Chapter 2: Close Encounters

After the customer left, Kabir walked over, peeling off his gloves with practiced ease. He tossed them into the pedal bin, then wiped his hands on a blue gamcha hanging from the chair. His gaze landed on my left ear, a little helpless.

"Arrey madam, phir se problem ho gaya kya?"

I nodded, unable to meet his eyes. Suddenly, Kabir bent down, leaning in close. His deep, rakish features filled my world. My toes curled inside my sandals, and I prayed he wouldn’t notice my hands shaking. My back went stiff, breath caught for a moment.

A couple of college girls, giggling outside the glass door, peered in, eyes wide as they noticed Kabir so close to me. I tried to shrink into my seat.

He reached out, touching my ear with cool, careful fingers, but my whole body felt like it was on fire. My bangles jingled softly as I fiddled with them, pretending I wasn’t about to melt.

I had a feeling my cheeks were as hot as my swollen ear. But Kabir’s words poured cold water on me.

"Do you know what happens if it keeps getting inflamed?"

"Swelling, pus, overgrowth, necrosis."

"Kya, kaan nahi chahiye tumhe ab?"

His tone wasn’t harsh—if anything, it was gentle, but I knew he saw right through me. There was a teasing smile in his eyes, but the concern underneath was real.

"I…"

I looked at Kabir helplessly, not knowing what to say. Suddenly, a barrage of comments flashed before me:

[Arey, yeh ladki! Infection le legi par apne dil ki baat nahi bolegi?]

[Second lead toh pura andhar se jal raha hai, par mooh pe kuch nahi dikhata. Typical brooding hero vibes, boss.]

[Heroine chupi baithi hai, second lead apne hi tension mein phas gaya, aur end mein rival hi jeet jayega.]

[Bas kar, ladki! Mat chhodo aisa banda—iska haath ka kaam bhi top class hai!]

I blinked, confused. Is… it really like this?

The room suddenly felt smaller, the sound of a distant hawker’s bell sneaking in. I swallowed, stammering: "Um, actually… I…"

Kabir’s eyes locked onto mine, pulling all the air out of the room.

"Hmm?"

I froze up, sudden courage vanishing. In my panic, I blurted out the only thing I could think of.

"I want a tongue piercing."

The air went dead quiet. Kabir’s eyes darkened. For a second, even the ceiling fan seemed to pause, and my heart thudded too loud in my ears.