Amara's POV:
The first thing I noticed when I woke was the quiet. No train horns, no market bells, no Jaipur chaos—just the faint hum of the heater and a winter sky the color of fog.
I padded to the kitchen, still wearing the scarf that smelled faintly of Vihaan's cologne from the flight. The trip already felt like a dream, a pocket of color stitched into the ordinary gray of home.
My phone buzzed on the counter.
'Made it to the office. Coffee tastes nothing like Jaipur's chai.' Vihaan messaged'Miss the farm sunrise already.'
I smiled at the second message, thumbs hovering before I typed back.
' Miss the animals or the sunrise?' I asked
'A girl I met on a farm, maybe,' He answered
The doorbell rang before I could overthink. Jia's voice floated in from the hallway. "Amaaa! I brought muffins and about twelve more questions about Mr. Vihaan."
I laughed, pulling the door open. "You're relentless."
"I'm dedicated," she corrected, sweeping inside with a paper bag. "And, by the way, your mystery man texted me last night to say thanks for 'loaning' you to India. Who even does that?"
I blinked. "He texted you?"
Jia grinned. "Oh, we're besties now. Don't worry, I promised not to reveal all your secrets…yet."
It was still winter break—no classes, no deadlines—so Jia and I decided to hunt for trouble at the new mall.
"Ama, the reviews say it's a paradise—trendy outfits and a food court the size of a football field," Jia announced, wiggling her eyebrows like a travel agent for chaos.
"Perfect," I said, pretending to groan. "I've been chilling so much my brain is starting to melt."
"Drama queen," she teased, snapping her phone shut.
After a quick wardrobe debate (and a few hair-flip competitions), we finally headed out. We shopped, we laughed, we conquered half the stores—and naturally it was snack time, the sacred ritual.
That's when I spotted her.
Least wanted person, sitting with the most wanted person.Olivia. With Vihaan.Deep in conversation, leaning in like she owned the air between them.
Jia followed my stare and nearly hissed. "Of course. The audacity."
I felt my jaw tighten. Memories of Olivia's little stunt—how she almost wrecked things between Vihaan and me, even dragging Jia into the mess—flashed through my mind.
"She seriously needs a refresher course in boundaries," Jia whispered, eyes glittering.
"And what do you suggest?" I asked, though I already knew that look.
Jia grinned like a cat with a stolen secret. "Easy. Go claim what's yours."
A slow smile crept across my face. "Oh, I like this plan."
Before I could second-guess myself, I squared my shoulders and strode across the food court.
"Hi, Olivia," I said brightly—too brightly—the kind of smile that should come with a warning label.
She looked up, surprise flickering in her eyes.
I shifted my attention to Vihaan, letting my voice drop to something calm and deliberate. "Vihaan, I need to talk to you. Now."
The words hung in the air, sharp enough to slice through their polite conversation. Jia, watching from a distance, gave me a silent thumbs-up and the tiniest evil grin.
Vihaan blinked once, clearly caught between surprise and amusement."Ama," he said slowly, a faint smile tugging at his mouth, "Hii."
Olivia straightened in her chair, her polite mask slipping for a heartbeat. "Oh…hello, Ama," she said, voice just a little too sweet.
I leaned a hand on the table, eyes on Vihaan. "Mind stepping outside with me for a minute? I promise it won't take long."
Vihaan's brows rose, the corners of his lips curving into that infuriating, knowing grin. "Important, huh?" He set his coffee down, eyes glinting with quiet laughter. "Alright, lead the way."
Olivia's gaze darted between us, a hint of color rising in her cheeks. "We were in the middle of discussing—"
"Case studies," I finished lightly. "I'm sure they'll survive a five-minute break."
Vihaan stood, sliding his jacket off the back of the chair. "I'll be right back, Olivia."
"Take your time," I added, flashing her the brightest smile I owned.
As we walked away, Vihaan tilted his head toward me, voice low and warm. "So…was that a rescue mission or a declaration of war?"
"Both," I said with a smirk. "Mostly fun, though."
He chuckled, a quiet rumble that made it worth every second of Olivia's glare burning holes in my back.
I could see her still watching us, so why not make it more interesting?
"Actually, it's been fifteen hours since I saw you the last time. I missed you, so now you need to compensate for that." I said while pretending to look away.
"And what should I do to compensate for this long waiting time?" he asked while leaning closer to match my height.
"Maybe, a few kisses on the neck, cheeks, and forehead, and on... will be worth it," I said, pointing at my lips.
He chuckled, the sound low enough that only I could hear."Right here in the middle of the mall?" he teased, one eyebrow lifting.
I smirked. "Why not? We already have an audience."I tilted my head slightly toward Olivia's table without looking.
Vihaan followed my glance and laughed under his breath. "You're unbelievable."
"You love it," I said, trying to keep a straight face.
He leaned in just enough that I could feel the warmth of his breath. "Maybe I do."
For a heartbeat, the bustle of the mall faded—just the hum of his nearness, his eyes holding mine.Then he brushed a soft kiss across my forehead, quick and careful, a promise disguised as play.
"Consider that an installment payment," he whispered.
I grinned, cheeks warm. "You'd better keep paying with interest."
He gave a mock-serious nod. "Deal. But the rest of that list?You'll have to collect in a more private location."
I laughed, the sound bubbling out before I could stop it.Behind us, I could feel Olivia's curiosity sharpening like a camera lens, and that only made me lean a little closer to Vihaan as we started back toward Jia and the food stalls.
As we reached, I could clearly see her grinning like a cartoon villain.
"It took a little more time than I expected," she said while looking at me.
"Shut up, it was just a conversation," I said
Vihaan fought back a smile. "Purely academic research," he said smoothly."Testing the velocity of a forehead kiss in public settings."
Jia clapped a hand over her mouth to hide a laugh."Academic, right. Next time, bring me a bibliography."
"Next time," I shot back, "you're staying at least ten feet away."
"Ha! Not a chance. I live for field reports like this," she said, looping her arm through mine and dragging me toward the snack counter.He giggled, the sound low and warm, and I felt the last bit of tension melt away.Before either of us could add another word, a familiar voice cut through the background music.
"Enjoying without me?" a familiar voice came from behind.
We turned to see Adrian, one hand tucked into his hoodie pocket and the other holding an iced coffee like it belonged in a commercial.
"Ohh, you can walk?" Jia said in a mocking tone. "Because last time, you couldn't even walk to pick up your phone."
"I already told you the reason for that," Adrian said with pure innocence.
"Whatever, I don't want to join you", and I know when it comes to forgiving, Jia is tough; she holds grudges.
"Vihaan, I think we should go first," I said, signaling Vihaan to come with me.
"No, I am also coming," Jia said, trying to follow, but Adrian held her hand.
Jia's POV:
I felt my hand still in Adrian's, and for a moment, irritation prickled my skin. He always knows exactly how to corner me.
"Adrian," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, "I don't want to argue. Last time… you really messed up."
He looked at me, eyes soft but determined. "I know, Jia. And I'm not going to just brush it off. I am sorry, and I promise it was the last time this happened."
I blinked, surprised at the sincerity in his tone. "Really?"
"Yes," he said, stepping a little closer. "I don't want to lose your trust over something stupid. I'm willing to do whatever it takes… to make it up to you."
I narrowed my eyes, testing him. "Whatever it takes?"
He smiled, mischievous but genuine. "Yes. Anything short of letting me take you to a private island or stealing the moon for you."
I chuckled despite myself. "You're impossible."
"Maybe," he admitted, leaning just slightly closer, his voice dropping to a playful whisper, "but I hope that makes me irresistible too."
My cheeks warmed, and I had to look away, trying not to grin. "Irresistible, huh? You've got some nerve."
"Just enough," he murmured, a teasing sparkle in his eyes. "And enough to finally earn your forgiveness? and to keep you with me?"
I exhaled, shaking my head, though the small smile on my lips betrayed me. "Fine. You're forgiven… for now."
He leaned in a little, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Good. That's… a very good start."
Before I could respond, a familiar, teasing voice cut through:"Everything okay over here, or are we interrupting a top-secret, highly romantic negotiation?"
I turned to see Ama and Vihaan grinning at us.
Adrian straightened but gave me a wink, voice playful. "Ah, it seems our audience has arrived. But don't worry—they won't get the first bite of the churros."
I laughed, shaking my head. "You really never quit, do you?"
"Never," he said, flashing a charming grin.
Vihaan chuckled, nudging Ama. "Looks like someone's winning at the mall today."
I rolled my eyes, but my heart was definitely racing—and I knew Adrian had just earned himself a lot more than forgiveness.