Anguish & Affection

Part 29

"Perfect!"

Diya stared in amazement at her bedroom wall, adorned with the medals and certificates she had earned over the years as a student. It was the final touch in arranging her new living space since moving into the accommodation. Her hair was unruly, sticking out in all directions, and she wore a shirt with colorful dinosaur prints that were accentuated by dark stains on the back.

She traced her fingertips over the gleaming gold medal she had earned at her convocation, and a wide smile lit up her face. Atharv watched her content expression and couldn't help but mirror her grin.

"Have I told you how breathtaking you are when you talk or do something that ignites your passion?" he asked nonchalantly, leaning against the wall next to her. Her smile widened, and a playful laugh escaped her lips.

"No, you haven't, but I'm all ears," she responded flirtatiously.

He noted the glimmer in her eyes when she spoke of archaeology, finding it enchanting. Her passion for her work was evident and captivating. His tone was indulgent, in stark contrast to his piercing gaze that caused a rosy blush to spread across her cheeks. She couldn't resist taking a few steps closer to him, despite the fluttering of her heart. As they closed the distance between them, she couldn't help but ask, "Is that the only time I appear charming to you?"

The alluring gleam in her wide pupils and the husky tone of her voice caught him off guard. The exhaustion etched on her face was transformed by the soft yellow glow of fairy lights, revealing a radiant beauty. He gently brushed away loose strands of hair that tickled her sharp collarbone, leaving a trail of enticing goosebumps in their wake on her skin.

He noticed the sharp intake of breath and the way her chest rose with excitement. As he pulled her closer, his heart pounded in his ears. The alluring scent of her pomegranate shower gel only added to her charm.

"To be honest, I've always found you fascinating," he admitted. "But do you know when you look the most stunning?" His deep and husky tone, coupled with a gentle touch at the base of her neck, sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

She pressed her hand against his chest, feeling the strong muscles that rippled beneath her touch. His heart beat frantically, mirroring her own racing pulse. The rush of blood and the quickness of their breathing sent sparks of excitement through her body, stirring up a flurry of intense emotions in her mind. She moved closer to him, and with each breath, their chests touched. "You tell me," she whispered, almost breathlessly.

"Your carefree laughter makes you look like an angel. The sparkling light in your eyes and the sound of your laughter can chase away any worries. It could make even the biggest sacrifice seem worth it. If I had the power to stop time, I would do it in that moment."

He lightly pressed his lips against her soft, rosy petals. The brief touch ignited a surge of desire in her, stirring the dormant passion within. Her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck and her fingers tangled in his silky hair. He worshipped her lower lip with his tongue, causing a shiver to run down her spine and goosebumps to rise on her skin. His hands explored every inch of her body with an intensity matching the birds that had finally broken free from their cage after a prolonged struggle.

A soft moan escaped her lips before she reciprocated, but their intense desire overpowered any attempts at restraint when she gently nibbled on his lower lip. The need for air forced the passionate lovers to break apart, both panting to catch their breath.

"I'm sorry. I know we said we'd take it slow," Atharv apologized with a sheepish grin.

"I can make an exception for that kiss," she stated with a mischievous grin and a flirtatious wink. "It seems like you need some practice, Mr. Chauhan, and I am more than willing to help you with that."

Atharv chuckled warmly and shook his head. "Thank you, ma'am. I won't let you down." His intense gaze caused her cheeks to flush a bright shade of pink.

"Let's go see what Pranav and Di are up to," she suggested. Atharv nodded in agreement and followed Diya out of her room and into the living room. Pranav and Aditi were deep in conversation, evident by their occasional laughter and wide grins that revealed their happiness to the curious couple.

"Pranav, are you here to set up the kitchen or continue your love story with Di?" asked Diya, placing her hands on her hips. Pranav's smile faded as he turned to face his friend. Aditi, standing with her back towards them, couldn't help but snigger at the choice of words. Her eyebrows raised in amusement as she stifled her laughter. Pranav let out a groan and rolled his eyes at his friend's blatant remark about their budding romance. "I'm here to help you, yaar. Stop projecting your own behavior onto me! Who takes so much time to arrange a bedroom? Or were you too busy doing something else?"

Diya playfully punched Pranav's shoulder, her cheeks turning red in embarrassment as his chuckle echoed through the room. "You know what, Aditi? My friend is so cruel. She broke my heart and now she doesn't want me to move on," Pranav said with mock disdain, shaking his head.

Diya rolled her eyes at his dramatics but couldn't help hiding a smile. Pranav was always full of antics, which helped add some humor into her otherwise serious life.

As they exchanged knowing glances, Diya announced that they needed to buy mosquito coils from the nearby shop before they could continue their conversation.

Pranav noticed the subtle wink Diya had given him and whispered his gratitude as she grabbed a bewildered Atharv by the arm and pulled him outside. "Do we need a mosquito coil? I'll have someone bring one over!" he exclaimed, as they crossed the threshold. Diya was captivated by the tranquil sight of the full moon against the clear night sky, causing her lips to curl into a smile. "Atharv, you never seem to notice anything! Just let them have their moment!"

Atharv's nose crinkled. "That's my sister, Diya! Don't plant those visions in my head!"

Diya shook her head and intertwined her arm with his. The symphony of crickets, frogs and the cool breeze took her back to her cherished memories from childhood. The Chauhans and Shekhawats would often gather on the terrace to indulge in delicacies, gossip, and enjoy the gentle touch of the wind. The nostalgia enveloped her as she held onto his arm tightly and rested her head on his shoulder. "You know which moment I would want to freeze in time?" she asked, almost as an afterthought.

Atharv nuzzled his cheek against her head and shook his head in disbelief. He gently covered her hand on his arm with his other hand, tracing patterns on the back of her palm.

"This moment, right now - under the glowing full moon, with the gentle breeze serenading us and caressing our skin, and you by my side. This is what I envision for my forever," she whispered.

He pressed a tender kiss onto her hair. "And I couldn't imagine spending a night without you, under the magical light of the moon."

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