Rooh

The room was alive with laughter and music, the colours of the party swirled around under the dim lights, and there I was, standing in the middle of it all. My eyes search the huge crowd of people dancing, and singing, some making out in the corner of the room with their hands roaming on each other's bodies.

A few people brush by me, the fabric of their clothes tingling the bare skin of my shoulder. The red dress I had put on this evening clings against my flesh, like a second skin. My eyes never leave the gathering, searching for a particular set of brown eyes with flecks of golden and green scattered throughout.

Someone pushes me from behind, causing me to stumble forward. A shrike leaves my lips as I wait for my face to meet the floor, but instead, a warm strong hand catches hold on my waist.

My heart jumps at the sudden contact, a mix of surprise and relief washing over me. I turn around to see who it is, only to be a little surprised.

"Hey there,"

It's him. The one with the brown eyes I've been looking for. His hair is styled in messy waves, falling over his forehead in a way that makes my heart skip a beat. He's wearing a black button-down shirt that hugs his toned chest and dark jeans that fit him perfectly.

I can feel myself blushing under his gaze as I try to regain my composure.

"Hi.."

A soft pink coats my cheeks as I steal soft glances at Avi, before tucking a strand of hair behind my ear shyly.

"Sorry for bumping into you, are you okay?"

His hand still rest on my waist, as he glances at me with concern.

"It's okay, I should've been careful,"

He chuckles deeply before his hand tightens around my waist. My breath hitches as he inches closer and our faces are only inches apart now. His warm breath tickles my skin and sends shivers down my spine.

"Well I'm glad you didn't, otherwise I wouldn't have gotten to chance to talk to you,"

"Talk... Talk to me?"

He nodded his head, and I could feel my heart racing as he leaned in closer. His eyes flickered down to my lips and I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in my stomach.

"Yeah," he says, his voice low and husky. "I've been watching you all night."

His hand, warm and large, slid from my waist to the small of my back, tugging me towards him with a gentle but insistent force. The heat emanating from his body enveloped me, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

"Watching me why?"

"Because, you decided to steal my attention a long time ago, and now I must do something to make you mine Rooh, because, either it is me and you, or the end of the world."

My heart races at his bold words, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. I can't deny the attraction I feel towards him. His lips gently glide against the corner of mine, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. With a tender tug, he draws me closer and plants a soft kiss on my lips. My heart swells with joy, feeling as though it might burst with happiness. A warm sensation spreads through my chest, melting away any worries or doubts I may have had before.

I tip-toe to reach for his lips again, But before I can touch them, a violent shake courses through my body, causing me to stumble out of Avi's embrace.

"Rooh uth ja," the voice hisses in a low, causing me to jump and shiver.

"Rooh! Uth ja pagal,"

My body jolts upright, rudely awakened by the sudden commotion buzzing around me. Blinking the sleep from my eyes, I scanned the expansive classroom, making sure no one had caught me daydreaming. Pinching myself to make sure I'm awake, I can't help but feel a twinge of disappointment as reality sets in and my fleeting dream fades away.

My cheeks heat up at the realisation of the dream I just had. It had been days since the drama at the party had gone down, yet Avi still found one way or the other to make me feel what I am desperately trying not to feel. After years of crushing on someone, when you find out that person might as well feel the same way, a normal person would accept them, and start a relationship. Yet here I am, not so much of a normal person, trying to avoid the same.

I look to my left, finding Anaya staring at me in wonder.

"What..?" whispering softly, I let out a yawn, still tired from the all-nighter I had pulled. College really kicks your ass at times. And when it's not college, it's your parents.

"I'm wondering how you can sleep in such commotion. I can't get a blink of sleep, and here you slept for a whole hour."

My classmate points to the huge clock hanging on the wall in front of us. Indeed it had been almost 50 minutes since class started. And I know for a fact I dropped dead as soon as I reached my seat.

As my classmate continues to lecture me about my ability to fall asleep anywhere, I groan lightly before dropping my head on the desk once again. I had been running on fumes for weeks now, trying to balance school, work, and family obligations. My body was exhausted and any chance of rest was quickly snatched away by the constant demands of my daily life.

But as I lay there with my eyes closed, I couldn't help but think about how much I wished for just a moment of peace and quiet. To be able to close my eyes without the fear of missing out on something important or falling behind in school. Just a few minutes where I didn't have to worry about anything but catching up on much-needed sleep.

But as much as I longed for it, I knew it was just wishful thinking. The reality was that life would continue to throw one thing after another at me, and it was up to me to keep up with the pace. And just like always, it throws another loud bell in my face, washing away any sleep I was hoping to get.

The chairs scrape the floorboard, as everyone gets up from their seats, chattering away after the long day in this hell hole. I pick up my tote, before plucking out a pair of headphones before anyone decides to make a conversation with me. That would be the last thing I wanted, especially since I was nothing but moody after my nap.

And you can blame Mr. Avinash Kapoor for that.

As I walk out of the classroom, taking a deep breath, my eyes savouring the sky outside through the building windows. It was almost 5 pm, at the sky had started to change from its regular blue to the prettiest shades of sunset. If there was one thing to enjoy about going to college, it would only be the fact that I get to watch the sunset when I return back home. Whether it be alone, on the bus, or in the car with Kaynaaz, I could hardly get tired of watching the sky the whole time back.

Starting my playlist on my phone, I take a detour away from the crowd of students, heading to the secret exit I had found a few months back. Everyone usually takes the new hallway through which they board the lift to get to the ground floor. And that has left the staircase in the old hallways, empty and free from buzzing chatter.

I hum to the tunes playing in my ears, strolling down the empty way. Anyone else would be scared to come here, judging by the eerie atmosphere, and honestly, I would really be the last person you'd find in an eerie, haunted-looking hallway. But trust me, even ghosts are better company than those sweaty college hunks, hogging up the elevators.

A sudden, loud click echoes through the hallway in front of me. Startled, I look up from my phone to find the source, only to be met with an empty and eerily quiet corridor. My heart starts to race as I tilt my head slightly, feeling a sense of unease wash over me. Just moments ago, I was admiring this same exit for its beauty and now it feels like a trap.

Suno Bagwaan Ji, when I said I'm okay with ghosts, I didn't actually want you to send some to accompany me okay?

Tightening my hold on the strap of my bag, I pluck out one earphone, searching out for any more sounds. Hearing nothing, I brush off the irrational fear in my head before plugging my earphones back in, as I make my way slowly towards the staircases.

I quickly pass by the old classrooms, which had been locked up since no one used them anymore. Just as I reach the last door, preparing to turn towards the stairs, a sharp click echoes through the hallway, freezing me in my tracks.

Suddenly, a strong hand grips my waist, pulling me forcefully into the classroom. My initial reaction is to scream for help, but before I can make a sound, another hand covers my mouth tightly. Panic sets in as I am dragged to the back corner of the room.

Letting out a muffled cry for help, I feel myself being lifted off the ground and onto one of the dusty desks. Frantically, I try to free myself from the hands that are holding me down, their touch feeling too invasive for comfort. My skirt rides up slightly as I struggle, revealing more skin than I would like.

Oh god.. oh god oh god.. meko kidnap kar liya, ab ye mera murder kar dega, mene elevator kyu nhi liya? Omg

Thinking of the last resort, I push away the body in front of me, before clasping my hands in front of them, my eyes shut close since we entered the room.

"Dekho bhai, mere pas koi paisa nhi hai, meko jane do. Agar aapne meko kidnap kiya na, toh main bol bol ke aapka dimaag kha jaugi. Please meko jaane do,"

I feel their eyes linger over my body, their hungry gazes that send shivers down my spine. A deep, masculine chuckle reaches my ears, causing a knot of unease to form in my stomach.

Hell, does he think this is funny? Like seriously?

His hands leave my thighs, the warmth of his touch disappearing as he grips my face and tilts it upwards, forcing me to face him. I can feel his breath on my skin, the heat of it sending tingles through my body.

"Open your eyes Rooh,"

My confusion grows as I tilt my head to look at him, hearing the familiar voice ring in my ears.

No way.

Is it really who I think it is, or is it the memories of my dream that's making me crazy?

I slowly open my eyes, my heartbeat picking up gradually before I come face to face with the eyes I had been trying to ignore for days. I resist the urge to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't just in another dream.

"Avi?" I whisper, still trying to process his sudden appearance. He hums softly, before moving a free strand of my hair behind my ear, causing them to heat up.

"Missed me?"

I shake my head softly, looking away from his heated gaze. Even though deep down, a part of me did miss him, I wasn't going to show it. Because my brain and heart had decided to avoid this man, after falling in love with him like complete idiots.

He lets out a deep sigh, his breath brushing against my skin and sending shivers down my spine. But then he chuckles, breaking the silence and pulling me back to reality. He grips my face firmly, forcing me to face him once again. Even if I wanted to avoid him the best I could, there's nothing I can do right now.

"You know," he says, his voice sending chills down my back, making me shiver despite the hot weather outside.

"Avoiding me isn't going to erase the memory of that almost kiss. If anything, it's just making it more memorable. Are we going to finish what we started or are you planning on keeping me on the edge forever?"

I can feel my cheeks heating up at his words, and I quickly scoot back on the desk, trying to regain some distance between us. But he follows me leaning closer, his determined gaze never leaving mine.

"Avi, please..." I start, but he cuts me off.

"Please what? Tell me to leave you alone. Ignore what we both know is there?" His voice filled with frustration and a tinge of hurt.

"I...I don't know," I stammer, unable to come up with a coherent answer.

I swallow hard, my mind racing as I struggle with my conflicting feelings. A part of me wants him to just leave and end this confusing game we're playing. But another part longs for his touch and the way he makes my heart race. Before I can respond, Avi's hand reaches out and brushes a loose strand of hair behind my ear again. The intimate gesture sends shivers down my spine and I have to fight the urge to lean into his touch.

"Tell me what you want," he whispers, his breath fanning over my face.

I take a deep breath before meeting his gaze head-on.

"I want you to leave me alone okay? Whatever happened at the party was a game,"

"Really?" He questions, with his eyebrow raised. I nod, determined to push away my conflicting emotions and the growing attraction I feel for Avi.

"Really," I reply firmly.

Avi's expression turns serious, and he takes a step closer to me. His brown eyes search into mine for something I couldn't catch hold of, and his hand slides down my face to my hand, before he grips it softly. My heart races at his proximity, but I stand my ground.

"Are you sure about that?" Avi asks, his voice low and intense. I try to keep my composure as I look into his eyes. "Yes," I reply firmly, despite the turmoil inside me. Avi's grip on my hand tightens slightly, and he leans in closer.

"Because I don't think that's what your body wants," he whispers, sending shivers down my spine. His lips brush against my skin, igniting a fire within me. My breath hitches at the sensation of his warm breath on my skin, and I can feel my resolve weakening. But I push back the urge to give in to him.

"No," I say firmly, pulling away from him. "I'm sorry if there was any confusion at the party, but it was just a game."

Avi's face falls slightly before he masks it with his usual charming smile.

"If that's what you want to believe," he says with a shrug.

Before I can respond, a loud ring rips through the tense environment. I pull out the buzzing phone from the pocket of my phone before looking at the caller ID.

Kay.

I take a quick glance at Avi, before removing his hand from my own and stepping down from the desk. He stumbles backwards due to my sudden movement, catching hold of himself on the wall. Without looking back, I snatch my bag from one of the chairs and dart towards the door, not bothering to ask if he is alright.

"Wait, Rooh listen," I hear the scrape of chairs being pushed aside as he chases after me, repeatedly shouting my name until I violently yank open the door and slam it shut in his face. The loud thud echoes through the hallway as I storm away, my heart racing with anger and confusion.

I didn't have time to deal with him, if Kaynaaz finds out I was with him, I'll get another two-hour lecture on how I'm too young to date anyone. And certainly not him.

It doesn't take long for Avinash to catch up behind me. I sprint out the college gates, shifting my gaze across the parking lot to find my best friend's car. A deep sigh of relief leaves my dry lips as I spot the red car standing to my right.

"Rooh ruk ja," I glance over my shoulder to find Avi panting and gesturing for me to wait up. His hand reached towards me, urging me to slow down.

I can't, she'll murder me along with him.

Throwing an apologetic glance in his direction, I scurry to Kay's car and swing open the door, only to be bombarded with a string of questions.

"Kidhar thi tu? Your class ended 30 mins ago Rooh,"

Had it been so long?

Time seemed to slip away in his presence, the hours melting into minutes and the minutes stretching into mere seconds. At the party, four hours had passed by in what felt like a single hour. And now, in these short 30 minutes, it felt as though only five had gone by. Every moment with him was like a dream that I never wanted to end. The way he smiled and laughed, the way his eyes sparkled in the light, all added to the surreal feeling of being lost in time with him.

And that lecture Kaynaaz gave you felt like 5 days long, stop thinking about him.

"You should really start being mature Rooh, this won't always be okay, I can't alw-"Her words get cut off in between as she stares at the window on my side of the car I follow her gaze only to find Avi standing right there.

Oh my god

"What is he doing here?"

"I- I do not know, Let's go, Kay, step on the gas," she opens her mouth to protest but I let out a sharp command, "LET'S JUST GO KAY,"

And with that she steps on the accelerator, speeding past the boy waiting and yelling for us to stop.

"Are you going to explain that?"

"No, it was nothing okay?"

"Right,"

We drive back home silently for the rest of the drive. I know she had questions, but I guess my exhausted face made it very obvious that I didn't want to discuss anything. I lean back into the car seat, silently eyeing the sky. For the first time in forever, I wasn't thinking about the colours of the sky. Instead, my mind kept wandering back to Avi. The way I had slapped on his face the fact that I didn't really like it, even though it was a complete white lie.

I'll talk to him on Monday. I'd rather enjoy a weekend without worrying about him.

Thirty minutes later, me and Kay are at the steps of Rajvanshi mansion. I, joking about Kaynaaz's sense of fashion, and her almost pushing me off the stairs to get revenge.

Okay not really, I just kind of tripped myself.

With a firm grip on the doorknob, Kay pushes open the heavy double doors to her house, revealing the living room. But before we can fully step inside, the sound of a sharp slap cuts through the air, followed by a soft whimper.

I flinch at the sudden and violent disturbance, but Kay steadies me with a reassuring hand on my arm.

"YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO THIS FAMILY KYRA," booms a deep and angry voice that echoes throughout the house and my eyes finally focus on the scene in front of us.

Kay's father stands in the centre of the room, his face red with anger.

And Kyra Di.

Hunched over and silently crying, her hand clutching her stinging cheek. The tension in the air is palpable as Kay and I exchange worried glances, unsure of what to do next in this family drama unfolding before us.