Mine to Keep

chapter 2

Aayan's uncle is a big Bollywood star and his aunt is a writer and designer so I expected their house to be extravagant but I was surprised to see how normal their house was, it was nothing like those fake pictures that media has uploaded on internet. I took a deep breath and stepped outside car to prepare for what was coming my way. Aayan and I stepped inside the house together. Tina Aayan's aunt welcomed us in her house and also gave us a little detour of her beautiful space.

"It's nice to meet you finally I have heard so much about you from Aadia, make yourself comfortable I will go and check for your arrangements . Aayan , Aarav is in backward waiting for you ." she gave me a hug and carried on with her chores.

" well I know how much you love beautiful gardens so get ready to be blown away" Aayan whispered in my ear and took my hand and pulled me into garden which felt like heaven.

It was divided into two parts which were connected to each other through a set of stairs. The lower level was flower garden with dining table for outdoor dinners and the upper level had pool and marble seating arrangements . All of this was complemented by open sea view. This property was no doubt straight from my dreams.

" Hii "I was woke up from my dream and saw Aayan's  cousin for the very first time.

He was breath taking hot with blue eyes. I remember when I was 18 I had crush on a guy with blue eyes I was obsessed with him for a long time.

" Hii bro finally you took time out of your busy schedule thanx man." They both hugged as Aayan teased him

" I don't think we have met I am Aarav , Aayan's cousin"

"Hii, I am Ira ." he was staring at me with such an admiration it was different even Aayan had never stared at me like that , that moment seemed a little longer that what it was, like someone had stopped time a scene similar to what we see in Bollywood movies . Aayan coughed intentionally to break our eye contact . He must have noticed Aarav's eye staring thing he immediately put his hand around my waist and said

" she is my girlfriend"

" oh sorry I must have wandered off you know how stressing work is . Anyways nice to meet you Ira." He hugged me and took off . Aayan was staring at him with  anger and maybe what I thought was a hint of jealousy.

As I was processing what was happening between Aayan and Aarav a member from house help came and took us to our rooms . As we were going Aadia stopped us in middle

"I hope you are going to stay in separate rooms?" she asked in a naughty tone

" I don't think that is necessary mom" Aayan said disagreeing with her.

"I know but you know your grandma will not appreciate it , so just for some time please ."

" no problem Aadia I am okay with it I will get some extra space for my clothes you know how much stuff we ladies have anyways." To this she laughed and gave us way to go to our rooms.

My room was sea facing with a little balcony to enjoy the view , the furniture was elegant and almost basic but I barely cared as the view was awesome . I took a quick shower and wore a proper suit to look descent and make a good impression. I took out my makeup staples nothing fancy and covered my dark circles (thanx to New York city life) .I heard a knock on my door knowing it would be Aayan I said

"come in" I was almost finished with my makeup and was just applying some mild scent nothing harsh that's when I heard

"wow" and there he was leaning on the doorframe checking me out with those beautiful blue eyes, yes I am talking about Aarav.

"oh I thought it was Aayan is there something I can help you with."

"you look beautiful!" he complemented shamelessly I was relieved that Aayan was not here he would have killed him.

" thank you but I am guessing this is not what you came to say" I was trying so hard not to look at him while he was drooling all over me.

"My mom is hosting a welcome dinner for you our whole family is invited so you and Aayan are supposed to come with me."

" okay I will be there in a minute"

"you might want to change though" he definitely was messing with me at least that is what I thought .

" I think I am fine and that is what matters I am trying so hard not to be rude with you Aarav but you sure are making it tough for me ."I grabbed my clutch and walked past him but he grabbed me by my hand and pulled me towards him .We were face to face he held my hand like it was the only thing in the world. He kept staring with such an intensity that it was difficult for me to look anywhere else , I cleared my through and suddenly he was aware how close we were and finally he backed off.

"Trust me these diners are fancy things here let me help you find something more suitable for it."

I finally caved in I was already overwhelmed by this family last thing I needed was Aadia and tina taking me shopping .

"okay but hurry we don't have much time"

I opened my suitcase having Indian outfits and laid them out so that he can get all judgemental he wants.

He picked out two outfits one was a yellow Anarkali suit and other one was a  floral saree (my personal favorite).

"Go change this and see which one looks better on you by then I shall find you some jewellery ."

"I didn't know you were so good at this stuff" I kinda teased him

"well I have a younger sister you will meet her on diner if we are able to make it on time now go"

I quickly went into bathroom and curtained the door

"so what do you think about our family?" he was trying to make a small talk for sure

" well one thing is for sure I love your house its like my dream house and second you guys are super rich having a beach facing house in juhu is expensive."

I wore  floral saree  first because I liked it more and when I walked out by the look on his face I was sure he liked it too .

I changed my earrings reapplied my lipstick and was ready to go.

"let's go, Aayan must be waiting for us."

We walked down and went to Aayan's room which was in different wing of the house.

"he's not in there must have gone to the dinner then" Aarav said and I was kind of upset that he did not even ask me to come along .

"come we are getting late let's go" he took my hand and got me out of my upset state.