Love Me

18

"Roshni, come down, someone’s here to meet you!" Daksh called from downstairs. Within minutes, she appeared, her hair slightly messy from sleep but her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Who came? Ayaan?" she shouted in excitement from the staircase.

Daksh raised a brow. "Why is it always Ayaan? No, it’s not him. Deepak, show your face to her why are you hiding in the kitchen?"

Deepak walked out of the kitchen holding a cup, shaking his head.

Roshni frowned. "Are you an idiot? Why did you send your friend to the kitchen? I should’ve made something for him." She turned to scold Daksh, but he gently turned her toward Deepak.

The moment her eyes met his, she covered her face and turned back quickly.

"Hey, why are you hiding? I already know you," Deepak said with a teasing grin. When she didn’t respond, he lightly knocked on her head. "Looks like you’re still sleepy."

He laughed and went to sit on the couch.

"Daksh… I’m sorry, bhaiya," Roshni mumbled, still refusing to meet Deepak’s eyes.

"Leave everything. He bring his bike let’s go for a ride." Daksh dangled the keys in front of her, watching as her face instantly lit up.

"One thousand per minute," Deepak teased from behind, "and came fast, I have to leave too."

"Just take my car and stay for dinner at least," Daksh offered, but Deepak shook his head.

"I’m going on a dinner date with my family. So fine, I’ll take your car." He grabbed the keys and headed toward the door.

"Roshni, sleep as much as you want on weekends, but try not to sleep in my class," Deepak added before leaving.

Roshni immediately hid her face against Daksh’s shoulder, embarrassed.

"Why are you hiding? If he says anything, just tell me I’ll break his bones," Daksh said, cupping her face. That finally earned him a smile from her.

"Let’s go now," he said, tugging her outside.

"I want to ride it. You sit back," she declared stubbornly.

Daksh narrowed his eyes. "Do you even know how to ride a bike?"

She nodded a little, then hesitated.

"No, I don’t think so. When did you ride a bike?" he pressed.

She thought for a moment. "I used to ride a cycle. Both are similar. Let me ride, you sit back."

Daksh shook his head firmly. A pout formed on her lips, but she gave in and sat behind him, her small hands resting lightly on his shoulders.

"It’s not fair," she mumbled under her breath.

Without replying, Daksh slipped a helmet over her head and secured it carefully. She sighed.

"I’ll ride it when he’s not around. He always do what he wants but not this time." She thought.

Her thoughts broke when Daksh suddenly hit the brakes.

"What happened?" she asked quickly.

"You’re not holding me. Wrap your arms around my waist fast."

She obeyed, pressing closer against his back.

"Now it’s better," he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "So, where should we go?"

"Ice cream parlour!" she exclaimed.

On the way, she absentmindedly bit his shoulder several times, a playful habit she didn’t even realize she was doing.