Destiny

unspoken confessions

The sudden ringing of his phone broke the silence between us, forcing us to pull apart. Though I didn't kiss him back, I didn't push him away either. A part of me wanted to slap him for kissing me, but something strange happened instead - I couldn't bring myself to be angry. In fact, I felt a rush of emotions, none of them negative. Groaning in frustration, he answered the call and walked toward the balcony to talk.

Seizing the moment, I bolted from the room, my heart racing faster than I could comprehend. As I descended the stairs, a smile crept across my face without warning. What the hell was happening to me? The memories of what just occurred upstairs flooded my mind, and a soft blush spread across my cheeks.

"What's going on, Ashi?" Maa's voice brought me back to reality. "Why are you smiling, and why is your face so red?" she asked, clearly noticing my sudden change.

I instinctively touched my face, and sure enough, I was blushing. "Nothing, Maa," I stammered, trying to mask my confusion. "It's just... so hot, I guess." I quickly changed the subject. "What's for dinner tonight?"

Maa smiled and replied, "Panner ki sabzi, kulcha, and your favorite rasgullas."

Before I could respond, I heard his voice calling for me. "Butterfly... Butterfly, are you downstairs?"

I froze in my tracks as he appeared, his eyes scanning for me. When he spotted me, his face softened with relief. "Thank God. I thought you were angry and had run off after... well, you know."

I quickly cut him off. "I'm here because I wanted to ask Maa about dinner," I said, trying to hide my emotions. As he noticed Maa standing there, he addressed her.

"Maa, if you don't need anything from Ashi, I'll take her to our room," he said, his tone gentle, almost possessive.

Maa only smiled knowingly and nodded. Without another word, he led me back to our room. As soon as we were inside, I shook off his hand, not wanting to feel his touch at the moment.

"What happened?" he asked, confused. "Are you angry because of the kiss?"

I turned to face him, my heart in turmoil. "Yes, Reyansh. You stole my first kiss. And not only that, you were about to tell everyone about it!"

He looked genuinely shocked. "First kiss? Wait, didn't you...?"

I quickly interrupted, "No, I didn't. I wanted my first kiss to be special, with someone who actually means something to me." I glanced at him, a flicker of emotion in my eyes. "It was supposed to be a moment, not just... a random kiss."

He stood there, silent for a moment, as if processing my words. "What did you imagine?" he asked softly, stepping closer.

I rolled my eyes. "It doesn't matter," I said, trying to push him away. "But I always wanted it to be in a place that felt... special. Maybe on a ferris wheel, or in the middle of a rainstorm - I know, it sounds silly."

He stepped back, but his eyes held a hint of understanding. Before I could say anything else, I walked out of the room, needing some space to breathe.

Downstairs, the atmosphere was light as the family settled into the garden for evening snacks. But Reyansh was still on my mind. Just as I was about to take a bite, I heard his voice again.

"Butterfly, would you go out with me tonight?" he asked, making everyone around us fall silent.

Viv, sitting beside me, nearly choked on his food. "Did I hear that right?" he muttered, but the awkwardness of the moment made me freeze.

Suddenly, I found Mr. Oberoi standing right in front of me, kneeling on one knee. "Butterfly, will you please go out with me tonight?"

I was taken aback, my heart pounding in my chest. Maa, sensing my hesitation, nudged me gently. "Go with him, bacha. You deserve a break."

I looked at Reyansh, who was waiting for my answer. I knew why he'd asked in front of everyone - he wanted to put me on the spot. And, as expected, I ended up saying yes.

Once inside the house, I pulled him aside. "Why did you do that?" I asked, frustration lacing my voice. "Why make it so public?"

He acted clueless. "Do what?"

I narrowed my eyes. "You know what I mean."

Reyansh sighed, clearly exasperated. "Look, I knew you wouldn't say yes if I didn't ask in front of them. I'm sorry, but I really wanted to take you out tonight."

I rolled my eyes but smiled anyway. "Where are we going?" I asked.

"Nope," he grinned, "you'll find out later."

Before I could ask anything else, he left the room, and moments later, I received a text from him:

Mr. Oberoi:
Be ready at 8. I'll come pick you up. Wear something comfortable. Can't wait to go out with you.

I stared at the message, confusion clouding my thoughts. What was this all about? Still, I couldn't shake the nervous excitement building inside me.

I glanced at the time - it was already 7 PM. I quickly took a shower, choosing a simple yet comfortable outfit - a black tank top, loose blue jeans, and an oversized white shirt. I didn't want to overthink it.

When I finished getting ready, I heard my phone ring. It was him again.

"Hey, Butterfly! Are you ready? I'm outside," he said, his voice cheerful.

"Yeah, I'm ready," I replied, cutting the call and heading downstairs.

As I reached the front door, Viv, who had been teasing me all day, gave me one last grin. "Someone's going out," he teased, but I just shot him a glare, which only made him laugh harder.

Outside, Reyansh was leaning against the car, looking as handsome as ever. The moment our eyes met, I felt a sudden shift in the air between us. He opened the car door for me, and without a word, I climbed inside. As he circled the car to his side, I couldn't help but wonder where we were going. But deep down, I knew he wouldn't tell me anytime soon.

The drive was quiet, with only the hum of the engine and the cool breeze flowing through the windows.

After what felt like forever, the car finally stopped, and I looked around, my heart racing. We had arrived. But where...?

To be continued...

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