Destined to Be Yours

The days passed in quiet routine, and soon Shourya returned from his business trip. As he stepped into the house, there was a distinct pride in his demeanor, his expression radiating the satisfaction of a man who had accomplished something significant.

"Vedha!" he called out, his voice echoing through the spacious halls.

Vedha hurried out of her room, her heart skipping a beat as she saw him standing there, suitcase in one hand and a small, elegantly wrapped box in the other.

"You're back," she said softly, her lips curving into a smile.

"I am," Shourya replied, his tone gentle but firm. "And I brought you something." He extended the gift toward her.

Vedha's eyes lit up as she took the box, unwrapping it with care. Inside was a delicate silver bracelet, adorned with tiny charms shaped like stars and moons.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, her fingers brushing over the intricate design.

"I'm glad you like it," he said, his gaze warm. "I saw it and thought of you. I wanted to give you something special."

Her cheeks flushed at his words, and she looked down shyly. "Thank you, Shourya. It's perfect."

Shourya's eyes softened as he asked, "How were things here while I was away? Did you feel safe?"

Vedha nodded, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "Yes, everything was fine. I missed you, though."

His gaze lingered on her for a moment, filled with unspoken care. "I missed you too," he admitted quietly. "I kept wondering if you were okay, if you needed anything."

Vedha looked up at him, her heart warming at his sincerity. "I was fine because I knew you'd be back soon."

After a pause, Shourya tilted his head slightly, his tone curious yet concerned. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," Vedha replied, looking at him curiously.

"I noticed you keep the light on when you sleep," he said. "Doesn't it disturb you?"

Vedha hesitated, her expression turning sheepish. "It does , but… I have a fear of the dark. What if some ghost comes and haunts me?"

For a moment, Shourya was silent, and then he burst out laughing. His deep, hearty chuckle filled the room, and Vedha couldn't help but smile, even as she blushed.

"You're scared of ghosts?" he teased, shaking his head. "Vedha, you're too innocent sometimes."

"I'm serious!" she protested, crossing her arms. "It's not funny!"

He calmed himself, his tone turning warm and reassuring. "Okay, okay, I won't laugh. But if you're that scared, there's a simple solution."

"What?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"You can shift to my room," he said casually, though his eyes held a hint of teasing.

Vedha's cheeks turned crimson, and she looked away, her heart racing. "I… I don't know…"

Shourya stepped closer, his voice soft but firm. "I mean it. You'll feel safe, and I'll know you're okay. Think about it."

She bit her lip, shy but undeniably happy. "Okay," she murmured, barely audible.

Shourya smiled, the warmth in his gaze making her feel protected.

Vedha stepped into Shourya's room, her heart pounding softly in her chest. The space was elegant, minimalistic, and distinctly his—a blend of sharp lines, muted colors, and a quiet warmth that reflected his personality.

Her gaze wandered, scanning the room. Something caught her attention.

The frames she had seen before—pictures of him and Meera—were gone.

She blinked, her heart fluttering with unexpected joy. A soft smile curved her lips as she thought,

Maybe it's just us now…

As she began arranging her belongings, placing her neatly folded clothes in the wardrobe and setting her book on the nightstand, the sound of the bathroom door opening caught her attention.

Shourya emerged, clad in a pristine, dark-gray bathrobe that tied securely at his waist. The robe, made of fine silk, accentuated his tall, lean frame. His damp hair fell casually across his forehead, and a few stray droplets traced paths down his neck. There was an effortless elegance about him, the kind that came naturally to someone like Shourya Verma.

Vedha froze, her hands stilling midair. Her cheeks flushed as she quickly turned away, shutting her eyes tightly. Yet, an unbidden thought crept into her mind—she wanted to look again. Her heart raced, torn between shyness and curiosity.

Shourya noticed her reaction and smirked slightly. "What's wrong, Vedha? Didn't expect me to walk out like this?"

"I—I wasn't looking!" she stammered, her hands fumbling to straighten the edge of the bedsheet she had been smoothing.

"Really?" he teased, his voice playful yet warm. "Your face says otherwise."

She opened her eyes, her gaze darting to his for a split second before looking away again. "I was just… arranging things."

Shourya chuckled softly, walking past her to grab a shirt from the wardrobe. "Relax, Vedha. You're in your own room now—or should I say, our room?" His tone was light, but there was an unmistakable sincerity beneath his words.

Vedha's heart skipped a beat. The idea of sharing this space with him, of being closer to him, made her inexplicably happy. "I guess I am," she murmured, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

As he pulled on his shirt, Shourya glanced at her, his eyes softening. "You know, you don't have to be nervous around me. This is your space too now."

She nodded, her happiness evident in the way her eyes sparkled. "I'm just… not used to this yet."

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to fade away. A warm silence enveloped them, filled with unspoken promises.

Breaking the stillness, Shourya smirked again. "You can open your eyes fully now. I'm dressed."

Vedha's lips twitched as she tried to suppress a laugh, but her smile betrayed her. "You're impossible, Shourya."

"And you're adorable when you're flustered," he quipped, his deep chuckle echoing through the room.

That evening, as they settled into their shared space, the warmth between them grew stronger.