Growing love

chapter 7

Ruhi's pov:

I was sitting in the hall area, surrounded by everyone, chatting and catching up. After a while, Mahi Aunty and Yash Uncle arrived, and we decided to have dinner together.

Rahil Bhai and Shubh went to the bus terminal to pick up Krisha, while Tara Bhabhi, Ritika Di, and I took a walk outside, just wandering around our neighborhood.

As we strolled, my eyes drifted towards the house, and I saw Arjun standing outside, one hand tucked in his pocket as he spoke on the phone. A strange warmth crept up my cheeks as my mind flashed back to earlier—the way he had held me by my waist. The memory sent an unfamiliar rush through my stomach, unsettling me. I found myself staring at him without even realizing it. As if sensing my gaze, he looked up and caught my eye. For a few moments, we held each other’s gaze before I quickly looked away, focusing on Ritika Di.

They were deep in conversation, but I wasn’t paying attention, lost in my thoughts. I was barely present during the entire walk.

When we returned, Tara Bhabhi and Ritika Di went inside, and I stayed back for a moment to call my parents. They had to attend a function, so they couldn’t come over, and as usual, my mother was already lamenting all the things she was missing. She’s such a kind soul, carrying emotions in every word, while my dad is more reserved, always making decisions based on practicality.

My mother can talk endlessly, whereas my father prefers silence. My sister is much like my mother, always sharing every detail of her life, while I, like my dad, keep my responses short.

After finishing the call, I headed inside to find Ritika Di, Jiju, and Arjun talking in the living room. I quickly slipped into the kitchen, not wanting to face him just yet, though I could still hear their conversation.

"So, when do you plan to take over as CEO? I think it’s time," Jiju asked.

"Not anytime soon. Dad is still very involved, and he’s not ready to step back. Honestly, I’m fine with it for now. I take care of the business deals on trips, while Dad manages the deals in the city," Arjun responded smoothly.

Ritvik Jiju is a lawyer, and business management is his forte. He knows so much about the corporate world, and he’s even helped me with my studies in the past.

As they continued discussing business, I made my way toward Tara Bhabhi, but before I could leave the room, Krisha came running toward me. Knowing her too well, I quickly tried to sneak upstairs.

But before I could escape, someone blocked my path—it was Arjun. He stood there with a puzzled look, as if questioning me silently. I ignored him and attempted to move past, but then Krisha appeared.

"Di, where do you think you’re going?" she teased, wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug. As much as I adore her, I don’t particularly enjoy tight hugs.

"Krisha, let go of me! You’re crushing me," I exclaimed, trying to wiggle out of her grip.

"Chill, Di. I missed you so much. This hug is nothing! You’re lucky I’m holding back since I know you don’t like it," she teased, but I could hear the playful complaint in her voice.

"It’s only been a few days since I came here, not two years," I laughed, playfully swatting her on the head. She whined dramatically, and I smiled in return.

Krisha greeted everyone, including Dadu and Dadi, and spent time chatting with them, her energy lighting up the room. I watched her, admiring how effortlessly she bonded with our grandparents.

"Okay, I know Shubh Bhai, as Rahil Bhai introduced us on the drive home, but I don’t know this guy standing next to Ruhi Didi," Krisha suddenly said, directing her gaze at Arjun.