| our beautiful hate | book 1 in trilogy | [completed?]

꧁ RAGHAV ꧂

In the backyard, Yash and I have arranged a table for four that has scented candles, purple orchids and red roses. Also, we've decorated the trees and potted plants with fairy lights. Dressed in a plain black shirt with its first three buttons undone and jeans, I'm desperately waiting for Sia. And yet, I'm fucking nervous about the planned proposal. I hope I don't stutter or screw it all up being the bastard. Yash, dressed in a coffee shirt and black dress pants, signals to stop staring down at my shoes.

Sia is ravishing in a blood-red, knee-length, full sleeves dress. Her slightly curled hair reaches her petite shoulders and the highlight of her minimal makeup face is the bold red lipstick that seduces me excellently.

The moment they stand in front of us, Yash and I shout, "Happy Valentine's!"

"Happy Valentine's Boys!" The girls cheer with the same enthusiasm.

"I must say the arrangement is romantically impressive," Esha commends, dressed in a sweetheart neckline white gown.

I wait for Sia to comment something but she's deliberately quiet being the tease that she is. She'll not give me the satisfaction this easily until and unless I'm desperate for it.

"Let's have the special dinner," Yash says with a clap. We escort the girls to the table. Yash being the gentleman pulls out a chair for Esha. Following his footsteps, I draw out a chair for Sia, gesturing her to sit. She smiles, sitting down and then I settle beside her.

"Ah, my favorite dishes! I love you, bub," Esha grins, hugging Yash sideways. 

Yash pecks her forehead and smiles at her. "I love you, Eshu."

Here, I'm still waiting for Sia to at least utter a word. Shit, she probably hates the arrangement and well, that's okay despite it saddens me. I know my inexperienced self sucks at this anyway. I stiffen a little when her fingers lace with mine under the table and I quickly look at her who's staring at me.

"I never thought my first valentine will be this beautiful," she murmurs with gleaming browns and my favorite dimpled smile. This is all I want; I let out a breath of relief. "Thank you for the lovely setting, my favorite food. I know this is out of your personality but still, you did. You did it for me. And I'm so proud of you and equally glad," she adds, squeezing my hand. She makes me feel capable and worthy.

"I was dying to hear that," I whisper, squeezing her hand back.

"Ahem," Yash clears his throat and asks, "If you're done with gazing at your girl, shall we proceed with the dinner?" Crumpling a tissue, I aim at his asshole face. Nevertheless, he's a great catcher. "Sia has a better aim," he laughs idiotically.

"I know and am proud of my superwoman," I grin, patting her and we all laugh together. Indeed, her aim is terrific. The pillow that she uses as her weapon never failed to hit my hot face.

After a pleasant dinner with some chat, Yash goes inside the house and returns with a large ice-cream tub and spoons. We dig in together, devouring the different flavors. This dessert is nothing in comparison to the one I receive from her. "I'm hoping to receive a sweet dessert from you later," I murmur in her ear. Her cheeks heat and she shifts in her seat. "You know right we have left something incomplete," I murmur against her hair.

"You don't wish to make me wet right now, do you?" She whispers, pressing her thighs together.

"I'd love that but the surprise is waiting for you," I sigh and signal Yash before bringing out a bouquet of roses from under the table. I stand up and stretch out my other hand; she smiles, placing hers over mine as we then walk a few steps away from the table.