Page 153 of Storm
“Yes.” I shrugged coolly and unapologetically.
Aariz smirked, with mirth dancing in his eyes, as if I had said the funniest thing ever, “You are lying. If it was so, you would have done everything to not let me even think that you ever liked him.” Leaning into my face, he stated with a sincere note, “You won't hurt my feelings on purpose. I know you at least that much Sani.”
I blinked back my tears and asked him earnestly,
“If you do, then why didn’t you trust me that day? Why didn’t you let me complete? Why didn’t you hear me out?”
“You are crying? Please don't. It hurts me to see you cry. It really does.” Aariz shook his head giving me a cute warning look.
I immediately wiped my cheeks with the back of my hand like a kid who was told-off.
He went on gently,
“I told you I made a mistake and I wanna talk about it now.”
“Well, I don't want to now.” I grumbled looking away.
“Okay, if that’s what you want. I just thought we could end this fight or maybe reach some decision.” Aariz sighed heavily.
And my heart thudded with pain. What does he mean by, reach some decision? Will he end this relationship if the fight stays?
“You wanna end us, eventually I guess.” I choked out.
Aariz looked at me sharply. His face blown and flabbergasted. He opened his mouth probably to tell me I was thinking wrong, but I didn’t want any fake assurances now.
Taking a deep breath, I tried to sound calm, but my voice still cracked as I said, “I just want you to know, I really would never hurt you on purpose and that day also I wasn’t trying to. If you had let me finish, you would have known I was saying I would not stop talking to Sahil and those boys because it is not possible! I meet those boys for assignment discussions...Assignment, with them and few a girls. Preparation of Group Assignment! The Group you had made, remember? So do I have another choice?” I asked pointedly.
Aariz just kept staring at me for a few seconds in silence. His gaze softened as he said tenderly,
“Sani, it’s not that I want to control you or have a problem with you meeting or talking to boys. I trust you. I honestly do. But I also love you. I seriously do. So how can I risk your safety?!”
I was confused now.
He elaborated with a bitter smile, “Sahil and his friends are not good guys, baby. They have a reputation. A tarnished one. I know things about them. Trust me? Please?”
I nodded and he cupped my face,
“Now you tell me after knowing everything, how can I let you stay in that bad company?! Prof Philip had put you in that group. Had it been up to me, I would have never done that. Your safety is my concern. Whether you like it or not.”
He had left me speechless and overwhelmed with all the love and care in his eyes, his words.
In a soft low murmur, I responded in agreement, though unable to meet his gaze, “Yeah, even I don’t like those boys. But it’s okay. Now only two days of work is remaining, then the assignment will be over, and anyway there are girls in the group too. It’s just a matter of few more days. I will take care of myself. I promise. Please don't worry about me and just stop with this silent treatment. I don't like it. Please...?” I tried to make an innocent face and cajole him with a smile.
Aariz leaned in amused and winked at me saying teasingly,
“I don't think it was me who was silent today since morning.”
“You know what I mean! You were making me miserable since we had that argument, and since this outing has started, you are all hot and cold. Confusing me, if I should remain hurt by you or not!” I puffed my cheeks, totally indignant.
Aariz squeezed my face and smiled reassuringly, “I'm so sorry. You must have felt I was being over-protective. But I lost it when I saw you mingle with those riff-raff guys. And even if its over-protectiveness, so be it. I have no one to show my right and love on, other than you and my Grandmother.” His grey eyes turned fierce and darker with emotions, I couldn’t even begin to fathom.
“Your parents?” I whispered completely stunned.
“They passed away two years ago, love.” Aariz's voice came out heavy and I knew why.
I wanted to engulf him. Do anything I could to take his pain away.
“Aaru, I'm so sorry to hear that. Really sorry.” I tried to take his hands in mine but he locked our gazes, and said in a serious tone, “You will have to understand this fact, that I'm very possessive about you.”
