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Epilogue *A year later* “I need two more minutes, Shan,” Dhruv said through trembling lips. He let out a loud exhale. “Today’s an important day. I’ve never felt this way before any of my business meetings.” Shanaya placed her hand over his in a reassuring manner, passing him a genuine smile. “Hey, silly. This is a lot more difficult than any business meeting you’ll ever have.” Leaning forward, she reached out her hand to touch his cheek. “I’m glad I’m doing this with you. When we see her, everything will feel great. All this nervousness is going to fade into joy which will last a lifetime.” He nodded. “Of course, babe. I know that.” He wetted his lips before letting out another sigh. “Wow, I’m so ready to do this with you. Just give me one minute.” Shanaya agreed, nodding. She had never seen him so nervous. It was surprising and amusing at the same time. The air carried with it the scent of petrichor, greeting her senses as stepped out of her car. It was still warm despite the re
Missed me? Here's a gift for you. There's another one waiting. You'll love it more. I'll pick you up at 7. Don't make me wait :) -D.K. With a line of sweat covering her forehead, Shanaya read the note over and over again. After staring at it in disbelief for a while—half hoping it would catch fire from her burning gaze—she let it slip through her fingers to the white desk. Her eyes darted to the bouquet of yellow tulips that came along with the note and a shiver ran through her body as she thought of the man who had sent it. D.K. Dhruv Kapoor. The man Shanaya had once loved with all of her heart. The man she thought she’d marry. Only for him to abandon her and move to a different country. But he was back now—at least that’s what the note meant. What was she going to do? She grabbed the note again and this time read it in his voice. It was odd how she still remembered what his voice sounded like—chaotic with a hint of mischief to it. She almost tried to picture him in her mind,
‘So I was right. It’s him,’ Shanaya thought when the windows rolled down to reveal the guy who had sent her the note and those ugly yellow tulips. Dhruv Kapoor. Nonetheless, her shoulders tensed. The air shifted, prickling gently at her bare arms. He sat there, clad in all black, blending well with the dark interiors. It was dark inside, except for the little neon blue light coming off the dashboard, highlighting features of his face. There were things Shanaya knew she was capable of forgetting about him someday. The sound of his voice, the curve of his smile, the little flat mole on his wrist. But she knew she could never forget his eyes. The color of caramel enhanced by a black outline, his eyes were one of the most intense things to behold. But in the dark, his pupils had dilated almost completely, giving them a pitch-black appearance. Shanaya couldn't tell how long they stared at each other before Dhruv finally shifted in his seat, turning his torso. "Shanaya," he said, bi
Shanaya hesitated at the doorstep. She pictured how the night would end and if she would come to regret her decision of meeting him. But something kept her going, a silent force that wanted to know, satisfied with any answers she could get for his absence. Dhruv considered her with a look. “Well, what are you waiting for? Come in.”While on the outside she admired the mansion’s grand beauty, on the inside Shanaya couldn't stop thinking of how his return wasn't a quick decision. It was very well planned out if he had purchased a house for himself. The grandeur of the mansion did not surprise her. Dhruv was a billionaire now. He could buy fifty such houses without batting any eyelash. The front door opened and the lights turned on, one by one.As if reading her mind, Dhruv said, "I moved in a week ago. I told Mom about my plans a month ago and as you can guess she wasn't happy about it. Neither was Kirti.""About you returning or living separately?" Shanaya laughed and took long stri
A low hum began playing from a source Shanaya failed to locate in the scant lighting. In an instant, Dhruv’s arm slid around her waist and his palm pressed into her small back, pulling her closer. Despite the thickness of her dress's fabric, she felt his warm hand sending a shiver down her spine. As a reflex, her hands rose to his shoulders and settled there and soon they were lost in each other's eyes. "What song is that?" Shanaya asked in a whisper, swaying slowly in his arms along with the tune. Her eyes remained glued to his. Stupid as it seemed, she was unable to take them away from his face. Up this close, he looked even more handsome. And tall. She failed to realise it earlier but she only barely touched his shoulder. Craning her neck to not lose sight of his eyes, she held her breath, waiting for an answer. "I don't know. I don't care," he said in a husky tone. It may have been just a game her mind was playing on her, but she sensed him leaning closer as they moved their bodi
The sun rays passed through the window panes and kissed Shanaya's face, fuelling her annoyance. She barely slept the previous night. Dhruv wouldn't let her. The little time that he did allow her, she wasted away by thinking constantly of what had happened between them and what it meant.Her head ached from the lack of sleep, making her frown as she lifted herself from the bed, covering her naked body with the white sheets. On the other hand, Dhruv slept peacefully on his stomach, snoring lightly. The sheets concealed the lower half of his body, keeping the other half on display for her eyes and she smirked. The smirk vanished as soon as she recollected moments from the previous night. Dhruv provoked her and she reacted just as he wanted her to. With a groan, she closed her eyes, gathering her hair into a messy bun. Her eyes darted around the room in search of her clothes—the striped dress she wore the previous night, but all she found were the bits and pieces of what remained of her
It slipped Shanaya's mind that she was wearing nothing but an oversized T-shirt. She slid the door wide open, allowing Shaheer who stood outside to take a good look at her. The calm over his face vanished in an instant. His cheeks blushed pink and he lifted his eyebrows in embarassment, clearing his throat at the same time. "Oh," Shanaya said to herself, realising what had happened and in a haste almost closed the door on his face. Luckily, he stepped behind on time. She sighed deeply and counted to three, letting her erratic heart go back to normal before slightly jerking the door open to peek out. "Did you get what I asked?" She said hurriedly and for a moment Shaheer's brows furrowed in confusion. "What? Oh, yes. Yes, here it is. Ms. Arora," He said and passed through the little gap a bag with her clothes. Shanaya grabbed it without another glance and turned around to find Dhruv looking at her with a smirk. "And who might that be?" He said, more to himself than to her and too
Kabir shrugged and the smile slipped away, getting replaced by a serious look. His gray eyes stared at her with curiosity. "But seriously, Shan, where were you last night? I called you like a hundred times." She ran her fingers through her wet hair strands as the light buzzing of the machine continued. Pretending to not hear his question, she said looking at herself in the full view mirror, "Do you think it's okay for you to be in my room while I'm not here? And even when I am. With me. Alone?" "Let's not pretend like I didn't spend half of my teen years here," He shook his head as his eyes went over the room, quickly examining it. Picking up a pillow, he flipped it and then stuffed it behind his head, relaxing even more. "You're not scared of what Dadi has to say?" His eyes flickered away from her but a small smile appeared on his clean shaven face. "She stopped doubting me a while ago. Precisely on the day I got married to Noor. Unless she considers me able enough to have an extr