lover [ 𝐬. 𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐥 ] ✓

8

Reethu's POV

I pulled Shubman along to the men's section, scanning through a variety of shirts before selecting a few options. "What about these?" I asked, holding them up for his inspection.

He perused them with interest. "These are wonderful," he declared, his smile confirming his approval. "By the way, what are you going to wear at the party? Because you made me pick a dress," I queried, my lips pursing in thought.

"Should I pick a suit?" he pondered, seeking my input. "Only if you're comfortable in it," I reassured him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"I guess I should pick a blue suit then," he decided, returning my smile. "Come on," I encouraged, leading him towards the suit section. After browsing through several options, we finally found one that seemed perfect. "Go try it on," I instructed, handing him the suit before he disappeared into the fitting room.

As I waited for him, my phone rang. Engaged in conversation, I was startled when Shubman emerged from the fitting room. "Reethu," he called out, prompting me to turn towards him. "Hey, I'll call you back," I quickly informed the person on the other end of the line before ending the call.

"Damn you look gorgeous," I exclaimed, genuinely impressed by his appearance.

"Thanks, I'll quickly change and come out," he responded before retreating back into the fitting room. "I should have taken a photo," I muttered to myself, regretting the missed opportunity.

A few minutes later, he emerged, and we proceeded to the checkout counter to pay for our purchases. After completing the transaction, we exchanged our bags, and I couldn't help but notice his surprised expression.

"You did not just buy the deodorant I have been meaning to buy," he remarked, catching me off guard.

I simply smiled in response, feeling pleased with my unintentional gesture.

Once again, my phone rang, interrupting the moment. "Who might it be again?" I mused before answering the call.

"Yeah, Mom. Wait, what? Okay, I'm on my way back," I informed her before hanging up.

"You alright?" Shubman inquired, concern evident in his voice.

"Yeah, Mom just called saying they're back home. She wants us both to join them for dinner," I explained.

"Didn't you say they wouldn't be back for another 2 weeks?" he questioned.

"I did, but it seems plans have changed," I replied with a shrug. "I'm sorry if it kinda ruined our plan," I apologized, feeling guilty for the unexpected turn of events.

"You don't have to worry, it's alright. Come on, let's get going then," he reassured me, pulling me into a comforting hug. I reciprocated the embrace, feeling grateful for his understanding.

With a smile, I took his outstretched hand, and together we made our way back to his car. The ride home was filled with a comfortable silence, the radio softly playing in the background.

"Hey, you okay?" Shubman's voice broke the silence, his hand finding mine as he drove.

"Yeah, it's just... I wanted to show you something, but I guess I could wait until tomorrow," I replied, feeling a mixture of disappointment and hope.

"We could see what you wanted to show after dinner. I'm pretty sure your parents will allow it," he suggested, squeezing my hand reassuringly.

"You're too nice," I remarked, feeling touched by his kindness.

"Yeah, people say," he chuckled, his smile lighting up his face.

As we continued our journey home, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Shubman's understanding and support.