Chapter 10 - A Storm Beneath the Silence

After escaping from the warehouse, Vedant forced Pranavi into his car without asking for her permission. The night's tension and emotional turmoil were still visible on their faces. The car was silent, yet the air was thick with an invisible war between them.

Pranavi sat still, pretending to look out of the window. But her heartbeat hadn't returned to normal. Last night's moment... when she woke up and found her hand in Vedant's... her heart had almost stopped for a second. But she needed to forget everything.

"Why do you look so serious, wifey?"

His teasing tone was the same as always, but this time, there was a strange softness in it that irritated her even more.

Pranavi finally turned to him with anger.

"Stop calling me wifey!"

Vedant smirked slightly.

"But you are my future wife." He said it casually, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

Her head spun in disbelief.

"I will never marry you!"

Vedant, with a calm and unreadable expression, replied,

"I'm not asking."

His tone was so composed that it sent an uneasy feeling through her. Was this just another game? Or... did this man actually care?

The tension between them grew stronger. Pranavi clenched her nails tightly, trying to control herself.

The driver was focused on the road ahead, unaware of the silent battle between the two in the backseat.

Suddenly, the car stopped on an isolated road. The driver turned around and spoke,

"Sir, the road ahead is blocked. We need to take another route."

Vedant glanced at Pranavi.

"Step out of the car."

Pranavi frowned in confusion.

"Why?"

Vedant opened the door, as if it wasn't even a question.

"Just come out."

Frustrated, she pushed the door open and got out. Vedant followed, signaling the guard to maintain some distance.

Pranavi was still trying to figure out what was happening when Vedant suddenly stepped closer-standing right in front of her.

"Now, tell me. Why are you running away from me?"

Her throat went dry.

"I'm not running away from anyone."

Vedant leaned in slightly, closing the distance between them until only a breath of space remained. His voice was low but firm.

"Don't lie to me, Pranavi."

Their eyes locked in an intense gaze.

Pranavi felt irritated. She wasn't sure if it was because of her anger or because she was afraid of being exposed.

Taking a sharp breath, she spoke,

"If you can't drop me home, fine. I'll go on my own. But stop bothering me with your questions."

Without looking back, she turned away.

But deep inside, a battle was raging within her.

She had no answers to her own questions.

"Why does Vedant affect me so much? Why is my heart in such turmoil?"

As she walked away, Vedant took a deep breath, then turned to the driver.

"You go home. I'll be there soon."

Without questioning, the driver nodded and drove off.

Vedant stood still for a moment, running a hand through his hair. Then, with a small smirk, he walked towards his car.

"Either this girl is crazy... or she will drive me crazy."

He started the engine and slowly followed her from a distance.

But the most frustrating part?

It mattered to him.

Vedant gripped the steering wheel tightly.

"Why do I care so much about what she says or does?"

He continued driving, just enough to make sure she reached home safely.

On the other side, Pranavi's mind was in chaos.

A war was raging between her heart and mind.

"No, there is nothing. I can't have feelings for Vedant."

"Stop overthinking, Pranavi. Everything will be normal again. Yes, you can do this."

She took a deep breath and tried to convince herself.

"I won't let him get inside my head."

But no matter how much she tried to push the thoughts away, Vedant's words echoed in her mind.

"Tell me, Pranavi. Does it not affect you?"

She forcefully shook the thoughts away and quickened her pace.

But she didn't know...

Vedant Rathore was still behind her.

Silently. Without making a sound.

His eyes held a softness that even he had never noticed before.

The scene faded out-

Vedant silently protecting her, Pranavi fighting her own emotions.

Vedant let out a small smirk as he slowed down his car.

"This girl is going to drive me insane."

...