𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐲𝐬𝐭

Part 11

POV AUTHOR

We all arrived at the theater, and the boys went off to collect the tickets and popcorn. We were waiting outside, chatting amongst ourselves. The whole time, I couldn't stop thinking about how Tarun had been driving the bike. The way he pulled the brakes suddenly, and I fell right into his back—ugh, why did he have to be so... distracting? And those folded sleeves, showing off those toned arms—was it even legal to have arms like that? I was ogling them the entire ride! And that smell—oh God, it was like a mix of cologne and... danger. Seriously, I was losing my mind. 

"Tara, Tara, darling, where are you lost?" I heard Shivi's voice, and I snapped back to reality, almost jumping. 

"Lagta hai, Tarun bhai ke sapno mein kho gayi hai," Mahi teased, giggling.  (Seems like she is lost in tarun's bhai dream)

I glared at her, a little embarrassed. "Shut up, it’s nothing like that!" I said, rolling my eyes. 

They just exchanged knowing glances and made an exaggerated "Ooohhh" face. 

Soon enough, the boys joined us, and we all walked into the theater. Of course, my friends pushed me to the front, leaving me behind, and I ended up walking next to Tarun. As if by divine intervention (or pure luck), Tarun casually placed a hand on my shoulder, while his other hand was holding the popcorn and cold drink. The moment his hand made contact with my shoulder, I felt my stomach do flips, and my heart did that awkward little flutter. Seriously, what was happening to me? 

I turned my gaze away from him and looked towards the front where everyone had already settled in. Only two seats were left at the end, right beside Shivi. And of course, my lovely friends were all giving me that look. You know, the "we know something you don’t" look. 

"Chalo, let's sit," Tarun said, and I nodded, still trying to calm my heartbeat. I sat beside Shivi, who shot me a wink. *Ugh, she’s enjoying this way too much.*

Soon, the movie started, and everyone was passing around the popcorn and drink. I reached out to grab some popcorn, but Shivi smacked my hand away. "Tu Tarun bhai ke saath share kar, mai Rohan ke saath share kar rahi hai," she teased, shifting her popcorn toward herself, while I shot her a betrayed look. She just winked at me in response. 

(You share it with tarun bhai, i am sharing it with Rohan)

I sighed, sitting back in my seat, not daring to ask Tarun for any popcorn now. But then, to my surprise, I felt something on my lap. I looked down, and there it was—a bucket of popcorn, placed perfectly on my lap. I looked up at Tarun, and our eyes met. He was looking right at me, as if he had planned this all along. 

"Let’s share it," he whispered, leaning closer to my ear, his hot breath sending chills down my spine. 

I could feel the heat rise on my face. My heart was racing like crazy, and yet, I couldn't look away. His brown eyes were mesmerizing. It was like I was falling into them, and there was no escape. The intensity of his gaze was... well, let’s just say it made me forget to breathe. 

Just as we were lost in each other's gaze, Shivi suddenly broke the silence. "Guys, idhar kuch zyada interesting movie chal rahi hai!" she exclaimed, making us both jump back into our seats, red-faced. 

(Guys, there’s a more interesting movie playing here!)

"Shut up and watch the movie," I muttered, glaring at her. She just chuckled. 

"Sorry, I disturbed your moment," she said, and I smacked her lightly on the arm, turning my gaze back to the screen. But all I could think about was how close Tarun had been. 

Finally, the movie ended, and we all headed toward the exit. "Guys, mujhe washroom jana hai, it's urgent," Ishita said, in what was becoming a trademark move. Every time we go out, it’s the same story.  (Guys, I need to go washroom it's urgent)

"Humesha ka hai tera, chal abhi," Mahi said, rolling her eyes. (It's always like this with you, come on)

"Main bhi chal rahi hoon," Shivi said, and Tiya nodded as well.  (I am coming too)

"Tum log jao, main idhar hi tumhare bags ke saath rukti hoon," I said, because public washrooms? 'No thanks'. I nodded to the girls, and they headed off.  (You guys go, I'll stay here with your bags)

As I stood there, feeling the cold breeze, I absentmindedly rubbed my arms, trying to warm up. And then... I saw something that made me freeze. Tarun took off his jacket and... without any warning, he put it around my shoulders, pulling the zipper up for me. 

"Wear this, it will keep you warm," he said, and I was already in a daze. 

I turned my gaze towards the boys, and they were all just wandering around, not even noticing what had happened. I was glad they hadn’t, but the warmth of Tarun's jacket, his closeness—it was overwhelming. 

*****

Soon enough, the girls returned, and we all left for our homes. 

On the way back, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. 

"Tara," Manav called me out of my trance. 

"Hm?"

"Are you in love?" he asked, casually, like it was just a regular Tuesday. 

"No, why do you ask?" I said quickly, trying not to stammer. 

"It’s just that, these days, you’re zoning out a lot. Or should I say... in someone's thoughts?" he said with a mischievous grin. 

I was speechless. 

"It’s nothing like that, monkey! You’re thinking too much," I said, trying to brush it off, but Manav just nodded knowingly. 

*****

I went straight to my room and closed the door behind me. I couldn’t help but miss Tarun. And I don’t even know why. I *shouldn't* be feeling like this, but somehow, everything reminded me of him. I clutched his jacket tightly, still wearing it, and the warmth from it seemed to seep into my very soul. I was drawn to him—his smile, his voice, his care. I didn’t want to think about it, but the more I tried to push him out of my mind, the more he stayed. 

And then the thought hit me: 

Am I in love?

*****
Is she in love??

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Love from, 
Miss Sharma ❤️