Aarohi And Dev

CHAPTER 25

Aarohi POV

As he confessed his feelings, I found myself trying to avoid him—not because he made me uncomfortable, but because I had no idea how to respond. My heart and mind were at odds, debating whether to believe him or not. My heart stubbornly refused to accept that I felt something for him.

During dinner, my mind kept replaying his confession. Advik had also confessed to me once, only to lie, betray, and treat me like trash in the end. What if Dev was lying too? But I wanted to believe him. I tried to shake off these thoughts.

After dinner, as we were getting ready to leave, I stood near the car. Dev approached me and said, "I should have taken it slow. I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable. There's no need to hurry; take your time." His sincerity was palpable. I shook my head and tried to ease his guilt, saying, "It's alright."

I might have made him feel guilty with my avoidance, leading him to think he had made me uncomfortable. I needed to do something. "Let's be friends?" I asked, extending my hand. For the first time, I listened to my heart, hoping it wouldn't disappoint me.

He shook my hand. This guy is going to be the death of me one day, I thought, feeling an inexplicable comfort in his touch.

To divert my attention, I asked him, "Are you on Instagram?" Damn, Aarohi, why would you ask him that? Now he'll think I'm so forward. I should have thought of something else.

I want to give this a chance, but only after I break off the engagement with Advik.

We parted ways after I gave him my Instagram ID.

Riding home with Tara, she noticed my expression and asked, "What happened?" I decided to tell her about Dev's confession.

"What-what-what? The Dev Raichand confessed to you? Wow, this is amazing! Kab hai shaadi? Can't wait for that fancy food!" she exclaimed dramatically.
[ When's the wedding? ]

"Stop! Stop! Stop! I haven't answered him yet!" I interjected.

"What? Why? Are you mad? He's rich!" she yelled, abruptly hitting the brakes.

"Did you forget I am still engaged to Advik? Also, I don't know Dev that well. What if he’s lying?" I expressed my concerns.

She cupped my cheeks and said, "You also know Dev is genuine. Do you know the way he talks to you?"

"How?" I asked.

"Like, In his voice, you're not just spoken of, but revered as the melody of his soul." ," she replied, patting my head.

Hearing this made me feel valued, cared for, and loved by someone. After I reached home, I stood by the balcony, reliving the moment when he confessed. My heart raced as I pictured him.

The glass jar caught my eye, and I couldn't help but think about how my life had changed since it came into it. I had been living quite happily. Who could have given me this jar? I want to thank that person, only if I knew who it was.

A notification sound interrupted my thoughts. As I looked at my phone, my mind reeled—it was a message from Dev.

Dev: Hope you got home safely

I fought my social anxiety, debating what to reply, and finally texted back, "Yes."

When I checked his account, I realized it was newly created, and I was the only person he followed. This made me feel special, but I also worried about what others might think if they found out. I'm not a public figure, but he is, and the gossip could be overwhelming.

I texted him to ask if he had reached home, to which he replied, "It's been a while."

I reacted to his message and followed him back, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.