Book 1 of the Love and Duty Series
Anirudh Roy, the steadfast and disciplined army officer, had always lived by a set of principles, none of which involved love. His life revolved around duty, honor, and the pursuit of his ambitions. Marriage, child...
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Dhairya
I squeal out of happiness when the clock strucks 10AM. It's D day! Today I will be meeting Anirudh after one month! Yippee! Scrambling out of my bed, I happily draw the curtains open, letting the sunshine enter into my room. I giggle when I see small birds flying and I twirl out of happiness. Today, I will tell him that I like him. I like him! I like Anirudh Roy!
Humming my favourite melody, I dress up in blue jeans with a black top as I don't have to go to the office today. It's Saturday! And Anirudh, being so considerate, took two days leave on Saturday and Sunday. I don't know if he thinks of me just as a friend but what I am sure of is that I like him!
Yesterday, we mutually decided that we will meet at the library where we last met at eleven AM sharp because it will be easier for us to find each other. I check my outfit for the last time and giggle at my reflection. I look so pretty today! Letting my dark brown hair open, I just apply a lighter shade of lipstick, trying not to overdo it. I don't want him to feel uncomfortable in case he denies.
Wearing my smart watch and black heels, I step out of my apartment, a smile on my face throughout. But my heart drops when I realise that I am hiding all of this from my parents. What if Anirudh and I decide to take a step forward? How will I answer them? Will they even agree? I am sure when my father comes to know about this, he will drag me back to Shimla and I can not afford that. I'll tell my parents when the time is right, not now.
Shaking my thoughts, I walk towards the library which fortunately is very close to my house. Looking at my watch, I enter inside. As it is Saturday today, the library is packed with booklovers like me. But today, I am not here to read a book but to meet someone.
"Dhairya! Do you want to borrow the latest book that came out this month?" I hear a very chirpy Ms. Patel ask. I grin at the middle aged librarian who is very sweet to me. Shaking my head, I say, "Not today Ms. Patel. I still have one book to finish".
She raises her eyebrows at me and asks, "Then?"
I smile, my insides bubbling with excitement of meeting Anirudh. I can't even imagine how he must be looking! It's been a month since I last saw him.
"I'm waiting for someone", I tell her and her lips turn into a teasing smile. Chuckling, she says, "Ahh! Reminds me of my days."
In response, I only give her a smile. Patting my shoulder, she whispers, "Okay, you wait for your boyfriend while I issue books to these people. All the best sweetheart". My ears turn hotter as I realise that she called Anirudh my boyfriend. He isn't my boyfriend yet but the thought of him being my man seems so wonderful.
Glancing again at my watch, I start looking at the new collection of books. After ten minutes of mindlessly wandering in the library, I decide to message Anirudh. I had barely taken out my mobile phone when I felt someone tapping on my shoulder. Gasping, I turn and find Anirudh grinning at me. With my hand on my chest, I whisper, "You scared me!"
