It Started With A Mistake

26 The Start of Something Soft

The celebration had stretched long into the evening, laughter spilling through the hotel corridors. By the time things quieted down, the glow of victory still lingered in everyone's smiles.

A little later, a soft knock echoed in Karan and Aman's room.

Aman opened the door to find Ananya and Shruti standing there, both looking far too cheerful for the hour.

"We've been cheering for you since the very first match." Shruti announced, stepping in before either of them could respond. 

Ananya crossed her arms, trying to look serious but failing to hide her smile. "Exactly. And now, we deserve something in return."

Aman glanced at Karan, both of them exchanging a knowing look. "Something in return?" Aman repeated. "If you're asking for a treat, we were already planning to give you both that."

Shruti shook her head dramatically. "Nope. Not a treat this time."

Ananya's smile turned mischievous. "Something else."

Karan leaned against the wall, arms folded, a teasing curve playing at his lips. "Something else, huh? That sounds suspicious."

"Yes," Ananya said, nodding. "Remember Papa invited you both for my cousin's engagement? You're coming."

Karan blinked. "Tomorrow? Ananya, we're leaving for Mussoorie in the morning."

"Exactly," Aman added. "What will we even do there? You'll be with family."

Ananya's lips curved down in the smallest pout. Her brows knitted together, her voice almost sulky. "Fine. Don't come."

She turned to Shruti, sighing. "See? I told you they won't."

Shruti tried to hold back a smile. "At least hear them out."

"No, it's okay," Ananya said softly, looking at the floor. "Let's go."

Aman groaned. "Oh my God, Ananya, don't make that face. You make us feel guilty every time."

Shruti crossed her arms. "Then come with us. Simple."

Karan ran a hand through his hair, exchanging a helpless look with Aman. "We'll think about it."

"You always say that," Ananya murmured, walking toward the door. "Good night."

Later that night, the hotel grew quiet. The celebration had ended, and only the soft hum of air conditioning filled the hallways. After dinner, Shruti went out with Aman for a walk while Ananya stayed back, still talking on her phone as she made her way to their room.

Her call ended just as she reached the door. She slid her keycard from her pocket and was about to press it when someone caught her wrist.

She froze. "What the—"

Karan stood there, looking calm but unreadable.

"Senior?" she asked softly.

He let go of her hand. "You really want us to come to your home?" he asked, voice quiet but certain.

Ananya blinked, caught off guard. "Of course I do. You think I would joke about that?"

He looked at her for a moment, searching her face. "You seemed upset earlier."

"I'm not upset," she said quickly, turning toward the door.

He cleared his throat. "We'll go with you."

Ananya turned back slowly. "You will what?"

He smiled faintly. "I said we'll come with you, Ananya."

For a moment, she just stared, trying to believe it. Then a soft smile spread across her face. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.