Unwavering Desire

Chapter 7

THIRD PERSON'S POV:-

The sunrays seeping through the windows call her to wake up as the new day waits at the entrance of her dreamland.

She stretches lazily, feeling the warmth embrace her, coaxing her out of the remnants of sleep. The promise of new opportunities and adventures lingers in the air, urging her to rise and greet the day with open arms.

Setting her feet on the floor she puts on her slippers and walks towards the bathroom to freshen up.

Next she puts on her tracksuit then her sneakers and leaves for jogging with some detective podcast playing in her earphones.

Jogging for approximately an hour she changes her route towards Principal sir's house.

Thinking that she will just collect her car and leave; she reduces her pace and walks through the main gate.

But her plans get ruined as Principal sir is leaning against her car's bonet with an all knowing expression on his face.

“I know you were thinking of collecting your car and leaving, didn't you?”, he asked while crossing his arms in front of his chest.

“I just didn't want to disturb you all. Everyone must be tired after yesterday's event. It's also Sunday so....” scratching her head she flashed a smile hoping to melt his heart.

“Yes it's Sunday so you will stay here and have lunch with us then you can return to your house. And let me tell you beforehand that I won't accept no as an answer. So come in.” he literally ordered leaving no room for argument.

Resigning she dragged herself inside pretending to be sad that Mrs. Malhotra has to put extra effort for her.

Although her inner self is dancing with happiness as she won't have to cook today because she will be having her breakfast and lunch here and will also be getting her dinner packed.

But her happiness left faster than a gush of wind as she saw Atharv walking out of a room covered in sweat with his tank top sticking to his chest.

ATREYI'S POV :-

I see him walking out of a room drenched in sweat with a tower in his hand and yet he manages to look like a model walking straight out of a runway show.

Ignoring his devilishly good looks because that's the only thing he possesses; I walk in with Principal sir trailing behind me.

“Good morning Atreyi.” he called out as he saw me entering.

“Morning” I reply and move towards the Pooja Ghar because ma'am will be there and I don't want to interact with Atharv as last night's conversation is still fogging my brain.

I stand outside the Pooja Ghar listening to her chanting the mantras. Standing up she walks out with the pooja ki thaal in her hand and offers me prasad.

I bend down and touch her feet to seek blessings.

She said, “May you achieve all the success and happiness in your life.” while patting my head lovingly.

Next she offers prasad to sir and that Satan's child and passes the pooja ki thaal to the servant to keep it back in its place.

Later, we all settle down in the lounge and discuss various topics ranging from neighbour's fight to climate change to what will be menu for today.

In between all these ma'am suddenly said, “Atreyi you came here after jogging, didn't you? Go take a bath and freshen up. I can't let you stay in these sweat covered clothes and catch a cold. Change into one of your dresses that you left behind last time. Go bacha, take a bath and come down to the dining hall to have breakfast.”