Celestial Bond

9

Sita🌻

"Bhabhi, please come home early. I'll die of boredom even with Arjun around," Gautham complained as I stuffed my books into my college bag.

Before I could respond, Arjun stormed into the room, his face as sour as ever. "Who said I'm staying here, you idiot? I've got classes too," he snapped, his grumpy tone filling the air.

One thing was clear: Arjun had a sharp tongue when it came to his brother. Yet, beneath all the cursing, he cared for Gautham more than he let on.

"Thank God," Gautham shot back with a smirk, his words laced with sarcasm. "At least I don't have to deal with your permanent resting bitch face."

And there it was again-the never-ending bickering. It seemed like they couldn't spend two minutes without picking a fight.

I sighed, slinging my bag over my shoulder. "Will you two ever stop fighting?" I asked, my voice tinged with mock exasperation.

"No," they both replied in unison, glaring at each other before turning to me.

"Great. At least you agree on something," I muttered, shaking my head.

I left with a quick, "Bye," heading toward the door. But just as I stepped out, I heard him.

"Sita."

I turned around to see Arjun jogging toward me, his white shirt visible beneath the denim jacket he wore effortlessly.

Handsome.

The thought slipped into my mind before I could stop it. I hadn't spoken to him much since yesterday, deliberately keeping my distance after that dance.

His words haunted me every time I looked at him.

No one can take your place beside me.

"Text me when your classes are done. We'll head straight for festival shopping. Decide on whatever you want to buy, and Gautham will meet us directly at the store," Arjun said, closing the distance between us.

"Alright," I replied quietly, my gaze dropping to the ground.

Before I could retreat further, Arjun gently lifted my chin, his fingers warm against my skin, forcing me to meet his eyes.

But the moment was interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat. I turned to see Gautham leaning against the doorframe, a mischievous grin plastered on his face.

I quickly bolted past them, my heart racing.

***

"Bhabhi, you pick a kurta for me, just like I picked the saree for you," Gautham requested, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

"But..."

"No buts, Bhabhi!" he interrupted, gently urging me toward the kurtas. "Whatever you choose, I'll wear it for tomorrow's festival!"

Sighing, I picked up two kurtas-one green and the other blue-thinking of both brothers, even though Arjun had insisted he didn't need anything.

"I think I'll go with the green one," Gautham said, holding up the green kurta. "We can twin tomorrow. I even got a green saree for you."

Arjun scoffed at us and walked off to pay the bill.

Gautham and I shrugged, then made our way to the mart to pick up vegetables and other essentials.

I quickly sent both of them the shopping list, but my excitement was hard to contain. I sprinted over to the snacks aisle and grabbed as many of my favorite snacks as I could, my hands full and my heart light with joy.