Aarohi And Dev

CHAPTER 57

Aarohi POV

Upon settling into the car, I carefully stowed away the delicate leaf I had plucked from the conservatory, a precious keepsake symbolizing the serenity and splendour of my recent experience.

As we embarked on the journey back to Dev's abode, a sense of disquiet began to gnaw at me. The mere thought of confronting my father, notwithstanding the pain he had inflicted upon me, weighed heavily on my soul. Despite the profound hurt, he was still my father, a complex truth that tugged at the strings of my heart. I craved more time, time to mend wounds that had been inflicted upon me against my will.

But now, I had Dev. Without even realizing it, he was helping me rediscover how to live, how to move forward, piece by piece.

"How long do you think I should stay at your place?" I asked, my voice low. "I don't want to hide forever, but I'm not ready to face him yet."

He glanced at me briefly, his eyes soft but serious. "How long do you want me in your life?" he asked in return.

"Forever," I answered without hesitation.

He smiled, a small, knowing smile, before saying, "Your heart just whispered the answer, didn't it?"

A soft chuckle escaped me, tempered by a sense of amusement at his playful reply, yet wholly content. Why is he so kind to me? I can't help but wish for him to be blessed with boundless happiness. There's something indescribable about feeling someone's care and love so deeply, it's a warmth like no other, knowing there's someone to catch you if the world falters.

As we entered the house, I spotted Devika sprawled out on the living room couch, her countenance exuding a sense of tranquillity, a book nestled on her stomach. Dev's soft chuckle filled the air, his amusement evident as he made his way upstairs.

Approaching her gently, I attempted to rouse her from her slumber. Startled, she jerked awake, exclaiming dramatically, "What, what?"

Seeking to calm her, I reassured her in a hushed tone, "Hey, it's just me! Relax!"

Her eyes fluttered open, and a smile inadvertently crept onto my face as I observed the uncanny resemblance she bore to Tara.

"Oh, bhabhi, you're here? I was waiting for you," she greeted, seizing my hand before I could utter a word. Without pause for inquiry, she tugged me along, declaring, "Brother asked me to gather some essentials you might require. Come along, let's see if there's anything else you need."

She guided me into Dev's room, motioning gracefully towards the bed, which was meticulously adorned with what she playfully referred to as "essential luxuries." "These are the some basic necessities every lady requires. If there's anything specific missing, just let me know," she quipped with a wink.

Inwardly, my mind protested vehemently, "Some? This isn't merely 'some', it's an entire universe of items!"

While absorbing this sight, Devika nonchalantly dropped a bombshell. "Oh, by the way, what are your plans for Bhai's birthday?"

"Birthday?" I echoed in bafflement, my brows furrowed in confusion.

"Oh yes, it's just three days away. Were you unaware?" she inquired.

I shook my head, a wave of embarrassment flooding over me. How could I have overlooked such a significant date for the man I hold dear?

Sensing my discomposure, Devika bestowed upon me a gentle smile. "Don't fret. You still have ample time to arrange something special."

I nodded in agreement, albeit internally, a mild sense of panic was setting in as I scrambled to envision how I could make his day as extraordinary as he made every one of mine.