Passion & Dilemma

12. Rasmalai for you

Sarthak's POV

It was past midnight as I sat on the terrace, looking at the pool that shone under the beautiful moonlight.

I leaned my body on the sunlounger and propped an arm behind my head for support, with my one leg crossed over the other. I patted my torso with the free hand, recalling everything that happened since this morning.

Me going out with Prerna for an amazing bicycle ride, her telling me about her childhood dream. I made her laugh with my silly joke, we had tea and clicked pictures by the lake and came back to the cottage.

Everything was fine until she noticed that ring.

I rolled the ring with my fingers and sighed. I did not have to hide it anymore, and it was the only positive part of the exposed truth.

I never wanted her to know about the ring. At least not like this.

It was so stupid of me to jump in the pool with my shirt open. Only if I was a little careful, none of it would've happened.

And then she pulled that t-shirt stunt. What was she even thinking before removing her clothes just like that? I guess, she wanted to make a point that I cannot hold her back by such tactics.

No matter how unaffected I came out in front of her, I knew how much it hurt me to look her in the eyes. Because whenever our eyes met, she only glared at me with so much dislike that it was hard to breath.

And when she was coughing during the dinner, I could not bear to see it. Her eyes were glistening with unshed tears and I tried to help her by offering water, which she accepted but glared at me afterwards.

I was aware she only accepted my helping hand because everyone else was around, otherwise she would have definitely thrown that glass on my face.

I did not expect her to follow me to the kitchen. It only messed everything more. I was in a foul mood and I did not want to show it, and hence I wore my facade of carefree boy to face her.

When she asked me to return the ring, my stomach twisted. How could she? By now she must be aware of how badly consumed me whole. Her existence has possessed my brain, eating up all the thinking capacity.

I do not know how to face her now. Shall I act like I used to? Or shall I let her see my true self now? She will hate it but what can I do if that's my truth?

I did not realise when I slept on the terrace. Next day when I woke up, it was past nine. I went to my room and did my morning business before joining everyone for breakfast.

I looked around to get a glimpse of Prerna, but she was nowhere to be seen. An uneasy feeling tugged at my chest.

"Where is Prerna ji?" I addressed casually to no one particular.

At my question, Manik, the dramatic ass, placed a hand on his chest and held his head with the other hand.

"She left," he mocked a cry, shaking his head.

My brows knitted in confusion. "To where?" I kept my tone carefree despite the thudding against my ribcage.

"To Delhi," Bhabhi dropped the unexpected news.

I blinked as my brain processed the information, "To Delhi?"

"Hmm."

She left...to Delhi. The realisation sank in like a paper boat. Slow and slightly disappointing. I missed her already.

"Is there any emergency?" I tried not to sound very curious,  though I was. "I mean, there hasn't been any problem at her home or office, right?"

"Her mother's health was a bit off. It's nothing to worry about, she's fine now. That's what Prerna said after reaching there." Bhabhi informed and I leaned back in my chair.