The river was swelling rapidly with constant bucketing down. Some People were getting themselves prepared to face the cyclone, like buying extra food if it's needed and cutting down a few branches of trees which can fall due to the cyclone. Government was helping the roofless poor peoples by providing them shelter. Few people were looking after their vehicles' parking slots too. while some were just calmly enjoying the musky weather.

Rishi was gazing at the water bubbles which were falling from the relay of the balcony. Time has already passed seven in the evening, time passes like a blink of an eye when you're with the right person. Just a few minutes ago his parents called him and asked him to stay inside the apartment and take care of himself. Rishi too spoke to them for a few minutes and ended the call. He was seated on the couch of the balcony with both hands on either side of the couch in a Comfortable and relaxed position yet Something was disturbing him, and he was continuously avoiding that. So he stopped talking and looked for Anbu. The whole house was looking dim as the electricity problem occurred earlier. So they have used some candles and battery lights for brightness.

Diverting his mind from there Rishi, looked at the scenario of Anbu convincing her friend swati.

Yes, now the poor child doesn't have an option, other than calling her friend Swati and convincing her to continue the drama which she began unknowingly.

On a serious note, lying to parents can cause a lot of mental pressure.

Somehow these all looked funny to Rishi, he was totally entertained by Anbu.

Her adorable baby face which appears whenever she sees her father's name on the phone screen. The way she twists her stands of hairs while explaining everything to her friend. And the most cruel stunt of hers was biting her rossy plump lips out of nervousness.

It was strange that he was trying to control himself around her, it's not him. Not the usual Rishi. Infact after his break up he almost lost interest in women. He never admired any woman till now, checking out girls was not even in the list until he met Anbu. Anbu is something different from the other women. The strong feeling of attraction and wanting her was inside him the moment his eyes fell on her. Absolutely it's not about beauty. Beauty never attracted a real man, Soul does.

Something is special about her, and he's finding what it must be.

His lips curved into a smile when he recalled their moments from the morning, her giving a surprise visit. The coffee time, and sudden rain, her staying here, and the cyclone news, her dad's order over her spending the night safely at her friends house AkkA his itself.

A mere day has done a lot to him, and a little more to her too. He knows she is hesitating to spend the night here, but he is helpless in this. Because the weather is poor and he can't take risks with her. She is more important now, more than their prestige in front of their parents.

He also knows, if their parents found out about this, then surely both of them are gonna face a lot of questions. An orthodox family won't allow them to spend the night with eachother even if they are happily engaged and soon gonna get married to each other. This isn't any movie where families take everything lightly, maybe some real life parents understand their child's and might take things lightly, nevertheless here both sides of the parents are strict and narrow minded, generation gaps play a big role here. They might be questioned by their parents But he's ready to face all those questions if she is with him. Now she has become his power booster.

" Rishi, don't sit there ideally come here and help me out idiot " Anbu yelled at him and again continued to talk to her friend like nothing happened.

Rishi winded his mouth, when she addressed him as 'idiot' it was so random of her. No doubt she is really horrified by her parents and the frustration overtook her.

Getting up from his place, he walked near Anbu as he didn't want her to curse him more.

" Please please please Swati, can't you do this for me please...... please " Anbu was literally bagging her friend making a puppy face.

"See, all you have to do is just make a phone call to my dad, saying that I'm with you only. And if he asks for your parents, then tell him that they're busy or eating or just any excuses till tomorrow morning. After that, I'll manage," Anbu explained everything to her friend and waited for the reply.

Rishi stood beside her, raising his eyebrows in question. Anbu gestured for him to wait while she concentrated on the call.

After a few seconds, Anbu's face lit up, and she smiled broadly. Seeing her bright expression, Rishi understood that Swati must have agreed.

"Thank you so much, Swati! You're the best friend. Love you so much," Anbu expressed her gratitude to Swati, her emotions evident. Hearing her say "love you" took Rishi by surprise. He felt something stir inside him, a desire to hear those words from her again.

Pushing aside his conflicting thoughts, Rishi looked at Anbu, who was already looking at him with wide eyes and a toothy smile.

Ending the call, Anbu threw her phone onto the nearby couch and exclaimed, "Problem solved! Swati agreed, and she promised to handle my dad." Her joy was palpable.

Rishi smiled and nodded in response. Anbu was happy to have solved the problem, while he was preoccupied with thoughts of spending the night under the same roof with her.

Rishi sighed and looked at her. "So, you think the problem is solved," he said sarcastically.

Anbu rolled her eyes playfully and replied, "Hmm... I think so. Why do you sound so different?" she asked, noticing his tone.

"Nothing," Rishi said, forcing a smile. "I'm going to cook."

"Let me help you," Anbu offered.

"No, it's okay. You should relax after the pressure from your dad's phone call," Rishi declined, walking towards the kitchen without waiting for her reply.

He was frustrated. The cold weather, the rainy atmosphere, and their closeness were all getting to him. He tried his best to maintain his composure, resisting the urge to embrace her passionately.

It wasn't just about sexual tension; it was deeper than that. Knowing that she liked him, knowing they would soon be married, and the whirlwind of emotions inside him—all of it fueled his desires. He wanted to remain a gentleman, at least until their marriage. But fate seemed to have other plans.

Cursing his luck, Rishi started preparing dinner in the kitchen while Anbu sat on the couch, lost in thought. She trusted him completely and knew he wouldn't do anything to make her uncomfortable.

Suddenly, she remembered she didn't have any spare clothes with her. Sleeping in her gown would be uncomfortable. Worried about her pyjamas, Anbu sat on the couch, scrolling through her phone.

Meanwhile, Rishi finished cooking. Due to the dim lighting, he opted for a quick and easy dish—fried rice made from leftover rice from lunch.

Bringing the plates to the dining table, Rishi announced, "Dinner is ready," with a grin. Anbu put her phone aside and went to wash her hands.

"I just made fried rice, sorry if—" Rishi began, but Anbu cut him off.

"I love fried rice," Anbu's face glowed in the dim light.

Rishi smiled and began to eat his food, with Anbu sitting beside him, complimenting him on the meal.

Both chatted about random topics while eating, and Rishi's mood improved slightly.

After they finished eating, Rishi cleared the dishes while Anbu freshened up and waited for him.

"Here, hold this," Rishi said, handing her a pair of pyjamas. He understood her dilemma about sleeping in the tight gown.

Anbu looked at him, puzzled. "Whose dress is this? For whom did you buy this? And who is she?" she asked, suddenly possessive.

"I bought this for Kavya, now happy?" Rishi's response caught her off-guard. Kavya was Rishi's sister, and he had bought the pyjamas for her because they had cute teddy bear prints. Anbu bit her lips in embarrassment and mouthed a sorry before leaving to change.

Rishi smiled and shook his head at himself. He felt good when Anbu got possessive, even though it was unexpected. He found it hard to resist her when she bit her lips out of embarrassment. The gentleman inside him controlled his actions.

After a few minutes, Anbu returned, wearing the pyjamas. She looked adorable with the bear prints, although the pyjamas were a bit short, revealing her slender legs.

"You can take the other room; it's Kavya's. Feel free to ask me if anything is needed," Rishi ensured her comfort. Anbu nodded and smiled.

"So... good night," Rishi greeted her and went inside his room, not wanting to embarrass himself in front of her. They were like a tasty meal and a hungry lion in the same place, tempting but dangerous.

It had been a few minutes since Rishi settled into bed when he heard Anbu scream. He rushed to her room, colliding with her halfway.

"Ouch!" they both exclaimed.

"What happened?" Rishi asked, concerned.

Anbu, sweating profusely, pointed to Kavya's room. "There are so many cockroaches!" she said, horrified.

Relieved that it wasn't something serious, Rishi suggested they sleep in his room instead. However, Anbu refused to sleep alone and suggested they set up a bed in the hall.

Rishi tried to dissuade her, but Anbu insisted, afraid of the cockroaches. Finally, Rishi agreed and set up a bed on the floor with some pillows between them.

As they lay down, Anbu confessed, "I have nyctophobia."

"Why didn't you tell me earlier? I would have been more careful," Rishi whispered.

"I thought I could manage for a night, but I guess I just can't. Sorry I'm troubling you," Anbu sniffed.

Rishi hugged her, reassuring her that she wasn't troubling him. Anbu was surprised but wrapped her arms around him.

"You're not troubling me, relax, okay?" he said, stroking her hair.

As they lay there, Anbu's natural scent intoxicated Rishi. He moved closer to her, hugging her tightly.

"You smell like heaven," he whispered, making Anbu chuckle.

Their closeness, the cold atmosphere, and the sound of rain outside created the perfect mood. Unknowingly, they leaned in, their faces inches apart. Anbu closed her eyes, taking the initiative, as they both moved in for a kiss.

Rishi leaned in, capturing Anbu's lips in a passionate kiss. Anbu responded eagerly, opening her lips to accept his kiss. A surge of electricity passed between them, marking their first kiss. Anbu blushed, her cheeks turning red with the intensity of the moment.

For Rishi, it took a moment to realise what he had done, but he couldn't back off now. He closed his eyes, focusing on the sensation of their connection, trying to push away thoughts of his ex-girlfriend. It was almost like he was proving to himself that he could kiss someone new.

Anbu tried to keep up with his pace, but Rishi dominated the kiss, his hand on her waist and neck. She held onto his shirt, tilting her head for a more comfortable angle. The feeling of his tongue in her mouth sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

As they continued kissing, Rishi sucked on her lower lip, thoroughly enjoying the closeness with her. Their mouths tasted like it meant something, and Anbu found herself liking it.

After a few breathless moments, they parted, both gasping for air. Anbu couldn't meet his gaze, feeling overwhelmed after their first kiss. Rishi, however, pulled her close, expressing his attachment to her.

"Never ever leave me. You've become a part of me now," he said, kissing her forehead and wrapping his arms around her before drifting off to sleep. It had been a long time since Rishi felt such a strong attachment to someone, and he couldn't bear the thought of losing Anbu.

Anbu was touched by his words, reassured by his declaration of love. She felt a sense of comfort and belonging with him that she hadn't experienced before. Despite their initial fears, they now had unbreakable trust in each other.

With a smile, Anbu closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of Rishi beside her. As she drifted off to sleep not being aware of the storm that is likely to separate them too soon.