By your side

Chapter 6 - The Ride

Wind and raindrops blew in my face. Ishaan was speeding down the road. I felt as if I were in a dream, and the last few hours were bliss. It's not like I never received male attention. I've had enough of it! However, only a few of them piqued my interest. I was only 22 years old, and all I wanted to do was have some fun. I looked around but couldn't find anyone else from our group. It was as if we were alone on the highway, speeding through the dense vegetation in the dark.

"Aren't we moving too quickly?" I asked, whispering into his ear.

"You want me to slow down?" he responded.

I responded, "I'm not talking about the speed. I can't see anyone else. Are we lost?"

He laughed. "Don't worry, I will not kidnap you. I'm well aware of where we're going."

I imagined us lost in the woods, indulging in many naughty things that had never occurred to me before. I took a slow breath because I didn't know who this person was. And yet, I went riding with him. But I couldn't resist the thrill of adventure and the unknown. Plus, his charming smile and confident demeanour put me at ease.

"It's better if you slow down a little. It's scary," I said.

"Hold me tight; you won't be scared," he replied.

I responded, "Are you flirting with me, Mr. Shekhawat?"

"It's difficult not to, but I'm doing my best," he replied.

I couldn't help but blush while laughing aloud to myself. I should have been annoyed, but my reactions were completely erratic. Getting attention from the group's hottest guy was also a kind of ego boost for me. Finally, after navigating a complex network of highways, we arrived at a place that appeared to be a garden restaurant. Ishaan drove the motorcycle to a parking spot while I got off and explored the surroundings.

When he arrived, I confronted him, asking, "Are we supposed to be here?"

"Yeah, that's what everyone planned; you weren't aware of it, were you?" he replied.

I shook my head.

"I was so preoccupied with you I couldn't pay attention to anything else," I thought.

"Where has everyone else gone?" I inquired.

He responded while looking at his phone.

"They must already be on their way, because the first one has arrived."

Gaurav appeared with Priya, who glared daggers at me as I approached. Gaurav just smirked. Ishaan greeted him with a slap on the back, as if he were a long-lost friend. More people arrived soon after.

Shweta approached me when she saw me and said, "Thank God." I thought you two had fled together."

"Shweta, I was merely escorting your friend—I was not eloping; my elopement plans are for someone else," Ishaan laughed as my face turned bright red.

He then gave her a friendly smile. Shweta's only response was to roll her eyes at him.

I took Shweta aside and said, "Why are you acting this way? I'm all right."

Shweta replied, "Yes, I understand what you mean, but when did you become so careless? How did you get here before us?" I gave her a sidelong glance.

"Chill!! I'm all right. Ishaan is nice, and we were the first to arrive because he drives like crazy. " I replied.

"You've only known him for a short time, and now he's nice? Let me tell you something: he's HOT. Brash. Flirty, therefore off-limits."

I sighed exasperatedly and muttered, "It's not what you think... I appreciate your warning, but I don't see him that way. We have a good connection and enjoy each other's company, but I'm not interested in pursuing anything beyond friendship at this point."

After a long and stressful day, those who were eager to eat dinner interrupted us in the middle of our discussion. Soon, we were all devouring the food. Ishaan and I were sitting on the opposite ends of the table. So we didn't talk. I've always considered myself to be a fair and logical person. Just because I enjoyed Ishaan's company, sense of humour, and laid-back attitude didn't mean I should relax my guard. He then drove me home, and I didn't notice Shweta's disapproving look during that time. He dismounted his bike as he reached the front gate of my apartment.

"Thank you very much." I said.

He cracked a smile.

"Thank you so much for making my day absolutely wonderful." He replied.

"But other than sitting perfectly still on the bike, I did nothing interesting," I said, laughing.

"That was the interesting part," he said with a wink.

When I noticed he had a hint of stubble, which any woman would love to be scratched with, I couldn't help but blush.

I took my gaze away from his perfect face. "I should probably leave now because it's getting late," I reasoned.

He stated, "I'll talk to you later. And you know whom to contact if you need any help. Right?"

I laughed.

I was smiling like an idiot as I walked into my house, but when I looked up, Shweta was glaring at me.

Shweta addressed me authoritatively, saying, "We need to talk."

I let out a sigh. "Okay, but I'm exhausted. What do you want to talk about? Nothing is going on between Ishaan and me. We simply had a good time..."

"What does he do?" Shweta asked, folding her arms.

"I didn't ask," I explained.

"Then what the hell were you two talking about for so long?"

"Just general topics, like my work, hobbies, and so on."

"Great!! Adya, you're so naive. Ishaan is the type of person who can break your heart. It's important to be cautious when getting to know someone and not let our guard down too quickly."

"I appreciate your concern, but I assure you he is a gentleman and respects my boundaries. It's unfair to judge him without getting to know him." I retorted.

"I am just looking out for you, Adya."

"It was nothing, Shweta. I finally found someone who can make me laugh and have normal conversations with me without making me feel uncomfortable after what seemed like an eternity. He never touched me inappropriately. I don't understand why you're being so obstinate." I was getting annoyed now.

She sighed. " I am concerned because it wasn't just me. Everyone saw the sparks fly."

I rolled my eyes and sighed. "What in the world is that supposed to mean?"

"It means don't let him hurt you, Adya." Shweta said calmly.