The distance between us (Impossible Love #1)✔️

chapter 19

AAKASH

Today was the Mehendi function, and the house buzzed with excitement. Every woman, including Ananya, was busy having intricate henna patterns applied to her hands. She looked radiant, her smile bright as she sat beside Georgia, enjoying the festive atmosphere.

I couldn't help but be impressed by how Ananya had handled yesterday evening's situation. The thought of what could have happened if Prateek's mother had found out about his relationship with Georgia still sent chills down my spine. But Ananya had stepped in at just the right moment, diffusing the tension with such intelligence and grace. Prateek was incredibly fortunate to have such a supportive sister.

Back in high school, Ananya was the quintessential nerd-smart, focused, and a little too serious for my taste. I never thought I'd be drawn to a girl like that. But now, everything had changed. She had blossomed into a beautiful and confident woman, and I found myself inexplicably attracted to her. Unlike other women, she never tried to flirt or seek my attention, but it was precisely this unassuming nature that pulled me toward her. It was a feeling I hadn't experienced before, except once, with someone I could never truly have-Maya.

Thinking about Maya brought back bittersweet memories. She had always been the unattainable one, the forbidden fruit I could only dream of. I had loved her, but she had always belonged to my best friend. Loving someone who was never mine to love had been a painful lesson.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair as I sat on my bed. My eyes landed on a blue box on the dresser, and a small smile tugged at my lips. Inside was the white A-line off-shoulder dress I had picked out for Ananya. I could already picture her in it, looking like an angel. We had all decided to get her a congratulatory gift for her promotion, and Prateek had helped us pick out the perfect ones. I hoped she would like mine.

After checking my emails and replying to a few urgent ones, I headed downstairs for lunch. As I entered the living room, I saw Ananya, Prateek, and Georgia standing together. Ananya was instructing Prateek to feed Georgia first, promising she'd eat later.

I don't know what came over me, but I found myself volunteering to feed Ananya. She tried to refuse, but I didn't give her the option, gently dragging her toward the kitchen.

I filled a plate with food and led her to her room, where we sat down together. The room was filled with the warm, floral scent that seemed to surround Ananya. Her lavender fragrance was soothing, calming my nerves in a way I couldn't quite explain. I began feeding her, taking my time, savoring the intimacy of the moment.

"Open your mouth, Ananya," I said softly. She complied, and I carefully fed her. At one point, a bit of curry smeared on the corner of her lip. She tried to clean it, but with her hands covered in mehendi, she couldn't. Without thinking, I wiped it away with my thumb and, almost instinctively, licked the gravy from my thumb. Her eyes widened in surprise, and I could tell she was taken aback. I simply smiled at her and continued feeding her, pretending as if nothing had happened.

Once she had eaten, I quickly finished my own lunch and excused myself. I felt strangely exhausted, and the day's events had left me more confused than ever. Retreating to my room, I decided a nap was in order, hoping that some rest might help clear my head-or at least give me a break from these overwhelming thoughts of Ananya.

I woke up at 3 o'clock, feeling a mix of anticipation and excitement. Today was the day we'd give Ananya the gifts we'd carefully chosen, and I couldn't wait to see her reaction-especially when she opened mine. The next hour was spent packing the gifts, making sure everything was perfect. We decided to hide them under the bed for now, knowing we'd surprise her later.

Just as we were finishing up, the door flew open, and there she was-Ananya, bursting in with her usual energy. We all scrambled to stand in front of her, blocking the view of the hidden gifts. Thank God we were tall enough to shield her from seeing anything suspicious. She eyed us for a moment, suspicion flickering in her gaze, but then she brushed it off and spoke with excitement, "Bhai, today is the litfest, and we need to go!" She added her signature puppy face, and as expected, Prateek caved immediately, telling us all to get ready within the hour.