Page 65 of Love Locked
“I just mean that I don’t know how to be in a relationship with you...like something this serious. It sounded fun when I thought about it initially. But…I guess I’m not ready.”
“You’re not ready?” Kabir felt like someone had inserted a burning knife inside his heart and twisted it. “For what exactly?”
She looked at him, her eyes filled with tears as she croaked, “This...this relationship. I didn’t foresee all this pressure, all the expectations from us. It’s all too much. Now, everyone is expecting us to get what? Married right away? I’m just tired. I’m sorry, but I need some time. I need a breather.”
“Princess, I don’t give a fuck about what anyone wants us to do. We’ll do whatever you want.” Kabir gritted his teeth.
“Well, I don’t know what I want.”
“Do you want to be with me?” Kabir pinned her with a hard stare, assessing her like she was a convict.
Kyra hardened herself. This was the moment to hit him with the worse. She winced at how cruel she had to be, but it was for the best. For Him. For Nitya. And for the unborn baby that Raina was carrying. “I need some time.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
“I think we should take a step back.”
“Wrong answer. How will we make things work in our favour if we take a break?” Kabir was furious.
He didn’t understand her anxiety. Moreover, she wasn’t clear about what she wanted. But he knew he wouldn’t be able to go back to being friends with her if she thought that.
“I…well…I’m…”
His eyes widened. She wasn’t actually thinking about calling things off? Was she?
Only she was.
“You don’t just want time, do you? You want a clear and complete break from me,” Kabir said flatly.
“Kabir, it’s not that. I’m trying to figure out the best solution without putting pressure on any of us.” She dropped her head into her hands. “Please, just. Give me this. Let’s just take a break so we can focus on our individual growth.”
“What happened in one week that you’re feeling so much pressure from dating, or is it that you don’t want to be with me?” Kabir was perplexed.
“God. You’re insane. I told you I wanted some space. I need to rethink stuff before entering a relationship with too much at stake. I’m 22, Kabir.”
Kabir looked as if she had slapped him. “Wow. I didn’t see this coming. So, age is a problem now.” Kabir tightly held her by her arms, shaking her.
“You’re not getting it. I’m just starting my life. My career. You’ve seen the world. You’ve done things...” She struggled in his hold.
“And you understand this now? Were you blind to this fact when you were practically living with me? This didn’t strike you when I made you come as I was deep inside you night after night.” Kabir pressed her flat against him, holding her tightly, and twisted her left hand behind her. She hissed in pain, their breaths mingling and their lips almost touching.
“Don’t you get it, Bir? Now that I’ve been with you, I crave a lot for more. I now realise what I have been missing out on. I want to see what it feels like to be in a normal relationship with someone my age. Listen, Bir, our age gap feels like an eon sometimes, and I want…need more.” Kyra said blankly, knowing the words would hurt.
“Fuck you, Kyra.” Kabir gritted, ignoring the way his heart twisted with something akin to pain.
“I know you’re angry, Bir.” Kyra cupped his cheek tenderly with her free hand.
“I’m not angry. I’m fucking wounded. And don’t call me Bir. I hate you.” Kabir leaned into her touch, then pushed her away.
Kyra lost her balance and collided with the metal barrier on the pathway. She yelped in pain as her ankle twisted. He stood there watching her struggle to get up. He was not going to help her as his heart broke into little pieces. He felt like a piece of shit for pushing her away, but he was furious. She was breaking up with him for a shitty reason.
He turned around and closed his eyes, regaining his composure. He raked his hands through his hair and faced Kyra again with steely determination. She was still hissing in pain, half standing and half leaning on her good leg.
“I’m starting to lose my patience here, sweetheart,” Kabir said, dead serious. He tucked his hands in his pants pocket. “I’m not going to chase you forever. I lo-like you, Kyra, but right now, I don’t like the way you’re making me feel, and that’s starting to become a problem.”
“I know,” Kyra said helplessly.
Her face was drenched with tears. She met his hardened gaze as she wobbled to stand in front of him. “Now I’m going to touch you. Don’t push me.”
