Saina stood in the kitchen, her hands busy fiddling with her saree pallu as she watched Garima arranging the tea and snacks on the tray.
Curiosity got the better of her as she peeked outside, her eyes scanning the living room. An elderly couple had just greeted her parents warmly. Standing a little behind them was another figure, his face obscured from her view.
Her gaze lingered on him, drawn to the way his sky-blue shirt, rolled up to his elbows, complemented his tall, commanding frame. Paired with black trousers, he exuded an effortless charm.
"Inki height toh bahut lambi hai," she muttered under her breath, clutching her saree pallu nervously.
Just as she tried to steal another glance, he turned slightly, his eyes wandering over the room before accidentally meeting hers.
Her breath hitched, and she quickly ducked behind the kitchen wall, her heart racing.
"Hey Bhagwan ji... dekh liya kya unhone?" she whispered, biting her lip in embarrassment.
Garima, catching her flustered expression, chuckled softly. "Kya hua?"
Saina shook her head, her voice barely audible. "Shayad dekh liya unhone mujhe... ki main kaise unhe ghoor rahi thi."
"Toh kya hua?" Garima teased with a smirk. "Thodi der baad toh dekhna hi padega. Ab pehle hi thoda intro ho gaya."
Saina pouted, throwing a weak glare at her friend.
Moments later, her mother entered the kitchen, her face glowing with warmth and encouragement.
"Chal bacha, woh log tujhe dekhna chahte hain," she said gently.
Saina's eyes filled with hesitation as she clung to her mother's arm. "Maa, mujhe bahut darr lag raha hai... kahin woh log meri mazaak na udayen sabke saamne," she confessed, her voice trembling.
Her mother cupped her cheek tenderly, wiping away the worry etched across her daughter's face. "Kuch mazaak nahi udayenge, bacha. Woh log bahut ache hain."
But Saina lowered her gaze, her fingers twisting nervously. "Har baar aap yahi kehte ho, Maa... par aakhir mein woh log meri mazaak udate hain aur chale jaate hain."
Her voice cracked, the weight of past rejections evident in her words.
Her mother's heart ached, but she smiled, determined to reassure her daughter. "Iss baar aisa kuch nahi hoga bacha.. bharosa rak hum log k upar"
Saina inhaled deeply, steeling herself, though her heart still pounded in anticipation.
Sameer POV:-
Mom and Dad were deep in conversation with an elderly couple. Judging by their expressions, they were probably the parents of that girl.
My mood was already sour after last night's incident, so I chose to remain silent, leaning against the wall and letting my gaze drift to the intricate designs carved into the interiors.
As my eyes wandered, they were suddenly drawn to something-or rather, someone. A pair of curious eyes peeked out from the corner, observing me intently.
When she realized I had caught her, her eyes widened-huge, like a startled doe frozen in place. For a moment, they seemed on the verge of popping out, betraying her shock.
Before I could react,she quickly hid herself behind the wall.
"Beta, baitho na. Khade kyun ho? Aap log bhi baithiye na," Aunty urged us with a warm smile, her hands gesturing toward the sofa.
"Ji, Aunty," I responded politely, managing a small smile in return.
Mom leaned forward slightly, her curiosity piqued. "Waise, aapki beti kahan hain? Hum bhi toh dekhein Zara... bulaiye na use."
For some inexplicable reason, my heart started pounding louder in my chest.
What the hell is happening to me?
Aunty chuckled as she headed to the kitchen. "Haan haan, woh bas aa rahi hai chai-nashta lekar."
Mom didn't miss the opportunity to tease me, nudging me sharply in the stomach with her elbow. "Ab toh muh thik kar, gadha jaise dikh raha hai!"
I frowned, rubbing my side. "Kya hai, Maa? Aapke saath naa, aau toh bhi dikkat, na aau toh bhi dikkat!"
My annoyed muttering came to an abrupt halt as my eyes trailed to the other side of the room.
There she was, walking toward us, balancing a tray of cups and samosas in her hands.
She wore a red saree, simple yet elegant, with a subtle shimmer that caught the light as she moved. Her hair was tied back neatly with a clutcher, a few stray strands falling softly against her cheeks.
No excess makeup-just a touch of kohl around her eyes and maybe a hint of lip balm, but nothing more.
Her head was bowed, her eyes glued to the floor as though afraid to meet anyone's gaze. She fidgeted with the edge of her pallu, wrapping it nervously around her shoulder as her hands trembled slightly.
Then something else caught my attention-she was wearing high-pointed heels with her saree. While everyone else in the house was barefoot, there she was, tottering on those impossibly high heels like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Heels inside the house? Seriously?
I couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
Ajeeb larki hai!!
Saina's POV:-
I could feel his eyes on me-watchful, piercing, like they could see right through me. Each second under his gaze made my hands tremble even more.
I tried focusing on serving the tea, but the weight of his presence was impossible to ignore. And then I heard it-a soft chuckle from his side. My heart sank.
I didn't need to look to confirm it. I already knew. It wasn't new for me.
Swallowing my nerves, I handed the first cup to Uncle, then to Aunty. They smiled warmly, their kindness easing some of my unease.
Trying to compose myself, I bent down to touch their feet. Maybe the gesture would help shift attention away from my shaking hands.
"Areh, nahi nahi, beta! Pair mat chuho," Aunty said quickly, stopping me mid-motion.
Before I could straighten up, she pulled me into a warm hug, the kind that melted away a little of my tension. "Bahut pyaari lag rahi ho iss saree mein," she said softly, cupping my cheeks like a loving mother.
Her words surprised me. For the first time in my life, someone gave me a compliment that felt genuine. Not out of formality, not because they had to say something-just pure and heartfelt.
My cheeks heated instantly, and I couldn't help the shy smile that tugged at my lips. I looked down, feeling a little more flustered but oddly comforted.
Then it was his turn.
I shifted the tray in my hands and took a small, hesitant step toward him. My heart was thundering so loudly I was sure everyone could hear it. For a moment, I debated whether I could just put the cup on the table and leave, but my feet kept moving.
When I finally stood in front of him, I took a deep breath and raised my eyes for the first time.
Dark, intense, and unrelenting-that's how his gaze felt. He didn't look away, didn't even blink, as though he was trying to unravel something about me without saying a single word.
"W-woh... aap ka chai," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. My hands trembled again as I extended the cup toward him.
He reached out and took it from me, his fingers brushing lightly against mine. It was such a brief touch, yet it sent a jolt straight through me. I quickly pulled my hand back, clutching the tray close to my chest.
He didn't say a word. Just nodded slightly.
After that his parents ask me some questions like what is my favorite hobby and in which place I'm working..and many more.
And in all this time he was listening to me with much concentration.
When the questions finally ended, Uncle and Aunty exchanged a look of quiet satisfaction before getting up. I stepped back to stand beside Garima, who gave my hand a light squeeze.
"Yeh Uncle Aunty toh mujhe bade pyare lag rahe hain yaar," she whispered with a grin.
I managed a weak smile but didn't respond. My mind was too busy replaying every moment, every word. Did they like me? Or were they just being polite? Just because they spoke kindly didn't mean they had approved of me.
Before I could dwell on it any longer, Uncle's next words froze me.
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