Yeh Mera Deewanapan Hai🍂🏵️🍂

⟪3⟫

The next day, Garima didn't just invite Aditi to the Rajyavadkar house-she ordered her.

And Aditi, not one to disobey Garima's loving yet firm instructions, agreed to come over for lunch.

Neil, however, was far more excited than anyone else in the house.

Knowing that Aditi would be coming, he woke up earlier than usual, full of energy and anticipation.

Shantanu and Samriddh had already left for work, leaving Neil alone to prepare for the day.

He stood in front of the mirror, critically examining himself as he rummaged through his wardrobe.

"What should I wear?" he muttered, holding up different shirts in front of him. "Casual or formal?"

He frowned, thinking. "Formal toh roz pehenta hoon. So, casual it is."

He eventually settled on a navy blue polo t-shirt and white pants.

After setting his hair just right, he flashed a grin at his reflection. "Looking good," he murmured, turning his head slightly from side to side. "I hope she likes it."

With a final, satisfied smile, he headed downstairs, feeling as giddy as a newlywed bride.

As he reached the living room, he could hear his mother, Sunaina, in the kitchen, giving instructions to the cooks about the lunch menu.

Garima and Suhani were sitting in the living room, chatting with each other while playing with little Hridyansh, who was gleefully laughing at something Garima was saying.

Neil stepped into the room, glancing around.

"Mom," he asked, trying to sound casual, "Aditi nahi aayi?"

All three ladies-Sunaina, Garima, and Suhani-paused mid-conversation and turned to look at him.

Even Hridyansh, noticing the sudden halt, followed suit, his wide eyes curiously staring at Neil.

Neil instantly felt the heat of their gazes and nervously scratched the back of his neck.

"Uh, kya?" he muttered, suddenly uncomfortable.

Sunaina gave him an amused smile. "Beta, maine tujhe time dekhna sikhaya hai na?"

Neil furrowed his brows. "Haan, mom. Toh?"

Sunaina pointed toward the clock hanging on the wall. "Toh beta, zara ghadi pe nazar daal lo."

Neil glanced at the clock-it was only 10 in the morning.

"Aditi teri tarah free nahi hai," Sunaina continued with a teasing smile. "Itni subah nahi aayegi. Lunch mein time hai, aur kuch?"

Neil blinked, embarrassed. "Oh, haan... okay."

He cleared his throat. "Then main bhi thoda kaam kar leta hoon."

Sunaina chuckled. "Ohh, aap kaam bhi karte hain? This is something new."

Neil whined like a child, earning giggles from Garima and Suhani.

He huffed in frustration, glaring at them playfully before stomping back to his room in mock anger.

Once inside his room, Neil collapsed onto his chair and opened his laptop, trying to get some work done.

But his mind was far from spreadsheets and emails.

Every few minutes, his thoughts drifted to Aditi-her quiet smile, the way she looked at him during their small conversations.

He groaned inwardly, running a hand through his hair.