An Inconvenient Flame

Chapter 39

Hello Reader's...Happy Janmashtami to all of you.

May lord Krishna brings all the happiness to you and fulfillment to you hearts. May you and your family stay  healthy and prosperous.

You achieve the best in your life and become a good human.

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

Ishika's pov

I close the book, rubbing my tired eyes. Finally I have completed the first reading of the book. Pure satisfaction.

I look around trying to focus back on the distant objects, the living room is bathed in the soft glow of the evening sun.

It's been ten days since we returned back from Seattle, and I missed this place so much that I didn't even realise until I was back.

And after a break of two days, I engrossed myself into the preparation much to Abhiraj's satisfaction.

The sound of the front door opening catches my attention. Abhiraj walks in, his suit jacket slung over his arm. Our eyes meet, and suddenly my heart begins to beat faster. He gives me a small smile and I swear my pulse doubles its speed.

What on earth?

I quickly pick my water bottle, pretending drinking water, in an attempt to hide the flush I can feel creeping up my neck.

Since when does a simple look from Abhiraj started affecting me? It's just him, for goodness' sake. The same man I've been with for months. The same man who...

Oh god no. My heart's still racing, and I don't know it's all giddy in there.

I press my hand to my chest, "Hey cut it out. There's absolutely nothing to get excited about. It's just Abhiraj. Remember? Mr grumpy-turned-slightly-less- grump? Get a grip!"

But my own heart is refusing to listen to me. It's like throwing a part in my chest and I ain't invited for planning.

I take a deep breath 1 2 3 exhale, relax bub. This is ridiculous. There's definitely nothing. Nope. Probably just...maybe I've been sitting at one place for too long.

That must be it.

I sneak another glance at Abhiraj, who returns from the kitchen with a glass of water. He catches my eye again and raises an eyebrow questioningly.

And there goes my pulse again, doing salsa this time.

Oh boy.

I nod my head in nothing, smiling at him.

"Ishika?" Abhiraj places the glass on the center table, and turns to me. "Would like some tea?"

I look up at him, hoping my face doesn't give away the turmoil inside. "Umm, yes please," I manage to squeak out, surprised a bit still not used to his unseen chivalrous self.

And he returns back to the kitchen. I take a deep breath, this is silly Ishika.

How can I be like this, just because he is more kind towards me?

He returns, two steaming cups in his hand. He settles beside me on the couch, close enough that I can smell his cologne. Stop.

"Here you go," he hands me a mug. Our fingers brush, and I feel a tiny jolt.

This is first.

"Thank you." I murmur.

I don't like tea at all neither coffee but I couldn't deny him. Not when he is offering his company. I'll grab it anytime.