LUNA AND ERTHA

:: CHAPTER 20 ::

SMITTEN

Nurturing the ones whom you care for is what makes life more exciting to live.

"Is it okay if I wear this saree?"
Jhanvi wrapped herself in the saree, black luxurious velvet, gold embroidery. Thin, delicate border with subtle sparkle. Simple yet classy look. Her silver Jhumkas swinging, loosened hair, small bindi on her forehead with kajal on her eyes. Lightly applied makeup, sparkling bangles.

"Wow, you're rocking the saree! Who's the lucky guy?" Lucy teased.

Jhanvi chuckled, snatching the eyeliner.
"No guy, just my inner 'Saree Goddess'."

Lucy's eyes widened. "Your makeup needs divine intervention."

As Jhanvi did Lucy's eye makeup,
Lucy asked, "When's Dhruv arriving?"
Jhanvi smiled. "In 15 minutes. He's on his bike."
Lucy teased, "All blushing and smiling baby! Someone's got it bad!"

Lucy continued, "You two are adorable. Get married already!"
Jhanvi's eyes sparkled, "Shh, focus on your makeup!"

Zoya and Rina emerged, glamorous.

"We should leave, our ride is here." Rina said.
"Jhanvi be careful, don't trust Dhruv blindly. I know he is good and all but, take precautions." Zoya said moving forward.

Jhanvi lost her smile, Rina swiftly maintained the mood of the room, "We all need our precautions, now get your asses moving we are already late."

Lucy and Zoya chimed out, rushing.
"It's a pure coincidence that Sanjay's house warming party and my friend's reception are on the same day. But I didn't want to ruin your moments with Dhruv. So, enjoy Sanjay's party while we attend the reception. What Zoya said is correct, we don't know Dhruv completely. As a girl, we can't trust any guy unless we get to know him. Be safe, text me regularly." Rina said.

Jhanvi forcing a smile,
"I trust him! You guys don't have to worry, I'll text you guys regularly. Travel safe, text me when you arrive, and don't forget driver details."

Lucy grinned, "Got it, Mom....err, love!"

Just as they were leaving, Rina darted back to Jhanvi, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Today's the day! Confess your feelings!" she winked, then rejoined her friends.

Jhanvi's smile spread with her nod.
As her friends rushed to the ground floor, Jhanvi swiftly walked towards the balcony. The city lights twinkled, and her gaze focused on a car which came to take her friends to the reception. Her thoughts drifted to Sanjay's party, where her heart awaited.
I will always trust you!

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"Dhruv!!"
"You're taking longer than a woman! What going on in there?"
Ash pounded on Dhruv's door.

"Five minutes, I swear!" Dhruv's muffled voice replied.

Ash retorted,
"Five minutes?!"
"You're not a girl, Dhruv! You don't need to contour your abs!"

Varun chimed in from the sofa, lounging like a king,
"Dude, chill. He's picking up Jhanvi. He wants to look sharp."

Ash huffed, "Sharp?"
"He's sharper than a knife already! What's taking so long?"
"Is he scraping those abs or biceps?"

Meanwhile, Diya and Celia were still in Celia's room, primping and preening for the past two hours. Ash and Varun, on the other hand, were ready in record time – 20 minutes flat.

Dhruv's extended workout routine caused the chaos, while the girls got ready. Ash, however, was melting in his coat.

"Take it off, Ash. You're making me sweat just looking at you." Varun chuckled.