The Rathore's Family

Part 13-So calculative

"मुझे हर उस इंसान से मोहब्बत है जो मुझसे मोहब्बत करता है"

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Drishti entered the dining area to find the younger crowd gathered around the table. She set a cup of coffee beside Advait, handed Amaira her smoothie bowl, and served Vihaan his breakfast.

Advait glanced up, his gaze lingering on Drishti, who was resplendent in a bright yellow saree. The jhumka earrings sparkled in her ears, and a delicate chooda adorned her wrist. A streak of vermilion brightened her hair parting, and a beautiful mangalsutra rested against her neck. The saree's hem hugged her waist, revealing her creamy white midriff.

"You didn't get ready?" Advait remarked casually. Amaira and Vihaan exchanged puzzled looks.

"For what, Bhaiya?" Amaira asked, but Advait cut them off.

"I'm not asking you; I'm asking her," he said, gesturing towards Drishti.

Taken aback, Drishti replied, "It's just 9, and college starts at 10. I'll get ready soon."

"So calculative," Advait murmured, a smile curling on his lips.

Drishti hurried to the kitchen, poured a glass of water, and gulped it down hastily. "Drishti, drink slowly," her mother-in-law scolded. Ignoring her, Drishti wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "Ma, I have plenty of time; I can't afford to be late." Riddhima chuckled at the exchange.

She quickly placed the empty glass in the sink before heading back to her room to get ready. Dressed in a blue anarkali suit, she admired her reflection in the mirror. "What's the time?" she muttered, realizing her phone was missing. She began searching frantically.

"Arghh, people are right. When you want to do something quickly, it takes longer than expected," she grumbled to herself.

Advait entered her room and found her darting around, talking to herself. A smile spread across his lips as he watched her.

Deciding not to interrupt, he stepped into the changing room to put on his office attire. Once ready, he re-emerged to find her still on the hunt. He walked over and gently tapped her shoulder.

She stiffened at the sudden touch but quickly recognized his familiar scent. Turning slowly, she stuttered, "Y-You scared me!"

"I didn't know my wife could talk so much," he teased, noticing her frozen state. He smiled at her reaction. "Am I looking foolish to you?"

She let out a nervous laugh. "A-Actually..." Her eyes darted around, searching for an escape. Suddenly, she shouted, "I remembered!" and dashed away.

Advait raised an eyebrow, watching her go. Is she preparing for a marathon? Why can't she walk like a normal person?

Finally finding her phone, Drishti emerged from the bathroom, glancing at the time and realizing she was running late. With a sigh, she grabbed her bag and looked at Advait. "You're still here! I'm getting late!"

"Oh wow, finally you realized. And what does that mean? I'm still here," he replied, raising an eyebrow.

She rolled her eyes. "It means you should—nothing, please, abhi chaliye."

"Yeah, let's go. It was you who was late," he retorted.

Drishti stared at him for a moment, opened her mouth, then closed it again, knowing arguing with him was pointless.

As they reached the college, Advait stopped the car. "How will you go back home?" he asked.

"Huh? Of course, on these two beautiful feet of mine," she replied cheekily.

"I'm asking how you'll get home," he pressed again.

"Oh, by taxi, I suppose?"

"No need; I'll pick you up." His tone was authoritative.

She frowned. "How will... No, no! I mean, I'll manage!"

"I said I'd pick you up, and that's the end of the discussion. Why are you still sitting here? Are you not getting late?"

"I'm not willing to sit here either," she muttered, hopping out of the car and shutting the door with a thud.

As he watched her walk away, he thought, Looks like there are more things I don't know about you.

Drishti entered the classroom and took her seat, lost in thought. Finally, after all the drama, I'm here. I managed everything on my own before, but maybe now I have someone who'll always be beside me. This is just the beginning of a new chapter.

A familiar voice broke her reverie. "Hey! Where are you lost? How many times have I called you? You seem to be in another world!"

"Okay, okay! Give me some space to sit here," Drishti chuckled, settling in.

The bell rang, and lectures began. Drishti immersed herself in the lessons, her day progressing smoothly.

Meanwhile, Advait was in his office, fuming. "How many times have I told you not to schedule meetings with that person?" he snapped at Sam, his tone icy enough to make anyone shiver.

"Sir, I thought you wanted to meet him after you said you wanted every piece of information about him," Sam stammered.

Advait stood abruptly, anger flushing his face. "I said I wanted his details! Where did you get 'meeting' from?"

He pressed his temples with two fingers, glaring at Sam, who hung his head in shame.

"Why are you still here? Go tell him I'm busy," Advait barked.

"Sorry, sir. But he said he was your father's old fr—"

"Shut up, Sam, and just get out of here! Do what I said!" Sam practically vanished from the room.

Sinking back into his chair, Advait rubbed his temples, feeling the stress weigh heavily on him. He glanced at his phone. It's three. When will she message me? What if she doesn't have my number?

Grabbing his car keys, he rushed out of the office, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of her.