Fated Affection

Chapter 8

After having their breakfast, everyone began getting ready and packing for the picnic. Aarav enthusiastically declared, "I'll drive today!"

As Aisha moved to open the front passenger door to sit with Aarav, Rohan interjected, "Here, Mom will sit."

Mrs. Raichand overheard and quickly responded, "It's alright, beta. Aisha can sit with Aarav."

Rohan, disappointed, went to sit in the back. As they drove, Aarav and Aisha were having a lively and fun conversation, laughing and enjoying themselves. Rohan observed them quietly from the back seat.

Rohan thought to himself, "Look at her, how happy she is with Aarav. I don't know what I did to her, she always throws tantrums with me." He couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration as he watched them bond so easily.

Finally, they arrived at the picnic spot. Aarav was about to help Rohan unload the stuff from the car, while Aisha and Mrs. Raichand were moving forward. Rohan made a subtle gesture to Aarav, signaling that he wanted Aisha's help instead. Aarav caught on and called out, "Aisha, can you help Rohan with the stuff? I have a call to attend, please."

Aisha nodded, "Yes." She went to the car, where Rohan was already standing near the open trunk. He smirked and said, "Oh ho, look who's here."

Aisha ignored his comment and started taking out the picnic items. Rohan leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a flirtatious tone. "You know, Aisha, it's nice to finally get some alone time with you," he said, brushing a stray hair away from her face.

Aisha maintained her composure, not looking up. "Just focus on getting the stuff out, Rohan."

Rohan, not one to give up easily, moved a little closer. "You look even more beautiful in the daylight," he whispered, his eyes lingering on her face.

Aisha finally looked at him, her expression unyielding. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Rohan. Just carry the basket."

Undeterred, Rohan picked up the picnic basket, his fingers brushing against hers. "Maybe, but it doesn't hurt to try."

Aisha pulled her hand away and picked up another bag. "Save your charm for someone who cares."

Rohan watched her walk away, her composure intact, and couldn't help but smile. "Oh, Aisha," he murmured to himself, "you really are something else." He followed her with the picnic basket, thinking about the challenge she posed.

Now everyone was setting up the picnic area, and they were deciding on a game to play. After a long conversation about what to play so that Mrs. Raichand could also enjoy, they decided on a game where they start singing with the last letter of any word. They formed two teams: Rohan and Mrs. Raichand versus Aisha and Aarav, as Aisha wanted to be in Aarav's team.

It was Rohan's team's turn first. Rohan started singing, looking directly at Aisha:

"You can be the peanut butter to my jelly,

You can be the butterflies I feel in my belly,

You can be the captain and I can be your first mate..."

Aisha caught him looking at her, and they locked eyes. Rohan's gaze was filled with affection, while Aisha's eyes reflected rivalry.

Rohan continued, "Don't know if I could ever be without you 'cause girl you complete me."

Now it was Aisha's team's turn. Aisha, determined to counter Rohan's emotional tone, started with a different vibe:

"I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose,

Fire away, fire away,

Ricochet, you take your aim,

Fire away, fire away..."

Rohan watched her, feeling the intensity of her defiance.

"You shoot me down, but I won't fall,

I am titanium."

Aisha's voice was strong and unwavering, her eyes never leaving Rohan's, challenging him at every note.

Aarav jumped in with enthusiasm, "Yes, Aisha! That's the spirit!"

It was Rohan's team's turn again. Rohan, not willing to back down, sang another romantic song, his eyes locked on Aisha:

"In your eyes, I see the stars align,

In your smile, I find my peace of mind,

When you're near, the world just fades away,

With you, I want forever to stay..."

Aisha's expression remained defiant, determined to not let his words affect her.

Now it was Aisha's turn again. She sang with the same strong spirit:

"Can't break me down, I stand my ground,

You may try, but I won't bow down,

Strong as steel, I'll face your fire,

With every step, I'll climb higher and higher..."

Aarav, suddenly said, "I'm getting hungry, let's eat now."

Mrs. Raichand also chimed in, "Yes, we should eat something now."

Everyone agreed, and they started setting up the picnic spread, momentarily setting aside the competition.

Now, while eating, Rohan leaned in and whispered in Aisha's ear, "You know, Aisha, you're the spice in my life, making everything more exciting."

Aisha, maintaining her composure, replied with a smirk, "Well, Rohan, too much spice can also make things unbearable."

Rohan chuckled softly, appreciating her quick wit, while Aisha continued eating, not giving him the satisfaction of seeing her flustered. The playful tension between them remained palpable as the meal continued.