Fated Affection

Chapter 16

Now, Aisha went downstairs and saw Mrs. Raichand setting the table for dinner. She walked over and smiled, "I'll help you with that."

Together, they finished setting the table. Mrs. Raichand said, "It's done now, Aisha. Go and call everyone for dinner."

Aisha called everyone except Rohan, not wanting to face him after their confrontation. Everyone gathered at the dinner table except Rohan. Mr. Raichand noticed and asked, "Aisha, where is Rohan? Go and tell him to come for dinner."

Hesitating, Aisha replied, "O...o...okay, uncle." As she was getting up, Rohan appeared.

Mr. Raichand asked, "Rohan, why were you late?"

Rohan, looking directly at Aisha, replied, "I guess my wife forgot to call me."

Mr. Raichand said, "Oh, it's okay. No problem. Come, sit."

Rohan took his seat, and Aisha, feeling a mix of anger and embarrassment, sat down too. Dinner continued in a tense silence between them, while the rest of the family chatted happily.

After dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Raichand went to sleep, leaving Rohan, Aisha, and Aarav at the dining table. Aarav looked at Aisha with excitement, "Aisha, I've prepared everything for our movie night. Let's go."

Aisha smiled and nodded. As they headed toward the hall for their movie night, Rohan overheard their conversation and muttered to himself, "Oh, movie night. Nice, Miss. Grewal."

They chose to watch "The Hangover," a comedy movie. Rohan noticed them chatting happily and giggling, which made him jealous. Determined not to be left out, he went to join them and sat on the couch.

Aarav looked at him with a questioning expression, "You never watch movies. You always say movies are a waste of time."

Rohan coughed and replied, "Hmm, so what? I thought I'd give it a try," glancing at Aisha.

The seating arrangement ended up with Aarav on one side, Aisha in the middle, and Rohan on the other side. As the movie played, Rohan occasionally glanced at Aisha, feeling the tension but trying to act nonchalant.

As the movie played, the three of them settled into their seats. Aarav was fully immersed in "The Hangover," laughing at the antics on screen. Aisha, trying to enjoy the moment, couldn't help but feel Rohan's presence next to her. She glanced at him a few times, noticing the way he was watching her more than the movie. Aarav said, "This part is hilarious!" nudging Aisha and making her giggle.

Rohan, feeling increasingly out of place, tried to join in. "Yeah, I guess it's not bad," he said, forcing a smile.

Aarav rolled his eyes playfully, "Wow, high praise from Mr. Movies-Are-A-Waste-of-Time!"

As the movie continued, Aarav got up to get some snacks. "I'll be right back," he said, leaving Aisha and Rohan alone on the couch.

The silence between them was palpable. Rohan shifted closer to Aisha. "So, you and Aarav seem to be having a lot of fun," he remarked, trying to sound casual.