Fated Affection

Chapter 4

Mr. Gerwal called Aisha and informed her about the call and the plan for her to go shopping with Rohan. Aisha nodded, holding back her frustration, and went to her room. Unable to contain her emotions any longer, she called Rohan.

"Are you serious? You're coming to take me shopping? It's been 10 days, and you still haven't denied the marriage. Why are you doing this to me?" she demanded.

Rohan, with a smirk, replied, "Oh, sorry, I forgot to text you. I am getting married to you."

Aisha was devastated. "You are a moron, a scumbag! I didn't expect this. I hate you!"

Rohan chuckled. "It's okay, baby. Rohan Raichand always does unexpected things."

Fuming, Aisha retorted, "First of all, I am not your BABYYY, and secondly, I am not going anywhere with you."

Rohan, knowing she couldn't deny her parents, said, "Ok, BABYYY" (he emphasized the word deliberately). "You don't have to come. Just tell your parents no."

Aisha, overwhelmed with frustration, let out an exasperated "Uhhhhh!" and declined the call.

As she stood there, phone in hand, Aisha felt trapped and angry, uncertain of how to navigate the impending chaos her life had become.

After the heated conversation between Aisha and Rohan, he leaned back with a satisfied smile, feeling like he had won the battle. Suddenly, a voice broke his reverie. "Rohan, it's getting late. Come on, go with Aarav to pick Aisha up for shopping," his mother, Neelam Raichand, urged.

Rohan replied, "Mom, calm down. We're leaving now." He called out to Aarav, "Let's go."

As they drove to Aisha's place, Aarav couldn't resist teasing his older brother. "So, Rohan, getting married, huh? Aisha Gerwal, eh? I bet she's something special to make you go through all this."

Rohan rolled his eyes. "Aarav, just drive."

Aarav grinned mischievously. "Come on, admit it. You like her, don't you? Or are you just scared she'll reject you and hurt your big ego?"

Rohan shot him a look. "Aarav, seriously, enough."

But Aarav was relentless. "I mean, you've never chased a girl before. Is Aisha that special? Or maybe you just love a good challenge?"

Rohan smirked. "Let's just say she's different."

Aarav laughed. "Different, huh? I bet it's her simplicity that's got you hooked. You, Mr. Business Tycoon, It's poetic, really."

Rohan shook his head, a smile playing at his lips despite himself. "You talk too much, Aarav."

Aarav chuckled. "Admit it, Rohan. You're intrigued. I can see it. I just hope you're ready for the ride."

Rohan sighed but couldn't help but smile. "We'll see, Aarav. We'll see."

As they pulled up to Aisha's house, Aarav gave his brother a playful nudge. "Good luck, Romeo. Try not to scare her off with your charm."

Rohan took a deep breath and stepped out of the car, ready to face whatever came next.

Rohan and Aarav entered Aisha's house, where her parents warmly welcomed them and offered tea. As they sat in the living room, exchanging polite conversation, Rohan finally said, "Uncle, it's getting late. I think we should leave for the shopping."

Mr. Gerwal nodded, "Of course, beta." He then called out to Aisha, "Ready?"

Aisha, having steeled herself for the outing, nodded. Rohan smiled and said, "Let's go then."

As they headed to the car, Aisha instinctively went to open the back seat door while Aarav opened the front passenger door. Rohan gave Aarav a pointed look, which Aarav immediately understood.

"Hey, Aisha," Aarav called out, "why don't you sit in the front seat with my brother? I'll sit in the back."

Aisha replied, "No, it's okay. You can sit in the front."

But Aarav, with a mischievous grin, gently but firmly guided her to the front seat. "I insist," he said, opening the door for her.

Caught off guard but not wanting to make a scene, Aisha reluctantly got into the front seat. Rohan glanced at her with a faint smile as he started the car. Aarav settled into the back seat, hiding his amusement as they drove off.

As they drove in complete silence, Aarav decided to break the ice. "So, Aisha, what are your interests and hobbies?"

Aisha, still feeling tense, replied, "Nothing much, really."

Aarav, slightly disappointed, said, "Oh, okay. You know, my brother is very talented. He likes to paint and sing."

Rohan, uncomfortable with the attention, coughed pointedly. Aisha noticed and said, "It's okay, Aarav. I think your brother doesn't like to talk about himself."

Rohan stared at her, his gaze intense, as if she were his opposition in a battle. Aisha met his stare with equal resolve.

Turning back to Aarav, she asked, "What about you, Aarav? Tell me about yourself."

Aarav, happy to keep the conversation going, grinned. "Well, I'm into sports, mainly cricket. I also love traveling and exploring new places. What about you, Aisha? There must be something you enjoy."

Aisha thought for a moment. "Well, I do enjoy reading and cooking. I find it relaxing."

Aarav nodded enthusiastically. "That's great! What kind of books do you like to read?"

"Mostly fiction," Aisha replied. "I love stories that take me to different worlds. And cooking, well, it's a way to experiment and create something delicious."

"Sounds interesting," Aarav said. "Maybe one day you can show us your cooking skills."

Aisha smiled slightly. "Maybe."

Aarav continued, "You know, Rohan here can make a mean pasta. Maybe you two can have a cook-off sometime."