Threads of Destiny

Chapter 14: Guardian's Approval

Opening the door for Maitree in front of her apartment, Rudra had a teasing smile. As she tried to walk past him, Rudra held her hand and twirled her in with the widest smile. When Maitree gave a questioning look, he simply smiled and shrugged.

"I will be here at 7 am to pick you up. We will go by flight," he said, tucking in her loose hair.

"You already booked the ticket? How did you know I would say yes?" she asked with questioning eyes.

"I didn't," he said, shrugging. "I took a risk," he continued with soft eyes. "Worst comes to worst, I will just have an extra seat where Khushi will place her handbag," he said, letting go of her arm.

"She is coming too?" she asked with a smile, to which he nodded and added, "Shourya too."

"Do you think they will like me?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Of course! They already like you," he said, coming closer and putting his arms around her.

"Now you are just saying things," she said, playfully slapping his chest, which made him take off his arms.

"Go to sleep! Goodnight," he said, gesturing for her to go inside. She nodded and took a few steps, but with widened eyes, she came running back to him and murmured, "Sona, you didn't meet her."

"That's okay! It's late. I will meet her next time," he said, looking at the watch and then back at her.

"No, she won't let me come with you," Maitree said with terrified eyes, holding his hands.

"Why?" he asked, equally terrified.

"It's Sona; she has always been protective of me," she said, looking worriedly towards the sky.

"But she asked you to come on a blind date with me," he asked, getting confused.

"That's a date, this is me coming with you to another city; someone I just met three days ago," she replied, disbelief in her eyes.

"Okay! I will meet her," he said, walking inside, and she followed him.

Riding the elevator, Rudra looked at Maitree, who had a worried expression.

"Hey! She will like me," he said, looking at her.

"You don't understand," she said as the elevator doors opened. "She still holds a grudge against my ex," she explained as they both walked out.

"Well, I am not your ex. She will like me," he said confidently, as Maitree opened her apartment door.

Maitree walked in first, then Rudra followed her. He took off his shoes and looked around. He could feel the coolness of the marble through his socks. As he looked at Maitree, she already had her comfy home slippers on. He looked around, and the walls were filled with photos of scenery. "Somebody likes photography," Rudra thought as he walked the halls. He saw the living room and kitchen with no separating wall. The living room consisted of couches, a sidetable with childhood framed photos, a TV, and a cabinet to the right with trophies and certificates, stating both the girls' accomplishments. "So Sonakshi likes photography," he thought, noticing one of the trophies placed next to Maitree's gold medal for one of her artworks. Behind the couch was what he assumed to be the bedroom, as Sonakshi went into the room about three minutes ago, probably to get Sonakshi.

Walking across from the living room, he reached the kitchen, which was attached to a small balcony. Sliding the glass doors, he saw money plants and red roses with a swing chair and bean bags. There were dried coffee mugs beside the bean bags, which made him scrunch up his nose. He heard Maitree call his name, and he hummed, walked back into the kitchen, closing the sliding door.