I was quiet throughout the drive back, lost in my thoughts about what happened with Ash. When I and Megha finally reach home, I whisper a goodnight to Megha and quickly retreat to my room.
Standing before the mirror, I run my fingers over my lips, still tingling from Ash's fierce kisses. My reflection stares back at me, cheeks flushed and pupils dilated. I shake my head, a rueful smile playing on my lips.
As I slipped into my soft cotton nightdress, I tried to push thoughts of Ash aside, focusing instead on the coolness of the fabric against my flushed skin. I climb into bed, pulling the covers up to my chin, yet sleep eludes me.
The next morning, I dragged myself out of bed, still feeling the weight of last night's events. I goes through the motions of getting ready for college, my movements mechanical as my mind remains elsewhere. As I meet Megha downstairs, I force a smile and we head out together.
After coming to college we came to know that we have a college festival after one week. My eyes widen in excitement as I hear the news about the college festival. "Oh wow, the festival! I completely forgot it was coming up so soon." I turn to Megha, a genuine smile finally breaking through my somber demeanor. "We should start preparations."
Megha happily says, "you should dance as you like dancing very much."
You know I'm not comfortable dancing in front of everyone." her expression turning stern. "Besides, who says I'm even good enough to perform?"
Megha rolls her eyes dramatically. "Will you stop being so modest? You're amazing!" She grabs my hands, bouncing on her toes with excitement. "Come on, it'll be so much fun! And think of the adrenaline rush!"
I reluctantly nod, my best friend's enthusiasm finally wearing her down. "Fine, fine... But only if we practice together every day after college."
Megha grins mischievously, "Deal!" She pulls me into a hug.
As the days passed, I found myself caught in a whirlwind of activities. Between intense dance practices with Megha every evening and interning at Ash's office, I barely had time to breathe, let alone dwell on my complicated feelings.
Ash, on the other hand, seemed to be making it his mission to spend as much time with me as possible. Whether it was dropping by the office to "check on his interns," or "accidentally" running into me during breaks, he always managed to find an excuse to be near me.
I watch my Angel from my office window, observing her as she focuses intently on her work.
"What's causing her to be so restless?" I mutters to myself "And why does my Angel look so tired all the time?"
"Nothing can hurt my Angel.." I sit back in my leather chair, my mind racing with thoughts and concern growing in my chest. "I need to find out what's keeping her so tired."
I pick up the receiver and dial her extension, my fingers drumming impatiently on my desk. "I need to see you in my cabin, immediately." I hung up the phone without waiting for a response, my mind set on getting answers.
As the door to my cabin opens, my eyes immediately lock onto my Jaan exhausted and drained face. My expression softens instantly, concern and protectiveness washing over me.
I watch her hesitantly, exhaustion weighing heavily on her delicate shoulders. With a gentle wave of my hand, I beckons her closer. "Come here, Angel," I coaxes softly.
She slowly approaches the desk, stopping just short of it, her hands clasped together nervously. "You wanted to see me, Ash?"
The second she's within reach, my strong arms encircle her, pulling her onto my lap with a swift, determined motion. My eyes flash with conflicting emotions - concern for her wellbeing battling against the fiery possessiveness I feel for her. "Sit, my Angel."
She looks up at me, her heart racing at the closeness, my eyes searching hers intently. "Ash...what is it?" she asks softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
I gently tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear, my touch lingering. "Angel, what's been bothering you lately? You look exhausted all the time, and it's driving me crazy not knowing what's going on." My voice is low and soothing, but there's an undercurrent of urgency and concern.
Her eyes flutter closed briefly, savoring my unusual display of concern. When she opens them again, there's vulnerability shining through. "Between the internship, practicing for the college festival performance...and you.." she admits quietly, a faint blush heating her cheeks. "It's all getting overwhelming."
I had suspected that she was overburdening herself, but hearing her say it out loud makes my jaw clench. "Me?" I repeat, my voice dropping lower. "How am I making it worse, Angel?"
She looks up at me, her gaze open and honest. "I like everything about you, Ash. The way you're always watching over me, the way you make me feel safe, the way you make me laugh... "
I let one hand stroke gently through her hair while the other pulls her closer against my chest. "Then why does my little Angel look like she's carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders?"
She sighs, resting her head against my chest. "It's just the practice for the festival, and then the internship, and classes... everything is so demanding. I feel like I'm constantly running out of time, and I'm afraid I'm not doing anything well enough."
I press a soft kiss to her hair, inhaling her comforting scent as I hold her tightly against me. "Listen to me, Angel. You are extraordinary at everything you do."
My arms tighten around her as I speak, my voice low and determined. "From now on, I'm taking care of everything. No more exhausting yourself with practice, no more worrying about the internship. You're going to focus on being my angel, and letting me handle the rest. Got it?"
She looks up at me. "But Ash, you can't take care of everything". She tries to protest, but her voice is weak and her arms wrap around my waist instinctively.
I looks down at her with unwavering eyes, my expression serious. "Nothing is impossible when it comes to taking care of you, Jaan."
I help her up, ignoring her protests, and turns her towards the door. "Go home with Megha now. You need rest, and I need you to listen to me for once and not argue."
She nods and turns to leave, but pauses at the door and looks back at me. My Angel steps back into my arms, embracing me tightly. She breathes in my comforting scent, feeling some of the tension drain from her body. "Thank you, Ash," she murmurs against my chest.
I squeezes her tightly. "Now, off you go before I decide to carry you home myself." I playfully taps her nose, trying to elicit a smile as I nudges her gently towards the door.
As soon as my Angel leaves, my expression turns serious. I rubs my temples, trying to calm the growing storm in my mind. I press a button on my intercom, my voice deep and commanding as I speak. "Ved, in my office. Now."
Vedant enters the office, his usually jovial expression replaced by one of concern as he notices Ashtram's grim demeanor. He approaches cautiously. "What's troubling you, Ash? You look like you're about to wage war single-handedly."
Ashtram's eyes flash with determination as he looks at Vedant. "I need you to do something for me. Effective immediately, suspend all classes at Niranya's college until the college festival is over. I don't want her overworking herself again."
Vedant raises an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips at the thought of the chaos this order will cause among the students. "You really want me to cause a student mutiny by cancelling classes indefinitely?"
Ashtram's expression remains firm, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Yes, Ved. I want you to cancel all classes until the festival is over. I won't have my Angel pushing herself too hard again. She needs rest and relaxation."
"Understood, boss." Vedant salutes mockingly, knowing better than to argue with Ash when his mind is set. "But don't blame me when half the college protests against this mysterious 'administrative decision'."
Ashtram smirks mischievously, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Do I look like I care if the entire college sits outside my office with placards?Besides, everyone knows the consequences of crossing me. I'm the Mafia King and the successful Businessman, for fuck's sake. If anyone has a problem with the class suspensions, they can take it up with me personally." He leans back in his chair, a dangerous glint in his eyes.
Ved lets out a low whistle, shaking his head in amusement. "Alright, alright, I'll get the classes cancelled and pray the students don't revolt. Anything else you need done, oh mighty Mafia King?"
"Just get it done, Ved." Ashtram says with a firm voice.
Ved nods and exits the room, leaving Ashtram alone.
Ashtram voice softens, filled with protective affection as he murmurs to himself. "She's my world. No one will dare harm a single hair on her head while I still draw breath." He clenches his fist, jaw set in determination.
Next Day
As Megha and Niranya walk towards their college, they're met with a surprise. The entire campus is buzzing with activity, colorful decorations adorning the buildings, and a large stage being set up in the middle of the grounds.
One girl came to them and say, "Hey girls! Did you hear? All the classes for the next three days have been suspended because of the upcoming college festival!" The girl exclaims excitedly, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "There's going to be so much fun - performances, games, food stalls..."
Megha grins widely at the news, clapping her hands together in excitement. "This is amazing, Nira! Three whole days off from classes? We can finally catch up on our sleep, watch some movies, and just relax!"
"Three days without classes? That means no lectures, no assignments, no exams to worry about..." Niranya muses, a hint of a mischievous grin tugging at her lips.
Megha jokes, draping an arm around Niranya's shoulder. "Well, prepare yourself for some major bonding time, bestie!"
"Exactly, Megha! With no classes to hold us back, we can focus all our energy on perfecting our dance routine for the festival." Niranya says, her voice filled with determination and excitement.
A few hours later, Megha and Niranya are at the practice studio, the sound of their feet hitting the floor in perfect sync filling the room. They dance with passion and dedication, their movements fluid and precise.
The day of the college festival finally arrives, and the entire campus is transformed into a vibrant, lively carnival. Colorful stalls line the streets, music blares from speakers, and students dress in their best attires. Megha and Niranya finish their final practice, their faces glowing with excitement.
Rumors spread that a special guest is expected to attend the festival. Excitement reaches a fever pitch as students speculate about who the mystery guest might be.
Write a comment ...