Tara quickly pulled herself away from Vikram's hug.
Her heart was racing so fast, it almost echoed in her ears.
"I… I'll go drink some water," she stammered, stepping back.
Vikram watched her leave but said nothing.
As Tara reached for the door, Vikram spoke calmly, "Tara, where are you going? There's water right here… in the room."
But Tara didn't respond. She practically fled downstairs.
Vikram smirked, leaning back slightly.
"So… now you're running away from your own feelings? Fine. Run. I'll wait for the day you stop running."
---
In the kitchen…
Tara leaned against the counter, taking deep breaths.
"Relax, Tara. It was just a hug…"
She stared at the glass of water like it contained some magic potion that could calm her heartbeat, flush out this strange heat coursing through her, and settle her nerves.
One glass.
Then a second.
Then a third — as if she was trying to drown herself in water.
But on the third glass, she started choking.
She coughed hard, setting the glass aside, struggling to breathe.
"Get a grip, Tara… You're behaving like a teenager who just hugged her crush! You're an adult. Act like one."
She took a deep breath, nodding to herself.
"Yes, I'm calm. Totally fine. And definitely not nervous."
---
Tara walked back upstairs.
Vikram was sitting on the bed, arms folded.
"Took you long enough… You do know the water was right there — on your side table?"
Tara forced a smile. "I… didn't see it."
She moved toward the other bed.
Vikram's teasing voice followed, "Why are you going there? Didn't you say, just a while ago, that you can't sleep without me?"
Tara's heart skipped.
(In her mind) Sleep? Peace? Calm? All gone… If I lie next to him, my heartbeat might just jump out of my chest!
"I… I just said it… it didn't mean anything."
She sighed, lying down on the other bed.
Vikram got up and walked toward her.
"But I meant it… I really can't sleep without you now."
Tara groaned silently.
(Is this man going to kill me with this heart attack of his?)
---
LOVE GAME — ROUND ONE
Vikram decided to take full advantage of Tara's nervousness.
He walked closer… and closer… standing right beside her.
Their eyes met.
Vikram stared into her eyes for a moment, holding the gaze — watching her freeze, her cheeks turning bright red.
Then… with a playful smirk… he gently tapped her nose.
"Your face… it turned red again."
He leaned in just a little more.
"And I…"
(What 'I'…?) Tara's heart thudded in panic.
"…was just taking the pillows from your side," he finished, grabbing them with a wink. "I hope you don't mind."
He walked back to his side of the bed, trying — and failing — to suppress his laughter.
Tara sat there, shocked, embarrassed, and furious all at once.
(So… this was intentional. Well played, Mr. Suryavanshi. But now… you've officially pulled me into this game.)
She clenched her fists, trying to ignore her racing heart.
"Done laughing, Mr. Suryavanshi?"
Vikram chuckled again. "You should've seen your face… You looked like you'd seen a ghost."
"Oh, you've just challenged me," Tara muttered.
Vikram gave her a knowing look. "Really?"
"Really. And you'll face the consequences."
"I'm ready… for every consequence."
ROUND ONE WINNER — MR. SURYAVANSHI
---
Tara moved to the edge of the bed and carefully drew a line with the pillows — a clear boundary between them.
Vikram shook his head, amused.
"Tara… seriously? The pillow wall again? And why are you clinging to the edge of the bed?"
"No questions. And don't even think of crossing this line."
Vikram smirked. "You're the one who always crosses lines… not me."
"You're just asking for another fight now."
"Should I write two hundred 'Sorry's for you?"
Tara snapped, "You couldn't manage one genuine sorry, and now you want to write two hundred? Planning to print it out or hire a calligrapher?"
Vikram leaned closer, teasing.
"I've been trying… I swear I've been trying to say a genuine sorry. But apparently, none of them count in your book."
"I don't want to talk. Just stay on your side of the bed."
"Tara… stop acting like a child. How about this — let's hug, make peace, and go to sleep."
"No! Stay away. Every action has a reaction… and your actions have led to this."
Vikram gave up with a small smile. "Fine. Do whatever you want. I'm right here. If you can't sleep… you're welcome to come hug me. I won't mind."
He turned off the light.
"Good night."
(Who asked him to embarrass me like that? He thinks he's smart? Let's see, Mr. Suryavanshi… Game on.)
---
3 AM…
The famous rolling queen — Tara — rolled right over to Vikram's side in her sleep… again.
And of course, she landed right on her favorite pillow — his chest .
Vikram woke up.
(Smiling in his mind) Took you longer tonight, Tara…
He pressed a soft kiss to her hair.
"I love you, Tara," he whispered, wrapping his arms around her… and drifted back to sleep.
---
ROUND TWO
Morning.
Tara woke up… and instantly realized how dangerously close she was to Vikram.
(Idiot, Tara… you just embarrassed yourself again.)
She carefully tried to move away… only to realize half of her saree was trapped under Vikram.
(Oh God… please don't wake up…)
She gently tried to pull it free. Nothing.
She tried again… but the long pallu wouldn't budge.
She squeezed her eyes shut in frustration.
(What do I do now?)
When she opened them again —
Vikram was already awake… watching her.
He blinked, then noticed her tugging at her saree.
His expression changed instantly.
He jumped up, hurriedly giving her the pallu.
"Listen… Tara… please don't misunderstand. I didn't do anything. I swear. Don't start a fight. Please…"
Vikram actually looked… nervous.
(So… he does get nervous too… Interesting…) Tara thought.
Vikram kept rambling, trying to convince her.
Suddenly — Tara burst out laughing.
Loud, full-blown laughter.
Vikram frowned. "You're… laughing?"
"Have you seen your face, Mr. Suryavanshi? You looked terrified!"
Vikram paused.
(Ah… she's playing a mind game. Smart move, Tara.)
He leaned in, sitting beside her.
Locking his gaze on hers, he smirked.
With a soft, teasing voice —
"Fear… only belongs to those afraid of losing. And you… you're the only one I want to lose to, Tara."
Tara's mouth dropped open.
(Did he just say that?! My glucose level is dropping…)
Vikram chuckled. "Close your mouth."
And walked away.
(He's a pro at this…)
ROUND TWO — DRAW
---
(He's learned my weakness… and now he's using it. Fine, Mr. Suryavanshi… remember, you've got the same weakness. If I fall, you fall too.)
Tara smiled to herself, feeling like a victorious lioness.
---
Downstairs…
They both sat, sipping coffee, eyes meeting across the living room.
Vikram gave a small smile.
(Enjoy your moment, Mr. Suryavanshi… my turn's coming.)
---
ROUND THREE
Dadi walked in.
"Tara… you're still in that saree?"
Tara flashed a sweet smile — eyes darting to Vikram.
"Yes, Dadi. Someone really likes me in this saree… so I don't feel like taking it off. And you know what I love the most? The bold blouse design."
Vikram, taking a sip of his coffee… choked.
Dadi rushed over. "Vikram! Are you alright?"
Tara joined in innocently. "Are you okay, Vikram sir?"
Vikram met her eyes —
(Nice move, Tara… Well played.)
ROUND THREE WINNER — MRS. SURYAVANSHI
---
SCOREBOARD
Mr. Suryavanshi — 1
Mrs. Suryavanshi — 1
Love Game… To Be Continued…