Just A Friend?

Chapter Six

Sweety lay on her bed, her thoughts consumed by Prabhas. Her disappointment was obvious as heaviness eating her heart out. 

This day would always be marked by his affection. But now seemed devoid of any warmth she had expected.

He had always been the first to remember her birthday, but this year, he had completely forgotten her. Her heart ached for the simple gesture of a birthday wish from him.

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

The moon hung in the sky like a silvery sentinel. Her father's words echoed softly in her memory.

If ever you feel alone, look at the moon. From somewhere, someone is gazing up at the same celestial sphere.

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

She let herself be absorbed in the quiet beauty of the night sky. The gentle breeze caressed her face. For a fleeting moment, she felt peace.

Suddenly, the familiar sound of a whistle pierced through the calm. Her heart skipped a beat as her eyes darted around, searching for the source. 

And then, she spotted him. 

Under the moonlight, he stood. 

His eyes met hers, and in that instant, the world seemed to hold its breath. He smiled as affection played across his face.

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 waken her mother.

"Prabhas, what on earth are you doing here at this hour?" she asked, her voice laced with both shock and confusion. 

Prabhas flashed a mischievous grin, his eyes sparkling with a playful light. "Oh, just having a bit of late-night fresh air," he teased.

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 with 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 while her expression carefully maintaining the mock irritation.

"Hold on a minute, butterball! I'm just teasing you," he said with a wink.

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

Prabhas chuckled. "One moment, please!" he said, his hand diving into his pocket.

He fumbled around before pulling out a small, elegantly wrapped box. The soft glow of the moonlight highlighted the ribbon that adorned it.

As Sweety unwrapped the delicate gift, her eyes widened in astonishment. Nestled inside the elegant box was a ring, shimmering softly under the moon's tender light. 

She gazed at it, surprised as her heart fluttered like a delicate butterfly.

Prabhas, with a sheepish grin, scratched the back of his head. "I know I'm the last one to wish you today, and I'm terribly sorry for that, my butterball. I feel awful about it! But even if I'm last, I wanted to make sure I was your special wisher."