Dawn of Spring

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

"Watch out!"

"Where?!"

The sudden jolt of the car threw them violently against their seatbelts, snapping them taut like a whip. Vivaan's head slammed against the headrest as the tires screeched loud enough to wake the dead, the car swerving madly.

"Ahana!" he barked, his voice hoarse with panic.

"What? I had it!" she protested, her hands gripping the wheel like it was her mortal enemy.

Vivaan twisted in his seat, his face a mask of horror. "Had it?! The only thing you've got is a death wish, for both of us!"

Ahana gave him a fleeting glare, her knuckles white as she jerked the wheel yet again, causing the car to skid dangerously close to a roadside ditch. "I said I have a learner's permit! That means I'm learning! You're supposed to encourage me!"

"This isn't a classroom!" Vivaan shouted, bracing himself against the dashboard. "And you're about to turn my car into a 'learners beware' cautionary tale!"

After exiting the Horror House, they dropped Riya off at the airport, exchanging warm farewells before heading to their respective destinations. Advik, still visibly shaken from the horror-comical fiasco, was particularly disgruntled. He couldn't stop berating himself for being the first to flee the so-called terrifying challenge. Meanwhile, the Horror House attraction itself had been shut down for the remainder of the festival after the malfunctioning spidery holographic display caused an uproar. Some participants even went as far as lodging formal complaints with the festival administration, outraged by the lack of prior warnings.

Later, after dropping Advik at his uncle's house, Ahana turned to Vivaan with a bold proposition.

"Mind if I drive us home?" she asked, her tone brimming with confidence.

Vivaan hesitated. The earlier near-kiss between them still lingered in his thoughts, muddling his usually sharp focus. The closeness they had shared had left his mind reeling, and despite her usual candor, Ahana hadn't mentioned the moment since. He wasn't sure if that was a relief or a frustration.

"I've got my learner's permit," she pressed, her determination unwavering. "I promise I can handle it."

Her sheer confidence was hard to resist. Vivaan, still wrapped in the glow of her presence, handed over the keys without much resistance. Later, he would berate himself for his poor judgment, but in that moment, all he wanted was to stay close to her.

And so, they set off on a bumpy ride. 

Vivaan stifled a groan as he rubbed his neck, trying to alleviate the soreness that had settled in. His earlier feelings of affection were now overshadowed by the discomfort of the turbulent drive. His fondness for Ahana was undeniable, but at this moment, his priority was his own well-being. He massaged his temples, trying to ward off the pounding headache that was forming.

"I usually have a cab driver drive for me." She informed. 

"You don't say!"

Another violent jerk of the car nearly caused whiplash, and Vivaan winced as his head snapped back against the seat. "You know, Ahana," he began with a sugary sweet tone that carried an undercurrent of sarcasm, forcing her to glance his way, "you make a smooth journey go rough."

She looked startled, her eyes widening as she instinctively pressed the accelerator harder. The car surged forward, pushing them back into their seats. "Glad I'm making a difference," she said, trying to maintain her composure.