When The Heart Lies | ✓

[25]

"I can see my life partner in you."

Sakshi gasped at his words. This was not what she had expected from him to say. Goosebumps risen on her skin as he further said, "Do you realize, what I am trying to say?"

She frowned, now not being able to digest his direct approach. It was fine with what was going in between the families. But this direct conversation with her professor, that even about the marriage thing was spoiling her moon that she had collected for the meet with Shrey.

"I realize," she replied. "But do you?"

Kabir smiled while intertwining his hands on the table. "Then, what is the problem?"

Sakshi bit her tongue. Did he want her to repeat of what she had said on the terrace? Did he not recall that he was much elder than her? She sighed.

"Mr. Nair, I understand-"

"Please call me Kabir."

Sakshi showed him her palm, while clenching her jaws. "Enough, Mr. Nair." Her heartbeats fastened just as hurt reflected in his eyes.

She breathed. "Look, I know what my Aunt had been planning. But you are much ahead of her. Of next generation. You can understand my reason. I am too young to get into these things."

"So, there's no problem in me?"

Sakshi stared at him while shaking her head. She was tired of repeating her words. Already, her aunt, Aditi, people were getting irritated by her and now, she didn't want to make it bad with her professor too.

"First of all," she thought deeply. "Tell me, why you didn't come on the date? If you would have been there, I might have changed my mind."

He chuckled, while scratching his temple. "I told you. Didn't I?" Sakshi crossed her arms and sat straight while he sighed.

"I just got my job here in the University. At the same time, my family shows me your photo because from years, they had their eyes on you, thinking that you could be tagged with any of the boys in our family. Now, I am the one because I got age, and job, and looks. . ."

Sakshi's lips parted while he continued, "Mihir's mom told me about this date you arranged." He cleared his throat before smiling sheepishly.

"I really was not ready to meet you."

Sakshi flared her nostrils, "You are a teacher. You have to teach so many girls. Why would you be so shy? Didn't you attend college yourself? Or were you a nun?"

He narrowed his eyes. "Hey! I had this one insecurity too. I was uncertain if it could be a girl I won't like and then, it would be awkward if she is a student in the same University. What if someone had seen us?"

Sakshi gulped, now agreeing with Aditi who had guessed the same thing. She was now understanding his situation but how could she just accept her professor as her groom.

"But I still deny that I have never been with girls. I have always been a scholar kind of a guy, getting my dream job and settling. Mihir found you someone of my choice. And I agree with that now," he said and pursed his lips, earning a blank stare from her.

"If I am that bad, or old for you, I understand. But think for once," he told her. "I am mature than these college kids you are friends with. I can take care of you and your dreams, Sakshi."

Her heart fluttered at his words, and eyes glistened as she felt bad for him. "I am so young-"

"I know. We won't marry until you are ready. You can get to know me here while studying. I won't ever force you. Your brother had already made sure of that when I had met him last time," he chuckled.