Riya stood still, her heart still racing from the moment that had just been interrupted.
She tried to calm herself, but her thoughts were a mess.
Why did it feel so real?
Why did his touch still linger?
Before she could think further, Arjun returned.
"Let's go," he said.
Riya nodded quietly and followed him outside.
---
In the car…
Silence filled the space between them.
Heavy. Uncomfortable.
Riya looked outside the window, avoiding his gaze.
But she could feel it.
His eyes on her.
"Why did you pull away?" Arjun suddenly asked.
Riya froze.
"What?"
"During the dance," he said calmly. "Why did you step back?"
Riya's heart skipped.
"I didn't—"
"You did," he interrupted.
She turned to him.
"And what if I did?" she asked.
Arjun's expression darkened slightly.
"Then don't," he said.
The words hit differently.
Riya felt her breath slow.
"Why?" she asked softly.
Arjun leaned closer.
"Because I don't like unfinished things."
Her heartbeat went wild.
Before she could react—
He gently held her chin.
Lifting her face toward him.
Riya's eyes widened.
"Arjun…" she whispered.
His gaze dropped to her lips again.
That same intensity.
That same pull.
This time—
No one interrupted.
He moved closer.
Slowly.
Carefully.
Their breaths mixed.
The distance disappeared.
And then—
His lips brushed against hers.
Soft.
Warm.
Electric.
Riya's mind went blank.
Her fingers tightened slightly on his shirt.
For a moment—
Time stopped.
Everything faded.
It was just them.
---
Suddenly—
Arjun pulled back.
As if realizing something.
His expression changed instantly.
Cold. Controlled.
"This shouldn't happen again," he said.
Riya felt her chest tighten.
"What?"
"This was a mistake," he added.
Her eyes widened.
"A mistake?"
Arjun looked away.
"Yes."
The word hurt.
More than she expected.
Riya turned toward the window again.
Hiding her expression.
"Right," she said quietly.
Silence returned.
But this time—
It wasn't just silence.
It was distance.
---
When the car stopped…
Riya stepped out without saying anything.
She didn't look back.
Didn't wait.
She just walked away.
Fast.
Before he could see the tears in her eyes.
---
Inside the car…
Arjun watched her leave.
His jaw tightened.
"Damn it…" he muttered.
Because for the first time—
He wasn't in control.