Book #1 of Bounded series
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Sign the papers! She said
I'm not into child marriage Miss Mishra! Shaadi karke mujhe jail bhejne ka irada hai? His tone dripped with sarcasm.
"Can't you be serious with me at least for once Avyan?!!"
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅...
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The soft hush of the garden still clung to my skin when we stepped back into the mansion. The bright lights and soft music felt like a different universe after that sunset dream.
Aditi's fingers slipped from mine as soon as we entered, and I already missed the warmth of her hand. But I understood.
Family time. Responsibilities. Appearances.
She gave me one last cheeky wink before vanishing like a breeze among the crowd.
I took a moment to collect myself. My hair was probably a mess. Lips definitely swollen. Heart? Obliterated. I was a man in love. Utterly, helplessly doomed.
The living room was buzzing. Everyone was scattered across couches and armchairs in small clusters. The golden chandelier bathed the space in a soft glow while laughter bounced off the walls like confetti.
Aarav was sprawled in one corner, attempting subtle glances at Smridhi. He was failing. Miserably.
She sat on the farthest couch, legs crossed, sipping juice like she hadn't noticed him in years. Her eyes were glued to her phone, but I didn't miss the slight upturned curve of her lips. She was enjoying his misery. Queen behavior.
Aarav, meanwhile, was sulking so hard it looked like someone had stolen his puppy. He slouched further, ran a hand through his hair, and looked at me with a face that screamed bro, save me.
I merely raised an eyebrow and shook my head.
Deal with it, lover boy.
On the opposite end of the room, Daksh was facing a whole other storm. Kritika.
He had this unusually determined expression on his face, like a soldier about to cross enemy territory.
He started walking toward her, casually holding a glass of water in his hand.
But the second she noticed him, her cheeks turned a violent shade of red, and she practically launched herself toward the kitchen like her life depended on it.
Daksh stopped mid-step. Stared at the now-empty spot where she'd been. Then glanced at me like the universe had betrayed him.
"Why does she keep running?" he muttered under his breath.
I shrugged. "Because she likes you, genius."
"Then shouldn't she... not run away?"
"You're asking me? I proposed with a Chocopie. I have no clue how logic works in love."
He groaned, sipping his drink and muttering about 'confusing women and even more confusing feelings.'
Meanwhile, our parents were cozily tucked into their own adult bubble. My mom and dad along with Chacha and Chachi were seated across from Aditi's parents, deep in discussion over wedding functions, guest lists, venues, color palettes, god knows what else.
