Chapter 4 4.

Mishka's pov~

The morning light filtered through the soft cream curtains of my bedroom as I stood in front of the mirror, the soft rustle of fabric filled the room as I slipped into the deep red saree Arsh had gifted me.

It was stunning, rich in color, with delicate gold embroidery at the borders that shimmered every time the light hit it.

I carefully adjusted the pallu over my shoulder, but no matter how I draped it, my waist still peeked through.

A small sigh escaped my lips. How did women manage to look so elegant in these? The saree seemed to have a mind of its own, and I wasn't sure if I could keep it all in place.

But for Arsh, I wanted to try.

As I stood in front of the mirror, trying to tuck a stray pleat, I heard my Baba's voice.

"Mishka, beta, I'll be late again tonight. There's a critical surgery scheduled."

I went downstairs while grabbing the pleats and peeked into his study watching him scribble something furiously on a notepad, his brow furrowed in concentration.

"Baba, you always say that," I said, trying to tease him, but my voice came out softer than intended.

He glanced up, his tired eyes meeting mine. "I know, beta, I know. But this is important. You know how these things go."

I smiled faintly, nodding in understanding. "I know. It's alright."

Baba gave me a distracted but affectionate smile before returning to his notes.

Suddenly his phone buzzed.

"What? Alright I'm on my way, arrange the blood immediately." He ordered someone, grabbing his keys he rushed through the door not before kissing my forehead in hurry.

"Be careful." I whipered.

He always cared, but his work consumed him. I couldn't blame him, he saved lives. But sometimes, I wished he'd see that I needed him too.

Baba.

Dr. Basu one of the busiest surgeons in this city, was barely home these days. When he was, he would retreat into his study with medical journals and papers scattered all over the place.

We shared a quiet understanding. He had his work, and I had, well, I was still figuring out what I had.

I quickly went in my room and taking one last glance in the mirror, I gathered my things and headed toward the door.

The plan was simple, visit the temple, offer my prayers, and return home before the day truly began.

I walked down the stairs, my saree flowing behind me, making me feel strangely elegant and a little awkward. Just as I reached the bottom step, I heard the unmistakable sound of a car pulling up outside. The familiar rumble of an engine made my heart skip a beat.

"Arsh?" I muttered under my breath, my heart fluttering for reasons I couldn't quite explain.

My breath hitched in my throat as I hurried to the door, trying not to trip over my saree in the process.

As I opened it, there he was-leaning against the sleek black SUV, wearing a crisp white shirt and black slacks that hugged his tall, muscular form. His hands shoved into the pockets of his suit pants, looking like he'd stepped right out of a dream. His sharp jawline, those piercing eyes, every time I see him, it feels like the first time all over again.

His eyes instantly locked on mine, then trailed down to the saree, slowly taking in every inch of me. He clenched his jaw then unclenched it.

"Arsh," I breathed, my voice barely above a whisper.

He looked up, a slow, knowing smile curving his lips as his gaze swept over me.

"Mishka... You look..." His words trailed off, but the way his eyes darkened said more than enough.

I felt heat rise to my cheeks, and I quickly looked away, suddenly very aware of the way the saree hugged my curves.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, trying to sound casual, though my heart was thudding wildly in my chest.

"I was in the area," he said, his voice smooth and controlled, as he pushed off the car and walked toward me. "Thought I'd stop by."

"In the area, huh?" His usual nonchalance made me narrow my eyes suspiciously.

"I wanted to see you, Mishka. Do I need a better reason?" He stepped closer, until the familiar scent of his cologne filled the air between us. My pulse quickened.

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I found myself stepping back, my hand gripping the edge of the door for support.

Arsh always had this effect on me. He could make me feel like I'm the only woman in the world with just one look.

"You didn't have to, I'm visiting Mandir anyway" I said, my voice soft as I looked up at him.

I raised an eyebrow when I saw him smiling mischievously.

"Mishka, are you trying to kill me or everyone else around you?"

I frowned in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

Arsh stepped inside, his hand sliding into his pocket, eyes still on me, as though I was the only thing in the world that mattered. Urghhh these butterflies.

"This saree..." His voice lowered. "It looks perfect on you, but I don't like the idea of anyone else seeing what I can see right now."

I blinked, heat rising to my cheeks. "Arsh, it's just a saree. Besides, I'm going to the temple, not a fashion show."

He raised an eyebrow, taking another step toward me, his fingers brushing the edge of my exposed waist. His touch sent shivers down my spine.

"Exactly. You're going to the temple dressed like this. Do you have any idea how much attention you'll attract?"

I crossed my arms, pretending to be unaffected by his nearness. "I think you're overreacting. I'm just going to pray. Besides, who would even care about my saree?"

He chuckled softly, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. "Trust me, Mishka. Everyone will care. And I don't plan on letting any guy sneak a glance at you."

Before I could protest, he stepped around me, grabbed my car keys from the table, and jingled them in the air. "I'll drive."

I stared at him, incredulous. "You'll drive? But, you said you had work."

"Work can wait. Keeping you out of trouble is more important." Arsh shrugged, already heading toward the door.

I groaned in protest, but deep down, I couldn't help the flutter in my chest at the idea of Arsh going out of his way for me.

I followed him out, adjusting the saree one last time. His gaze swept over me again, lingering on the way the saree hugged my waist, and I could almost see the possessiveness in his eyes.

As we walked toward his car, I tried to break the silence. "You know, you don't have to go with me. I've gone to the temple alone plenty of times."

Arsh opened the passenger door for me, his smirk returning. "Not dressed like this, you haven't."

"You're impossible." I rolled my eyes, but stepped into the car anyway.

"And you're beautiful," he replied without missing a beat, closing the door behind me.

The ride to the temple was short, but it felt like time slowed down with him beside me. I tried to focus on the buildings passing by, but Arsh's presence was too distracting. His hand casually rested on the gear shift, but every so often, his fingers would brush against my leg, sending jolts of electricity through me.

We arrived at the temple, and as I stepped out of the car, Arsh was right by my side, his hand resting on the small of my back. I glanced up at him.

"You're acting like someone's going to kidnap me." I whisper yelled.

"I'm just making sure no one gets any ideas. With you looking like that, they would be crazy not to." He smirked, leaning down slightly to whisper in my ear.

"You're too much, Arsh." I felt my face flush, and I quickly turned toward the temple steps, hoping to hide my embarrassment.

He chuckled softly but didn't let go of me. As we made our way inside, I couldn't help but notice the few glances we received mostly from elderly women who seemed to approve of Arsh's protective stance.

It made me feel... safe.

I covered my head and joined my hands, from my peripheral vision, Arsh was joing his hands too but instead of looking at Lord Krishna and Radha Rani, he was looking at me. I tried to calm myself.

The cool, serene atmosphere of the temple calming my nerves.

I whispered a small prayer for Baba, hoping he would stay safe in his work. I also whispered a prayer for Arsh, even though he would never admit he needed one.

As we left the temple, I felt a strange sense of peace wash over me. But before we could reach the car, Arsh stopped me, his hand tightening around mine.

"Wait." He said, his voice low.

"What is it?" I turned to face him, confused.

"I don't want you going anywhere alone dressed like this again." He stepped closer, his eyes dark and intense.

"Arsh, it's just a saree." I blinked up at him, unsure whether to laugh or be flattered.

"No, it's you. And I don't like the idea of anyone else getting to see what I get to see." His hand moved to my waist, his thumb brushing against my skin, sending a shiver through me.

"You're being ridiculous." I swallowed hard, the intensity in his gaze making it impossible to look away.

"Am I?" he whispered, leaning down until our foreheads nearly touched. "Maybe. But I can't help it."

The moment felt heavy with unspoken words, but before I could respond, he straightened, flashing me a small, teasing smile. "Now, let's get you home before someone else falls in love with you."

I laughed, shaking my head at his possessiveness. But deep down, I couldn't deny how it made my heart race. Arsh might have his flaws, but when he looked at me like that, with such intensity, it was impossible not to feel like the most cherished person in the world.