DESTINED

30.

"Hi," I greeted back with a smile.

"Shreesha, right?" he asked.

"Yeah, and you must be Arush. I've seen your photos," I said awkwardly, as Ayansh never stopped talking about him. Although we hadn't spoken before, I did know who he was.

"Yeah, please come inside," Arush said, fully opening the door and making way for me.

I smiled and entered, offering a small thanks.

"You look beautiful. How did you like my bhai then?" Arush asked as he walked behind me after closing the door.

I laughed at his comment. "What do you mean, am I ugly?" Ayansh entered the scene, wearing a black t-shirt and grey sweats, spatula in hand

What a husband material!

"Yes," Arush agreed from behind, prompting more laughter.

Ayansh took some faster steps towards him.

Arush ran towards me and snatching the chocolates from my hand.

"Are those for me?" he asked, smoothly changing the topic.

"Yeah," I said, chuckling. I looked back at Ayansh, and if looks could kill, Arush would have been dead by now.

"Did you just ignore me?" Ayansh felt betrayed, but Arush effortlessly ignored him, enjoying his chocolates.

"You—"

"Bhai," he said, cutting him off, and walked towards Ayansh. Placing his hand on Ayansh's shoulder, he looked at him with a serious expression.

I looked at them, confused.

"Gian hai app," Arush suddenly said, making me burst into laughter. Arush laughed too, holding his stomach, while Ayansh looked at him with a mix of betrayal and confusion.

"Huh?"

"G-gian," Ayansh said with an unbearable expression. I regretted not recording it.

"That was good, okay," I said, giving a thumbs up to Arush and wiping away tears from laughing too much.

Ayansh just gave us a blank stare and left for the kitchen.

While Arush and I continued making fun of him, I found Arush to be a fun guy.

It made me wonder how Ayansh and Arush, being so different, could be brothers.

After talking and laughing for a while, Arush went to take a call while I walked to the kitchen.

I entered the kitchen to find Ayansh done with the cooking, taking the dishes to the dining table.

"Do you need any help?" I asked, walking towards him.

"No, it's okay. You go and laugh with him," he said, pretending to ignore me.

"Huh, did you just ignore me?" I pointed at him, squinting my eyes.

"No, baby, I didn't," he said sarcastically, still doing whatever he was doing.

He looked cute when he was angry.

Smiling, I walked behind him and hugged him.

"Now, are you still ignoring me?" I mumbled.

He relaxed in my hold, setting the container aside. He held my hands, turned around, and hugged me fully, nuzzling into my neck.

"What happened?" I asked, soothing his back.

He just shook his head, pulling me closer.

"You should change; you're sweaty," I said softly.

He didn't say anything, exhaling heavily and backing away from the hug, his hands still holding my waist.

Looking at him, I realized he must be tired after yesterday's events and now all this.

I held his face, pulling him closer while he reciprocated.

"Are you tired?" he nodded.

"I'm sorry; I should have helped you," I said, feeling guilty.

"No, it's okay. I'm feeling better now after having you close to me," he said.

I smiled and leaned in for a kiss, which he gladly accepted.

After a good moment, we backed away. I caressed the back of his neck, and he stared at me lovingly.

"Go and change; I'll set the table," I said.

He nodded, pecked my forehead, and walked out of the kitchen.

Smiling, I completed the remaining work, and Arush joined me, insisting on helping.

We were engrossed in our tasks when we heard the doorbell.

"I'll see," Arush excitedly said, walking out of the kitchen while I stayed there.

I heard Ayansh's voice followed by some elderly women. Curious, I walked out to see Ayansh hugging an elderly woman while Arush was talking to a man beside her.

Their faces weren't visible, but the voices felt familiar.

I walked forward when Ayansh noticed me.

"Oh, and yes, let me introduce you to someone special," he said, walking forward and taking my hand.

"This is Shreesha, my girlfriend, and Shree, these are Mr. & Mrs. Tomer, my dad's best friends and also the one who practically raised us," he introduced.

I froze in place, looking at the people in front of me.

Never in my life I thought, I would meet him again—Preetam Tomer, my worst nightmare.

WORD COUNT:1540