An Innocent Crush ?

|3 months later|

Kiara emerged from the washroom, drying her hair with a small towel. She wore a simple green saree, and as she approached the dressing table, her gaze fell on Dhruv, who had just come into the room after jogging.

He greeted her with a smile before taking a seat on the couch. "Good morning, love," he said, beginning to remove his shoes. Kiara returned the smile. "Good morning," she whispered, neatly placing the towel on the chair. She then delicately applied the vermillion to the parting of her scalp.

"Remember our date today?" Dhruv asked, rising from the couch and approaching her. Kiara nodded, her attention elsewhere. She felt his hand gently sliding around her waist. "You smell amazing," Dhruv whispered, placing a soft kiss on her earlobe.

"You, my dear, smell like sweat. Get a shower!" She teased, pulling away from him as she headed out of their bedroom.

Entering the kitchen, Kiara found Dhruv's sister-in-law preparing juice. She greeted Kiara with a small smile, "Good morning, Kiara," she said before returning to her task. Kiara reciprocated the smile, "Good morning, didi... I'll make the parathas," she offered, reaching for the flour.

While Kiara kneaded the dough, Dhruv entered the kitchen. His gaze shifted between his sister-in-law and Kiara as he filled his water bottle. Caught in the act, he met his sister-in-law's smirk and raised eyebrow.

"Ahm, I'll go get Priyansh ready for kindergarten," she announced, leaving the couple alone in the kitchen.

As soon as she left, Dhruv closed the water bottle and hurriedly approached Kiara. He embraced her from behind, resting his face on the crook of her neck, "Get ready by five, okay? And wear red," he whispered, placing a gentle kiss on her neck.

“Okay, now go!”

Dhruv didn't release his grip on her; instead, he tightened his hold around her waist, burying his face completely in her neck. His left hand started to travel up her chest. "Don't," Kiara warned, still kneading the dough. Dhruv halted, "Please," he whispered, continuing.

“Kiara putar!”

Hearing his mother's voice, he swiftly withdrew his hands from Kiara and turned towards the refrigerator, pretending to check its details. His mother entered the kitchen and found him engrossed in reading the information written on the refrigerator.

She then looked at Kiara, who was smiling and kneading the dough, “Good morning, Mummy,” she greeted, her voice a bit breathy. Dhruv turned to his mother, offering an awkward smile, “Arey maa, aap yaha?”

"Aur nahi toh kya, tere kamre mein hongi?”

Dhruv gulped and shook his head before leaving the kitchen. His mother chuckled and shook her head, amused by her son's reluctance to face the situation.

Kiara, understanding the awkwardness, continued kneading the dough with a soft smile. Dhruv's mother, after a moment, joined her near the countertop. "You two are so cute together," she remarked, a warm smile on her face.

Kiara blushed slightly, grateful for the lighthearted comment. "Thank you, Mummy. We were just discussing our plans for the day," she said, trying to ease any discomfort.

Dhruv's mother chuckled, "Well, enjoy your day, and make sure this one behaves himself," she teased, nodding towards the direction Dhruv had gone. Kiara laughed, "I'll do my best."

🌷

Kiara admired her reflection, dressed in a stunning red anarkali suit with her hair elegantly styled in a bun. Her eyes had a subtle smokey look, complemented by a touch of red lipstick. She felt confident and graceful. Taking a moment to appreciate her appearance, she decided to give Dhruv a call.