Love lies

Chapter 26-final goodbye

Reena returned to her room and her mother was busy setting up the bed. She turned to Reena with a surprised look and narrowed her eyes at her. 

"Where have you been? Nivu Rocky -ondige nusuliddira endu nanu ascarya padalu prarambhiside" her mother jokingly teased but Reena remained silent, staring at her mom and 2 best friends who were all laughing. 

(I was beginning to wonder if you snuck off with Rocky)

Revathi frowned, sitting in bed, patting the spot next to her. "Why are you looking at me like that. My dear Daughter it was just a joke" she chuckled and Reena sat next to her resting her head on her mother's lap. 

"I did it" she whispered and her mother nodded casually. 

"Okay you did what?" Parvati asked, as Revathi thread her fingers through Reena's hair. 

"I said i love you" she said and Revathi looked down at her shocked. Reena gave her a blushy smile, nodding and her mother and friends broke out into a big smile. 

"Oh Reena that's amazing. And what happened after?" Vaishnavi asked enthusiastically and Reena blushed, looking down at her lap.

Parvati reached over, pulling her face up and and Reena bit back a smile. "I kissed him, twice" she said and quickly covered her face with her hands, resulting in Revathi chuckling and Vaishnavi and Parvati squealing in excitement, pulling her into a big hug. 

"That's wonderful Reena. I'm so happy for you dear. May the two of you live a long and happy life together" Revathi said kissing her cheek. 

................

The following morning everyone as usual gathered in the dining hall for breakfast. Reena showed up unusually early with her mother as they waiting for the rest of them to arrive. 

One by one, the dining table filled with people and lastly Rocky arrived. Revathi playfully nudged Reena who gave her mother a stern look, despite her blushy face. 

Rocky locked eyes with Reena and winked at her, sending butterflies through her stomach. 

Reena sat stiffly in her chair, carefully avoiding eye contact with Rocky, who sat directly across from her. His usual confident smirk was softer tonight, but the faintest trace of amusement danced in his eyes.

Parvati, seated beside Rocky, wasn't one to let the moment go unnoticed. She leaned forward, her lips curling into a mischievous grin. "So, Jiju, had a nice night? Heard whispers by the balcony last night"

Rocky raised an eyebrow but stayed cool, casually sipping his water. "It was nice. Quiet. Peaceful."

Vaishnavi, seated beside Reena, jumped in, her voice laced with mock curiosity. "Oh, really? Because I heard it wasn't so quiet. Pritiya bagge enadaru?"

(Something about love?)

Reena choked on her bite of food, hastily grabbing her glass of water as her face burned. "Vaishnavi!" she hissed under her breath.

But Vaishnavi was relentless. "What? I just think it's fascinating how certain people suddenly have such... glowing cheeks." She winked at Rocky, who was now grinning unabashedly.

Parvati wasn't done either. She turned to Rocky with exaggerated politeness. "Jiju, you must tell us—i mean since we waited just as long as you for this special moment. What was it like? Did you say something sweet or did she do something instead?". Revathi chuckled at the girls teasing and was enjoying the show of flustered Reena.

Rocky leaned back in his chair, his grin widening. "Nah, I'm not really the cheesy type. I prefer actions over words." His gaze flicked to Reena for the briefest second, and her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red.