𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐇𝐈: 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑-𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐑𝐄 ♡

【55】 Nostalgia?

As we emerged from the washroom, Aridhi's legs trembled beneath her, and I instinctively reached out to sweep her into my arms.

But she stubbornly refused me, opting to walk instead, despite her obvious unsteadiness.

I couldn't help but chuckle at her determination and courage.

"Baby," I began, but she silenced me with a withering glare, "Don't you dare say anything."

She warned, her voice deadpan, yet her eyes sparkling with a hint of amusement.

I held up my hands in a mock surrender with a grin on my face.

Taking the coat in my hands, which was hanging on my arm, I draped it over her shoulders, the soft fabric enveloping her like a warm hug.

She shot me a look, her blue eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and adoration.

It was a contradictory expression, one that I found utterly captivating.

Sometimes, I marveled at her ability to convey such conflicting emotions.

Her eyes would sparkle with anger, yet soften with affection, leaving me entranced.

They are cute, I mean.

It was a look that made me want to spend a lifetime provoking her, just to see that adorable blend of irritation and love.

If I can see her like this every day, I am ready to be the cause of it.

My eyes shifted down to her neck, and a slight frown passed on my face.

She made extra efforts to cover all of the hickeys I gave, with her make-up. Though, purple bruises for the same are still there.

♡

As we stood before her, Bhabhi's piercing gaze darted between Aridhi and me, her tone laced with a hint of suspicion.

"Where were you two?" She asked, her voice firm but tinged with a subtle curiosity.

Bhaiya's presence loomed behind her, his silent scrutiny adding to the weight of her inquiry.

Meanwhile, Dhruv and Nandini stood at the gate. His arm was wrapped around Nandini's waist.

They were lost in their own little world, their laughter and whispers joined the surroundings.

On the other end, Vinayak Bhaiya stood nearby, his phone held out to Rishika, who giggled at whatever he was showing her.

Aridhi's nervous response was barely above a whisper as she replied, "We just went for a walk." But Bhabhi's narrowed eyes betrayed her skepticism.

Her gaze lingered on Aridhi, particularly on her neck, and I could sense her unspoken understanding of the situation.

A teasing glint danced in her eyes, eliciting an awkward chuckle from Aridhi.