An Innocent Crush ✓

44 | Everyone knows!

Kiara couldn't help but steal glances at Dhruv, their silence after the recent awkward incident hanging heavy between them. When she dared to look at him once more, she found his gaze already fixed on her.

Her cheeks ablaze, Kiara hurriedly looked away from Dhruv. They were at the mall for Vikram and Reshmi's shopping needs. Dhruv didn't need anything, but he ended up tagging along, wanting to be close to his Kiara.

A soft smile curved his lips as he observed her blushing, and he gently moved closer. Their shoulders lightly grazed, causing her to nervously bite her lower lip before stealing a glance at him. She caught sight of his playful smile, which in turn prompted a smile from her as well.

Shanvi, walking behind them, shot a pointed glance at Dhruv, a mischievous smile formed on her lips. She hurriedly moved towards Kiara and gently took her hand, "Come on, let's go to the ladies' section quickly!" She urged her best friend along.

Kiara glanced back at Dhruv, who had lost his smile, and let out a small giggle before joining Reshmi and Shanvi on their way to the ladies' section. The two guys stood waiting for them to finish their shopping.

"Bhaiya, waiting for them in a store is like watching paint dry,” Vikram said, stretching his arms. "How about we head over to the game station?”

"No," Dhruv replied firmly. He was really eager to spend time with Kiara, and the last thing he wanted was to leave her side for some stupid games. There was no chance he'd go anywhere else!

Vikram pulled out his phone, pretending to be engrossed in some app, while Dhruv just leaned against the nearby wall, still staring at the way his Kiara went.

Meanwhile, inside the store, Shanvi and Kiara were helping Reshmi pick out outfits, Shanvi knew very well that her friend's mind was elsewhere. "You know," Shanvi teased, "If you keep looking at Dhruv like that, you'll have him completely mesmerized!”

Kiara blushed deeper, playfully swatting Shanvi's arm. "Shush! I can't help it."

Shanvi, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, leaned in closer to Kiara amidst the racks of clothes. "You two are like a real-life rom-com, you know that, right?"

Kiara giggled softly, trying to contain her smile. "Shanvi, it's not like that!"

With a knowing smirk, Shanvi teased, "Oh, come on! The way he blushes around you!"

Kiara rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips. "You're exaggerating."

Leaning in even closer, Shanvi whispered conspiratorially, "But admit it, he's got you feeling like you're dancing in a field of daisies!"

Blushing furiously, Kiara nudged her friend. "Stop it! You're making it sound like some cheesy movie."

Shanvi grinned mischievously. "Well, if it's a movie, you're the star and Dhruv's your swoon-worthy leading man!"

Kiara laughed, unable to hide her smile. "Okay, okay, fine! But can we please focus on helping Reshmi find something nice?"

Shanvi winked. "Sure, but don't forget to steal a few more glances at Mr. Dreamy over there!!”

As Shanvi teased Kiara about Dhruv, Kiara's cheeks flushed even deeper, her heart beating a little faster. "Shanvi, you're just imagining things," she insisted, although her eyes might have betrayed her feelings.

Shanvi grinned knowingly. "Oh, come on, Kiara! It's written all over his face. The way he gazes at you... it's like you're the only one in the room."

Kiara bit her lip, a shy smile escaping. "But what if I'm just seeing what I want to see?"

Shanvi nudged her gently. "Trust me, I know a thing or two about these matters. You both have this unspoken language, a way of communicating without words."

Kiara glanced back at Dhruv, who was leaning against the wall, his eyes following her every move. She felt a flutter in her chest, a mixture of nervousness and excitement. "Do you really think so?"

Shanvi nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! And you, my dear friend, have this glow whenever he's around."

As Kiara looked back at Dhruv once more, catching his eye, she felt a surge of warmth spreading through her. Maybe there was more to their interactions than she realized. The thought made her heart skip a beat.

Shanvi squeezed Kiara's hand. "Trust your heart, Kiara. Sometimes the best stories begin with stolen glances and shy smiles."

Kiara smiled, feeling a surge of courage. "Okay, I'll try."

They both chuckled, returning to help Reshmi with the outfits, though Kiara couldn't help but sneak a few more looks in Dhruv's direction whenever she thought no one was watching.

Upon exiting the shop, Dhruv swiftly approached them, reaching out for the bags in Kiara's hands. She looked at him, a gentle blush coloring her cheeks, and softly protested, "That's fine, I can carry these."

With a warm smile, Dhruv responded, "I know you're capable, but let me lend a hand." Taking the bags from her, a fleeting touch of his hand against hers caused a subtle flutter in both their hearts, quickening their pulses.

They exchanged a glance, locked in a shared moment. Vikram and Reshmi, a bit puzzled, observed the interaction. Shanvi intervened, clearing her throat subtly to lighten the overly romantic atmosphere.

Dhruv, feeling a bit flustered, averted his gaze and coughed softly before walking on ahead without pausing for them, his cheeks flushed with a noticeable blush.

Vikram and Reshmi shared a look and soon a knowing smile formed on their faces.