38
RUDRAKSH
"Dude, what are they even doing?" Aaryan grunts with a frown on his face.
"They're trying, buddy!" Siddhant glares at Aaryan, pointing to the television.
"Are they? It doesn’t look like it!" Aaryan glares right back.
"India will win." I say with finality, hoping to shut them both up so I can actually watch the match in peace. Thankfully, they go quiet.
"That's a no-ball." Shivani says.
My head snaps toward her—she's already looking at me. "Isn't it?" She asks, tilting her head, her focus going back to the television.
I glance back at the screen, scanning the field and the players. She’s right. "Yeah," I reply. "It's a no-ball."
"Wow, bhabhi, you're good. I didn’t know you watched cricket too!" Aaryan comments, plopping on the sofa beside her.
A blush rises on her neck, and I hate it. Because I’m not the reason for it.
"I don’t. I’m still learning about it," she admits quietly, her eyes betraying her actual emotions; she is shy.
"Learning?" My voice echoes as my curiosity is piqued. "Learning?" I repeat, this time with disbelief.
She looks at me, her blush deepening. "Yeah," she whispers. "I'm trying to understand it better."
There’s something in her eyes that makes me pause. Something tells me this isn’t just about cricket. I can feel irritation bubbling inside me—not at her, but at the blush, the attention, the mystery of it. I lean a little closer, lowering my voice so only she can hear.
"And why the sudden interest in cricket, darling?" I ask, and she stiffens slightly, her eyes darting toward the others in the room before returning to me.
"I just want to understand what all the fuss is about," she says, a little defensively, as she fidgets with the end of her dupatta she is carrying.
I narrow my eyes and exhale. I wonder why she even tries. "You’re lying," I call out, catching her lie with ease. "What did we talk about?"
She meets my gaze this time and says, “You like watching it.”
I frown. "So?"
"So I wanted to learn it so we could watch it together," she whispers, eyes cast down. And just like that, my irritation melts away. She wanted to learn cricket… for me?
I lean back, still watching her. Something tight loosens in my chest. "You wanted to watch cricket… with me?" I ask, my voice rough as I feel something; it's more than just adoration, it's respect.
She nods slowly, finally meeting my eyes. There’s a quiet vulnerability in them that hits me hard. "Yes," she says softly. "I thought it would be nice to have something we both enjoy."
A lump forms in my throat. This woman… She keeps surprising me. "You never cease to amaze me," I murmur, the words spilling out without filter.
Her eyes widen, a soft gasp escaping her lips. She looks away, cheeks flushing deeper.
I reach out, gently tugging her chin so she looks at me again. "You're incredible, you know that?" I whisper, my thumb brushing along her jaw.
And then I kiss her.
"Oh my god, get a room, please!" Aaryan yells, startling us out of nowhere.
Shoot , I forgot we were still with them.
Shivani pushes me away immediately, flustered. I shoot Aaryan a deadly glare, but the idiot just smirks, proud of himself.
I glance at Shivani—she’s red in the face, clearly embarrassed.
I want to pull her close again, kiss away the blush, and make her forget anyone else exists.
But I don’t. Not here. Not now. She doesn't really like public displays of affection; I have gathered that much.
I lean back, trying to calm the swirl of feelings inside me.
We go back to watching the last over of the innings. Once it ends, everyone gets up and follows us into the kitchen.
"Wow, after all that sloppy fielding, the target is still just 189. That's actually doable," Aaryan remarks, munching on popcorn Shivani just made.
I narrow my eyes at him and swat his hand. "Don’t."
"Bhabhi," he whines, smirking.
"Let him eat!" Shivani chastises, narrowing her eyes at me. I roll mine in response and huff aloud.
"Dude, you have a death wish or what?" Siddhant nudges Aaryan.
"I’m going to the storeroom. I forgot to bring more snacks," Shivani informs us and whispers the last as she begins moving away.
"I’ll come with you." I call out not wanting to leave her alone.
She shakes her head and pushes me back. "No need. You guys talk. I’ll be back soon," she says with a smile.
As soon as she’s gone, Siddhant leans in, his eyebrows dancing with mischief. "Dude. You’re in love."
I pull a face and stare at him like he’s grown another head. "You’re delusional."
"And I think you’re in denial," Aaryan adds.
"No one asked you, dumbass," I snap, already done with their nonsense.
But they just laugh in response. Great. I huff aloud with irritation, but then it melts as I hear Shivani’s footsteps. My head snaps in her direction, and my expression softens instantly. Damn, she’s beautiful. I can never get over her.
"Bro, he really is smitten. Look at him," Aaryan whisper-yells. I glare at him, and he raises his hands in defense. Siddhant muffles his laugh as they both share a look.
"Shut up," I warn them.
They mime throwing away a key and pretending to lock their lips, and I just shake my head. How are these guys even my friends?
Shivani walks in, amused. I smile, trying to hide whatever conversation just happened. I am not ready for it; it feels overwhelming. I nudge the two clowns beside me, and they fake a smile too.
She laughs. "You’re all cute."
"Shivani, what have I told you about that? I’m not cute," I reply as she keeps the soft drink cans on the table.
"Oh, but you are, Raksh," Aaryan squeals, pulling my cheek, and I instantly swat away his hand.
"I will beat you up," I growl, grabbing his collar.
"You won’t. Bhabhi would save me, wouldn’t you, Bhabhi?" He pouts at her.
"Let him go, Rudra," she says softly. I don’t want to—but I let him go anyway, though I keep glaring. But this stubborn piece of meat just smirks in response.
The audacity!
"Meet me outside," I mutter to him.
Shivani watches our exchange, her eyes gleaming with amusement.
"What are you thinking about, darling?" I ask her as I shove them away from my view.
Her gaze meets mine, her smile growing. "Oh, just wondering what you’re going to do to him outside," she teases with her wide smile.
I chuckle, rolling my eyes. "Don’t worry. Nothing serious. He just needs to remember who is the boss," I say, shooting Aaryan a look.
Siddhant shakes his head. "One day, you guys will grow up," he says, smirking, as if he is the wise one. Well, he is, but I am not admitting it. It will only boost his ego.
"I wish I had friends like you," Shivani says suddenly, looking between Siddhant and Aaryan.
Aaryan gasps dramatically, clutching his chest. "How could you say that, bhabhi?"
Siddhant and I shake our heads in disappointment at his dramatic performance. I wonder when he will grow up.
"We’ve changed sides now. Didn’t you hear? We’re your friends. Raksh is just the bonus," Aaryan says with a theatrical flair.
I shake my head, pretending to be annoyed—but honestly? I enjoy the banter.
Shivani giggles. "Oh, right, how could I forget? You two are my real friends, and he’s just… the bonus," she says, pointing at me.
I put a hand over my heart, pretending to be wounded. "I’m just a bonus? That hurts," I say with a mock pout.
"No, you’re not." Her voice is soft, but her eyes—god, her eyes—they shine as she looks at me. Her words hit me like a wave; I forget the rest of the room exists. It’s just her. Just me. I reach for her hand, bring it to my lips, and press a gentle kiss to her knuckles.
Aaryan clears his throat loudly. "Hey! No lovey-dovey stuff in front of us single people!"
I turn to glare at him. "Shut up," I growl, but there’s no bite in it.
Siddhant claps him on the back. "Don’t ruin the moment, man."
Aaryan throws his hands up. "I’m just saying, we single people are feeling a little left out here!" He pouts again as he exclaims and huffs aloud.
"Get over yourself," I mutter. "If you feel left out, go find a woman yourself."
Siddhant laughs. "Yeah, stop whining and start trying."
Aaryan looks scandalized. "Trying? Please. Women fall at my feet."
A snort escapes from my mouth on his words, "Yeah, only in your dreams."
Shivani laughs at our nonsense, her whole face glowing. Her cheeks are pink, her smile wide, and she looks like sunshine in the middle of this chaos.
I can't stop watching her. That laugh? That smile? Yeah. This is all I ever needed.
"So humble of you," I say, swatting Aaryan’s arm, and we laugh again.