Happy reading....

Aditya stood outside Anu's apartment, his hand hovering over the door for a moment before he knocked. The sound echoed in the quiet hallway, and he waited, his heart beating faster than usual. When the door creaked open slightly, Aditya felt a pang of confusion-there was no one at the door to greet him.

He hesitated, then stepped inside cautiously, calling out, "Anu?"

There was no response, only the soft hum of the city outside the windows. The apartment was warm and inviting, but the silence felt heavy, almost unsettling.

Aditya walked further into the living room, scanning the area for any sign of her. The sofa was empty, and the TV was off. His brows furrowed as he wondered where she could be.

Suddenly, a burst of laughter rang out, clear and joyful, echoing through the apartment.

Aditya's ears perked up at the sound, and he followed it instinctively, his footsteps quiet on the wooden floor. The laughter was coming from the terrace. As he approached the open doorway leading outside, his steps faltered, and an unfamiliar tension gripped him.

When Aditya stepped onto the terrace, the scene that greeted him was like a punch to the gut.

There, in the soft glow of the setting sun, Anu was standing with Lakshya Kapoor, both of them entirely engrossed in a canvas propped up on an easel.

Lakshya was behind her, his hand guiding hers as she painted, their bodies close-too close for Aditya's liking. Anu's face was lit up with laughter, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she looked at the brushstrokes she was making. Lakshya said something that made her laugh again, the sound like a melody in the air.

Aditya's jaw clenched, his teeth grinding together as a surge of jealousy and anger welled up inside him. The sight of Lakshya's hand over Anu's, his fingers gently guiding hers, was almost too much to bear. His blood boiled, and a dark cloud of possessiveness descended over his thoughts.

What was this?

His mind raced with a thousand questions.

How had things escalated to this?

He felt like an outsider looking in on something that shouldn't be happening. His fists clenched involuntarily, the sharp sting of his nails digging into his palms grounding him as he fought to keep his emotions in check.

Lakshya, noticing the movement out of the corner of his eye, looked up and froze. The easy smile on his face faltered as he saw Aditya standing there, a menacing figure in the doorway. He quickly removed his hand from Anu's, stepping back a little, the sudden tension in the air palpable.

Anu, oblivious to the change in Lakshya's demeanor, was still smiling as she turned around, expecting to find another lighthearted comment from her painting partner.

But instead, she found Aditya.

Her smile vanished instantly, replaced by a mixture of surprise and something else-something that resembled guilt. She straightened, brushing her hair back with one hand as if to compose herself.

"Aditya... what are you doing here?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion and a bit of apprehension.

Aditya didn't answer right away. His eyes flicked between Anu and Lakshya, the air thick with unspoken words and simmering tension. He took a deep breath, trying to rein in the storm of emotions swirling within him.

"I came to check on you," he finally said, his voice tight, betraying the effort it took to keep it steady.

"You didn't answer your phone, and you didn't sound well in your email."

Anu blinked, clearly taken aback by his concern.

"I... I'm fine," she replied slowly, glancing at Lakshya, who was still standing a few steps back, watching the interaction with cautious eyes.

"Lakshya came over to keep me company. I wasn't feeling great, and... well, he thought painting might cheer me up."

Aditya's eyes darkened further. He knew he should be glad that someone was there for her, but seeing them together like this, so comfortable and close, gnawed at him. It felt like he was being pushed out, replaced by someone who hadn't been there through all the ups and downs, who didn't know Anu like he did.

"I see," Aditya said, his tone colder than he intended. He glanced at Lakshya, who met his gaze with an unreadable expression.

"It's nice of you to... help her out," he added, though the words felt hollow, forced.

Lakshya nodded, sensing the tension but not wanting to escalate it.

"She's a fast learner," he said lightly, trying to diffuse the situation. "But I should get going. It's getting late."

Anu looked like she wanted to protest, but something in Aditya's stance made her pause.

"Okay," she said softly, offering Lakshya a small smile. "Thanks for today."

Lakshya returned the smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. He nodded at Aditya as he passed by, murmuring a polite goodbye before disappearing inside the apartment.

Once Lakshya was gone, the silence between Anu and Aditya was almost suffocating. She turned back to the canvas, her fingers fiddling with the paintbrush absentmindedly.

"You didn't have to come all the way here, Aditya," she said quietly, not looking at him.

Aditya stepped closer, his grip on her hand tightened, pulling her closer to him. Her back touching his chest, his another hand on her her shoulder. The closeness was electrifying, and the air between them thickened with unspoken tension.

He held her hand, guiding it gently across the canvas. The brush moved in smooth strokes, blending colors seamlessly.

He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "Is this why you didn't come to work today? To play with him?"

She turned her head slightly, her eyes meeting his. The intensity in his gaze was unmistakable, a mix of emotions swirling within-anger, jealousy, but also something deeper, something that made her heart race.

Anu swallowed hard, trying to pull away, but Aditya's hold on her didn't loosen. His eyes searched hers, demanding an answer, his expression unreadable.

"Aditya, it's not like that..." she began, her voice barely a whisper.

"Then what is it?" he interrupted, his tone sharp. But beneath the anger, she could sense his uncertainty, his vulnerability. He was trying to understand, to make sense of what he was feeling.

Without warning, Aditya's free hand cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. The intensity in his eyes was overwhelming, making her heart race. His thumb brushed over her lower lip, a touch so tender it made her ache.

Anu's breath hitched, and for a moment, she couldn't think, couldn't speak. She was lost in the storm of emotions swirling between them. She could feel his inner turmoil, the way he was battling against himself, against the pull he felt towards her.

Aditya's thumb brushed gently across her lower lip, and her breath caught in her throat. The simple touch sent shivers down her spine, igniting something within her that she hadn't allowed herself to feel before. She could sense his inner turmoil, the battle between his anger and the undeniable pull he felt towards her.

Without another word, Aditya closed the distance between them, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was both demanding and fierce.

Anu's mind went blank, her body froze, the shock of the kiss rendering her momentarily paralyzed. But as the warmth of his mouth seeped into her, she found herself responding, her hands moving to his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath her fingertips.

The kiss deepened, becoming more urgent, more desperate. Aditya's hand slipped from her chin to her waist, pulling her against him, her body molding to his as if they were meant to fit together. Anu's mind raced, trying to process what was happening, but every thought was drowned out by the sensation of his lips on hers, the taste of him intoxicating her.

But just as she was about to lose herself in the kiss, Anu broke away, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. She looked up at Aditya, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and desire.

Aditya's hand was still on her waist, his fingers digging into her skin as if he couldn't bear to let go.

"Anu," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion, "I can't stop thinking about you. Every time I close my eyes, you're there. Tell me you don't feel it too."

Anu shocked at the declaration and looked away, unable to meet his gaze. She felt her resolve crumbling, every fiber of her being yearning to give in to the feelings she had been having for so long.

But she needed some answers from him.

"Aditya..." she began, but the rest of the words died in her throat as he leaned in again, his lips brushing against hers in a kiss that was more a plea than a demand. It was softer this time, tender, as if he was giving her a choice.

But Anu didn't want to choose. She didn't want to think. She just wanted to feel.

Her hands slid up his chest, wrapping around his neck as she pulled him closer.

Aditya responded instantly, his arms wrapping around her, one hand tangling in her hair as he deepened the kiss. Their bodies pressed together, the heat between them building until it was almost unbearable.

Before she realized it, they were moving, Aditya guiding her toward the bedroom with slow, deliberate steps. Each step felt like a surrender, each touch igniting a fire that had been smoldering for far too long. Anu knew there was no turning back now.

As they reached the bedroom, Aditya paused, his eyes searching hers for any sign of hesitation. But Anu's resolve had already shattered, her desire for him overwhelming every other thought. She nodded, a silent agreement, and that was all the encouragement he needed.

He backed her toward the bed, his lips never leaving hers, his hands exploring her body with a reverence that made her heart ache. Anu gasped as he laid her down, his body covering hers, the weight of him a comforting pressure that made her feel safe, wanted.

They paused for a moment, their breaths mingling as they looked into each other's eyes. No words were needed. Everything they felt, everything they wanted to say, was conveyed in that gaze. Then, with a gentleness that contrasted with the intensity of their previous kisses, Aditya lowered his lips to hers once more, and they lost themselves in each other, the rest of the thoughts fading away.

----

Bela entered the apartment, feeling the fatigue of the day weighing heavily on her. Her neck ached from hours spent staring at the monitor, adjusting simulations, and dealing with endless details.

She dropped her handbag and files on the sofa with a sigh, kicked off her heels, and shrugged off her jacket. As she loosened the top buttons of her shirt, she tied her hair up into a messy bun, trying to shake off the tension that had built up in her shoulders.

She headed to the kitchen, intending to grab a glass of water, when Mahir's voice called out from the gym area. "Hey, come join me!"

A smile crept across her face as she imagined him in the gym. Despite her exhaustion, she felt a burst of energy and immediately made her way toward the area.

As she approached, she saw him, shirtless, doing push-ups, his muscles rippling under the soft light, looking as effortlessly handsome as ever.

The sound of her footsteps on the floor made Mahir glance up.

"Hop on the treadmill," he said, not breaking his rhythm.

But Bela had a different idea. She grinned mischievously and, instead of heading to the treadmill, she walked over to him. Without warning, she climbed onto his back and laid herself down carefully, her weight pressing against him.

Mahir paused in surprise, feeling her warm breath against his sweaty skin.

He chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "You do realize I'm covered in sweat, right?"

Bela laughed softly, her voice light and teasing. "Me too. So it's all good. I'll just shower later."

Mahir smirked, enjoying her playful mood. He resumed his push-ups, effortlessly continuing despite the extra weight on his back. Bela marveled at his strength, how easily he lifted them both as if she weighed nothing.

She let her fingers trace the contours of his back, her fingertips dancing over the taut muscles. "You know," she murmured, "I think you might be God's favorite creation."

Mahir raised an eyebrow, still focused on his push-ups. "Oh? And why's that?"

"Because He made you a whole package of hotness," she replied, her tone half-joking, half-serious.

Mahir couldn't help but smile at her bold compliment.

"I must be double lucky, then," he said, his voice warm, "because He made sure I met a girl as exquisite as you."

A blush crept up Bela's cheeks at his words, and she rested her chin on his shoulder, feeling a warmth spread through her that had nothing to do with their bodies being pressed together.

Her fingers traced the nape of his neck, a gentle caress that sent a shiver down his spine.

Mahir's voice dropped to a playful warning. "If you keep this up, I might just drop us both. I won't be able to concentrate."

Bela laughed, a soft, melodious sound that echoed through the gym. "I don't mind," she whispered in his ear, her breath hot against his skin, "I'll just blame it on you."

Mahir grinned at Bela's playful teasing, feeling the warmth of her body against his as he continued his push-ups. The weight of her on his back was comforting, a welcome distraction from the usual routine. Her fingers gently traced patterns along his nape, sending shivers down his spine, but he pushed through, determined to finish his set.

Mahir finished his push-ups and shifted his weight, gently letting Bela slide off his back. She landed gracefully on her feet, her hands lingering on his shoulders as she stood in front of him. He looked up at her, still on his hands and knees, catching his breath.

"You're impossible," he murmured, his eyes locking onto hers. Despite the sweat glistening on his skin and the exertion of the workout, he felt a surge of energy just being near her. The way she looked at him, with a mix of admiration and mischief, made his heart race.

Bela tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You love it," she replied, her voice teasing but with a hint of something deeper.

She slowly backed away, her gaze never leaving his, and made her way to the treadmill.

Mahir watched her go, admiring the way she moved, the curve of her body, and the way her hair framing her face. He could see the exhaustion in her posture, the way her shoulders slumped slightly, but there was still a spark of energy in her eyes, a playfulness that never seemed to dim.

As she stepped onto the treadmill and started it at a slow pace, Mahir got up, wiping the sweat from his eyebrow with the back of his hand. He walked over to her, leaning against the treadmill's frame, watching her with an amused expression.

"Seriously, though," he said, his voice softer now, "you had a long day. You don't have to push yourself. Why don't you just relax?"

Bela looked at him and smiled, a soft, genuine smile that made his heart skip a beat. "I am relaxing," she said, her tone playful. "Besides, I like spending time with you, even if it's just here in the gym."

Mahir's heart swelled at her words, and he couldn't help but reach out, gently brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"You're something else, you know that?" he said, his voice low and full of affection.

Bela's eyes softened as she looked up at him, her steps slowing on the treadmill. She reached out, grabbing his hand, and pulled him closer. "And you're pretty special yourself, Mahir," she replied, her voice just above a whisper.

He stepped onto the treadmill beside her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her into his side. They walked together, side by side, the steady hum of the treadmill the only sound in the room. It was a simple moment, but for them, it was everything.

Bela rested her head on his shoulder, her body relaxing into his. She sighed contentedly, feeling the warmth of his skin against hers, the steady beat of his heart under her cheek. "You make everything better," she murmured, her voice soft and sincere.

Mahir smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "And you make everything worth it," he replied, his voice filled with all the unspoken emotions he felt for her.

They stayed like that for a while, walking together in comfortable silence, both of them finding solace in each other's presence. Eventually, the treadmill slowed to a stop, and Mahir turned to face her, his hands resting on her hips.

-----

After their time in the gym, Bela knew she needed to freshen up. The sweat from the workout and the tension of the day clung to her, so she quickly showered, letting the warm water soothe her tired muscles.

When she emerged, in pink tshirt and floral printed pants ,with damp hair cascading over her shoulders, she found Mahir waiting for her in the living room.

He had already set out a simple meal on the table. She gave him a tired smile, but as she approached, she hesitated.

"I'm not really that hungry, Mahir," she murmured, her voice trailing off as she glanced at the food.

Mahir's expression immediately shifted to one of concern. He frowned, crossing his arms as he looked at her.

"Bela, you need to eat," he said firmly. "You've been working hard all day, and you're already so thin. You need energy to keep going."

She shook her head slightly, attempting to brush off his concern. "I'll just have something light later," she tried to argue, but Mahir wasn't having it.

"No," he said with a hint of sternness in his voice. "You're eating now." He walked over to her, gently guiding her to sit down at the table. When she still hesitated, he took the initiative, picking up a piece of chapati and holding it up to her lips.

Bela looked at him, her resolve weakening under his steady gaze. There was something about the way he was so caring, so determined to take care of her, that made it impossible to refuse. With a small sigh, she opened her mouth and allowed him to feed her.

"Good girl," he murmured, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he watched her chew. He continued to feed her, piece by piece, his gentle scolding mixed with affection. "You need to take care of yourself, Bela. You can't keep skipping meals just because you're tired."

She felt a warmth spread through her at his words, a mix of appreciation and something deeper. It wasn't just the food he was giving her; it was the care, the attention, the love. As she finished the last bite, she gave him a soft smile, feeling fuller in more ways than one.

Mahir noticed the way she rubbed the back of her neck, clearly still feeling the tension from earlier. "Your neck is still stiff, isn't it?" he asked, his voice full of concern.

Bela nodded slightly, not wanting to make a fuss, but Mahir had already moved behind her, his strong hands gently massaging her shoulders. She let out a soft sigh as his fingers worked their magic, kneading away the knots that had formed from a long day at work.

"Relax," he whispered, his breath warm against her ear. His touch was firm but tender, each movement precise as he eased the tension out of her muscles. Bela closed her eyes, letting herself sink into the sensation, the stress of the day melting away under his care.

After a few minutes, Mahir pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, his hands stilling on her shoulders. "Feeling better?" he asked softly.

She loves his forehead kisses so much!

She nodded, her voice a little hoarse as she replied, "Much better."

He smiled, his heart swelling with affection for her. "Come on, let's get you to bed," he said, his voice full of warmth.

Bela allowed herself to be led to the bedroom, her body feeling much lighter now. As they reached the bed, Mahir pulled back the covers, helping her slip under them before joining her.

As he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, Bela snuggled into his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat under her cheek.

"You always know just what I need," she murmured, her voice full of gratitude.

Mahir kissed her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment. "That's because I care about you," he whispered. "And I always will."

With those words, Bela felt a deep sense of peace wash over her. She closed her eyes, her exhaustion finally catching up with her, and within moments, she drifted off to sleep, safe in the arms of the man she loved.

Mahir stayed awake a little longer, holding her close, his heart full of contentment as he watched over her, knowing that as long as she was by his side, everything was just as it should be.

****

Nth time me feeling single because of them.

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