Fated To Love You

Chapter 52

Himani made a face. "Wo to karti hi hun... Par aise kuch khaane ka mann nahi karta," she said softly, her tone slightly playful yet sincere.

"Oh, ok," Sumedh said, nodding casually.

"Main aai baba se bhi poochke aati hun," she said, standing up.

"Na, ruko," he quickly held her hand, his voice lowering slightly. "Sirf hum dono chalte hai na." His eyes met hers, a quiet warmth in his expression.

"Main to... chocolate poochne ja rahi thi," she said a little shyly, her gaze darting away.

"Oh... okay." He released her hand, a faint blush rising to his cheeks. "Theek hai."

She smiled at him, her heart fluttering slightly, and left the room with a subtle spring in her step.

"Aai," she called his mother as she entered the kitchen.

His mother turned around, wiping her hands on a towel. "Haan beta."

"Chocolate," Himani said, smiling as she extended the bar toward her. "Main kardeti hun, aai. Aise achha nahi lag raha mujhe, akele lage ho aap."

"Nahi beta, tum jaakar padhai karo, warna phir Sumedh gussa karega," his mother said kindly, her tone laced with concern.

"Shaam ko padh lungi main. Aur ab to Saturday-Sunday hi hai," Himani replied with a reassuring smile.

"Theek hai, lekin tumhe aaram ki zarurat hai," Aai said, patting her shoulder gently.

"Koi baat nahi, aai... subah se aaram hi kar rahi hun," Himani said sweetly, her voice calm. "Main bas baba ko chocolate deke aati hun."

"Theek hai, beta," Aai replied with a warm smile. Himani nodded and walked to her father, holding the chocolate.

"Baba... ye lijiye, chocolate khaayiye," she said with a sweet smile, extending the bar toward him.

"Arre waah... thank you, beta," he said, smiling as he broke off a small piece and ate it.

"Aur lijiye na," she insisted gently.

"Nahi beta, bas... tum khao," his father replied with a light laugh.

"Aapko aur kuch chahiye? Chai-vai ya nashta?" she asked, her tone filled with care.

"Nahi beta, sab theek hai," he said, shaking his head.

"Theek hai, baba. Kuch bhi chahiye hoga to batayiyega," she said, smiling softly before heading back to the kitchen. She carefully placed the remaining chocolate in the fridge. "Bataiye aai, kya karna hai?" she asked, ready to help.

Aai smiled and began assigning tasks. Himani got busy, her hands moving skillfully as she worked. Engrossed in helping, she lost track of time.

Meanwhile, Sumedh finished his work and glanced at the clock. He quickly got ready and went out to look for her, wondering where she was. His brow furrowed slightly in confusion as he walked toward the kitchen.

"Himani," Sumedh called out, his voice calm but curious.

"Ji?" she responded, stepping out of the kitchen. Her eyes widened as she noticed him dressed and ready. "Shit... I'm sorry! Main bhool hi gayi kaam ke chakkar mein..."

"Koi baat nahi, jakar ready ho jao," he said with a gentle smile.

"Ji... bas 10 minute mein aayi," she quickly washed her hands, wiped them on her dupatta, and rushed to the room. After a few minutes, she emerged dressed in a simple top and jeans, a scarf neatly wrapped around her neck to cover her mangalsutra. She looked a little flustered but radiant.