Aarohi And Dev

CHAPTER 48

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DEV POV

As I approached her, I couldn't help but notice her hands clutching the table nervously. The sight amused me, a chuckle escaping me as I realized the effect I had on her. Leaning in close, just enough to feel her breath hitch, I teased, "What do you think I want?" Her eyes fluttered shut, a reaction so innocent that it tugged at my heart. How could she be this endearing?

“Thinking about learning to drive, are we?” I asked, catching sight of the book on her desk.

“Huh? Wh-what?” She stammered, her flustered state only fueling my amusement. I leaned in further, enjoying the way her composure unravelled under my gaze.

“What were you thinking just now? Why did you close your eyes?” I asked, pushing her patience to the brink while barely containing my laughter.

“What? I wasn't thinking anything!” she protested, her voice a mix of embarrassment and defence. “And this book—well, it was just lying on my shelf, so I thought I'd take a look at it.” Her hurried explanation only made me smile wider.

I continued with my playful banter, relishing her reactions. "But why did you close your eyes? Don't tell me you were thinking of kis—" I trailed off, dramatically covering my mouth in feigned shock. "You’re such a drama queen. I had no idea!" she exclaimed, her tone caught between exasperation and amusement.

"Your family is right downstairs! How could you even think of kis—" My words were cut short as she swiftly covered my mouth, clearly having had enough of my antics. Feigning irritation, she retorted, "I wasn't thinking about anything, and even if I was, do you think I'd be scared of kissing you in front of my family?"

Her boldness sent a slight thrill through me, but I kept my composure. Gently removing her hand from my mouth, I leaned in closer and whispered, "Oh really?... Uncle, you’re here?" I glanced towards the door with a mischievous grin, and as expected, she flustered instantly, backing away.

“Dad?” she called out in alarm, spinning around to face the door.

"Very funny," she muttered, realizing she'd fallen for my trick. I couldn't help but smirk, raising an eyebrow in triumph. But just as we were about to head downstairs, her father's sudden call rang out, startling both of us.

"Aarohi," he barked, making her flinch and even catching me off guard. I raised my hands in mock surrender, quickly adding, "I had nothing to do with this," which drew a chuckle from both of us.

Before I could say anything more, she leaned in, pressed a quick kiss on my cheek, and darted downstairs. I stood there, frozen for a moment, the warmth of her kiss lingering as I tried to regain my composure. "No, no, I need to do something to distract myself," I muttered, taking deep breaths to steady my racing heart.

I eventually made my way down to join the family for dinner, still reeling from Aarohi's unexpected boldness. As we ate, her father broke the silence, his voice slicing through my thoughts. "How old are you, beta?" he asked, addressing Devika.

"I'm the same age as Aarohi, uncle," Devika replied, but there was something different about her tonight. Normally, she exuded confidence, but now she seemed almost... demure, a little shy even. It was unlike her, and I found myself wondering what had prompted this sudden change in her demeanour.

Dinner was a quiet affair, punctuated by lighthearted gossip about tomorrow’s event. Throughout the evening, I couldn’t help but notice the delicate blush that coloured Rose's cheeks every time our gazes met. After bidding our goodbyes, we parted ways, yet my mind was already racing towards the dawn that would mark the day she would finally be mine—no more stolen moments or secret rendezvous.