"Baahon ki darmiyaan, do pyaar mil rahe hain"

~ Author ~

Mumbai, India

"Meher, what is taking you so long to get ready? It's Saptami anyway," Kabir called out, his voice carrying a mix of impatience and amusement. He leaned casually against the bedroom doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest, watching as Meher struggled with her earrings.

"You know, getting ready in a saree isn't exactly a walk in the park," she retorted, casting him an exasperated glance. "Unlike slipping into a kurta-pajama and looking good without effort."

Kabir smirked, the corners of his mouth lifting in that infuriatingly smug way that both annoyed and endeared her. "You're saying I look good? Finally, some honesty."

Meher rolled her eyes, deciding not to dignify that with a response. She turned back to the mirror, focusing on her reflection. The pink tussar silk saree she wore clung to her figure perfectly, the silver embroidery adding an elegant touch. It had taken her five attempts to wrap it just right, and now the makeup and jhumkas were the final steps.

The vermillion in her hairline glowed softly, complementing the delicate beads of her mangalsutra resting around her neck. She adjusted the saree's pleats one last time before turning around.

"There. Done."

Kabir straightened, his teasing grin fading as his gaze swept over her. His eyes softened, admiration evident in his expression. "You look—" He paused, struggling to find the words. "You look incredible, Meher."

The sincerity in his tone made her heart flutter. "You're just saying that because you're tired of waiting," she replied, though her voice lacked the usual bite.

Kabir stepped closer, his dark eyes locked on hers. "I'm saying it because it's true."

A blush rose to her cheeks, and she dropped her gaze to the floor. "Thank you," she mumbled.

He tilted his head, pretending to scrutinize her. "Although—"

"What now?" she asked, a mix of irritation and curiosity in her tone.

He squinted, leaning in as if to inspect her face more closely. "Your lipstick. It's too much."

Meher's mouth fell open in disbelief. "Too much? Kabir, it's barely there!"

"I don't know," he mused, a teasing smile forming. "I think it needs fixing."

Before she could protest, he cupped her face gently, his thumbs brushing over her cheeks. His lips met hers in a soft kiss that left her breathless. The initial surprise melted into something deeper as Kabir tilted his head, deepening the kiss.

Meher responded instinctively, her hands reaching up to grip the fabric of his kurta for support. Her lips moved against his, matching his fervour, and when his tongue brushed against her lower lip, she parted hers in invitation.

The kiss grew more heated, their tongues exploring and teasing in a rhythm that spoke of desire and unspoken feelings. Meher's fingers trailed up to his shoulders, holding him closer, while Kabir's hands slid to her waist, pulling her flush against him.

The air around them seemed to sizzle with heat, the world outside fading into oblivion. Kabir's lips were insistent yet tender, his every touch conveying a depth of emotion that words couldn't capture. Meher matched his intensity, pouring her feelings into the kiss.

When they finally broke apart, both were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other's. Kabir's thumb gently traced circles on her cheek, his gaze searching hers.

"There," he said softly, his voice husky. "Fixed."

Meher blinked, still dazed from the kiss. "Kabir!" she exclaimed, realization dawning as she looked in the mirror. Her lipstick was completely smudged.

He chuckled, the sound deep and unapologetic. "What? You look perfect like this."

"You're impossible," she huffed, grabbing a tissue to fix the mess he had created. "Now I have to redo it all over again!"

"Don't bother," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. His chin rested on her shoulder as he looked at their reflection in the mirror. "You're stunning, lipstick or not."

Despite herself, Meher felt her irritation ebb away. She glanced at him through the mirror, her expression softening. "You're incorrigible."

"You're lucky I'm crazy about you," Kabir quipped, planting a quick kiss on her shoulder before stepping back. "Now come on, we've got a whole evening of Dandiya waiting for us."

Despite her playful annoyance, Meher couldn't help but smile. Off lately, Kabir had become very romantic. He would not leave a chance to kiss her or even make out with her. Not that she complained, she enjoyed every bit of it. And with the progress with which their intimacy was progressing, the ultimate step wasn't that far.

She grabbed her clutch and walked toward him. Kabir held out his hand, and their fingers intertwined as they left the room.

As they got out of their house, the sound of laughter and the vibrant beats of festive music filled their ears. Navratri had arrived late, it was almost November. It was their first Navratri as a married couple, and every moment felt special. The past few days had been a whirlwind of celebrations, from playing Dandiya with friends and family to the grand Garba event hosted at AV Villa. Tonight was no different, but something about the intimacy of this moment made it stand out.

In the car, Kabir stole glances at Meher, unable to keep his eyes off her. "You know," he began, breaking the comfortable silence, "I always thought sarees were overrated. But seeing you in one, I think I've changed my mind."

Meher laughed, shaking her head. "You're hopeless, Kabir."

"And you're beautiful," he replied, his voice soft yet earnest.

The drive to AV Villa was filled with lighthearted banter and shared laughter. For Meher, it felt like a dream— this newfound closeness with Kabir, the joy of being surrounded by family, the warmth of celebration. Yet, a small part of her couldn't help but wonder: How long will this happiness last?

Pushing the thought aside, Meher resolved to focus on the present. After all, if there was one thing she had learned over the past few months, it was to cherish every fleeting moment of joy.

As they arrived at the villa, the vibrant colours and lively energy of the Navratri celebration enveloped them. The AV Villa was alive with the vibrant energy of Navratri celebrations. The courtyard buzzed with music, laughter, and the rhythmic clinking of dandiya sticks as families and friends swayed to traditional garba tunes. Kabir and Meher entered hand in hand, their presence commanding attention as the crowd greeted them warmly.

Kabir was immediately pulled into a discussion by some family friends, while Meher mingled with her in-laws and distant relatives, exchanging pleasantries. She admired how effortlessly Kabir slipped into his role, blending charm with authority. It felt surreal to her how much had changed in the last year. But even amidst the crowd, they found themselves gravitating toward each other.

"Meher!" Arya's cheerful voice interrupted her thoughts. Her sister-in-law and best friend strolled up with a teasing grin plastered across her face. "Are you enjoying the function, Mrs. Raizada?"

Meher smiled warmly at Arya. "It's overwhelming, but I'm managing."

Arya cocked an eyebrow, her gaze flickering between Meher and Kabir. "It's hard not to notice how my dear brother can't keep his eyes off you. It's like you're a magnet, and he's completely helpless."

Meher's cheeks flushed at the remark. She glanced at Kabir, who was indeed glancing her way every few minutes, even while in conversation. "Stop it, Arya," she muttered, though the smile playing on her lips betrayed her embarrassment.

Arya giggled, looping her arm through Meher's. "Oh, come on. It's hilarious if you think about it. Just a few months ago, the mere sight of each other made your blood boil, and now look at you two— practically glued to each other."

Meher shook her head, though she couldn't help but laugh at the truth in Arya's words.

The two women found a quiet spot in the lounge, settling into the plush sofas as the noise of the celebrations ebbed into the background. Arya poured them glasses of juice and handed one to Meher.

"How are you, though?" Arya asked after a moment, her tone soft and serious. "You know, after everything that's happened."

Meher took a sip, her fingers tightening slightly around the glass. "I'm doing a lot better. The therapist Kabir found for me has been amazing. She's helped me process things I didn't think I could ever face."

Arya smiled her expression a mix of relief and pride. "That's good to hear, Meher." Then, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, she added, "Of course, Kabir Bhai would kill anyone who even thinks about hurting you."

The playful tone in Arya's voice made Meher smile, but the words stirred a memory she hadn't fully processed yet. She recalled the brutal moments when Kabir had killed the men in the brothel who had been about to assault her. It wasn't something she liked to revisit, but it was a stark reminder of how fiercely Kabir had fought for her.

Arya, oblivious to Meher's brief silence, continued, "Honestly, I think Bhai would protect you from the police if you ever killed someone. You've got him wrapped around your finger."

Meher chuckled lightly, shaking off the weight of her thoughts. "He does have a way of showing up exactly when I need him."

Arya tilted her head, studying her intently. "Speaking of protection, where are your shadows tonight? I'm so used to seeing your bodyguards hovering around you."

Meher grinned sheepishly. "I gave them two days off. After a lot of arguing with Kabir, mind you."

Arya burst into laughter. "I can only imagine the kind of fight that must have been. Bhai is not exactly the compromising type when it comes to your safety."

"He's not," Meher admitted, shaking her head. "But I convinced him. Barely."

It may have taken a hot makeout session over the kitchen counter to convince him.

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Arya turned to her with a more serious expression. "So, have you said it yet?"

"Said what?"

"You know," Arya said, raising an eyebrow. "The big three words."

Meher hesitated, biting her lower lip. "No, not yet."

Arya groaned, throwing her head back dramatically. "Why not?"

"We've just been so busy," Meher said, though even as she said it, she knew it was only partly true. "And it's never the right time."

Arya placed a reassuring hand on hers. "No time is ever the 'right' time, Meher. You two spend practically every waking moment together. Just tell him. Life's too short for hesitations."

Meher hesitated the weight of Arya's words settling over her. "You think so?"

"I know so," Arya said with conviction. "You deserve to be happy, Meher. And so does Bhai."

The determination in Arya's voice gave Meher the push she needed. She stood, smoothing the pleats of her saree. "You're right. I should tell him."

Arya grinned. "That's the spirit. Go get him!"

Meher made her way through the crowd, scanning the courtyard for Kabir's familiar figure. On the way, she spotted Aryan, chatting with a group of friends. "Aryan!" she called out.

He turned, a wide teasing smile spreading across his face. "Bhabhiji! What's up?"

"Have you seen Kabir?" she asked.

Aryan nodded, gesturing toward the stairs. "He went upstairs a few minutes ago. Probably taking a breather."

"Thanks!" Meher said, already moving toward the staircase.

Meher's heart raced as she ascended the staircase, each step seemingly louder in the quiet of the house, amplifying the rush of emotions coursing through her. The echo of her footsteps blended with the distant hum of music from the party below, but it didn't ease the fluttering uncertainty that had taken hold of her. She had thought about this moment a thousand times in her mind— the exact moment where she would tell him how she felt, but now that she was here, the reality felt different, almost foreign. Was she ready for this? Could she handle what was about to unfold?

Arya's voice whispered in her mind, a reminder of the courage she needed to gather. "No time is ever the right time."

Those words anchored her. It was now or never. She had to face it. No more hesitation.

As she reached the landing, she paused, scanning the quiet hallway. The noise of the party downstairs seemed to fade, and the atmosphere up here was thick with the silence of anticipation. The faint glow of light leaked from the door of her room at the far end, its soft illumination inviting her forward. She hesitated, a single breath trembling through her lips. She knew this place well, but tonight, it felt different— charged, electric, as if the very air was waiting for something to shift.

With a quiet exhale, Meher moved toward the door. Her pulse quickened, the uncertainty creeping back in, but she continued walking, the door ahead of her growing closer with every step. She didn't realize how close she was until a hand suddenly shot out from the shadows, grabbing her arm with a force that stole the breath from her lungs.

Before she could even gasp or make a sound, the hand was gone, replaced by the firm pressure of another palm pressing against her mouth. Meher's body jerked in shock, a yelp dying in her throat as she was forcibly pulled backwards. Her back hit the door with a dull thud, the unexpected movement rattling her. She tried to wriggle free, but the force pinning her didn't relent.

"Kabir," she gasped, her voice muffled against his hand, her heart hammering in her chest.

He removed his palm slowly, his fingers lingering for a moment on her skin as he finally spoke, his voice low and purposeful. "You are not that quiet when you're walking and mumbling to yourself."

Her eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly tried to shove him away, her hands pushing against his chest. But Kabir was unfazed. Instead, with a swift motion, he wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her firmly against him. The action was so sudden, so intimate, that Meher's breath caught in her throat.

"Kabir, what— what are you doing?" she stammered, her voice a mix of confusion and her heart beating wilder.

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he pulled her closer, her body flush against his, and for a moment, the world around her seemed to narrow. She could feel every inch of his body, the firm strength of his arms, his warmth seeping through the thin fabric of her clothes. Meher's heart beat erratically, her mind racing, but her body seemed to betray her. It was as if it recognized the pull, the heat between them, even before her brain could fully process what was happening.

"Kabir, what are you doing, someone will come," she whispered urgently, trying once more to push him away, though her hands were nowhere near as strong as his.

He only smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. His lips brushed against the curve of her earlobe, the sensation sending a shiver down her spine.

"Everyone is busy downstairs, I doubt if anyone will come to check up on us," Kabir murmured his voice a whisper that sent a rush of heat flooding through her veins.

Meher's pulse quickened. She tried to pull away, but Kabir was relentless. His hand slid to her back, pulling her closer still, his chest pressing against hers with a firmness that left no space between them. Oh, the female intuition.

She knew what was coming

"What do you mean, Kabir?" Meher demanded, breathing heavily over their closeness.

Kabir's eyes darkened, a small smile creeping up his lips. His hand slid up to her neck, fingertips grazing her skin lightly as he tilted her head back just enough to kiss her neck. The touch sent sparks through her, an involuntary gasp slipping past her lips.

"You really want to know, Meher?" His lips hovered just above her skin, teasing, almost playful. "I want you. All of you. Do you consent?"

Whether it was a brief nod or a whispered yes, she didn't remember. The door just clicked lock from the inside and before she could react, Kabir's lips captured hers in a kiss— deep, urgent, and insistent. Meher's hands, which had been weakly lying over his chest, found their way to his kurta, fingers digging into the fabric, pulling him closer. The kiss deepened, becoming urgent, more desperate. Kabir's hands slid to her back, pressing her tighter against him as his lips moved with increasing intensity, taking control in a way that made her heart race.

Meher's mind was a swirl of thoughts— desires, restricted feelings, what she wanted to tell him was now long forgotten. She felt the undeniable pull toward him, her body reacting to his touch, to the heat between them. The moment they shared was electric, charged with unspoken emotions that neither of them had yet dared to voice.

Kabir pulled back for a moment, his lips brushing her ear again, his voice barely more than a whisper. "I've wanted this for so long, Meher."

She didn't have the words to respond— all she could do was smile. She could only press her lips back to his, kissing him with an urgency that mirrored his. Her hands slid to the back of his neck, pulling him closer, her body flush against his, every inch of her skin alive with a fiery heat.

His kiss deepened, his hands now tracing the curve of her body, making her shiver. Meher felt herself becoming lost in it— the feel of him, the taste of him, the way he held her so effortlessly as if he had always known they would end up here. The kiss was no longer gentle; it was hungry, as though they had both been waiting for this moment for far too long.

Kabir's hand slid down to her waist, pulling her even closer, the pressure of his body making her dizzy with desire. Meher was acutely aware of every inch of him— the strength in his arms, the heat of his chest pressing against the soft silk of her saree. The soft rustle of the fabric echoed in the air as their bodies shifted, moving closer with every passing second.

She tried to speak, tried to confess the emotions that had been simmering inside her for so long, but Kabir silenced her with another kiss— his lips crashing down on hers with an urgency that left no room for words. It was as if he was trying to consume her, and she let him, her mind overwhelmed by the sensation of him, by the raw connection between them.

Kabir's lips trailed down to her neck, his warm breath sending shivers across her skin. Meher tilted her head back slightly, her fingers running through his hair, urging him closer. The sensation of his lips against her skin was intoxicating, the way his touch seemed to reverberate through every part of her. Kabir was no longer gentle; his kisses grew more fervent, his hands sliding over her saree, teasing the fabric, pulling it tighter against her body.

Meher's mind swirled with thoughts, her body caught in the whirlwind of passion and desire. Her saree, with its soft silk, clung to her curves, and as Kabir's hands explored her, she couldn't help but feel fierce and undeniable sensations.

His hand slid beneath the pleats of her saree, the coolness of his touch contrasting with the warmth that radiated between them. Meher's breath caught in her throat as she felt the heat between them intensify. The touch of his hand on her skin, the feel of his body so close, was more than she could bear. She responded by pressing herself against him, her hands moving over the fabric of his kurta, her fingers tracing the outline of his chest, the softness of his skin beneath the cotton fabric.

Kabir's lips found hers once again, and the kiss deepened, every touch more desperate, more urgent than the last. Meher could hardly catch her breath as his hands roamed over her body, lifting the silk of her saree as he explored every curve. She could feel the weight of his gaze on her, the hunger and need in his eyes as his hands tangled in the fabric of her saree.

Meher let out a soft gasp as Kabir's lips moved to her ear, his breath hot against her skin. "You feel incredible," he murmured, his voice low and rough as if he too was struggling to keep control.

Her body responded without hesitation, her hands slipping beneath his kurta to feel the warmth of his skin. The sensation of the soft tussar silk against her fingertips, combined with the solid strength of his body, left her breathless. She had never felt more alive, more desired, and it was at this moment that she realized there was no more uncertainty. This was what she wanted, what they both wanted.

Meher's hands slid to the collar of his kurta, tugging it down slightly, desperate to feel him even closer. Kabir's lips left a trail of fire across her neck, his kisses deepening, growing more intense. She could feel his desire building, and hers matched his. Her body was pressed against his, every part of her alive with the heat of the moment.

The pink silk of her saree fluttered as they moved together, the contrast of the soft, delicate fabric against their passionate embrace only heightened the intensity of their connection. Kabir's hands slid lower, caressing her body, as if he were claiming her, and Meher couldn't do anything but surrender to him, to the heat and the raw intensity that consumed them both.

There was no turning back now. As their lips collided again, deeper and more urgently than before, Meher knew that this moment was everything she had ever wanted. The crimson silk of Meher's saree pooled around her ankles as Kabir gently, reverently, loosened the folds, letting it cascade onto the floor like a silken waterfall. A hush fell over the room, broken only by the soft thud of the fabric against the cool marble. With a practised ease, he unhooked the delicate fastenings of her blouse, the sound a soft counterpoint to the rapid beat of his own heart. He tossed the blouse aside, a careless gesture that belied the tremor in his hands.

His eyes, dark and hungry, drank in the sight of her. Her skin, the colour of pearl, shimmered in the soft lamplight. He traced the curve of her shoulder, his fingertips lingering, sending shivers down her spine. Then, he lowered his head, his lips finding their way to the peak of one breast, gently sucking, teasing. Meher arched into him, a low moan escaping her lips, "Kabir—"

He pulled back slightly, his eyes meeting hers, a mischievous glint in them. He gently squeezed the fullness of her breast, admiring the way her nipples tightened under his touch. He returned to the task at hand, his tongue swirling around her nipple, eliciting a series of gasps from Meher. He moved to the other breast, repeating the sensual torment, savouring the way her body arched and swayed beneath him.

He gently nipped at her skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps in his wake. He moved his hands lower, tracing the delicate curve of her ribs, his touch sending a jolt of pleasure through her. He reached for the neckline of his kurta, tugging it free, the fabric falling away to reveal the well-built, muscled contours of his torso. He stood before her, naked to the waist, a mirror image of the vulnerability he felt.

He stepped closer, his hands gently cupping her face, his thumbs tracing the delicate curve of her jawline. He leaned down, his lips meeting hers in a searing kiss, a desperate, passionate kiss that spoke volumes of their longing. He tasted the sweetness of her, the salt of her tears, and felt the tremors that racked her body. His hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer, moulding her to him as if she were a part of him.

He broke the kiss, his eyes searching hers, and she nodded a silent invitation. He lowered his head, his lips finding the hollow of her throat, leaving a trail of kisses down her neck, his hands exploring the curves of her body. Meher arched into him, her hands tangling in his hair, urging him on.

He moved lower, his lips tracing the delicate curve of her collarbone, then down her chest, leaving a trail of hot, moist kisses. He reached for the underskirt, gently pulling it upwards, revealing the smooth, silken expanse of her thighs. He traced a finger along the inside of her thigh, eliciting a sharp intake of breath from Meher.

He kneeled down, his fingers gently tracing the edge of her underskirt. With a slow, deliberate movement, he began to untie the knot, his eyes locked with hers. The fabric fell away, revealing her legs, glistening with anticipation. He leaned closer, his breath fanning against her skin, whispering, "You are beautiful, Meher. Absolutely beautiful."

He buried his head, his lips finding the inside of her thighs, gently kissing and licking the soft skin. Meher shivered, her breath catching in her throat, her fingers tangled inside his hair. He moved higher, his lips tracing the curve of her inner thighs, sending shivers down her spine.

She arched into him, her body trembling with pleasure. He moved his hand, his fingers brushing against the delicate lace of her underwear. Meher cried out, her body convulsing with pleasure. He continued to tease her, his touch sending waves of ecstasy through her, his fingers teasing the fabric that lay between them.

He gently tugged at the waistband of her underwear, the fabric shifting slightly against her skin. Meher whimpered, her body arching further into him, her nails digging into the door behind them. He got up and leaned closer, his breath hot against her ear, "Ready?"

She could only nod, her voice caught in her throat. With a slow, deliberate movement, he slid his fingers beneath the waistband, gently easing the delicate lace fabric down her legs. Meher gasped, her eyes fluttering closed. The sudden release of pressure sent a jolt of pleasure through her, and she whimpered again, her body trembling uncontrollably.

He continued to tease her, his fingers tracing lazy circles around the entrance to her inner folds. Meher moaned, her body aching with anticipation. He leaned closer, his lips brushing against her skin, leaving a trail of hot, moist kisses around her jaw. He moved lower, his tongue tracing the delicate column of her neck, eliciting a series of gasps from her.

He finally kneeled again, his lips finding the entrance to her folds. He gently licked and tasted, exploring the contours of her body with his tongue. Meher cried out, her body arching against the door, her nails digging into the cool wood. She clung to him, her fingers digging into his hair, urging him on.

He continued to explore her, his tongue teasing and tormenting her, bringing her closer and closer to the edge. Meher cried out, her body convulsing with pleasure, a series of small, shuddering climaxes rippling through her.

He pulled back, his eyes searching hers, a triumphant smile playing on his lips. He got up, his lips meeting hers in a searing kiss, a kiss that spoke volumes of their shared ecstasy.

He held her close, allowing her to recover, his hand gently stroking her hair. Meher snuggled closer, her body still trembling, her senses still reeling from the intensity of their encounter. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of wonder and contentment.

Kabir smiled, his eyes soft with affection. "That was incredible," he murmured, his voice husky with satisfaction.

Meher could only nod, her voice still a little breathless. She felt a sense of peace wash over her, a contentment she hadn't experienced in a long time. She was completely and utterly lost in him, her body and soul entwined with his.

Kabir leaned down and kissed her forehead, a gentle, tender kiss which made Meher close her eyes in bliss. "But we're not done here yet," he whispered, his voice low and husky with a hint of mischief.

He gently lifted her, his arms strong and sure, carrying her away from the door. He carried her to the bed, his gaze never leaving hers. He laid her down gently, his body hovering over hers, his eyes filled with a burning intensity.

With a slow, deliberate movement, he shed the last piece of clothing on his body, his pyjamas falling to the floor. He laid over her, his body lean and muscled, every inch of him radiating with a primal energy that sent shivers down her spine.

He leaned down, his lips finding hers in a searing kiss, a kiss that was both tender and demanding. He moved his lips down her neck, leaving a trail of hot, moist kisses. He reached for her breasts, gently cupping them in his hands. He pinched and fondled them, his lips finding their way to each nipple, sucking and teasing, eliciting a series of gasps from Meher.

He moved lower, his lips tracing a path down her abdomen, his hands trailing over her curves. He reached the juncture of her thighs, his lips finding the soft, silken skin, teasing and tormenting her with his tongue. Meher arched into him, her body trembling with anticipation. She watched him, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and exhilaration, as his gaze followed the length of her body, finally settling on the entrance to her inner folds.

He leaned closer, his breath fanning against her skin. "Ready?" he whispered, his voice rough with desire.

Meher could only nod, her body trembling with anticipation. He slowly aligned himself with her, his length gently pressing against her entrance. With a slow, deliberate thrust, he entered her, filling her. Meher gasped, her body arching into him, her nails digging into the sheets.

Kabir moved slowly at first, allowing her to adjust, to savour the sensation of him inside her. He kissed her deeply, his tongue exploring her mouth as he moved, his hips finding their rhythm. Meher cried out, her body trembling with pleasure, her nails digging into the sheets.

He pulled back slightly, his eyes searching hers, a triumphant smile playing on his lips. "Do you like that, Meher?" he whispered, his voice husky with desire.

Meher nodded, her body trembling uncontrollably. He leaned down, his lips finding hers again, his movements becoming more urgent, more passionate. He moved within her, his body a perfect fit against hers, their movements a symphony of passion and desire.

Their bodies moved as one, a rhythmic dance of pleasure. He deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring her mouth, tasting the sweetness of her. She moaned, her body arching off the bed, her hands finding their way to his back, digging into the muscles of his shoulders. He groaned, his hips thrusting deeper, filling her completely.

He moved with a renewed vigour, each thrust a powerful surge of pleasure. He moved with a primal urgency, his body a whirlwind of motion. She kissed his neck, her teeth lightly biting his skin, leaving a trail of marks in their wake. He groaned, his hips thrusting harder, his body a whirlwind of motion. She cried out, her body arching off the bed, her hands gripping his waist, her nails digging into his skin.

Her nails rake down his back, the sting of pain mingling with the overwhelming pleasure coursing through his veins. He responded by driving into her with increased fervour, the sound of their flesh meeting echoing through the room like a chant.

Her body is a perfect counterpoint to his, rising to meet each of his thrusts with a lithe, supple strength that belied her delicate beauty. Kabir wrapped his arms around her, pulling her flush against him as he ravaged her mouth with hunger. Breaking the kiss, he buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling the heady scent. His teeth grazed her tender skin, marking her as his for all to see. She gasped, her hips bucking wildly against him as she teetered on the brink of release.

With a growl of triumph, he captured her lips once more, swallowing her cries of ecstasy as he thrust into her for one last time. He reached the peak, his body convulsing, his breath catching in his throat. Meher cried out, her body arching into him, her own pleasure exploding, a wave of ecstasy washing over her.

He held still for a moment, his body trembling, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Meher clung to him, her body still trembling, her eyes closed. He kissed her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment.

He gently rolled off her, his body still trembling, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He lay beside her, his body heavy with exhaustion, his arm draped over her waist, pulling her close. Meher snuggled into him, her head resting on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

They lay there for a long time, their bodies intertwined, their breaths mingling. Meher traced lazy circles on his chest, her fingers exploring the contours of his body. He reached for her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers.

A comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the sound of their breathing. Meher closed her eyes, savouring the warmth of his body beside her, the feeling of his arm around her waist.

They lay there for a long time, their bodies still intertwined, their breath the only sound that filled the room. Meher's fingers traced slow, almost absent-minded circles on Kabir's chest, the feel of his skin beneath her fingertips grounding her in the moment. She had never felt this close to someone— vulnerable, yet safe. His warmth seeped into her, his heartbeat steady against hers, creating a rhythm that made everything outside of this room fade away.

Kabir shifted slightly, his hand finding hers, his fingers interlacing with hers in a silent, unspoken promise. The simple gesture carried more weight than words ever could. Meher didn't need to speak to know that Kabir was thinking the same thing— that the connection between them had grown deeper, that something had shifted in both of them, irrevocably.

The room was quiet except for their soft breathing, and for a moment, it felt as if time had stopped. Meher closed her eyes, sinking into the comfort of his embrace. She was no longer thinking about the world outside, the chaos, or the uncertainty. All that mattered in that moment was the steady warmth of Kabir's body beside hers, the feeling of being held and cared for.

After a few minutes, Kabir broke the silence, his voice low and gentle, as if he was carefully choosing his words. "Did you enjoy it?" he asked, his fingers tightening around hers just slightly, his gaze intense but unsure, almost as though he needed reassurance himself.

Meher shifted slightly, her body pressing closer to his as she raised her head to meet his eyes. She saw the vulnerability there, the rawness of emotion that wasn't often exposed by him. She knew Kabir wasn't the type to seek validation, but in that moment, it was as if he was unsure of something. Maybe it was the uncertainty of this new chapter they were stepping into, or perhaps the tenderness between them made him question whether she felt the same depth of connection.

A small, reassuring smile curved Meher's lips as she tightened her grip on his hand. "I loved every second of it, Kabir," she whispered, her voice soft but certain. There was no hesitation in her words, no doubts lingering. She had never felt more certain about anything than she did about this moment, about the connection they had just shared. "It wasn't just about the physical. It was everything. You— you've always been there for me. And now I feel like you really see me. All of me."

Kabir's eyes softened, a quiet relief flooding his expression. He pulled her closer, his arm wrapping around her waist again, holding her like she was the most precious thing in the world. It was in the way he kissed the top of her head, the way his fingers lightly traced circles on her back, that she realized this wasn't just about desire. There was something deeper, something unspoken that tied them together in this moment.

In the silence that followed, both of them seemed to process the significance of what had just happened. It wasn't just physical— it was the emotional intimacy that had developed over time, the trust they had built in each other, and the vulnerability they had allowed themselves to share. This was not just a fleeting moment; it was a union of sorts, a merging of two hearts in a way neither of them had ever expected.

Meher felt the weight of the unspoken words between them— things neither of them had said aloud but both understood. The fears, the hesitations, the doubts, and yet the undeniable pull that had drawn them together. It was in the way Kabir held her now, so gently, so protectively, as if they had both opened a door they couldn't close again.

"I never thought it would be like this," Kabir finally murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "But it feels right. Being with you, it just feels right."

Meher's heart fluttered at his words, her own feelings swirling in the depths of her chest. She wanted to say so many things, to tell him how deeply she loved him, how much she cared for him. But the words seemed too simple, too small compared to the weight of what they had just shared.

Instead, she nestled her head against his chest, the rhythmic beat of his heart comforting her, grounding her in a sense of peace she had never known before. "I know," she whispered softly, her fingers tracing the contours of his chest again. "I feel it too."

In that moment, surrounded by the quiet, Meher realized that this connection— this bond— was something they had both been unknowingly searching for. There were no promises or guarantees of what the future would hold, but she knew that they would face it together whatever came next. The emotional connection they had built was unspoken but powerful, a silent understanding between them that they had both found something rare and real in each other.

As the night stretched on, Meher allowed herself to drift into the peaceful quiet, her body resting against his. The world outside no longer mattered. What mattered was the silent bond they had formed, a bond that spoke louder than words ever could.

The confession never happened, but even then, their actions spoke louder than words.

This is the longest chapter written in my writing history. Well them doing the deed wasn't in the plan, I thought of keeping it for the epilogue but the time and this just felt right. The last few chapters were pretty traumatising already, and since today is the last day of the year, it's a little gift to you all before shit goes down.

A chapter full of Kabir and Meher, Every Flame living up to its name. A few chapters more to go, around 6-7 hopefully.

I really want you guys to comment on this chapter and let me know your thoughts. It took me so much time to write and rewrite and edit this.

Today is the 31st of December. Looking back at the year, what are you most grateful about?

Happy New Year in advance!

Do VOTE, SHARE and COMMENT. Comment a heart if you enjoyed reading this chapter.

With Love,

Akii.