The morning air inside the small apartment was filled with the aroma of fresh parathas, spicy chutney, and sweet jalebi. The dining table was simple but warm, much like the woman who sat across from Zayden, watching him with knowing eyes.Zayden sat with his usual composed demeanor, his white kurta sleeves rolled up, exposing his strong, veined forearms as he took another bite of the soft, buttery aloo paratha.The meal was delicious—far from the luxurious hotel food he was used to—but he barely noticed. His mind, against his usual control, was somewhere else.Or rather, on someone else.His sharp blue-gray eyes flickered toward the door again, almost subconsciously, as he checked the time on his watch.Where is she?It had been over an hour, and Hema still hadn’t returned.He wasn’t the type to wait for anyone. Not in business. Not in life. But this was different.And the only person who seemed to see right through him was sitting across the table, hiding a smirk behind her cup of te
Zayden’s breath hitched for a fraction of a second, something deep, unsettling, and almost magnetic rooting him to the spot.His sharp, blue-gray eyes traced every movement she made—the way her waist twisted effortlessly, the way her hips swayed subtly with each spin, the way her body moved with natural grace, as if she were made for this rhythm.She was fluid, uninhibited, lost in the music, unaware of how intoxicating she looked under the warm sunlight filtering through the Holi-drenched air.His gaze drifted lower, catching the way the fabric of her now multi-colored white Anarkali hugged her silhouette, flowing with her as she moved.The fabric clung just enough to highlight the gentle curve of her back, the soft dip of her waist, the way it flared as she twirled, revealing glimpses of her ankles, her swift, effortless footwork, dusted with color.The contrast of the bright pinks, yellows, and blues against her fair skin made her look like something out of a dream—untouchable, sur
Standing so close, his presence wrapping around her like a force of nature, his voice dropping into something dark, teasing, and utterly consuming.“I’d love to ruin your lipstick right now, would that be okay?,” The words barely registered before she felt it—The slow, deliberate tilt of her chin as his fingers curled under her jawline, his touch firm, possessive, yet unbearably gentle.A small gasp left her lips, but it was quickly swallowed by the warmth of his mouth pressing against hers.It wasn’t just a kiss.It was an unspoken confession, a challenge, a wildfire igniting between them.His lips moved slowly, deliberately, as if savoring the taste of her, exploring every inch with unhurried intensity.Hema froze at first, her mind completely blank, her body unsure if she wanted to push him away or pull him closer.But when his other hand slid around her waist, tugging her just slightly against him, her body betrayed her.A soft, involuntary whimper left her throat, and she felt
Zayden stood frozen, his breath slightly uneven, his fingers clenching at his sides as he processed the warmth still lingering on his lips—Only to be hit with the cold splash of reality.A sharp chill ran down his spine, his white kurta drenched at the shoulder, the sting of the water balloon snapping him back into the real world.The kiss.The way her fingers had fisted his kurta.The way she had gasped against his lips, completely breathless.It was a dream—just a dream.His jaw tightened, his throat dry, his pulse still racing as if it had actually happened.No. It wasn’t real. But it will be.His fingers twitched at his sides, his wet kurta sticking to his skin, but he barely noticed. His mind was already set.He was going to make it real.Starting now.He pushed back his wet hair, his sharp gaze scanning the Holi-drenched crowd, searching for her.And then—he found her.There she was.Hema.And she wasn’t alone.Zayden’s muscles tensed as he saw Arvind standing beside her.Too c
Arvind sat in the dimly lit living room of his house, his elbows resting on his knees, his fingers gripping his hair. His father sat across from him, staring blankly at the floor, his face lined with exhaustion and worry. His mother, usually the one who held the family together, sat silently in the corner, wringing the edge of her saree, her eyes red from crying.The news had come earlier that morning—the factory where his father worked had shut down due to financial losses. Overnight, his family had lost their only stable source of income.And now, Arvind was the only earning member of the household.His mind was in chaos. The weight of responsibility settled heavily on his shoulders. Their debts, their daily expenses, his sister’s education—how could he handle it all alone?“We’ll find something,” his father muttered, more to himself than anyone else. “I’ll keep looking.”But his voice lacked confidence.His mother sniffled. “We still have the loan to repay, Arvind. We can’t delay t
The next morning, Arvind sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the confirmation email for his transfer.He was leaving for Bangalore in two days.And yet—he felt no relief.Instead, his chest ached with guilt.Not because he was leaving his family.But because he was leaving Hema.A soft knock on his door made him look up.“Hema,” he breathed.She smiled gently, stepping inside. “So, you’re really going.”He exhaled, rubbing his face. “I don’t have a choice.”“You do,” she said. “And you’re making the right one.”He looked at her, searching her face for something—anything—that told him she would miss him.She just smiled. Calm. Understanding.And for some reason, that hurt him more.“I’m sorry,” he said suddenly. “For leaving you alone.”Hema blinked, then let out a soft chuckle. “You’re not leaving me alone, Arvind. You’re going after something bigger. I’m proud of you.”His heart clenched painfully.He wanted her to tell him to stay.He wanted her to say she needed him.But she was
Hema rubbed her tired eyes, blinking at the bright screen in front of her. The numbers blurred together, but she forced herself to focus.She had promised herself that she would leave early today, but work had piled up at the last moment.A soft knock on her glass cabin door made her look up.Her colleague, Priya, stood there, her handbag slung over her shoulder.“Hema, the office cab is waiting,” Priya said. “Come, let’s go.”Hema glanced at her screen, then at the time—8:20 PM.She exhaled, shaking her head. “You go ahead. I need another half an hour to finish this.”Priya frowned. “Are you sure? It’s getting late. You know how—”“I’ll be fine,” Hema reassured with a tired smile. “I’ll book a cab later.”Priya hesitated before nodding. “Okay, just be careful. Call me when you reach home.”Hema nodded, watching her colleague walk away before turning back to her screen.The silence of the nearly empty office felt heavier now.Meanwhile – The Oberoi Hotel, MumbaiZayden sat in his pent
The Moment She RanThe moment Hema’s feet hit the pavement, she knew she had no choice but to run as fast as she could.Her heart pounded against her ribs, a wild, erratic beat that matched the rapid slaps of her sandals against the road.The city around her blurred. The dim streetlights, the parked rickshaws, the stray dogs rummaging through trash—all of it faded into the background as pure survival instincts took over.Behind her, the men shouted.“Catch her!”“Don’t let her get away!”Their voices sent an ice-cold shiver down her spine.She clutched her bag tighter against her chest, her fingers curled so tightly around the strap that her knuckles turned white.She could hear their footsteps pounding against the pavement, their heavy boots hitting hard against the ground.They were close. Too close.The Streets of Mumbai at NightMumbai was a city that never truly slept, but at this hour, the streets were quieter than usual.A few scattered pedestrians walked along the sidewalks, m
The hospital lights were far too bright for Zayden’s comfort, but nothing about this day was supposed to be comfortable. He paced the hallway outside the operating theater, Ira cradled carefully in his arms. She looked up at him with those curious eyes, still too young to understand why her usually composed father was walking in frantic loops across polished tiles.Across the hall, Mark looked equally stricken. His face was pale, and his fingers drummed nervously on the side of the chair as he watched the double doors of the maternity wing like a man waiting for a verdict.“Mommy will be here soon,” Zayden muttered, adjusting Ira’s blanket answering her,Zayden nodded. “You think Mia’s okay?”“Mia is okay but I am not,” Mark fired back, trying to force a grin but failing. “Mia threatened to castrate me if I faint during delivery. So yeah, my brain is doing backflips.”Just then, the double doors opened.A nurse walked out, pulling off her mask. “Mr. Zayden?”He stepped forward, heartb
He crashed his mouth to hers—hard, needy. Her hands tangled in his hair as he pressed his body against hers, her thighs wrapping around his waist instinctively. His kiss was urgent, deep, the kind that made her forget where she was. He pulled back just enough to yank her top over her head, exposing her soft breasts, nipples already hard.Zayden groaned at the sight of her and buried his face between them. He licked, kissed, nipped—lavishing each breast with slow, deliberate attention. Hema arched into him, her fingers gripping the bedsheet. His mouth worked her expertly, moving from her breasts to her neck, sucking gently, leaving a trail of wet heat down to her belly.By the time he reached between her legs, she was trembling. His fingers teased her clit, slow circles that made her moan into the air. He loved watching her unravel under his touch—loved seeing her lose control.“Zayden…” she gasped, her thighs twitching. “I need you… inside me.”His lips made a curl. “ you are losing y
The drive stretched endlessly, winding through green hills and coastal turns, the golden hue of the sun bathing the road in warmth. Zayden had planned this break meticulously—no calls, no business, no parenting duties. Just Hema and him, for five full days. Their daughter Ira was safely with Mia, and for the first time in over a year, Hema felt… untethered.She sat in the passenger seat, hair loosely tied, her eyes half-lidded as she stared at the moving landscape. The windows were down just enough for the wind to tousle her strands. Zayden glanced at her sideways, and the way her lips parted ever so slightly—it stirred something primal in him.“You know,” he said, reaching over to entwine his fingers with hers, “I’ve been imagining this trip for weeks.”Hema looked over, already smiling. “I can tell. You’ve been grinning like a maniac since we left.”“I just missed having you to myself,” he said, his voice dropping. “No diapers. No meetings. No interruptions.”She giggled. “And what
The following evening, the golden light of sunset poured into the wide windows of the mansion. Ira was curled up peacefully in her little crib beside the cushioned couch, her tiny hands resting near her face, making gentle sleepy sounds as she dreamed. Hema sat cross-legged on the plush rug nearby, brushing out her hair while Zayden sat beside her, lazily scrolling through photos of Ira’s first steps with an affectionate grin plastered on his face.Mia strolled into the room in her usual confident gait, dressed in her casual yet elegant loungewear, holding a small gift box in one hand.“For the little queen,” she said, placing the box near Ira’s crib and kneeling to press a soft kiss on the baby’s forehead. “I still can’t believe she walked. I missed it!”Hema smiled warmly, setting her brush aside. “She’ll walk into your arms next time. Or maybe run.”Mia’s eyes twinkled as she looked at Hema. “She better. I’m planning to bribe her with toys and secrets.”Zayden chuckled, “Spoiling h
The grand mansion buzzed with life as little Ira, now a spirited one-year-old, filled its halls with her infectious laughter. Her tiny hands and knees propelled her swiftly across the marble floors, making her the darling of everyone—from the seasoned housekeepers to Zayden’s meticulous assistant, Mark. Each had succumbed to her charm, their days brightened by her presence.One particular afternoon, Ira’s curiosity led her on an unexpected adventure. The distant sound of raised voices echoed through the corridors, drawing her attention. Recognizing her mother’s voice, she set off, her crawling turning into determined steps as she clung to walls and furniture for support. The babysitter, momentarily distracted, turned to find Ira missing from her side. Panic surged as she began her search, only to spot the child making her way toward the commotion.Inside the master bedroom, tension crackled. Hema stood her ground, arms crossed, eyes blazing with frustration. Zayden, looking remorseful
The grand black gates of the mansion opened slowly, the familiar creak echoing through the long driveway lined with blooming jasmine. The late afternoon sun bathed everything in golden light as Zayden stepped out of the sleek black SUV, carefully cradling Ira in one arm, while holding Hema protectively with the other. Hema’s steps were slower, her body still weak from the birth, but her heart was full—this was a different kind of return. One not born out of pain or escape, but healing.Mia stood at the entrance, wearing a simple beige dress and a soft, rare smile on her face. Her sharp eyes shimmered the moment she spotted Ira. She rushed down the stairs barefoot, arms extended. “There she is—my little angel!” Mia’s voice trembled with emotion.Zayden grinned as he gently passed Ira into her arms. “She missed her aunt, didn’t she, baby?” he murmured, planting a kiss on Hema’s forehead.Hema chuckled softly and nodded. “We named her,” she said, watching Mia’s eager face.“Oh?” Mia rais
Hema lay curled up beside Zayden, her body still sore from the C-section she had just a week ago. Their baby girl, Ira, was sleeping peacefully next to her in a bassinet . Hema and Zayden had been through so much together, and now, with their little family complete, they felt like the luckiest people in the world.Hema caught him staring and gave him a coy smile. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she slowly reached up and unzipping her kurti, exposing one of her full, heavy breasts."Have a taste," she purred seductively, her voice low and inviting. Zayden's breath hitched as he took in the sight of her perfect breast, the nipple already engorged with milk. His cock instantly hardened, straining against his boxers. He swallowed thickly, desire burning in his veins.Zayde arched an eyebrow. "Are you sure, my love?"Hema nodded with a smile,Zayden's eyes darkened with lust. "I'll be gentle. I promise."In one swift movement, he leaned over her, pressing soft kisses along the swel
The tarmac glistened under the late afternoon sun as Zayden led Hema gently toward the sleek, private jet waiting for them. The sound of soft wind mixed with the distant hum of the plane’s engines. Zayden had one arm securely wrapped around Hema’s waist, supporting her as they walked slowly, while the other held baby Ira against his chest with practiced care.Behind them, two of Zayden’s men followed with their luggage, handling everything swiftly without a word. The elderly couple had waved goodbye, tears in their eyes, just a few minutes ago. Now, as they approached the jet’s steps, Zayden helped Hema up first, handing the baby over for a moment so he could lift her easily.“You don’t have to carry me every time,” Hema mumbled, half-blushing, half-teasing as he lifted her as if she weighed nothing.“You say that as if I’m going to stop,” Zayden smirked. “Let me enjoy being your crutch for a while longer.”He helped her to the spacious cabin of the jet, where a luxurious bed had alre
Zayden stood by Hema’s side as she slowly made her way down the hospital corridor, holding tightly onto his hand. Every step she took was careful, her body still sore, but determined. She didn’t complain. Her grip on his hand tightened whenever the pain in her abdomen throbbed, but she said nothing—only looked ahead, her face slightly pale but strong.Zayden, ever watchful, didn’t take his eyes off her for even a second.“You don’t have to push yourself,” he said gently, adjusting his arm around her waist.“I’m not pushing,” she whispered. “I just want to feel normal again.”Zayden chuckled softly.They reached the end of the hallway, and Hema paused near the window, looking outside at the golden morning sun spreading across the hospital lawn. She took a breath, soaking in the warmth. But the next moment, her knees buckled slightly.“Hema!” Zayden immediately pulled her close.She didn’t fall. She collapsed forward—right into his chest, her forehead resting just above his heart. Her a