The dinner ended.
The teasing stopped.
But the feeling?
That followed them home.
The Drive Back
The car hummed softly as it moved through the quiet streets.
Aditi sat in the back seat beside her parents, hands folded, posture calm—heart anything but. City lights slipped past the window, but her mind replayed only one moment.
Arjun’s fingers brushing hers.
The way he hadn’t pulled away.
In the other car, Arjun drove with one hand on the steering wheel, jaw tight, thoughts scattered.
Her laughter.
Her shyness.
That saree.
This is getting dangerous, he admitted.
And he liked it.
10:47 PM
Aditi had just set her phone down when it buzzed.
Arjun:
So… did you survive the interrogation?
Her lips curved into a smile.
Aditi:
Barely. My brother thinks he’s a detective now.
Arjun:
Same here. Apparently I was “too comfortable.”
Aditi:
You were.
Arjun:
Can you blame me?
She paused.
Aditi:
Yes.
Arjun:
Liar.
Her cheeks warmed.
When Casual Became Personal
The conversation flowed easily now—no hesitation, no second-guessing.
Arjun:
You were quiet tonight.
Aditi:
I was observing.
Arjun:
Me?
Aditi:
Among other things.
His smirk returned, unseen but felt.
Arjun:
That saree should come with a warning.
Aditi:
Arjun—
Arjun:
I’m serious. Highly distracting. Especially with that waist chain.
Her breath caught.
Aditi:
You noticed.
Arjun:
I notice what matters.
Silence followed.
Not awkward.
Heavy.
The Shift
Aditi:
Does this feel fast to you?
His reply came instantly.
Arjun:
No. It feels… natural.
Her fingers trembled slightly.
Aditi:
I’m not very good at this.
Arjun:
Good. Then we’ll be bad at it together.
She smiled, heart full.
Aditi:
Goodnight, Arjun.
Three dots blinked.
Arjun:
Goodnight, Aditi.
Sleep well.
I’ll probably think about you.
She did too.
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