An Innocent Crush ✓

67 | Falling harder.

Kiara woke up, her gaze drifting to the ceiling. Sitting up slowly, she stretched before realizing Dhruv wasn't beside her. Frowning, she left the room.

Heading towards the living room, she encountered Vikram coming out of the guest room, dressed in his uniform and holding luggage. "Are you leaving now?" she inquired. Vikram nodded, adjusting his coat. "I have an urgent flight. And please, don't wake up Bhaiya; he was up until 4 AM," he whispered.

"Why?" Kiara questioned, glancing at Dhruv, who was sleeping uncomfortably on the couch. Vikram playfully smiled, "He was completing your assignment. I don't know how you got someone like Bhaiya.”

Vikram picked up the water thermos from the dining table and said, "I'll take my leave now. Goodbye." He then left the apartment. Meanwhile, Kiara gazed at Dhruv, who was peacefully sleeping on the couch. A gentle smile appeared on her face as she approached him, eventually kneeling in front of his sleeping figure.

She took a moment to look at her neatly arranged assignment on the table, releasing a sigh. Turning her gaze back to Dhruv, she softly whispered, "I have only one heart, how many more times will you win it?" while gently caressing his cheek.

Feeling Dhruv snuggle closer to her touch brought a giggle to her lips. "I feel so lucky to have you, si— no… Dhruv. Thank you for everything," she murmured softly. Standing up, she carefully draped the blanket over him.

She took a final look at him before heading to the bathroom to freshen up. After a while, she emerged and went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

As Kiara finished preparing breakfast, the aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air. She couldn't help but steal glances at Dhruv, still peacefully asleep on the couch. The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room.

The scent of coffee wafted through the apartment, Dhruv began to stir. Kiara turned her attention to him, her heart swelling with affection. "Good morning, Prince charming," she greeted, placing a tray with breakfast on the coffee table.

Dhruv, still half-asleep, smiled softly at her, making Kiara chuckle. "You worked so hard last night," she said, gently ruffling his hair. "Thank you..."

Dhruv gently took her hand, "No need to thank me, by the way. Is your fever better now?" he asked, looking up at her with a concerned expression.

Kiara leaned in, placing a tender kiss on Dhruv's forehead. "I'm okay now," she whispered, her eyes reflecting the love and admiration she had for him. Dhruv, now fully awake, smiled in response, his gaze filled with warmth.

Dhruv observed the breakfast on the coffee table – toast and omelet. When he turned his gaze back to Kiara, he asked, "Did you make these for me?" Slowly rising from the couch, Kiara nodded with a warm smile.

Dhruv gently wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. "Thank you, love," he whispered tenderly, leaning in for a kiss. However, Kiara playfully placed her palm on his lips, teasing him, "Brush your teeth first, your breath stinks." She freed herself and settled on the couch.

Undeterred, Dhruv gazed at her before swiftly planting a peck on her lips. "I get what I want," he declared with a grin before heading towards the washroom.

⚕️

"Why? Why can't you come?" Kiara asked, her eyes welling up with tears. Graduation was just weeks away, and her parents had just informed her that they wouldn't be able to attend. Overwhelmed with emotion, Kiara cried into her pillow.

"Kiara, dear... your father has some urgent work, but Reshmi and Vikram are still coming, aren't they? Don't cry," her mother reassured. Kiara closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and reluctantly nodded. "Alright. Bye," she whispered, ending the call.

Sighing, Kiara lay back on her bed. Tomorrow is her last mock test, and Dhruv and the other doctors will be conducting it. Glancing at her book, she closed her eyes, her mood ruined already and she was not in the mood to study anymore.

Kiara sniffled slightly before drifting off into her dreams. Meanwhile, Dhruv rang the doorbell repeatedly, calling out, "Kiara! Love! Open the door!" With no response, worry crept into him. He sighed before retrieving the spare keys for his apartment, thank God he always kept them handy.

Upon entering the apartment, Dhruv noticed the lights were off. Frowning, he began to switch them on. Placing his laptop bag on the couch, he removed his coat before heading towards his room. "Kiara," he called out, concern lacing his voice as he entered the room.

Finding the room empty, Dhruv's worry deepened. He searched around until he noticed a faint light coming from the washroom. As he approached, he heard soft sobs. Opening the door gently, he found Kiara sitting inside the bathtub, her eyes red and was lost in thoughts.

"Hey," he said softly, kneeling beside her. "What happened?" Kiara flinched at the sudden voice and looked up while trying to wipe away her tears.

"No… nothing,”

“Kiara, it's definitely something, tell me… please?”

“It's just... my parents won't be able to make it for graduation," she admitted, her voice shaky.

Dhruv lifted her chin, looking into her eyes.  "Your parents might not physically be there, but their love and pride surround you.”

Dhruv brushed away a strand of hair from her face and gently wiped away a tear from Kiara's cheek, his expression softening. "Besides, you have me cheering for you. I'll make it memorable, I promise."

Kiara managed a small smile, touched by his words. "But I'll miss them."

“We’ll video call them, acha idea hai na?” He playfully booped her nose, earning a giggle from Kiara.

"Take your time to freshen up, love. But make sure you don't stay too long, or you might catch a fever again," he gently advised, rising from the floor. With a reassuring smile, he left the washroom, giving her the space she needed.

As she emerged from the washroom, he gestured for her to join him on the bed. Kiara approached cautiously, her gaze fixed on him. Dhruv tenderly took her hand, his expression serious.

"Kiara, I want you to know that I'm serious about our relationship," he began. Kiara nodded, her response a quiet affirmation. Dhruv sighed before turning to her, his grip on her hand gentle but firm.

"I'm with you because I see a future, a commitment. I'm dating you with the intention of marrying you, no turning back," he admitted, his own heart echoing the gravity of his words. Kiara nodded again, acknowledging the sincerity in his declaration.

He took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on hers. "I've been thinking of sharing our relationship with our parents after your graduation. What do you think?" Dhruv asked, noticing her glance downward.

Kiara nodded once more, her voice barely audible, "Okay, I'm ready." She tightened her hold on his hand, expressing her readiness for the next chapter. Dhruv's face lit up with a genuine smile as he embraced her.

"I love you so much," he whispered against her neck and softly pecked her there. Kiara smiled snuggling closer to his warmth, “I love you more and more and more!!” She said, giggling.

Dhruv playfully pushed Kiara on the bed, eliciting a surprised shriek from her. He quickly cuddled her waist, leaving a sweet kiss on her cheeks before bringing up the topic of her upcoming mock test.

"Tomorrow is your mock test, right? How much did you manage to study?" he inquired, a small smile on his face. Kiara rolled her eyes while playing with the collar of his shirt.

"I didn't study at all," she confessed, pouting slightly. Dhruv, with a furrowed brow, moved closer, gently tucking a stray hair behind her ear. "Why?" he asked.

"I slept..." Kiara replied, her gaze shifting away.

"Hmm, so we gotta study now." He loosened his tie and slowly hovered over her. "Future cardiologist Dr. Kiara Sehgal, get ready with your books. I'll be back in a few minutes," he declared, and planted a lingering kiss on her forehead before heading towards the washroom.

Kiara couldn't help but laugh. "Kiara Sehgal? Sounds weird—"

"Nah, it doesn't. It sounds sexy to me," Dhruv interjected with a wink before getting inside the washroom.