Chapter 37 Heat Beneath The Snow
Samar steps closer, cups my cheeks in his hands, and says softly, “I don’t know why… but for the past two months, nothing has felt right without you. I’ve gotten used to seeing you. I like it when you smile. I feel peace when you’re near… and when you’re not, everything feels empty. When you’re with me, I feel like I have everything.”
Tears roll down my cheeks. He gently wipes them away and teases, “You really are a crybaby.”
I hug him tightly and whisper, “I want to stay with you… always. I feel good when I’m with you.”
He smiles. “Did you miss me?”
My voice cracks. “A lot.”
He chuckles softly. “Okay, but I didn’t bring you here to cry. Let’s enjoy.”
I give him a small, playful smile, then scoop up some snow with my gloved hands and throw it at him.
“Ishani!” he exclaims in shock.
I throw more snow, laughing. Soon he joins in, and we start playing like children throwing snow, laughing, teasing each other, living a few sweet moments just for ourselves.
Suddenly, he comes close and kisses me out of nowhere. I snap, “I’m tired of all your antics!”
Sliding his arm around my waist, pulling me closer, he whispers, “I haven’t even started yet, and you’re already tired?”
A dangerous smirk curls on his lips as he adds, “If I really start you’ll end up screaming my name all night.”
Meanwhile, Shorya sits in his room, focused on a file, reviewing important points for an upcoming meeting. Just then, Neeti walks in and starts packing his clothes and files into a travel bag.
“I’ve had your shirt pressed,” she says, “and I’ve packed your laptop charger too. Let me know if you need anything else.”
He looks up briefly. “Hmm… okay, thanks. Did you check the file and pen drive?”
“Yes, both are in the side pocket. Boarding pass is in the same folder.”
“Alright. I’ll leave on time. Take care.”
“Don’t worry. What time is your flight?”
“11:30. I’ll leave by 9.”
She zips the bag. “Okay then. Have a safe journey.”
He nods and returns to his file. Neeti places the bag near the door. He looks into her eyes there’s hidden concern there but she doesn’t let it show. She tries to hide her emotions, though he can still sense something troubling her.
He closes the file, about to speak then stops. What’s the point? he thinks. Even if I say something, she won’t respond.
He picks up his bag and walks toward her. There’s a silent pause between them one that says everything without words.
“I’m leaving,” he says simply.
“Take care,” she replies calmly.
He looks at her once more, nods, says “Bye,” and walks out. Neeti stands still, listening to his footsteps fade down the hallway.
She walks downstairs. Mr. Shekhawat is reading the newspaper in the living room.
“Child,” he says warmly, “since Shorya isn’t home, you can meet everyone today. Otherwise, you’ll get bored alone.”
She smiles lightly. “Yes, Dad. Just make sure you take your medicines on time.”
“Yes, child. I will.”
She heads upstairs, gets ready, chooses her outfit, sets her hair, applies light makeup, and after checking the time, picks up her bag and phone.
Soon, she reaches the car. “Dad, take care of yourself. I’ll be back soon.”
“No need to rush. Take your time,” he replies. She nods and leaves.
At Rajput Mansion, silence hangs heavy as always. Mrs. Shobha sits on the sofa. Vihan stands in a corner with his coffee. Though he visits often, no one truly talks to him anymore the pain he caused still lingers.
As Neeti enters, her eyes briefly meet Vihan’s, but she ignores him and walks straight to Mrs. Shobha, who smiles warmly.
“How are you, my child?” Mrs. Shobha asks.
“I’m fine, Mom.”
Ruhi runs in and hugs her tightly.
“Where’s Dad?” Neeti asks.
“He’s on a business trip,” Ruhi replies sadly.
Neeti frowns. “Why does he still take so much stress?”
Mrs. Shobha remains silent. Vihan’s eyes fill with guilt. He opens his arms slightly, hoping… but Neeti doesn’t even look at him. She takes Mrs. Shobha’s hand and walks away. Vihan stands alone, knowing no apology is enough.
Later, Mrs. Shobha mentions, “Karan told me Ishani went to Dehradun.”
“
Yes, Mom. She’ll be back once her work is done,” Neeti replies, hiding the truth to protect her.
Evening falls, and I’m still playing in the snow, completely lost in my happiness. My cheeks are red from the cold, but I don’t care.
From a distance, Samar watches me. Finally, he walks up and lifts me into his arms.
“Just because I’m kind doesn’t mean you can do anything,” he scolds. “Look at your face—it’s red!”
“Please… just a little longer,” I plead.
He ignores me, places me in the snowmobile, and heads back to King Empire.
Inside, bodyguards stand in perfect formation. Samar carries me straight to the room and places me on the bed.
“You’re really not nice,” I grumble.
He returns after freshening up and suddenly pulls me into his arms.
“So much anger?” he asks softly. “Am I really that bad?”
“You made me angry,” I snap.
He chuckles. “And if I don’t apologize?”
I turn away stubbornly. He tilts my face toward him, looks at me, and suddenly kisses me fiercely.
I freeze. My anger melts away.
When he pulls back, he smirks. “Still mad?”
I can’t answer. My heart races. I hit his chest lightly. “You have no manners…”
“You’re not angry,” he murmurs. “You just can’t stay away from me.”
Slowly, I hug him tightly. He holds me close, kisses my hair, then my neck gently. I close my eyes, my heart pounding.
It is late at night, around midnight. The roads are almost deserted, and the only sounds are the whispering cold wind and the occasional barking of dogs in the distance. Karan is driving back home, his car gliding smoothly through the quiet streets, when suddenly he notices a girl standing alone near a turn.