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Shivansh's POV
I led Isha toward my chamber, her hand resting lightly in mine. The quiet hum of the palace echoed around us, broken only by the soft sound of our footsteps on the marble floor. As we reached the doorway, I paused, turning toward her.
She hesitated, biting her lip. "Ansh, I... I should stay in the guest room. Isn't it improper for me to stay in your room before marriage? What will your family think?"
I leaned casually against the doorframe, my gaze steady on hers. "It's not the first time you're staying with me in our room. My family didn't say anything before; they won't now."
She still looked uncertain, so I stepped closer, brushing my knuckles along her jaw. "And besides," my voice dropped lower, "we're engaged. Why are you acting shy now?"
Her cheeks flushed. "Ansh..."
"Come," I said softly, leading her into the room.
We sat on the balcony, the night breeze brushing past us as stars scattered across the sky. Isha leaned against my chest, her head tucked under my chin, as we sat on the floor with a soft rug beneath us.
"Holi is coming up soon," she murmured.
"Hmm."
"I heard that Holi in Jaipur is different," she said, her voice laced with curiosity.
"It is." I traced my fingers lightly through her hair. "It's loud. Colorful. Messy. But... fun."
She smiled faintly. "Do you like it?"
"I don't mind it." I paused, resting my chin on top of her head. "But it'll be different this year."
"Why?"
"Because you'll be there."
She stilled for a moment, then sighed and melted further into me. Her breath slowed, her hand resting on my arm.
Moments passed in silence. When I looked down, her eyes were closed, her soft breathing even against my chest.
She had fallen asleep.
I smiled to myself, adjusting my arm so she wouldn't wake up. She looked small and fragile in my lap, her hand curled into a loose fist on my chest.
Carefully, I lifted her into my arms and carried her inside. I laid her down on the bed and tucked the blanket around her.
Pulling off my shirt, I sat down on the edge of the bed for a moment. The room was dimly lit, the moonlight casting soft shadows across her face. My gaze lingered on her sleeping form before I slid beneath the covers beside her.
She stirred in her sleep, her arm instinctively curling toward me. I turned toward her, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her breath was warm against my skin.
I closed my eyes, a rare sense of peace settling over me.
A soft knock on the door stirred me awake. Sunlight poured through the curtains, warming the room. I opened my eyes and found Isha curled up against my side, her head resting on my chest.
She stirred, her lashes fluttering open. Her eyes met mine, and she blinked sleepily.
"Good morning," I murmured.
She stretched slightly but didn't move away. "Morning..." Then her eyes widened. "Wait-" She sat up abruptly, clutching the blanket. "I... I fell asleep?"
I smirked. "Clearly."
"And... we..." Her cheeks flushed.
I leaned back against the headboard. "You were tired. You fell asleep on the balcony, remember?"
She groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Shivansh!"
I chuckled. "Relax."
"Wait-what will everyone think?"
"That we slept." I gave her a teasing look. "Which, technically, is true."
She threw a pillow at me. "Shivansh!"
I caught it mid-air and tossed it aside. "Stop panicking."
A knock sounded again at the door. "Bhai sa, breakfast is ready! Every one is waiting for you and bhabhi maa. " Avi's voice carried through the door.
I glanced at Isha. "Come on. Let's get ready."
She hesitated. "But I don't have-"
"Come," I cut in.
Her brow furrowed. "What?"
"I don't have anything to wear," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
I pushed myself up, resting on my elbow. "Come with me," I said, getting out of bed and holding out my hand. She hesitated for a moment before placing her small hand in mine. I led her across the room toward the walk-in closet.
When I opened the door, Isha's eyes widened. Her mouth parted slightly as she took in the sight in front of her. Six towering wardrobes, all organized meticulously. The first held an array of traditional suits, vibrant and elegant. The second was dedicated to sarees in every possible shade and fabric. The third showcased western outfits - dresses, blouses, jeans - folded and hung with precision. The fourth contained nightwear, soft and delicate. The fifth was stacked with casual wear - t-shirts, jeans, and simple dresses. The sixth held a selection of designer gowns, embellished with fine details, and next to it, a section for jewelry and accessories. Bangles, earrings, necklaces - everything she could possibly need.
Her gaze darted between the wardrobes and me, her lips parting in disbelief. "You... did all this for me?"
I leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed. "You thought I wouldn't?"
Her eyes softened, but there was still a trace of hesitation beneath them. Slowly, she walked toward the first wardrobe and reached for a traditional suit.
I stepped toward her, my hand gently closing over hers before she could take it. "Why do you always choose traditional in front of the family?" I asked.
Her gaze dropped to the floor. "I thought they wouldn't like it if I wore something western. I didn't want them to... judge me."
I lifted her chin, forcing her to meet my gaze. "They like tradition, yes. But that doesn't mean they'll judge you for being yourself."
Her eyes searched mine, unsure. I pulled open the wardrobe with the western dresses and pulled out a soft floral dress - light pink with delicate embroidery along the edges. I held it out to her. "Wear this."
She hesitated. "But-"
"No one will judge you." My voice was firm but quiet. "You don't have to change who you are to please anyone."
After a beat, she nodded. I handed her the dress and said, "Freshen up. I'll use the other washroom."
She smiled faintly before disappearing into the bathroom. I stood there for a moment before heading to the second washroom.
After a moment, I headed to the second washroom in my chamber. I let the warm water clear my head. It wasn't until I stepped out, towel slung low on my waist, that I realized Isha was already out of the bath, standing in front of the mirror.
When I came out, towel wrapped around my waist, I saw her standing in front of the mirror. She was slipping on her earrings, her reflection catching the soft glow of the sunlight. Her hair cascaded over one shoulder, and the floral dress hugged her frame perfectly.
Her long hair cascaded down her back in soft waves. Droplets of water still clung to her collarbone.
I watched her for a moment longer than necessary, admiring the way her fingers trembled slightly as she adjusted the earring. Then her eyes lifted to the mirror - and met mine. Her gaze dropped from my face to the towel around my waist, and her cheeks flushed instantly.
She caught my reflection in the mirror and turned.
My gaze darkened. "You look..."
She raised a brow. "Yes?"
"...Like trouble."
Her lips curled. "Coming from you?"
I walked toward her, still shirtless. "I've been called worse."
She smoothed the edge of her dress over her shoulder and gave me a once-over. "You might want to put a shirt on."
"Why?" I moved closer, lowering my voice. "Am I distracting you?"
She stepped back, her breath hitching. "Yes."
I chuckled. "Good."
She narrowed her eyes. "Shivansh..."
"I'm going to get dressed." I leaned down, brushing my lips against her ear. "Unless you'd like to help?"
Her cheeks flushed. "You wish."
A small smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I turned toward the wardrobe.
I smirked and pulled on a crisp white shirt. After a few buttons, I glanced over at her. "Ready?"
She nodded. "Let's go."
"Ready?" I asked.
She nodded quickly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"Let's go," I said, offering her my hand. She took it without hesitation, and together we made our way downstairs.
She muttered something under her breath before come to me.
Isha's hand was soft in mine as I led her toward the dining area. The moment we stepped inside, all conversation stopped. The long table was already set, and everyone was seated - my parents, Dadi Sa, dada sa, Veer, Avi, dhruv, Chote Papa, Chote Maa - everyone. Their gazes lifted toward us, expectant.
Without a word, I pulled out the chair at the head of the table - my chair.
"Come, sit here," I said.
Her eyes widened. "But... isn't this your seat?"
"And?" I arched a brow. "Sit."
She hesitated but finally sat down. I pushed the chair in and took the seat beside her. The entire table fell into a brief silence - not out of disapproval, but surprise. No one had ever taken my seat before. Not even Veer dared to sit there when I wasn't around.
But Isha wasn't just anyone.
"Shivansh," Chote Papa chuckled, "I guess things really are changing around here."
"Better get used to it," I said casually, reaching for my glass.
Dadi Sa smiled knowingly. "She is going to be the queen, after all."
Isha's cheeks flushed, but I noticed how her shoulders relaxed. My hand slid beneath the table, finding hers. She squeezed it gently, her gaze softening as her thumb brushed against mine.
Once we settled at the dining table, Isha's gaze drifted over the variety of dishes laid out before us - poha, sandwiches, salad, chai, black coffee and juice. She sat still for a moment, her brows slightly furrowed as if deciding where to start.
I leaned toward her and picked up her plate. Without asking, I scooped a small portion of poha onto it, followed by half a sandwich. Then, I placed the glass of juice beside her plate.
"Eat," I said simply.
She glanced at me. "I was just looking."
"And now you don't have to think about it."
Her eyes narrowed. "I could've served myself."
I smirked. "But you didn't."
She sighed, but the small twitch of her lips told me she wasn't really annoyed.
After serving her, I took my own plate and placed a small portion of salad on it. Isha's eyes followed my hand as I picked up the coffee and placed it beside my plate.
"Salad?" she teased. "That's all you're going to eat?"
"You know I'm a diet freak."
She rolled her eyes. "You'll survive if you eat some real food."
"I'm not so sure."
"Stop complaining and eat."
Veer, sitting across from us, chuckled. "It's weird to see Shivansh being told what to do."
"Even weirder to see him actually listening," Dhruv added, grinning.
I shot them both a glare before picking up my coffee. Isha's gaze flicked toward them, then back at her plate.
Everyone else started eating too. There was a quiet hum of conversation as utensils scraped lightly against plates and glasses clinked softly.
Veer was the first to break the calm. "So... Isha."
She looked up warily. "Yes?"
"How's the poha?"
"It's good."
"Really?" Veer's eyes glinted. "Because it's the first time Shivansh actually let someone eat off his plate."
"It's not his plate," Isha corrected.
"But he served you," Dhruv pointed out. "That counts for something."
"Does it?" she said, raising a brow.
"Absolutely," Avi added. "Shivansh never serves anyone."
"Except you," Veer joked.
Isha's gaze shifted toward me. "Should I be honored?"
"Very."
She shook her head. "You all are making a big deal out of nothing, he always served me."
"It's not nothing," Dhruv said. "You've officially been claimed."
Isha froze, her eyes widening slightly. "Claimed?"
Veer grinned. "If the king serves you, it means you're special."
"I didn't know there were royal rules about serving food," Isha said dryly.
"There aren't," I said, my gaze steady on her. "I just wanted to."
Her cheeks flushed slightly. "Oh."
"Interesting," Veer murmured.
Dhruc smirked. "Shiv, I think we need to write this down. Historic moment."
"Shut up," I said.
Dhruv leaned forward. "You know, I'm pretty sure Dad is going to bring this up in the future. Like, 'Remember when Shivansh served Isha-'"
"Dhruv," I warned.
He grinned. "Just saying."
Isha picked up her spoon, visibly trying to suppress a smile. "You all have too much free time."
"Not really," Veer said. "We're just very invested."
"In what?" she asked.
"In you," Dhruv replied. "You're part of this family now, after all."
Isha's hand froze mid-air. "I-"
I cut in before she could say something defensive. "Eat your food, Isha."
She gave me a pointed look. "Avoiding the conversation?"
"Absolutely."
Veer laughed. "Wow. The king running from a conversation? That's a first."
"I'm not running," I said calmly. "I just know it's better not to give you all more material to work with."
"Smart," Avi said approvingly.
Dhruv and Avi were joking around, arguing about some cricket match they'd watched the night before. Chote Papa teased Chote Maa about her cooking skills (which earned him a sharp nudge from her elbow).
Isha leaned toward me and whispered, "Your family... they're not as intimidating as I thought."
I smiled. "That's because you're already one of us."
Her gaze softened. I watched as she smiled at Veer's joke and nodded when Chote Maa offered her more food. Slowly, without realizing it, she was fitting into this life - into my life.
Isha shook her head and took a bite of the sandwich. I watched as she chewed thoughtfully, her eyes softening. For once, she seemed relaxed. Comfortable.
After breakfast, everyone naturally moved toward the living area. Isha sat beside me on the couch.
After breakfast, we all moved to the living area. The men - Veer, Avi, dhruv, Chote Papa, and my father - were preparing to leave for the office. We have a important board meeting today. I stood, buttoning my cuff. And choti maa was also ready maybe she was hospital today.
"Isha," I said, turning toward her. "Enjoy your time with everyone. I'll be back by evening."
She didn't say anything at first. Then she stood up.
And started walking toward the door.
I frowned. "Isha?"
The room fell silent. Everyone's gaze followed her as she moved toward the grand entrance.
"Isha?" Dadi Sa called gently.
I stood up. "Where are you going?"
She paused at the door, her back to us. "I don't want to talk to you."
My brow furrowed. "What?"
Her voice was calm but sharp. "I'm going back."
Whispers filled the room. Veer and Dhruv exchanged confused glances. Chote Papa leaned toward Chote Maa, murmuring something.
My father stood and walked toward her. "Beta..."
She turned to face him. He leaned down and whispered something only she could hear. She responded quietly, and after a moment, my father nodded. Then he straightened, his gaze sweeping over the room.
"Today, no one is going to the office," he announced.
Everyone stiffened.
"Why?" Veer asked.
"Because Isha doesn't want anyone to go," my father said simply. "If she doesn't want it, then no one will go."
Veer blinked. "Wait... you're serious?"
My father's gaze hardened. "Do I look like I'm joking?"
Chote Papa chuckled. "Well... I guess work can wait. Avi call the board members and tell them the meeting is cancelled." And avi nodded and goes to call someone maybe his P.A. .
"Isha is more important," Chote Maa added with a smile.
Isha stood there, her expression unreadable. My father placed a hand on her shoulder. "Come. Sit down."
We all settled back into the living area. The tension faded, replaced by quiet amusement. Veer flopped onto the sofa, stretching his legs. Avi was sitting cross-legged on the floor, scrolling through his phone. Isha was between me and dad, Dhruv was sitting with maa and choti maa with chote papa.
Dadi sa said who is sitting with dada sa "Holi is the day after tomorrow."
The words hung in the air, stirring a quiet buzz through the room. Isha's eyes immediately lit up, the sparkle in them unmistakable. Her gaze darted toward my mother.
"We have to start preparing for tomorrow night for holika dahan," she said eagerly. "We'll need to get the decorations done, figure out the colors, start preparing for pooja and plan the food." She looked toward my mother with that sweet, persuasive smile that no one could resist. "You'll have to handle the decoration, okay?"
Maa sa smiled, nodding. "Of course."
"And for day after tomorrow also. " Avi added with a laugh. "Tomorrow night. We'll all need to look presentable for the festival."
Then, almost like a switch had flipped, her face brightened even more, her hands clapping together. "Yay! Holi!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing on her feet. "It's my favorite festival!"
A wave of warmth spread through the room at her excitement. A few smiles appeared on faces around us.
"Everyone, please practice your aim with the colors this time!" Isha teased with a playful smile.
Veer smirked. "Oh, you don't need to worry about that."
Then veer and my eyes met, and for a moment, a silent understanding passed between us.
And then it hit me - the memory. A sharp, vivid flash of color and chaos.
We were kids again - Veer was maybe 11, SHE was 12. Little Avi was just five, barely able to hold a pichkari in his small hands. It was Holi, and the courtyard was already drenched in color.
Veer had been standing near the edge of a small inflatable pool filled with colored water, grinning mischievously. She stood a few feet away, a bucket of color balanced dangerously in her hands.
"Don't even think about it!" Veer had shouted, stepping back as she raised the bucket higher.
"You started it!" she yelled back.
And just like that, she tossed the whole bucket over him. Veer yelped as the bright red water splashed over his hair and face. But he recovered quickly - too quickly - and lunged for her.
She tried to run, but Veer caught her wrist, dragging her toward the pool.
"No!" she screamed, laughing breathlessly.
Veer didn't let go. He pulled her closer - and with one quick movement, they both stumbled straight into the pool.
A splash. A burst of color. Laughter echoing through the courtyard.
Avi, standing nearby with his small pichkari, laughed and ran toward them. But Veer, still grinning, caught him and pulled him in too.
All three of them sat there, soaked in water and color, laughing so hard they could barely breathe. I remembered standing nearby, shaking my head at the chaos - but secretly wishing I'd been pulled in too.
The memory faded, leaving behind a strange tightness in my chest.
"Shivansh?"
I blinked. Isha was standing in front of me now, looking at me with curious eyes. "Where are you lost?"
"Nowhere," I said, my voice low.
But I was still thinking about it. The way her eyes had shone that day. The way Veer and Isha had always been like that - fearless, full of life. The way she had always made Holi feel like more than just a festival.
And now, she was doing it again.
"Should we really host Holi here?" Veer asked, his tone light but curious.
Isha smiled. "Of course! It'll be fun."
"And you'll be at the center of it, Isha," Chote Maa added warmly.
Isha's eyes widened. "Me?"
"Of course," Chote Papa said. "It's tradition for the future queen to play the first color."
Isha looked toward me, uncertain. I leaned back, smirking. "Guess you have no choice."
"Shivansh…" she started.
"I warned you," I said lazily. "I don't go easy on people during Holi."
Veer laughed. "He really doesn't."
"You'll be covered in color within the first five minutes," Arjun added.
"I… I'm not so sure about this…"
"You'll survive." I slid an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. "Just stick with me."
Her cheeks flushed. "That sounds even more dangerous."
"Smart girl."
Dadi Sa laughed. "Looks like Isha already knows how to handle Shivansh."
"I'm learning," Isha murmured.
"Careful," I said against her ear. "Or I might throw you straight into the pool of color."
Her breath hitched. "You wouldn't dare."
"Try me."
She smiled — soft, hesitant, but genuine.
And in that moment, I realized something: Holi was going to be different this year.
Because she would be by my side.
I watched her carefully as she started talking to maa sa and dadi sa about the arrangements. Her excitement was infectious, her energy pulling everyone into her orbit.
And maybe, this time... maybe I'd let myself get pulled in too.
Her voice was still echoing in my mind. A memory of laughter, color, and the warmth of a presence that no longer existed.
After she left, Holi was never the same.
We stopped playing Holi altogether. It became just a tradition - a cultural obligation we acknowledged but never truly lived. We would stand at a distance, watching others throw colors and splash water, hearing the echoes of laughter that never reached us.
Because we knew.
We knew we couldn't play Holi anymore. Not after she left us. It would feel... wrong. Like pretending that nothing had changed. Like filling the void with color when the emptiness still lingered beneath the surface.
It became something we couldn't forget about ourselves - that loss. That absence.
I was still lost in those thoughts, my gaze fixed somewhere beyond the room when I heard her voice again.
"Shivansh... listen!"
I blinked. Isha was standing in front of me, her face bright and expectant. "Hmm?"
"You're not listening!" she accused with a small pout.
"Sorry," I murmured, but my thoughts were still trailing back toward the past.
That's when Dadi sa spoke up, her tone light but steady. "You know what? We should just host Holi here this time."
Isha's eyes widened. "Here?"
Dadi sa smiled knowingly. "Yes. We'll make it big. And Isha," she turned toward her, "you should stay. I'll call yourinstant and your friends, You can celebrate with us."
"Really?" Isha's excitement was instant.
"Yes. It'll be fun." Dadi sa's smile deepened. "We'll show you how we celebrate Holi."
"I'll handle the arrangements," Maa sa said quietly and choti maa nodded with her.
Dadi sa shook her head. "No, no. Dhruv and Avi will take care of it." She turned toward them. "You both are in charge. Don't miss anything." Her smile sharpened. "And if you mess it up-"
"I know, I know - you'll beat us," Dhruv interrupted, rolling his eyes. "No pressure."
Isha laughed, the sound light and easy, filling the room.
For a moment, I allowed myself to watch her - really watch her. The way her eyes crinkled when she laughed. The way the excitement practically radiated from her. She was already planning the celebration in her head, I could tell.
And somehow, I could feel the tension in my chest starting to ease.
Maybe this Holi would be different.
Maybe this time, I wouldn't just stand back and watch.
Maybe this time, I'd let myself play.
Maybe Isha was changing something in me - something I hadn't even realized was stuck - just by being here. Just by being... her.
I didn't know if I was ready to face it. But maybe... just maybe... I would try.
" Are you excited for playing holi with us, bachha. " Dhruv said to isha who is talking to dad.
"I've never played Holi with this much people, on holi just me, ishu, arjun play holi together and some time bhaiya also join bug this time I am excited." Isha admitted.
"Then you're in for a treat," Veer said. "It's a big deal here."
"It'll be your first Holi with us," Dhruv said. "We have to make it memorable."
Isha's gaze flicked toward me. "Is it really that serious?"
"It's tradition," I said.
"And you know what tradition means," Veer added.
Isha's brow furrowed. "What does it mean?"
"It means Shivansh will have to put color on you first," Arjun explained.
Her eyes widened. "Oh."
"And you'll have to return the favor," Veer said, smirking.
She shook her head. "No pressure or anything."
"None at all," Dhruv said, his smile wide.
Isha's gaze sharpened on me. "Is this a setup?"
I smiled. "What do you think?"
"I think you're all trying to corner me."
"Probably," Veer admitted.
Avi grinned. "It's tradition, bhabhi maa. "
Isha's gaze held mine. " Avi bhai stop calling me that And you expect me to just... let you put color on me?"
"You'll survive," I said softly.
She narrowed her eyes. "You're impossible."
"And yet, you're still here."
"Why do I feel like I'm walking into a trap?"
"Because you are," Veer said.
Isha sighed. "This is going to be a disaster, isn't it?"
"Potentially," I said.
Her eyes stayed on mine for a moment longer before she exhaled and leaned back. "Fine. Let's see what happens."
Avi grinned. "Oh, this is going to be fun."
After dinner, the house gradually quieted down. Everyone had retreated to their rooms, and elder went to their late night chai sessions leaving the hallways dim and silent. I was standing near the staircase, leaning against the wall, watching Isha as she headed toward the guest room today for sleeping.
"Isha," I called out softly.
She paused, turning toward me. Her eyes met mine, curious and hesitant. The soft glow of the hallway light highlighted the delicate arch of her cheekbones, the curve of her lips - and those eyes, deep and dark, pulling me in like gravity.
"Come to the balcony for a moment," I said, my voice low.
She stopped for a second before stepping toward me. I held the door open for her as she slipped inside my room. The balcony doors were already ajar, and a cool breeze rustled the sheer white curtains. The moonlight reflected off the polished marble floor, casting a soft glow across the space.
She walked out onto the balcony, leaning her hands on the wrought iron railing. Her hair was loose, and the night breeze lifted a few strands, brushing them across her cheek. I moved behind her, standing close enough that the heat of her body seeped into mine.
"You seemed quiet at dinner," She said, her voice low against my ear.
My eyes remained on the sky. "It's just… Holi hasn't felt the same in years."
Isha turned her head toward me, her brows knitting together in concern. "Why?"
My jaw tightened. "After she left… we stopped playing. It became more of a tradition than something we enjoyed. We smiled, apply some color to each other's, but it was never the same." My voice was low, rough, as if the words were pulled from somewhere deep inside him.
Isha's eyes softened. She took a hesitant step toward me. "Maybe it's time to change that but wait who is she? "
My gaze finally shifted to her, my dark blue eyes meeting hers with an intensity that made her breath hitch. "Some thing are better unsaid. " My hand brushed against hers on the railing, the touch light, yet deliberate.
Isha's heart skipped a beat. She glanced down at our hands, unsure whether it was intentional — but when my fingers closed around hers, her breath caught.
"Isha…" My voice was low, rougher now. She looked up at me, her lips parting slightly. My gaze flicked toward her mouth, the tension thick between them.
I leaned in, the space between them narrowing. Isha's heartbeat thundered in her ears.
Just when she thought I might kiss her, i pulled back slightly, my hand lingering on hers before I stepped away. "Get some sleep," I murmured. "Tomorrow is going to be… interesting."
" What are you thinking about." She asked, I sighed, her gaze fixed on the dark night sky. "Just thinking about Holi."
I leaned in closer, my hand brushing against her arm. "Do you think this one will be different?"
She turned her head slightly, her face so close to mine that I could feel her breath against my skin. "It already feels different."
My hand slid down her arm, my fingers brushing over her wrist before settling on her waist. Her breath hitched, but she didn't pull away.
"Do you know how dangerous it is to say things like that?" I murmured, my lips almost touching the side of her neck.
Her eyes flicked up to meet mine. "Shivansh..." she whispered.
I turned her toward me, my fingers slipping beneath her jaw to tilt her face up. Her lips parted slightly, and I could feel the fast rhythm of her breath against my throat.
"Tell me to stop," I said, my voice rough and low.
Her gaze softened. "I... don't want you to stop."
That was all I needed. My mouth descended on hers, claiming her with a slow, deliberate kiss. My hand slid around her waist, pulling her flush against my chest. She melted into me, her arms winding around my neck as I deepened the kiss. Her taste - soft and sweet - made heat rush through my veins.
Her fingers tangled in my hair as I pressed her back against the cool stone of the balcony wall. I kissed her deeper, letting my tongue sweep against hers. A quiet sound escaped her throat, and I tightened my grip on her waist.
After a long moment, I pulled back just enough to breathe, my forehead resting against hers. Her lips were swollen, her cheeks flushed as she struggled to catch her breath.
"I've wanted to do that for a while," I admitted, my voice husky.
Her lips curved into a soft smile. "You could've just said so."
I smirked. "Wouldn't have been as satisfying."
She laughed, soft and breathless. That sound - light and warm - settled something inside me. I ran my thumb over her lower lip, watching the way her gaze darkened.
"Stay," I said. "Don't go to the guest room just stay with me."
She hesitated for a brief moment before nodding. "Okay."
I took her hand and led her back inside the chamber. The room was quiet, lit only by the faint glow of the moonlight through the sheer curtains. I pulled back the blanket and guided her toward the bed.
"You're tired," I said.
She sat down, looking up at me. "Stay with me?"
My chest tightened at the softness in her voice. Without answering, I slid onto the bed beside her and pulled her against me. She curled up against my chest, her hand resting lightly over my heart.
I kissed the top of her head and murmured against her hair, "Sleep, Isha."
She sighed, her breath warm against my collarbone as her body relaxed into mine. My hand settled on her waist as I listened to her breathing slow and steady. I closed my eyes, feeling her warmth pressed against me.
Maybe this Holi really will be different.
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