Chương 10: 10."I Didn’t Expect This"
The gentle patter of raindrops filled the air as I sat by the garden, a soothing rhythm that seemed to sync with the beat of my heart. The world outside was a wash of greens and browns, the rain turning the soil into a rich, earthy aroma that mixed with the fresh scent of wet leaves. The sky, overcast with dark clouds, added a cozy dimness to the atmosphere, creating the perfect setting for a moment of solitude.
I leaned back in my chair, allowing myself to get lost in the scene before me. The rain wasn't heavy, just enough to create that serene drizzle that makes everything seem a little softer, a little more tranquil. I could hear each droplet as it landed on the ground, on the leaves, on the roof above. It was like nature's own lullaby, lulling me into a state of peaceful reflection.
Beside me, a cup of hot coffee sat, steam curling up into the cool air. I wrapped my hands around the warm ceramic, feeling the heat seep into my skin. Slowly, I lifted the cup to my lips and took a sip, letting the rich, slightly bitter flavor spread across my tongue. The warmth of the coffee contrasted perfectly with the coolness of the rain, creating a harmony that felt just right for this moment.
As I sat there, savoring the quiet, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of contentment. The world outside might be bustling, full of noise and chaos, but here, in this little corner of my home, everything was calm. The rain, the coffee, the solitude—it was all I needed to feel at peace. It was a reminder that sometimes, the simplest moments are the ones that bring the most joy.
I closed my eyes for a moment, just listening, just feeling. The rain continued to fall, steady and soothing, as if promising that everything would be alright.
It's been a few days since Leela and I officially became friends, but I'm starting to question if that was the right decision. Since the day she and her friends left, it seems like they've practically moved into my house. They've turned it into their unofficial clubhouse, a secret base of sorts. Most days, they're either working on something or just lounging around, filling the place with their chatter and laughter.
Not that I mind the company, really. It's the invasion of my personal space that's beginning to get to me. But my biggest gripe? Leela. Specifically, her new obsession with my PS5. Every time she steps through the door, she makes a beeline for it, settling herself in front of the console like it's her own. I can only watch helplessly as she takes over my games, my precious source of stress relief. It's as if my beloved games have been snatched away, and all I can do is sigh heavily and mutter, "My games…"
And it doesn't stop there. Leela's taken a liking to my cooking, so much so that she's started demanding I make her meals. And of course, I can't bring myself to say no to her. It's not that I don't enjoy cooking—I do—but the way she breezes in and out of the kitchen, offering to "help," only to make a bigger mess, has me wondering how someone could be so clueless in a kitchen. It's almost comical, if it weren't so frustrating. She tries, I'll give her that, but her attempts usually result in me sighing in exasperation and shooing her out before she burns the place down.
I glance outside, hoping to lose myself in the calming sight of the rain-soaked garden. For now, I just want to savor this fleeting moment of peace, to enjoy the tranquility before the inevitable chaos returns. The garden is a sanctuary, the quiet patter of rain a soothing balm to my frayed nerves.
But then, as if on cue, the doorbell rings, shattering the silence. My shoulders slump, and I let out another sigh, this one long and weary. "There goes my peaceful time," I mutter to myself, resigned to the fate that awaits me.
Reluctantly, I rise from my seat, dragging my feet toward the door. Each step feels like a farewell to the quiet I so desperately crave. The house already feels less like my own, and more like a playground for Leela and her friends. But there's a part of me—a small, begrudging part—that can't help but smile at their antics, at how they've brought life into my solitary existence.
I reach the door, my hand hovering over the handle for a moment, as if delaying the inevitable will somehow extend the peace.
As I opened the door, there stood Leela, soaked from head to toe. Her hair clung to her face, and droplets of water ran down her cheeks. She was holding Chitra's car key in one hand, and the sight of her standing there in the rain made me sigh inwardly.
"Hello," she greeted me with a sheepish smile before sneezing, her small frame shivering slightly from the cold.
"Come inside quickly," I said, trying to keep the concern out of my voice. The last thing I wanted was for her to catch a cold. She nodded and hurried inside, leaving a small puddle of water on the floor where she stood. She placed the car key on the table, only to sneeze again.
I couldn't help but wonder how she managed to get so wet if she had been driving. "Leela, how did you get wet?" I asked, eyeing her curiously as she tried to wring some of the water out of her hair.
She looked up at me, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and smiled. "I saw a puppy on the side of the road. It was so cute, but it was stuck in the rain, so I stopped to help it," she explained, sniffling slightly. "I couldn't just leave it there."
I sighed again, but this time with a mix of exasperation and amusement. "You got out of the car in the pouring rain for a puppy?"
She nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I wrapped it in my jacket and took it to the nearest shelter. But by the time I got back to the car, I was drenched."
I shook my head, trying to suppress a smile. "You really should take better care of yourself, Leela. Now you're soaked and probably freezing."
"It was worth it," she said with a defiant little smile, though she couldn't hide the shiver that ran through her.
I couldn't stay annoyed with her. Her heart was in the right place, even if her actions were sometimes a little reckless. "Come on, you need to get out of those wet clothes before you catch a cold."
Leela looked at me with a mischievous grin after I mentioned the issue of clothes. "Okay, but what am I going to wear?" she asked, her voice laced with playful curiosity.
I sighed, already sensing where this was headed. "Come with me," I said, resigned to the inevitable, as I turned and started walking toward my room. Leela followed me closely, her wet footsteps echoing slightly in the hallway. As we reached my room, I opened the door, letting her in first.
She looked around, taking in the simplicity of my space. "Why are we here?" she asked, her eyes wide with interest.
I ignored the question and moved to my wardrobe, opening it up to reveal the collection of clothes hanging neatly inside. "Take whichever shirt you think will fit you," I said, pointing to one side of the wardrobe. Then, I gestured toward the other side, adding firmly, "But don't touch these. Those are my favorite clothes. Do you understand?"
I looked at her, hoping my stern tone would deter any funny ideas she might have. But when I turned around, I saw Leela standing there, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
"What?" I asked, feeling a sense of dread wash over me.
"Now I'm definitely going to wear your favorite clothes," she declared, her grin widening.
I groaned internally. "No, you're not," I protested, knowing full well that my words would likely have the opposite effect.
"Yes, I am," she shot back with a teasing glint in her eye. Before I could say anything more, she reached into the wardrobe and pulled out my favorite white sweatshirt, the one I usually saved for special occasions.
I let out a long sigh, realizing that resistance was futile. "Do whatever you want," I muttered, feeling a mixture of frustration and amusement.
"Thanks!" she chirped, holding the sweatshirt against herself as if she were already imagining how it would look on her. Then, with a mischievous wink, she added, "But don't look while I change, okay?"
I rolled my eyes, trying to sound as indifferent as possible. "I'm not interested in looking. I'll be in the living room. Come out when you're done," I said, turning on my heel and walking out of the room.
As I made my way back to the living room, I couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. There I was, letting someone I had only recently met—who also happened to be the Chief Minister's daughter—take over my house, my wardrobe, and even my peace of mind. And yet, I found myself oddly okay with it.
The rain outside continued to patter softly against the windows, and I could hear the faint sounds of Leela moving around in my room as she changed.
Then I walked into the kitchen, I knew exactly what to expect. Leela, after changing, would definitely ask for food. It's become a routine by now—one that I've reluctantly grown used to. I decided on making red sauce pasta, something quick and comforting. The rich aroma of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs filled the kitchen, mingling with the smell of the rain outside. There was something soothing about the way the scents blended together, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Once the pasta was ready, I carefully plated it, adding a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan on top. Then, I moved on to brewing coffee, knowing she'd want a cup to go with her meal. The kitchen was filled with the familiar hiss of the coffee maker, the steam rising as the dark liquid poured into the cup.
Carrying the pasta and coffee, I made my way to the living room. Just as I stepped in, I saw Leela walking toward me, her face brightened by a playful smile. wearing my white sweatshirt, which was far too big for her, and a pair of my track pants. She looked at me with a satisfied smile, clearly pleased with her outfit choice.
"How do I look?" she asked, twirling around slightly.
I glanced up at her and couldn't help but smile. She looked ridiculous and adorable at the same time. "You look like you're drowning in that sweatshirt," I replied with a smirk.
"Good," she said, plopping down on the couch next to me. "It's cozy. I might just keep it."
She looked up at me with that same mischievous smile, her eyes twinkling. "Smells good," she said, her voice light and teasing.
I set the plate and cup on the coffee table. "You're just in time," I replied, trying to keep my tone casual, though I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at the corner of my mouth. "I figured you'd be hungry."
Leela chuckled. "You know me too well already."
I shook my head, pretending to be exasperated. "How could I not? You've made a habit of invading my kitchen and my wardrobe."
She plopped down onto the couch, pulling the plate of pasta closer. "It's comfortable," she said, tugging on the sleeve of the sweatshirt, "and it smells like you. Besides, I think it suits me, don't you?"
I glanced at her, taking in how natural she looked wearing my clothes, as if she belonged here, in this space that I used to think of as mine. "Yeah, it suits you," I admitted, sitting down across from her. "Just don't get too used to it."
She grinned, taking a bite of the pasta. "No promises."
As I sat across from Leela, I couldn't help but notice the way she was enjoying the pasta, a small, contented smile playing on her lips. The sight made me smile too, though I tried to keep it to myself. There was something about her happiness that was infectious, drawing me in despite my efforts to maintain a sense of normalcy.
"So, Leela," I began, my tone light as I leaned back, cradling my coffee cup in my hands, "where are the others today?"
She looked up from her plate, that familiar playful glint in her eyes. "Oh, they're busy today, so they didn't come." She shrugged, clearly unbothered by their absence.
I nodded, absorbing her answer. "But why did you come here, driving Chitra's car?" I asked, curious.
She paused, a slight shift in her expression as she set down her fork. "Didn't I tell you what happened two days ago?" she began, her voice carrying a mix of frustration and something deeper, something that hinted at the weight she was carrying. "My brother came home with Rayudu Uncle's daughter. Rayudu Uncle is the CM of Andhra Pradesh, and my brother brought her back home after she ran away from her marriage with him."
I raised an eyebrow, sensing the gravity of the situation. "So that's why your dad increased security around you?"
Leela nodded, her playful demeanor fading slightly as she continued. "Yeah, now Daddy and Rayudu Uncle are basically enemies. Rayudu Uncle's furious, and Daddy's been keeping a close eye on me. That's why I couldn't come over yesterday. But today, I told them I was going to Chitra's house, and after I got there, I took her car and came here."
She looked at me, waiting for my reaction, maybe even expecting a lecture. But all I could do was shake my head in disbelief, a mix of concern and amusement coloring my thoughts.
"Leela," I said slowly, trying to wrap my mind around everything she'd just told me, "you really have a knack for finding trouble, don't you?"
She grinned, though I could see the worry beneath it. "Well, I couldn't just stay cooped up at home. Besides, I knew I'd be safe here."
The sincerity in her voice struck a chord in me. Despite all the chaos in her life, she saw my home—my quiet, unassuming home—as a refuge. It was both comforting and unnerving.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "You know, you could've just called. I would've understood."
"But then I wouldn't have gotten to see that look on your face when you opened the door," she teased, her smile returning full force.
I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't suppress the small laugh that escaped me. "You're impossible."
She took another bite of pasta, clearly pleased with herself. "And yet, you still let me in."
"Yeah, I guess I did," I admitted, the reality of our situation sinking in. Leela's life was a whirlwind of political tension and family drama, and somehow, I'd become part of her escape. It was both a privilege and a responsibility, one that I hadn't expected but couldn't turn away from now.
After Leela finished eating, I gathered the plate and coffee cup, taking them to the kitchen. The simple, familiar task of cleaning up gave me a moment to collect my thoughts, a brief reprieve before returning to the living room. As I walked back, I noticed Leela standing by the window, her gaze fixed on the garden. The rain still drizzled outside, casting a soft, rhythmic sound that filled the air with a soothing calm.
I approached her, a small smile tugging at my lips as I asked, "Leela, what do you want to do now?"
She turned to me, her eyes sparkling with the kind of excitement that was becoming all too familiar. "A song. You promised you'd sing for me. Look, it's the perfect time—there's rain, and the atmosphere is just right."
I chuckled softly, feeling a mix of amusement and nervous anticipation. "Are you sure? Don't blame me if you fall for me."
Her smile widened, a playful challenge in her expression. "We'll see."
"Alright then," I said, relenting with a grin. "Just a second, I'll get my guitar."
Leela nodded, her excitement barely contained as I made my way to my room. I retrieved my guitar, the familiar weight of it grounding me as I walked back into the living room. Before sitting down, I decided to set the mood. I placed the guitar on the sofa and walked over to the light switch, turning off the overhead lights.
Instantly, the room was bathed in darkness, save for the dim light filtering in from the garden. The contrast between the darkened room and the soft glow of the rain-soaked night created a serene yet intimate atmosphere.
Leela, curious, asked, "Why did you turn off the lights?"
"I'm creating the right atmosphere," I replied, my voice low and calm. I reached for a beautiful lamp I kept on the side, its design intricate and elegant, and placed it on the table between us. The lamp cast a warm, amber glow, illuminating the space between us with a soft, almost ethereal light.
With the room now set, I picked up my guitar, settling on the sofa across from her. I looked at Leela, her face partially shadowed yet her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Are you ready?" I asked.
She nodded, her excitement replaced with a more intense focus, her gaze locked on me.
I strummed the guitar softly, letting the first few notes hang in the air before beginning to play. The familiar melody of "Lag Jaa Gale" filled the room, each note carrying the weight of the song's emotion, its haunting beauty amplified by the gentle patter of the rain outside.
As I sang the first line, my voice soft but steady. Leela's playful demeanor was gone, replaced by something deeper, more vulnerable. Her eyes widened slightly, and she seemed to draw in a breath.
"Lag Jaa Gale, Ke Phir Yeh Haseen Raat Ho Na Ho..."
My voice flowed with the melody, each word chosen carefully, delivered with a tenderness I hadn't expected. The rain continued to fall, the rhythm of the drops providing a natural accompaniment to the song. As I sang, I saw Leela's expression soften, her lips parting slightly as if she were about to speak but then choosing to remain silent.
"Shaayad Phir Iss Janam Mein, Mulaaqaat Ho Na Ho..."
The lyrics spoke of a fleeting moment, of the desire to hold onto something precious, even if only for a little while. It was a sentiment that resonated with me, and I could see it resonated with Leela too. Her eyes glistened in the dim light, the emotion she was feeling reflected in the gentle quiver of her lips.
I continued to sing, my voice growing more confident, more connected to the emotions I was conveying. I poured everything into the song, each note carrying with it a piece of myself, a piece of the connection that was slowly, inexplicably, forming between us.
"Ham Ko Mili Hain Aaj, Ye Ghadiyaan Nasib Se...
Ji Bhar Ke Dekh Lijiye Ham Ko Karib Se..."
As I sang, Leela's gaze never left mine. It was as if the world had narrowed down to just the two of us, the rain outside and the soft glow of the lamp creating a bubble of intimacy that enveloped us. I could see her falling under the spell of the song, the way her breath caught, the slight tremble of her hand as she brought it to her chest.
"Phir Aap Ke Nasib Men Ye Baat Ho Na Ho...
Shaayad Phir Is Janam Men Mulaaqaat Ho Na Ho..."
Her reaction was subtle but undeniable. She wasn't just listening to the song; she was feeling it, experiencing it on a level that went beyond just the music. I could see it in her eyes, in the way her defenses seemed to melt away, leaving her open, vulnerable, and more beautiful than ever.
"Paas Aaiye Ki Ham Nahin Aaenge Baar-Baar...
Baahen Gale Men Daal Ke Ham Ro Le Zaar-Zaar...
Aankhon Se Phir Ye Pyaar Ki Barasaat Ho Na Ho...
Shaayad Phir Is Janam Men Mulaaqaat Ho Na Ho..."
As the song came to an end, the last notes fading into the quiet of the room, I let the silence hang for a moment. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken emotions, the kind that linger in the air long after the music has stopped.
Finally, I lowered the guitar, my gaze still locked on Leela's. She blinked, as if coming back to reality, her cheeks flushing slightly, a soft smile playing on her lips.
"That was..." she began, her voice trailing off as if she couldn't find the right words.
I smiled, a little unsure myself of what had just transpired. "I warned you," I said lightly, trying to break the tension. "You might just fall for me."
Leela's smile widened, though her eyes were still soft, still holding onto the remnants of the song. "Maybe I already have," she whispered, so quietly I almost didn't hear it.
Hearing this, I felt my heart skip a beat. 'What the...' I thought to myself, trying to make sense of the sudden shift in the atmosphere. I looked at Leela, hoping to find some sign that she was just messing around, that her words didn't carry the weight I feared they did.
"Leela, don't joke with me," I said, my voice coming out more uncertain than I intended. "I was just kidding when I said you might fall for me."
But as soon as the words left my mouth, I knew they didn't have the effect I hoped for. Leela's gaze didn't waver. Instead, she looked right at me, her eyes steady and unwavering, holding a softness that was both unsettling and strangely comforting. There was no hint of the usual playful smirk she wore when teasing me, no glint of mischief in her eyes.
She stayed silent, her expression shifting from playful to something much more serious.
"Shivaay..." she began, her voice soft, almost hesitant, as if she was carefully choosing each word. "I'm not joking."
Her words hung in the air, leaving me momentarily speechless. I searched her face for any sign of insincerity, but all I found was sincerity and a vulnerability that took me off guard.
The rain outside continued its steady rhythm, the gentle patter against the window the only sound breaking the heavy silence between us.
"I didn't expect this," I finally managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.
She nodded slowly, her eyes not leaving mine. "I know."
There was a firmness in her tone now, a quiet determination that made it clear she wasn't backing down.
I let out a shaky breath, trying to gather my thoughts. "Leela, we've only known each other for a short time... and we've been joking and teasing each other since day one. Are you sure you're not mistaking this for something else? Maybe it's just... I don't know, the atmosphere tonight or the song..."
She shook her head, a small, bittersweet smile curving her lips. "It's not just the song, Shivaay. It's everything. It's how you make me feel. How you're always there, how you care, even when you pretend not to. It's the way you've let me into your life, even when I'm practically invading your space every day. It's... it's more than just tonight."
Her words were gentle, but they hit me hard. I hadn't realized how much she had noticed, how much she had seen through the walls I'd put up. She was right—I did care, more than I had allowed myself to admit.
I ran a hand through my hair, trying to think of the right words to say. "Leela... I don't know what to say. I didn't see this coming. I don't want to hurt you or lead you on."
Leela stepped closer, her expression softening even more. "I'm not asking for anything from you, Shivaay. I just wanted to be honest with you. I wanted you to know how I feel. Whatever happens next, we can figure it out together."
As Leela moved closer, taking the guitar from my hands and placing it gently on the other side of the sofa, I could hardly believe what was happening. My mind raced, trying to process her actions and the sincerity in her eyes. Her touch was warm, her presence undeniably real.
She sat down on my lap, and the world seemed to narrow to just the two of us. Her fingers gently cupped my face, her eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that took my breath away. There was a softness in her gaze, a vulnerability that made me feel both cherished and overwhelmed.
"Shivaay," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper, yet filled with an undeniable sincerity. "I didn't know how this happened. This is the first time I've felt like this. I've never felt anything like this before. I know I can be childish, but please don't think this is just a fleeting affection. I really don't understand how it happened, but I've fallen for you. I love you, Shivaay."
Her confession hung in the air between us, and for a moment, the entire room seemed to hold its breath. The rain continued to fall outside, a steady rhythm that matched the beat of my racing heart. I could see the earnestness in her eyes, the depth of her feelings laid bare.
Her confession had taken me by surprise, and I found myself grappling with my own feelings. The sincerity in her gaze, the tenderness of her touch—it all spoke of a depth I wasn't quite ready to fully understand.
I sighed, a soft, contemplative sound that seemed to bridge the space between us. "Leela," I began, my voice carrying the weight of my uncertainty, "I don't know if I'm in love with you or not. But I do know that you're an incredibly kind and wonderful person. If I were given the chance to spend my remaining life with you, I'd consider myself very fortunate. If that happens, I'd truly feel like the luckiest man in the world."
As the words left my lips, I saw a smile slowly spread across Leela's face. It was a smile that seemed to encompass hope, relief, and something akin to joy. Her eyes sparkled with an emotion that was both tender and earnest.
With a gentle grace, Leela's face drew closer to mine. Her proximity, the warmth of her breath against my skin—it all felt intimate and intensely real. I instinctively placed my hands on her waist, holding her gently but firmly. The connection between us felt both thrilling and delicate.
As our faces neared, I could feel the soft brush of her breath, and I closed my eyes, letting the moment envelop me. Our lips met in a kiss, and it was as though time had momentarily paused. Her lips were soft, their sweetness mingling with a warmth that seemed to ignite a spark within me. The kiss was tender and unhurried, a delicate exploration of feelings that had only just begun to surface.
For those few seconds, everything else faded away—the rain outside, the uncertainties, the world beyond. It was just the two of us, locked in a shared moment of connection and understanding. The kiss deepened, but it remained gentle, a reflection of the emotions we were both experiencing.
When we finally pulled back, our eyes met again, and there was a shared sense of calm and contentment. Leela's smile was now a soft, radiant glow, and I felt a renewed sense of closeness.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath. "For being honest with me."
I nodded smilingly, my heart feeling lighter than it had before.
We remained close, our foreheads resting against each other, savoring the intimacy of the moment. The rain continued its steady patter outside, creating a soothing backdrop to our quiet conversation.
(A/N:If you want to support me, please use this UPI:-omgadekar29@oksbi "Om Gadekar")
(Word's Count:-4752)
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