TURN OF FATE, cl16

14.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN.
CHENNAI.

"So, mind telling me why have you got photo albums in your car?" Charles asked. They were currently stuck in traffic, with 20 more minutes drive ahead.

Dariyah snapped out of the thoughts of her feelings towards the boy sitting beside her and kept her eyes still on the road ahead. She knew the realisation would be clear when she meets his emerald green eyes.

"As you already know.." Dariyah's voice came out in a high pitch, causing her cheeks to turn red in embarrassment and clear her throat before speaking again. "As you already know, the pictures are embarrassing," Charles chuckled to which he received a glare. "So, I didn't think it'd be safe at home. Plus, this car is kinda special to me, so I use to sit in here for hours whenever I needed an escape."

"Why didn't you just drive somewhere?" Charles looked at her in curiosity. "I don't know. It was just better sitting here and thinking. I honestly prefer to drive only when I've got company." Dariyah stated, pressing on the accelerator to drive ahead after the traffic cleared.

"And why's that? If you don't mind me asking?" Charles asked looking at her with an intrigued look.

"Because my mind haunts me when I'm alone. So, I don't trust myself when it comes to driving alone." Dariyah gave him a tight smile. Dariyah was confused why was she telling him this, even her friends don't know about this. Dariyah was getting deeper and deeper. She had to put a stop to all this.

"You ask a lot of questions, don't you?" Dariyah's voice turned cold, completely changed from the smiley girl she was a minute ago. Charles blinked before turning back to look outside the window. And with that the two sat in the car in silence.

After finding a parking spot outside the airport, the two stepped out of the car. Things suddenly became awkward between the two. The two stood in silence outside the airport, waiting for their friends. Dariyah checked the time to see it was, 10:50 am. There was still time before they come out and the pair stole awkward glances from each other.

"Dariyah, I'm sorry if I said something to turn u off—" Charles was interrupted by Dariyah shaking her head, "No, you didn't do anything. I'm just being a girl." Charles raised his brows at the statement.

Dariyah laughed at his expression, the tension slowly fading away. "Sorry, that sounded better in my head. But I assure you, that you didn't do anything." Dariyah rested her hand on his arm, Charles looked at her hands before looking at her eyes. Dariyah again felt herself lose control and the confusion was being cleared within herself. Oh no, I l—

"I'm sorry, I didn't know I booked a taxi for myself." A voice interrupted their moment and Dariyah's realisation. Dariyah quickly stepped back from Charles and a wide smile grew on her face after looking at the person who spoke.

She didn't think twice before jumping onto the person. "Oh please! How many times I've told you?! No physical touch please!" Sneha complained but had a wide smile on her face as she hugged Dariyah back.

Charles felt his eyes narrow at the sight. Why isn't she like that with me? I've never seen her so cheery with anyone else. Why can't I get the same reaction— Hold up. You've literally known her for 3 days?! What's this, Charles? Just because you have a room full of—

"And who's this?" Charles snapped out of his thoughts and looked at the woman beside Dariyah. She must be Sneha. Sneha had the same glare as Dariyah has almost everyday. Huh, this is where she got it from. "This is Charles. Charles, this is Sneha, my ride or die." Dariyah gave the brightest smile that Charles has never seen before. Charles gave Sneha a smile and muttered a hi.