Chapter 5: Turning Point

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a tall figure.

I turned and locked eyes with Kabir’s cold, handsome face. His brows were furrowed, lips pressed in a thin line. He stood rooted, silent witness to my humiliation.

He noticed the tears on my cheeks and looked stunned. For a moment, he seemed unsure whether to approach or look away.

He glanced over at Arjun and must have seen everything. His jaw tightened, and I saw something flicker in his usually unreadable eyes—anger, maybe? Or pity?

“You…”

For once, his face showed something other than indifference. There was a softness, a concern that hadn’t been there before.

I quickly wiped my tears away, sniffling. Kabir hesitated, then offered me his handkerchief. Our fingers brushed as I took it, the touch lingering just a moment too long.

A reckless thought flashed through my mind. Maybe it was the pain, the betrayal, or just the desperate need to feel in control again.

The next second, I grabbed his hand and pulled him into a nearby lounge. The cool air inside stung my skin, but I didn’t care.

The door closed behind us.

I pressed Kabir against the back of the door, standing on tiptoe to reach his shoulders. My hands trembled, but my eyes were steady.

“Do me a favour, okay?”

“What?”

Kabir looked a bit surprised. He searched my face, trying to read my intentions.

After a moment’s hesitation, I gathered my courage and kissed him. My lips brushed his, soft at first, then harder, as if trying to erase the memory of Arjun.

Just like last time, Kabir didn’t respond at first. He stood still, his breath uneven, eyes wide.

But just as I was about to pull away in embarrassment, he suddenly kissed me back. His arms wrapped around me, holding me close. It was gentle at first, then hungry, desperate, as if we both needed something neither of us could name.

Emboldened, I closed my eyes and kissed him with all my heart. My fingers tangled in his hair, and for a moment, the world shrank to just the two of us.

I don’t know how long it lasted. When I finally let go, I was panting for breath. My heart hammered in my chest, but it was a different kind of rush this time.

Looking up, I boldly asked, “How does it feel to kiss me?” My voice trembled, but I held his gaze.

Kabir chuckled, a mischievous glint in his stunning eyes. He wiped a strand of hair from my face, his touch surprisingly gentle.

“What exactly do you want to confirm from me?”

I nervously clenched my hands. My mind replayed Arjun’s words—'Like a block of wood.' Was I really that dull, that forgettable?

“Like a block of wood? Did you find it boring?”

Arjun’s words from earlier echoed in my mind like a curse. They stung, even now.

“So, you’re using me to get back at Arjun?”

My intentions were obvious, and Kabir saw right through them. He didn’t sound angry, just honest, maybe a little amused.

I felt awkward and embarrassed. My bravado melted away, leaving just my wounded pride.

It was just a moment of impulse, but now that I’d calmed down, I realised how childish I’d been. I looked away, ready to apologise and retreat.

Just as I was about to pull away, an arm circled my waist.

“Then I… should get a reward too.”

Kabir’s kiss descended again. This time, it was different—softer, more certain. In that moment, I let myself forget everything else—the betrayal, the pain, the lies—and just be. For the first time in days, I let myself breathe. But outside, the music from the pool party kept playing—reminding me that nothing would ever be the same.