Chahat's eyes blazed with anger as she glared at Sameal. "You… It looks like you just can't digest my happiness."
Sameal smirked, folding his arms across his chest. "Oh, come on! If I couldn't accept your happiness, then you wouldn't even be standing here in Shimla, flaunting your so-called joy in front of me."
Chahat clenched her fists. She hated to admit it, but he was right.
"Don't forget," Sameal continued, stepping closer, "that you're here in Shimla because of me. You got permission to come here only because I helped you."
She exhaled sharply. "Yes, I know that. Thanks."
Sameal raised an eyebrow. "Just thanks? That doesn't sound like a heartfelt expression of gratitude. It's so… empty."
"I'm thanking you sincerely," she insisted.
"Then show it properly."
Chahat frowned. "Meaning?"
Sameal chuckled, his eyes glinting mischievously. "If you're really grateful, then prove it. After all, it's Holi today. And see—everyone is drenched in colors. I don't want to be the odd one out. I want you to color me… in your colors."
Chahat hesitated, biting her lower lip. His demand wasn't unreasonable. Playing Holi was normal, and applying some color to his face was a small thing. And in a way, he had helped her. If it weren't for him, she wouldn't even be in Shimla.
But still… something about the way he was looking at her made her wary.
She let out a sigh. "Fine, fine. I admit I wouldn't have been able to set foot in Shimla without your help. It's only fair to show my gratitude."
She turned to fetch some colors, but before she could take a step, she felt a sudden tug.
"Wait," Sameal said, his voice softer now but laced with amusement. "You already have colors with you."
Before she could register what he meant, he moved fast—too fast. In the blink of an eye, he grabbed her wrist, spun her slightly, and pulled her into a firm embrace from behind.
Chahat gasped, her body instantly stiffening.
Her pulse skyrocketed, pounding at the base of her throat. A wave of heat rushed up her neck, setting her skin ablaze despite the chilly air. The proximity—so sudden, so intimate—made her senses go haywire. Her breath hitched as a strange, electric shiver coursed through her spine.
Sameal exhaled, his lips dangerously close to her ear. His warmth enveloped her, his scent—a mix of mild cologne and something distinctly his—filling her lungs.
"There," he murmured, his voice low and husky, sending an involuntary tremor through her. "Now I'm colored… in your color."
The dry powder on her cheek transferred onto his skin as he brushed against her, leaving faint traces of pink and red on his face. But Chahat barely registered that.
All she could feel was the firm press of his body against her back, the strength of his hold—not forceful, but inescapable. His breath fanned her ear, igniting goosebumps along her arms. Her chest tightened as if her heart had forgotten how to beat properly, its rhythm erratic and wild.
For a moment, her hands remained frozen midair, uncertain whether to push him away or grasp onto something—anything—to steady herself.
Sameal, on the other hand, felt a deep, primal satisfaction at her reaction. He could sense the way her body tensed, the way her breathing changed. A knowing smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. There was an undeniable thrill in watching her unravel, in feeling her warmth seep through their clothes, in the way her scent—a faint trace of flowers and something sweet—teased his senses.
He knew he had pushed the limits, but he didn't regret it. He liked this—this closeness, this flustered version of her.
Chahat finally snapped back to her senses. Her fingers curled into fists as she shoved him away, breaking free from his hold.
"You—You tricked me!" she sputtered, her cheeks burning hotter than ever.
Sameal laughed, tilting his head as he admired the colors now adorning his face. "Hey, I only asked for colors. You were taking too long, so I had to help you."
Chahat glared at him, pressing her palm to her cheek, realizing it was still warm from the contact. "You—"
But her words failed her. She had no proper comeback.
Sameal leaned in slightly, his smirk widening. "If this is how you react just from playing Holi, now go and get colors. I demand a proper thank-you from you."
Her breath hitched. He was clearly enjoying this way too much.
"You—You're shameless!" she stammered before stomping away, leaving Sameal laughing behind her.
But no matter how much she tried to ignore it, she couldn't shake off the lingering warmth on her skin… or the way her heart refused to calm down.