Hate ,Love and Everything In-Between (HLEIB)

Chapter 7: A Dramatic Shift

Rehan's POV
As I held Prerna close in my arms, I heard a familiar sound.

"Rehan, yeh kya ho raha hain?"
My mom asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.
(Rehan, what's going on here?)

I quickly released Prerna, trying to play it cool.
My parents approached, their curious gazes shifting between Prerna and me. Just then my dad asked, "Yeh ladki kon hain?"
(Who is this girl?)

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.
"Dost hai meri bas, Prerna."
(Just a friend of mine, Prerna.)
My parents nodded and smiled.

"Tumse milke khushi hui, Prerna. Toh kya karti ho tum?" My mom asked.
(Nice to meet you, Prerna.So, what do you do?)
"Main chartered accountant hun," Prerna replied, her smile polite.
(I'm a chartered accountant)

My father's eyes lit up. "Ah, finance! That's fascinating. So, what inspired you to pursue that field?"
Prerna's expression turned thoughtful. "I've always been interested in numbers and problem-solving. It seemed like a natural fit."

My mother nodded enthusiastically. "Kya baat hain! Rehan bhi humesha se dawaiyon mein interested raha hai, bachpan se hi."
(That's wonderful! Rehan's always been interested in medicine, even as a child.)
Prerna's gaze flicked to me, a hint of awkwardness in her eyes. "Main samajh sakti hun."
(I can imagine.)

My father asked, "Tumhe kaam ke alawa kya karna pasand hai, Prerna?"
(What do you enjoy doing outside of work, Prerna?)
Prerna's expression softened. "Ah... I like reading and exploring new places."
My mother's interest sparked, "Traveling? Where's your favorite destination?"
Prerna's smile was genuine. "I've always wanted to visit Paris."

As she spoke, I observed Prerna's relaxed demeanor around my parents. My mother's curiosity get the better of her.

"Prerna, tum dono kahan mile?"
(Prerna, where did you two meet?)

Prerna's gaze flicked to me, a hint of nervousness. "We met at... a debate competition," she replied, her voice steady.
My father's expression turned insightful. "A debate competition? That's interesting. Which one?"

Prerna's smile was forced. "Bas ek school event."
(Just a school event.)
My mother's interest sparked, "Rehan was always enthusiastic about debating. Did you enjoy it?"

Prerna nodded, her response cautious. "Yes, it was a great experience."
I recalled the fierce rivalry in our high school, Prerna and I on opposite sides.

My father asked, "So, what was your first impression of Rehan?"
Prerna's pause was almost subtle. "Honestly? I thought he was arrogant and argumentative."

My mother nodded in agreement. "Yes, Rehan's always had a bit of an attitude problem."

My father's expression turned nostalgic. "Remember that debate competition? Rehan brought home the trophy, but what impressed me was how Prerna graciously handed it over to him."

Prerna's smile hinted at a shared memory. "It was the right thing to do. His arguments were unbeatable that day."

I felt a warmth, recalling the surprise and respect I felt for Prerna's gesture.
My mother's eyes sparkled. "We were proud of Rehan, not just for winning, but for earning Prerna's respect."

I thought to myself, Respect? From her? My academic rival? That's funny, but that's rich. Prerna's gaze met mine, her expression unreadable.

My father continued, oblivious to the underlying tension, "We're glad to see Rehan making new friends."
My mother smiled warmly. "Yes, Prerna, you're welcome anytime."

I chimed in, my voice laced with sarcasm.

"Yeah, because nothing says 'friendship' like repeatedly crushing each other on stage."

Prerna's lips twitched, a hint of amusement. My parents exchanged confused glances.

Prerna's expression turning serious. "Uhh... Thank you for the warm welcome, Mr. and Mrs...". She glanced at me.
"Rehan's parents." I smiled. My parents smiled a bit too.

As we walked away from my parents,
"Guess that went better than expected," I said, shaking my head.

Prerna's lips curved into a sly smile. "Crushing each other on stage, huh?" she teased, referencing my earlier sarcasm.
I laughed, feeling a sense of relief. "I think I've finally found something that shuts my parents up."

Prerna chuckled, "Don't get too comfortable, Rehan. They'll find ways to interfere again soon."

We continued strolling, the city lights illuminating our path. The tension from the encounter with my parents vanished, replaced by our usual banter.

Just then, a gentle breeze swept through, messing her wavy hair. Strands fell across her face, framing her features.
My gaze locked onto hers, and I couldn't resist. I reached out, my fingertips grazing her skin.

"Let me," I whispered, gently brushing the stray hairs behind her ear. Prerna's eyes met mine, her smile faltering. For a moment, time froze. Our faces inches apart, the world around us melted away. The tension between us was palpable. I slowed my movements, savoring the proximity.

As the last strand fell into place, our gazes lingered. Prerna's cheeks flushed, and my heart skipped a beat.

Our rivalry masked a deeper connection.

One I dared not acknowledge.
Yet.

Prerna's cheeks flushed deeper, her eyes locked on mine. I sensed her hesitation, the uncertainty.
Our rivalry had always been charged, but this was different.
This was personal.

My fingers lingered on her earlobe, sending shivers.

"Rehan," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Prerna," I replied, my breath mingling with hers. The air thickened, heavy with unspoken emotions. Our faces inches apart, I craved the taste of her lips.
But I hesitated, unsure of crossing the line.

Our rivalry had defined us for so long.
Could we risk complicating it?
Prerna's gaze dropped, breaking the spell. I withdrew my hand, pretending nonchalance.
"Let's get out of here," I suggested, masking my anxiety. Prerna nodded, her smile forced.

As we walked, the silence between us was grew thicker than fog. Our rivalry now tinged with unspoken attraction.
As we turned onto her street, Prerna spoke up. "Mera ghar aa gaya," she said, her voice soft.
(My house arrived)
We stopped in front of her cozy bungalow. I nodded, my eyes locked on hers.

"Well," I said, breaking the silence.
Prerna smiled faintly. "Thanks for walking me home, Rehan."
I smiled back, my heart still racing.
"Anytime."

We lingered, the moment stretching. I took a step closer, my face inches from hers. A spark of electricity passed between us. Prerna's eyes locked onto mine, her breath catching.
"Goodnight," I whispered.
"Goodnight," she replied, her voice barely audible.

I turned and walked away.
Leaving her at her doorstep.
Wondering what could've been. As I disappeared into the night.
I couldn't shake off the feeling.
That our rivalry had just taken a dramatic turn.

To be continued...