"May I have the pleasure to dance with you, princess?" Ayden asked, his hands extended, expecting a gentle acceptance.
But Aeni's rejection stung. "No, right now I want to dance with someone else."
She brushed past him, ignoring his outstretched hand.
Ayden's eyes narrowed, anger simmering beneath the surface. Who was this 'someone else' worthy of her attention?
His gaze followed Aeni, tracking her path.
And then, he saw him.
Samarth.
Ayden's father.
A sigh escaped his lips, replaced by a deepening frown.
Jealousy? Of his own father?
Ridiculous.
Yet, the burn in his chest refused to subside.
Aeni approached Samarth, her hands extended, her smile radiant. "Would you like to dance with me, Sir?"
Ayden's fingers curled into fists.
The urge to shatter the decorations, to disrupt the serene atmosphere, surged through him.
But he reined in his emotions, mastering his turbulent thoughts.
For now, he'd watch, his eyes never leaving the unlikely pair.
Aeni danced with Samarth, her laughter
echoing through the hall, until Ayden interrupted.
"Time to share you with others, princess." Ayden said, his voice low and possessive.
He grasped Aeni's hand, pulling her close. Samarth nodded, understanding the birthday girl's duties.
Ayden's hands slid to Aeni's waist, sending shivers down her spine. Butterflies danced in her belly as they swayed to the music, chests touching.
Aeni's breathing quickened. "W-what are you doing?" she stammered.
"Pulling you towards me," Ayden whispered, his eyes locked onto hers.
"W-why?" Aeni asked, her voice barely audible.
"Because I like touching you," Ayden replied, his smile hinting at sincerity.
"I-I didn't like it," Aeni said, struggling to maintain composure. Ayden chuckled. "Lie, you liked my touch."
Their bodies swayed to the music, the tension between them palpable.
"No, I didn't," Aeni insisted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ayden leaned in, his breath dancing across her skin. "You would've pushed me if you didn't."
Aeni's cheeks flushed, her eyes darting downward. "No," she repeated, her voice trembling.
Ayden's gaze lingered on hers. "Means you don't like my touch?" he asked, his tone soft.
Aeni's shoulders rose in a gentle shrug. "No, it's not like that."
Ayden's smile hinted at amusement. "Means you like my touch?" he teased.
Aeni's words tangled. "I..I.."
Ayden's whisper soothed her frayed nerves. "Shh, calm down, fairy." His fingers traced gentle patterns on her waist. Aeni's pulse quickened.
Ayden's eyes crinkled. "Your heart beats faster when I'm near." Aeni's gaze locked onto his. The music swirled around them.
Ayden's eyes crinkled. "When I touch you again, make sure whether you like it or not."
He released her, leaving Aeni feeling lost.
But his words echoed. "He'll touch me again?" Aeni wondered, her heart skipping a beat.
💠
The moment of truth arrived – cake-cutting time. Aeni stood proudly, flanked by Nisha and Aryan, amidst a sea of guests. Before her, a majestic, velvety cake beckoned, adorned with glowing candles.
She closed her eyes, made a wish, and blew out the flames. With her parents' hands guiding hers, she sliced into the decadent dessert. The room erupted in cheers and well-wishes.
Ayden's gaze remained fixed on Aeni, his eyes drinking in her radiance. Aeni sensed his attention, her heart skipping a beat.
She fed her father and mother cake, and they reciprocated. Gift-giving commenced, with Aeni thanking each guest warmly.
Samarth's voice rose above the din. "Hey, princess, this is for you." He handed her a sleek car key. Aeni's eyes widened in astonishment.
"What? Really, Papa? This is for me?" Samarth chuckled, delighted by her euphoria. Aeni enveloped him in a tight hug.
Nisha feigned jealousy. "Oh, all the love is for Papa, huh?" Aeni pulled Nisha into the hug, and the room "awww"ed at the heartwarming scene.
Nisha smiled mischievously. "I've got something for you too." Aeni's curiosity piqued. "What is it? Tell me!"
Nisha handed her a book from the nearby table. Aeni's face lit up. "Wow! Thank you, Mumma! I've been searching for this novel forever." Her heavenly smile captivated the room.
Aeni wrapped Nisha in another bear hug. Ayden's gaze lingered, his expression soft.
Shanaya presented Aeni with exquisite earrings, while Vikram gifted her a vacation ticket. Krish, her brother, surprised her with a gigantic teddy bear, matching her height.
Aeni's eyes sparkled; she adored teddy bears.
With gratitude, she thanked everyone for making her birthday unforgettable. Her childhood dream had come true – a fairytale 18th birthday party.
As guests departed, Rai Singhaniya bid their farewells. Aeni felt a pang of disappointment, longing to spend more time with Ayden. In such a short time, she had developed feelings for him.
Will I meet him again? she wondered.
Ayden's family had departed, and he was about to drive away when the soft voice called out. "Ayden!" He turned, concern etched on his face, as his fairy rushed toward him, her gown fluttering.
Aeni's dress snagged on her feet, and she lost balance, eyes closing tight in anticipation of pain. But instead, strong arms enveloped her waist, and her hands instinctively wrapped around his neck. Their bodies touched, lips inches apart.
Aeni's face flushed with embarrassment. Ayden helped her stand, cupping her face, caressing her cheeks. "Hey, fairy, are you okay?" he whispered.
She nodded, gaze downcast. "Look at me," he urged. Their eyes met, and Aeni's heart skipped a beat.
"Why were you running, hmm?" Ayden asked, his voice gentle.
"I wanted to say bye," Aeni replied, eyelashes fluttering.
He enveloped her in a gentle hug, patting her head. Safe and comforted, Aeni felt at home in his arms.
They parted, and Ayden said, "It's late, go inside." But Aeni asked, "When will we meet again?" Her voice barely above a whisper.
Ayden's smile widened. "We'll keep meeting now." He reassured her, his eyes sparkling.
They shared a warm goodbye. Aeni retreated into her home, feeling a mix of emotions.
Later, Aeni snuggled into bed, cuddling Krish's teddy bear, her thoughts drifting to the unforgettable birthday celebrations. She had changed into a cozy night suit, her mind replaying the day's magic.
Everything she had ever wished for had come true: a loving family, upcoming college adventures, and newfound adulthood. Her father's car gift topped it all.
The word "gift" triggered a memory. Aeni's gaze fell upon the delicate bracelet on her wrist, Ayden's thoughtful present. She hadn't removed it, treasuring the connection.
Her fingers caressed the intricate design, a soft smile spreading across her face. As she lost herself in thoughts of Ayden, her heart swelled. It was as if she had known him forever.
The comfort and safety she felt around him mirrored the security she felt with her father.
He's so sweet, she mused.
But little did she know that Ayden's sweetness was exclusively reserved for her.
To others, he was a demon, feared for his fierce anger. Those who dared threaten his loved ones trembled at the mere thought of his wrath. Ayden's protective instincts knew no bounds.
But Aeni remained blissfully unaware of his complex personality.
What would happen when she discovered the truth?
He was fire; she was water. Would she be able to withstand his fiery temper?
Could she handle the darkness that lurked beneath his charming facade?
Would their budding connection flourish, or would it wither under the heat of his intensity? Only time would tell.
Aeni's thoughts swirled, her heart tangled in the enigma that was Ayden. She couldn't shake off the feeling that her life was about to change forever.
_______________
Upcoming:
"Dare to push me again, and see what I'll do with you," he threatened. She trembled. "W-why have you come here?" she stammered.
A sly smirk spread across his face. "Wouldn't it be better to tell by doing, rather than speaking?" he whispered.
His lips hovered above hers.
__________________
🫰🏻
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