Chapter Thirty: The Bite of Love
905 Words
Pakhi’s POV
Morning sunlight spilled gently into the room, the soft golden hue kissing the white walls of her apartment in Ahmedabad. The warmth of it felt no match, however, to the flutters swirling in her chest.
She lay tangled in her sheets, the phone still clutched loosely in her hand from last night’s call with Rehaan. His sleepy smile, the way he whispered “good night, meri jaan,” and the teasing that followed when she called him "jaan" for the first time—every little second was carved into her mind like delicate strokes of poetry.
A vibration snapped her out of her reverie.
Her phone screen lit up.
Rehaan:
Good morning, meri jaan 💛
Woke up smiling today. Might blame it on your voice echoing in my dreams… or the fact that you called me jaan 🥹
How are you this cute?
She bit her lip, cheeks heating instantly.
He was relentless with his sweetness.
She stared at his message, rereading it multiple times before the thought crossed her mind.
Should I send something… personal?
A video maybe?
Pakhi wasn’t usually bold with this sort of thing, but Rehaan made her want to be. His gentle teasing, the constant endearments, and his effortless ability to make her feel like the most cherished girl in the world—it all stirred a little courage inside her.
Still, her thumb hovered over the record button.
She recorded one version.
Watched it.
Deleted it.
Too stiff.
Tried again. This time, her voice was softer, more natural.
“Good morning, baby…” she whispered into the camera, her eyes holding a hint of shyness, “Have a sweet day, jaan.”
She gently blew a kiss and ended the video.
Then stared at it like it might explode.
This is insane. What am I doing?
Her heartbeat galloped in her chest as she debated with herself.
But then—she sent it.
And threw the phone across the bed like it was on fire.
She covered her face, groaning. God, what if he laughs? What if—
Buzz.
She jumped, scrambling back to the phone.
Rehaan:
😳 Pakhi Sharma.
Are you seriously trying to kill me first thing in the morning?!
You blew me a kiss?? Baby, that was ILLEGAL LEVELS of cute. I need therapy now.
She snorted into her palm, shaking her head.
Pakhi:
You’re so dramatic! I just thought… you call me jaan, so I wanted to try baby 🙈
Rehaan:
You can call me anything. Baby. Love. Husband. I'm ready 😌
But let’s talk about the kiss—my soul has left my body.
Pakhi:
It was 6 seconds! Stop making it a national event 😂
Rehaan:
Too late. I’m declaring a public holiday every time you do that.
Kiss Day is official now.
She giggled, toes curling against the bedsheet. He had this effect on her—turning her into a blushing mess with the ease of a whisper.
She finally forced herself out of bed and began her morning routine. The whole time she washed her face, brushed her hair, and ironed her kurti, her phone buzzed with short, flirty replies from Rehaan.
After Breakfast
She sat down with her chai, scrolling through their chat, when her screen blinked.
New Photo Received from Rehaan
Curious, she tapped it open.
And froze.
Her breath caught.
It was cropped from the collarbone up to his neck, his shirt slightly open, revealing a teasing view of his skin. Not over. But enough to send a jolt through her system.
Along with it was a caption:
"Return gift? Just one bite? 🍓😉"
“OH MY GOD,” she gasped, nearly spilling her chai on the couch.
She dropped the phone, clutching her chest like her heart had malfunctioned.
What in the name of holy flirtation was that?!
She stared at the screen like it had misbehaved.
Pakhi:
WHAT IS THIS.
Are you mad?! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?
Rehaan:
You sent me a kiss. I’m just keeping the love alive 😌
I call it equal romance rights.
Pakhi:
This is not equal. This is emotional blackmail 😭
Rehaan:
A slow death by desire is still romantic, Jaana 😇
She covered her face in pure horror and delight. How was he like this? Bold. Flirty. Wicked. And hers?
Her cheeks still burned, but there was an undeniable thrill under her skin.
Pakhi:
That was NOT fair. You know exactly what you’re doing.
Rehaan:
Of course I do. I’m falling in love. I have to keep my jaan blushing 😘
Her heart stuttered at those words.
Falling in love.
She re-read it. Three times. Then a fourth.
He said it like a truth—not a trap. Not pressure. Just a confession, laced with charm.
She smiled.
Pakhi:
Stop saying these things. You’ll ruin me.
Rehaan:
That’s the plan.
Final Messages Before Work
As she finished breakfast, she clicked a picture of her wearing her earrings and sent it to him.
Pakhi:
Ready for the day. What about you, Mr. Flirt?
Rehaan:
(Image attached)
Still unbuttoned. Still waiting for that bite 😉
She laughed and threw the pillow at the sofa like it was him.
Their chemistry had shifted. From soft and playful to something heavier… warmer… dangerously close to love.
And somewhere in her heart, Pakhi Sharma knew—this wasn’t just a phase.
This was real.
This was them.
- Writer
