When Rivals Fall

Chapter 17 Rainy Day Moments

"Mein baarish ki boli ki samajhta nahi tha
Hawaon se main yu ulajhta nahi tha
Hai seene me dil bhi kaha thi mujhe ye khabar"

~ Kaise hua

Author's Pov

The rain poured down in heavy sheets, drenching everything in its path. The sky rumbled above, echoing the storm brewing between Vedika and Ayaan. As they stepped out of the temple, Vedika winced, a sharp pain shooting through her ankle. She staggered, barely managing to stand.

"Aah!" she gasped, clutching his arm for support.

Ayaan's sharp gaze immediately dropped to her foot. Without a moment's hesitation, he crouched down and, before she could protest, scooped her up in his arms.

"Ayaan! Mujhe niche utaro log dekh rahe haii" Vedika whispered urgently, struggling in his hold. Her cheeks burned, whether from the cold rain or the heat of his body, she didn't know.

But Ayaan didn't budge. His grip was firm yet gentle, his jaw clenched in determination. As droplets trickled down his face, he met her gaze, his eyes holding an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.

"Mujhe log kya sochenge farak nahi padta," he murmured, his voice deep, steady. His arms tightened around her as if making a silent promise.

"Mujhe tumhari aadat ho rahi hai... uthane ki bhi aur sambhalne ki bhi."

Vedika's breath hitched. The world around them blurred-the rain, the people, the whispers. It was just the two of them, wrapped in an unspoken emotion that neither was ready to name yet.

Vedika said , " tum koi movie ke heroo ho kyaa aur mein heroine jo ye sb drama kr re hoo "

Ayaan made her stand near a shed. He was concerned about her so he asked to drop her to hostel which again she refused.
She said , " nhii mujhee tumhare sath bethke ke jane ka koi shauk ni haii , mein chalii jaungii"

Ayaan wearing his helmet said , " sochloo ek baar firse , maana tum sherni ho pr ye baarish aur tumhari chot "

In a split second, she let out a soft squeal and jumped onto the bike behind Ayaan, clutching his jacket tightly, her fingers gripping the damp fabric. The sudden warmth of her presence and the way she clung to him caught Ayaan off guard. His lips curved into a teasing smirk.

"Arrey wah, hostel nahi jaana tha lekin bike pe aane ka bahana mil gaya?" he teased, his voice laced with amusement.

He again teased her , " ohhh toh sherni ek kutte se darti haii"

Vedika, realizing what she had just done, turned red. "W-woh... main bas..." she stammered, trying to loosen her grip, but Ayaan reached back and held her hands in place.

"Hold on tight," he whispered, leaning slightly towards her. "Aadat daal lo. Tumhe baar baar sambhalna pad raha hai mujhe."

She retorted, " tum naa , mein maardungii tumhee"

Her heart pounded as she felt the warmth of his words more than the rain. The moment stretched, the drizzle, the dim streetlights, and the soft rumble of his bike making everything feel surreal.

And just like that, the girl who was too stubborn to take his help was now holding onto him as if letting go wasn't an option.
Later ayaan dropped her to hostel and he went away to his house.

In Kaustubh and Kashvi's Room

Kaustubh stepped into the room, his eyes instantly landing on Kashvi.