Intertwined

Chapter 26 : His Definition Of Love

The clock on Mahir's bedside table set off sharp at 8. He was slept hugging the pillow, a dreamy smile on his face that slowly morphed into a frown at the shrill sound. Groaning, he opened his eyes now fully awake and slammed the alarm shut.

God, he was having such a beautiful dream! Sneha was stood under the raining sky, getting soaked to the bones and he was admiring her from the shed.

Sigh.

But the dream aside, it was probably after years that he slept so peacefully. That the painful and dreadful thought of Sneha becoming someone else's was not there. A smile appeared on his face remembering the events of last evening. Stretching, he casually glanced at the clock on the wall and his eyes widened at the time.

Kabir's reception was due by 9! That's why he had set an alarm of 8! Shoot! He'll be late if he didn't get up then. Pushing the quilt aside, he jumped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom.

A spring in his steps that was missing for years.

***

The Chauhan Haveli was all set to have the wedding reception of Kabir and Nisha around 9. Every member of the family, the guests, even the children were ready for the grand affair.

Contrary to his usual preference of black, Mahir descended the stairs in a pearl white suit. His demeanor carefree and face, lit with a soft smile. Although, when he spotted Sneha among the guests, he nearly missed a step of the staircase.

Holy moly!

A beautiful black velvet saree was what she was wearing. The pallu falling elegantly from her shoulder and hiding her left arm. Her long silky hair was sleek straight and open. One third were put on front by right shoulder while the rest prettily covered her back. Her plump lips were tinted maroon, a delicious contrast with her black attire, and he was so f*cking tempted to snog her senseless!

Swallowing, he came down in the hall. Mahesh was there with his important guests and on spotting Mahir, called him out to greet them. Mahir politely had the formal talk while his eyes restlessly kept going to Sneha every now and then.

At last he excused himself and started walking towards her, crossing the sea of guests. She was now with his cousins and Shreya said something on which Sneha's head fell back in a hearty laughter. He was now in her range and the sound fell on his ears like a soulful melody.

As her head straightened again, her gaze fell on him and his heart skipped a beat. Her eyes practically lit up at his sight, her smile softening as well. It all felt so surreal, he was unable to believe in the actuality of the happenings.

“Looking handsome Mahir Bhai.” - Disha commented as he came to stand with them. Exactly opposite Sneha.

Sneha's smile turned shy — due to the compliment thrown his way or his unwavering stare at her, he didn't know. But his stomach surely flipped when she looked down and tucked her hair behind her ear. That's when his heart stopped beating altogether.

She was wearing the silver moon earrings.

“Oh Kabir and Nisha are coming!” - Shreya exclaimed and the girls rushed towards the stairs.

Except for Sneha.

He walked towards her to get even closer and stopped a foot away out of respecting her personal space — in front of others. Her eyes that were still down, started from his feet and trailed up his body before settling on his face again. Approval and appreciation was shining in her eyes. Along with love and... desire ?

“So apparently, you sneak into people's rooms in their absence and nick off their possessions ?” - he asked playfully, arching a teasing brow.

Her cheeks took on a red hue but her eye contact with him didn't falter.