Meera’s POV

The city streets felt unusually quiet as we stepped out of the office. Aarav’s hand still lightly held mine, protective yet teasing. My pulse raced — half from his touch, half from the lingering threat. The black car from earlier was gone, but the feeling of being watched didn’t leave me.

Aarav (teasing, whispering): “Relax, Meera. You’re way too tense. Smile for me?”

Meera (rolling eyes, muttering): “I’m not tense. You’re… just annoying.”

He smirked, letting his fingers brush mine again, sending an involuntary shiver through me.

Aarav (whispering, dangerous edge): “Annoying? Or do you mean irresistible?”

I bit my lip, not knowing whether to laugh or push him away.

---

Suddenly, a flash of movement from a dark alley caught my eye. My stomach dropped.

Meera (tense, whispering): “There… someone’s there.”

Before I could react, a figure stepped out — the shadowy man from the messages and envelope. He looked directly at me, smirk cold and calculated.

Aarav (stepping in front of me, protective): “Stay behind me. Now.”

Meera (thinking): Why does he feel so… dangerous, yet familiar?

The man smirked, holding out a small device — clearly threatening.

Shadowy Figure: “Didn’t expect to see you so close to him, did you?”

Aarav (dangerous, calm): “Who are you, and what do you want from her?”

Shadowy Figure (taunting): “She belongs to me… and soon, you’ll find out why. Choices have consequences, Aarav.”

I felt my knees go weak, but Aarav’s firm grip on my hand grounded me. His smirk was gone, replaced by a cold, dangerous intensity I had never seen.

Aarav: “Listen carefully. You touch her, and you’ll regret it. Forever.”

The shadowy figure laughed and disappeared into the alley, leaving behind an eerie sense of threat.

---

Meera (thinking): Was that… the person from the envelope? The messages?

Aarav’s hand tightened around mine. He leaned close, whispering in my ear, protective but teasing.

Aarav (softly, whispering): “Scared? Don’t be. I’m not letting anyone hurt you. Ever.”

I wanted to argue, to say I was fine… but the flutter in my chest said otherwise. His presence alone made the danger feel manageable, almost exhilarating.

Meera (thinking): Why does being this close to him feel safe… and thrilling at the same time?

---

Later, we decided to grab a coffee to calm down. The café felt familiar, safe. Aarav ordered our drinks, teasing me as always.

Aarav: “You look adorable when you’re shaken. I like it.”

Meera (blushing, whispering): “Stop. People are watching.”

Aarav (grinning, leaning closer): “Let them watch. I like seeing you like this… with me.”

Our fingers brushed under the table. My cheeks burned, but I didn’t pull away. Instead, I felt a strange warmth, a connection that went beyond teasing — something deeper, emotional.

---

Kabir (appearing quietly near the counter): “Everything okay?”

Meera (thinking, a little guilty): He’s always watching, always protecting… but I’m drawn to Aarav.

Aarav (whispering, noticing my thoughts): “Thinking about him? Don’t. Only me, okay?”

I could only laugh softly, despite the lingering fear. His teasing was dangerous, addictive.

---

As we left the café, the city lights flickered, and my phone buzzed again — another message from the unknown number:

“Next time, there won’t be a warning. Be ready.”

I shivered, feeling the tension rise. Aarav noticed instantly.

Aarav (firmly, protective): “Meera… whoever this is, I’ll handle it. You just stay with me.”

His hand brushed mine again, reassuring yet possessive. I realized — no matter the danger, with him around, I felt a mix of safety and excitement I had never known.

Cliffhanger:

As we reached my apartment, a shadow moved on the balcony across the street. My heart raced. Aarav’s eyes narrowed, scanning the figure.

Aarav (whispering, dangerous smile): “Looks like our little game is just getting started.”