𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕮𝖗𝖎𝖒𝖘𝖔𝖓 𝕮𝖗𝖔𝖜𝖓.

40. 𝕮𝖔𝖓𝖋𝖊𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘.

With a mischievous glint in my eye, I lingered at the courtyard's entrance, watching him patiently waiting. "Don't you want to come inside, Arjun?" I teased, feigning nonchalance.

He chuckled softly, playing along with my teasing, " I am just waiting for my invitation, Raanisa."

" Fine, if you're set on crashing my party, would you care to accompany me?" I grinned mischievously, extending my arm for him to take.

Ranaji's smile widened, a hint of mock reluctance in his expression. "If I must," he quipped, taking my hand and stepping into the courtyard with me.

You've truly never been here?" I turned to him, a hint of surprise in my voice, and he shook his head, confirming it was his first time.

" You weren't curious at all?" I raised a playful eyebrow, and he responded with a slight shake of his head, accompanied by a small shrug.

"How is that even possible?" I couldn't help but exclaim, my disbelief evident.

"Whenever I'm told not to do something, I immediately start plotting how to do exactly that without getting caught!" I said, exasperated.

"Don't I know it?" He teased, chuckling softly, and I couldn't help but mini-pout in response. Partly because of his teasing remark, but mostly because, in truth, he was right. He did know it all too well. He had witnessed it all firsthand, probably with popcorn in hand, taking it all in from the front row.

" Is there any provision to kick you out once I have invited you in?" I asked, throwing a glare his way and all he did was just laugh.

"Unfortunately not, Little Flower." he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. I couldn't help but make a silly face at him, trying to hide my amusement behind the façade of annoyance.

" Fine at least I finally get to sit on that beautiful swing!" I looked at the brighter side and was just about to dash towards it when Arjun gently pulled me back, our hands still entwined.

" You still haven't recovered completely Siya. No running." He said, a firmness in his tone laced with concern and finality while I sighed at his overprotectiveness.

I nodded reluctantly, acknowledging his words. "Okay, fine," I conceded with a soft smile, though a hint of playful rebellion lingered in my eyes.

Arjun chuckled softly at my expression, "I promise you'll have all the time you want running around when you are completely fine."

" I am going to hold onto that promise." I retorted and he nodded while we stood in front of the swing.

" I can't wait anymore!" I shrieked and was just about the sit when, once again, Arjun pulled me back towards him.

" Now what!?" I asked, sighing again and he let out a laugh, a free one this time but he soon turned a bit serious.

"I need to tell you something before you sit there. Something I should have told you a while back," he replied, his tone serious and decisive. His words brought an abrupt halt to my movements, and I turned to face him, a sudden gravity in the air.

The shift in his demeanor caught my attention, and a sense of anticipation tinged the moment. Something significant seemed about to unfold, leaving me curious and slightly apprehensive about what he was going to reveal.

" Is something wrong Arjun?" I asked, getting a tad bit nervous.

"Nothing is wrong, Siya. I just need to—" He paused mid-sentence, his actions suddenly shifting as he knelt down on one knee. In that moment, it dawned on me, a sudden realisation of what was happening and before I could say a word, he took my hand in his and placed a gentle kiss on my knuckles.