his body despite the thick fabric of my lehnga, the hard planes of his chest pressing against me. My hands travel up to his shoulders, fingers digging into the muscles there, as if I need something solid to hold onto.
Suddenly, Vikram nips my lower lip and the spell breaks. What am I doing? I push away, desperately trying to calm my racing heart. Vikram watches me, his gaze still burning with intensity. There's no guilt in his expression, only a hunger that makes me weak at the knees. He takes a step towards me, clearly intent on continuing where we left off.
But this time, I find my strength. I won't kiss him again. Ever. I turn and run from the dance floor, pushing through the crowd, desperate to put as much distance between us as possible. I need to hide – from him, from myself, from the realization of what just happened.
This was wrong. So terribly wrong. I can never let it happen again, not even in my wildest dreams. But as I flee, I can still feel the ghost of his lips on mine, and I fear that no matter how far I run, I'll never truly escape the memory of this moment.
VIKRAM
I watch Maahi flee, my body urging me to give chase. But I hold back, knowing she needs space. What just happened between us was electric, undeniable – and I refuse to apologize for it. I've wanted her for what feels like an eternity, and that kiss... it was indescribable. It was exactly what I needed to convince myself – and hopefully her – that there's something real here, something that could blossom if we give it a chance. I shouldn't crave a woman this intensely, but after that moment, I'm ready to claim her before the whole world.
I scan the crowd, searching for any sign of Maahi. Daadi seems to have vanished as well. Confusion sets in as Kavita's parents reach me, explaining that Daadi had to rush back to Ratna Mahal for some urgent matter. How could she leave without telling us? They confirm Maahi wasn't with her, which means she's still here somewhere. I need to find her and take her home.
Kavita catches me mid-search. “Looking for Maahi?”
“Yes,” I admit, impatience creeping into my voice. “Do you know where she is?”
She points towards the restrooms. “In the washroom.”
I mutter a quick thanks and hurry in that direction. The ladies' room presents a dilemma – I'm not above barging in to retrieve Maahi, but the risk of other women being present gives me pause. I wait, minutes crawling by like hours.
Finally, Maahi emerges. The moment she spots me, she turns to bolt. I'm faster, grasping her arm. “Maahi, wait.”
“Don't,” she snaps, jerking away from me. “Just leave me alone, Vikram.”
Her reaction is exactly as I predicted. She'll try to ignore me now, but I won't let that happen. “Daadi's left home,” I say, keeping my tone neutral. “We should head back.”
Confusion flickers across her face. “Why did she leave?”
“I don't know. She didn't tell me,” I reply. “If you want to say goodbye to Kavita, go ahead. I'll wait at the car.”
I don't give her a chance to argue, striding away. I know she'll follow soon enough.
The drive back to Ratna Mahal is thick with unspoken tension. Every time I shift gears, Maahi flinches away, determined to avoid even the slightest contact. It's maddening. I can't bear this distance, not after what we shared at the party.
As we pull into the driveway, I decide to confront the issue head-on. “We should talk it out,” I say firmly.
“I'm not interested,” Maahi retorts, practically leaping from the car.
Rage bubbles up inside me as I watch her flee again. I follow, my longer strides closing the distance between us. In her haste, Maahi's ankle twists and she stumbles. I react instinctively, catching her before she falls. The pain etched on her face pierces my heart. Without hesitation, I scoop her into my arms.
Shock replaces the pain in her eyes, but I pay it no mind. I carry her towards the stairs, intent on getting her to her room. That's when I hear a voice that stops me cold.
“Vikram?”
My body goes rigid. I know that voice. It's Mom. She's here. I turn slowly, meeting her furious gaze. This can't be happening. Not now, not when I'm so close to winning the woman I want.
“Mom,” I manage, but her attention has already shifted to Maahi in my arms. The look she gives her is venomous.
Maahi squirms in my arms, clearly wanting down, but I know she can't manage the stairs with her injury.
“Give me a minute,” I say to Mom, my tone clipped as I continue up the steps. My mind races, knowing the storm that awaits me below.
