Can't Stay Away ✔️

39. Mood swings

We are nearing the end of this book .If you guys really liked the book's storyline and characters, now is the time to show your support wholeheartedly by not just voting, but also commenting. 💖

Note - I am already sorry for what's about to happen in the next few chapters.🩸 Bring in your tissue boxes. 🤧

Mild sexual content ahead‼️

A Y E S H A

We're in Isha's boutique, the atmosphere light and filled with playful banter as we sift through racks of designer dresses. Zoya's pulling faces at a neon green number she's convinced is a crime against fashion, while Isha, ever the patient designer, tries to convince her to at least try it on.

Sanvi walks into the store, her little boy Yug toddling along beside her, and the moment he sees me, his face lights up like it's Christmas. He runs over, clinging to my leg like he always does. "My girlfriend!" he declares proudly, his voice bubbling with that pure, innocent excitement only a child can have.

Sanvi has been trying to bond with me ever since I invited her over at Arjun's penthouse few days back. I am guessing it's her way of making me feel welcomed in the 'Mehra Clan'. She doesn't know welcoming her brother has been.

I can practically feel Arjun's nonexistent eyes on me, watching the interaction. He always gets so grumpy when Yug calls me his girlfriend. It's adorable, really. Bending down, I ruffle Yug's hair. "Hey, Pookie," I say, grinning as his giggles echo around us. "Did you miss me?"

Yug nods so enthusiastically I'm worried he might hurt his neck.

As we browse through the store, Zoya and Isha start in on the teasing. "Maybe Pookie's gonna give Arjun a run for his money," Isha says with a wink, nudging me playfully.

Zoya chimes in, laughing, "Yeah, who needs a tall, brooding billionaire when you've got this little heartbreaker?"

"Never say that in front of him," I laugh.

Between laughing, Sanvi mumbles with all seriousness, "Yeah, my brother's a psycho when it comes to you and I really love my child guys."

We all laugh it off but we all know how true it is.

"You're really gonna wear that?" Sanvi teases, pointing at the simple black dress I'm holding up.

"Why not?" I quip, trying to sound confident. "Black's classic."

"It's also boring," Zoya pipes in.

"This one is going to look killer on you, Ayesha!" Isha says, holding up a deep red dress with a plunging neckline.

I take the dress from her, eyeing it skeptically. "Are you sure? I mean, this might be a bit too... you know... revealing?"

Zoya chuckles from the other side of the room, where she's holding up a shimmery gold gown. "Oh please, Ayesha. You've got the body for it. Own it!"

Rolling my eyes, I head towards the dressing room. "Fine, but if I look like a wannabe seductress, it's on you two."

As I step into the fitting room, I can hear the girls' laughter and chatter outside. It feels good, normal even, to be surrounded by friends who have no idea about the craziness lurking in the background of my life.

But the moment I slip the dress on, something changes. It's tight, hugging every curve, and the deep red fabric feels almost scandalous against my skin. I'm not used to seeing myself like this—bold, confident, sexy. It's a little unsettling.