Chapter 20: Held Without Fear

The night had wrapped itself softly around them as they stepped out, the air cool, the city quieter than usual, and Poornima in that black strapless gown looked nothing less than a dream Veeresh didn’t want to look away from.

He didn’t say much.

He just walked to her… and his hand found her waist.

It stayed there.

Through the music, through the laughter, through every step they took inside the club.

Possessive.

Certain.

His.

She noticed it.

The way he never let go.

The way he kept pulling her closer, making her sit on his lap like she belonged there, like there was no space meant for distance between them.

And strangely… she didn’t resist.

Because it didn’t feel like control.

It felt like protection.

When they stepped out, the night breeze touched her bare shoulders, and before she could react, his blazer was already around her.

“Cold,” he said simply.

She smiled softly.

On the bike, he did something unexpected.

“Sit in front, Noor.”

She hesitated for a second… then obeyed quietly, adjusting herself carefully as she sat facing him, her legs to one side, her body naturally leaning into him.

Her face rested against his shoulder.

Close.

Safe.

He started the bike slowly.

“Hug me, Noor,” his voice came low near her ear. “You’ll feel warm… hug me and sleep.”

She wrapped her arms around him without thinking.

Firm.

Trusting.

He took her dupatta and tied it gently around his waist and her, securing her softly.

“So you won’t fall,” he added.

Her eyes closed slowly.

The rhythm of the bike.

The warmth of his chest.

The steadiness of his hold.

Everything felt… right.

She lifted her face slightly and pecked his lips.

Then rested again, hugging him tighter.

Veeresh slowed down deliberately, every turn careful, every movement controlled, making sure she stayed comfortable.

She didn’t open her eyes again.

She slept.

Holding him.

Trusting him completely.

When they reached the Thakur mansion, he stopped gently, his hand immediately supporting her.

“Noor…” he whispered softly.

She didn’t wake.

A small smile touched his lips.

He untied the dupatta slowly, then lifted her into his arms, holding her close, steady, as if she weighed nothing.

Inside the room, he placed her gently on the bed, kneeling slightly to remove her heels one by one, careful not to disturb her sleep.

His fingers brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

He leaned down… and pecked her lips softly.

Then without another word, he pulled her close again, his arm wrapping around her, his head finding its place against her.

And just like that…

He slept.