I raised my head and looked at them standing in the doorway with soft smiles and glowing faces. A quick glance at the clock on my desk made me realize it was already midnight. “Happy birthday to you… Happy birthday to you…” The soft singing came from my sister, my brother, my grandparents… and her. Sakshi.

God, she looked beautiful.

It had only been three months since we’d made our relationship official, and somehow, those three months had become the most peaceful, yet chaotic and fulfilling days of my life. Every moment felt like something out of a dream I never wanted to wake up from.

“Happy birthday, Bhaiya!” Ani squealed, running up to tackle me in a warm hug. I chuckled and wrapped my arms around her.

“Thank you, Gudiya,” I said, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

As she pulled away, Kshitij came forward and gave me a quick hug, followed by Dadu and Dadi, who looked radiant, holding a homemade cake between them.

“Happy birthday,” Sakshi said softly, stepping forward and extending her hand for a handshake.

A handshake.

I wanted to pull her into my arms, press my lips to hers, and hold her close. But I smiled instead and took her hand briefly, savoring the spark her touch always sent through me.

“Utkarsh, chalo, cake kaato,” Dadi said cheerfully as she placed the cake in front of me on the table.

(Come on, cut the cake.)

I smiled and leaned in, blowing out the candles while everyone clapped. I cut the cake, feeding pieces to Ani, Kshitij, Dadi, and Dadu. All the while, Sakshi stood quietly in the background, watching with that breathtaking smile on her lips.

“Sakshi, here,” I said, holding out a piece of cake toward her.

She blinked, caught off guard, and her eyes widened. Ani turned to look at her, then back at me. Sakshi looked like she wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole.

But I just stood there, waiting patiently, cake in hand, because she was the one I wanted to share it with the most. “Sakshi,” Ani called. 

Sakshi’s eyes widened as she stood frozen, clearly unsure what to do. Her gaze darted around the room, searching for an escape that didn’t exist.

“Sakshi,” Ani said with a teasing grin, stepping beside her. “Mujhe pata hai ki tumhe Bhaiya khadoos lagte hain, but he’s really not that bad.”

(I know you think bhaiya is grumpy, but he's really not that bad.)

Khadoos?

I raised an eyebrow at that, half amused, half offended. Sakshi gave Ani a pleading look, but Ani only giggled and nudged her forward. “Come on, go eat the cake,” Ani said, practically pushing her into my space.

Sakshi stumbled a step closer, clearly flustered. She forced a small, polite smile as I held out the piece of cake. Our eyes met for a heartbeat, and I saw something flicker in hers, nervousness, yes, but something softer too.

She leaned in slightly, and I gently fed her the cake.

“There,” Dadi said with a laugh. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

Sakshi coughed lightly, trying to compose herself as everyone laughed around us. I just smiled at her, a little longer than necessary, and said under my breath so only she could hear—

“Khadoos, huh?”

Her cheeks flushed as she looked away, and I couldn’t stop the grin tugging at my lips.

********

I had just stepped out of the shower, towel in hand, drying my hair when I heard the soft click of the door shutting behind someone. I turned around and there she was.

Sakshi stood with her arms crossed, leaning casually against the doorframe. But her eyes… they told a different story. Curious, bold, soft. She was wearing those cute pajamas that she usually wore when they were having sleepovers, silk shorts, and a loose top that clung to her in all the right ways.

I thought she was asleep by now.

“You planning to just stand there and stare, Sunshine?” I asked, a grin tugging at my lips as I stepped closer. She didn’t move, just let me come to her. When I reached her, I gently pulled her into me. She didn’t resist.

“Happy Birthday, Utkarsh,” she whispered, placing her hands on my chest, her touch feather-light. Her expression was unreadable, but the way her chest rose and fell gave her away. She wasn’t calm. She was barely holding it together.

“Thank you,” I murmured back, brushing my lips against hers but not quite kissing her. Her breath caught, and her eyes fluttered closed for a moment. I slid one hand into her hair, gently tilting her head back so I could see her properly.

“Utkarsh…” she whispered again, uncertain. The tension was a living thing now, coiling between us, wrapping around our throats like a rope pulled taut.

“You should be in bed, baby,” I said, my voice low, teasing, as my other hand wrapped around her waist and drew her closer flush against me. She looked up, nervous and defiant, biting her lower lip.

“Then should I go?” she asked, voice playful, almost challenging, as her fingers traced slow lines up my chest.

God, she knew exactly what she was doing, the little vixen.

Her arms looped around my neck, pulling us even closer. She stood on her tiptoes, our faces nearly touching, the air between us thick, electric. The room stilled. Time held its breath. Our lips hovered, not touching, the ache of it unbearable.

Then she closed the distance. 

It wasn’t a kiss, it was a collision. I was out on business for the past week, and all the tension the restraint we had shown throughout the day. The lingering glances, secret touches finally exploded. Her mouth moved against mine with urgency, matching the desperation in my grip as I held her like she might disappear if I loosened my hold.

She moaned softly into the kiss, and that sound undid me.

I backed her up against the wall, the cold surface making her shiver against my skin. My hand found her thigh, hooked it around my waist as I deepened the kiss, pouring everything I couldn’t say into it.

Her fingers were in my hair, pulling, anchoring. Mine were everywhere: her waist, her jaw, her hips. I couldn’t get enough of her. Not tonight. Maybe not ever.

When we finally broke apart, breathless, our foreheads pressed together again. Her eyes were glassy. My heart was a thunderstorm in my chest.

“I missed you,” she whispered.

“I missed you more,” I murmured, still catching my breath. I lifted her effortlessly into my arms, and she giggled as I carried her to the bed. She felt weightless, like something I never wanted to let go of. I laid her down gently and hovered above her, my hand braced beside her head.

“How did you get away from Ani?” I asked, brushing a loose strand of hair away from her cheek.

A mischievous grin curved her lips, her eyes glinting with playful defiance. “She’s asleep. You think I’d sneak into your room if she wasn’t?”

I smirked. “You definitely made her watch one of your boring documentaries, didn’t you?”

“Guilty,” she laughed, running her hands slowly along my back, pulling me closer until our bodies were pressed flush.

I lowered my head into the crook of her neck, pressing slow, deliberate kisses against her skin. Each kiss lingered a little longer, each brush of my lips drawing me deeper into her scent. She trembled under me, the soft laugh in her throat dissolving into a shiver.

“Utkarsh…” she breathed, her fingers tangling tighter in my hair.

I chuckled against her skin, then nipped that spot just behind her ear one I knew would steal her breath. Her gasp was sharp, her back arching instinctively.

“So…” I murmured against her neck, my voice low, “What was Ani saying, yes not that khadoos, hmm? Are you calling me khadoos, Sunshine?” My teeth grazed her skin, earning a delicious little whimper as her grip in my hair tightened.

“Well,” I continued, my lips brushing her jaw as I spoke, “it seems like this khadoos needs to punish you, doesn’t he?”

She shivered, caught between wanting to argue and wanting to surrender. “Punish me?” she whispered, her voice unsteady.

“Mmh,” I hummed, sliding my hand from her waist to the small of her back, pulling her flush against me. “For calling me names… and for looking so damn smug while doing it.”

I kissed her deeply slow at first, just enough to make her ache for more—before abruptly pulling away, letting my lips hover a breath away from hers. Her frustrated little sound made me smirk.

“You don’t get to kiss me until I decide you’ve learned your lesson,” I said, my thumb tracing the line of her lower lip.

She glared, but her breathing betrayed her. “That’s not fair.”

“Neither is calling your boyfriend khadoos.” I tilted my head, letting my eyes travel down her body and back up to her flushed face. “Now… lie back.”

Her eyes stayed locked on mine, the defiance still there… but her breathing was already quickening. Slowly, I guided her backward until she was lying against the pillows, my hands braced on either side of her head.

“Comfortable?” I asked, my tone pure mockery.

“Not really,” she shot back, but her lips twitched like she was fighting a smile.

“Good,” I murmured. “It’s not supposed to be.”

I lowered my head until my mouth hovered over hers, my breath brushing her lips then I stopped. Her chest rose sharply, waiting no, needing me to close that last inch. I let my gaze drop to her mouth, deliberately dragging my eyes over every tempting curve before pulling back just enough to make her whine in frustration.

“Utkarsh,” she warned, her voice low, her fingers already curling into the sheets.

“Say it,” I ordered softly.

She frowned. “Say what?”

“That you’re sorry for calling me khadoos.” My thumb brushed along her jaw, tracing her flushed skin.

Her lips parted like she might give in, but then that stubborn spark in her eyes reignited. “Not a chance.”

I smiled darkly. “Then you’re not getting this,” I said, deliberately running my lips down her neck instead, kissing the hollow of her throat, the curve of her shoulder, anywhere but where she wanted me most.

She squirmed under me, her hands moving to my hair to try and guide me back up, but I caught her wrists and pinned them above her head with one hand. “Ah-ah,” I murmured, my mouth brushing against her ear, “I’m in charge here, Sunshine.”

I kissed my way down to the edge of her collarbone, slow and maddeningly light, my stubble grazing her skin. Her breathing was ragged now, each little gasp feeding my satisfaction.

“Utkarsh…” This time it came out almost like a plea.

I raised my head, holding her gaze. “Say it, and I’ll give you exactly what you want.”

She bit her lip, the defiance warring with the heat in her eyes. “You’re…” She hesitated, and I saw her pride teetering.

I smirked, leaning in until our lips just barely brushed. “Yes?”

“…You’re still khadoos,” she whispered, grinning wickedly.

My laugh was low, dangerous. “Oh, now you’ve done it.”

And then I kissed her not soft, not gentle devouring her mouth like I’d been starving for her, pouring every ounce of pent-up want into that moment until she was moaning against me, her legs wrapping around my waist, surrendering completely to her khadoos.

After what felt like forever I pulled back, our breathing hard. My eyes darted to her lips. Her lips were swollen from my kiss, her chest rising and falling against mine, when she whispered my name again.

“Utkarsh…” The way she said it this time wasn’t defiant it was softer, almost shy. Her fingers glided through my hair, tracing along the back of my neck. “What are your plans for tomorrow? You’re turning twenty-five. It’s a big day.”

I stilled, my mouth brushing her jaw as I answered. “Nothing major. I’ll be in the office most of the day,” I groaned, “and then there’s that stupid party in the evening I’m already dreading.”

With a quick motion, I rolled us over, pulling her with me so she ended up half laying on to of me. Her warm weight settled against me, her palms flattening on my chest. My hands rested on her thighs, my thumbs tracing lazy circles against her skin.

She looked up at me with those gorgeous, dangerous blue eyes the same eyes that drove me insane, that pulled me under every damn time. Her hair fell forward, a silken curtain that brushed my skin.

Biting her lower lip, she trailed her fingers slowly across my chest, like she was testing the waters. “Kya soch rahi ho?” I asked, brushing a feather-light kiss against her mouth.

She hesitated, eyes flicking away for the briefest moment before returning to mine. “I was thinking… maybe we could spend the day together? Just us. We haven’t really been anywhere since we started dating.”

I saw the uncertainty in her expression how rare it was for her to ask for something so openly. She wasn’t sure I’d say yes. But I didn’t even let her doubt linger.

“Okay.”

Her lips parted in surprise. “Okay?” she repeated, like she couldn’t believe it.

I smirked. “Yes, Sunshine, okay. Why do you look so shocked?”

“Because,” she said, “you’re always busy. You just took over the company, Utkarsh. How are you going to get out of work?”

I reached up and cupped her cheek.

“Sakshi... what you fail to realize is that all you have to do is ask and I’ll make it happen.” She blinked at me, stunned. “You want to spend the day with me? Done. You want something? Tell me, and it’ll be yours by tomorrow. Hell, tonight if you want it bad enough.”

She smiled, slow and disbelieving, as if she was still waiting for the catch.

“Okay then, I have so much planned for tomorrow!” she squealed with excitement as she got up and straddled me, her knees bracketing my waist.

My eyes immediately swept over her, drinking in every inch of her. She was radiant hair tousled, cheeks flushed, lips curved in mischief. God, she was beautiful. Breathtaking.

I knew I should’ve kept my hands to myself. Should’ve respected the thin line between playful and dangerous. But the way she sat there, looking down at me with those sparkling eyes, wearing that loose top and those tiny shorts it was impossible. Especially when I was only wrapped in a white towel that was hanging on for dear life.

If I didn’t pull back now, she’d be on her back, gasping my name, as I kissed every part of her and fucked her over and over again until she couldn’t walk for days.

But she didn’t seem to notice the effect she had on me. Instead, she launched into an animated monologue about all the things she had planned for my birthday. From how she’d sneak away from Ani, to where she wanted us to go, to what we’d eat, and even which playlist she’d made for the car ride.

I couldn’t help but grin, shaking my head at her adorably elaborate schemes.

“Sakshi, baby,” I said, my hands instinctively finding her waist, “you don’t need to go through all these excuses. If we just told Ani about us—”

She snapped her head toward me like I’d lost my damn mind.

“No way!” she cut me off, eyes wide with panic. “Main nahi bolne waali Ani ko! She turns into a full fire-breathing dragon the second any of our friends even joke about you being hot!”

(I am not telling Ani.)

She leaned in, jabbing a finger at my chest, her voice dead serious now.

“And Utkarsh Rajvansh, I am warning you don’t you dare tell her about us. If you do, there will be no more kissing privileges. Do you understand?”

I smirked, raising an eyebrow as I looked up at her. She was all fire and drama and sweetness rolled into one and she had me completely under her spell.

“As if you don’t become an even bigger fire-breathing dragon when any girl so much as looks at me for more than ten seconds,” I chuckled, my thumb lazily tracing small circles along her waist.

She snapped her mouth shut, cheeks flushing bright red. It was rare seeing her at a loss for words. Sakshi, the fierce one. The one who always had a sharp comeback ready. But now, all she managed was opening and closing her mouth like a fish gasping for air.

I grinned, loving every second of it.

Sakshi was bold, fearless, and straightforward. She said exactly what was on her mind and didn’t care what people thought. But when it came to me when I caught her being soft or possessive she’d crumble into this adorably flustered version of herself. Just like right now.

She narrowed her eyes, clearly catching on that I was enjoying this way too much.

“Listen here, Rajvansh,” she said, her voice low and intense. “You. Are. Mine. I claimed you every inch of this gorgeous body is mine. Every part of that brilliant brain, all the way down to the very breath you take are mine. So yes,” she added, her eyes gleaming like wildfire, “I will turn into a fire-breathing dragon and burn anyone to ashes if they look at you longer than necessary.”

My heart skipped. Not because of fear but because she meant every word.

And damn, if it didn’t turn me on more than I’d ever admit.

I pulled her down, crushing my lips against hers in a kiss that was anything but gentle. In one swift motion, I rolled her onto her back, hovering over her. I kissed her like there was no tomorrow, like she was my last meal, like she was the only damn thing in this fucked-up world still keeping me together.

Her fingers tangled in my hair, tugging me closer, as if she couldn’t stand even a breath’s worth of distance between us. My hands roamed her sides, memorizing the curve of her waist, the softness of her skin beneath my touch. Every gasp, every hitch of her breath only pushed me further into the madness she stirred inside me.

I devoured her, not just with my lips, but with everything I had like I could fuse her into me and never let her go.

I woke up to the faint rustle of movement beside me. Blinking my eyes open, I saw Sakshi trying to slip out of bed as quietly as possible. I frowned, glancing at the clock four-thirty in the freaking morning.

“Kaha ja rahi ho?” I asked, my voice still rough with sleep as I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her back into bed.

(Where are you going?)

She gasped as she fell back against me, then giggled softly. “Utkarsh, I need to go before Ani wakes up and notices I’m not next to her,” she said, her fingers running lazily through my hair.

I rolled my eyes and groaned. “This wouldn’t be an issue if we just told her,” I said, for what felt like the hundredth time.

“Hum iske baare mein phir baat nahi karenge,” she shot back, pushing me aside as she got out of bed. I sat up, leaning against the headboard, watching her turn toward me with an expression that I’m sure was meant to be strict but only managed to make her look even cuter.

(we are not talking about this.)

“Remember what we talked about last night. And don’t forget what happens if you say anything to her,” she warned.

I sighed and nodded. That seemed to satisfy her, because she smiled, bent over, and pressed a quick kiss to my lips. “Happy birthday, Grumpy. Now smile.”

“Thank you,” I murmured, pulling her in for a deeper kiss that left her breathing harder when we finally broke apart. “We will leave around 12. Try to get away from Ani sooner… or I’ll come pick you up right in front of her. Do you understand?” I raised an eyebrow.

Her eyes widened, and she chuckled nervously. “You wouldn’t.”

“Try me,” I smirked.

************

After Sakshi left, I went back to sleep and woke up around eight. When I went downstairs, she was already gone.

Before I could even pour myself some coffee, Dadi whisked me away to the temple for my birthday. By the time we came back, the morning was already slipping away. We all sat down for breakfast, the clinking of cutlery filling the silence.

Unable to control myself any longer, I glanced at Ani.

“Gudiya, where is your friend?” I kept my voice flat, as if I was asking out of casual curiosity.

She stopped mid-bite and shrugged. “Oh, she went home because she had some work. She said she’ll be back by eleven.”

I nodded, taking a slow sip of my juice, pretending the answer didn’t matter.

Pulling out my phone under the table, I sent her a message.

PIA🐣: Why did you leave without saying goodbye to me?

By the time I finished my breakfast, there was still no reply. My frown deepened. I set my phone aside and turned to Dadu.

“Dadu, a few of my friends are meeting for lunch, so I won’t be coming to the office today,” I said casually.

“Oh, theek hai beta, koi baat nahi. Enjoy your day,” he said warmly. Then his tone shifted into one of command. “Par party se pehle aajana.”

I groaned. “Dadu, kya yeh party zaroori hai? We could just have an intimate dinner at home… or at some nice place.”

“That won’t work, Utkarsh,” he replied firmly. “I understand you don’t want it, but I’m doing this so you can get acquainted with everyone in the business world. You just took over, and I want you to get to know people.”

I sighed in defeat. “Fine.”

With that, I stood up and started making my way towards my room.

Once I was sure I was out of earshot, I pulled out my phone again and dialed Sakshi’s number, waiting for her to pick up.

She answered on the second ring. “Hi,” she whispered, her voice soft and cautious, like she already knew she was in trouble.

“Hi…” I drawled as I walked into my room and closed the door behind me. She stayed silent, but I could hear her breathing fast and uneven which, honestly, was a massive turn-on in itself.

“I thought we were going out today?” I asked, sinking onto the couch.

“Umm… w-we are,” she said. I stayed quiet, letting the silence stretch until she sighed, knowing I wasn’t going to help her out. “I’m just… here to pick up your gifts, Muffin.”

I froze mid-breath. Muffin?

A slow smirk spread across my face. “What… did you just call me?”

There was a beat of silence before she giggled a small, guilty sound. “I-I mean… you gave me a nickname, so I wanted to give you one too.”

“Muffin?” I repeated, tasting the word like it was a foreign language. “Sakshi, do I look like a breakfast pastry to you?”

She laughed harder, and I could picture her biting her lip to keep from making it worse. “No, but you’re soft on the inside. Only for me.”

I rubbed a hand down my face, groaning. “You’re lucky you’re cute, Sunshine. If anyone else called me that, they’d be six feet under.”

“Mm-hm, sure, Muffin,” she teased, drawing the word out just to annoy me.

I growled low in my throat. “Keep testing me, and I’ll make you regret it tonight.”

Her breath hitched when I heard it. “Is that a threat or a promise?”

“Both,” I said smoothly. “Now, when are you coming over?”

“I’ll be there around 11:30,” she replied, all fake innocence.

“Good. And, Sunshine?”

“Yeah?”

“If you call me Muffin in front of anyone else, I’ll make sure you can’t walk straight for two days.”

Silence.

Then a small, sharp inhale from her side of the line.

I could almost see her wide eyes, the way her lips would part without a single word making it out. Shock, yes but I knew that little quiver in her breath. That wasn’t just a surprise.

“Muffin…” she whispered, and this time my name sounded less like a tease and more like a surrender.

I grinned, slow and dangerous.

“Good girl,” I murmured, and hung up.

The line went dead, but I knew I’d just ruined her focus for the rest of the morning.

And that was exactly the point.