My Ex - Crush

Episode 57

Deepika's POV:

“Why don’t you go to bed instead of watching us like a hawk?” Arjun said, looking at Preeti, who was perched on the couch, glancing back and forth between him and me like she was guarding a treasure.

“Why? So you two can make out?” Preeti shot back, and I nearly choked on the sip of water I’d just taken.

I coughed hard, patting my chest in shock, as my face went redder by the second. “Preeti! What are you saying?” I managed to gasp.

Arjun groaned. “Really, Preeti? You’re just saying things now.”

Preeti folded her arms, giving him a smug look. “Oh, I know exactly what I’m saying, brother. Amma asked me to keep an eye on you two. Even if it means losing sleep, I’ll do it! I remember what happened last time.”

Arjun looked completely defeated, and I was blushing so hard I thought my cheeks would catch fire. “At least let us rest,” Arjun tried.

“Fine, but Deepika’s coming to my room,” Preeti declared. “You can rest in yours.”

“Deepika, if you need anything, just call me,” Arjun said, giving me a reluctant look as he got up from the couch.

“Yes, yes, I’ll take care of her. Off you go!” Preeti shooed him away like an overbearing parent.

Arjun gave me a helpless smile before heading to his room. Preeti took my hand, leading me to her room with a grin.

Her room was the complete opposite of Arjun’s: tidy, with everything organized neatly. She patted the bed, inviting me to sit, then opened her laptop and settled in beside me.

“Studying for exams?” I asked.

She turned the screen towards me, and I spotted a novel open on the screen. I chuckled, seeing the title.

“Oh, you read novels too?”

“Yep! My friend shared this one with me.” She beamed. “It’s called Fifty Shades of Grey. Have you read it?”

I looked at her, stunned, then glanced back at the screen, realizing she’d just started the book. Oh no, she had no idea. I swallowed, unsure if I should say anything or let her find out on her own.

“Um... it’s... well, it’s not exactly a normal romance novel,” I said cautiously, wondering how much to tell her. “You know what genre it is, right?”

“Of course!” she replied confidently.

She definitely had no clue. I bit my lip, but I couldn’t help smiling—she’d find out soon enough.

After a moment, she glanced at the time. “If you’re sleepy, you can lie down. Amma won’t let you leave without breakfast anyway, and it’s almost 4 a.m.”

“I’m good, don’t worry about me,” I said, though I was touched by her thoughtfulness. “You’re the one who needs to sleep. Don’t you have school tomorrow?”

“Yeah, yeah,” she replied, but then she closed her laptop, giving me a sly look.

As I sat there, my gaze landed on a photo frame on her dresser. It showed a very chubby, round-faced little boy sitting next to a baby girl. I squinted, realizing it was probably Arjun and Preeti, but I could hardly believe it—that adorable, fluffy boy was Arjun?

“Is that... Arjun?” I asked, unable to hide my amazement.

Preeti’s eyes lit up. “Yes! Oh, you should see all his childhood photos. He totally hates those pics. He’d be so mad if he knew, but do you want to see them?”