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Seven Lifetimes, One Contract

Chapter-1

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Start
❤️ ❤️
The sterile smell of disinfectant clung to every corner of City General Hospital. Fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, cold and unforgiving, while the constant beeping of monitors created a rhythm that felt more like a countdown than comfort. In the middle of the crowded waiting area near the billing counter, Anaya Sharma sat frozen on the plastic chair, her small red cotton kurti now wrinkled and slightly damp from tears she couldn’t stop.
Her phone screen glowed in her trembling hands.
Bank balance: ₹3,457.98
The number stared back at her like a cruel joke.
Six lakhs
The doctor had said it very clearly six lakhs needed to be deposited within the next hour if Kabir was to be taken into surgery. Any delay and the internal bleeding would become irreversible. Any delay and she would lose the only family she had left in this world.
Anaya’s chest felt like someone had wrapped iron chains around her lungs. She had already begged the billing staff for an installment plan, for mercy, for time. They had looked at her with practiced sympathy and repeated the same line: “Hospital policy, ma’am. We cannot proceed without full payment.”
Her vision blurred again.
She opened her contact list with shaking fingers.
Only one name felt safe enough to call.
Aarav.
Her best friend. Her constant. The one person who had never once made her feel small or burdensome.
She pressed call before she could overthink it.
One ring. Two rings.
Then his voice deep, calm, velvet soft came through the speaker like a lifeline thrown into stormy water.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(soft, almost tender) Hello, Anaya.
The moment Anaya heard his voice, the dam inside her broke completely.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
(voice cracking, barely a whisper at first, then rising into sobs) Hello… Aarav… I-I need help… please…
There was a heartbeat of absolute silence on the other end.
Then the sound of a chair scraping violently against marble.
Voices in the background confused executives, a startled “Sir?” but Aarav didn’t care.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(voice suddenly sharp, urgent, all softness gone) Anaya. Where are you right now?
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
(choking on tears) City… City General Hospital… Aarav, Bhai… Bhai met with an accident… they’re saying if I don’t pay… he won’t-
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(cutting her off, voice low but fierce) Okay. Stay exactly where you are. I’m coming. Five minutes. Don’t move.
The call ended.
Anaya clutched the phone to her chest like it was the only thing keeping her heart from shattering. She slid down from the chair onto the cold tiled floor, knees pulled to her chest, red dupatta falling around her like spilled blood. Silent tears kept streaming down her cheeks, mixing with the red of her kurti, turning her face into a canvas of grief.
Exactly five minutes later maybe even less the automatic glass doors of the hospital slid open with force.
Aarav Malhotra stepped inside.
Tall. Imposing. Dressed in a charcoal three-piece suit that screamed power, yet somehow he looked like he had run straight out of hell itself to reach her. His usually perfectly styled hair was slightly disheveled, tie loosened, sleeves rolled up to his forearms. His dark eyes scanned the entire waiting area in one ruthless sweep until they locked on her.
The moment he saw Anaya sitting on the floor small, broken, red eyed he felt something primal snap inside his chest.
He crossed the distance in long, purposeful strides and dropped to one knee in front of her, bringing himself down to her level.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(voice low, gentle, but trembling with barely restrained emotion) Anaya… look at me.
She lifted her tear soaked lashes. The sight of him so steady, so real only made her cry harder.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
(voice shattered) Bhai… he met with an accident… the doctor said… six lakhs… I don’t have… I don’t have anything… if they don’t operate soon… he’ll-
Aarav didn’t let her finish.
He reached forward, cupped her wet cheeks in his large, warm palms, thumbs brushing away tears even as new ones fell.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(soft but iron-clad) Shh. Breathe. I’m here now. Nothing will happen to Kabir. I promise you.
He helped her stand, keeping one arm securely around her waist as though she might collapse any second.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(to the billing counter staff, voice suddenly cold steel) Where is the payment desk?
The receptionist blinked rapidly, intimidated by the sheer aura he carried
Within minutes, Aarav stood at the counter, black card already in hand.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(quiet, lethal) Six lakhs. For patient Kabir Sharma. Now.
The transaction took less than thirty seconds.
As the receipt printed, Aarav turned back to Anaya, who was staring at him like he had just pulled the moon down for her.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
(whispering) Aarav… I… how will I ever-
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(cutting her gently) Not now. Later. Right now, just breathe.
The doctor was already being informed. Nurses rushed. The stretcher was wheeled out.
But before Kabir was taken inside the operation theatre, Aarav stepped aside-away from Anaya’s line of sight.
He caught the lead surgeon by the arm, grip firm but not painful.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(voice so low it was almost a growl) Listen to me very carefully, Doctor. That man inside? He is everything to the girl sitting out there. If anything-anything at all happens to him because of carelessness, negligence, or bad luck… I will hold you and your entire team personally responsible. And trust me… you do not want to know what that means.
The surgeon’s face went pale. Sweat beaded on his forehead despite the air-conditioning.
Doctor
Doctor
(voice shaking) Y-yes, sir. We… we’ll do everything. He’s in the best hands.
Aarav gave a single, sharp nod and let go.
He walked back to Anaya slowly, like a predator returning to his only sanctuary.
She was sitting again, hugging her knees.
He sat beside her-close enough that their shoulders touched-and waited.
After a long silence, Anaya spoke, voice small and trembling.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
He was trying to save someone… a young girl ran onto the road… Bhai swerved the car to avoid her… it hit the divider… the rocks… he protected her… but himself…
Fresh tears fell.
Without a word, Aarav opened his arms.
Anaya didn’t hesitate.
She buried her face in his chest, clutching his suit jacket like it was the last solid thing in her world. Her sobs shook her entire body. Aarav wrapped both arms around her tight, possessive, protective like he could physically shield her from every pain in existence.
He rested his chin on top of her head, breathing her in jasmine, tears, fear and whispered against her hair.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(barely audible) I’ve got you, Anaya. Always.
Two hours passed like eternity. Every tick of the clock felt like a knife. Then the operation theatre doors opened.
The surgeon stepped out, removing his mask, face tired but relieved.
Doctor
Doctor
He’s stable. Surgery was successful. The bleeding is under control. He’ll be shifted to ICU for observation, but… he’s safe. Nothing to worry now.
Anaya shot up like a spring. A sound between a sob and a laugh tore from her throat. She turned blindly and threw herself into Aarav’s arms.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
(crying, laughing, voice muffled against his chest) He’s okay… he’s okay… thank you… thank you, Aarav…
Aarav’s arms banded around her instantly, one hand cradling the back of her head, the other locked around her waist.
For the first time in hours, a real, soft smile curved his lips small, private, dangerous in its tenderness. He pressed his mouth to her hair, eyes dark with something far deeper than friendship.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(whispering only for her) You never have to thank me for protecting what’s mine, Anaya.
.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
“I waited years to hold you like this. Now that I finally have… I will burn the entire world before I ever let you go again.”
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Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Male Lead (ML): Aarav Malhotra Public Identity: Powerful, respected CEO of a multinational empire Secret Identity: Ruthless mafia lord controlling the underworld from the shadows Personality: Highly intelligent, calm, strategic, emotionally restrained in public. Deeply possessive, obsessive, and dominant in love. He believes love is eternal ownership. Once he loves, he does not let go ever. His morality bends when it comes to the female lead.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Female Lead (FL): Anaya Sharma Public Identity: A simple, warm-hearted woman from a middle-class background Personality: Kind, emotionally strong, self-sacrificing, loyal. She values friendship deeply and believes in pure intentions. Innocent in matters of obsession and power. She only knows ML as her best friend and a successful CEO she has no idea about his mafia identity.
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TBC

Chapter-2

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Continue
❤️ ❤️
The hospital corridor had finally quieted down. The frantic rush of nurses had slowed to a gentle hum, and the harsh fluorescent lights now felt almost soft against the exhaustion that clung to Anaya like a second skin. Kabir was stable. Alive. Safe for now.
Anaya sat on the same plastic chair she had collapsed into hours earlier, her red kurti still stained with patches of her brother’s blood, her dupatta crumpled in her lap like a forgotten flag of surrender. Her eyes were puffy, cheeks flushed from crying, but a tiny, fragile smile trembled on her lips. Relief had finally won the war inside her chest.
Aarav stood a few steps away, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, watching her. Not like a friend. Like a man who had just been handed the keys to the only thing he had ever truly wanted.
Anaya looked up at him, eyes shining with gratitude so pure it almost hurt to witness.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
(voice soft, hoarse from hours of crying) Aarav… I don’t even know how to thank you. You saved him. You saved my entire world today. I… I promise you, I will repay every single rupee. Just… give me some time. I’ll work, I’ll do anything. I’ll pay you back.
Aarav didn’t move at first. He simply stared. Long. Silent. Intense.
His dark eyes roamed over her face her tear streaked cheeks, the way her lashes stuck together in little wet spikes, the slight tremble of her lower lip. She looked fragile. Beautiful. And so heartbreakingly innocent.
After what felt like an eternity, he finally pushed off the wall and walked toward her, slow, deliberate steps.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(voice low, calm, almost too calm) I don’t want your money, Anaya.
She blinked, confused.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Then… what do you-
He stopped right in front of her, close enough that she had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(soft, but each word landed like a stone in still water) Marry me.
The world tilted
Anaya’s breath caught in her throat. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
(barely a whisper, shock freezing her) What…?
Aarav crouched down in front of her again, forearms resting on his thighs, eyes locked on hers unblinking, unrelenting.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
You heard me. Marry me. My mother has been arranging proposals for months. She’s relentless. I’m not interested in any of those girls. If you marry me, even temporarily, it will get her off my back. And in return…
He paused, letting the words sink in
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
I will take care of everything. Kabir’s treatment, hospital bills, medicines, the best doctors, rehabilitation everything. For the next two years. After that… we divorce. Clean. Simple. No strings.
Anaya’s mind went completely blank.
The hospital sounds faded. The beeping monitors, the distant footsteps, even her own heartbeat it all dulled to a distant roar. All she could hear was his voice. All she could see were his eyes dark, steady, promising safety… and something else she couldn’t quite name.
Meanwhile, Aarav watched the storm of emotions play across her face, drinking in every flicker.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(God, she’s adorable when she’s confused.)
The way her brows furrowed, the tiny pout forming on her lips, the way she unconsciously bit the inside of her cheek he wanted to lean in and taste that innocence. Devour it. Keep it forever.
Inside his mind, a dark, possessive smile bloomed.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(Say yes, Anaya. Say yes and seal your fate. This isn’t a contract. This is a cage. A beautiful, gilded cage I’ve waited years to build around you. No one will ever take you from me again.)
Anaya’s thoughts were spinning in frantic circles.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
(Two years… just two years. Kabir will get the best care. No more worrying about money. I can focus on him, help him recover. In two years, I can find a job, stand on my own feet again. And Aarav… he’ll be free to find someone he actually loves. Someone he wants for real. This is… this is perfect. For both of us.)
She lifted her gaze to meet his.
He looked so gentle right now so sweet, so caring. Like the Aarav she had known for years. The one who brought her ice cream at 2 a.m. when she was upset. The one who listened without judging.
She swallowed hard.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
(voice small but steady) Okay… Aarav. Okay.
For a second, nothing happened.
Then Aarav surged forward and pulled her into his arms.
A sudden, fierce hug.
Anaya gasped, body going stiff from the surprise. His arms were strong, warm, wrapping around her like steel bands covered in velvet. Her cheek pressed against his chest; she could hear his heartbeat fast, powerful, alive.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
(muffled, startled) A-Aarav…?
He didn’t let go. Instead, he tightened his hold just a fraction, enough to make her feel completely surrounded. Protected. Owned.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(voice husky, right against her ear) You know how happy you just made me? I can finally breathe. No more torture from Mom. No more endless rishtas.
Anaya let out a small, surprised chuckle despite herself, the sound shaky but real.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
(soft laugh) Are you really that irritated about marriage?
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(low, teasing) You have no idea.
He pulled back just enough to look at her face, but didn’t release her completely.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(softer now, almost pleading) Can I… just stay like this? For five minutes? Please?
Anaya hesitated only a heartbeat. Then she nodded, small and shy.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Yes… okay
A slow, dangerous smirk curled at the corner of Aarav’s mouth hidden from her view as he rested his chin on top of her head again.
He closed his eyes. Inhaled deeply.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(Tears. Fear. Relief. Anaya.)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(My Anaya.)
His inner voice was dark velvet, dripping with possession.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(How innocent you are, sweetheart. You just walked straight into the devil’s arms because you trusted me. I wanted to chase you. Wanted to court you properly, kneel in front of you, beg you to be mine. But I knew… I knew you’d never see me as anything more than your safe, sweet friend. Your brother figure. So I waited. And now… you’re mine.)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(For two years? No. Forever. In these two years, I’ll show you what love really is. I’ll make you feel it. Crave it. Need it. Until the thought of leaving me tears you apart more than staying ever could. My poor, sweet Anaya… You caught the eye of the devil. And devils don’t let go.)
A soft tap on his shoulder snapped him back.
Anaya gently pushed at his chest.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
(whispering) Aarav… the doctor.
The surgeon was approaching again, chart in hand.
Doctor
Doctor
As I said earlier, Mr. Kabir is stable. We’ll keep him under observation for two weeks. After that, he can be discharged. Physiotherapy and follow-ups will be needed, but… he’s going to be fine.
Anaya nodded quickly, relief flooding her features again.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
When can I see him?
Doctor
Doctor
In about two hours. He needs rest right now.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Thank you, Doctor. Really.
The doctor gave a small nod and left.
Anaya let out a long, tired sigh and sank back into the chair.
Aarav’s gaze dropped to her blood-stained clothes, the dark smears that had dried on her arms and neck.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(quiet command) Come on. Let’s get you changed. You’re covered in blood.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
(looking down at herself, suddenly self-conscious) Oh… right. I can just use the bathroom here-
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(already shaking his head) No. There’s a hotel right beside the hospital. My hotel. Let’s go.
Anaya’s eyes widened, then she laughed softly tired, but genuine.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
(teasing weakly) Your hotel? So your fake wife can use it?
Aarav’s smirk returned, sharper this time.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(low, playful, but with a dangerous edge) Yes. My wife can use anything she wants.
He offered her his hand. She took it.
And just like that without even realizing it Anaya stepped willingly into the first golden link of the chain he had forged for her.
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He watched Anaya disappear into the bathroom of the hotel suite, the door clicking shut behind her
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Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
"You think this is temporary, my love. But every second you spend in my world… I’m rewriting forever into your soul. Run if you want. I’ll always find you. And I’ll always bring you back… right where you belong. In my arms. For seven lifetimes."
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TBC

Chapter-3

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Continue
❤️ ❤️
The hotel lobby was quiet in the late afternoon soft golden light filtering through tall glass windows, the faint scent of fresh lilies from the reception desk mixing with the expensive leather of sofas. Aarav descended from the elevator, still in his charcoal suit, sleeves rolled up, tie completely discarded now. He moved with that effortless predator grace of his, every step screaming control, even when no one was watching.
He dropped onto the plush sofa near the reception, long legs stretched out, one arm draped casually over the backrest. His phone buzzed once ignored. His mind was upstairs. With her.
Exactly ten minutes later (he had timed it), the main entrance doors burst open with dramatic force.
Rayan Path Personal Assistant to Aarav Malhotra, unofficial errand boy, occasional comic relief, and secret double agent for Mrs. Malhotra (Aarav’s formidable mother) came sprinting in like a man being chased by death itself. Sweat plastered his shirt to his chest, hair sticking up in every direction, a large white shopping bag clutched to his side like a lifeline.
He spotted Aarav, practically threw himself onto the sofa beside his boss, and started panting like he’d just run a marathon.
Rayan Path (Ml PA)
Rayan Path (Ml PA)
(gasping between words, dramatic as always) Boss… my God… you said… girls’ clothes… in ten minutes flat… I swear on my mother’s life… traffic was a nightmare… I ran the last two kilometers… two kilometers, Boss! On foot! Like some Olympic athlete! And you threatened to cut my salary if I didn’t make it! That’s cruel, sir… very cruel…
Aarav didn’t even look at him at first. He simply extended his hand, palm up.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(voice flat, calm, deadly soft) Rayan. Path. Clothes. Now.
Rayan froze mid-pant, then quickly shoved the bag into Aarav’s waiting hand.
Rayan Path (Ml PA)
Rayan Path (Ml PA)
(mumbling under his breath while scratching the back of his neck) Cold-hearted jerk boss… always so scary…
Aarav’s eyebrow lifted dangerously high.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(low, dangerous) You said something?
Rayan Path (Ml PA)
Rayan Path (Ml PA)
(instantly straightening, fake innocent smile) Nothing, Boss! Absolutely nothing! Just… admiring your… efficiency!
Aarav stood up slowly, towering over his PA, bag in hand.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(dry tone) Your salary is increased by twenty percent.
Rayan’s eyes went comically wide. He jumped up like a child who just got his favorite toy.
Rayan Path (Ml PA)
Rayan Path (Ml PA)
(practically squealing) THANK YOU, BOSS! LOVE YOU! YOU ARE THE BEST BOSS IN THE ENTIRE WORLD! I KNEW YOU HAD A HEART SOMEWHERE UNDER ALL THAT ICE!
Aarav shook his head, a tiny, almost imperceptible smile ghosting his lips before it vanished. He turned toward the elevators. Rayan scrambled after him like an excited puppy.
Rayan Path (Ml PA)
Rayan Path (Ml PA)
(still breathless, now curious) Sir… but seriously… why girls’ clothes? And that too… S size? Did you… kidnap a tiny baby? Or adopt one secretly? Sir, you have to tell Madam otherwise she will roast my brain on live fire! She already thinks I’m hiding your girlfriends from her!
Aarav’s steps didn’t falter, but his voice dropped several degrees colder.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Shut up, Rayan.
Rayan Path (Ml PA)
Rayan Path (Ml PA)
(dramatically clutching his chest) Yes, Boss! You always shut my mouth! And Madam always makes me spy on you! Both mother and son treat me like a disposable tissue! I cry every night, sir… every night!
He pretended to wipe invisible tears with the back of his hand.
Aarav didn’t dignify it with a response. They reached the ninth floor. Room 963. Aarav stopped outside the door, turned, and fixed Rayan with a look that could freeze lava.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(dead serious) Stay. Here. Quiet. Ten minutes. Not a sound. Not a breath. Understand?
Rayan dramatically zipped his lips with an invisible zipper, pressed a finger to his mouth, and nodded like his life depended on it.
Aarav pushed the door open and stepped inside. The moment the door clicked shut behind him, time stopped. Anaya had just stepped out of the bathroom.
She was wrapped in nothing but the hotel’s fluffy white bathrobe, tied loosely at the waist. Her long, wet hair cascaded down her back in dark, dripping waves, a few strands clinging to her collarbones and the soft swell of her cleavage where the robe gaped just a little. Her skin glowed from the hot shower rosy cheeks, dewy, tempting. Tiny droplets slid down her neck, disappearing into the valley between her breasts.
Aarav’s throat went dry. He gulped. Audibly. His eyes devoured her slow, hungry, shameless. Every curve, every inch of exposed skin, every innocent movement as she tilted her head and began toweling her hair dry. His mind spiraled into dangerous territory.
He imagined stepping forward, backing her against the wall, crashing his mouth to hers in a kiss that was anything but gentle deep, possessive, devouring. His hands sliding around her tiny waist, pulling her flush against him, feeling her softness melt into his hardness. Her little gasp of surprise turning into a moan as he kissed down her throat, marking her as his…
Anaya finally noticed him. She paused, towel still in hand, and tilted her head.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
(soft, curious) Aarav? You’re back already?
He jolted out of the fantasy, cheeks flushing a rare, deep red. Anaya stepped closer, concern creasing her brow. She reached out and gently touched his forearm.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
(innocent worry) Why is your face so red? Are you feeling cold? Should I increase the room temperature?
Aarav cleared his throat, forced his gaze away from her lips.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(hoarse) Nothing. Here… clothes.
He thrust the bag toward her. Anaya took it with a small smile, thanked him quietly, and disappeared back into the bathroom to change. Aarav exhaled roughly and sank onto the edge of the bed, elbows on knees, head in hands. His heart was still pounding. He glanced down.
Her discarded clothes lay in a careless pile on the floor red kurti, pants… and there her lacy black bra and matching panties. His breath hitched. He picked them up slowly, reverently almost, fingers tracing the delicate lace. Heat flooded his face again. He quickly stuffed everything into the small laundry bag the hotel provided, tied it shut, and shoved it deep inside the cupboard.
When Anaya emerged a few minutes later, she looked fresh, innocent, and devastatingly beautiful in the simple cream kurti and palazzo set he’d chosen soft fabric hugging her curves just enough to drive him quietly insane. She glanced around.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
My old clothes… they’re gone?
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(casual, lying smoothly) They were blood-stained. I told housekeeping to throw them out. No point keeping them
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Oh… okay. Makes sense.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
(hesitant) You didn’t keep them, right? For… any reason?
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(soft chuckle) No, sweetheart. I wouldn’t do that.
He would. He absolutely would have, if he thought he could get away with it.
Anaya picked up the hairdryer from the dresser, plugged it in, and started drying her hair. The warm air filled the room, her hair lifting and falling in soft waves. Aarav sat in the armchair across from her, pretending to read the newspaper he’d grabbed from the side table.
But his eyes never left her. Every movement how she tilted her head, how strands of hair slipped through her fingers, how the robe had left her neck bare and kissable, how the new kurti clung softly to her waist…
His mind betrayed him again. He pictured himself rising from the chair, walking over, turning off the dryer, spinning her around, pressing her back to the dresser. Kissing her hard, tongue claiming her mouth. His hand sliding up her back, tangling in her damp hair. Pulling her head back so he could suck bruises into the soft skin of her neck while she whimpered his name…
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
(soft voice breaking through) Aarav?
He blinked. Hard.
She had switched off the dryer. Her hair was now dry, falling in perfect, silky waves around her shoulders.
Anaya Sharma (fl)
Anaya Sharma (fl)
(smiling shyly) I’m done. We can go back to the hospital now.
Aarav nodded once, stood up, walked to the door. The moment he opened it-
Rayan fell inside with a loud thud, sprawling on the carpet like a starfish. He had clearly been leaning against the door, ear pressed to the wood.
Rayan Path (Ml PA)
Rayan Path (Ml PA)
(groaning, then quickly sitting up) I… uh… I was just… checking if the door was locked properly! Yes! Safety first, Boss!
Aarav stared down at him, expression unreadable. Anaya burst out laughing light, musical, the first real laugh in hours.
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Rayan? What are you doing here?
Rayan Path (Ml PA)
Rayan Path (Ml PA)
(grinning sheepishly from the floor) Just… making sure Boss doesn’t get lost, Bhabhi!
Aarav’s eyes narrowed dangerously at the word “Bhabhi.”
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
(cold) Out. Now.
Rayan scrambled up, saluted dramatically, and ran out to the corridor.
Anaya shook her head, still smiling. Aarav watched her smile like a man starved. And in that moment, he knew he would do anything, destroy anything, to keep that smile on her face forever. Even if it meant keeping her locked in his world.
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Aarav Malhotra (ml)
Aarav Malhotra (ml)
“You laugh so freely now, my love… but soon-very soon- every smile, every breath, every heartbeat… will belong only to me. And I’ll make sure you love being mine… more than you ever loved your freedom."
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TBC

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