𝐔𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞: 𝐀 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐨 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲

Chapter 9

This is the longest chapter I have ever written.

I'm receiving a lot of hate because of this book. There are many people who don't like the plot, so I can suggest they just drop the book if they want to hate it.

I'm not setting any targets, but I still hope you will vote.

Words count: 6878

Aaravi's pov:

I woke up with the morning light spilling softly through the curtains. The silence of the room wrapped around me like a second blanket—calm, still, heavy.

Dragging my sleepy self out of bed, I made my way to the washroom. After freshening up, I opened the closet and pulled out a green saree. The fabric felt cool against my fingers. I wore it with practiced ease, then picked up the small box of vermillion and pressed a gentle line into the parting of my hair. The bangles clinked softly as I slipped them on, one after another, followed by the familiar jingle of my anklets.

I've always loved bangles and anklets. The way they chime with every movement—there's something comforting in that sound, something that makes me feel... me.

I walked into the kitchen, the clinking of metal echoing faintly as I prepared a simple breakfast—just for myself. He wasn't home, so I didn't bother making anything for him.

After finishing my meal, I returned to the bedroom and pulled out a book from my luggage. My eyes searched the room and landed on a shelf tucked in the corner. Quietly, I walked over and began arranging my books—each one a piece of the dream I never truly dreamed.

I sat on the bed with a heavy sigh and opened a textbook, trying to focus.

Two months till my practicals.

Being a medical student means studying when the world sleeps, sacrificing when others celebrate, and carrying the weight of everyone's expectations on your shoulders.

I never wanted to be a doctor.

Not really.

But it was their dream—my parents'. They wanted to see their daughter in a white coat, healing the world. And now... now it's the only way I feel connected to them. The only way I believe they might smile down on me, wherever they are.

I smiled softly, eyes blurring slightly.

Flashback

"Papa! Papa!" I shouted, running toward him with arms stretched wide.

"Yes, princess!" Papa laughed as he scooped me into his arms, twirling me around until I was breathless with joy.

"I love you," I said, giggling as I buried my face into his shoulder.

"I love you more, my little star," he whispered.

"Excuse me, does only Papa get all the love now?" Mumma's voice came from behind, teasing, playful.

"Oofho Mumma, I love you too—but just a little less than Papa," I said, sticking out my tongue cheekily.

"Hah! You hear that, Rhea? My princess loves me more," Papa said with a proud grin.

"Oh please, Abhishek," Mumma rolled her eyes. "I know my daughter loves me more than both of you."

"Princess," Papa said, suddenly pouting, "tell your Mumma the truth—that your Dadda is your favorite, right?"

I looked at both of them, mischief dancing in my eyes. Then, with a loud laugh, I said, "I love Bhaiya the most!" and jumped out of Papa's arms, running straight into my brother's.