Mine to Keep

chapter 1

I was waiting for Aayan on my front porch . His family had invited us over for holidays so we were going as couple for first time . Aayan and I go way back . We become friends in high school and after that we went to the same college where we became best friends. And last month he asked me to be his girlfriend I was surprised at first because for so long he was in love with his ex Lila but they had to break up because his family did not like her . But in the end I said yes .

I am not in love with him I was clear about it when I said yes to him but he is a nice guy and we have known each other for 5 years now. I am ready to give our relationship time .

Aayan finally arrived and honked to get my attention . I quickly threw my bag in back seat and sat in next to him.

" ready, babe" Aayan asked  and gave me a quick kiss

"you bet sweetie" I said knowing how dramatic these holidays are going to be

We reached airport just in time for me to slip into dutyfree and shop.

" Ira you know how much I hate shopping please lets just grab a coffee and relax in business lounge."

" ooh come on babe just one shop I love dutyfree fragrances you know that ." I said making puppy eyes to melt his heart

"Noooo just noo you are coming with me." He started pulling me by my arm towards starbucks

My mother came to my rescue my phone started ringing I slipped into duty free making an excuse . As I was looking through new makeup while my mother rant and raved out about Aayan like always . She does not like him and has been trying to walk me out of his life ever since she got to know about our relationship.

I was looking for my favourite scent when I saw Aayan flirting with one of the baristas in starbucks . He has always been overly friendly with people but I never cared about it until now It seems like he forgets that we are dating sometimes which is weird because in his past relationships he has not behaved like this. I walk towards him and start giving my order to break their conversation and bring him back to his senses.

We did not talk throughout the rest of our flight he got busy with his work and I got lost in my book which I am currently reading .

As soon as we reached Mumbai we were greeted by his family in private lounge his parents was ready with garlands and gifts , everyone attacked us with hugs and a lot of love. His family has always been a little bit dramatic but somehow I think they might have misread the whole situation. I desperately need to talk to Aayan to understand what ever is happening. His mother showered me with gifts and took out her gold bangles and placed them in my hand I was shook.

"Aunty no need of this , this is too much please take it ." I said without showing my discomfort.

As she was about to say something sweet and make me keep them convincingly Aayan came to my rescue and took them from my hand.

" Don't worry I will keep it anyways gold is getting costlier day by day ." to this everyone bursts in laughter and I was through the awkward moment.

Aadia Aayan's mom always had a sweet spot for me ever since our first meeting so I was expecting her to be like this as now I was finally dating her son after years of her forcing us .

" I am so happy to officially welcome you in our family I will make sure you are in our family group so that you get all latest updates about everyone and also about our trips and vacations." She started listing all the things that her family did as if I already did not know about them because Aayan wouldn't stop complaining about it all these years.

" And also we will spend this week at Aayan's uncle's house as our house is undergoing some changes I hope its okay with you ?" I was barely keeping up with her as she was speaking rapidly I just agreed with everything she said unable to answer any other way .

Aayan got occupied with his father and other family members which left me with Aadia and all their family stories.

After all the reunion, I went to our car which according to Aadia Aayan personally requested for us which was a relief because I did not want to hear any more of their family stories.

I made sure all my stuff as well as Aayan's stuff was in the trunk and sat down inside waiting for him to come so that we could finally go home and rest.

In meanwhile I checked my mails to see if I got the job I was trying to get or not. Aayan finally came in after a few minutes .

"finally I get you for myself" he came in with a good mood and gave me a peck of my cheek.

"Aayan what did you tell your family about us?"

"did anyone say anything to you?" he got tensed immediately

" No its just that the welcome surprise was a bit overwhelming so I thought you might know the reason behind it"

"Don't worry about it they are just excited that we are finally dating that's it and you know that my mom loves you so much nothing to worry about" he took my hand and intertwined our fingers. 

I closed my eyes and tried to get as much sleep as I could because I will be needing it now that I have got a preview of how our vacation is going to be like.