Her eyes harden as she steps off the treadmill. “You can’t just waltz into my life, make these bold claims, and expect me to fall in line as if you are royalty or something.”
I push off the treadmill and take a step toward her. “I’m not waltzing into your life, sweetheart. I’m already a part of it. Whether you admit it or not.”
Sana rolls her eyes so hard I’m surprised they don’t get stuck. “You really need to take my advice and see a doctor. A good one. You’re completely crazy.”
“Crazy about you,” I shoot back, delivering the cheesy line that sounds odd to my ears, but nevertheless, it’s true.
“Is marriage a joke to you? You meet someone twice, decide you like them, and just like that, wham… a lifetime commitment in a jiffy? Who the hell does that?” she says, throwing her hands in the air in frustration.
“It’s not a joke, Sana. And I don’t take marriage lightly. Like I said, when you know, you know.”
She lets out a humourless laugh. “Ya, right. This isn’t a fairy tale, Aditya. Real life doesn’t work like that.”
“Who says it can’t?” I challenge. “Just because something isn’t conventional doesn’t mean it’s wrong.” My gaze sweeps over her, taking in the fire in her eyes and the stubborn set of her jaw. God, she’s breathtaking. “You think I don’t get how insane this sounds? But that doesn’t change the fact that I want you. And I don’t plan on walking away just because you have certain practical rules about how life works.”
“Grow up, Aditya. Marriage isn’t some impulsive decision. It’s not about what you think in a moment of... whatever you think it is.”
“And what if it’s not just a passing moment?” I ask, holding my ground. “What if I’ve thought this through more than you realise?” I don’t take my eyes off her, even as her intensity starts to pierce through. “I’m a smart businessman, Sana. I don’t act on impulse. When I want something, I go all in. No second-guessing.” My eyes search hers, hoping she understands what I’m trying to say. “And you? You’re not just some game. You’re the one I truly want.” I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I don’t want to scare her away. “Sana, please, give me a chance to prove that this isn’t some random impulse, that it’s not something momentary.”
She scoffs, folding her arms. “You don’t get it, do you? I don’t want this. I don’t want you. And this whole thing is crossing a line. If you don’t stop this, I’ll have no choice but to take it to the cops.”
“Go ahead. Report me. File a complaint. Do whatever you need to do. But it won’t change the fact that for me this is about something worth fighting for.”
She takes a step back, clearly exasperated. “You sound completely psycho. I don’t know what you think this is, but let me spell it out for you—it’s never going to happen. Not now. Not ever.”
I take a step forward, closing the space between us just enough to make her gulp. “You’re scared, Sana. Scared of what this could be. Scared of me. Scared of how you might feel. But this very second, I’m going to prove to you that there’s something real between us,” I state, daring her to challenge me.
She parts her lips, ready to retort, but I don’t give her the chance. Instead, I lift my hand and gently brush the back of my fingers along her cheek. Her skin is warm beneath my touch andI can feel her breath hitch. Luckily, she doesn’t push me away. Instead, her chest rises and falls, each breath in sync with the rapid beat of my heart.
Taking that as an olive branch, I cup her face and lean in slowly, giving her all the time in the world to stop me. Her eyes flicker, but she doesn’t back away. When my face is mere inches from hers, I see her lashes flutter shut, her lips parting ever so slightly. I grin.She thinks I’m going to kiss her.
Fighting the urge to completely lose control, I bring my lips close to her ear and whisper, “You feel it too, Sana. You just don’t want to admit it. You’re scared.”
Her eyes snap open, and she instantly jerks back, making my hand fall to my side. Her cheeks are flushed crimson.
“You’re insane,” she murmurs, but the slight quiver in her voice gives her away.
“Call me whatever you want. But we both know the truth.”
Her gaze darts around before snapping back to me. “This... this seriously needs to stop.”
“I won’t stop. Take my advice—you can’t run from what you are feeling for long, Sana.”
Her lips part as if to argue, but no words come out. She shakes her head, grabs her bag and walks away, leaving me standing there, watching her go.
I know I’ve pushed her to the edge, but I had to.
I never thought I’d see marriage in my future, least of all me chasing a girl for it. But Sana changed the whole game. She’s gotten under my skin, and there’s no way I’m letting her slip through my fingers. She can deny it all she wants, but I’ll make damn sure she feels every bit of this pull between us—just like I do.
And this is just the beginning.
Chapter 9
Sana
I toss my gym bag into the corner of my room, not caring where it lands, and head straight to my wardrobe. With a sharp tug, I pull out a fresh white bedsheet. Frustration pulses through me, fuelling my movements as I move to rip the perfectly clean sheet off my bed. I spread the new one with quick, almost violent moves, smoothing out every crease as if trying to iron out the turmoil within me.
But it doesn’t help. Even so, I keep going. I need something—anything—to keep myself occupied, to drown out the irritation clawing at my mind.
