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Title: Midnight Heat

Sharvani didn’t expect anyone to be awake.

She tiptoed through the quiet hallway, her soft cotton night suit clinging lightly to her skin from the heat. Her hair was open, falling in waves down her back, and her feet were bare. The house was dark, except for the moonlight slipping in through the kitchen window.

She reached for the steel jug and poured water into a glass. The sound echoed louder than she’d expected. She brought it to her lips, and just as the cool water touched her tongue—

“I didn’t know you were awake.”

She jumped, turning sharply.

Ishaan stood at the kitchen doorway, tall, lean, eyes locked on her like she was something he’d only dared to imagine in secret. His hair was a little messy, his T-shirt clinging to his chest, joggers hanging low on his hips.

She fumbled with the glass. “I—I was just—water.”

“I see that.”

He stepped closer. Slowly. Like he didn’t want to scare her. But the way he looked at her? As if the silence was dangerous.

Sharvani’s throat went dry. And it wasn’t from thirst.

He reached beside her, pretending to grab another glass—but his arm brushed hers. Bare skin on bare skin.

She shivered.

He noticed.

“Cold?” His voice dropped an octave.

“No. It’s just—” Her words trailed off when he turned his body toward her, trapping her between himself and the counter.

“God, you look…” He exhaled. “You have no idea, do you?”

His hand reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, fingertips lingering against her cheek.

“Ishaan…” she whispered, breathless.

His gaze dipped to her lips.

“I shouldn't.”

“But you want to.”

“Badly,” he admitted, eyes dark. “I’ve been good, Sharvani. I’ve respected boundaries, been polite, kept my hands to myself. But tonight…”

He leaned in. Just an inch.

“…you walked in like this. And now I can’t think straight.”

Her heart was thundering. Her body pressed back against the cold counter.

“Ishaan—”

That’s when they heard footsteps approaching.

Panic flashed in her eyes.

Without a word, he pulled her behind the kitchen counter, into the dark corner. She gasped, his arm locking around her waist as he tugged her onto his lap, his hand pressing gently over her mouth.

“Shh… koi aa raha hai…” he murmured into her ear, his nose grazing the curve of her neck.

Her body froze against his, heart racing so loud she swore he could hear it. His palm stayed firm on her mouth. Not rough—just enough to keep her quiet.

And while they waited for the footsteps to pass… his lips didn’t move away from her neck.

He nuzzled.

Soft. Warm. Hungry.

She whimpered under his hand.

His breath was fire. His grip—tight.

And neither of them moved… even after the footsteps faded.

Because something had already snapped.

And it wasn't going back