#7: The First Kiss!

When Raman storms out of the room in anger, everyone is left stunned.

“What is his problem?” Aditya asks, irritation evident in his voice. Mohit notices that Shalini remains expressionless, while Rhythm looks angry, and Veena appears sad. Shikha's expression, however, is quite interesting—it's as if she's hiding something.

"Poor Veena," Mohit thinks with a sad smile. "She likes Raman, and he doesn’t even notice her. All he was doing was eyeing Shalini from the corner of his eyes, wrestling to hide his jealousy. He has a massive crush on her, and this would not have ended well for Shalini, if I had not come to meet her. Stupid Shalini for agreeing to go with him."

Aakash follows Raman out.

“Raman, stop! Where are you going? Everyone's waiting—we're supposed to be going clubbing,” Aakash calls out.

With a mix of sadness, disappointment, and anger, Raman replies, "I want to be near Shalini, but she doesn’t even notice me. I have a crush on her, and I want to have every ounce of her beauty. When Shikha mentioned a few days ago that she and Rhythm are looking for someone to go with Shalini to save on entry fees, I grabbed the chance with both hands. I thought I might get some time alone with her, and maybe she’d finally notice me. But then her fiancé showed up and ruined everything. Now your girlfriend wants me to spend my time with Veena. Girls like Veena are under my thumb; I can get anything I want from her, whenever I want." His clenched fist trembles, his handsome lips quivering with frustration.

Aakash stares speechlessly at the unchivalrous words he used for Shalini and Veena. Though he doesn't like Shalini much due to her cold behavior towards him, he knows one thing for sure—Shalini is deeply serious about Mohit. Anyone who knows her can see that. Also, Shalini never provides any incitement to any guy. However, Aakash isn’t exactly concerned with ethics when it comes to women, believing they already have enough entitlement, but Raman’s words about Shalini and Veena still disturb him.

"I need to take revenge from Shalini. Aakash, you're my friend, and you visit her house regularly. Can you help me? Can you get me inside when Shalini is alone?" Raman asks, gritting his teeth, lust burning in his eyes.

Aakash is taken aback. He thinks of refusing, recovers quickly and says "Rhythm would kill me if I did something like that. But I'll see what I can do. I owe you, my friend. Let's head back and try to enjoy the evening." He gives Raman a reassuring pat on the back.

Aakash justifies his decision by telling himself that, as disgusting as it sounds, he doesn’t really care about Shalini. Besides, Raman is rich and always lends him money without ever asking for it back. How could he refuse?

They both return to the group and head out with their respective dates. Shalini messages Mohit, saying she wants to be alone with him, but as expected, he replies with a firm "no."

He adds, "I’m with you today. But in the future, be careful around Raman. Don’t let him in when you’re alone, and never go out with him. Remember that!"

Feeling uneasy, Shalini asks, "Why? What happened?"

"I’ll explain later," Mohit responds, thinking to himself, "How can someone be so clueless and naïve?"

At the club, Raman continues to stare at Shalini, despite Mohit’s presence. Much more than enjoying the night, Mohit is worried about Shalini’s safety. However, Shalini, oblivious to anyone else, is lost in the moment, enjoying Mohit’s company. She is drinking quite fast, and her awareness of her surroundings is fading exponentially with each drink. Rhythm pulls Shalini and Mohit onto the dance floor. They move together in sync with the music. Mohit notices Raman on the dance floor, his gaze fixated on Shalini. Even in the dark, Mohit can feel the intensity of Raman's stare. Shalini, unaware of her surroundings, is frolicking on the dance floor. Mohit tries hard to keep the stumbling Shalini close. In a moment, as Mohit twirls her around, Raman seizes the opportunity, his fingers grazing Shalini’s arm sensually.`

Mohit notices instantly. Rage surges within him, his fists clenching tightly, but he holds back. He knows a man like Raman—full of ego—will find a way to hurt Shalini later. Maybe not now, but someday. Containing his fury, he pulls Shalini closer, his voice firm but gentle, “Let’s get off the dance floor.” Lost in her joy, she happily agrees.

Mohit wants to leave, but first, he needs to make sure Shalini eats something, hoping to lessen her hangover the next morning. As they sit, Shikha appears with more drinks, offering one to each of them. Mohit immediately refuses, taking Shalini’s drink from her hand as well. “No more,” he whispers in his implacable protective tone. Veena, sitting nearby, casually grabs both drinks and downs them in one go.

Mohit catches the change of expression on Shikha’s face and silently takes note. Ordering food for both himself and Shalini, they eat together. After informing Rhythm, Mohit books a cab, and both of them leave together for Shalini's flat.

By the time they return home, the alcohol has taken its toll on Shalini. Mohit helps her into her room, guiding her to sit on the bed. He sits next to her, removes her black shoes, and gently tells her to sleep. But suddenly, Shalini leans in and kisses him lightly. Mohit's breathing becomes heavy. This is not what he had expected from their first kiss. It could have been longer, he thinks. In the meantime, she takes his hands, places them on her waist, and turns slightly towards him. Their eyes meet and Mohit tries to decode the mischief in her eyes. But she comes closer, the little air between becomes heavy with their breaths. She holds his shirt lightly, curling her fingers around it and making the hold stronger, she pulls him towards her. This time, their lips meet in a passionate kiss. Mohit feels as if his heart has left his chest and wants to come out and dance. He feels the craving rising in him. When they finally pull apart, Shalini whispers in his ear, "I’m ready for more," desire flickering in her eyes.

Mohit’s heart skips a beat as he peers into her ravishing eyes, noticing how big they are. Longing for more, he is tempted to lose himself in the moment. He touches her cheek and starts to move closer, her body responding to his every touch. He is feeling pulled towards the unknown, his heart pushing him to lose himself, under those ragged breaths and beauteous eyes and suddenly his sense of responsibility takes over. He pulls back immediately, realizing she’s not in a state to make this decision clearly. "Not tonight," he whispers, smiling gently, guiding her head to rest on his shoulder. Shalini pouts as her warm breath touches his neck and her lips the collar of his shirt.  She is mumbling something about exploring more in their relationship, but she quickly drifts off to sleep, her soft breaths murmuring his name.

Mohit watches her face, noticing the eyeliner she applied, and her hair falling over her face, obstructing his view. He gently brushes the strands aside, his fingers trembling a little bit. His gaze falls on her lips, still wearing traces of her lipstick—lipstick that might have ended up on his own lips. He chews his lower lip and twinkles, savoring the unfamiliar taste. But he leaves the lipstick where it is for tonight - his first kiss memory with her.

He observes how perfectly her head fits on his shoulder, a soft smile comes to his lips. Her closeness and the warmth of her body stirs his desire, making it increasingly difficult to ignore. He wonders how long he can rely on his principles to keep him grounded. Realizing he might lose control if he stays too close, he knows it will be impossible to regain it. The struggle between giving in to this momentary passion and his keeping principles intact is tearing him apart. With an aching heart, he takes a deep breath and carefully lays her down. He forces himself to retreat to the couch in the hall to spend the rest of the night. Contrary to his usual nature, his mind races with thoughts of the day when there will be no boundaries between them, and their connection will reach deeper levels on their own terms - when he won’t have to hold back because of the confusion about what she really wants, and they will be free to give in to each other.

What happens next? They have a whole weekend to spend together! Stay tuned in! Keep Reading, keep Enjoying, Keep feeling the warmth of love! :-)