chapter 4
The chandelier above shimmered like frozen stars, casting golden light over the elegant hall below. Everything sparkled—champagne flutes, diamonds, laughter. The Sharma villa had been transformed into a dream tonight.
Meher took a breath before descending the stairs. Her red wine saree hugged her frame softly, and the embroidered blouse glistened against her skin. Her curls were pinned delicately, tendrils falling around her face like poetry.
The very moment her heels touched the marble floor, she felt it.
His eyes met hers across the room—and held. Like molten fire licking ice. Unmoving. Unblinking. Undressing.
She faltered slightly, her throat drying. The music dulled in her ears, replaced by the sound of her heartbeat.
Why did it always feel like he saw her before she even entered a room?
And worse—like he owned every reaction that pulsed through her body.
Meher Sharma
*looked away*
Meher Sharma
*Forcing her legs to move as she walked toward the center of the celebration*
Karan Sharma
Come here. Meet the couple of the evening.
Meher Sharma
*smiled, pulling her expression together just as Ria turned to her*
Tall, glowing, and stunning in a blush pink lehenga, Ria was the kind of woman people turned around for twice.
Ria
You’ve grown up so much!
Ria
*pulling Meher into a warm hug*
Meher Sharma
Congratulations!!! U look beautiful
Ria
Thank you, sweetheart. I’ve heard so much about you. I’m glad I get to see you before I’m shipped off into married life.
They both laughed softly, and Meher pretended not to feel him step beside Ria.
Tall. Dark. Exquisite in a tailored black suit.
Her body tensed without permission.
Aarav Malhotra
*Casual nod*
His voice dropped low, a casual nod accompanying it. But those eyes… they weren’t polite.
They were sinful.
The corners of his mouth curled. Not a smile—no, never that. It was the smirk of a man who knew she hated how much she noticed him.
Small talk swirled around them, champagne was passed, laughter echoed—but beneath it all, their charged silence said more than words could.
The night wore on. She laughed when needed, smiled when spoken to, and posed for pictures with Ria and Karan.
But every time she looked up, she felt him watching.
Like she was the only thing he saw.
She stepped out into the dim corridor beside the garden, needing air. The hallway was quiet, shadows dancing across the walls.
Meher Sharma
*leaned against a cold pillar*
Letting the silence settle
But then—
The sound of footsteps behind her.
Before she could step back, his hand braced the wall beside her, caging her in.
Meher Sharma
what the hell are u doing?
Meher Sharma
*she snapped , her voice breathy*
Aarav Malhotra
You drive me insane
Aarav Malhotra
*he murmured, leaning close to her*
Aarav Malhotra
You walk into a room like you don’t know what you’re doing to me.
Meher Sharma
I didn’t do anything
*she whispered, heat rising in her cheeks*
Aarav Malhotra
That’s the problem
* he growled*
Aarav Malhotra
You don’t have to.
Aarav Malhotra
*His hand slid down the side of her waist*
Aarav Malhotra
*Barely grazing the fabric, but enough to make her entire body tighten*
Meher Sharma
*Her back pressed against the wall, her breath caught between her lips*
His eyes burned into her.
Aarav Malhotra
I warned you once
Aarav Malhotra
*voice like velvet over steel*
Aarav Malhotra
This thing between us… it can’t happen.
Meher Sharma
Then stop looking at me like that
His mouth hovered near her ear, his breath warm and sinful.
Aarav Malhotra
Stay away from me , Meher
Aarav Malhotra
Before I stop trying to resist.
Leaving her heart pounding, her thoughts spinning, and her body aching for an explanation she couldn’t give herself.
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