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The low hum of the car engine filled the tense silence as they drove toward the Rai Singhania mansion for their annual gala. Aira sat rigidly in the passenger seat, her posture impeccable, her hands folded neatly in her lap. The baby pink gown she wore, shimmering faintly under the passing streetlights, was Arsh's choice - one he had specifically picked for her. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves, the picture of elegance.

Yet, despite her composed exterior, the air between them crackled with barely concealed tension.

As far as he knew it was her favorite colour and yet she didn't back down from a tantrum.

Arsh's hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his jaw taut as he cast a glance at her. Aira's gaze was fixed on the window, her profile illuminated faintly by the glow outside. She seemed detached, her jaw set in that resolute way that told him she was not in the mood for any pleasantries. Not that they ever indulged in such things.

"I am taking you out because you said you find it suffocating back at home," Arsh said finally, his voice sharp, colder than he intended.

He had gone out of his way to do this - to appease her, to meet her unspoken demand for freedom, even if only temporarily. The gown, the evening, everything had been orchestrated for her. And yet...

Aira didn't even glance his way. Her voice came clipped and dry, laced with sarcasm. "Are you expecting a thank-you?"

His jaw ticked at her response, irritation flickering to life. "Then try to look like you are not being dragged there against your will," he snapped, his temper rising despite his efforts to keep it in check.

Her head whipped toward him, her eyes blazing with defiance. "Don't lecture me on appearances, Mr. Oberoi. You are the one who has perfected the art of playing pretend."

Her words cut sharper than he cared to admit. His fingers tightened on the wheel. "Careful, Aira."

"Or what?" she retorted, leaning toward him, her tone sharp and goading. "You will force me out of this dress just like you forced me into it?"

The car swerved slightly as he turned his head to look at her, his eyes dark and intense, locking onto hers. Her words stirred something volatile in him - a dangerous mix of frustration and the maddening urge to strip away the sarcasm she wielded so carelessly.

"Keep your tone in check," he warned, his voice low and edged with a threat.

Her gaze didn't falter. Her eyes narrowed, her silence louder than her words.

"You are making it harder on yourself, Aira," Arsh continued, his tone sharp and deliberate.

Her expression hardened as she turned fully to face him, her eyes cutting into his. "You don't get to tell me what's hard, Arsh. Dragging me to this circus is your idea of control, not mine."

The venom in her words hit like a slap. He tried to rein in the anger simmering beneath his skin. "That was not my intention."

"What else could it possibly be about?" she snapped, her voice rising, cutting through the tension. "You have already taken everything from me - my family, my freedom, my choices. Hell, even my sanity. What more do you want?"

Arsh slammed his palm against the steering wheel, the sound reverberating in the confined space. "Enough," he growled, his voice a low, dangerous rumble. "You tried to run, Aira. You brought this on yourself."

Her laugh was bitter, almost chilling. "Run? I wasn't running. I was trying to escape - from you, from this... this prison you call some sick revenge against what? I don't even know."

His grip on the steering wheel tightened, and he brought the car to a sudden stop at the gates of the mansion. Turning to her, he leaned in, his face mere inches from hers, the heat of his anger rolling off him in waves. "You can call it whatever you want, but the fact remains: you are mine. Your happiness, your pain - every fucking breath you take. It all belongs to me."

Aira opened her mouth to respond, but the sound of the door unlocking cut through their heated exchange.

The valet opened her door first, and Aira stepped out gracefully, her demeanor cool and detached, not sparing Arsh a single glance. Her poise, her ability to maintain that mask of calm, only added fuel to his already smoldering frustration.

He stepped out after her, unbuttoning his coat as he joined her at the stairs. She didn't wait for him, walking ahead with her head held high, her back straight, her every step a silent declaration of defiance.

As they entered the mansion, all eyes turned toward them. Arsh wrapped his hand around her waist, his grip firm despite her subtle resistance, guiding her into the room.

The air inside was thick with the scent of expensive perfumes and the quiet hum of polite conversation.

Mr. Rai Singhania intercepted them first, greeting Aira warmly before turning to Arsh with a carefully neutral expression. "Arsh, always a pleasure," he said evenly.

Arsh met his gaze with his usual unflappable composure. "The pleasure is mine," he replied smoothly, though his attention never wavered from Aira.

She handled the attention with ease, her smile polite but distant. It grated on Arsh, how effortlessly she could bury her fire beneath that mask.

Varya was the first to approach them from the family group, her bright smile lighting up her face as she waved. "Aira! Finally!"

To Arsh's surprise, Aira returned Varya's embrace with something resembling genuine warmth and a smile that finally felt real. "Hi there," she murmured softly.

It surprised Arsh how easily Tara and Varya let her in on the group becuase they don't trust someone easily and getting close to them is even far.

Arsh's mother and grandmother followed, greeting Aira warmly while deliberately ignoring him. Despite the faint sting of their coldness, Arsh masked his reaction, his expression cool and unaffected.

He knew what they wanted but he couldn't give them that just yet and besides he knew his family, they wouldn't be mad at him for long.

He watched as Aira's posture softened, her voice growing warmer as she spoke with them. He didn't miss the way his mother hugged her tightly, as though she was her daughter and not the daughter-in-law he had forced into a marriage.

It didn't matter. Aira could charm the world if she wanted. But she was still his. Every breath, every glance, every smile she shared - it all belonged to him.

As Arsh's mother and grandmother went to greet the others guests leaving the three alone, Varya shot him a look, unimpressed before turning back to Aira. "We don't bother about jerks, let's get you a drink?"

She led Aira toward the group, her chatter filling the space between them. Arsh followed closely, unwilling to let Aira out of his sight and obviously to greet the others.

Abhimaan being the first one to notice the trio raised a glass of whiskey in hand in a mock toast as they approached. "Look who finally decided to grace us with his presence."

Arsh gave them a nod as Abhimaan smirked, blatantly ignoring him and giving his gentleman smile to Aira, he took her hand dropping a kiss on it's back causing Arsh to glare at him.

Aira returned him a soft smile while side eyeing Rishaan who had his eyes fixed faraway on someone but all Aira could see was a man shielding her view of the girl with the wine glass in her hand, while Adira was busy chatting with a girl who she didn't recognise.

What a jerk! She mumbled narrowing her eyes at him as she remembered about Arsh being aware of the phone call.

'He must have snitched' She came to a conclusion.

Rishaan feeling her stare, moved his eyes to her with his eyebrows raised as she instantly looked away and turned her attention to Varya, raising her eyebrows as she pointed at the unknown girl.

"Samyukta Sharma," The stranger noticing her presence got up and offered her hand as Aira maintained her polite smile and shook her hand, "Aira."

"I know, Rish told me about you." She looked genuine and that made Aira lower her gaurd just a little around her.

"Rishaan?" She confirmed with a confused expression.

He has time to talk about her?

"I am his girlfriend." She mentioned making Aira's mouth form in an O as she found herself staring between Rishaan and Samyukta.

'Well, what about the chemistry between Rishaan and Tara?' She wondered with a straight face.

"Nice to meet you." Aira added as Samyukta mumbled a quite 'likewise' to her.

Adira jumped off her chair and gestured at Aira to match her height and dropped a kiss on her cheeks before telling her how much she missed her, doing the same with Arsh and then running off to where Adhikrit stood along with her Nanu.

Aira steered closer to Varya, refraining from asking her any questions fearing someone could hear them.

Tara who had noticed Aira's presence across from the room couldn't contain her happiness as she rushed towards the group, her radiant smile faltering slightly as her gaze flicked to Samyukta standing beside Rishaan. Tara recovered quickly, focusing toward her friend.

"Aira," She murmured as Aira turned to her friend's voice, her smile growing as she pulled her into a quick hug. "I almost thought you wouldn't come."

Aira chuckled. "Definitely thought right."

Tara's laugh was genuine, but her gaze shifted to Samyukta, who stood quietly beside Rishaan. Her smile dimmed, though she quickly masked it with politeness. "Hi there, Rishaan's girlfriend."

"Hi Tara," Samyukta replied smoothly, extending a hand.

Tara's eyebrows arched slightly as she joined her hand together greeting her with a Namaste, ignoring her hand.

Samyukta smile softly as she took her hand back while Rishaan's glare toward Tara intensified.

Tara spared him an unbothered glance before focusing on his arm resting on Samyukta's waist. "I am sorry for keeping your boyfriend from you for so long but trust me the decision to come along is solely his." Her remark was casual, but the edge was unmistakable.

Samyukta's lips curved in a polite smile. "Your safety is Rishaan's priority Tara and I am actually relieved that you are in safe hands becuase be considers you his little sister."

Tara's smirk faltered as she tightened her grip on the wine glass in her hand, her lips almost trembling but she kept herself composed as she realised her brother's intense gaze on her.

Tara offered the couple a fake smile as she went in for a hug and casually gritted out each word in Samyukta's ear, "Then kindly do me a favor and put a leash on your boyfriend so that he stops following me around like a dog."

She steps back giving her a mock smile while Samyukta laughs totally unbothered as if she found it funny and raises her hand in mock surrender.

Rishaan's expression flickered with something unreadable, but before he could speak, Samyukta added with a soft laugh, "That's a nice metaphor but can't do anything of it."

Aira, sensing the growing tension, kept a hand on Tara's arm. "So, Samyukta, what do you do?"

"I am a lawyer," Samyukta answered with a smile. "Litigation mostly, but I am branching out into Corporate. Rishaan mentioned you are in fashion?"

"I am," Aira said, her smile widening. "It's hectic, but I love it."

Abhimaan who seemed to be talking with Arsh about something, tilted his head. "Corporate law? Impressive. You will have to tell me about some of your cases. I might need someone sharp for a deal I am negotiating."

Samyukta nodded, her posture tensing slightly as she met his gaze. "I would be happy to help."

Rishaan gave Tara a look even though he was talking to Abhimaan. "You will find she is one of the best."

"I am sure she is." Tara narrowed her eyes as everyone turned to her.

This time, Varya interjected, her tone light. "Tara, why don't you help me grab a drink?"

Tara hesitated, glancing at Rishaan, but relented with a nod. "Sure."

As Varya and Tara moved away, Varya shot Aira a meaningful look, one that said, join us a few moment later.

Samyukta watched them go, her demeanor unbothered.

"So? What was that about?" Aira found herself whispering to Arsh as soon as she noticed Samyukta talking to Rishaan about something.

"Tara lost to her in a competition when she was in high school. I guess she held a grudge even though she doesn't." He shrugged off, seeming unbothered about it as Aira gave him an unimpressed look.

What an ignorant brother! She thought and glanced at Adhikrit across the corner talking to Mr. Rai Singhania along with Adira.

What's going on here?

Before she could say something to make the environment a little less tense, she glanced toward Varya and Tara, who were gesturing for her from across the room. "Excuse me for a moment," she said, stepping away.

Aira leaned in, speaking low enough for only Tara and Varya to hear. "That was...tense."

"Tara, I am not sure what it is but atleast try to be subtle about it." Varya added gently.

Tara exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "I know. I just - I don't like her, okay?"

"She seems fine to me," Aira said with a shrug. "Besides, since when do we bother about jerks who snitch."

Tara gave a noncommittal hum but didn't argue as Varya raised a brow at Aira, "Did he tell Arsh about the phone call?"

Aira's eyes narrowed slightly, her mood shifting. She nodded, though there was a quiet edge in her voice. "Hm, he knew." The words seemed to weigh heavier than she intended.

Tara suddenly whipped her head toward the two, her eyes wide with disbelief, before shaking her head vigorously. "He couldn't have." Her voice dropped to a near whisper, as though the mere idea of it was incomprehensible.

"Hm?" Aira raised her brows glancing towards Varya who had the same curious glance focused on Tara.

"He didn't." Tara claimed, her eyes moving towards Rishaan who was already looking at her.

Aira raised a brow in response, her voice firm yet soft. "Arsh knew."

Tara's face softened slightly, but the disbelief lingered. "I don't know how, but Rishaan promised me. I know he didn't." Her voice wavered, and there was a slight tremor in her hands as she spoke, betraying her uncertainty despite her words.

Varya leaned forward slightly, her gaze steady, yet tinged with concern. "You trust him?"

Tara hesitated, biting her lip. There was a long pause before she answered, and when she did, her words came out almost in a whisper. "I do." The conviction in her voice was clear, but there was an underlying fear that something might unravel, and it unsettled her more than she wanted to admit.

Varya gave her a long, knowing look, sensing the weight of Tara's uncertainty. "But there is only one explanation for it."

Tara didn't reply, her gaze fixed somewhere distant as she processed Aira's words, the doubt in her heart growing further.

"Maybe one of the gaurds saw me in the garden and notified him." Aira, sensing the sudden change in her posture lied effortlessly knowing very well no gaurd is allowed into that part of the garden and no one saw her on the phone that day.

Varya and Aira managed to distract Tara from Rishaan and his girlfriend as the three asked each other about their well being and talked about some other things before Varya suggested they should go back to the group.

Tara nodded, getting up from the chair followed by the other two as she looked up at Aira, "Ready to get our moods ruined?"

Aira laughed at the insult but before she could respond, a man approached the counter, his face lighting up when he saw Aira.

"Aira?" The stranger's voice broke through the noise as he stepped forward.

Aira turned towards the stranger, her eyes widening in recognition.

"You both should go, I will join you all in a moment?" Varya shrugged as Tara gave her a nod sparing the stranger a fleeting glance before the two made their way to the others.

Aira didn't think. Her feet moved on their own, closing the distance between them.

"Rav!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with relief. Before she could stop herself, she threw her arms around him in a tight hug.

Aarav Roy Chowdhury hugged her back as she murmured to him curiously and gladly. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same," He teased, parting from the hug.

Aira laughed, stepping back. "It's been years since I saw you."

Aarav nodded, fixing his tie as Aira offered him her own wine glass which he gladly took, getting her another from the bartender.

"Thought you weren't into parties, what changed?" Aira chirped giving him a curious look.

"A lot actually. But now that I have run into you, my evening just got better." He chuckled, genuinely - one that was rare coming from the The Aarav Roy Chowdhury.

Aira knew Aarav back from the orphanage she was brought up at. He was the only remnant of her past life before she was adopted into the Agnihotris.

Aarav used to volunteer to work at her orphanage and one of those days he saved Aira from getting bullied by the other kids and Aira found a family in him.

She had lost contact with him after moving to London, until meeting him again four years ago at her college fest, where they reconnected. She had learned then just how much Aarav had tried to reach out to her, even though the Agnihotris had made it impossible for anyone to track her down, wanting to keep her adoption a secret from the world.

Their conversation was animated, old friend catching up, but from across the room, Arsh's gaze darkened as he watched the interaction. His fists clenched at his sides as Aarav's hand lingered a moment too long on Aira's shoulder.

"Something bothering you, Arsh?" Abhimaan asked with a smirk, his tone laced with mischief.

Arsh's response was curt. "Nothing that concerns you."

"Clearly." Abhimaan raised his glass in mock toast, his grin widening.

Aira unaware of the steely gaze fixed on her, suddenly remembered about the girl Aarav mentioned, he told her he was building a empire to get her back.

And when she asked why he told her she was his destiny.

"So, did you find your destiny finally?" She asked, her tone soft almost hoping and wishing with all he might that he did.

Aarav smiled, a little sheepishly, his next words carrying an unspoken sincerity. . "You wouldn't believe it, but I am marrying her soon."

Aira raised an eyebrow, teasing, but her smile softened with a sense of affection for her old friend. "You mean the girl who left you at the altar years ago agreed to marry you?"

She knew how much it affected him and the quite resentment that settled in her heart for the girl for hurting someone so sincere like Aarav was still there but she didn't want to judge someone when she didn't know her side of the story especially considering how much Aarav seemed to love her.

"Hm," Aarav's smile was a mix of amusement and tenderness, the way a brother might smile when recalling old memories that didn't hurt as much anymore.

That reminded her of Armaan and her family and she could again feel that hurt coming back. She missed her family so much and there was just one person responsible for all of her misery.

"My goodness. Is she here?" She suddenly hoped she could meet her.

"She was sick, so she is resting back at home," Aarav replied, his voice laced with a quiet care that Aira had witnessed for herself so many times. He had always been someone who cared so deeply, even if he rarely showed it.

Aira's eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. "I really want to meet the girl who has 'The Aarav Roy Chowdhury' on his knees for her."

Aarav's expression softened further, his tone light, yet warm. "Well, you are included in my personal guest list."

Aira's eyes widened in surprise, and a little laugh escaped her lips. "I am?"

"You think I would ever miss out on you?" Aarav said, his voice full of affection, as if nothing in the world could keep him from making sure she was always a part of his life.

Arsh's eyes darkened from across the room as he watched the interaction, his glare sharp enough to cut the steel. His grip on his glass tightened as Aira smile genuinely at Aarav, all her smiles brighter than it had been all evening.

"Who is that?" Tara asked casually noticing her brother's glare directed at the man, her voice breaking through his stormy thoughts.

"No one of importance," Arsh muttered, though his eyes never left them.

The whole group's attention was diverted towards the two as Rishaan answered Tara's question, "That's Aarav Roy Chowdhury." The man had emerged out of nowhere and was taking over the business world with a new claim giving competition to the top businessmen in the world at such a young age.

Varya clearly unbothered and aware of her business partners impemdimg marriage, nudged him with a knowing smirk. "Jealous much?"

Arsh shot her a glare. "Stay out of it, Varya."

She laughed softly. "Oh, this is good. You are practically seething."

Arsh ignored her as his eyes fell on the duo making their way out of the hall as he handed her glass to an amused Rishaan and followed them with a bothered expression.

Aira stepped outside into the cool night air, Aarav by her side. The soft glow of the garden lights illuminated their path as they made their way toward the far end, away from the bustling crowd inside.

"You seem a little different." Aarav asked, glancing at Aira as they walked stopping near the swimming pool. "Everything alright?"

Aira shrugged, wrapping her arms around herself in an attempt to ward off the chill. "All the same."

Aarav nodded understandingly. "Shifting to India was never something you wanted. Hm?"

"Yeah," she said, her eyes scanning the dark horizon. "So everything is just... a bit overwhelming, I guess."

Aarav glanced at her, his brow furrowing slightly. "It's alright. Besides London isn't very far. Hm? Just visit your family whenever you want to."

Aira smiled faintly, although that was far from true, "I will think of visiting you."

"You are always welcome." Aarav gave her a soft smile.

Just then, the evening breeze picked up, making Aira shiver slightly. She wrapped her arms tighter around herself.

Noticing her discomfort, Aarav asked, "Are you cold?"

Before she could respond, Arsh appeared by her side. His eyes locked onto Aira, his gaze hardening slightly as he noticed the way she was shivering. Without waiting for her response, he moved toward her and draped his own coat over her shoulders.

He then met Aarav's gaze, "Mr. Roy Chowdhury." His voice was low and calm, but there was no mistaking the weight behind it.

"Mr. Oberoi." Aarav nodded, his expression going back to being guarded unlike when he was in Aira's company.

"Arsh Aira Oberoi." He repeated, introducing himself as he offered his hand to Aarav.

The inclusion on Aira's name in his made her heart stutter as she looked down, and away from the man who was standing very close to her.

An amused smile made it's way to Aarav's lips as he shook his hand, "Good to see you here, Mr. Arsh Aira Oberoi." He intentionally quoted his earlier words.

"Likewise," Arsh replied curtly, his gaze flicking to Aira who fumbled with the bracelet around her wrist as she avoided his gaze and looked at Aarav, "He is my..."

She paused as Aarav completed her response. "Husband, I know." Aarav chuckled lightly, clearly unaware of the tension. "I do watch news Aira."

Aira exchanged a glance with Arsh as she shifted a little away only for him to wrap his hand around her waist and pull her closer.

"Aira is a very close friend way back from childhood. Family." Aarav spoke, his gaze accessing Arsh's actions and whether it made Aira uncomfortable but she seemed to be wearing a mask.

"You should have introduced me to your friend," Arsh added, his eyes fixed on Aarav, his tone casual but layered with something more.

"I was aware you knew of my friend," Aira replied, her voice smooth but with a subtle edge. She wasn't sure what exactly was going on Arsh's mind but she could sense the tension simmering just below the surface.

What better way to get on Mr. husband's nerves! Aira thought her smile widening as she leaned in a little, her voice playful yet tinged with cuation afraid of the consequences and yet risking it. "He is literally the most eligible bachelor right now. Every girl wants a husband like him." she stated, her eyes dancing with mischief.

Aarav chuckled, his voice smooth as he matched her playful energy already realising what she was trying to do. "Flattery like that could make a man forget his manners," he said, a knowing glint in his eyes as he carefully inspeced their spectators change of expression, letting the words hang in the air between them before adding, "Though, I don't mind being flattered by you, Aira."

Aira's lips twitched into a smile that was both amused and just a touch flirting. "Careful now, Mr. Roy Chowdhury," she teased, her eyes locking with his, "It's almost a shame, I am married."

Arsh raised an eyebrow, trying his best to not act out in front if a crowd knowing very well, the sudden flirting was to get on his nerves. "Well, he is quite famous."

"Clearly not more than you, Mr. Oberoi. You topped the list before you tied the knot." Aarav responded, his smile softening as he glanced at Aira.

Before Arsh could say anything else, Aarav's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID, his expression softening momentarily as his eyes fell on the called id showing 'Rooh' before he stepped back, his eyes lingering on Aira and Arsh. "Sorry, I will have to take this call. It's important."

As Aarav moved a few steps away to answer the call, he couldn't help but keep an eye on the two of them. His gaze lingered on Arsh, watching his every move with a keen, calculating look to make sure everything was alright.

Once Arsh was sure they were at a safe distance, he leaned in closer to Aira, his voice low and sharp. "A friend?"

"A friend," she replied evenly, not meeting his eyes.

"Funny how your 'friends' always think they can touch what's mine," he bit out, his possessiveness simmering just beneath the surface.

Aira met his gaze, her expression calm but her eyes flashing with defiance. "I am not yours."

His lips curled into a cold smile, his hand tightening briefly around her waist. "Keep testing me, Aira. You won't like how far I am willing to go."

She gritted her teeth, her voice steady. "And you won't like how little I care."

"And besides what are you even being jealous about?" She scoffed as he narrowed his eyes at her.

Arsh's gaze sharpened, eyes narrowing, his presence overwhelming. His voice was low, a slight growl in it. "I don't do jealous, I am territorial of my things Aira."

Her breath hitched, the words striking her harder than they should have. She tried to shake it off, to push past the heat coursing through her. But her voice came out tight, strained. "For God's sake Mr. Oberoi, I am not your property."

She felt his hand moving to her breast and stopping there, a single cloth being a barrier between their skin.

His voice dropped, rough and dark, like he knew the effect his words would have on her. "Want to know something?"

"What?" She grit out, the way he was looking at her, the heat and intensity in his gaze - everything was blurring her senses, making her question her own thoughts. She could hardly think, much less breathe

His breath brushed against her skin, making the air around them feel suffocating. "That's exactly what you are, My property."

She didn’t know what hurt more - the words themselves or the realization of how much his presence, his closeness, affected her. Her mind screamed for her to walk away, to leave, but her body remained frozen. "I guess you have a lot of them then?"

Arsh leaned in, his gaze dark with intensity, his lips curled into an equally dark, confident smirk, his breath fanning across her face. "Make yourself my favourite one then."

He was aware of Aarav's eyes on them but that's barely what the show was for becuase sensing that there was nothing out of box, Aarav was already making his way back inside.

Her breath hitched at his words and efore she could even react, his hand was on the front of her neck, guiding her head back, and his lips crashed onto hers, overwhelming her senses. His other hand on her waist was firm and possessive, as if marking his territory in the most primal way as he pulled her into him, his kiss rough, deep, and demanding.

Her chest tightened in response, but the shock of the kiss kept her rooted to the spot. His body pressed into hers, a force she couldn't fight. She tried to breathe, to think, but her mind slipped further away with every heated breath they shared. He tilted his head, deepening the kiss until she was drowning in the sensation of him.

This was really her first kiss and she had lost any senses she should have had to out to pull herself back.

"Flirt with another friend," Arsh whispered against her lips, his voice low and full of promise. His lips brushed over her jaw, his words sending a shiver down her spine as he added, "And I will fuck you like my personal whore in front of him."

Aira's heart pounded in her chest, but her tongue felt heavy, numb with the intensity of his kiss.

She tried to say something, to push him away or at least hold her ground, but she couldn't. The world around them seemed to blur.

Her breath hitched as he pulled back just enough to lock eyes with her. His gaze was dark, smoldering, as if he could see straight through her. She could feel the way his very presence commanded her attention.

"Do you hate me?" he asked, his voice low and almost dangerous.

"I do," Aira managed to reply, her voice a breathless whisper.

He kept his eyes locked on hers, moving in a slow, calculated circle around her. She instinctively took a step back, turning her back to the pool to face him, her pulse quickening, but his presence grew more commanding. "Ask me to leave,"

Her reply was almost frantic. "I can't."

"Tell me to leave." He stepped closer, the distance between them closing with each deliberate stride.

Aira shook her head, backing toward the pool, the water gleaming under the moonlight, her mind racing as her body betrayed her with every step she took away from him.

"Then atleast stop looking at me like that," he growled, his voice barely a whisper but filled with a heat that made her blood burn. "I might think you want me to fuck you."

Before he could take another step towards her, his eyes fell on something behind her as he looked back at her, his heart almost leaping out of his chest.

Aira's breath caught in her throat. She had wanted to deflect, to stand her ground, but the words left her lips before she could stop herself. "You probably wouldn't be wrong."

Before she could react, he lunged forward with a force that took her breath away, and in an instant, he pushed her - suddenly - into the pool.

The cold water rushed over her but the shock of the water wasn't enough to clear her mind. She surfaced, gasping for air, only to find his smirking face staring down at her from the edge.

Her breath came in shallow gasps as she stared up at Arsh, her hair slicked back and water streaming down her face. The moonlight above illuminated his sharp features, and his smirk was infuriatingly arrogant, as if he held all the power in the world.

He pulled his phone from his pocket, his fingers moving swiftly across the screen. Aira squinted up at him, the edge of her irritation creeping back. "What are you doing?" she demanded sharply, her voice tinged with both frustration and the fire raging inside her.

Arsh didn't answer. His eyes flicked to her for the briefest second before returning to his phone. His movements were purposeful, controlled, and infuriatingly nonchalant. The faint glow from the device lit up his face as his thumb paused mid-motion, then resumed typing before he slid the phone back into his pocket.

"Are you psychotic? I asked you a question." Aira said, her voice trembling with frustration and unease. She treaded water, unsure whether she should be more concerned about his cryptic behavior or the fact that she was still soaking in a pool while he loomed over her like some kind of predator making her feel totally insignificant.

She moved toward the pool's edge, her hands gripping the ledge, ready to hoist herself out.

For a moment, his gaze dropped to hers, and something dark flashed in his eyes. "Nothing you need to worry about," he said flatly.

Before she could say anything, He crouched down at the pool's edge, leaning so close that the space between them felt suffocating. "Do you want to know how I feel about you?" he asked, his voice low, dangerous, and completely unhinged.

Her heart skipped a beat, her pulse pounding against her ribs. "I do," she replied, her voice coming out a whisper.

"I hate you too." His smirk deepened, and before she could blink, he reached out and shoved her shoulder - not hard, but enough to send her stumbling back into the water.

She went under briefly, her vision blurred by the cold rush of water enveloping her once more. When she surfaced back, gasping and sputtering, she pushed her drenched hair out of her face and glared up at him with a fury that made her blood boil. "What the fucking hell is wrong with you?" she yelled, her voice echoing in the night air.

He straightened, unbothered by her outburst, and began rolling his sleeves up casually. "I am psychotic," he said, his tone smooth and infuriatingly calm, mocking the very words she had thrown at him earlier. "Proved your point, didn't I, Mrs. Oberoi?"

"You are insane," she spat, swimming toward the edge. She gripped the pool's ledge, her hands trembling from a mix of cold and anger as she tried to hoist herself out. Her hand slipped on the wet surface, and she cursed under her breath.

Above her, Arsh crouched down again, his smirk growing even wider as he extended a hand toward her. "Need help?" he asked, his tone drenched in mockery.

Aira froze for a split second, her anger bubbling over into something reckless. She looked at his outstretched hand, then back up at his face, that infuriating smirk she couldn't stand.

"Oh, I don't need your help," she said, her voice deceptively sweet. Before she could stop herself, she lunged toward him, grabbing his hand and yanking him down with her using all the strength she hae. She didn't care about logic, didn't care about consequences. All she cared about was having her revenge.

His eyes widened briefly, the smug confidence flickering away as he lost his balance. "Aira..."

But it was too late. With a loud splash, Arsh fell into the water as Aira splashed backwards.

When he came up for air, sputtering and cursing, Aira was already laughing - a mix of triumph and defiance lighting up her face. "How does that feel, Mr. Psychotic?" she taunted, her voice ringing with satisfaction.

He wiped the water from his face, his wet hair plastered to his forehead as his dark eyes locked onto hers. "You are going to regret that," he growled, his voice low and dangerous.

Aira's laughter died in her throat as he moved towards her with a graceful, predatory ease, the water rippling in waves around him. Her instincts screamed at her to move, but her body froze, caught in the intensity of his gaze.

When he reached her, his hand wrapped around her wrist, his grip firm but not painful. He tugged her closer until their bodies were inches apart, the tension between them electric.

"Still think that was a good idea?" he asked, his voice a rough whisper, his breath brushing against her cheek.

Aira's pulse raced, her defiance faltering under the weight of his presence. "Yes," she managed, though her voice was weaker now.

His lips curved into a smirk, his grip on her tightening ever so slightly. "Good," he murmured, his tone dark and laced with something she couldn't quite name. "Because now, it's my turn."

"Let me go," Aira demanded, though her voice lacked conviction. The heat of his body in the cold water was disorienting, and her mind screamed at her to move, to fight back. But her body betrayed her, leaning into him even as her heart thundered in her chest.

His free hand slid to the small of her back, pulling her even closer. "Do you really want that?" he whispered, his breath warm against her ear despite the chill in the air.

"Yes,"she lied, her voice cracking.

"Liar," he growled, his tone both accusing and triumphant. Before she could protest, his lips crashed down on hers, hard and demanding.

Aira's hands pushed against his chest instinctively, and the resistance stayed as his kiss deepened, his grip firm and unyielding. The world around her faded, the only thing she could feel was him - his lips, his heat, his intensity.

She tried to cling to her hatred, to her fury, but it slipped through her fingers like water as her body surrendered to him. Her hands found their way to his shoulders, then his neck, her fingers tangling in his wet hair.

The kiss turned fierce, almost bruising, as if he was staking a claim, pouring every ounce of his frustration, his anger, and his hatred into her. And Aira, for all her resistance, kissed him back with equal fervor, matching his fire with her own.

When he finally broke the kiss, they were both gasping for air, their foreheads pressed together. His hand cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing against her lips as if to remind her of what had just happened.

"We are leaving." he said, his voice raw, his eyes blazing with a dangerous mix of triumph and vulnerability.

There was no way he was letting another eyes see her like this when her dress clung to her like another skin.

Aira stared at him, her mind a whirlwind of emotions she couldn’t process. Hatred. Anger. Desire. Confusion. They all collided, leaving her breathless and unable to form a coherent response.

"We should." she whispered, her voice trembling.

𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡⋆. 𐙚 ˚

To everyone thinking Aira ne give in kr dia bas next chapter ke phle uspe naraz na hona 😔

Arsh ko iint ka jawab patthar se dena to wo bas uske emotions ko use krne ja rhi hai 😭

She is going to do a lot more than Arsh is doing to hurt her to bas apne aapko uske lie tayar rkho 😭