Aarohi And Dev

CHAPTER 22

Aarohi POV

At that moment, I understood how butterflies must feel. His gesture sent not just butterflies, but an entire zoo fluttering in my stomach.

Being in such proximity to him under his jacket was profoundly affecting me. My mind kept reminding me of my engagement, urging caution with my emotions, but my heart longed to embrace these feelings even more deeply.

We hurried towards the car and settled in, taking a relaxing breath as we escaped the rain. He handed me a cloth to wipe the water off, concerned that I might catch a cold.

After wiping myself dry, I passed the cloth back to him as he was also a little wet. As we drove away, he noticed a scar on my arm and asked if I got it while saving Devika.

I glanced at the scar, recalling how I got it when Advik threw me to the ground. "No, I got it while working," I replied, making an excuse.

When I arrived home and stepped out of the car to say goodbye, he unexpectedly remarked, "The galaxy is beautiful, isn't it?" I looked at him with confusion written all over my face. 

"Um, yeah," I awkwardly replied as he walked away, leaving me puzzled and wondering about his cryptic statement.

As I entered the home, I saw Advik and his family engaged in conversation with my Dad. "Look, our daughter-in-law has arrived," Advik's mother exclaimed upon seeing me.

I smiled and greeted everyone, but then his father said, "Forget the formalities now. Next month, you'll be our daughter."

As I heard those words, I felt a rush of anxiety. Next month? Is our wedding date set?

I had no qualms about marrying him, but recalling his behaviour that day made me question this decision.

I am not weak and won't tolerate any kind of mistreatment. I endure this silently, hoping that by being the ideal daughter, my relationship with my dad will improve.

I quietly went upstairs to my room, stepping onto the balcony and contemplating how to delay or stop this wedding.

My eyes caught sight of the glass jar with wishes inside. I grabbed a note and wrote, 'I don't want to marry Advik,' then buried it beneath the azure sand.

It's strange, but this wish jar seems to heed my desires. I've felt happier after burying each note.

Lost in thought, I didn't notice when Aarav bhai entered the room. "Are you happy with Advik?" His question abruptly pulled me out of my reverie.

As he spoke, I wondered if he was aware of how Advik treats me. Would he intervene and stop this wedding if he knew? No, I couldn't jeopardize his relationship with Dad just to improve mine.

"Forget about me. What's going on with you these days?" I deflected, teasing him slightly.

"You always do this when you don't want to answer," he retorted, scoffing.

He knows me too well, my acting skills are faultless.

As the day passed, the next morning found Tara and me in the car on our way to college.

"Is everything alright at home?" I asked, my concern evident in my voice.

"Forget about that. Tell me, what's going on between you and Dev?" Tara asked, narrowing her eyes.

I assured her that nothing was going on and that she was just overthinking.

"Is Advik treating you well?" I glanced at her, sensing that she might know something. "Why do you ask?" I inquired, wanting confirmation of her suspicions.