-8-
Jayasvi was deeply engrossed in yet another dark romance book, tucked away in the cozy corner of the library.
The narrative was intense, the male protagonist alluring in his brooding manner.
She found herself completely immersed in the world the author had crafted, her mind wandering into the tantalizing escapades of the characters.
Outside, the sun blazed fiercely, but inside the library, the cool air-conditioning created a cocoon of comfort that Jayasvi was reluctant to leave.
Just as the story reached a particularly steamy scene, her phone rang, startling her and making her feel as though she had been caught doing something illicit.
She glanced around the library, half expecting disapproving glares, but most students were absorbed in their own work.
She pulled out her phone, a slight scowl forming on her face when she saw the caller ID.
Raghav Sir
She sighed, a mix of curiosity and annoyance bubbling up.
It was 9:39 a.m., and she hadn't expected a call from him.
Her class had been canceled, and she had planned to spend the morning lost in her book before heading home.
Reluctantly, she answered, aware of the heads turning in her direction due to the unexpected noise.
She usually kept her phone on vibrate, but somehow, it always seemed to ring at the most inconvenient times when she was at college.
She made a mental note to fix this habit.
"Yes, sir. Good morning," she greeted softly, trying to keep her voice low.
"Jayasvi, stop calling me 'sir'," he said, a hint of impatience in his voice. She winced slightly; she had no idea what else to call him. He was older, and addressing him by his first name felt awkward and disrespectful.
"Never mind," he continued. "I wanted to ask if you are free today. Dhara wants to meet you."
Jayasvi sighed inwardly. Why did she have to meet his sister?
She hadn't even agreed to the marriage proposal yet.
This whole situation felt like a slow-motion dive into a life she hadn't signed up for.
The thought of ending up as Raghav's wife, waking up in his bed with their kids, flashed through her mind.
She cursed herself for letting her imagination run wild.
Why did her thoughts always seem to link Raghav and his bed?
"I'm free today. We can meet up," she replied, eager to get this over with.
She glanced down at her outfit, feeling a twinge of insecurity.
She was wearing a white floral Anarkali suit that felt too snug around her chest, emphasizing her ample bosom.
The dress hugged her curves a bit too tightly for her liking, making her feel chubby.
She sighed, knowing her outfit was comfortable yet felt slightly self-conscious about it.
Her mother had braided her hair today, creating a neat front braid hairstyle for her long tresses.
She wore matching juttis, completing her traditional look.
"Fine. I'll pick you up in half an hour.
Don't worry, I've already spoken to your family," Raghav said, his voice polite yet authoritative, as if everything had already been settled.
Typical Raghav, always a gentleman but with an air of finality that made her feel like her opinions were mere formalities.
Jayasvi ended the call, feeling a mix of frustration and anticipation. She quickly gathered her things and headed to the washroom to check her appearance. She wasn't looking forward to this meeting, but she knew she had to face it head-on.
As Jayasvi stepped out of the library, the bright sunlight sharply contrasted with the cool, dim interior she had just left.
She quickly draped her dupatta over her head, pulling it down to shield her face from the harsh sun.
Walking towards the exit, her eyes stayed glued to her phone, anxiously awaiting Raghav's message that he had arrived.
Lost in her thoughts, she nearly bumped into Pooja and her friends who were blocking her path.
"Where do you think you're going?" Pooja demanded, scrutinizing Jayasvi from head to toe.
"What kind of stupid question is that, Pooja?
Look, she's covering her face. Must be off to meet another customer," Ritu, Pooja's friend, sneered.
It took Jayasvi a few moments to register the meaning behind Ritu's words, and when she did, she felt a flush of anger and embarrassment.
She had never done anything to harm them, yet they seemed determined to make her life miserable.
Ignoring them, she tried to walk past, almost reaching the college gate when Pooja grabbed her wrist with a vice-like grip, making her wince.
"What are you doing, Pooja? I'm not in the mood for a fight. I don't want to talk to you guys. Why can't you understand that?" Jayasvi pleaded, trying to free herself. Even though she was taller, Pooja's strength, honed from her days as an athlete, was undeniable.
"How dare you ignore me?" Pooja growled, twisting Jayasvi's arm behind her back, causing her to scream in pain.
"Oh, leave her, Pooja. Maybe her new client likes her in traditional wear," Ritu mocked, relishing Jayasvi's discomfort. By now, Jayasvi's phone had started ringing. Pooja snatched it from her before she could react.
"Pooja, please don't say anything stupid," Jayasvi begged, fearing for her reputation.
Tears formed in her eyes from the pain and the humiliation.
She felt utterly powerless as Pooja tightened her grip, her dupatta slipping to the ground, adding to her shame.
Just as Pooja was about to answer the call, the phone was snatched from her hand.
Jayasvi looked up to see Raghav standing there, his expression a mask of cold fury. Pooja's grip slackened, and Jayasvi quickly pulled away, rubbing her aching wrists. She wiped her tears and hastily picked up her fallen dupatta, her face burning with shame.
"Is this why your parents send you to college, to bully others?" Raghav's voice was ice-cold, and Pooja and her friends visibly recoiled from his steely glare.
"Sir, we were just playing around. You can ask Jayasvi," Pooja stammered, looking desperately at Jayasvi, but she was too distraught to respond. All she wanted was to cry and escape from this nightmare.
"Sir, she's our friend. We were just trying to stop her from doing something wrong.
Pooja saw her with a man yesterday. We don't know where she's learning these things.
Her parents would be ashamed of her," Anamika, another girl in the group, added, her words hitting Jayasvi like a slap.
How could they speak about her character like this, especially in front of someone she barely knew?
"If I see you around my fiancée again, let alone causing her distress, you'll pay for it," Raghav's words were like a death sentence, making Jayasvi gasp. She hadn't expected things to escalate like this.
"Fiancée?" Pooja gasped, her eyes wide with shock and betrayal. Did she really think Jayasvi would share such personal details with her? Jayasvi thought bitterly.
"Come," Raghav said, indicating his car.
Jayasvi's heart sank when she saw his sister, Dhara, sitting in the passenger seat, giving her a sympathetic look.
She felt a fresh wave of tears and embarrassment.
He opened the back door for her, and she slipped inside, feeling small and defeated.
As the car started, she glanced back at Pooja and her friends, their faces etched with hatred and disbelief.
Jayasvi wiped away her tears, determined not to let them see how deeply they had hurt her.
The ride was silent, the weight of the confrontation hanging heavily in the air.
Jayasvi kept her gaze down, her mind racing with conflicting emotions.
She was grateful for Raghav's intervention, yet mortified that he had witnessed her humiliation.
She felt like she was caught in a whirlwind, unable to control the direction of her life.
"Bhabhi, are you okay?" Dhara's voice broke through her thoughts. Jayasvi looked up to see her turning in her seat, concern evident in her eyes.
"Yes, I'm fine," Jayasvi lied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Those girls were awful. You don't deserve to be treated like that," Dhara said gently. "Papa told me a bit about you. I'm so sorry you had to go through that."
Jayasvi nodded, not trusting herself to speak. She was touched by Dhara's kindness, but the events of the morning had left her feeling raw and vulnerable. They arrived at a quaint café, a stark contrast to the turmoil in her heart.
Inside the cozy café, they settled at a secluded corner table, the ambiance offering a stark contrast to the turbulence Jayasvi felt inside.
Raghav ordered for all of them, his protective demeanor unwavering, providing her with a sense of security she hadn't anticipated.
Dhara reached across the table and gently took Jayasvi's hand, her touch warm and comforting.
"Bhabhi, I know we've just met, but I want you to know that you're not alone. You have us now, and we'll support you in any way we can," Dhara said softly, her eyes brimming with sincerity.
Jayasvi looked up, meeting Dhara's kind gaze. The term "Bhabhi" sent a shiver down her spine, making her acutely aware of the deep connection that tied her to Raghav. It was a word that carried weight, responsibility, and a bond she wasn't ready to acknowledge just yet.
"Please don't call me Bhabhi. I'm younger than you," Jayasvi said politely, her voice tinged with a mixture of embarrassment and hesitation.
"But bhaiya is older than me, so our relationship is bigger than age, right?" Dhara replied with a playful smile, glancing at Raghav, who was calmly sipping his black coffee. His calm presence seemed to ground the moment, providing an unspoken reassurance that everything would be alright.
"I'm sorry you all had to witness that," Jayasvi said, feeling the need to apologize to both siblings for the unpleasant scene earlier.
"You don't have to be sorry. I'm just surprised at bhaiya's calmness.
I thought he'd lash out at them," Dhara said with a chuckle, mimicking a fighting gesture that made Jayasvi smile despite herself.
Her light-heartedness and genuine concern created a comforting atmosphere, easing the tension that had settled in Jayasvi's heart.
As they chatted, Jayasvi looked at her coffee and made a face.
She had never been a fan of outside coffee, and the sight of the price made her inner self squirm.
She had forgotten to pay for the burger the last time, and now this.
She mentally noted to transfer the money to Raghav online, feeling a bit guilty about the oversight.
"What would you like to eat?" Raghav asked her gently, interrupting her thoughts as he perused the menu.
"I had breakfast earlier, and this coffee is already so heavy for me," Jayasvi replied, glancing at the rich, creamy beverage in front of her.
Despite her reservations, she couldn't deny that it was delicious.
The cream and sugar made it a little too indulgent for her taste, but it was a small comfort in the midst of a tiring day.
"Alright, if you change your mind, just let me know," Raghav said, giving her a reassuring smile before turning his attention back to the menu. The casual, easy way he included her in the conversation made her feel a little more at ease.
The warmth of the café, the gentle hum of conversations around them, and the comforting presence of Dhara and Raghav slowly began to melt away Jayasvi's earlier anxiety.
She found herself relaxing, her body unclenching from the tension that had gripped her since the confrontation.
She took a deep breath, savoring the moment of peace.
"You know, Bhabhi, I always used to wonder what kind of girl my brother would marry. But after meeting you, I'm so happy. You both look perfect together," Dhara gushed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as she glanced between Jayasvi and Raghav.
Jayasvi felt her cheeks heat up at the compliment. She risked a glance at Raghav, who was intently focused on his phone, a rare sight that made her frown. He usually gave her his full attention when they were together, making her wonder what was so important today.
"I have some office work to catch up on.
You both enjoy yourselves," Raghav said abruptly, rising from his seat before Jayasvi could respond.
He gave her a brief, unreadable look before turning away.
Jayasvi's gaze followed him, confusion and a hint of disappointment flickering in her eyes. Why was he behaving so differently?
Dhara's eyes tracked her brother's departure with a touch of sadness before she turned back to Jayasvi with a bright smile, as if nothing had happened. "He must have gotten bored with our girl talk," she said, smoothly shifting the conversation. "Men always act like they can't handle our gossip!"
Jayasvi forced a smile, though her mind was still on Raghav's abrupt departure. She felt a twinge of insecurity, wondering if she had done something to annoy him. Pushing the thoughts aside, she focused on Dhara, who was chatting away with an infectious energy.
"So, Jayasvi, tell me more about yourself! What do you like to do in your free time?" Dhara asked, leaning forward with genuine curiosity.
Jayasvi took a moment to collect herself. "Well, I love reading. Mostly romance novels, though I've been trying to get into other genres too. I also enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes."
Dhara's eyes lit up. "Really? I love cooking too! Maybe we can cook together sometime. I'm always looking for new recipes to try."
Jayasvi smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "That sounds like fun. I'd love to learn some new dishes."
As the conversation flowed, Jayasvi found herself growing more comfortable. Dhara's warmth and friendliness were hard to resist. They talked about their favorite books, movies, and recipes, and Jayasvi began to relax, her earlier worries fading into the background.
"By the way, have you thought about any hobbies you'd like to pick up or places you'd like to visit?" Dhara asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
Jayasvi thought for a moment. "I've always wanted to travel more, see different places, and experience new cultures. And maybe learn a new language. It's something I've been thinking about for a while."
Dhara nodded enthusiastically. "That sounds amazing! We should plan a trip together sometime. I'm sure Bhaiya would love that too."
Jayasvi's heart fluttered at the thought of traveling with Raghav and Dhara. It was a comforting image, one that filled her with a sense of hope and possibility.
Just then, her food arrived, and Dhara's eyes widened at the sight of the delicious spread. "Wow, this looks amazing! Please have some," she said, her enthusiasm infectious. Jayasvi politely denied already feeling full and still having half of her coffee left.
As she ate, Dhara continued to share stories about her and Raghav's childhood, painting a vivid picture of their close-knit family. Jayasvi listened intently, feeling a sense of belonging she hadn't felt in a long time.
After a while, Dhara's phone buzzed with a message, and she quickly glanced at it, her expression shifting slightly. "Oh, it's Bhaiya. He's asking if we're done. I think he's worried about us," she said with a fond smile.
Jayasvi's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Raghav. "Is everything okay?" she asked, trying to mask her concern.
"Everything's fine. He just wants to make sure we're enjoying ourselves," Dhara replied, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "He's always been a bit protective, especially of the people he cares about."
Jayasvi's heart warmed at the thought of Raghav's concern. Despite his sudden departure, it was clear that he cared deeply for his family, she realized.
As they finished their meal and drinks and got ready to leave, Dhara linked arms with Jayasvi, her cheerful demeanor lifting Jayasvi's spirits. "I'm so glad we had this time together, Bhabhi. I really enjoyed getting to know you better."
Jayasvi smiled, genuinely touched by Dhara's kindness. "I enjoyed it too, Dhara didi. Thank you for making me feel so welcome."
As they walked out of the café, Raghav was waiting by the car, his expression softening when he saw them. "Did you both have a good time?" he asked, opening the car door for Jayasvi.
"We had a wonderful time," Dhara replied before Jayasvi could speak. "I think bhabhi and I are going to be great friends."
Jayasvi felt a surge of gratitude towards Dhara and a renewed sense of connection to Raghav. As they drove back, she couldn't help but feel that, despite the day's challenges, she was exactly where she was meant to be, surrounded by people who genuinely cared for her.