Chapter 7: Thunder & Temptation

Rain lashed against the windows. Bangalore’s skies had turned black, thunder rumbling in the distance.

Poornima dried the last plate and turned toward the living room when—

Click.

Darkness.

The power went out.

“Perfect,” she muttered.

“Don’t worry,” Veeresh said from somewhere in the dark. “We’ve got candles.”

A soft flicker glowed from the dining table. He had lit one. The flame danced, casting golden shadows on his face — sharp jawline, intense eyes… and that quiet smirk she’d grown to hate and fear.

She crossed her arms. “I’m going to bed.”

He walked toward her, slow and silent.

> “Wait,” he said, voice low. “We need to talk.”

> “No, you need to remember the agreement,” she replied, backing slightly.

> “I remember it,” he whispered, “I just don’t care anymore.”

Before she could reply, he stepped even closer.

> “Veeresh,” she warned, voice shaky, “stop this.”

> “Why? Scared?” he murmured, eyes fixed on her lips.

She turned sharply.

He grabbed her wrist. Not rough. Not gentle either. Just… firm.

> “You think I haven’t noticed?” he said. “The way your breath hitches when I touch you. How you tremble when I come close. You fight me, Poornima, but your body—”

> “Stop,” she whispered, yanking her hand away.

> “You control everything. Your work. Your words. Even your heart. But me? You’ll never control me,” he said darkly.

She took a step back.

He took two forward.

And then—

He pinned her softly against the wall. Not forcefully, but completely. One hand beside her head, the other slowly sliding around her waist.

> “You’re mine,” he breathed against her cheek. “Agreement or not.”

He kissed her. Hard. Deep.

Her hands went to his chest — she pushed once, weakly. But his kiss didn’t stop. His lips were desperate. Possessive. Addicted.

She turned her head away, finally breaking it.

> “Veeresh,” she whispered, her voice trembling, “you’re crossing the line again.”

He leaned close, lips brushing her ear.

> “I live on the other side of that line, Poornima.”

The candle flickered wildly as thunder struck again.

And then — he let her go.

Just like that.

> “Good night,” he said, walking to the couch, pulling the blanket over himself without another word.

Poornima stood frozen — her heart racing, breath uneven, skin burning from where he’d touched her.

She didn’t move for a long time.

When she finally walked into the bedroom and shut the door, her hands went to her lips.

And for the first time… she didn’t know whether she wanted to cry — or kiss him back.