🌸𝔇𝔬𝔠𝔱𝔬𝔯 𝔏𝔬𝔳𝔢🌸 (Completed )

Chapter - 21 Convergence

Adhya pov.

"Hey, are you dating my brother?" Advish inquired abruptly.

His question caught me off guard, leaving me momentarily speechless. "No, why?" I managed to reply, a mix of surprise and curiosity lacing my voice.

"Then why are you dressed like that? Is it for my brother?" he prodded, an impish grin spreading across his face.

"It's just an ordinary dress, not meant for anyone. And honestly, he's not my type," I retorted, my words laced with playful defiance, hoping to stir a reaction. I just wanted to tease my Adishh at most amd also we both are not yet ready to tell our parents or family about our relationship.

Advish laughed, his amusement clear. "My last hope for my brother's romantic prospects is now officially dead," he joked, shaking his head in mock despair.

"Do I look like a lab rat, to trail and error method in your brothers love relation." I tied my hand on my chest.

"Please, I'm the perfect catch for any girl. Just look at this," he boasted with a cocky smile, gesturing to himself as if presenting a prize. "I'm the hottest guy on the planet, not to mention the smartest. Girls fall at my feet. And my girlfriend? She's the prettiest girl in the world," he declared, his chest puffing up with pride.

"Wait, you're dating someone? Why haven't you mentioned this? Who is she? Or is it just one of those 'friends' dates?" Advish pressed, his curiosity now piqued.

"It's a secret. You'll have to wait and see," he replied, a smug smirk playing on his lips as he shot a knowing glance in my direction. I was taken aback by his bold facade, silently commending his unexpected acting prowess.

"Laddu, are you driving, or should I?" Appa asked, his voice cutting through the air. The nickname 'Laddu' slipped out, much to my dismay, right within earshot of Adishh.

"I will." Appa was ready to bring car from the car shed.

"You know how to drive?" Adi's surprise was evident, his eyes wide.

"Of course, I'm practically an expert. Just hand over the keys, and I'll show you some real driving," I boasted confidently, snapping my fingers for effect.

"But you never mentioned that," he pointed out, a hint of accusation in his tone.

"Because you never asked," I shot back, matching his tone.

"You've been treating me like a personal chauffeur," he retorted, his glare sharp.

"Guys, you both claim you're not dating, yet there's a different vibe between you," Advish chimed in, confusion lacing his words.

"Never mind that, who's 'Laddu'? That's you, isn't it?" Adi teased, diverting the topic just as Reema aunty, his mother, called Advish away.

"My girlfriend would have cute pet names," Adi leaned in slightly, a playful glint in his eyes.

"You're not even my type, so drop the idea," I fired back, trying to maintain my composure.

"Why do you lie? I'm absolutely fucking your type-the best, the perfect boyfriend for you," Adi countered, his words filled with admiration and a sincerity that made my heart skip a beat.

"Laddu, we are getting late." Amma called me.

"Laddu, we're getting late!" Amma's voice pierced through my concentration.

Firing up the car's engine, I carefully adjusted my saree, preparing for the drive. Beside us, Adi maneuvered another car, his family comfortably seated inside. Our competitive spirits were unwittingly set for a challenge.

"Be careful, Adhya," Amma cautioned, her voice laced with a mix of concern and anticipation.

"Don't worry, amma. I've got this. Let's head out," I responded, a surge of excitement coursing through me. I was eager, not just for the drive, but to impress Adi with my driving skills. However, no sooner had we hit the road than Adi cheekily overtook us.

"What the fuck! why'd he overtake like that?" I muttered under my breath, irritation mingling with determination.

I pushed the accelerator, aiming to reclaim my lead, but Adi was relentless, skillfully blocking every attempt. His playful taunts were almost palpable, igniting a fierce determination within me. With a bit of strategic maneuvering, fueled by a mix of skill and sheer will, I managed to surge ahead, claiming a small victory.

However, the triumph was short-lived. Glancing over, I caught Amma's disapproving look, her eyes practically scolding me for the reckless challenge. The mixture of excitement and admonition filled the car, a silent reminder of the fine line between fun and safety on the road.

We reached temple, we done all pre ritual before entering the temple. I was in my thoughts. Suddenly, I heard the priest's voice. "Narayana swamy, please accept the offering."

I closed my eyes, my heart swelling with gratitude. Temples, for me, are sanctuaries of inner peace, calmness, and mental stability. The act of praying and visiting these sacred places is not just a ritual, but a deeply personal experience-my favorite way to connect with the divine. Here, amidst the serene ambiance and the gentle echo of chants, I find the perfect spot to meditate, to quiet my thoughts, and to seek solace in the divine embrace.

Suddenly, a hand rested gently on my shoulder. Startled, I opened my eyes to find Amma standing beside me. "Amma, what are you doing here? I was in such a peaceful state of meditation," I expressed, a hint of shock lacing my words.

"Don't worry, Laddu. The priest mentioned a ritual involving the preparation of clay diyas, meant to bless you with a good life partner in the future. You'll be participating in it now," she explained with a calm assurance.

"Why, Amma, why?" I protested, my voice laced with a mix of confusion and reluctance.

"It's my duty to ensure you find a good partner," she responded, her tone imbued with a blend of firmness and love, making it clear this was more than just a simple request.

I found myself unexpectedly content at the thought of doing something for my future love life, so I acquiesced to my mother's request. "Okay, Amma," I said, a soft sigh escaping me.

"Please bring a small amount of cow dung," the priest instructed next.

"Why, Amma? Why are we bringing that stinky dung?" I couldn't help but ask, my nose wrinkling in distaste at the thought.

"Because, that's what the ritual requires," Amma replied, her voice carrying a hint of impatience, as if reminding me of the importance of tradition over personal discomfort.

"Fine, Amma," I conceded, recognizing the futility of arguing.

We brought the cow dung as instructed, and the priest guided us to mix the cow dung with mud. Despite my initial reluctance, I found myself intrigued by the ritual, a tangible connection to traditions that have been practiced for generations.

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