1000 words
Sanaya hesitated before bringing up her request, unsure of how Abhimaan would respond. She had been longing to work, to feel productive and independent, but in their current dynamic, she wasn't sure if Abhimaan would approve.
After a brief silence over breakfast, Sanaya cleared her throat. "I've been thinking…" She glanced up to find Abhimaan's eyes on her, his brow slightly furrowed as if he sensed something serious coming. "I'd like to work again, Maan," she said softly.
Abhimaan's fork paused mid-air, his eyes narrowing slightly. His face was unreadable as he placed the fork down and leaned back in his chair. "Work? Where?" The edge in his voice made her heart beat faster, unsure if this was disapproval or curiosity.
Sanaya bit her lip before speaking again, her voice steady but soft. "I want to do something. It's not just about the money. I want to feel independent, to contribute in some way."
Abhimaan's expression didn't change, but his eyes darkened slightly as if weighing her words. "My world isn't safe, Sanaya. You being out there—"
"I don't need to work outside," she cut in, her hands clenching the tablecloth. "I just… I need to be me again. I can't just sit in this house all day."
Before Abhimaan could respond, Ruhani walked in, having overheard part of the conversation. Her eyes softened as she looked at Sanaya. "Why don't you work for Rathore Enterprise, beta?"
Sanaya blinked, her gaze shifting to Ruhani, who offered a warm smile. "We have multiple divisions in Rathore Enterprise," she continued. "You could work in the design and fashion segment. I think you'd be perfect for it."
Sanaya looked between Abhimaan and his mother. Abhimaan was silent, but his jaw tightened slightly, making Sanaya feel unsure. But Ruhani's words gave her hope.
Ruhani, sensing her son's hesitation, spoke again. "It's part of the family business, Abhimaan. Sanaya can learn and contribute while staying close to us. She has a good eye for fashion." Her voice was firm, almost as if she were issuing a challenge to her son.
Abhimaan's eyes shifted from his mother back to Sanaya. There was conflict in his gaze. He had always been protective of her, but now, something was shifting. He let out a slow breath before speaking. "If this is what you want, Lavender, I won't stop you." His voice was quieter now, but there was a possessive edge to it. "But you'll work at Rathore Enterprise. Nowhere else."
Sanaya's eyes lit up with excitement. For a moment, she saw the walls around Abhimaan's heart crack, allowing her just a little closer. "Thank you, Maan," she said softly, her heart swelling with gratitude.
He watched her for a moment, his gaze intense. "But remember, Lavender," his voice was low, "even when you work, you're still mine."
Her breath caught at the intensity of his words. She nodded, knowing that being part of Rathore Enterprise meant stepping deeper into Abhimaan's world.
That night, as Sanaya lay next to Abhimaan, her mind wandered back to how things had changed between them. In the beginning, she had felt like a stranger in his world—a world filled with silence, walls, and the ever-present danger of his enemies. He had kept her at arm's length, his cold demeanor shutting her out.
But slowly, those walls had begun to crumble. Abhimaan had let her in, piece by piece. It wasn't just about the kisses, or the heated moments—they were moments of connection, yes—but there was more. It was in the way his eyes softened when he called her 'Lavender,' the way he let her see glimpses of the man beneath the armor.
Sanaya turned to look at him, his face calm as he slept. She thought about his possessiveness, the way he had reacted earlier when she mentioned working. Once, she would have been terrified by his intensity, but now, she understood it. She was starting to realize that his need to protect her came from a place of love, even if he didn't know how to express it in words.
Abhimaan, in his sleep, was lost in his own thoughts, his mind drifting between memories of the past and the present. He had always known that Sanaya was different, that she wasn't like the other women who had come and gone in his life. She wasn't afraid to challenge him, to push past the icy barrier he had built around himself.
The moment he had seen her dancing with that other man, something inside him had snapped. It wasn't just jealousy—it was the realization that he couldn't bear the thought of losing her. He had never felt like this before, never cared so deeply about someone who could become a weakness in his world. And yet, here she was, lying beside him, slowly becoming his greatest strength.
He opened his eyes slightly, turning to face her. She was awake, watching him with a soft smile that made his chest tighten. "You should sleep, Lavender," he murmured, his voice husky from sleep.
"I know," she whispered back, her voice filled with affection. "I'm just…thinking."
He reached out, his hand finding hers, and in that small gesture, Sanaya felt a warmth spread through her. This man, so guarded and fierce, was learning to open up. It wasn't easy for him, but he was trying. And that was enough for her.
As they drifted off to sleep, Sanaya knew that their journey was far from over. But for now, she was content, knowing that they were finally starting to break down the walls between them.
---
Vote for next chapter and also for story and follow on insta-sanya_writez
And after this chapter the chapter will be long as the diwali vacation will come and i will have much time to write.