An Undeniable Connection

The morning sun streamed through Arya's window, casting golden hues across her room. Yet, despite the brightness of the new day, her mind was clouded with thoughts of last night.

"I don't like being away from you."

Veer's words played on a loop in her head, making her stomach flutter every time she recalled them. She hadn't known how to respond then, and even now, she wasn't sure what to make of it.

Had Veer meant what she thought he did? Or was she reading too much into it?

Sighing, she pushed herself out of bed and decided to focus on something else—anything else.

But fate had other plans.

A Breakfast Full of Tension

Arya walked down to the dining hall, expecting a quiet breakfast. Instead, she found Veer already there, sipping his tea while scanning some documents.

The moment he saw her, he set them aside.

"Good morning," he greeted, his voice even.

Arya hesitated, searching his expression for any sign of last night's conversation. But Veer, as always, was unreadable.

"Good morning," she replied, taking her seat across from him.

The air between them was thick with something unspoken.

As she reached for a piece of toast, she felt Veer's gaze on her. He wasn't looking at his papers anymore—he was looking at her.

Her fingers trembled slightly, but she forced herself to act normal. "Are you feeling better after your trip?" she asked, trying to keep her voice casual.

"I am," he said, his tone softer now. "And you?"

She glanced up at him, surprised by the question. "I'm fine."

His lips twitched. "Are you sure?"

Arya swallowed. Was he testing her? Teasing her? Or was this another one of those moments where he was being too perceptive?

She decided not to give him the satisfaction of an answer. Instead, she focused on her food, ignoring the way her heart pounded in her chest.

But Veer wasn't done.

"You didn't sleep much, did you?" he asked suddenly.

Arya's head snapped up. "How—" She stopped herself.

His smirk deepened. "I have my ways."

She huffed, stabbing her fork into her eggs. "Maybe you're the one who didn't sleep."

To her surprise, Veer's expression shifted slightly, as if she had caught him off guard. He didn't confirm or deny it.

Instead, he simply said, "Maybe."

And just like that, breakfast turned into a silent battle of glances, stolen looks, and an undercurrent of something neither of them was ready to address.

An Unexpected Outing

Later that day, Arya was in the garden, tending to some flowers, when Rohan appeared out of nowhere.

"Come on, we're going out," he announced, grabbing her wrist.

Arya blinked. "What?"

"Veer is in meetings all day. That means we get to have fun."

Arya hesitated. "I don't know, Rohan. I—"

"Nope. No excuses. You need fresh air, and I need to save you from turning into a lovesick poet." He wiggled his eyebrows.

Arya groaned. "I am not lovesick."

Rohan grinned. "Then you won't mind coming with me."

She sighed, knowing she wouldn't win this argument.

They ended up at a quaint little café in the city, far from the estate.

As Arya sipped on her coffee, she finally allowed herself to relax. It had been a while since she had gone out like this, and despite Rohan's teasing, she appreciated the distraction.

"So," Rohan said, leaning back in his chair. "How long are you going to pretend that something isn't happening between you and Veer?"

Arya almost choked on her coffee. "Excuse me?"

Rohan chuckled. "Come on, Arya. You're not fooling anyone."

She set her cup down. "Nothing is happening."

Rohan gave her a knowing look. "And yet, you ran into his arms last night."

Arya's face turned scarlet. "Who told you that?"

He smirked. "I have my sources."

Arya groaned, covering her face with her hands. "It wasn't like that."

"Oh, I'm sure," Rohan said. "I mean, it's not like you missed him, right? It's not like he confessed that he didn't like being away from you or anything."

Arya's breath hitched. "You—"

"Relax," Rohan said, laughing. "Veer didn't tell me. But I know him. And I know you."

Arya stared at her cup, feeling exposed.

Rohan's voice softened. "Look, Arya, I'm not trying to push you. But you should be honest with yourself."

She swallowed. "Even if… even if I felt something, what if Veer doesn't?"

Rohan snorted. "That man barely lets people into his world. And yet, he lets you in. What does that tell you?"

Arya's heart thudded painfully.

Before she could respond, her phone buzzed.

A message.

From Veer.

Come back soon.

That was all it said.

But somehow, it was enough.

A Late-Night Confession

That evening, Arya found herself wandering the halls of the estate, unable to sleep again.

She didn't know where she was going until she stopped outside Veer's study.

Taking a deep breath, she knocked.

"Come in."

She stepped inside to find Veer sitting at his desk, reading. He looked up, surprise flickering in his eyes.

"Arya?"

She hesitated, suddenly unsure of why she was there. But then she remembered Rohan's words.

Be honest with yourself.

Taking a deep breath, she closed the door behind her.

"I need to ask you something," she said.

Veer set his book aside, giving her his full attention. "Go on."

Arya clenched her hands. "Last night… when you said you didn't like being away from me… what did you mean?"

For the first time, Veer looked slightly caught off guard.

His jaw tightened. "You know what I meant."

"Do I?" she whispered.

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Arya—"

"No," she said, stepping closer. "I need to hear you say it."

The room was silent.

Then, in a low voice, Veer said, "It means I don't like the way I feel when you're not here."

Arya's breath hitched. "And how do you feel?"

Veer hesitated for a second before standing up and walking toward her. Slowly, carefully, he reached out, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.

"I feel like I'm missing something," he admitted. "Like I'm losing a part of myself."

Arya's heart pounded. "Veer…"

He looked at her, his gaze dark and intense. "And I don't know what to do about it."

She swallowed, searching his face.

Then, before she could overthink it, she whispered, "Then stop fighting it."

For a long moment, neither of them moved.

Then Veer exhaled, closing his eyes briefly as if making a decision.

When he opened them, he reached for her hand.

And this time, he didn't let go.