Chapter 17. Envy

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🎶 Love Me Thoda Aur

Published on 09.06.2022

| AUTHOR'S POV |

Nervousness and excitement.

Two contrasting feelings yet they blend so beautifully as if they're made for each other. It makes you feel more aware, more alive. You feel it when you've to face an important ocassion, something that's really special to you, which means a lot to you. You want to do it correct, you want to make it memorable. The adrenaline rush, the pounding heart, the heightened pulse, you feel it all.

Inaaya felt all of these too right now as she anticipated the arrival of Ayansh at her house on Sunday evening pacing around the couch in the living room. They had to complete the presentation together and they thought instead of skipping classes or taking few hours off work, it would be better if they met on Sunday somewhere. Ayansh suggested his place to which Inaaya gave him a pointed look and he fumbled, realising that it was too direct. Then, she told him to meet at her place.

"Are you sure he's the nervous one, because right now, looking at you, I don't think I've ever seen someone as nervous as you in my entire lifetime."

Inaaya stalled and tilted her head, giving Kartik a certain look. "Now, that's exaggeration."

Kartik grinned. "True that but then I've always been a little over." He shrugs casually causing her sister to roll her eyes.

"Also, it's justified to be nervous for me. I mean someone's coming here other than Niki and Alish." She mumbles meekly, tapping her foot on the floor.

"So you should've met him at some other place." Kartik quirks a brow, challenging her.

"Like?"

Their mother who was sitting on the couch with her phone, looks up. "Like his house."

"No." Kartik says immediately, his voice stern. "It's better he's coming here."

"Thought so." Inaaya smirks but the doorbell rings and the smirk falls off. "I'll go and check." She starts to walk towards the door but suddenly spins around. "Bhai," she says, walking hurriedly towards him and holding his hand. "You open the door, I'll be behind you." He doesn't get the chance to respond because she's already dragging him with her.

"What's wrong with her?" He muttered under his breath.

Kartik opened the door to meet a fidgety Ayansh wearing a full sleeve grey t-shirt and faded jeans. Inaaya stood beside Kartik, with a formal smile, trying hard to mask away her nervousness.

Kartik assessed him and Ayansh tried not to break down under his scrutinizing gaze.

"He's Kartik, my brother." Inaaya said. "And he's Ayansh." She added, looking at Kartik and pointing at Ayansh.

"I know." Kartik said, his voice blunt.

Ayansh blinked. "You know?" He inquired, puzzled.

"Can you please come in?" Inaaya interrupted them and Kartik stepped aside, making way for Ayansh.

"Oh, yes." Ayansh gave a nervous laugh as he entered.

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