Satranga Ishq

xi.

Dev was taking in the beauty of nature, when Rukmini asked him for a selfie. Out of politeness, he agreed with her. And dare him to say that he didn't enjoy it.

Rukmini was hell of an amazing woman. Elegant and mature; a complete beauty with the brain. A perfect woman, any man would ever want as his wife.

He too, would have wanted her, if he'd met her earlier. But the thing is, he doesn't want to settle for a mundane life anymore. He needs masala. He needs excitement. He needs his little spicy-rosogolla only.

A weird combination?

Unfortunately, that's what he wanted more than anything.

He was snapped out of thoughts due to Rukmini's gentle touch on his forearm, " Dev? " he nodded, a little distracted.

His eyes roamed over the place, but couldn't locate Paarul. Strange!

" Dev shuno. "

" I'm all ears. " but his heart was elsewhere.

" Dev, I think I love you. " he snapped his neck at a super sonic speed, that he almost felt a rupture.

" What? "

" You heard it right. Pasand ho aap mujhe. " Rukmini's smile was radiant, her eyes adoringly staring at him, " I know it's kind of rushed, but what can I say? You're just the kind of man I would love to spend the rest of my life with. The kind of man, I would love to fall in love with more. "

Dev stood frozen, shocked by Rukmini's confession. Before he could respond, she wrapped her arms around his, pulling him into a gentle hug.

As he tried to extricate himself, he heard the sound of footsteps hurrying away. Turning, he caught a glimpse of a lavender tunic disappearing into the distance.

Paarul!

Dev's heart sank. Had she seen the intimate moment? Did she think he was reciprocating the hug?

Dev pulled themselves apart, holding Rukmini's shoulders at a respectful distance. He didn't want to hurt her; she had always been kind and respectful.

" Rukmini, I- I don't know what to say. " he met her questioning gaze, " I'm sorry. I won't be able to reciprocate your feelings because- "

Her smile faltered and his guilt intensified, " -because I'm bound to Paarul. I'm supposed to marry her. "

Shock and pain mingled in her whisper, " I- I didn't know about that. "

He held her hand, apologetically, " I know and I'm really sorry for that. You should've been informed earlier. " he gulped the lump in his throat, " To be honest, galti meri bhi hain. Mujhe pehle hi samajh jaana chahiye tha, after all feelings can't be controlled. It's just I never saw you in that light, isiliye mujhe laga ki aap bhi mujhe dost samajhti hain. "

Dev continued blabbering, " Par agar aap chahti hain toh I can- "

" You can what Dev? " Rukmini smiled sadly, " Kya karenge aap? Boliye? "

His eyes remain downcast.

She disentangled her hands from his, " Kuch nahin kar sakte aap. Kuch bhi nahin. " she sighed before asking, " Pata hain aap mujhe aache kyu lagein? "

He looked up and gently shook his head.

She smiled a bittersweet one, " You know, I've adored Krishn ji since my childhood. And I've always wanted a man like him. Fun, caring, loyal and a dreamy lover. Aap mein mujhe mere Krishn ji dikhe the. Bholi si main! " she slapped her forehead, " Yahin bhul gayi thi ki mera naam toh Rukmini hain. "