One Life Is All I Have

Mrityunjay's eyes jumped back up to delve into her eyes. Only inches separated her from him now. He tilted her head slightly, his lips nearly hovering over hers, but not quite there yet. Shivani's eyes looked into his as he came closer. The sheer magnetism of his personality fuelled her attraction to him. Her eyes half open, half closed, Shivani waited in anticipation, for his lips to touch base with her's.

Mrityunjay teased her lips, hovering just over them, but denying her the contact she seemed to be waiting for. "Why did you scribble on my painting?" he whispered, his lips dancing over her cheek in butterfly kisses.

Shivani's hand pushed into Mrityunjay's chest, feeling his heart beat, loud and strong. "It was the first thing that came to my mind," she muttered, tilting her head up, as if to show him she was ready and waiting for him to make the next

move.

Mrityunjay withdrew slightly, moving to her other cheek, his lips skimming over her smooth skin.

Shivani closed her eyes fully, her hand pulling him closer.

"Is this why you came to Mumbai.... to trap a rich guy in your game of...” he stopped short, cupping her face in his hands.

Shivani's eyes flew open instantly, the raw hurt in her eyes tangible to Mrityunjay. His eyes were intent on her’s, studying them for their reaction.

"I am not embarrassed about feeling attracted to a handsome young man. I have one life to live and I intend to live it to the fullest." And she pressed her lips into his and before he could recover, she pushed him away.

Mrityunjay stood shocked at her audacity, too stunned to move.

She ran towards the door and turned around to glower at him, her eyes, burning with contempt. "Horsewala... you are truly handsome and I feel attracted to you. I've wanted to kiss you since the day you caught me from falling off the horse. But unlike you, I have the courage to face up to my feelings," she proclaimed, pinning him with her stare, with her head held high. "I have no place for regrets in my life...." and she disappeared.

Mrityunjay stood wonder struck at the temerity of this girl. He touched a finger to his lips, where, just moments ago, she had pressing her lips into his. The moment would be frozen in time for him, forever. His eyes danced in wonder at her frank nature. How easily she had said she felt attracted to him.

He smiled unto himself. As much as he was amused, he was clear about one thing. This ravishing, vivacious girl, had to be protected at all costs, from coming anywhere close to his dark life...