The Twisted Knots

14.

I stood in front of the door, uncertainty weighing on my mind. It wasn't too late to turn back, and as I glanced over my shoulder, I saw Yash standing down the stairs, his hands in his pockets, silently urging me to knock.

"I need to do this," I muttered to myself, gathering the courage to face whatever awaited on the other side of the door. With a deep breath, I knocked.

As I waited, doubts crept in, but Yash's encouraging gaze kept me grounded. I couldn't shake the feeling that the sadness on Rajveer's face was somehow linked to me.

After what felt like an eternity, the door creaked open, revealing Rajveer. Upon seeing me, a genuine smile lit up his face, transforming him from the distant figure at dinner into someone more alive.

"Hey," he greeted warmly.

"Rajveer, are you okay?" I asked, concern evident in my voice.

He looked at me, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"I just felt there was something bothering you," I confessed, shifting nervously.

Rajveer sighed, "It's not about you. Don't worry."

"I'm sorry," I blurted out, feeling the need to address the tension. "I should have listened to your side of story that night, but I was under the influence of alcohol and anger. I believe you."

A small smile tugged at the corners of Rajveer's lips. "It's alright. I understand. We all have our moments."

Feeling a weight lifting off my shoulders, I suggested, "Maybe we could have our dinner night sometime soon again. No alcohol, no anger—just a chance to understand each other better."

Rajveer nodded, and in that moment, I sensed the beginning of a healing process, a chance to mend what had been strained between us.

Rajveer extended an invitation to his room, and as I stepped inside, I couldn't help but admire its simplicity. It held only what he required, devoid of any unnecessary clutter. The standout feature was the bookshelves, neatly lined with books that hinted at his intellectual side.

"Your room is quite simple, but I love the book collection," I remarked, glancing at the shelves.

Rajveer smiled, "I believe in keeping things uncomplicated. Books are my escape."

As we settled in, he broached a more serious topic. "I heard about the proposal from my father. What's your answer?"

I sighed, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. "I don't know, Rajveer. I'm still confused after what happened with Kabir. But I feel trapped; my father wouldn't listen to what I have to say."

Rajveer leaned back, considering his words carefully. "I'm not saying this because Yash is my brother, but he's a genuinely nice guy. He would keep you happy. Yash had only one girlfriend in high school, and she cheated on him. It broke his heart, and he hasn't been the same since. He never really liked anyone until he met you."

Surprised, I questioned, "What do you mean?"

Rajveer explained, "Yash has liked you for a very long time. He never confessed because you were with Kabir. He told me only yesterday. I didn't know my little brother, who shared everything with me, would keep such a secret."

Not surprised by Rajveer's revelation, I grappled with the fact that Yash had liked me for a significant time but then a sudden recollection swept through my mind – the kiss we shared. My cheeks warmed, and a tingling sensation fluttered in my stomach.

As the memory unfolded, it dawned on me that perhaps Yash's feelings were not as sudden as I thought. The intensity of our kiss echoed a depth that hinted at emotions brewing beneath the surface.

"He should have told me sooner. It would've been better for everyone." Rajveer said as he ran his hand through his hair.

"What do you mean?" I inquired. But no reply. All Rajveer did was stare at me. No expression. Just blank.

Yash entered the room, breaking the tension with a light-hearted comment, "Finally, you guys made peace. I wouldn't want to be in between your fight."

I turned to look at Yash, and a genuine smile graced his face. In that moment, a thought crossed my mind – maybe Yash would be different from Kabir. Perhaps Yash might be the one.

Lost in my contemplation, I didn't realize I was staring until Yash locked eyes with mine, smirking. Embarrassed, I quickly looked away, only to find Rajveer staring at me with a blank expression.

Yash intervened, "Come, Tara. I'll show you around the house." He extended his hand, a gesture of warmth and invitation. I hesitated for a moment before taking his hand, and together we left the room, stepping into the hallway.

I followed Yash to the next room, which turned out to be his own. As he spoke about his room, I found my focus drifting, fixating on his lips. Their softness and plumpness captivated my attention, and a strange desire began to brew within me. I couldn't shake the curiosity of how they would feel against mine.

Yash noticed my distraction and stopped talking. When I looked up, I found him staring back at me, a hunger in his eyes. Without a word, he grabbed me by my hair, and our lips collided in a passionate and almost aggressive kiss. I reciprocated, running my hand through his hair as his hands explored my thighs. In the heat of the moment, I lost my balance, but Yash caught me before I could fall.

I laughed at my own clumsiness, but Yash silenced me by placing a finger on my lips. He then pulled me onto his bed, laying me down, his dark gaze lingering on me. His eyes traced a path from mine to my lips and down my neck. He focused on my lips again, devouring them like a hungry lion. Just as things were escalating, a call from Yash's father from downstairs interrupted the moment.

Yash, reluctantly stopped, cursing under his breath. I sat up, cheeks flushed, and Yash, placing a finger under my chin, made me look at him.

"You are really beautiful, Tara," he whispered, giving me a peck on my lips. He helped me up, and as we headed back to our families, I couldn't help but wonder about Yash's unspoken feelings that had persisted through his silence. Maybe he genuinely liked me.