Just A Friend?

Chapter Six

Sweety lay on her bed, her thoughts consumed by Prabhas. The disappointment she felt was almost tangible, a heavy weight on her chest. This day, which was always marked by his special affection, now seemed devoid of the warmth she had come to expect.

He had always been the first to remember her birthday, but this year, he had faltered. Her heart ached for the simple gesture of a birthday wish from him, just a few words that would have bridged the growing chasm between them.

With a sigh, she dragged herself to the window, her gaze drifting upwards.

The moon hung in the sky like a silvery sentinel, casting a gentle, ethereal glow across the night. Her father's words echoed softly in her memory: if ever you feel alone, look at the moon, for somewhere, someone is gazing up at the same celestial sphere, sharing a connection through its luminous presence.

The moonlight poured into the room, bathing it in a tranquil light that seemed to soothe her restless spirit.

She let herself be absorbed in the serene beauty of the night sky, losing herself in its quiet majesty. The gentle breeze caressed her face, and for a fleeting moment, she felt a semblance of peace.

Suddenly, the familiar, melodious sound of a whistle pierced through the calm. Her heart skipped a beat as her eyes darted around, searching for the source. And then, as if conjured by her deepest wishes, she spotted him. There, under the moonlight, stood Prabhas—his presence as radiant and compelling as the moon itself.

He was bathed in the soft, silvery light, his features illuminated in a way that made him look almost otherworldly. His eyes met hers, and in that instant, the world seemed to hold its breath. He smiled, a mixture of contrition and affection playing across his face, as if he had come to make amends for his earlier neglect.

Sweety's heart raced, her disappointment momentarily forgotten in the presence of the man who had always meant so much to her. Prabhas gestured for Sweety to join him outside. With a mix of curiosity and cautious hope, she tiptoed out, careful not to make a sound that would break the tranquil silence.

"Prabhas, what on earth are you doing here at this hour?" she asked, her voice laced with both shock and confusion. The chill of the night air and the late hour only accentuated the surrealness of the moment.

Prabhas flashed a mischievous grin, his eyes sparkling with a playful light. "Oh, just indulging in a bit of late-night fresh air," he teased, his tone light and airy as though he were in on a secret.

Sweety's eyebrows knitted together in a mixture of disbelief and irritation. "Then why did you call me out here? If you just wanted fresh air, I could have stayed in my room," she said, her words tinged with a playful annoyance as she turned to leave.

Before she could retreat, Prabhas's hand reached out and gently clasped her wrist, sending a jolt of warmth through her. She felt an involuntary flutter in her stomach as she turned back towards him, her expression a carefully maintained facade of faux irritation.

"Hold on a minute, butterball! I'm just teasing you," he said with a wink, the twinkle in his eye betraying his true intentions.

Sweety's gaze remained steadfast, though her eyes softened just a hint. "Then, if you're done with your games, would you care to enlighten me about why you really came here at such an ungodly hour?" she inquired, her tone betraying her curiosity despite the pretense of annoyance.

Prabhas chuckled, the sound rich and warm against the cool night air. "One moment, please. Just a little something I've been keeping under wraps," he said, his hand diving into his pocket with practiced nonchalance.

As he fumbled around, a sense of anticipation crackled in the air. He pulled out a small, elegantly wrapped box, the soft glow of the moonlight highlighting the ribbon that adorned it.