Chapter 15: Chapter 15

*Anitha Pov*

I opened my eyes not because I don’t want to sleep for a bit more but because of the biological clock that got adjusted and also I need to go back to the hotel this early to not get caught.

I turned around on the bed to face him with a smile even though feeling uncomfortable to be wearing the same clothes from the morning instead of nightclothes.

Somehow, we managed to finish the food and return to his flat but when he asked me to sleep on the bed while he will sleep on the couch which can be just called as extended chair, I asked him to just lie down on the bed.

It was big enough to leave the space and he slept off at the corner of the bed and I did the same. It can be a bit weird as we already kissed then why are we so awkward to each other.

But I know he doesn’t like me or anything and that kiss just happened. I wish we kissed when he actually likes me and a bit disappointed but still I am happy with this too.

He didn’t look unaffected by it and I still remember how he kept on glancing at me after that and I had to smile while coming over the shock.

“Are you going to leave with a note even this time?” I got startled hearing his voice and he opened his eyes to stare at me.

“You were not sleeping?” I asked him feeling a bit embarrassed to get caught while staring at his sleeping form.

“I need to wake up within an hour and somehow couldn’t sleep deeply even though this was not the first time we shared a bed.” He replied smiling.

“Maybe because I was holding you at that time and this time just staying at the corner is the difference.” He added and I laughed hearing that.

“Are you flirting with me right now?” I asked and he nodded.

“Was it bad? I never have done it before.” He replied and I shook my head.

“I just don’t want you to do something just because you need to follow the situation. I know you don’t like me and I am actually not expecting anything.” I assured him.

He stared at me in silence after hearing that before shifting closer to me and lifted his hand to caress my cheek.

“Then why am I not feeling guilty about yesterday? I am not confessing that I like you right now as I didn’t sort out what I was thinking or anything else. But don’t think it happened just without any reason or it would have happened if there was anyone else at your place. It happened because it was you beside me.” He explained and at that moment I know I am falling for him again even though he is not the type I thought him to be all these years and actually something more.

“So, you don’t have this expression just when you look at my cooking or when I talk about the cooking details?” he asked lifting his finger to trace my eyelashes.

“It’s okay! You need not answer.” He assured me when I stayed silent and I shook my head smiling.

“That expression appears whenever I see something or hear something I really like about. I guess I am happy to see you happily talk about anything.” I shrugged and his hand paused hearing those words.

“I… I am not special to receive that.” He mumbled and I shifted my hand to hold his hand that is near my face.

“That is my decision. Even I am not that special you know.” I pointed out and he smiled shaking his head.

“I don’t think so! You are very special.” He mumbled closing his eyes.

“I need to go now otherwise I will be late.” I said getting up.

“By the way, let’s act close whenever you come here. Everyone is doubting whether we are really engaged or not.” He said opening his eyes.

“Like this?” I asked leaning to peck his lips and got down from the bed while he was still suffering from the shock.

I continued to smile even when I reached my hotel room and fell on the bed without changing my clothes to go to the gym.

I was fine even with the zero expectations but after listening to him it feels so good. I continued to smile and switched on the phone and found quite a set of interesting messages but then I remember I have to meet Kanika today for lunch.

****

“I am sorry! I am a bit late because of some guests. Did you order?” She asked reaching my side and sat down beside me.

“No! Today is my treat and you can order whatever you want.” I replied passing the menu.

“Did something happen? Why are you so happy today?” she asked opening it and pointed out a few asking whether I am fine with it.

After ordering, I turned to stare at her while asking, “How can you always know what I am feeling so aptly?”

“Because I am your friend.” She pointed out after turning to face me.

“Then I should know your mood too. Looks like you are my Mom instead of my friend even though we are of the same age.” I mumbled pouting a bit and she caressed my hair.

“Are you upset? Should I stop talking about your mood every time and not be curious?” She asked smiling and I shook my head in negative.

“You need not know about my mood. It becomes better every time I meet you just like today.” She assured me and I stared at her hoping right that moment she can tell me everything as I tell her.

“So, what happened to make you so happy?” she asked after the order is served.

“Kani! I don’t know whether you will scold me or kill me right this moment after telling you.” I replied and she raised her eyebrow.

“If you are using that nickname then it must be something serious. So, what did you do?” she asked and I sighed.

“I think I am not going to stop myself from liking him, Kani. I was so sure I will not think about him like that again after knowing about his crush but now I… I like being with him and teasing him and just seeing him.” I replied and she just stared at me.

“Are you upset?” I asked and she smiled shaking her head.

“I don’t have any right to be upset about that.” She replied before holding my hand.

“We are not friends to be upset with each other just because the advice we shared are not followed. We give out advice and if they are not followed then just be ready to be a support whenever the other one needs it after facing any problem after not following that advice.” She pointed out and I smiled feeling tears forming in my eyes before falling over her to hug her.

“I will be always there for you and you need to do what you want to.” She added patting my back.

“I love you! You are the only one I love.” I mumbled leaning away from the hug.

“For now?” she asked smiling and I chuckled while brushing my tears away before glancing at her.

“I will be always there whenever you need me too.” I promised her and she nodded smiling.

“I already know that. Now, let’s have this food before it gets cold.” She said serving the food on our plates.

I stayed back as we met at the hotel I am staying while waving at her as she drove away. My smile slipped when I found someone waiting for me at the lounge.

“Let’s talk inside! I don’t know why are you suddenly rebelling.” Keerthi mumbled while gesturing me to go and I walked towards the elevator with her following me closely without leaving a chance for me to run from her.

After reaching my room, she sat down on the chair to stare at me while I calmly sat down on the bed to not stare at her.

“You were at his place yesterday? Even at night?” she asked and I stared at her in surprise.

“I got a call connected to your room at midnight and no one lifted it.” She explained and I slowly nodded.

“Are you dating him in real?” she asked folding her arms.

“No! For now!” I replied and she sighed while I waited for her to scold me for being careless and not think about my work and to think about dating.

“Good thing! You need to try out the dating part. If you date anyone else later then there would be all kinds of scandals without letting you breathe or enjoy your life properly. But now they already think you are engaged and it is better to just go for it.” She mumbled nodding to herself.

“Are you for real?” I asked staring at her.

“I am not lying. You are not a kid anymore to never date anyone for a few years. You already like him and he seems to care for you too as far as I had seen him. So, just go for it.” She replied and I don’t know what to even say after hearing that.

“Now, during that time, check these ten houses that are available to buy and filter them a bit otherwise I will ask your friend directly. You always told me she knows what kind of house you want more than you.” She added standing up before dropping the files with pictures and the details beside me.

After that, she just left without saying another word except for asking me to prepare for the script well as the co-actors are experienced.

What is this? I thought there will be at least someone who will stop me from taking this step so that I may even stop myself if they give out good reasons but turns out everyone important in my life is fine with it.

*Prathap Pov*

“What? Why are you being so awkward around me?” I asked him frowning while he is not even looking at me.

“Yesterday I didn’t know about you guys and said all those things. Don’t mind it! And I didn’t mean to interrupt you both.” He replied and I sighed leaning back.

“Don’t just spread rumors around and act normally.” I ordered and he nodded before leaving the cabin.

I smiled after he left the cabin which I wanted to from the moment he gave that reaction today morning when he greeted me.

He didn’t know that he hit the nail on spot but now he is thinking he is wrong which is good otherwise we don’t know when it could come out of his mouth and it will be a trouble for her and Vikranth.

I turned to look at my phone and found no message from her making me frown. I asked her to message me after reaching her place and I couldn’t check my phone after going to the market.

There is no message or call from her and I didn’t send any not wishing to disturb her but suddenly it started ringing.

“Is something wrong? Was there any problem with the hotel?” I asked picking the call with a frown.

“What are you talking about?” I got startled not hearing her voice and removed the phone and saw Shrishti’s name.

“Nothing! What is it?” I asked feeling a bit embarrassed.

“Me? I am feeling bored as I don’t have any work right now. Let’s hang out this evening. You can call Vikranth and let’s go somewhere. You are fine to take a break today evening, right?” she asked with a pleading tone.

“I have work to do, Shrishti.” I pointed out.

“You can take a break sometimes. You are the boss!” she pointed back and I glanced at the time.

I will be able to take a break for sure as I don’t have anything to do today. But somehow I ended up asking the next question.

“What if Vikranth doesn’t want to come?” I asked and she didn’t say anything for a few seconds.

“Why… why are you asking that? Didn’t I tell you that I moved forward from him?” she asked with a confused tone.

“Really?” I asked not expecting that reaction as she laughs weirdly if she lies but seems like she was saying truth all this time.

“Of course! Before I was not able to feel their marriage and felt they are just strangers but after the last time I got my answer.” She replied and I frowned hearing that.

“What do you mean?” I asked not knowing if anything actually happened.

“Why are we even talking about them? I would have asked you to invite his wife too if she was comfortable with us. She doesn’t like talking to us and it is better to ask Vikranth and if she wants to come then it’s fine. You can call your fiancé too.” She teased the last sentence.

“She must be busy but I will message her.” I mumbled thinking whether she will come or not.

“What is this? You used to scold me the moment I mention as your fiancé but now what is this reaction? Oh my god! Did you fall for her?” she asked in a surprising tone.

“Not for now!” I replied and she chuckled at that reply.

“I should have expected that answer from you. Now, let me know who is going to join us.” Saying that she cut the call.

I called Vikranth who said he is busy right now and will not join us and I messaged her that matter but continued to hesitate to message Anitha.

I don’t know how busy she is right now and I don’t know her schedule. I don’t know whether it is good to disturb or not when she always thinks to not disturb me.

****

Finally, after lunchtime, I messaged her asking whether she is busy right now and waited for her reply.

“What?” I asked myself after seeing her reply as she asked me to come outside and ask that question.

I walked out of my cabin and found her talking to Bharghav and he is dragging her towards the kitchen without letting her turn to reach my cabin.

“Hey!” I said reaching their side and she smiled looking at me.

“I was feeling bored and thought of coming here. He asked me for a request yesterday and I thought of finding more about it as I need permission from Mr. Vikranth.” She explained.

“What did he ask you?” I asked her frowning.

“It’s a secret! I am taking her with me.” Saying that he gestured his hands as to welcome her towards the kitchen but I hold her hand to stop her from leaving.

“She is busy right now. Discuss that with me and I tell her later.” I said tugging her a bit and she smiled before shifting closer to me.

“Busy? But she just said she is feeling bored.” He pointed out frowning.

“I need to talk to her and we both will be going outside soon.” I explained and frowned thinking why am I even explaining.

“Anyway, she is my fiancé and I am more important here.” I added and she chuckled beside me.

“For me, a fan is more important.” She mumbled making him grin happily and I frowned.

“So, are you my fan?” she asked looking at me and I nodded as I don’t know about any other celebrity except her.

“Then adding the fact that you are also my fiancé, I will come with you.” She said smiling before turning to look at my chef who is ready to scold me.

“And let’s talk later. I am kind of free for the next two weeks.” She assured him and that glare turned into a smile along with agreeing to her.

“How can he reject me and accept whatever you said?” I asked scoffing and entered the cabin with her.

“Because I am special.” She teased chuckling and I glared at her.

“Why? He is so cute.” She added smiling and I sighed.

“But why did you stop me from going there? Is there any important matter?” she asked staring at me.

Why? It was not that important matter to even stop her from going there. I could have just asked her and let her do whatever it is, right?

I shook my head before asking, “Are you free to come outside this evening?”

“Yes! Where are we going?” she asked smiling brightly.

“Shrishti called to meet and go somewhere today. Vikranth is busy and she even asked for you. So, let’s go with her somewhere.” I explained and her smile slipped.

“You don’t want to?” I asked staring at her.

“I thought we will be going on a date. Okay! It’s fine for me and I hope I can understand your friend a bit.” She replied before releasing her hand from my hold.

“Are you really okay?” I asked frowning and she nodded taking out her phone.

“I will message Keerthi and you can tell her that I will come with you.” She replied messaging and I did the same.

After that, she shifted to sit down and I continued to stand there before asking, “Why are you always ready to see Bharghav cooking but always reject when I aks you to come during the weekends?”

“What will you do if I stay to watch your cooking tomorrow?” she asked turning her head.

“Let’s have a first date then.” I replied and she chuckled hearing that.

“And here I was expecting you to say that you will kiss me.” She mumbled and for the first time, I was not shocked as I kind of expecting that.

“There is no need to wait until tomorrow to do that.” Saying that I bend down to press my lips to hers but stopped hearing the door opening.

“What is it again?” I asked turning my head while she chuckled and found one of the waitresses holding the tray but not Deepak this time.

“Chef asked me to bring these.” Saying that the waitress stood there while looking away.

“Keep it on the table.” I mumbled standing up and she reached us before placing the tray on the table and rushed out while Anitha continued to laugh.

“Why did you shout like that?” she asked between her laughs.

“This is the third time.” I pointed out.

“Third? Second only, right?” she asked frowning.

“You didn’t know? I think I was about to kiss you that day at the opening ceremony when we both were in my study.” I replied and she stared at me with a shocked look and that somehow satisfied me a bit.

With that satisfaction, I leaned down again and pressed my lips to her and she met me halfway and this time finally no one disturbed us.