So, I just noticed that there is something wrong with Word or Wattpad or both. When I copy paste the full chapter from Word to Wattpad, a few lines randomly go missing. And it's hard to track that. I have updated the last 4-5 chaps, some with really important lines, but tough to cross examine every single line. Hopefully this doesn't keep happening.

Be kind, it's free!

Chapter 19. That's what you want to do, steal?

It's been a rough week, right from witnessing Nimit's nightmare, to reading the awful letters, to looking over my shoulder every minute and arguing with my father, the whole thing has taken a toll on my mental health. The only safety net I have had is Nimit's presence around me. Unknowingly, he has been my anchor, saving me from sinking into the depths of fear and anger.

I hate how comfortable I am around him and how dependent I have become on him. I need him just as much as I need my next breath and that is scary, scarier than a stalker talking about the colour of my underwear.

I unpack my bag with a scowl, pulling out my clothes and stuffing them into my closet. I am back in my house, my father is away on a trip, thankfully. But after staying at Nimit's home, this huge house feels suffocating. I look around my familiar room, my stuff lying untouched, my big closet and enormous bathtub calling out to me, but that sense of belonging is gone. I miss his guest bedroom, even though it wasn't mine, it felt like mine.

And more importantly, I liked that it was just the two of us there. It was our place, we could talk, laugh... kiss. Here, all of that is gone.

And I didn't even get my one night! Just my luck!

Nimit's team confirmed that the intended target of the attack wasn't me, thus, giving me back my freedom but truthfully, I felt freer at his place. I glance at my door, he's taken his stance there – outside, standing like a bodyguard.

Has he forgotten how greedily he kissed me just days back? Does he not remember stripping off my clothes and biting my neck like a bloodthirsty vampire? How can he pretend like none of that happened?

As if sensing my thoughts, Nimit turns and catches my gaze. I glare at him and Nimit shrugs sheepishly. Rolling my eyes, I walk towards him, pretending to have a conversation. His eyes light up and just as he leans towards me, I slam the door shut in his face.

"Stupid men!" I hiss loudly so he can hear me. "God forgot to give them brains! How can they be so dumb?"

The door swings open and my lips part, ready to yell and vent out my exasperation. But they press shut at the uninvited group of people pouring into my room. Ryan lets out a strangled squeal and runs towards me, pulling me into a tight hug. My arms are pressed to the side and my chest tightens. "Can't breathe," I grunt out in a hoarse tone.

But he doesn't care, he continues to hug me like he's getting paid billions for it. From my peripheral vision, I see Nimit's face void of any expressions and he clenches his hands into fists, his eyes narrowing at the lengthy hug. I catch his gaze and he glares at me. I smirk back.

"Are you okay?" Ryan mutters, still hugging me but now his embrace isn't as tight and smothering. "I was so fucking worried. You just went off the grid. No one would tell me anything. Even Sania couldn't contact you but she assured me that you were okay. Why didn't you call me? I would've come. I could've helped." 

His hand roams over my face, looking for any injury and I tense at the tender touch. "I am fine, Ryan. It was a misunderstanding."

"Like hell it was!" Ryan spats. "You were attacked, shot at! And then you just vanished into thin air. Do you know how scared I was? I could barely sleep. I kept looking at my phone for any message or call but nothing. Where on God's green Earth were you?"

Guilt stabs me in the chest, I didn't consider his feelings, didn't think he'd care so much. I smile at him sadly. "I am sorry, I should've reached out." I don't see Nimit enter the room and take his stance one step behind me.

Ryan's eyes narrow at the movement. "Why didn't you?"

I have no answer to his question. Why didn't I? Because I was busy with Nimit? Because Ryan barely crossed my mind? Because Nimit could track my every call and I didn't want him to know I was calling Ryan? I swallow hard, feeling even more guilty now. I should've called him, he's a good friend, always has been. He deserved answers.

"I told her she couldn't contact anyone. Security reasons." Nimit jumps in, saving me yet again.

Ryan doesn't even give him a glance but his lips turn thin and the concern in his eyes is replaced with light irritation.

Sania hops in, sensing the tension. She pushes Ryan to the side, pulling me into a hug. "I am glad you are back."

I hug her back and smile, a real smile for the first time since I have been home. "Thanks. I missed you too."

Imran pats my back and Kelly hugs me. "I thought you were dead." Imran sniffs and wipes a fake tear from his eye. I roll my eyes at his silly act. "I'd haunt you then."

"I have no doubt about that." He nods in seriousness. "You'd help me rob some banks and museums then. We'd be rich, well, I'd be. What would you do with real money, buy a floating cloud?"

I raise an amused eyebrow. "That's what you want to do, steal? Your parents would kill you if they found out you became a robber."

Imran shrugs. "We'd blame it on a ghost. They can't arrest a ghost, can they?" Kelly smacks his arm with a scowl and he winks at her. "I'll give you a share too honey, don't worry. We'll be rich together. Sipping Pina Coladas on a faraway island, away from the cops." Kelly shakes her head, unamused by Imran's comments. She pokes a finger at his chest. "I don't know why I date him."  

Imran lets out a low chuckle. "Because no one else will tolerate you."

Kelly hisses and smacks his arm once again, which only makes Imran laugh more. I exchange a glance with Sania and we roll our eyes at their antics. At least they aren't like those cringy couples who make you want to puke at their overly romantic actions.

I stiffen when I feel Nimit's breath wash over my ear, my breath hitches and a shiver runs down my spine.

"That was a long hug." I know he's talking about the hug with Ryan. I keep my face straight, pretending his closeness isn't intoxicating all my senses.

"It was just a hug. He was worried." I whisper towards him.

His palm presses on my lower back, warmth floods my body and the conversation between Sania, Kelly and Imran becomes a distant sound. I am consumed by his scent and intimacy. "I didn't like it."

My lips tug up into a smile and I am bursting with a weird sensation of comfort and joy. Who knew jealous Nimit could be such a thrill?

"Aisha!" Sania calls out, frowning at my ecstatic face, dragging my thoughts back to them. She glances between me and Nimit and a discreet grin appears on her face. She knows. Nimit's hand drops and before anyone can question, Sania continues. "Anyway, I got good news for you."

I smirk at her. "You are going to sneak me out?"

"I am right here." Nimit grunts in warning and I scowl at him.

"That's not happening," Ryan assures. "She's going to be in this room where she's safe."

Great, just what I needed – another bodyguard!

I turn back to Sania. "So, what's the good news?"

"Ved is back in town!" Sania shrieks out. "And he's coming to meet you!"

A stunned silence follows her announcement. Imran and Kelly gasp, looking between me and Ryan. Ryan's jaw twitches in annoyance, his eyes narrowing. Sania grins, thrilled about being the first to know it and ignoring the rising tension in the room. And Nimit watches us, confused by the reactions.

I swallow hard, eyes widening. I don't know how to respond or what to say. Old memories flood my head and I struggle to keep them at bay.

Nimit sighs when no one says a word. He looks between the wide range of expressions and finally stops at mine. "Who the hell is Ved?"

Sania grins at Nimit, her excitement not rubbing off on anyone. She claps her hands like she's sharing Christmas gifts with everyone. "Ved is Aisha's first love!" 

~~~

Uh oh, let's go for a love triangle? I normally don't like those, woman having to choose from two men isn't my forte (you know if you have read my other books), but should I do I here? Help me!