Kyra

My eyes flutter open to the disgusting smell of burning metal, and fumes congesting my respiratory system, making it practically impossible to get in any fresh air without inhaling any toxic smell.

But right now, the foul odour fumes aren't the ones troubling my head. My gaze adjusts to the orange-red streaks of fire prowling around me, a lot consuming what seemed like the entire car. The car which I had gone out in with Dadu because we were going to get ice cream before Mum and Dad arrived back in town.

If the fire wasn't enough to scare my five-year-old soul, the blood splattered on the windshield, dripping onto the dashboard surely did. I catch a sudden sense of my surroundings, gripping tightly onto the seat to pull it off my body but no heed. It doesn't budge.

A sob escapes my lips at my helplessness and I suddenly regret being so stubborn. Only if I had the patience to wait till tomorrow morning, I wouldn't be trapped between these scorching flames.

My blurred vision lingers back to the crimson red slowly spilling over the dashboard until I gaze at its source, and my tiny heart breaks into pieces.

Dadu lay there with his head on the leather steering, a deep wound seeping with blood flowing over his clothes and the rest of the car.

I reach out with my hands, as much as the restrictive seatbelt allows me to, slowly nudging my grandfather's back with my fingers.

"Please wake up Dadu, utho na"
(Please wake up grandfather, wake up no)

I let out blood blood-curdling cry as some sparkle fry towards me for the car tilts to the right, sending me flying off my seat. I close my eyes tightly, waiting to fall into a heap of fire but nothing happens.

Something plush presses against my cheeks, moistening the surface before the heavy presence above my face moves slightly, causing my eyes to flutter open only to stare at the same chocolate brown ones I had seen in the library about two weeks ago.

I stare into the brown pie staring back at me with a smile, trying to configure whether or not it's a dream, until he leans closer and presses a soft kiss on my nose, causing me to shut my eyes and rub them back open. Only this time, to find no trace of the said man.

Was I dreaming? Or..

Shaking my head I slipped out from underneath the thin sheet before turning off the air conditioner that had been the only thing keeping this room warm from the scourging heat outside. My lord, is it burning hot outside?

I stumble upon something on my way towards the bathroom. Looking down, I find a square-shaped box wrapped up with a small bow at the top.

Who left this here?

Half-mindedly, I flop down on the bench near my glass window, before I begin to unwrap this very late birthday present.

My head tilts to the side as I take out the silk black dress placed in the box, my heart urges me to place it on my figure to stop this moment but I refrain, unaware of the intentions of the person who sent such an expensive item without prior notice. I go on to place the dress back into its carrier with the intention of donating the unknown piece of fabric until something sparkly at the bottom of the gift box catches my attention.

Slowly pulling out the golden card, I flip it over to find a small message written down in beautiful handwriting, along with a cat doodle drawn at the bottom which causes a subconscious involuntary smile to tug at my lips.

"I know you're curious Señorita, about my name, and my identity, and I'm curious to see you dressed in your favourite colour, see me tonight? 7 pm? The same place I got you those books.

Yours truly
Mystery man"

My lips form an unwanted smile as I tap the little invitation against my naked thigh. Should I really go? A bit late to go out.. that too wearing this dress. Everyone will get suspicious.

But..

I NEED TO KNOW HIS NAME

and like always I let my curiosity guide my actions again.

Putting aside the bow in hand, I tie up my hair and head towards the bathroom to get ready for the day.

I refrain myself from pulling the silk dress out from its place try it on, and pick a simple red dress from my closet before draping it on my body and tying my hair into a ponytail.

I glance at the clock behind me, reading 12:30 pm before finishing up my skincare and proceeding to make my bed.

I pick up my laptop, contemplating whether or not to go downstairs to work on my project. No one wants their angry grumpy desi father on the top of their head while they're trying to work.

Letting out a sigh I make a final decision and gather my things before heading downstairs.

"Good morning chudail,"

I look up to find the one and only panda I know staring at me with his googly eyes, dressed up in a black pantsuit.

"Good morning to you too Mr. Khurana, why are you at my house early afternoon? Bhaiya toh kaam se gaye hai,"

"Acha, toh ab mai Mr Khurana ho gaya?"
(Oh, so now I'm Mr. Khurana?)

"Nhi, of course not, you're still panda-faced panda, also stop dodging my questions,"

"I came to talk to you,"

"Kis baat pe?"
(About what?)

I settle down on one of the chairs by the breakfast table before opening my laptop and typing in the password, Shiv quietly gazes at the screen before looking at me, wanting my full attention. My eyes turn to his before I raise my eyebrow.

"It's about Anvi and Ishaan isn't it?"

He slowly nods his head before dragging a chair next to me and sitting down beside me.

"You need to stop worrying about them panda, they're grown up, they can handle their relationship, and how they settle things."

"You know how Anvi's uncle is? Teko pata hai Inaya ke sath Kya hua tha,"

"I know but Anvi's Dad is different, plus he adores Ishaan, come on Shiv tune bhi dekha hai he treats Ishaan like his own son,"

"Hn toh own son hai toh Anvi should be his sister na,"
(Yes exactly if he's his own son, then Anvi should be her sister na)

I smack the back of his head before giving him an annoyed scowl.

"You're not funny,"

"And you are?"

"Yes, I'm very funny, more than u at least,"

"Tere Oreo dustbin me phek dunga,"
(I will throw your Oreos in the dustbin)

"Mai Mariam ko potato date pe leke chali jaugi,"
(I will take Mariam on a potato date)

He makes a bewildered face before picking up the nearest soft thing to hit me with but I smack the back of his head as soon as he turns to pick it. He glared at me over her shoulder before picking up one of my books and smacking the top of my head with it.

"Yah what the hell,"

"Stay always from Mariam,"

"Nhi"
(No)

"Kyra,"

I cross my arms in front of my chest before a smirk appears on my face.

"You like her don't you,"

His gaze softens for a minute second before he redirects his attention towards one of the walls behind me. Despite the effort to keep a calm composer, the tug at his lips gives away his intentions.

"Nothing like that,"

"Uh-huh, sure,"

I shake my head softly, not bothering to push any further, these both definitely had something going on, and I'm gonna make it work.

I silently open one of the note pages before typing down a few words, before I sense something right beside my face. From the corner of my eye, I find Shiv quietly staring at my laptop screen with curiosity.

"Ye Kya hai?"
(What is this)

"Kuch toh hai,"
(Something)

I sigh deeply before staring at the words written on the page.

Whispers of Eternity — Author Persephone L. Edevane

I was kind of stupid for this. But maybe not entirely. My Masters degree was about to come to an end, and I was ready to be an editor at any publication, yet my mind diverted and suddenly I had the idea to write something of my own. Could it really be that hard? I never told anyone, I have no idea what I'll do, but, what's wrong in giving it a try?

"Ye Persephone kon hai?"
(Who's this Persephone?)

"Mai hu,"
(Me)

He nods his head slightly until he configures my words and whips his head towards me.

"Tu book likh rahi?"
(You're writing a book?)

Slowly nodding my head, I watch his confused gaze morph into a fascinated one, and a smile tugs at my lips.

"About what? How? When? Will it be on paperback?"

"I don't know I don't know panda calm down."

He wraps his arm around my neck and gives me a small hug from the side, ruffling my hair softly. A whine leaves my lips at his attempts to ruin my hair before I chuckle softly.

"Bas bas hatt ab kaam karne de,"
(Okay okay enough move let me do my work)

"Besharam ladki,"
(Shameless girl)

Before I think of a way to revolt against his action, his phone rings up. Shiv picks up the call before saying small bits of yes and no into his phone and finally hangs up.

"Main chalta hu, Tu kar kaam,"
(I'll go, you do your work)

A frown appears on my lips at the sudden loss of his company but I nod my head softly before sitting up straight in my chair and staring at my laptop.

Let's get this shit done.

A loud yawn leaves my lips after five hours of continuous typing with a few coffee breaks.

My mind couldn't wrap around the fact that I decided to write a book, and that too something that I hadn't quite seen before.

I type a quick text in the group chat, informing everyone about my doing, to which Anvi replies in a second

K: Soooo I'm writing a book people
A: ...YOU ARE WHAT?
K: I'm writing a book hair flip emoji
A: damn BABYGIRL
K: hehe, soo... I need y'all to give yourself a name..
S: heh?
A: anvi khan hai toh naam
K: aree nhi, like a foreign name, something else
A: okay will let you know after thinking
K: white heart emoji

A satisfied smile coats my lips and I lean into my chair keeping my phone aside before staring at the main door of the house.

Just then, the back door of the house creaks open and I gaze over my shoulder towards the sound.

Kaynaaz walks in with Riri in her hands, softly petting her fur. Riri gives her a scowl before smacking her arm, demanding a release from her hold, but Kaynaaz doesn't listen and continues to pet the white-furred creature.

A screech leaves Kaynaaz's lips, timed along with my gasp as Riri scratches my sister's face with her uncut claws. Kay immediately lets go of the cat, dropping it to the floor before holding her face in her hands.

"Uff are you okay Kay?"

I get up from my chair before moving in her direction, and slowly removing her hand to see the cut on her cheek.

My eyes send a glare in Riri's direction, but I decide against scolding her for now.

"Choro didi I can bandage it myself,"

"Aree but-"

"I'm okay di,"

She slips out of my hold before turning around and marching across the kitchen to her room. A bad feeling settles in my heart but I shake it off, before picking up Riri from the ground.

"That was a very bad thing to do sweetheart,"

She leans into my figure, softly purring and meowing at my words before placing a lick on my cheek making me let out a soft giggle.

"Ab main tum pe gussa bhi nhi kar sakti na?"
(Now how can I get mad at you?)

Shaking my head, I place her on the ground before picking up my stuff from the table and heading back upstairs. I needed to get ready.

Time skip

A chuckle leaves my lips are Riri threads between my legs before circling my figure.

I adjust the straps of my black dress softly patting down where it has become wrinkly. The strap of the black silk dress gracefully winds around my shoulders, serving as the only support for the fabric around my body. The luxurious silk material moulds to my curves without clinging too tightly. I move slightly only to catch the silk ripples and sways, catching the light in beautiful patterns.

To say that I had fallen in love with this beautiful mesmerising dress the minute it cascaded down my body would be the most honest statement I've heard in a while.

I gently place the bow necklace I received from him during our last encounter on my neck, admiring the way it fits perfectly with the dress of choice.

With a few flicks of my make-up brush here and there, and a red lipstick to match, I step back from my dress, staring at the one side of me that I usually don't expose to the world.

The side that has its own dark ways of thinking and planning, usually hidden way.

He was bringing out my inner demon, and I wasn't sure whether I loved it or absolutely hated it. From getting even the slightest bit of interest in his ways to getting dressed in clothes he sent, isn't something that a person in the right state of mind would do.

I glance at my phone to check the time before nervously rubbing my hands against the silk on the dress.

Did I really wanna risk it? I mean, he would kidnap me.. but then again.. he reads doesn't he? I think.

Ugh

I slam my fist on the dresser, startlingly Riri who was resting at its corner. She jumps from her place and meows loudly as if scolding me for my sudden behaviour change.

Whatever. Today is the last day I'm meeting this guy. I just need to know his name. Just his name. If not anything else.

I arrived at the library a bit earlier than he had asked me to. It was just 6:30 pm, still thirty minutes before he was supposed to be here.

Awkwardly walking into my one comfort place, I pass a smile at the lady at the counter, who was probably wondering why the hell I was so formally dressed to get books from the library.

Not my fault. That idiot of a joker man asked me to wear this. He's out of his mind.

before I could continue to gaze around the place, with hopes to get a few books to read, a hand grabs mine, and another covers my lips before the owner drags me to the staircase leading to the rooftop.

I try to scream at the top of my lungs, but his swift movement and palm pressed against my mouth didn't allow anyone to see us.

Still struggling halfway up the stairs, I bite into the palm covering my face and it pulls away immediately, its owner wincing behind me.

"Shit Señorita you didn't have to be so aggressive I was just helping you up the stairs,"

I turn around to find the same set of eyes I had seen this morning, staring at me in slight pain.

My first instinct is to say sorry to him until I process what this man just said to me.

HELPING ME UP THE STAIRS?

I take the bag in my hand before smacking his face with it harshly and turning around to WALK up the stairs but myself.

Which idiot, helps a lady up the stairs by dragging her out like that, what the fuck even.

I walk up to the roof with a wincing and huffing man following my steps from behind, not saying another word directed to me.

I hear him curse under his breath over my harshness but completely ignore it.

He deserved that smack.

I place my hand on the handle to open the door but before it budges, the man behind me places his hands on my eyes, suddenly bringing nothing but darkness.

"Don't hurt me again please, it's a surprise I can't let you see it just now,"

He softly whispers into my eye before placing a peck on my lobe, sending a sharp chill down my back. I rub my hand against my dress again, trying to get rid of the weird feeling that had risen in my stomach.

Warm summer air hits my skin as soon as he pushes open the door to the roof, he takes my hand in his free one, slowly helping me move forward outside into the open.

With his hands still on my eyes, I take a deep breath, and my senses stop for a moment at the sweet smell of cake. Freshly made cake.

"Did you buy cake?"

"Yes lady, you ask too many questions"

"Not my fault I'm so curious,"

His chest rumbles with a chuckle and he stops forward from behind me. With the slowest movement, he removes his hand from my eyes, revealing the masterpiece he had set up in front of me.

A large book shelf stood in front of my eyes, its corner covered with shining lights, sparkling golden and white. In front of the books laid a round table on top of which rested a cake with a few candles.

"What's the cake for?"

I look at him before stepping out of his way and walking to the bookself to take a better look at it.

"It's my birthday,"

I turn at my spot, staring at him with suspicion.

"Are you lying?"

"Why would I lie about my birthday?"

I shrug at his statement before slowly walking to the table set up with food and the cake.

"How old are you now?"

"Twenty six"

I nod my head slowly, before pursing my lips, unknowing of what to say next.

"So why are we here?"

"To celebrate my birthday,"

"What about your family?"

"They're busy"

"Why tho? Can't they come for their son's birthday..?"

He shakes his head softly before walking towards me and pauses in front of my figure, our chest almost pressing against each other. I step back to create some distance but he wraps an arm around my waist before pulling my body closer to his again.

"You ask too many questions Kyra,"

He holds our gaze, as staring right into my soul or reading my mind. He leans closer, as if kissing my lips, his eyes staring at mine, no movement what so ever.

Something in my brain tells me to stop him from coming closer to me, refrain his touch, yet my heart doesn't want to pull away from him. Not at the moment at least.

He tilts his head sides away before placing a peck on my neck like he had this morning.

Wait. This morning.

"Where you in my bedroom this morning?"

"No love, why's that?"

"I swear I saw you,"

He raises his eyebrow before a smirk forms on his lips.

"Dreaming about me sweetheart?"

The audacity..

I shake my head before pushing him away from myself and clearly my throat.

"Nothing like that, don't get ahead of yourself,"

"As you say sweetheart,"

He ruffles my hair softly making me while and smack away his hand. He lets out a chuckle before pulling out a chair for me.

"Sit"

"Why?"

"Aren't you curious?"

I let out an aggressive sigh before plopping down on the chair and crossing my arms in front of my chest. He settles down on the chair in front of me before passing me a smile.

My gaze lingered on him, taking in his outfit with a new level of attention. A crisp, white dress shirt hugged his frame, tucked neatly into dark dress pants. The collar was perfectly pressed and a hint of cologne wafted from it. His hair was styled neater than it had been the last time. But what caught my eye were the sleeves of his shirt, which revealed snippets of ink peeking out from underneath. Intricate designs and symbols adorned his skin, adding to his mysterious allure.

"You've tattoos?"

His eyes transfix on mine before he gives me a silently nod.

"Can I see?"

"You want me to strip off my shirt love?"

This man-

I feel my cheeks heating before I shake my head right and left.

"Bohot besharam ho aap, you can just roll up your sleeves a bit more,"
(You're very shameless, you can just roll up up your sleeeves a bit more)

He lets out a loud chuckle causing me to roll my eyes and stuffing my face with one of the dishes set on the table. He picks up the lighter set on the table before lighting all the candles on the cake and giving me a small look before picking up the knife.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you happy birthday dear Mr. Who's name I don't know, happy birthday to you,"

He chuckles at how I sing the birthday song before closing his eyes to make a wish and blows out the candles.

"Would you like a slice?"

He cuts into the cake and throws the question in my direction.

I nod silently before waiting patiently for him to plate me a slice.

"Weren't you gonna tell me about yourself?"

"What do you wanna know princess?"

He hands me the plate before getting one for himself.

"Your name"

"Not for now, next question"

I furrow my eyes and pout softly before biting into the cake. The sudden taste of oreos fills my mouth and I let out a squeal, before kicking my legs under the table.

"NO WAY, ITS OREO CAKE?"

He nods his head softly, a small smile on his face.

"My grandfather loves oreos like you"

I nod my head slowly before taking another bite with satisfaction. Everything was worth risking for this cake.

"Who's your grandfather?"

"He's a trustee at a college in Delhi, and manages business with my dad,"

"Family business.. means you're their heir?"

"You're a smart one. Yes, I'm the heir to father's company, already managing a fraction of the business."

I nod slowly, understanding his words and letting them seep in. At least he wasn't the kid of some gangsters. That's what I thought when he started stalking me at least.

Over the next hour, the man answers every single one of my questions. From his favourite colour to his opinions on books. Turns out, he does read, but rather the more classics recs.

I think I might've enjoyed my time a little more than I should've when he said I can pick out as many books I want from the shelf.

Come on who doesn't love free books.

"Where's my birthday gift señorita?"

I look up from the book on my lap and stare at him for a minute.

"Where's my return gift?"

His lips morph into a smile at my reply before he pulls out a paper from his pockets.

"Here"

I tilt my head curiously, gazing at the piece of paper in his tattooed hand.

"What's that?"

"My name,"

My body jolts in surprise at his sudden statement, almost causing me to leap out of my seat in anticipation. But I quickly gather myself and remember my etiquette. Adjusting my dress with my hand, I clear my throat.

"I didn't know it was your birthday or I would brought you a present,"

"You can give me a kiss,"

"Huh?"

With a sudden movement, he rises from his seat and strides towards me. I brace myself as he yanks my chair out from under the table, forcing me to face him. His hand grips my chin softly, tilting my head up to meet his gaze.

"I said, you can give me a Kiss, señorita,"

His voice comes deeper than it had been before, sending a wave of goosebumps to rise on my skin.

"A kiss?"

He slowly moves his head up and down, agreeing to my question. I mean. He didn't say to kiss where...

"Okay okay,"

I move out of his hold before pushing my chair away and standing up. He lifts the hand in which he holds the paper, looking at me with eyes as if he were two seconds away from devouring me. I take a deep breath and catch hold of my purse secretly before standing up on my toes, inching closer to his lips.

He closes his eyes, a hopeful smile playing on his lips as he anticipates the feeling of my lips against his. Instead, I surprise him with a quick kiss on his cheek before snatching the paper out of his hand and dashing towards the door leading off the roof. I look over my shoulder to see his expression turn from one of anticipation to one of confusion and amusement as I make my escape.

"Kyra!"

I hear him call out my name multiple times but I pay no heed. Quickly stepping down the stairs, my footstep echoing off the concrete wall, I pass a quick, tight smile to the lady at the counter who gives me two thumbs up before sprinting out of the library doors.

My hand wavers as I wait for one of the autos to stop at my feet, impatiently tapping my foot on the ground, afraid the man on the rooftop might catch up to me.

A minute later, an autos paused in front of me. I climb and ask the driver to hurry away from the library, to which he agrees and speeds the vehicle far away from the traces of my mystery man.

A heavy sigh escapes my lips as I stare at the crumpled paper in my hand, the weight of anticipation finally lifting off my chest. Days of waiting, days of wondering, and now the answer rests in my trembling hands. Slowly, with a mix of both eagerness and agitating, I unfold the wrinkled paper, my eyes growing more curious with each unfolding crease. And then, in one swift moment, his name is revealed on the page, my heart races and my palms grow clammy as I spell the name written in bold letters.

Ansh Sharma.