Maybe in next life

chapter 30

Mihir

It was early morning, and everyone had gathered outside the hotel lobby, bundled up in coats and scarves, ready to explore Switzerland. The cold air brushed against my face, but I barely noticed. My eyes instinctively searched for her, and there she was— standing with Sherlin and Kiara, watching Rohan with amused expressions on their faces.

They were laughing—loud, carefree laughter that echoed in the crisp air. It wasn’t hard to guess why. Rohan was animatedly defending himself, waving his hands around while Mayra stood nearby, her arms crossed and her face red, clearly embarrassed. I didn’t know what they were teasing him about, but it seemed to be entertaining enough for Ruhi and the others to lose themselves in laughter.

I tried to ignore it, focus on something else, but my gaze kept drifting back to her. The way her eyes sparkled when she laughed, the way she tilted her head back slightly, her cheeks glowing from the cold—it was hard to look away.

“Everyone, let’s get in the bus!” I announced.

We all started moving towards the bus. Vihaan and Rohan rushed ahead to grab their usual seats, and Sherlin trailed behind, still giggling about whatever Rohan had said. I stepped into the bus, noticing Ruhi hesitating near the entrance. Without thinking, I waited for her.

“Come on,” I said as casually as I could, gesturing to the seat next to me.

She nodded and sat down, adjusting her scarf. I settled in beside her, the bus humming to life as everyone filed in and took their seats.

As the bus started moving, I turned to her, unable to shake off the curiosity that had been nagging me. “What was all that about earlier?” I asked, keeping my tone light.

She blinked at me, her expression instantly guarded. “What was what about?” she replied, feigning ignorance, though I could see the teasing glint in her eyes.

I raised an eyebrow. “You and the others—laughing like you’d just heard the funniest joke of your lives. What was going on with Rohan and Mayra?”

“Oh, nothing,” she said, her voice laced with mischief. “Just… something funny you can its cute though.”

“That’s vague,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “You’re not getting away with that answer, Ruhi.”

She smiled innocently, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Why does it matter? Are you jealous you weren’t part of the gossip?”

I leaned back in my seat, crossing my arms. “Not jealous,” I said coolly, a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. “Just curious about what has you so amused.”

“Well, curiosity killed the cat,” she quipped, suppressing a giggle.

I tilted my head, studying her. “And satisfaction brought it back.”

She laughed at that, shaking her head. “Nice try, but I’m not telling you.”

I sighed dramatically, resting my elbow on the armrest and leaning closer. “Fine. Keep your little secrets,” I said in mock resignation. “But don’t blame me if I start imagining all sorts of embarrassing things about Rohan and Mayra now.”

Her laughter spilled out again, soft and musical, and I couldn’t help but smile. Even when she was teasing me, there was something about her that made the world feel a little lighter.