The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the sprawling house as Darshik finally stirred from his slumber. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, the cool floor beneath his feet jolting him awake. Without a second thought, he slipped into a pair of loose track pants, leaving his upper body bare, . He poured himself a drink, the liquid sloshing in the glass as he took a satisfying sip.

With a casual air, he strolled into the dining hall, which was all empty. He sat on the dining table and took another sip, savoring the taste, when a sudden realization struck him—his phone was still in his room. With a dismissive grunt, he stood up, to retrieve it.

As he passed through the dining area, Saanvi happened to walk by. Her eyes caught the half-empty glass resting on the neatly clean dining table . Curiosity piqued, she picked it up, her brow furrowing  “I guess Dolly didi forgot to take it,” she mused, bringing the glass closer to her nose. The scent hit her, and her eyes widened. “Wait a second, is this beer?”

Before she could process her thoughts, the glass was yanked from her grasp. Startled, she looked up to find Darshik towering over her, his expressions were of irritation and disdain. Instinctively, she lowered her gaze, feeling the weight of his presence.

“Who told you to touch my things?” he snapped, his tone dripping with arrogance.

“I’m sorry! I thought—” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

“You thought?!” he interrupted, his voice rising as he had a cold chuckle . “Did you forget that you don’t get to think anything when it comes to me?”

His words cut through the air like a knife, and Saanvi felt a pang of hurt. “I hope you didn’t forget in these eight years that this is my house, and you and your ugly brother are just mere unwanted guests in it!”

The sting of his words lingered in the air, and Saanvi’s heart sank. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could find her voice, Ragini’s cheerful voice rang out from the hallway. “Oh, Darshik! Finally, you’re up! Let me call the servant to prepare breakfast for you!”

“Go on, she is coming play your little victim card, start your drama just like you did when we were kids. ‘Aunty, aunty, Darshik pushed me!’” he mocked, mimicking her childish tone with a smirk.

Tears threatened to spill from Saanvi’s eyes as she whispered, “But I didn't lie , you really pushed me, Darshik.”

“tck..tck....Guess what? You’re right. He took a step closer with arrogance shinning in his eyes "I intentionally pushed you because you were touching my toys. And just so you know, I’m still that Darshik. So It would be wise for you not to mess with me, alright?” he said with a flicker of threatening his voice.

Ragini approached, oblivious to the tension. “Arrey, Saanvi beta, you’re going to college, right? Let me ask them to make something for you as well!”

“No, aunty, I’m already full,” Saanvi replied, her gaze flickering to Darshik, who wore an arrogant mocking smirk. “I’m getting late for college. Bye.” With that, she turned on her heel and hurried away, the sting of his words echoing in her mind.

“Darshik, sit down and have breakfast,” Ragini urged, her voice warm and inviting.

“Mom, you set it up, and I’ll just take a bath,” he said and went.

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The soft glow of lights casting a warm glow across the room. Laughter danced in the air, a lighthearted conversation echoed off the walls, as Zoya and Darshik lay entwined on the duvet their naked bodies comfortably nestled against each other . The intimacy of the moment wrapped around them like a cozy blanket.

“So, Zoya, do you still love me?” Darshik asked, his gaze piercing into her eyes, the playful tone in his voice fading into something more serious. The laughter that had been bubbling between them stilled, replaced by a tender smile that graced Zoya’s lips.

“Why are you asking?” she replied, her voice soft, curiosity dancing in her eyes.

“Nothing special. Just wanted to know if your school crush is still alive and kicking,” he teased, a smirk playing on his lips.

Zoya chuckled lightly, her fingers brushing against his cheek. “Yes! But you don’t have to do anything about it,” she said, her smile widening.

“How, Zoya? After all these years, your feelings are still intact, even after knowing I’m sleeping around with so many girls apart from you ?” His tone was incredulous, yet there was a hint of admiration in his voice.

“I don’t know why, but it’s still there,” she admitted, her gaze unwavering. “And honestly, no one else attracts me. Feelings don't have mind you see ....Whatever you are, you’re on my face and there is no pretentious. I’m okay with my one-sided feelings. After all, I’m the only girl you keep coming back to. And Look as soon as you landed in India you are with me here...so  Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be on your knees saying, ‘Zoya!!!! Zoya !!!! I love you!’” Her laughter rang out, light and teasing.

Darshik burst into laughter, shaking his head. “such impossible dreams you have Zoya!!! I’m not the kind of guy who does that. No girl has the power to make me kneel. The girl hasn't even born only!” His arrogance was playful, but there was a glimmer of something deeper in his eyes.

“Anyway, tell me, when I’m not around, who fulfill your needs ?” he asked with curiosity piqued.

“I’m not as free as you, Darshik. I have to go to the office with Dad every day. He’s launching a skincare range, and I’m going to be the CEO of the project. So, I’m a bit too busy to be looking for sex , you know?”

“When was the last time we met?” he asked, shifting the conversation.

“Eight months ago, when I was in Australia for business. Hey, Darshik, when are you  joining your family business? You were a brilliant student; you’d definitely ace it!” Her enthusiasm was palpable.

“Ooo, baby… how do I tell you? Since I came back, I’ve been working non-stop at nights !” he replied, a sexy smile escaping his lips.

“I know your work , Darshik, but your dad must have some plans for you now that you’re back for good,” she said, her tone shifting to one of concern.

“I don’t want to go to the office, Zoya. I know the drill, but right now, it’s just not enticing me,” he confessed.

“And what could entice you?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Aaa… maybe right  now it's you,” he said, leaning closer, his breath warm against her skin as he hovered over her, teasingly threatening to kiss her wh

ile tickling her sides, laughter spilling from her lips once more.