The fear of falling
Author's pov-
Purv hadn't let go of her. His arms were still wrapped around Divya as if he was afraid she'd disappear the moment he loosened his grip.
And maybe, in some way, he was.
Divya could feel his heart beating against her cheek-steady, but not calm. She tightened her hold on him, her fingers curling around the fabric of his shirt, as if that alone could reassure him that she wasn't going anywhere.
"You're overthinking again," she whispered.
Purv exhaled softly. "I don't know any other way."
Divya pulled back just enough to look up at him. "You can't keep punishing yourself for the past," she said gently.
He let out a humourless chuckle. "Easier said than done."
She reached up, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "Then let me help you."
Purv went still.
For a moment, he just stared at her, as if trying to figure out if she really meant those words. If she knew what she was signing up for by staying beside him.
And then, something inside him snapped.
Before Divya could process what was happening, purv cupped her face and pulled her closer, his lips crashing against her.
It wasn't soft. It wasn't hesitant.
It was desperate.
Like a man drowning, finally gasping for air.
Divya's breath hitched, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she kissed him back, pouring everything she felt into that movement.
His hands moved to her waist, gripping her as if she was the only thing holding him together. And maybe, in that moment, she was.
Divya wasn't sure how long they stood there, wrapped up in eath other, but when they finally pulled apart, her head was spinning, and purv's breathing was uneven.
He rested his forehead against hers. "I don't want to hurt you, divya."
"You won't," she whispered.
But he didn't look convinced.
Before she could say anything else, the sound of a car approaching made them step back. Purv's expression hardened as he looked toward the road.
Divya followed his gaze, and her stomach twisted when she saw who it was.
Vaani.
She stepped out of the car, her gaze locked on purv.
And just like that, whatever moment they had built between them shattered.