Chapter Ninety Three.

Chapter Ninety Three.
Her body trembled, a chill crawling down her spine despite the heat rising in the room.

Varun lifted his hand slowly, brushing her hair between his fingers, his touch far too gentle for the weight of his words.

He brought the strand to his face, closing his eyes as he inhaled deeply.

“There were so many boys there, Veda. I don’t want you associating with them.”

Her stomach knotted, her heart beating so hard she could hear it in her ears. “V… Varun… please… move—”

His eyes snapped open, intensely. “My little storm…” He took in her scent again, almost like he was trying to imprint it into his memory. “Mine. Only mine.”

Something in his voice cracked then, an edge of obsession that made her blood run cold.

Fear gave her strength. She shoved him again, harder this time, breaking free from his shadow. Her chest heaved as she moved to the side, keeping her distance.

“I will call the police, Varun. Leave. Now.”

But he didn’t flinch. Didn’t even blink. “I don’t want to leave, Veda.” His voice was quieter now, but no less threatening.

That’s when she noticed, his jaw clenched, the veins in his forearms standing out like cords.

His whole body was tense, wound tight.

“Varun, you need to understand.” Veda said, forcing her voice to sound steady even though her pulse was hammering. “I don’t want you here. Please… leave.”

For a moment, the only sound was their breathing. His eyes stayed locked on her..

Then..

Knock.

Knock.

Veda’s breath caught in her throat. Every muscle in her body tensed.

She swallowed hard, sidestepping him cautiously and walking toward the door.

Her hand brushed the handle, cold against her skin. She glanced back, Varun was still watching her.

She opened it just enough to peek outside.

Shaun.

Her young neighbor stood there, his boyish face lighting up with a nervous smile.

Seventeen, tall and lean with striking blue eyes and a gentle, shy demeanor, he always looked like he’d stepped out of a summer postcard.

“H… Hi, Shaun..” Veda said, trying to keep her voice calm even as her heart thudded in her chest. “W… why are you here?”

He scratched the back of his neck, cheeks coloring. “I… um, I thought you might be free now. I need—”

His words froze when he noticed movement behind her.

Varun appeared like a shadow, sliding into the doorway.

Before Veda could react, his arm snaked around her waist, pulling her against him in one swift, possessive motion.

“My girlfriend can’t help you with whatever you need.” Varun said, his tone sharp, final. “Leave. And don’t come near her again.”

The door slammed shut so fast the echo rattled in Veda’s bones.

Shaun stood on the other side, staring at the closed door, his shoulders sagging.

She has a boyfriend? The thought stung more than he expected.

He turned away slowly, his steps heavy with disappointment.

Inside, Veda snapped out of her stunned haze. She shoved at Varun’s chest and spun to face him.

“I am not your girlfriend!” Her voice was sharper now, slicing through the thick air between them.

Something flickered in his eyes, a flash of hurt, before he swallowed hard. “But you are, Veda. You’re my girlfriend. You told me that.”

Her brows drew together in disbelief. “Told you?!” she thought.

We have never even dated, I don't even talk to you. I don’t like you. I’m scared of you. Then how?

“Ugh… okay, listen to me, Varun.” Veda said, pressing her fingertips to her temple.

The headache was pounding harder with every second he stayed. She exhaled slowly, forcing herself to meet his eyes.

“You need to understand this, really understand it. We are both adults and you should understand that...” Her voice trembled, but the words came sharp. “I don’t like you. Not even a little. You are not my type. We are not the same. I don’t know what you see in me, but I don’t want anything to do with you.”

Her throat tightened, but she kept going.

“You made my life hell back in Mumbai. I can’t… I won’t live through that again here. Please, just leave me alone. I’m begging you.” Her voice cracked, and her chest rose with uneven breaths. “I just want a peaceful life, Varun. But the more you show up, the more you scare me. My life is falling apart and I can’t breathe like this, you are dangerous, your work is dangerous, you don't give me a good vibe, we are different, you will have so many enemies and I don't want to get tangled in your life or whatsoever, your family name carries a dangerous reputation.. Please… leave me alone. That’s all I’m asking.”

Tears threatened to spill, but she refused to let them fall in front of him.

Varun stood there, silent. His fists were clenched so tightly the veins in his forearms bulged.

His jaw flexed, his eyes darkening into something cold and dangerous. For a heartbeat, she thought he might explode.

But then… he swallowed hard. His gaze lingered on her, and without a word, he reached for the door.

The click of it opening felt like air rushing back into her lungs.

He stepped out, his shoulders rigid, and disappeared out the door.

Veda’s knees almost buckled as she exhaled. She rushed to slammed the door shut and turned the lock with shaking hands.

“Oh God...” she whispered into the quiet room, pressing her forehead to the wood. “Please… don’t let him come back.”