The Rathore's Family

"His Care"

After arriving at the college, Drishti dashed towards her classroom, her heart pounding from both the run and the fear of being late. She slipped into the room just in time, her breaths shallow and rapid, and took a seat beside Prachika.

Prachika immediately turned to her, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Why are you late today? Your cheeks look like ripe tomatoes!" She giggled, unable to contain her amusement.

Drishti shot her a withering look, her patience already thin. "Heheh, so funny," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Now, can we please focus on the class?"

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After the lecture, it was time to head back. As they left the classroom, Prachika noticed that Drishti was walking awkwardly, limping slightly due to her uncomfortable shoes.

"Why are you walking like that?" Prachika asked, her brows furrowed in concern.

Drishti forced a smile, . "Just trying out a new walking style," she joked, but the pain in her voice betrayed her attempt at humor.

Prachika rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, please, don’t take out Jiju’s anger on me," she teased.

Drishti shook her head with a sigh. As they bickered and laughed, they reached the college entrance. Prachika spotted Advait’s car waiting outside. With a quick wave, she bid Drishti goodbye and headed her way.

Drishti walked quietly towards the car, her heart beating a little faster. Without making a scene, she slipped into the back seat, trying to blend into the background.

Advait glanced at her in the rearview mirror, his eyes softening as he noticed her puffy face. He didn't say a word, just smiled faintly and started the car.

As they drove, Drishti winced slightly and removed her shoe, feeling the pain from her blistered foot. Advait's eyes flicked to the mirror again, watching her.

She examined her swollen little toe, which had turned an angry shade of red. When will I ever find comfortable shoes? she thought to herself with a sigh.

"What happened?" Advait's voice broke through her thoughts, concern evident in his tone as he glanced at her through the mirror.

Drishti’s eyes met his in the reflection, and for a moment, time seemed to pause. Embarrassed, she quickly looked away, and he returned his focus to the road.

"Nothing," she mumbled. "Just a shoe bite."

His response came almost immediately, laced with worry. "Should we go to the doctor?"

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Doctor? It's a shoe bite, not a dog bite!" she replied, trying to stifle a laugh but failing as a small smile escaped her.

When they reached home, Advait parked the car and stepped out. "Don’t get out yet," he instructed, his tone firm but gentle.

Drishti watched curiously as he disappeared inside the house, only to return moments later with her indoor slippers in hand. She was about to put her shoes back on when he stopped her. "I told you to wait," he said, taking the shoes from her hands and replacing them with the soft slippers.

She sighed in relief as she slipped her feet into the comforting slippers, the pain easing slightly. She then grabbed her bag and stepped out of the car, her eyes falling on the shoes he was still holding.

"Give them to me," she said, reaching out her hand. "I won’t run away with them."

Advait chuckled softly but held onto them a little longer, a playful glint in his eyes.