Chapter Eighty Nine.

Chapter Eighty Nine.
Every second he stood there made the air in her apartment feel tighter, heavier.

But he’d said he walked all the way here… in this storm. Would it be cruel to send him back out there?

Varun’s gaze stayed locked on her like he could see every thought running through her head.

“O… okay..” she finally muttered, hating herself for the words even as they left her mouth.

“You can… stay here. Just for tonight. Please, Varun, leave tomorrow.”

He didn’t reply. He just stared, and the weight of his eyes made her want to shrink into herself.

Veda’s throat felt dry as she quickly turned, locking the front door behind him.

His eyes followed her every movement, and she could feel it like a physical touch.

She hurried down the short hallway to her room and shut the door, twisting the lock until it clicked.

Leaning back against the wood, she tried to calm the thudding in her chest.

“What the hell am I doing?” she whispered to herself. “Am I crazy? I just...oh God…” She forced herself to breathe, in and out. “Okay… he’s not going to kill me. I’ll lock the door. He’ll leave first thing in the morning.”

She grabbed a blanket from her folded cloth in the wardrobe, intending to bring it out to him, but stopped halfway to the door.

He doesn’t need this. It’s not my fault he stood in the rain.

Her hands tightened on the fabric. Still, her conscience twisted in her chest.

She sat on the edge of her bed, her eyes fixed on the door.

Then, a sound.

A sneeze.

She froze. A second sneeze followed, louder this time. Her grip on the blanket tightened until her knuckles turned white.

For a long moment she stayed there, staring at the door, her mind racing.

Finally, with a slow, shaky breath, she unlocked it and stepped into the hall.

Varun was still standing in the same spot, rainwater dripping onto the floor, his posture eerily still except for the faint rise and fall of his chest.

Veda blinked, hesitated, then walked toward him. She held out the blanket like a peace offering. “Please… leave tomorrow..” she said quietly.

She didn’t wait for an answer. She turned on her heel and walked back to her room, fast, and locked the door again. Her breath came in shallow bursts.

“I just let a murderer stay the night.. A big Criminal..” she whispered, pressing her back against the door.

“What have I done?” She checked the lock twice, then climbed into bed, eyes never leaving the door. She knew she wouldn’t be sleeping tonight.

Meanwhile, Varun looked down at the blanket in his hands, then turned his head toward the hallway, toward her room.

His steps were slow but deliberate as he approached.

He stopped right at her door, his hand hovering over it before pressing his palm flat against the wood.

For a moment, he stood there in silence, his breath steady, almost calm. Then, with a clenched jaw, he lowered his hand and stepped back.

He turned toward the couch, sat down heavily, and stared at her door. His eyes didn’t move.

All night.

♤♤♤♤

Veda’s fingers lingered on the lock for a moment before she finally twisted it open.

She stepped out slowly, the floor cold under her bare feet, and made her way toward the living room.

She froze.

Varun was there.

He was slouched on the couch, head tilted slightly to the side, fast asleep. His breathing was slow, even. Veda’s throat tightened. He’s still here?

She took a cautious step forward, glancing at the window.

The rain had stopped, sunlight was fighting its way through the thin morning clouds.

Good… I can get to the company now, she thought.

The sooner she was gone, the better. It's her fast day and she doesn't want to appear undisciplined.

Then Varun groaned.

Veda’s stomach dropped. His eyes opened, slowly, like he’d been awake the whole time but was only now choosing to look at her.

She felt her hands fidget nervously, betraying her unease.

“Um… you’re awake..” she said, forcing her voice steady. “Please… can you leave?”

He didn’t answer right away. He just looked at her, gaze steady.

Then, moving unhurriedly, he sat up.

Veda’s breath caught, he wasn’t wearing a shirt. The sight made her eyes widen, and she quickly turned away, her back stiff.

“Please leave, Varun.” Her voice came out sharper this time, edged with fear.

She could hear the faint rustle of movement behind her. His footsteps. Then the warmth of him far too close.

Without warning, his arms wrapped around her. She stiffened instantly, her body locked in place. His breath brushed her ear when he spoke.

“Good morning, my little storm.”

The words rolled out in that low, familiar tone, and Veda’s eyes flew open wide.

She shoved against him, wriggling free, her lips pressed together so tightly it hurt.

“Please leave, Varun. Now.” She didn’t care if her voice cracked.

There was a pause, the kind that felt heavy enough to press against her chest.

Then, she heard him exhale, slow and controlled. He stepped back.

From the corner of her eye, she saw him pull his almost-dry shirt over his head.

He lingered by the door for a heartbeat, looking at her one last time, before opening it and stepping outside.

The moment the door shut, Veda let out a long, shaky breath.

“God… I have to find a different apartment.” The thought wasn’t just passing, it was a decision. She couldn’t stay here. Not with him knowing where she lived.

"It's getting late." She went back to her room to get ready.

Outside, Varun’s pace was unhurried. Parked at the curb was an orange Ferrari, engine running. He stopped halfway, turning to glance back up at her apartment window. His gaze lingered.

Then, without a word, he got into the car. The engine roared softly, and the vehicle rolled away down the street.