The Right Wrong Number✨

♡ Chapter - 28 ♡

(I'll drive. You sit in the backseat.)

I didn't argue. Just slipped on the yellow helmet and got on.

As Shaanti rumbled to life, Mira started talking-and didn't stop.

She told me about her weird new neighbor who air-dries socks like they're wind chimes, and how her favorite sandals died chasing a pani puri stall. She animated everything with so much drama, I swear I could see the entire movie in my head.

I kept smiling. Couldn't stop, even behind the helmet.

When I caught her reflection in the mirror, her eyes sparkled.

She was happy.

Maybe because I was.

Maybe because I'd finally let myself feel again.

By the time we reached the store-bright, busy, and humming with life-we were breathless from laughter.

Inside, we stacked the cart with ice cream tubs, cones, and Mumma's grocery list. At the billing counter, the cashier didn't even look up when he asked, "Naam boliye?"

(Your name?)

Before I could speak, Mira bounced forward. "Arjun Rathee," she said, beaming like she just won a medal.

The cashier looked up.

And then did a double take.

"Arjun Rathee?! Arre sir, main toh aapka itna bada fan hoon! Can i please get a selfie?"

(Hey sir, I am such a big fan of yours!)

Mira clapped. "Selfie time! Bhaiya selfie acchi nahi aati, let me click!"

(Bhaiya selfies don't turn out that good, I'll click one for you!)

Before I could say anything, she was arranging the frame, clicking the photo, and smiling like she ran my PR team.

The cashier gushed about his son and video-called him right there. The kid had been asleep, but at the mention of my name, he shot up like a rocket.

"Hi Devyansh!" I waved. "Main jald dikhunga phir se TV pe. You keep watching, okay buddy?"

(I will be back on TV soon. You keep watching, ok buddy?)

Beside me, Mira quietly recorded the whole thing.

Outside, I was still smiling.

"Main chalaun Shaanti?" I asked.

(can I drive Shaanti?)

She handed me the keys without a word.

The keychain-a big brown teddy bear-smiled at me, swinging like it knew something I didn't.

Halfway through the ride, we hit a bump. Mira instinctively leaned forward, her hand gripping my shoulder.

"Sorry sorry sorry!" I said quickly.

But she didn't reply. Just smiled and wrapped her arms tighter around my waist.

I couldn't breathe.

Butterflies exploded in my chest-loud, fluttery, unapologetic.

I didn't say a word. Just kept driving, letting the moment settle over me like dew.

Back home, we handed out mini ice creams to the kids outside. They started playing just after rain stopped and were still playing. Their laughter was contagious, and Mira snapped pictures while I posed with sticky-fingered little fans.

When we finally stepped inside, the house was oddly quiet.

Too quiet.

She wasn't in the living room or the kitchen.

A sharp pinch of panic jabbed at my heart, and I rushed to her room, Mira right behind.

There she was.

Sleeping soundly.

Her tiny snores were the most comforting sound in the world.

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"She's sleeping," I whispered, glancing at Mira.

She nodded, eyes soft.

We tiptoed to the kitchen and served ourselves massive scoops of ice cream. We told ourselves we'd eat again with Mumma-but this bowl, this time, this moment... it was ours.

The living room was glowing in the warm gold of the sun. An old romantic song played from the TV-Oh Mere Dil Ke Chain.

Magic. Pure, slow-dancing magic.

We sat down, bowls in hand.

Mira, being Mira, had ice cream on her nose. And a little more at the corner of her lips. She sang along, completely butchering the lyrics with full confidence.

Her eyes closed in mid-verse, lips curled into a smile, face glowing with some kind of pure, golden joy. The ice cream, the laughter, the light-it all clung to her like the softest filter.

I looked at her. Really looked.

I couldn't help it.

I reached out and wiped the ice cream from her nose with my thumb.

She stilled.

Our eyes met.

I didn't stop there. Gently, I wiped the melted bit from the corner of her lips.

Her breath caught.

Mine did too.

We didn't move.

Instead, our faces moved closer-inch by inch, breath by breath.

My eyes darted to her lips. Hers to mine.

Then-

It happened.

A kiss. Not urgent. Not hurried.

Soft. Certain. Timeless.

Not in a rush. Not in chaos.

Soft. Sure. Certain.

Her lips were cool from the ice cream and warm with something far deeper. I cupped her face, grounding myself in her. She leaned in, her hands sliding to my shoulders pulling me a little closer.

The kiss deepened, not in pace, but in feeling.

We kissed like it meant something.

Because it did. A promise.

When we finally pulled apart, she was glowing. Cheeks flushed, eyes dazed, lips curled into the sweetest smile. I didn't realise I was brushing my thumb over her lips.

"Mira..." I whispered.

She looked up. Straight in the eyes.

"I don't want to lose this. Ever."

She didn't say anything.

Just reached for my hand.

Fingers laced.

Two hearts, finally-finally-on the same page.

And in the background, Kishore Kumar crooned softly-

"Oh mere dil ke chain... chain aaye mere dil ko dua kijiye..."

(Oh peace of my heart... pray for my heart to find peace...)

The air felt full.

My heart fuller.

And forever?

It had only just begun.

˚˖𓍢🌷✧˚.🎀⋆

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