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11. Who is arun

Ananya and Vikram finally reached the house. The ride back had been filled with a comfortable silence, punctuated by stolen glances and the buzzing energy of their recent intimacy. As Vikram pulled the car to a stop, Ananya practically leaped out. Without a single glance back at him, she bolted towards the front door, a blush staining her cheeks, her heart thumping wildly.

Vikram watched her go, a deep, satisfied chuckle rumbling in his chest. She ran like a startled rabbit, her shyness endearing. He touched his lips, a ghost of her lipstick still lingering, a triumphant smile on his face.

Ananya just got inside her house, taking a deep breath, when her mother, Suryakantham, stopped her, concern etched on her face.

"Em ayindhi Anu? Endhuku ala kangaruga parugupedthunnav?" Suryakantham asked, her eyes scanning her daughter.

(What happened, Anu? Why are you running so anxiously?)

"Em ledhu, Amma," Ananya mumbled, avoiding her mother's gaze, her cheeks burning even brighter. (Nothing, Mom.) She quickly slipped past her mother and practically ran into her room, closing the door softly behind her.

She dropped all her shopping bags onto the floor, not bothering to unpack them. She walked straight to her bed and collapsed onto it, lying on her back, staring at the ceiling. Her hands instinctively went to her lips, touching them gently, feeling the ghost of Vikram's hungry kisses. Butterflies erupted in her stomach, a chaotic, exhilarating flutter. A shy, breathless smile spread across her face.

Every detail of the past hour replayed in her mind, the desperate soft press of her lips, his husky command to kiss him properly, his hand on her waist, inside her kurti, his searing kisses on her neck, her gasps, her moans.

She rolled onto her side, pulling a pillow to her chest, hugging it tightly. Ananya giggled into the pillow, her cheeks hot. This was all happening so fast, and yet, it felt so incredibly right.

Back in Mumbai Vikram's sister, Kavya, walked through her bustling office, speaking on her phone. She was focused, decisive, a force of nature in her professional world. She reached her cabin door and pushed it open, stepping inside.

The moment she crossed the threshold, a strong hand suddenly caught her wrist, yanking her forward. She gasped, a startled cry caught in her throat as she was spun around and slammed against the wall, her phone clattering to the floor. Before she could scream, a large palm covered her mouth, muffling her protests. Her eyes, wide with shock and fear, quickly narrowed into a fierce glare as she recognized the person.

Arun.

His eyes, usually filled with playful warmth, were now dark with a desperate intensity, a hint of desperation in their depths. After a moment, he slowly removed his hand from her mouth.

Before he could utter a single word, Kavya's hand shot out, a sharp, resounding slap landing on his cheek. Arun winced, rubbing his cheek, but a ghost of a smile touched his lips. He leaned in, moving closer to her. She immediately tilted her head to the side, avoiding his gaze, refusing to acknowledge him.

"Bujji,"he called, his voice a low, tender plea, using his special nickname for her.

She didn't respond, didn't even glance his way.

"Itu choodave," he urged, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and yearning. (Look here.)

Still, she avoided him, her jaw set in a stubborn line. She tried to turn, to walk away, but suddenly, his hand shot out, catching her waist. He pulled her with surprising force, yanking her against him. Her front collided with his, a soft gasp leaving her lips, her hands instinctively flying to his chest to create some space, though it was futile.

His breath was warm on her face, his gaze burning into her averted profile. "Antha dooram nundi vacchanu nikosam. Atleast na vaipu kuda choodava?" he whispered, his voice laced with genuine hurt. (I came from so far for you. Won't you at least look at me?)

His words, and the raw vulnerability in his tone, finally broke through her stubborn resolve. She slowly lifted her head, her eyes, shimmering with unshed tears, finally met his. A single tear escaped, tracing a path down her cheek.

Arun's gaze softened instantly. He lifted his hand, his thumb gently caressing her cheek, slowly removing the tear. "Hey, edavaku Ae nenu vacchesa gaa," he murmured, his voice laced with tender apology. (Hey, don't cry. I'm here now, aren't I?)

Before he could pull her closer, her hand shot out again, another sharp slap landing on his other cheek. Arun reeled back slightly, rubbing his cheek again, a bewildered expression on his face. "Hey, aagave babu! Inni rojula tharvatha kalisthe kodthav ente?!" he protested, a mix of hurt in his voice. (Hey, stop it, dear! We're meeting after so many days, and you're hitting me?!)

But her tears, once started, wouldn't stop. They streamed down her face, silent rivers of pain and frustration. Seeing her unrelenting tears, Arun's protests died. His face filled with a profound sadness.

He gently cupped her face, his thumbs wiping away her tears. He slowly leaned in, his lips brushing against her tear-stained cheeks, kissing them softly, tasting her salty tears. "Edvake Nenu choodalenu nuvvu ala edisthe," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. (Don't cry. I can't bear to see you like that.)

His tenderness finally broke her. With a choked sob, she threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly, burying her face in his shoulder. Her body trembled against his. "Enni calls, enni messages chesanu raa? Okka daniki kuda reply ivvali anipinchaledha?" she sobbed, her voice muffled, punctuated by hiccups.

(How many calls, how many messages did I make? Didn't you feel like replying to even one?)

"Ee 3 months asalu ela gadichayo kuda telidhu," she cried, hugging him even more tightly, as if afraid he would disappear.

(I don't even know how these three months passed.)

His heart clenched painfully at her words, at her raw anguish. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly, burying his face in her hair. "Cheppa kadha, Bujji. Office kottha branch work ani. Ledhante ninnu nenu avoid chesthana, cheppu? Nenu sarigga thini ae 3 months avuthundhi," he whispered, his voice rough with exhaustion and apology.

(I told you, Bujji. It was work for the new office branch. Otherwise, would I avoid you, tell me? It's been 3 months since I've even eaten properly.)

Kavya pulled back slightly, her tear-filled eyes scanning his face. She saw how pale he looked, the dark circles under his eyes, the gauntness in his cheeks. Her anger, though still present, was momentarily eclipsed by concern. She took his hand and led him towards the small sofa in her cabin.

"Kurcho," she commanded gently. (Sit.)

He started to protest, shaking his head. "Adhi kadhu, ae nenu cheppedhi..." (That's not it, what I'm saying is...)

"Kurcho ani cheppana?"she said, cutting him off, her voice firm, serious, a hint of her usual professional authority returning. (Just sit there)

Arun, seeing the look in her eyes, silently sat down, completely submissive to her command. Kavya pulled out her phone and quickly ordered food. It arrived within five minutes. She took the plate of steaming food and sat beside him, spooning a generous portion.

"Eat," she simply said, holding the spoon to his lips. He protested, but she pushed it gently. He started eating, a slow, hesitant bite, then another. She watched him, making sure he ate.

"Inka chalu," he said after a few bites, trying to push her hand away. (That's enough.)

"Muskoni thinu" she retorted, feeding him another spoonful, her gaze firm. (Shut up and eat.) He ate, watching her, a soft, fond smile finally touching his lips. In between bites, he'd sometimes try to feed her, teasing her into sharing.

After he had eaten she placed the plate on the table and went to wash her hands, the silence stretching between them, thick with unspoken emotions. Arun released a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.

Kavya returned and, without speaking, walked to her desk, picking up some files, trying to resume her work. Arun watched her, knowing she was still angry. He walked towards her, his heart aching.

"Inka eentha sepu kopam ga untave, babu? Sorry ae thalli,"he said, his voice soft. He gently cupped her cheeks, turning her face to him. (How much longer will you be angry, dear? I'm sorry, my love.)

"Ok, inkeppudu ala cheyanu, ok naa? Nenu Mumbai vacchesthunna."(Okay, I won't do it again, okay? I'm coming to Mumbai.)

Her eyes, which had been distant, suddenly brightened, sparkling with a renewed hope and joy. She launched herself at him, hugging him tightly, her arms wrapping around his neck. "You're coming to Mumbai? Really?"

"Yes, my new project is here," he whispered into her hair, holding her close.

"Naku mundhe endhuku cheppaledhu?!" she scolded, pulling back slightly, still nestled in his embrace. (Then why didn't you tell me beforehand?)

He chuckled, rubbing her back. "Asalu nannu ekkada matladanicchave?" (Where did you even let me speak?)

Kavya leaned in, placing a tender, lingering kiss on his cheek, a silent forgiveness. "I love you, Arun," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

He held her even tighter, his heart overflowing. "Love you, Bujji," he replied, his voice husky. He then lowered his head, his lips brushing against her ear, then her neck, sending shivers through her.

He began to leave soft, open-mouthed kisses along her jawline, down her throat, tasting her skin, making her tremble. He pulled her even closer, his hand finding the small of her back, pressing her hips against his, making her acutely aware of his desire.

Kavya gasped, her fingers tangling in his hair, tilting her head back to give him better access. He kissed his way up to her lips, and then, with a soft moan of longing, he finally claimed her mouth, pouring all his pent-up frustration, his love, and his passion into a deep, desperate kiss. She responded with equal fervor, her own three months of longing erupting in their reunion.

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Guess what I'm really happy how you guys are supporting me ( happy tears)Thanku so much for your support. so I decided to give a double update.Β 

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