Out Of The Blue

Chapter 54

Shlok's POV
  
I could feel her eyes on me and when I turned to see, I was delighted to see the way she was looking at me.

Was she checking me out??

I think so as she has a look of appreciation on her face and she was looking at me in the similar way other girls have been given me.

The physical labor seemed to enhance my appeal in her eyes, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence. Her cheeks flushed when I caught her staring, a reaction that both amused and pleased me.

"What's got you so fascinated?" I inquired, lifting my head to meet her gaze.

"Oh, nothing, just thinking you could use a shave," she replied, attempting to deflect.

"But I bet I still look good like this, judging by that smile," I teased, enjoying the way she squirmed under my gaze.

Her attempt to change the subject didn't escape my notice, and I pressed on, curious about her relationship with Mihir.

"I've never seen your precious Mihir with stubble. Does he not like it, or do you not allow it?" I probed, unable to resist needling her.

"That's none of your business. I am not asking about your preferences," she shot back, a hint of defiance in her tone.

"Fair enough, let's drop it for now. I'm not in the mood for a fight," I conceded, not wanting to ruin the moment with unnecessary tension.

As we divided the load, I couldn't help but notice her struggling with hers. Her determination to prove herself only fueled my amusement, and I resisted the urge to offer assistance, reveling in her stubbornness.

With the gear secured, we set off, and I quickened my pace, eager to reach our destination. Her exhaustion was evident, but I had little patience for weakness, urging her to keep up.

" Perfect, that's the place," I said and stopped abruptly and she bumped into me as if she was walking like a zombie. I turned to look at her and she moved back immediately apologizing to me.

" Are you alright? How is your neck now? " I asked but she was too tired to even speak. She just said she was fine and I told her to stay there while I went to look around if the place was safe or not. The beauty of our surroundings wasn't lost on me, but I had other priorities. I went to look around and made sure the place was safe. I found a beautiful and better place nearby, I was sure she would love it too.

But when I came back and found that she had slipped into wonderland.

"Get up," I commanded, eager to set up a place to rest. She looked at me as If I was a ghost.

I knew that she was too tired and picked up both the bags and went through the trees without a single word because I knew she would follow me.

The sounds of water were getting louder and we walked a few more steps and then she froze.

I saw that she was pleasantly surprised to see the place. A clear stream was flowing there, falling into a deep circular pool, before rolling down the hillside.

The place was like heaven...

" Oh, my God!! This place is beautiful..."

" You like it?? " I asked the stupid question though  I could see how much she liked it. But that expression on her beautiful face made me keep ogling at her.

She was sweet... Not as bad or pampered as I thought of her. She didn't complain about my pace, the load she was carrying, or how much distance we covered, she just followed me, Though I missed her real self I wanted her to behave while we were in the jungle. I wanted to pull her in my arms, kiss her again, and tell her that everything would be fine as she looked tired earlier.