Laxita's POV

It was a good day, a really nice weather even. I had gotten my practices done for the day and I was cooped up in the library - reading. I loved the library over here, it was even better than the one I had at home. It was a quiet and cozy corner in the bustling mage association of Soma Sangha.

Library at Soma Sangha

Yesterday, after that eventful training, we came back. I was still very confused as to why he would go to such an extent to help me and that's why I asked him multiple times on the way back, but he didn't answer me. Instead, he changed the topic every time I brought it up. 

Today, I couldn't even focus much on the practice because I was distracted by the thoughts of Veer. Whenever I caught a glimpse of him, my heart would do a little flip-flop. I was excited to see him I guess, almost forgetting about my looming test, ALMOST. 

I was much too stressed these days, so much so that I pushed myself too hard. My muscles were sore and I was dead tired. So, I abandoned my practice and chose reading.

Everyone thinks that I only read knowledge imparting books. Surprise! I don't. There are days when I am tired and not in the mood for some knowledgeable books.

Today is like one of those days - tiring ones. There was a romance novel in my hands and I was engrossed in the story. These kinds of novels are great stress-busters. I enjoy them from time to time. The story of the novel was about how a prince fell in love with a palace servant. He chased her around until she returned his feelings. Despite how my relationship turned out with Nakul, I still believed in love. Over the years, I came to the conclusion that I deserved someone better than him. Someone who would love me like the prince loved the lead girl in the novel.

And that's when I heard it, Veer's voice. It was coming from across the hall. I peeked from the window and there he was, talking with the mages he was going to train today. He was giving away those easy smiles and talking animatedly which was making everyone laugh. Seriously, everybody likes him!

Then my attention was snagged by his body. He had totally ditched the upper cloth today and was standing in a loincloth, shouting out some orders. The training arena was visible directly from the library's window and I decided to use this opportunity to watch him. I never get tired of watching him.

I don't know how long I stood there, staring at him, watching his every move. I am sure he used that sword to cut down enemies like they were nothing. His muscles were glistening in the late afternoon sunshine and he looked devastatingly handsome. How he was still not snatched up by any woman was beyond me. How has he managed to stay single? He's the most eligible bachelor.

Here I was, having very silly thoughts about him. Like walking up there and kissing him, my hands in his hair and his hands on my waist. His lips on my neck and my fingers on his bicep. Was his hair as soft as it appeared? How firm were those muscles?

That's when I met his eyes. The session was over and everyone had left. For how long was I standing over here?! It felt as if the session got over pretty quickly.

He was looking at me with a lazy grin splayed across his lips. Shit, he definitely saw me! Why do I always get caught by him? Sigh. He gestured with his hands to ask me to come to the arena. I had no option since he had caught me. Or maybe I wanted to be closer to him. So, I left the library and made my way to the arena.

As soon as I was within earshot, he asked me, "Were you having fun?"

"Yes. I was."  I don't know why I was feeling bold today. Maybe it was because of yesterday. Or maybe it was because of how he was looking so kissable today. I was having a hard time in controlling this attraction. Calm down, woman! You have known him for a few weeks at most.

"Then, I am sorry to disturb your gazing session."

I immediately blushed by his statement. And seeing my reaction, he smirked. He was enjoying this but this time I won't let him have the last word. I cleared my throat and said, "Actually, the technique you were teaching earlier, the way you swing the sword around your whole body to get rid of the enemies on your back, it was quite intriguing. I sort of liked it."

"Oh?" Amusement danced in his eyes. Those beautiful deep brown eyes...Shut up, Laxita! "Do you want me to teach you?"

"Yes." My response was almost immediate and his smirked hitched up higher. "Um, I mean, you can teach me only if you're free. You see, I am done for today and I don't have much going on right now." Weren't you tired like a few moments ago? My inner voice taunted me.

"If that's what you want then, sure. I am free. Pick up your sword and we can begin." He spoke to me in a no-nonsense tone which was kind of hot. What am I thinking about again? Ugh!

I picked up the sword and stood in front of him. He circled back around me and stood at my back.

"Um, I would have to touch you to teach this technique, is that alright? I am kind of sweaty."

"Sure. I don't mind."

He slid his right hand over mine and his left hand rested on my waist. I knew he had strong arms but it was the first time when I could actually feel them. As soon as he touched me, my heartbeat intensified. I hoped he didn't hear it.

"Is this fine?" He whispered in my ear.

"Uh-huh." I have officially lost the ability to form proper sentences.

His voice was doing something to my insides. I was barely hanging on by a thread because of his touch and now his deep voice? At this point, I really didn't know what he was doing to me.

And when I thought that we couldn't get any closer, he tightened his hold on my waist and pulled me closer. Now, my back was in full contact with his chest. And, oh my gosh! It was firm and rock hard. I could feel him behind me and I was getting dizzy in this close proximity.

I was feeling so hot that I might have melted on the floor if he wasn't holding me so tightly. His touch was searing my skin but who was complaining? This woman over here, quite liked it.

"Are you alright?"

"Hmmm." I am telling you that I am fully capable of forming coherent sentences but right now, I wasn't able to think of anything.

"So, firstly, hold your sword in a slanting manner. Then, move it across your body, starting from the front. Bend your knees a little for the sword movement..."

His voice was sounding very close to my ear. I was so distracted that I didn't even listen to half of what he said.

"...Did you understand?"

"Huh?" I whipped my head and looked at him as he caught me off-guard. We stared at each other for a few moments but it felt as if we were looking into each other's eyes for a very long time. I could get lost in those eyes, they were hypnotizing.

A smile was playing at his lips because of my stupid responses. We were so close that if I stood on my toes, I could kiss him. I don't know what was wrong with me today but I wanted to kiss him so badly. Maybe it was the romance novel I was reading earlier. Or maybe it was because I was insanely attracted to him.

I had never been kissed before and I always wondered what it actually feels like. After Nakul, I thought that I would never be attracted to anyone. But I was so wrong. I came across Veer and he opened new horizons of attraction for me. He was all charming and handsome. Not to mention, he's also funny, smart and caring. It's almost impossible to resist him.

"Shall I demonstrate how it's done?"

"Yes." My voice sounded all breathy and his grin grew wider. Did he know what was going inside my brain?

"Bend your knees a little." He held my wrist and slowly swept the sword over our heads in a circular motion. It was slow movement and I could feel every bit of his skin behind me.

When it was done, he left my wrist and both of his hands landed on my waist. My breath hitched because of this action.

Then he brought his mouth closer to the shell of my ear and whispered, "I think I am done." My eyes closed because of the impact of his voice.

When I opened them, Veer was looking at me and hands tightened around me. Was this affecting him as much as it affected me? I could feel it, there was something between us. Something, I couldn't name.

And then, his hands left my waist and he stepped out in front of me. I immediately missed his touch. He cleared his throat and said, "I think we're done for today. Do you want to learn something else?"

I shook my head because I still couldn't get any words out. My brain was screaming at me, we can't be done this soon.

"Good. Then, I am leaving. Don't hesitate if you want to learn anything else." With that he turned around and left.

I left the arena on wobbly feet and crashed on my bed. I could still feel his lips on my ear and his hands on my waist. The places he touched were still tingling. What are you doing to me, Veer?

That day at dinner, I couldn't meet his eyes. I was still reeling from that afternoon's events and honestly, it was too much. But he seemed normal. And when our eyes met, he winked at me. That guy needs to stop before I cross this table and pull him in for a kiss in front of everyone. I wasn't even thinking straight, he has ruined me. I have never felt this way for anyone, not even Nakul. Sure, I loved him, but I never had this insane urge to kiss him. I have known this guy for just a few weeks and he was already giving me so many first experiences.

When I looked at him again, he had a smug grin on his face. I want to wipe that grin from his face.

"....Laxu!"

"Yes, aunt?"

"Kahan khoyi hui ho? Kabse bula rahi hu..."

("Where's your mind at? I have been calling you for so long...")

"Sorry. Were you saying something?"

"I was asking, how's your training going? Are you ready for the test?"

Just one statement was enough to fill me with dread. "Yes, I am." I replied with as much confidence as I could muster.

"Good. You can visit Revati tomorrow. She might give you a few pointers on how to proceed with the test. She's been assisting in conducting this test for years, so, she'll be a great help."

"Yes, aunt."

The dinner ended without any major incident after that. I decided that I have to focus on this test and keep Veer at the back of my mind. I can't afford to get distracted at this moment.

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