The Time Of Our Lives - Karman

Chapter 21

A month later

Today, they all were about to have dinner including Lily's boyfriend, Dhruv. It was kind of like a double date but Dhruv didn't know that. Kartik would meet Dhruv for the first time. He made a mental note to notice everything he does. 

Lily was making food in the kitchen, the aroma of the food was circling in the kitchen while Kartik and Aman both were helping her. 

Around at 7:30, the doorbell rang, letting them know Dhruv was here. 

Kartik went and opened the door. He saw a man wearing a black shirt and black ripped jeans. His hair were styled in quiff. 

"Hi, you must be Kartik, right? I am Dhruv" the man said politely and extended his hand. 

"Yes, I am. Come inside" Kartik shook his hand and welcomed him. 

Kartik told Dhruv to get comfortable, the dinner would be served soon. 

Kartik walked back inside the kitchen to find Lily looking at him with an arched eyebrow. 

"So?" Lily asked. 

"So what?" Kartik said, not knowing what what she talking about. 

"Did you like him?" Lily asked, hoping he would say yes. 

"I don't know. I am not impressed" Kartik shrugged, letting her know it's not going to be easy getting his approval. 

Lily rolled her eyes and went back to cooking. She knew it would be difficult for Dhruv to get Kartik's approval as Kartik wanted her to have someone who respects and loves her as well as treats her as equal.

These things were simple yet you don't find many people like that. 

Lily called Dhruv when the dinner was ready and introduced him to Aman. Kartik and Aman sat on one side of the table and Lily and Dhruv on the other. 

"Wow! The food is amazing, Lily" Aman exclaimed when he took the first bite. 

"Thank you, Aman. Why don't you replace Kartik and live with me? You are too sweet!" 

Kartik scowled at Lily, making her raise her hand in defence. 

"Yeah, the food is great" Dhruv complimented, making Lily blush a little. 

"Thanks" Lily shyly replied. 

"Ehhh, it's not bad" Kartik teased. 

"At least I can cook without burning the house down" Lily rolled her eyes. 

"Shut up!" Kartik could feel his cheeks burning with embarrassment. 

Lily and Aman burst out laughing. Dhruv was feeling a little left out but Lily always tried to make him feel welcomed. 

Kartik noticed how they both looked at each other. Lily's eyes twinkled when she looked at Dhruv. He even noticed how Dhruv gently grabbed Lily's hand on the table and softly started to rub his thumb over Lily's knuckles. 

Kartik could see Dhruv made Lily happy and he wanted to make sure Lily always remains happy. 

"Now, onto the main thing. What are your intentions with Lily?" Kartik asked with a tone of authority. His eyes fiercely looking at Dhruv. 

"I try to keep her happy as much as I can" Dhruv answered confidently, looking Kartik straight in the eye. 

"What about the future?" 

"We haven't discussed that but I would love to be with her all the time"

"Would you ever hurt her?" 

"Never intentionally. And if I do, I promise to make it up to her" 

"Do you have a bad temper?" 

"I sometimes do lose my temper but I would never hurt her physically" 

"Look bro, I am not trying to scare you. I just don't want her to get hurt. I love her too much to see her hurt" 

Lily smiled and could feel her eyes watering. 

"Yes, I understand" Dhruv smiled, giving Lily's hand a little squeeze. 

"Take care of her, bro. And I won't hesitate to knock the daylights out of you if you hurt her" 

"Yeah, I wouldn't dream of hurting her." 

They all continued to eat dinner. Kartik felt a hand on his upper thigh. He knew that hand could be of only one person. 

Kartik looked at Aman and found Aman already looking at him with a proud smile. 

Amen leaned towards Kartik and whispered, "I love you so much, Kartik." Aman's warm breath hitting Kartik's cheek. 

Kartik gave Aman one of his award winning smiles and replied, "I love you too, Aman." 

It was a good night for all of them.