Chapter Two Hundred and Eighty One.

Chapter Two Hundred and Eighty One.
Two Weeks Later....

Siddhartha’s car rolled to a stop in front of the hospital.

Before the engine even went silent, Meera was already stepping out, her pace quick, her eyes locked on the glass doors ahead.

Siddhartha followed, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he watched her hurry off.

“She never waits.” he murmured to himself, shaking his head as he shut the door.

Inside, the soft echo of Meera’s sandals hit the white tiles as she moved through the corridor.

Her deep maroon anarkali swayed with every step, her dupatta fluttering behind.

When she reached Arjun’s ward, she paused for a second, taking a quiet breath before stepping in.

Arjun was awake, sitting up against the pillows, talking to his mother.

The color had returned to his face, and though a faint bandage still wrapped around his abdominal area, he looked more alive than ever.

The moment his eyes found hers, something in them shifted, from calm to warm.

“Meera.” he said softly.

Her lips curved into a small smile as she stepped closer.

“Meera, dear! You’re here.” Mrs. Madhav said cheerfully. “Where’s Siddhartha?”

“He’s right behind me, Auntie.” Meera replied, smiling politely.

Mrs. Madhav chuckled, gathering her purse. “Then I’ll let you two talk. Don’t tire him out, hmm?” She winked and walked out, her laughter fading down the hall.

Meera frowned at that. Huh? Tire him out?

The moment the door clicked shut, Arjun’s hand shot out, fingers circling Meera’s wrist.

He tugged her closer, gentle at first, then firmer, until she was fell on his lap.

“Why did you take so long to come, Meera?” He softly said, the warmth of his breath brushing against her neck as his arms wrapped tightly around her waist.

Meera blushed, caught between embarrassment and the comfort of his hold.

“Arjun, let go.” she whispered, her fingers pressing lightly against his chest. “You’ll hurt yourself.”

He lifted his head, eyes narrowing slightly. “I’m fine.” he murmured defiantly.

Before she could protest again, he pulled her closer, his face dipping back into the crook of her neck.

His lips brushed her skin, soft touches that made her pulse stutter.

She froze, her breath catching.

“Arjun…” she tried again, but her voice trembled instead of sounding stern.

“We’re in the hospital.” she managed to whisper, her words melting into a shaky breath as he continued his trail of kisses and sucking.

Arjun smirked against her neck, the corner of his mouth curving in satisfaction as he felt her flinch.

“You’re trembling.” he muttered, his voice rough, almost possessive.

“Stop…” she breathed, trying to push him away gently, but his grip only tightened.

Then he bit softly at the base of her neck, making her gasp.

“I feel… weird, Arjun… stop…” she whispered, her voice breaking as she tried to hold back a sound that wasn’t supposed to escape her lips.

But before he could say anything, the faint echo of footsteps reached them.

“Someone’s coming, Arjun!” she hissed, struggling now.

He didn’t move at first, his jaw tightening in irritation.

But as the sound grew louder, Meera gathered every ounce of strength and pushed away from him.

Arjun growled under his breath, his frustration visible, eyes dark as she stepped back, straightening her dupatta hurriedly.

And then, the door opened.

Siddhartha walked in.

For a moment, silence blanketed the room.

Arjun’s eyes shot toward his brother, coldly.

Siddhartha stopped halfway, confusion flickering across his face as his gaze moved between Meera’s flushed face and Arjun’s dark, burning stare.

Meera quickly sank onto the chair beside Arjun’s bed, pretending composure though her heartbeat thundered in her chest.

Siddhartha frowned. “Did I… interrupt something?”

“No.” Meera said too quickly, her voice unsteady.

He nodded.

“Hey, Bhai.” Siddhartha greeted with an easy smile. “How are you feeling?”

Arjun’s eyes darkened immediately. “Why are you here?” he bit out.

Siddhartha blinked, the smile fading. “What?”

Meera gasped softly, turning to Arjun in disbelief. “Arjun! Don’t be rude.” she scolded.

Siddhartha chuckled under his breath, shaking his head as he walked closer to them.

He dropped down into the chair beside Meera, but then his gaze caught something on her neck.

His brows drew together, a frown forming as he leaned slightly closer.

Arjun noticed instantly.

“Stop staring at her.” he snapped.

Meera blinked and turned to Siddhartha, startled by Arjun’s sudden protectiveness. “What’s wrong?” she asked, confused.

“I’m not staring.” Siddhartha said calmly, his eyes still on her neck.

“It’s just...Meera, are you okay? Did you… hurt yourself?”

“Huh?” she blinked, reaching for her neck. “What? No, why?”

Before she could touch the spot, Siddhartha brushed a few loose strands of her hair aside.

His eyes narrowed slightly, then the corner of his mouth lifted in realization.

Oh. Now he understood.

A small, knowing smirk tugged at his lips as he met Arjun’s cold, warning gaze.

“Wow..” he murmured, amusement threading through his tone. “Not even discharged yet, and you’re already on it.”

Meera’s brows furrowed in confusion. “What are you–”

“Shut up, Siddhartha.” Arjun growled, His jaw tightened, eyes burning into his brother’s.

“If you’re done seeing me, leave. I have something important to discuss with Meera.”

Siddhartha laughed softly, shaking his head. “Important, huh? I can imagine.”

“Get out.” Arjun said.

“Oh, it’s okay.” Siddhartha said with that familiar teasing smirk tugging at his lips. “Take your time. I’ll go meet Ma.”

He stood up and headed toward the door, glancing once more at Meera, who still looked utterly lost, her brows furrowed in confusion.

“Oh, and uh, Bhai.” he added, pausing with his hand on the doorknob. “As much as I’d love to be an uncle someday… maybe not here. The door isn’t soundproof, and this is a hospital.”

Arjun’s jaw flexed, he grabbed the nearest thing, his pillow, and threw it at him.

Siddhartha caught it midair, laughing. “Easy, Bhai.” he teased tossing the pillow back at him, then stepped out and shutting the door behind him.

The moment the door clicked, silence filled the room.

Meera sat still for a few seconds, her cheeks tinted pink. “What… what did he mean by that?” she asked, eyes wide with innocence.

Arjun’s gaze flicked up to her, a dark amusement in his eyes. “Don’t mind the idiot.” he muttered.

Then, his voice dropped deep “Come here, Meera.”

Her heart skipped. The way he said her name, deep yet tender, sent a shiver down her spine.

“No, Arjun…” she whispered quickly, shaking her head. “Not here. You’re getting discharged today, so just wait, okay? We will have plenty time to.. cuddle, if that’s what you want.”

He leaned back against the pillow, eyes narrowing slightly, the intensity in them softening into something deeper.

“You promise?” he asked quietly, almost boyishly.

Meera blinked at his sudden change of tone. Then, her lips curved into a smile as she nodded. “Yes.” she said softly.

That one word seemed to calm him. His expression softened completely.

He exhaled slowly, his hand reaching to brush her fingers before letting go.

“Good.” he murmured, his voice a low hum. “Then I’ll wait.”