Chapter 34

The problem with ignoring something is that eventually, it refuses to be ignored.

For weeks, I had convinced myself that Mehul's little actions—

The chai.

The saved seat.

The subtle touches.

—didn't mean anything.

But today?

Today, he took things further.

And now, I was in real trouble.

It started with the elevator.

I had just wrapped up a report when I got a text from Riya.

Riya: Get your ass downstairs. We're waiting.

I sighed, grabbing my bag and heading toward the elevator.

When the doors opened, I almost stepped back.

Because Mehul was inside.

Alone.

Looking right at me.

My stomach did a thing.

I hesitated. Just for a second.

But before I could decide whether to take the stairs and save myself—

Mehul tilted his head slightly, waiting.

I swallowed and stepped in.

The doors closed.

Silence.

Nothing out of the ordinary.

Just a normal, short ride.

Except—Mehul shifted.

Subtly. Slightly.

Closer.

I could feel the warmth of him, just within reach.

I held my breath. Convinced myself I was imagining it.

And then—

His fingers brushed against mine.

Not a full touch. Not accidental.

Just the faintest, most deliberate graze.

Like he was testing something.

Like he was waiting.

I froze.

My entire body locked up.

Because he was pushing now.

This wasn't subtle.

This wasn't casual.

This was intentional.

And worst of all?

I didn't move away.

The elevator dinged.

The doors opened.

And just when I thought I could escape—

Mehul leaned in. Just slightly.

So close that I could feel the warmth of his breath near my ear.

"See you tomorrow, Vihaan."

And then he walked away.

Like he hadn't just completely destroyed me.

By the time I got to the café, I was not okay.

And unfortunately, Arjun and Riya could tell.

Riya took one look at my face and gasped. "Oh my god. What did he do?"

Arjun grinned. "Was it soft? Was it smooth? Did you combust internally?"

I groaned. "I hate you both."

Riya smirked. "Vihaan. Honey. You're blushing."

I absolutely was not.

Arjun wagged his eyebrows. "That bad, huh?"

I buried my face in my hands.

Because no.

It wasn't bad.

It was worse.

Because now, I couldn't stop thinking about how close he had been.

How deliberate it felt.

How he had to know what he was doing.

And the scariest part?

I wanted him to do it again.