[FEATURED IN WATTPAD INDIA PROFILE]
❝Pioneering the art of constructing love, my Kanmani.❞
Xavier teased her skin, slowly caressing her cheeks and her lips trembled.
❝You don't dare!❞
And he kissed her.
------
When he had compromised his dreams and...
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Krithika stared at her reflection in the mirror and let out a frustrated sigh.
She'd changed her outfit three times, exhausting her stash of "good" dresses, yet still felt like she looked terrible. The baby blue anarkali suit felt inadequate next to Xavier's effortless handsomeness.
With a defeated grunt, she tied her hair into a simple high ponytail. She'd thought about braiding it into something intricate, but the length of her hair made that a grueling, arm-burning endeavor she wasn't ready for.
Her big, dark eyes scrutinized every flaw in the mirror.
Why does he even want to date me?
She blinked rapidly, forcing her doubts and insecurities to the back of her mind. She didn't own any fancy makeup—the beauty industry's newfound love for dark skin was a luxury only the rich could afford. But she did indulge in eyeliners, the one cosmetic that didn't break her savings account. She applied a dark brown liner and smudged it slightly, making her eyes look a little more captivating.
Stepping back, she gave herself a final once-over, only to shake her head in disappointment. Kneeling in front of her wardrobe, she fished out her only pair of heels and slipped them on, wincing as they pinched her feet. Well, at least she could try to look presentable.
"You're going on a date?" her roommate, Anjali, asked, raising a curious brow. "You never dress up unless it's a big occasion. And it's already eight—kind of late for a 'normal' event."
"Do you need to know everything?" Krithika muttered, fastening her wristband.
"If it's a date, you should wear those big jhumkas," Anjali smirked. "They're killer."
"Not in the mood." Krithika's tone was flat as she checked her phone. No message.
"You know I'm just pulling your leg, right?" Anjali chuckled. "He must be crazy handsome if you've checked yourself in that mirror fifty times and still aren't satisfied."
Krithika's cheeks flared, and she shot a glare at her infuriating roommate. "Please shut your motor mouth."
Anjali laughed louder and shrugged. "Girl, stop being so hard on yourself," she said, her voice softening. "If this guy asked you out, he obviously wants to be with you. Don't pressure yourself so much. Just go with the flow."
Blah blah blah. "Okay," Krithika said through gritted teeth, pressing her lips into a thin line.
Her phone pinged.
Hey, Chakudi! Wanted to talk to you about something. Call me when you're free. Rathna's message flashed on the screen.
What does he want now?
Kinda busy. Will call you later, she replied, switching to Instagram to scroll through mindless reels.
Another message popped up.
Azhagiya Asuran:
Will be there in two minutes, my sweetheart.
Something fluttered in her stomach. Was that the famous "butterflies" people always talked about?
She took a deep breath, gathered her wallet and phone, and waved goodbye to Anjali before heading out. Standing by the gate, she waited for him.
It didn't even take a minute before a sleek, steely-grey Kia slowed in front of her P.G.
Xavier, like last time, stepped out and opened the door for her. She slipped into the passenger seat, the faint musk of his cologne invading her senses, making her smile.
"I already adjusted the seat and lock for you," he said, his voice rich and soothing as she buckled in.
"Don't you have a less fancy car?" she muttered, smoothing her dress. "People here aren't used to flashy stuff."
He laughed, the huskiness in his voice setting her butterflies aflutter again. "Darling, I'm an automotive engineer—a damn good one at that. You can't expect me to drive a basic Alto."
"Okay," she murmured, her fingers twisting the hem of her dress, still unnerved by his casual use of endearments.
Am I always going to feel this tense around him?
He reached over, tilting her chin with gentle fingers, making her face him.
"Breathe, my lovely sweetheart."
And she did. But it wasn't easy, especially as her eyes drifted over him. His bluish-grey button-down polo hugged his torso perfectly, every inch sculpted. When does he even find time to work out?
His hair was neatly combed, though a few strands fell artfully over his forehead. His soft lips curved into a smile, dimples deepening, making her heart race.
His golden-brown eyes locked on her face, warm and intent.
Murugaaa...
"You look gorgeous," he said, his smile widening. "Except for one thing."
His hand moved from her chin to the back of her head, fingers brushing her cheek. She suppressed a soft moan.
With a deft snap, he broke her hair tie, freeing her long, silky hair to cascade over her shoulders. He carefully arranged it, running his fingers through the strands.
"There. Now you look... fuck... wow."
A shiver ran through her as he leaned in, cupping her face. His kiss was soft, gentle—a promise. Not like the other times. This kiss felt... different.
He pulled back and shook his head, grinning. "God, stop looking at me like that, darling, or we'll never leave."
She swallowed hard and turned to face forward. The car windows were lightly tinted, and the street was dark. Thankfully, no one was around. If anyone had seen, they might have banned her from the neighborhood for such blatant PDA.
He started the car, the familiar scent of musk and forest filling the space, wrapping her in its comforting embrace.
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Do tell me what you feel about this and the upcoming chapters, always open to positive criticism.
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