He chose & she stayed

Don't blink

5.30 a.m. - Next day (Sunday).....

*At Abhimanyu's room - Birla house*

Aarohi woke up earlier than Abhimanyu and admired him in silence for some time, before thoughts of a bound Abhimanyu flashed before her eyes, but she blinked rapidly and shook herself to reality and caressed a sleeping Abhimanyu's cheeks. She then gently released herself from his hold and went to get ready. Missing the warmth of Aarohi, Abhimanyu stirred awake. When he opened his eyes, he was greeted with Aarohi fixing her hair and she was wearing her clothes from previous day.

Abhimanyu: *sleepy voice* Aarohi, the sun's not yet up!

Aarohi: Yep! Perfect time for me to sneak out.

Abhimanyu: *puppy eyes* You're leaving.

Aarohi: *placing a hand on her hip* You expect me to stay here forever?

Abhimanyu gave her a sheepish look and Aarohi threw his comb which she casually borrowed, straight at him. Abhimanyu laughed.

Abhimanyu: *grinning* Want me to give you a ride?

Aarohi: *raising eyebrows* And wake everyone by making noise, nope! I'll manage.

Abhimanyu: *getting up* Fine, I'll just walk you downstairs.

Abhirohi walked downstairs in a comfortable silence and reached the main gate quietly.

Aarohi: Abhimanyu, I'm planning to visit Akshara today.

Abhimanyu: She's your sister, Aarohi. I won't stop you from wanting to look after her, but please just be careful!

Aarohi (in her mind): *sighs* Akshara did plan to keep your mother and brother as hostage, but Dr. Abhinav literally messed up big time. You're warning me about Akshara but going lenient on him! Damn him!

Abhimanyu: Are you cursing in your mind?

Aarohi: Yes! What kind of telepathy is this? How did you know what I was thinking?

Abhimanyu: *humming* Well you got this intense scolding look on your face. By the way, who earned a scold from you?

Aarohi: *raising eyebrows* Well, looks like someone's getting good in reading facial expressions and you know him. *Playfully pushes him* Bye!

Abhimanyu: *smiling* Bye Aarohi! See you soon.

Aarohi: *waving* Tomorrow after duty hours, the cafe at sunset point.

Abhimanyu: *happily* Our first date!

Aarohi nodded affirmatively and exited the premises without breaking eye contact with Abhimanyu, who leaned on the door causing it to creak a bit and sighed in content. Aarohi turned around to focus on the path she was walking, while Abhimanyu was still in the same position, smiling like a mad man. When Aarohi left the street, an enthusiastic Abhimanyu closed the door and skipped a foot in his steps. When he reached his room, Abhimanyu closed his door and opted to sleep some more as it's Sunday. When he went near his bed, the feeling of being watched prevailed. He blinked once, then twice but nothing was out of ordinary. He got a temporary escape from this feeling till he was distracted with Aarohi. But now it's back again. Abhimanyu sighed in frustration and looked around his room. Everything was the same and he found nothing suspicious, but he couldn't escape this feeling of being watched. He slowly laid on the bed and pulled the blanket all over himself.
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