Chapter-30 . “Where Boundaries Melt”

Nirvay pressed the doorbell again, growing anxious. Finally, Arohi opened the door, half-asleep, her eyes barely open.

"Seriously, Arohi? You're still sleeping? And your phone is off? Do you even know what time it is?" he said with frustration laced in concern.

Her eyes shot open. "Wait—what time is it? Oh no! I'll get ready. You go sit in the car," she said in a panic, fully waking up.

"This isn't how someone should be welcomed," he mumbled.

"Please, Nirvay! Just go… or we'll be late," she urged him while rushing inside.

He sighed. "Alright. I'll wait downstairs."

She quickly locked the door, plugged in her dead phone, and rushed to get ready.

When she stepped into the car ten minutes later, Nirvay's eyes instinctively scanned her from head to toe. She looked ethereal in black. Why does she always look more beautiful in this color?

"What? Why are you staring at me like that?" she asked, sliding into the seat beside him.

He didn't answer. Inside the car, he made a mock-sad face. "You didn't even let me in. Is that how you treat guests?"

"You know why I didn't. I just… didn't want people to misinterpret. I didn't want to hurt anyone," she said softly.

"Fine, I understand," he said, playing along. "But FYI… it's already 10 AM. You're officially two hours late."

"Then stop complaining and drive!" she shot back.

"Oh, so I'm getting scolded now for your mistake?"

They both laughed. The tension dissolved.

"Where are we going exactly?" she asked.

"To a very special place. Be patient. Let the journey surprise you," he replied with a small smile.

Evening – Hotel Stop

After a long, scenic drive full of short stops and shared laughter, it was 10 PM when Nirvay stopped the car in front of a hotel.

"We'll stay here for the night. The road ahead cuts through a forest—it's not safe this late."

"Good," she agreed. "You shouldn't be driving on your birthday night anyway."

Nirvay chuckled. "This isn't the hotel I had originally booked. But thanks to someone's beauty sleep, we got late."

"Alright, alright. Enough blame."

Inside, he spoke to the receptionist and returned to her.

"Come on, let's go to the room."

"Where's my keycard?"

"About that… there's only one room available. We'll have to share."

Her heart skipped a beat. "I'll ask myself."

She hurried to the reception.

"Sorry, ma'am," the receptionist said kindly. "All rooms are fully booked. We gave you our VIP reserve room only because sir requested and offered an extra charge."

Arohi sighed and thought for a moment.

"Can you send a birthday cake in an hour?"

"Absolutely," the receptionist smiled. "Please provide the details."

Arohi finalized everything and returned to Nirvay.

"Okay. Let's go."

"That's the spirit," he grinned.

She glared. "That smile… that's what stresses me out."

Inside the Room – Building Heat

They entered the room, both settling in. A heavy silence floated between them.

"I'm going to take a bath," Arohi announced.

"Okay," he nodded.

Inside, she looked in the mirror and whispered to herself, "Why is my heartbeat racing? I need to calm down. Just act normal."

She stepped out a few minutes later and immediately locked eyes with Nirvay. He'd been watching her. She tried to stay composed. "Your turn."

When he went in, she began pacing.

"Relax, Arohi," she told herself. "Act like this is nothing. Just breathe."

Suddenly, she felt warm arms around her from behind.

"Uff! What are you doing?" she gasped.

"Loving you," he whispered in her ear, teasing.

She pulled away. "Keep some distance. Maintain limits."

He laughed. "You should see your face. You're so nervous. Don't worry. Nothing will happen unless you want it to."

The doorbell rang—her cake order had arrived.

"Perfect timing," she said, placing it on the table. "Ten minutes to midnight. Get ready."

Nirvay kept watching her. Not the cake—her.

"9… 8… 7… 6…"

God, she makes everything feel magical, he thought.

"3… 2… 1… Happy Birthday, Nirvay!" she beamed, stepping forward to hug him—while he leaned in to kiss her.

Their foreheads collided. "Ouch!" they both groaned, laughing.

"Cut the cake!" she giggled.

He did, and they fed each other with genuine warmth.

Birthday Calls – The World Reaches In

Ayush called. "Happy birthday! No long talks. Just enjoy the night!"

Jai followed. "Happy birthday bhaiya!"

"Thank you, Jai. Now go to sleep."

Then Sukhi called. "Happy birthday, enjoy you two! No need for details—I already know!"

After the calls, Nirvay noticed Arohi watching him, sitting with a box in hand. He put his phone on silent and sat beside her.

"You're done? I thought your phone would take you till morning."

"For you, I'm here now," he smiled.

She handed the box. "Your gift."

He opened it—a simple, elegant customized bracelet.

"It's beautiful," he murmured.

"Let me help," she said, holding his wrist. While tying it, their faces got closer—too close.

When she looked up, their eyes met. Breath hitched. She was already inches away.

"So… where's my birthday kiss?" he whispered.

"No way!" she said, jumping up.

"Why not?" he teased, grabbing her wrist.

"Because you sound dangerous!"

"I'm not dangerous. I'm just playful," he whispered, brushing her cheek with his fingers.

"It's late. We have to leave early. I'm going to bed."

He nodded. "I'll join you."

"No! You sleep on the couch. I'm taking the bed."

"The bed's big, Arohi. I'll just sleep—nothing else."

"Not happening."

"You're really nervous," he smiled.

"It's your smile that's dangerous, not you."

Their little war continued—and as usual, Arohi won.

Aarohi stirred as the first morning light filtered through the curtains, but it wasn't sunlight that woke her—it was the gentle warmth circling her waist.

Nirvay's arm.

Wrapped around her like he belonged there.

But instead of alarm, a quiet smile danced across her lips.

> He must've climbed in during the night.

She turned slowly, trying not to shift the moment, and her eyes met the soft rise and fall of his chest. His lips, barely parted. His lashes resting gently on his cheeks.

Peaceful. Raw. Real.

Her fingers reached up on instinct—lightly brushing back the strands of hair that had fallen over his forehead.

Then, leaning in—drawn by some invisible gravity—she kissed him. Gently. Warm. Soft like morning mist over still water.

Aarohi (whispering): "Happy birthday again."

Suddenly, his eyes fluttered open.

Startled, she jerked back.

Aarohi (half-panicked): "You were awake?! I thought—"

But Nirvay placed a single finger on her lips. His touch sent a tremor through her body—not because of pressure, but because of how carefully he held her, like she was precious.

He didn't speak. Just looked into her eyes—unblinking, unhurried—then gently cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing the corner of her mouth.

Leaning in, he kissed her softly. Slow. A quiet burn.

And she kissed back, fingers curling into the fabric of his t-shirt.

When their lips parted, they didn't speak—just stayed there, breath mingling, eyes searching.

> Something had awakened between them.

Something they'd buried, ignored, feared—now melting in the morning heat.

Nirvay (thinking): Should I stop here? Or live this moment?

Aarohi (thinking): Should I stop him? Or feel this moment fully?

But before her thoughts could form into doubts, Nirvay answered them both.

He pulled her closer.

This time, the kiss deepened—hungry, slow-burning.

His hand slid down her back, his fingers tracing her spine through the thin fabric of her nightshirt.

Aarohi gasped softly into his mouth as he gently tugged her leg over his waist, pulling her flush against him.

Her body responded instinctively.

Her hand tangled in his hair, pulling him deeper into the kiss.

His lips moved with passion, but never rushed. Never careless.

He shifted—rolling slightly to hover over her, supporting his weight on one arm beside her head. The other hand explored her side, resting just below her ribcage.

His thumb brushed her skin.

A shiver rippled through her.

She arched slightly, pressing into him.

He kissed her again—deeper this time—until a soft whimper escaped her lips.

That sound undid him.

He pulled her up, his hand behind her neck, mouth trailing from her lips to her jaw, her collarbone.

And then—

She flinched.

He froze instantly.

Aarohi brought her fingers to her lip and felt it.

> A bite mark. Slightly swollen. Burning a little.

Aarohi (softly): "It's okay."

But Nirvay sat up, guilt flooding his face.

Nirvay (low voice): "It shouldn't be like this. I'm sorry."

She sat up too, reaching out.

Aarohi: "Sorry? For what?"

Nirvay: "I should've controlled myself. I bit your lip too hard…"

Only now did she really feel the sting, but she shook her head.

Aarohi (gentle): "Don't blame yourself. We both wanted this. We'll figure this out. Together."

Nirvay: "I never want to hurt you."

She leaned forward, resting her forehead against his.

Aarohi: "You won't. You're the only person I trust to break me softly."

He stared at her—like she was saying things he didn't believe he deserved to hear.

He reached out, lightly touched her lip with his thumb, and then wrapped his arms around her—tight, protective.

She melted into him, burying her face in his chest.

> In that quiet hug, Aarohi knew—he'd protect her from everything… even from himself.

And Nirvay finally believed—someone had chosen to stay.