Finding us

Chapter 63

Nikhil cleared his throat, sweat beading on his forehead as he watched Diya's mother glaring at him, and Diya jumping away from him.

Diya gulped down a glass of cold water, her hands trembling, and shooting furtive glances towards her mother, who was still glaring in her direction.

Nikhil had never seen Diya looking so scared. But the question continued to pop up in his mind  - Diya's mother wouldn't approve of their relationship?

"Your mother won't approve of us?" Nikhil asked Diya, unable to stop himself.

But Diya was already on her feet and walking away to the table where Rakesh and Aarna were sat, making Nikhil frown.

Is she going to avoid him now??

"Why the long face??" Naina patted his shoulder, and he turned to blink at her.

"Diya's ma... She... Um..." He cleared his throat, shooting a furtive glance towards Diya. But she was chatting away with Rakesh and Aarna and a few of her cousins, completely ignoring Nikhil.

"Talk to her later" Naina smiled at him.

"I have everything from her dream dress to her dream proposal ready....  But I never thought of what if her family wouldn't accept me!! What do I do??" Nikhil shook his head.

"You think Diya won't fight for you?" Naina raised her eyebrow.

"I..." He trailed off and bit his lip.

"Don't underestimate a girl in love Nikhil!" Naina only smirked and winked, to which he pouted.

Taking a sip of his whiskey, he shot his gaze to Diya, who was now giggling away with Rakesh and Aarna.

He didn't know what got into him, but draining his glass in one go, he got to his feet, straightening himself before he moved towards the table where Diya was sat, now giggling at whatever Rakesh was saying.

"Hello bhai... Bhabhi.." Nikhil flashed his charming grin as he reached their table.

Diya froze, her eyes going round. She bit her lip and peeked at him, before looking away. And for a moment, Nikhil felt like he's been punched in the guts. He felt time pause around him, and only Diya existed in that moment.

It was the same thrilling... exhilarating feeling he'd had when he'd first met Diya.

He was falling in love with her all over again!

And a smile curled his lips.

"Saale... Ab bhai ki yaad aa rahi h tujhe?? You remember your brother now, you idiot??" Rakesh scoffed, raising his eyebrow at s dazed looking Nikhil, who cleared his throat, his cheeks turning pink.

"Iss duffer k alawa tujhe aur koi nahi mila?? You didn't get anybody better than this buffoon??" Rakesh scoffed at Diya now, who was shooting furtive glances towards Nikhil.

"Bhai..." Nikhil grinned sheepishly, sitting on the other side of Rakesh. Aarna was sat on Rakesh's right, and Diya right beside her.

"Han, ab jab pata chala k yeh meri saali h, to bhai ki bohot yaad a rahi h na tujhe?" Rakesh glared at Nikhil, indicating Diya and crossing his arms across his chest.

"Arre mere bade bhai ho aap... I always look up to you!" Nikhil said indignantly.

"Achcha? Aur pichle hafte jab tujhe meine hum dono k sath dinner kar n k liye bulaya tha, tab mein tera bhai nahi tha???" Rakesh raised his eyebrow.

"Arre bhai chodo na purani baatein... Aap dono k jodi kitni pyaari hai!!" Nikhil said quickly, rubbing the nape of his neck as Aarna now rolled her eyes.