Humare naam ke saath aapka naam juda nahi, kya fark padta hai?

Humne kaha na prem mein bandhan nahi...!

Log pura jeewan bita dete hain adhure prem mein

~ Adhiraj ❤

Days were passing quite dramatically for Adhiraj as a certain someone-Mugdha-had made it her mission to annoy and flirt with him at every chance she got. Yesterday, he was on the phone with Shivaay, updating him about Mugdha's antics and pranks. Shivaay, sounding both amused and exasperated, simply advised him to keep her out of trouble, knowing all too well how her bold personality often led her into sticky situations.

"Adi, iss ladki ko bass NGO se dur rakhna, vo maanti nahi hai meri baat," Shivaay warned.

("Adi, just keep this girl away from the NGO, she doesn't listen to me.")

Adhiraj replied calmly, "Agar use achha lagta hai toh karne de na help, hum toh hain hi yahan usse sambhalne ke liye."

("If she likes it, let her help. I'm here to keep an eye on her.")

But Shivaay's voice turned serious. "Vo NGO ka director close friend hai Ramadhir Singh ka, aur tujhe achhe se pata hai vo aadmi kaisa hai. Humara Chief Minister reh chuka hai, PM candidate hai. Agar Maa ko pata chala ki Mugdha ke connections aise aadmi se jud rahe hain toh vo gussa ho jayegi."

("The NGO's director is a close friend of Ramadhir Singh, and you know what that man is like. He's been our Chief Minister, a PM candidate. If Mom finds out that Mugdha is getting associated with people like him, she'll be furious.")

Adhiraj sighed, trying to think of a solution. "Toh kisi aur NGO mein kar legi help."

("Then she can help at a different NGO.")

Shivaay shook his head. "Use Indians ki help karni hai. That NGO helps Indian people who are in trouble or are victims of human trafficking."

("She wants to help Indians. That NGO assists Indians in trouble or who are victims of human trafficking.")

Adhiraj understood the concern in Shivaay's voice. This was a delicate situation; Mugdha's big heart and fierce determination often brought her closer to danger than she realized.

He was deep in conversation when he felt her presence nearby. Glancing up, he saw Mugdha standing there with a mischievous smile, her hands full of chips and wafers. She pointed at his laptop, and, assuming she wanted to take it to her room, he raised his eyebrows and gestured for her to go ahead.

But to his surprise, instead of heading out, she plopped down right beside him on his bed. Settling in comfortably, she opened a bag of chips, pressed play on his laptop, and started a movie without a word, her eyes glued to the screen.

Adhiraj shot her a look, half-amused, half-incredulous. He bid bye to Shivaay and cut the call. "Aur madam, ye kya ho raha hai?" he asked, trying to suppress a smile.

("And madam, what's going on here?")

She just gave him a sidelong grin, passing him a bag of wafers without a word. It was as if she'd declared this space hers, too-unapologetically.

"Vo kya hai na, maine socha ki aap bore ho rahe honge, toh main yahan aa gayi. Ab mujhe thank you matt bolna-I know main dil ki kitni achhi hu," she said, her tone dripping with playful confidence.

("You see, I thought you might be getting bored, so I decided to join you. And no need to thank me-I know how kind-hearted I am.")

"Achha?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, amused by her self-assuredness.

("Oh, really?")

"Haan," she replied, completely unfazed, her confidence unwavering.

As he shook his head, smiling at her audacity, he tried to get up from the bed. But just as he moved, she wrapped her arms around his biceps, holding him in place, her gaze fixed on the screen.

"Aap kahi nahi ja rahe," she declared, pulling him back with a slight tug. Her grip was gentle, yet insistent, and he couldn't help but chuckle.

("You're not going anywhere.")

"Mugdha, aap sach mein-" he began, but he let himself settle back, defeated by her charm and determination.

("Mugdha, you really-")

She just shushed him with a grin, tossing a chip in his direction. "Ab chup raho aur movie dekho," she whispered, leaning her head against his shoulder as if they'd done this a hundred times before.

("Now, be quiet and watch the movie.")

And there they sat, a quiet comfort settling between them, his usual reservations melting away in her easy warmth.

As they watched the movie, Adhiraj suddenly seemed to remember something. He leaned over, opened a drawer by the bedside, and pulled out a small, elegantly wrapped box. Without a word, he held it out to her.

"Ye dekha toh laga aap pe suit karega," he said casually, his tone nonchalant, but the subtle warmth in his eyes betrayed his thoughtfulness.

("When I saw this, I thought it would suit you.")

Mugdha's face lit up as she looked at him, her eyes widening with surprise and delight. She took the box eagerly, her fingers lingering over the wrapping before finally opening it. Inside was a delicate silver bracelet with tiny charms-each one carefully chosen, adding a personal touch that felt unmistakably thoughtful.

She glanced up at him, her smile softening. "Thank you, Adhiraj. Ye toh bohot hi pyaara hai," she murmured, touched by his gesture.

("Thank you, Adhiraj. This is really lovely.")

"Pasand aaya?" he asked, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

("You like it?")

She nodded, slipping it onto her wrist, admiring the way it sparkled under the light. "Bohot," she replied, her voice soft, almost vulnerable.

("Very much.")

He gave her a small smile in return before they both settled back into the movie, a quiet comfort settling between them, the bracelet now resting gently on her wrist as a silent reminder of his care.

Mugdha wrapped her arms around his biceps again, and as she looked up at him, her gaze lingered. His shirt stretched across his broad shoulders, the top two buttons casually undone, revealing a hint of his chest and the sharp cut of his collarbones. She swallowed, trying to steady her voice. "Aap mujhe achhe lagne lage hain," she admitted softly.

("I'm starting to like you.")

Adhiraj's expression shifted, and he looked away, his jaw tightening. "You should stay away from me, Mugdha," he said firmly, his voice carrying a warning. "Ye sab pranks humein achhe nahi lagte."

("I don't like these pranks.")

She shook her head, meeting his gaze with a steadiness he hadn't expected. "Hum prank nahi kar rahe. Aap humein sach mein achhe lagne lage hai, aapki presence mujhe bhot achhi lagti hai," she confessed, her tone sincere.

("I'm not playing a prank. I genuinely like you; I really enjoy your presence.")

His face softened for a moment, but his expression quickly returned to its usual guardedness. "You shouldn't trust people so easily, Mugdha," he said, a hint of frustration in his voice. "This is exactly why Shivaay was so worried about you. You trust too quickly, and it's dangerous."

With that, he gently but firmly removed her arms from around him, a clear signal that he couldn't allow her to cross that line. The silence between them grew heavy, and though her heart ached, Mugdha held his gaze, trying to understand the walls he'd built.

"Badi ho jaao, Mugdha," Adhiraj said, his tone tinged with a mix of exasperation and concern. "Ye sab kab tak karogi? Shivaay pareshan rehta hai, isliye usne humse promise liya ki hum aapko protect kare."

("Grow up, Mugdha. How long will you keep doing all this? Shivaay worries about you, which is why he made me promise to protect you.")

Mugdha's eyes flashed with anger, her playful expression disappearing. His words stung, and the implication that she needed to be "protected" grated on her. She took a deep breath, setting her jaw before responding.

"So that's why you tolerate me?" she challenged, her voice steady but laced with hurt. "Because bhaiya told you to look after me? Aapko lagta hai main apni life apne terms par nahi jee sakti?"

("Do you think I can't live my life on my own terms?")

He held her gaze, clearly seeing the frustration and determination burning in her eyes. But even as she glared at him, her grip didn't loosen-she was holding her ground, standing up for herself, refusing to back down.

"If you didn't like me being close to you, you could have just told me," Mugdha said, her voice laced with a quiet hurt. "I would've stayed away. At least then I wouldn't feel like some... idiot child."

Adhiraj's expression softened, and he shook his head slightly. "I don't think of you as a child, Mugdha."

"Yes, you do. You and Shivaay bhaiya both," she retorted, the frustration spilling over in her voice. "You're always saying you want to 'protect' me, like I'm not a grown woman capable of handling myself. Just because I choose to see the good in people doesn't mean I'm naive or an idiot."

He could feel the weight of her words, the conviction in them. She held his gaze with a strength that left no room for dismissing her. There was so much he wanted to say, to explain, but her words had struck a nerve, exposing his protectiveness that maybe had crossed boundaries.

For a moment, silence settled between them, a thick tension lingering in the air. Adhiraj could see the hurt in her eyes-the vulnerability she'd tried to hide behind her usual playful demeanor now on full display. He ran a hand through his hair, sighing, and finally spoke, his tone quieter than before.

"Mugdha... it's not that I don't trust you to handle yourself," he began, searching for the right words. "But there's a difference between seeing the good in people and putting yourself at risk. You have this... innocence about you, a belief that everyone will be as honest as you are." He looked away briefly, as if organizing his thoughts. "Shivaay's just worried someone will take advantage of that."

She folded her arms, tilting her chin up defiantly. "And who says I need anyone's protection? Maybe I'm not as naive as you think, Adhiraj. Just because I choose kindness, it doesn't mean I don't see what people are capable of."

Her words struck him again, and he couldn't help but feel a strange mix of admiration and concern. He was so used to playing the role of protector, but in that moment, he was seeing her-really seeing her. There was a fire in her, a strength he hadn't fully acknowledged before.

"Alright," he said, relenting, a faint smile breaking through his seriousness. "I see that now. I'll try to remember that next time."

But Mugdha just looked at him, shaking her head, not fully convinced. "Don't just say it, Adhiraj. I need you to mean it. Because... you're someone I want to trust, someone I already feel close to." Her gaze softened, and she reached out, taking his hand gently, her touch hesitant but sincere.

He felt her fingers curl around his, a gesture so simple yet carrying so much weight. It stirred something in him-a feeling he wasn't ready to define but couldn't ignore.

"Then I'll do better," he said, his voice softer now.

For the first time that night, her lips curved into a smile, a genuine one that reached her eyes.

"Ab jao, so jao," said Adhiraj. Mugdha nodded her head at him.

("Now go and sleep")

As she turned to leave, Mugdha cast one last glance back at Adhiraj, a subtle smile still lingering on her lips. The intensity of their conversation lingered in the air, yet there was a newfound warmth that made her feel lighter. She nodded at him, her eyes soft, as if silently saying, "Thank you."

"Goodnight," she murmured quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Goodnight, Mugdha," he replied, his gaze following her as she walked away, feeling an odd sense of calm settle over him.

Once she was gone, Adhiraj sat back, the silence filling the room. The image of her determined expression, her confidence and vulnerability all wrapped up in one, played in his mind. He realized that perhaps he had been wrong to think of her as someone who needed protection at every turn. She was stronger than he'd given her credit for.

Mugdha lay on her bed, the soft pillows cradling her head as she stared up at the ceiling, lost in thought. The room was dimly lit, a few fairy lights twinkling softly, casting a warm glow around her. But it was the warmth in her heart that held her captive.

Images of Adhiraj danced through her mind-his playful smirks, the way he raised an eyebrow when she teased him, and how his protective nature made her feel cherished. A shy smile spread across her face, and she couldn't help but giggle, the sound echoing lightly in the stillness of her room.

What is happening to me? she wondered, her cheeks flushing with the realization that she really liked him.

She rolled over, burying her face in the pillow, feeling giddy and excited all at once. Adhiraj, she whispered to herself, the name tasting sweet on her lips. The thought of him sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach, and she couldn't suppress another giggle.

Lying there, she let her mind wander, envisioning moments they could share-endless laughter, whispered secrets, and perhaps a touch that lingered just a bit longer. This feeling is new, she mused, a mix of thrill and nervousness swirling within her. She couldn't shake the idea that something special was blossoming between them, and the thought made her heart race.

With a content sigh, she closed her eyes, hoping for dreams filled with him, the man who had unknowingly captured her heart.

As Mugdha drifted into sleep, her thoughts of Adhiraj spilled over into a dream that felt almost too real.

In Mugdha's dream, she and Adhiraj stood under the vast, moonlit sky, the stars twinkling like scattered diamonds above them. The garden felt like an enchanted realm, bathed in silver light, and a soft melody began to play in the background. The gentle melody filled the air, guiding their movements as if the song itself were written just for this moment.

"Shayaron se lafz leke thode se udhaar

Bolna yeh chahata hoon dil se tumko yaar..."

-Adhiraj extended his hand to her, his expression warm and inviting. Mugdha, her ethereal dress flowing around her like a soft mist, placed her hand in his, feeling the subtle strength in his grip. He pulled her closer, guiding her gently as they began to sway in sync with the music. She felt her heart race at the closeness, his presence warm and protective in the cool night air.

They moved gracefully, as the melody filled the surrounding in a romantic way-

"Ho raha tha, ho gaya hai halka sa khumar

Koi na raha hai dil pe apne zor..."

-Adhiraj placed a hand at her waist, drawing her closer, his gaze never leaving hers. He twirled her slowly, her dress spinning around her as if the moonlight itself were woven into the fabric. She returned to him, and he caught her effortlessly, holding her even closer as their movements grew more intimate.

"Love me thoda aur, let me tell you tonight

When the stars are shining bright..."

-Adhiraj pulled her hand up and spun her once more, watching as she moved around him with grace. When she turned back, he slid his hand down her arm and entwined their fingers together, lifting their joined hands in a gentle sway as they danced side by side under the sparkling stars. Mugdha felt an almost dizzying joy, each step echoing the lyrics' tender plea.

"Just take my hand in your hand

And then don't you let it go..."

-he whispered in sync with the words, pulling her back towards him. She leaned into his chest, feeling his heartbeat steady and strong. They held each other, simply swaying as he whispered the next line, his voice a soft promise in her ear.

They danced seamlessly, moving with the music, the lyrics guiding their every step. As the second verse began-

"Teri baaton ki pyaari si mithi si khushboo

Main leke saath mein, muskurata sa neendon se..."

-Adhiraj brushed a strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering for just a moment longer than necessary. She looked up, their eyes locking as he spun her once more, her dress flowing around them like liquid moonlight. She came back to him, letting his arms wrap around her shoulders as they continued to sway.

In sync with the gentle tempo, they moved effortlessly, as if they'd danced like this a thousand times before. Mugdha leaned her head against his shoulder, her eyes closed as she lost herself in the music and the warmth of his embrace. The world felt perfect, the stars shining above, creating a dreamy backdrop to their dance.

"Love me thoda aur, all I need is the time

When I promise that you will be mine..."

With each line, he drew her closer, his hands finding their way to her waist as he lifted her effortlessly, spinning her lightly in the air. Mugdha laughed softly, the sound blending with the music as he brought her back down, her feet finding the ground as she held onto him tightly.

The bridge arrived, and the music softened. Adhiraj took a step back, his gaze intense as he reached for her hand, pulling her towards him in a slow, sweeping motion. Mugdha moved with him, their feet perfectly in sync, each step echoing the beat of their shared heartbeat.

"Love me thoda aur, with you by my side

I know I will be fine..."

-he took her in his arms again, lifting her slightly off the ground as they spun slowly. Mugdha's dress flowed around them, shimmering in the moonlight, as they moved in perfect harmony with the song's climactic notes. She felt weightless, held safely in his arms, surrounded by the magic of the night.

They slowed as the song came to an end, and Adhiraj lowered her gently, their gazes still locked as they took one last step together, bodies pressed close as if they'd forgotten the world around them. The stars above them seemed to shine a little brighter, as if sealing this unspoken bond between them.

With the final notes fading, they stood together under the moonlight, still holding each other, and Mugdha felt a deep sense of contentment, the dream lingering in her heart even as the scene began to fade.