Legacy Unveiled: The Hidden Heir

Chapter 20: *blushes*

***Arnav's POV***:

I observed Pragyan as he handed his pasta bowl to Kiran, his weary countenance and, perhaps, his broken-hearted demeanor as he glanced at her. Every time Kiran had been around him this month, it seemed to be the only occasion when Pragyan genuinely smiled. It wasn't a forced grin like the ones Shivansh and I tried to coax out of him during our "boys hangout" sessions. I can vividly recall the expression on Pragyan's face when he read the letter from our esteemed mentor, who had overseen our foundational training. Pragyan was typically stoic, rarely revealing emotions. Yet, the only person who seemed to effortlessly break through his barriers was Kiran.

Pragyan spoke in a tone I had only heard him use when Kiran had stormed off, angry and wounded. His voice cracked as he reluctantly acknowledged the wisdom in our mentor's counsel, urging him to return to Sintara - his father's realm, or more accurately, the domain of Shivansh and my uncle.

I could sense Pragyan teetering on the edge of breaking down right in front of Kiran, but we couldn't afford that risk. When the time was ripe, Kiran would come to realize that she wasn't just the regular soccer-loving, sarcastic genius we all knew her as. She was... a story unto herself.

Pragyan gazed at Kiran with a mixture of affection and apprehension as she savored his pasta. She leaned back, contented, and Pragyan couldn't help but chuckle. Yet, despite his facade, Kiran somehow caught a glimpse of the turmoil within him. She chose to remain silent, understanding that some things were best left unspoken.

As we settled the bill and stepped out onto the beach for a stroll, hoping the soothing rhythm of the waves and the moonlit sky would bring solace, Pragyan and Kiran fell into an easy conversation, reminiscent of Kiran the child and Pragyan the silent admirer.

I found myself carrying Madhu, while Shivansh took on the task of carrying Geeta. Pragyan chuckled when Kiran jokingly offered to carry him, and then, in a moment of bravery, Kiran addressed the proverbial elephant in the room, giving it the kind attention it desperately needed.

"Okay, hold up, what's the deal with you guys?" Kiran's voice cut through the air, her gaze piercing straight into Pragyan, who, to my dismay, was visibly growing paler by the second.

"What do you mean?" Pragyan attempted to deflect, but Kiran narrowed her eyes, her demeanor shifting from curious to downright intimidating. "I'm not stupid, you know," she retorted sharply.

Pragyan tried to attribute it to the food, brushing off her concern, but Kiran stepped closer, her expression unwavering. "Yeah, no. You look like you're about to cry," she stated firmly.

Glancing at me and Shivansh, Pragyan seemed to silently plead for assistance, and in response, both Shivansh and I shot him a warning look that silently conveyed, "Don't you dare cry right now." However, Pragyan abandoned the pretense moments later, turning his gaze away as tears welled up in his eyes.

Softening, Kiran reached out and gently lifted Pragyan's chin. "Yeah, right. It's true for girls to cry over food, but you just proved it for boys as well," she said with a hint of warmth.

Pragyan's breath hitched as if he was on the brink of a meltdown. Sensing the need for privacy, I exchanged a glance with Shivansh, and we silently agreed to give them some space. Leading the girls ahead, we allowed Pragyan and Kiran to have their moment.

We strolled along the shore, the sound of waves crashing against the rocks filling the air with a soothing rhythm. Madhu, my beloved little mischief-maker, suddenly broke the silence with a mischievous grin. "Isn't it ironic how this situation, supposedly depressing, ends up injected with a bit of fun?" she remarked playfully.

"I want to go check on them. I have a very weird feeling about this," she added, her expression turning thoughtful. I shook my head, gently refusing her suggestion. "No, Madhu. Sometimes we need to give them space, even if they're our friends," I explained.

To my surprise, Shivansh chimed in, his voice tinged with a sense of urgency. "Actually, I feel the same way. Don't you sense... something happening?" he questioned, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of activity. Geeta interjected, sensing the tension in the air. "Don't tell me you don't feel it, Arnav," she teased.

With a resigned sigh, I conceded. Just because I was the eldest didn't mean I held superior power; if anything, it was quite the opposite. Reluctantly, I led the way back with them, curiosity gnawing at my senses.

As we approached the cove, I witnessed a sight that rendered me speechless and then grinning uncontrollably. There, before us, Kiran and Pragyan were locked in a passionate embrace - a sight I had secretly yearned to witness for the past five years. Seeing it unfold in real life made it all the more perfect.

The sound of our shuffling broke the moment, and Kiran and Pragyan quickly pulled apart, their expressions sheepish as they stood up. Glancing at Shivansh for a silent exchange, we shared a knowing grin. It was time to add some fun to the mix.

Shivansh merely grinned back at me, while the girls struggled to contain their excitement, their cheeks flushed from holding back squeals of delight. Pragyan and Kiran exchanged a knowing glance, realizing they had been caught in the act.

***

***Kiran's POV***:

So, like, I just had my first kiss, and my brain's totally frozen as Pragyan's lips, like, gently touch mine. I mean, we were all cuddled up and stuff, which kinda made me stiffen up, but then it hit me - my crush of ten freaking years is kissing me! It's like, whoa, mind blown!

And, okay, I know I've always been like, "Romance? Meh." But let me tell you, Pragyan is like the exception to the rule. I'm head over heels for this guy.

Anyway, back to the moment. Pragyan totally picks up on my awkwardness and backs off. And I'm like, no way, not happening! My heart screams at me to grab his collar and go for it. So, I do. And holy smokes, it's like we're melting into each other, with the sound of the waves and the moonlight making everything feel so darn magical. *Sigh*

And then, to my not-so-subtle dismay, the bliss of our intimate moment was rudely shattered by the telltale sound of approaching footsteps, accompanied by mischievous giggles and sly chuckles. *Groans inwardly* Reluctantly, we part, our clandestine embrace abruptly interrupted by the arrival of our meddling friends. Arnav, Shivansh, Madhu, and Geeta stand before us, their smirks practically shouting, "Caught you!"

With a raised eyebrow and a smirk playing on his lips, Arnav decides to break the charged silence. "So... Pragyan, spill the beans. How was it?" he quips, his tone dripping with playful curiosity. Pragyan sighs, his embarrassment evident as he shoots a pleading look at me, silently begging for some reprieve from the impending interrogation.

Shivansh slings an arm over Arnav's shoulder, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Come on, Pragyan, don't leave us hanging. You wanted some alone time, and we graciously obliged. But it seems you've managed to turn it into a steamy make-out session instead. So, dish it out, buddy. How did it feel?" he adds, his tone laced with playful mockery.

Madhu jumps in with her signature sass, her voice filled with mock indignation. "And you, Kiran darling, leaving us for a mere few minutes and snatching a passionate kiss from Pragyan? Talk about seizing the moment!" she teases, her laughter ringing out like music to her ears.

Geeta, never one to miss an opportunity to stir the pot, adds fuel to the fire with her spicy commentary. "Ah, it seems romance blooms in the darkest corners, away from prying eyes. Who knew, right, Madhu?" she quips, her words dripping with sarcasm and playful insinuation.

Their laughter fills the air, and I feel the heat rising in my cheeks as their teasing banter intensifies. Sensing my discomfort, Pragyan pulls me closer, his arm wrapped protectively around my waist. "Alright, alright, ease up on her, guys," he interjects, a hint of relief evident in his voice as he shoots them a warning glare.

Their laughter mellows into amused grins, and I can't help but feel a rush of gratitude for Pragyan's unwavering support amidst the playful teasing. As we stand there, enveloped in the warmth of our friends' camaraderie, I realize that even amidst the teasing and banter, there's a sense of belonging that I wouldn't trade for anything.