It Started With A Mistake

26 The Start of Something Soft

He nodded once, the corner of his lips lifting a little higher. "Good night, Ananya."

"Good night, Senior," she replied, still smiling as she watched him walk away down the quiet corridor.

✦

The next morning was soft and bright, sunlight slipping through the hotel's glass walls The corridors were quieter now, filled with goodbyes and rolling suitcases. Most of the team had already left, some back to Mussoorie, some to their hometowns.

Ananya, Shruti, Karan, and Aman stood near the hotel entrance with their luggage, waiting. Ananya's brother had said a driver would come to pick them up, so they waited near the porch, talking about the finals and laughing softly at moments from the game.

A few minutes later, a sleek black Range Rover pulled into the driveway. The sunlight bounced off its polished surface, its quiet engine purring as it came to a stop in front of them.

The driver's door opened. A man stepped out, tall, dressed in black pants and a white shirt with the sleeves rolled neatly to his elbows. Sunglasses hung loosely from his collar, and the confidence in his stride drew all three of them to a quiet pause.

Ananya looked up from her phone and froze for a moment, surprise flickering across her face. Then a wide smile broke out as she ran forward without a word.

He barely had time to steady himself before she reached him, the sudden hug making him take a small step back. A soft laugh escaped him as he reached out and lightly tapped her nose with his finger.

Behind them, Karan and Aman exchanged confused glances.

Ananya turned around and waved for them to come closer. "Come on!" she called, her voice light with happiness.

As they walked toward her, she looked at the man again and said, "You said a driver would come to pick us up."

He smirked. "A driver did come. I never said it couldn't be me."

Ananya groaned. "Eww, your sense of humor."

He chuckled softly. "Apne doston se nahi milwaogi?"
(Won't you introduce me to your friends?)

Ananya smiled and gestured toward them. "This is my senior."

Karan nodded politely and stepped forward, offering his hand. "Hello, I'm Karan."

He shook Karan's hand firmly. "Nice to meet you."

Then Aman introduced himself. "Aman," he said with a grin.

The man leaned slightly to the left, his gaze landing on the girl half-hiding behind Aman's arm. "Hi, Shruti."

Shruti froze for a second before peeking out from behind Aman's shoulder. She gave a small, shy wave, her cheeks already turning pink. "Hi," she whispered.

He smiled, standing straight again, amused by her flustered reaction. "I didn't even introduce myself," he said lightly. "I'm Ananya's elder brother, Arnav Shekhawat."

He glanced at Ananya, and together, both of them said in perfect sync, "Shekhawats ki mehmaan nawazi ka aanand lijiye."
(Get ready to experience the Shekhawats' hospitality.)

Their laughter filled the porch as the others exchanged amused looks.

After a moment, Arnav helped load their luggage into the car. Karan, Aman, and Shruti slid into the back seat, chatting quietly. Arnav walked to the passenger side, opened the door with an exaggerated gesture, and said, "Chaliye, rajkumari ji."
(After you, princess.)

"Bhai!" Ananya said, glaring but smiling anyway.

He just shrugged, pretending to fix his collar. Rolling her eyes, she got in and quickly looked straight ahead, avoiding the teasing glances from the back seat.

Once everyone was settled, Arnav fastened his seat belt. Ananya tapped the car's voice command system. "Play Maati Baandhe Painjanee."

The soft notes of the Rajasthani song began to fill the SUV, the melody smooth and grounding.

"Maati baandhe painjanee,
Bagdi pehre baadli,
Dedo dedo bawdo,
Ghod matod bawdi."

(The land is wearing anklets,
The sky is wearing bangles,
Clouds of different shapes dance in frenzy,
The round and revolving beautiful Earth.)

The car rolled out of the hotel's driveway onto the wide roads, where sunlight touched every building with a soft golden hue.

Ananya leaned her head slightly against the seat, a small smile resting on her lips as she looked out at the city she loved. Shruti sat quietly in the back, stealing a glance at Arnav from the corner of her eye, her fingers nervously fidgeting with her phone.

Arnav kept his eyes on the road, the sunlight tracing the edge of his jaw, his faint smile matching the rhythm of the song playing in the background.

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Hey loves 💙

I know this chapter is tiny, but hey, it's still something, right? 😅 I wanted to write and update, even though I've been so busy lately, so here it is. Honestly, I can't promise when the next chapter will come because even I don't know yet 😭

If you liked this one, don't forget to vote ⭐ and share your thoughts 💌 in the comments.

Till the next update, stay happy, keep smiling, and take care of yourselves 🌸

– Serein 🦋