Page 106 of Heal my Heart
"Shut up," I mutter, my cheeks growing impossibly hotter. Rudra laughs—a full-blown manly laugh—standing up and slinging his arm around my shoulders like it’s the most casual thing in the world. His actions pool heat in my guts, and I try not to melt right then and there.
"Don't bother her," he says to Aarav, but there's a warning in his tone.
Aarav just chuckles and flops down on the couch. "You two are hilarious. It's like watching a live rom-com."
I roll my eyes and stick my tongue out at him. "Well, not everyone can be as cool and composed as you, Aarav."
He laughs. "Touché, Bhabhi."
Aditi and Siddhant enter the room then, followed closely by Aaryan, who seems busy reading something on his phone. Aarav had invited his friends over tonight. He even asked for my permission first, just in case I’d be uncomfortable. So thoughtful. Honestly, whoever ends up as Aarav’s wife is going to be insanely lucky.
Actually, now that I think about it, all the men in this house are so considerate—it’s kind of funny when you remember that half the world is scared of them.
The elders have gone to the temple for a two-day trip, so Aarav and Aditi planned a movie night at home. The whole vibe is cozy and warm, filled with lowlights, snacks, and lots of laughter. I pat Simbu, and he purrs at my touch.
Once everyone’s settled in, Aditi turns to me with a grin. “Bhabhi, what movie do you want to watch?”
“Anything but horror,” I tell her quickly, making everyone burst into laughter.
“Don’t worry, Bhabhi. We’ll stick to something fun,” Siddhant says, scrolling through the movie options on the TV.
Before I can sit down, Rudra pulls me right back into his lap, and I glare at him playfully. “Really? Again?”
“Yes, really,” he replies with that irresistible twinkle in his eyes. “I need you close. Because it's impossible to breathe without you.”
I roll my eyes but let him. His arms around me feel too good to protest for real. “You’re impossible, you know that?”
“But you love it,” he grins as he squeezes me in his arms.
Aarav laughs from the couch. “I don’t know who’s cheesier—you two or the actual cheesy rom-coms we’re about to watch.” I blush again, trying to glare at him this time, but he just smirks and looks away.
Just then, my phone starts ringing, and I turn my attention to it—it’s Maa. “I’ll be back,” I whisper to Rudra, getting up to answer the call. But of course, he follows me, like he can’t stay two feet away from me. And it makes me happy. And maybe proud too?
“Hi Maa,” I answer the call with a small smile.
Maa’s familiar voice floats through the phone, instantly comforting. “Shivani, beta. How are you?”
My smile broadens, feeling his hand brush against mine gently. He’s not saying anything, but his presence is loud and constant—like a safety net I didn’t know I needed. I like it when he does that.
“I’m fine, Maa. And you?”
“Everyone’s fine here,” she replies. I can hear the smile in her voice, and it brings one to my face too.
Rudra leans down, his breath warm against my ear. “You’re blushing,” he whispers, clearly teasing.
“I heard that, Raksh!” Maa exclaims from the other end, and my eyes widen. Oh no.
I pass the phone to him quickly, not trusting myself to respond without combusting from embarrassment. He chuckles and puts the phone on speaker. “Hi, Maa!” He says brightly.
“Are you troubling my daughter?” Maa asks in a playful tone, and it instantly makes me relax.
Rudra laughs, his voice rumbling against my shoulder. “Not at all, Maa. Just keeping her on her toes.”
“Shivani, beta, if he gives you any trouble, just tell me. I’ll set him straight.” I giggle at her words. I love how easily she takes my side—it’s so satisfying. And it feels like a blessing to have them all beside me.
“Don’t worry, Maa. He’s behaving... for now.”
“For now?” Maa’s voice is mock-stern. “Rudra, don’t make me come over there.”
