The next day—
Office hallway.
Ananya walked with Rohit again.
Aarav saw them.
Again.
This time—
Rohit placed a hand lightly on her shoulder.
A casual gesture.
But for Aarav—
It wasn't casual at all.
His vision darkened.
He walked straight toward them.
"Remove your hand."
Rohit froze.
"What?"
Aarav's voice was calm.
Too calm.
"You heard me."
Ananya stepped back.
"Aarav, stop this—"
"No," he said firmly.
Rohit slowly lowered his hand.
But his expression didn't change.
"You don't own her."
Aarav stepped closer.
His voice dropped.
"I know."
Silence.
"But that doesn't mean I'll let anyone else cross the line."
Ananya's heart raced.
Because this wasn't just anger anymore.
It was something deeper.
Possessive.
Protective.
Dangerous.
And a part of her…
Didn't hate it.