An Innocent Crush ✓

41 | Tea & Snacks.

"Bhaiya yaha rehte hai?"

"Yes, and you won't believe it! Sir is a surgeon at the hospital where I'm interning," Kiara said excitedly as they headed towards the stairs.

"It's been ages since we've met sir, and we're meeting him in this state," Reshmi muttered, glancing at her outfit and then at Vikram.

Vikram simply smiled at her, "Come on, Ms. Chandramukhi, you look better than both of us," he teased, earning an eye roll from Reshmi.

As they approached Dhruv's apartment corridor, Kiara couldn't contain her excitement. "I can't wait to see Dhruv sir's reaction when he sees us!" she exclaimed, practically skipping up the stairs.

Reshmi adjusted her saree nervously, shooting Vikram a quick glance. Vikram chuckled, "Don't give me that look, I'm already scared!" he joked, getting another eye roll from Reshmi.

Upon reaching Dhruv's door, Kiara knocked eagerly. Meanwhile, Dhruv, who was peacefully asleep, stirred at the sound. He opened his eyes, slightly puzzled by the knocking at that hour.

Rubbing his eyes and reaching for his glasses, he muttered to himself, "Who could be here now?" Approaching the door, he peeked through the peephole and saw Kiara standing there in her pajamas. "Kiara?" Dhruv immediately opened the door, concerned. "Kiara, what's wrong?"

"Bhaiya! It's been so long!" Vikram exclaimed, gently nudging Kiara aside to stand in front of Dhruv. Kiara shot him a disapproving look before taking her place beside him.

Dhruv furrowed his brow, noticing a bride standing there with a smile. "Uh... Vikram?" he asked, pointing at Vikram, clearly puzzled.

"Spot on!" Vikram confirmed with a grin.

Dhruv then gestured toward Reshmi. "Reshmi?" he questioned, slightly tilting his head. Reshmi responded with a small smile and a nod.

A smile graced Dhruv's lips, revealing his dimple, which caught Kiara's attention. She couldn't help but gaze at his dimple, finding it endearing. "But Reshmi, why are you dressed in this bridal saree?" he asked, his expression slightly puzzled.

"Uh—" Reshmi began.

"Today was supposed to be her wedding!" Kiara interjected on Reshmi's behalf. Dhruv nodded in understanding, a smile on his face. However, his expression shifted as he turned to Kiara. "Supposed to be her wedding?" he inquired, his tone curious.

"Uh, no, the wedding didn't happen. Vikram spirited her away from the wedding pavilion," Kiara explained casually, shrugging her arms.

Dhruv was taken aback by Kiara's unexpected statement, leaving him momentarily speechless. He exchanged a glance with Vikram, who gave him an awkward smile. "I'm sorry, could you repeat that?" Dhruv inquired, struggling to comprehend what Kiara had just said.

"Could we come in first? My legs are really hurting," Kiara requested as she approached him.

Dhruv stood there, bewildered by the whole situation. He blinked a couple of times, trying to process what Kiara had just dropped on him. "Wait, wait, wait... Let me get this straight first. You were supposed to be getting married today?" He glanced at Reshmi, who looked like she was ready for a wedding magazine cover.

Reshmi smiled sheepishly. "Well, yes."

"I assure you, it's a long story!" Vikram exclaimed.

Dhruv chuckled sarcastically, shaking his head in disbelief. "I should have expected nothing less when you guys are involved. Come in, come in!" He gestured them inside, still trying to wrap his head around the unexpected turn of events.

⚕️

"You know, you could have reached out to the police for help," Dhruv suggested, shaking his head as he listened to their story.

Meanwhile, Kiara directed an intense glare at them. "I can't believe neither of you told me you both were dating! Seriously!" Her frustration was evident, but Dhruv couldn't help but find her pouty expression endearing. She looked rather cute even when she was angry.

Reshmi exchanged a glance with Vikram, both sharing a sense of remorse. "We're truly sorry," they both expressed. Dhruv sighed softly, nodding in understanding. "It's alright," he reassured them in a gentle tone. His attention then returned to Kiara, who maintained her glare directed at the couple.

"Uh... would you like some tea?" Dhruv offered, hoping to create a more relaxed atmosphere. Vikram eagerly nodded in agreement. "And perhaps something to eat too. I'm quite hungry!" he added with a smile directed at Dhruv.

Despite her lingering frustration, Kiara let out a sigh, she was upset with them but they were still her friends. "I'll manage, sir. Just point me to the kitchen," she said, rising from the couch.

Dhruv stood up as well, offering his assistance. "I'll help you," he offered, and Kiara nodded. They both made their way towards the kitchen, leaving the couple seated in the living room.

In the kitchen, Kiara couldn't contain her frustration. "I can't believe they kept this from me. Don't they see me as their friend?" She began to vent, expressing her disappointment. Dhruv listened attentively, understanding her feelings, and couldn't help but smile softly.

"Where's the tea powder?" Kiara asked, turning to Dhruv. As she turned, he was already behind her. Kiara's face accidentally bumped against his chest. "Ouch!" she exclaimed, wincing in pain. Dhruv quickly reached out, gently holding her cheek with one hand and soothing her forehead with the other, comforting her after the accidental collision.

"Are you alright? Did it hurt?" Dhruv asked, gently blowing over her forehead. Kiara swallowed nervously, trying to lighten the mood. "I mean, is your chest made of iron? My poor forehead," she joked, attempting to ease the awkwardness of the situation for herself.

Dhruv released his hold on her and walked over to the fridge. Retrieving an ice cube, he returned to Kiara. Carefully, he placed the ice cube against her forehead. "This should help," he whispered softly. Kiara remained silent for a moment, feeling the soothing chill of the ice against her skin.

She turned her gaze up slowly towards Dhruv, finding him already looking at her. "I'm fine now, thanks," she murmured softly, breaking eye contact and heading towards the counter to pick up the jar of sugar.

"Stop blushing," she internally chided herself, feeling flustered. "Please God tell him to stop being so caring. I might end up kissing him!”

"Uh... that's not sugar, that's salt," Dhruv chuckled as he noticed her mistake, then retrieved the correct jar of sugar and handed it to her. Kiara nodded in acknowledgment, accepting it from him, their hands brushing against each other in the process.

Dhruv swiftly turned away, a blush spreading from his neck to his face. He bit his lower lip nervously before focusing on preparing the snacks.