I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. My first reaction was to squint my eyes and close them shut tightly. But after being a little annoyed; I tried to move around my spot to see Dev right next to me.
His arm was wrapped around me protectively; and he was wide awake; studying me with amusement.
"What?" I asked out of curiosity.
"Your phone's ringing."
I rolled my eyes at that; as I turned on my side to face him.
"I know."
He smiled his gorgeous dimpled smile as he posed;
"You're not going to pick up?"
"No."
"It could be urgent."
"I'll call them back."
He smiled wider; which made my insides melt. He too turned towards me as he ran his fingers through my hair. I continued to gaze at him; feeling overwhelmed at the wonder with which he looked at me.
His thumb stroked my cheek again; as he touched my lips next.
"Have I ever told you how hard I had had to try not to ask for your number on your presentation day?" he said.
"Yeah you looked quite impressed that day."
There was silence for a bit after which he spoke,
"I'd wanted to kiss you that time we were on the beach in Goa."
I chuckled.
"Yeah right."
"I'm serious."
I blushed; looking away. "So what is this; a confession moment?" I asked.
"I thought you'd be curious."
"I am. Go on; flatter me." I grinned; as he chuckled lying on his back now.
He grinned as he sighed thoughtfully, "I hated to see Mihir flirt with you so much."
I shrugged, "That was more than evident, trust me."
"Really? I thought I was good at masking my reactions!"
"Oh you are!" I exclaimed, "I knew you were unhappy about whatever seemed to happen between him and I, but I always thought it was for the professional motive, you know? That you objected of the possible impact it would have on our work."
Dev nodded understandingly, "I think it was a little of both."
When silence ensued, I gazed at him quietly, and watched as he did the same. And then, he leaned in with a gentle press of his lips on mine,
"I haven't brushed my teeth Dev!"
He rolled his eyes at that, "Does it look like I care?"
"Oh but I do!"
"Then maybe you should stop." He'd grabbed me by my waist now, his lips very, very close to my lips.
"I do not give everyone a lift in my car; Ms. Anand."
The smile wiped off my face at the reference. The word car brought a certain tension in the room suddenly; as he seemed to let go with a start. We both quietened immediately, rising from the mattress.
"Please take the car; De-"
"-I can't Aditi. It's a really expensive gift and-"
I moved closer to him as I spoke with request; "You love that car. Besides; you're a businessman now Mr. Ahuja. You have to go meet big clients and no matter how judgemental I sound right now; a good attire and good car puts a good impression."
He didn't reply for some time; as he seemed to be deep in thought.
"You were the one who got me used to trains-"
"-because at that time it was needed. Now it's not. Besides Dev; I was going to buy a car; whether it's for me or you; what difference does it make?"
His lips seemed to curl at the sides lightly; but he seemed to restrict it.
"But you paid for it-"
"-I did. We'll share the car what say?" I suggested at last.
He seemed deep in thought for a while after which;
"Perfect. You drive the car when you need it...." he started, "....and you drive the car when you do." I completed.
He smiled; and with the Sun falling on his face I noticed for the first time how long his eyelashes were. Why had I never noticed these details?
"Just out of curiosity; how much did the car cost you?" He asked softly.
"It's a secret and will always remain with m-" My phone rang again; and I crawled out of the mattress; Dev's temporary bed to grab my phone that was getting charged.
It was my maid; who for some reason was calling me hysterically.
I speed dialled her number only to find it switched off.
I glared at the phone screen as I noted the time.
"Shit!" I exclaimed; as I got up rushing to the living room.
"What happened?" Dev asked; walking out too as he rubbed his eyes groggily.
"I have to rush home. My bai's supposed to come at twelve today and she just called; I don't know what she's up to...where are my clothes?" I asked; totally confused.
"I put them for drying near the window sill."
"Thanks. Now drop me home."
***
He was never going to let it show; but he was beyond happy about getting his car back and I could see that. I grinned; as I watched him drive the car smoothly through the Mumbai traffic.
Suddenly I was transported to the first time Dev ever gave me a lift. That hot and sunny day with a taxi strike; how scared I was; how nervous he'd made me.
The day was going perfect; waking up in Dev's arms, knowing that things were sorted, Dev accepting his car, two new contracts. What else could I possibly ask for?
But something kept bothering me.
A feeling that something wrong was about to happen; and at the same time a feeling that I was forgetting something important. But what?
Dev halted before my colony; bringing me back to the present.
"Thank you for the shirt." I said pointing at the shirt of his he'd given me the other night to wear. It was horribly comfortable; but most importantly; smelled of him.
He thought it suited me so much that he insisted I keep it. I couldn't refuse; and didn't talk it off even when we headed for my place.
I walked out of the car and waved at him quickly as I made way for the building when suddenly he called;
"Aditi!"
I turned around my spot only to be crushed into a tight hug. "Thank you so much."
He didn't say it; but I knew he meant the car that instant. He looked like a child who'd been given his favourite toy; simply adorable and I disengaged myself from the hug as I kiss his cheek replying; "You are most welcome."
I was grinning when I walked into the elevator and out of it; jingling my home keys.
He loves me.
I had just put the key into the keyhole when I suddenly heard an all too familiar voice say;
"Aditi? Where were you all this time?"
The hair on my back stood with alertness and shock as I turned around my spot slowly. I practically gasped to see my guess was right.
"D...Disha?"
She was seated on the staircase in a set of western formals. And right there; next to her; was a gigantic suitcase.
***
YOU ARE READING
I Was, I Am.
RomanceArjun, Disha, Aditi and Aakash had always been an inseparable group. But when circumstances separate the four of them, their lives seem to fall apart in ways more than one. Caught between her deep feelings for her childhood love and her undying pass...