Chapter 8: Possessive Desires

Avni had been avoiding Aarav since the last encounter, hoping to put some distance between herself and the storm he brought into her life. But deep down, she knew it was futile. He was always there, always watching.

That evening, as she walked out of her tuition class, she stopped in her tracks. Aarav leaned casually against his SUV parked across the road, his dark shirt blending with the night, but his intense gaze burned through her.

She debated turning back, but before she could decide, Aarav crossed the road with slow, deliberate steps. He stopped just inches away from her, his presence making her feel small yet completely captive.

"You've been avoiding me," he said, his voice smooth but laced with irritation.

"I-I wasn't," she stammered, unable to meet his eyes.

He smirked, tilting her chin up with his fingers, forcing her to look at him. "Don't lie to me, Avni. You're terrible at it."

She pulled back slightly, her cheeks flushed. "Why are you here?"

Aarav chuckled softly, stepping closer, his fingers brushing against hers. "To remind you that I don't like being ignored. And to make sure no one else is taking up your time."

Avni frowned, pulling her hand back. "You can't keep showing up like this. People will notice."

"Let them," he said, his tone hardening. "Let everyone know you're mine."

His hand suddenly moved to her waist, pulling her closer. She gasped, her hands instinctively pressing against his chest to create some distance, but his hold was firm.

"Tell me," he murmured, his lips dangerously close to her ear. "Did anyone talk to you while I wasn't around? Did anyone touch you?"

Avni shook her head quickly, her pulse racing. His fingers brushed against her wrist where the faint bruises remained. His gaze darkened as he ran his thumb over the spot. "If someone hurt you, Avni, tell me now," he said, his voice low and dangerous.

"N-no one did," she whispered.

Aarav's grip softened, but his eyes held a fiery intensity. "Good," he said, his tone softening. "Because if they did, I'd make them regret it."

His lips curled into a smirk as he let her go, his fingers lingering for just a moment. "I'll see you soon, Avni. Don't make me wait."

And just like that, he walked away, leaving her trembling, not from fear, but from the overwhelming presence of him.