His Unrequited Love

Chapter ~ 32

Aadrika awoke with the first light of dawn spilling into the room. She sat up in bed, her gaze wandering around until it landed on Reyansh, who was peacefully asleep on the couch.

Blinking away the remnants of sleep, she found herself drawn to his tranquil form. In that quiet moment, she felt an undeniable pull towards him.

Curious, she reached out, her eyes softening as she took in his features. This man, lying here before her, stirred something within her.

Tentatively, Aadrika extended her right hand, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. Just as she did, he shifted, startling her so much that she jumped up, retreating besides the bed before he could fully wake.

Reyansh opened his eyes, sensing a shift in the atmosphere, as if someone had been near. He sat up on the couch and spotted Aadrika rummaging for her clothes. Turning to face him, she asked,

"What’s wrong? Why are you staring at me like that, Reyansh?" He shook his head, a puzzled look on his face.

"I’m not sure. It felt like you were just here with me."

Aadrika swallowed hard and replied in a serious tone, "Why would I be with you? You must have been dreaming."

Reyansh pondered her words for a moment before nodding in agreement.

"You’re probably right. Anyway, good morning."

Aadrika offered a small smile, replying, "Good morning," before heading into the bathroom for a shower.

Reyansh’s gaze lingered on the bathroom door, and he muttered to himself, "It didn’t seem like a dream; that presence felt so real."

He shook his head, dismissing the thought, and waited patiently for Aadrika to finish so he could take his own shower.

After a little while, she stepped back into the room and he headed to the bathroom for his morning shower.

Just as he emerged from the bathroom, ready to prepare for work.

"Reyansh," Aadrika called him out, catching his attention.

"Ji, Patni ji, do you need something?" he responded playfully, eliciting a smile from her.

With a serious expression, she said, "I’m starting my office from today."

Reyansh’s replied her with a smile. "Thanks for letting me know."

Turning to her, he suggested, "How about we grab breakfast together?"

Aadrika nodded her head gently. "You go ahead; I’ll join you in a bit."

Reyansh frowned. "Is everything alright?" He inquired.

"Everything’s fine," she assured him with a nod.

Reyansh accepted her response and stepped out of the room. Aadrika picked up her phone and dialed her father. He answered before she could even speak, saying,

"I’ll send you the location; just get there," and promptly hung up.

Moments later, her phone pinged with a notification. She opened it to find the address her father had sent. After grabbing her purse, Aadrika left the room.

___________

Aadrika descended the stairs, her footsteps light as she approached the dining area. 

"Good morning, everyone," she greeted warmly.

Grandmother beamed, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Morning, Aadrika beta," she replied, her voice filled with affection.