6

It takes a lot of time to write edit and publish besties. Please your one vote and comment will help me alot. It will motivate me.

---

The music throbbed through the floor, blending with laughter, clinking glasses, and the low hum of conversations that wove through the dimly lit room. Fairy lights draped across the ceiling gave the night a dreamlike glow. Adi stood across the room, his eyes occasionally drifting to Vidya like they had a mind of their own. She was laughing at something Avi said, her head tilted back, that rare, carefree smile on her lips.

It had been a perfect night so far — one of those nights that felt stolen from a better universe. Vidya was here, surrounded by people she trusted, feeling lighter than she had in weeks. Adi had been watching her without even realizing, and Avi his younger brother had noticed.

Bhai, Avi whispered, nudging him, yeh jo ap ho na ap bas unhe dekhte reh jaate ho. Kab bologe?

Adi smirked but didn’t answer. He knew Avi was right and yet, timing was everything.

Vidya’s phone buzzed on the table, the screen lighting up with an unknown number. She frowned.

"Excuse me… I’ll be back in two minutes, she told the group, already stepping away."

She answered in a quieter corner.

Vidya: Hello?

Unknown: Hey baby.

Her spine stiffened. That voice. That old, unwanted familiarity slithered into her ears.

Vidya: You told me you’d leave the city… why are you here now? What do you want?

Unknown: You’re getting close to Adi, aren’t you?

Vidya: What?

Unknown: If you want him alive, leave him.

Vidya: You know I can’t—

Unknown: You will. There are three people who want him dead. You want him safe? Walk away.

Vidya: But why?

Unknown: Because you’re mine, Sunshine.

Vidya: Stop calling me that.

Before she could end the call, Parul appeared out of nowhere, plucking the phone from her hand. She listened for a second, her expression hardening.

Parul: Is he back?

Vidya (eyes filling): …He’s back.

Parul: But you said Naitik wasn’t here. Then why—

Adi’s voice cut through the tension: "You okay? Why are you crying?"

Vidya didn’t even meet his eyes.

Vidya: It’s none of your business.

She walked away, heading straight to her bedroom, the door closing firmly behind her. Adi’s jaw clenched, the air around him turning heavier. Without a word, he left, the sound of the front door slamming making everyone flinch.

---

Adi’s POV

Why that tone? Why the distance? I’d done nothing wrong so why did it feel like my chest was being crushed? My hands tightened on the steering wheel, speed climbing — 80, 100, 120 km/h. The city lights blurred past, but my mind was locked on her face.

Calls lit up my phone — Avi, Harsh, Nihar, Parul. I ignored every one.

The car finally rolled to a stop near the beach. At 3:45 a.m., the world was silent except for the waves. I sat there, letting the sea breeze hit my face, but the anger kept rising. Not the loud, wild kind — the cold, dangerous kind.

Parul’s call broke my stillness.

Adi: Parul, I’m not in the mood.

Parul: Bhai… I know why she’s upset.

Adi: Tell me.

Parul: I can’t. She made me promise. But… check her call history.

I hung up and called Nihar. He didn’t even wait.

Nihar: On it. Call history shows Naitik Rawat. Big shot heart surgeon. Currently in Alwar. Was in Germany. I’ll send details.

Adi: Naitik… Naveen’s brother? The one we dealt with three months ago?

Nihar: Yes, Rajsa.

---

Thirty minutes later, I was outside her house. Parul opened the door, startled, but I walked straight to Vidya’s room. Knocked once, then went in.

She was asleep, tear stains still on her cheeks. Something in my chest twisted. I took her phone — birthday password, of course. Wallpaper? My picture.

The call log confirmed it. I typed a quick text to that number: Hey.

The reply was instant: Hey, baby.

My fist tightened until my knuckles ached. Two minutes later, photos arrived — a bridal lehenga, followed by revealing outfits.

Naitik: This is our wedding dress. And this… for our honeymoon. I can’t wait to touch every inch of you. Leave Adi or he dies.

Ice-cold rage. I could end him with a single order. But right now, Vidya mattered more.

I sat beside her, brushing her hair back. She stirred, blinking up at me, her hand reaching cheek, lips, eyes — like she was memorizing me.

Vidya: Sorry.

Adi: For what?

Vidya: We can’t meet again.

My voice was low, steady.

Adi: You’re sure?

Vidya: Yes.

Adi: Not happening. Do whatever you want — I’m not leaving you.

She pushed at my chest, frowning.

Vidya: I mean it, Adi.

Adi: And I mean it more.

Again she pushed, and something inside me decided — enough. I lifted her easily, carrying her to the window where rain traced silver lines down the glass.

Adi: You know what? I want to tell you something.

Vidya: What?

Adi: I’m marrying someone else. This is the last time we meet.

Her face drained of color.

Vidya: Why would you…?

Adi: You were the one who wanted to leave. If you can walk away, why should I stay? If you’re marrying happily, why should I wait?

Vidya: What are you talking about?

Adi: You know exactly.

Tears welled up again. After 15 mins of silence.

Adi: Ek last baat kehni thi Vidya… uske baad main chala jaunga.

(Last thing Vidya, then I'll go )

Vidya: Aur kya baaki reh gaya, Adi?

( Is there anything left to say adi? )

Adi: Just… don’t betray the next person like this.

That broke her. She grabbed my collar, pulling me close.

Vidya: I’m not cheating you. I want to marry you. I love you, Adi.

Her words shattered my anger. She was shaking, sobbing.

Vidya: Please… don’t leave me. Please. Marry me.

I pulled her into me, holding her like I’d never let go.

Adi: I’m not marrying anyone else. You’re it for me.

---

When she finally calmed, she pulled back, narrowing her eyes.

Vidya: You lied. About marrying someone.

Adi (smirking faintly): Had to. You weren’t going to confess otherwise.

She gasped, then smacked his shoulder once, twice — before biting him on the chest.

Vidya: That’s your punishment. And tomorrow, you’re getting me breakfast in bed. With pancakes. And coffee.

Adi: Yes Ranisa.

She rolled her eyes but rested her head back on his chest. The rain kept falling, the world outside fading away. Her breathing slowed, evening out as she drifted into sleep in his arms. And I stayed awake, listening to her heartbeat, guarding her against everything even her nightmares.

When I was sure she was deep asleep, I took her in my arms and then in bed, tucking the blanket around her before settling beside her. For a moment, I just watched her the way the loose strands of hair framed her face, the faint curve of her lips even in sleep, the rise and fall of her chest  and felt an ache in my chest at how impossibly beautiful she looked. Even in sleep, her fingers curled into my shirt, as if some part of her knew I was there and refused to let me go.

The rain had stopped just before dawn. The curtains in Vidya’s room still fluttered from the night breeze, and the scent of petrichor clung to the air like a memory.

She stirred, blinking against the early light, and realized she was still curled against Adi. His arms were a locked cage around her, warm and unyielding, his heartbeat steady under her ear. She could feel the faint rumble of his breathing deep, calm, almost possessive in the way he didn’t loosen his hold even when she moved.

Vidya: Adi…

Adi: Mm? (eyes still closed)

Vidya: Let go.

Adi: No.

She sighed. "You’re impossible."

He cracked one eye open, the corner of his mouth tilting into that infuriating smirk.

Adi: And yet, you love me.

She swatted at his chest but he caught her hand before she could pull away. In one smooth motion, he wrapped his arm tighter around her waist, pulling her flush against him as if daring the world to try and take her away. She realised then that her playful hit had landed on his hard chest, the solid warmth of him only making her pulse quicken. Without loosening his hold, he pressed a slow, lingering kiss to her forehead, a silent promise that she was safe with him, no matter what.

Adi: Good. Now stay here where you belong.

---

Just then, the bedroom door banged open without warning.

Avi: Bhai—

He froze. His eyes widened at the sight of his brother and Vidya in the same bed, tangled like some drama serial scene.

Avi: Sh-Should I… come back after you’re done with your romantic cuddling session?

Vidya immediately tried to sit up, cheeks flushed. Adi didn’t budge.

Adi: Avi, get out.

Avi: Not until I make sure she’s okay. Bhabhi maa, are you okay?

Vidya laughed despite herself. I’m fine, Avi.

Avi stepped forward, ignoring Adi’s death glare, and crouched by her side. Listen, I don’t know what happened last night. Parul was worried. I was worried. You’re family now so if someone’s bothering you, I need to know.

Something in Vidya softened. She reached out, squeezing his hand. Thanks, Avi. I’ll tell you when I can. For now, I just… need normalcy.

Avi: Normalcy I can do. (grins) Step one: I’m making you breakfast. Bhai can help if he promises not to kill me.

Adi: Keep talking, Avi. See what happens.

Vidya smacked his shoulder and sat up, smiling at Avi.

Vidya: Let’s give him a chance. Maybe he can boil water without disaster.

---

The normal breakfast turned into a mini production. Avi tied an apron around Adi, muttering, Chef mode on, Rajsa, while Vidya sat on the counter, swinging her legs and pretending to supervise.

Avi: Bhabhi, any requests?

Vidya: Hmm… pancakes. With extra syrup. And coffee. Oh, and fruit — fresh, not the sad kind from the fridge.

Adi raised a brow. You’re demanding.

Vidya: Princesses are supposed to be.

Adi: You’re not a princess, you’re a drama que—

She held up a warning finger. "Finish that sentence and you’re sleeping outside."

They ended up working in sync Avi chopping fruit, Adi flipping pancakes with surprising precision, Vidya occasionally stealing bites.

When they finally set the tray in front of her on the dining table, Avi bowed dramatically.

Avi: Your Royal Highness, breakfast is served.

She giggled, taking a bite. "Approved. Both of you live to see another day."

---

As Adi stepped away to grab more coffee, Avi leaned in. He said, “He’s stubborn, you know. If he’s holding on to you, there’s nothing in the world that’ll make him let go. Not even you.”

Vidya smiled softly. “I’m glad I have a partner like him.”

Avi tilted his head thoughtfully. “Then don’t fight him. If you’re scared of him, that’s fine. But don’t make him fight you and the world at the same time. That’s a battle no one wins.”

She blinked rapidly, swallowing the lump in her throat. "You sound wiser than your age."

Avi smiled softly.

Adi returned, sliding her coffee in front of her." What’s this private conversation about?"

Vidya: How lucky I am to have such charming company at breakfast.

Avi snorted. :Translation she likes me more.

---

Later, when Avi left for home, Adi leaned against the doorway, watching Vidya sip her coffee.

Adi: Still mad about my marriage lie?

She set the cup down, standing to face him. "Yes. Which is why you’re going to pay for it."

He stepped closer, curious." And how exactly will I do that?"

She smiled wickedly. "By doing everything I say today. No questions asked."

Adi: Dangerous terms.

Vidya: "You agree or I stop calling you Adi and start calling you Mr. Thakur"

He chuckled. Fine. "Your wish is my command, Ranisa"

---

To be continued..

Kuch kahe bina sb kehdu

Aisi mohabbat h meri

Kuch chahe bina sb dede

Aisi khwahish h teri💟

(To say everything without speaking—

That is my kind of love.

To give everything without asking—

That is your kind of desire. 💟)

Vote and comment cutie patotie 😤🌹💗