CHAPTER LVI
After we walked into the restaurant, I guided Sita to a table and helped her sit down. Then I quickly called Sasha. She told me that she would be here any minute with Mia, and until then, I should just keep Sita company.
"Fine," I said, "but don't take too long."
After hanging up, I slid into the seat beside Sita. My eyes lingered on her for a moment before I asked softly, "Sita, would you like something to eat or drink?"
She smiled gently and shook her head. "Not yet. Let your friends arrive first, then we'll eat together."
I gave a little nod, though I couldn't help but smile at how considerate she sounded. "Alright," I murmured, "whatever you say."
That's when she leaned toward me, her voice suddenly playful, almost teasing.
"Tell me the truth," she said, her lips curving into a mischievous smile, "in the car… you were really about to kiss me, weren't you?"
My throat went dry. I grabbed the glass of water on the table and took a nervous sip before answering. "Sita, it wasn't like that. Why would I suddenly kiss you like that, when you're the one who already kissed me before?"
Her eyes softened, and for a moment, I caught something like disappointment flicker across her face. "Oh," she whispered, "I thought maybe you were about to…"
Then, to my surprise, she leaned closer, her voice lowering to a tender, fragile note. "Sometimes," she said, "I feel like you actually like me."
My heart skipped. I gently placed my finger on her forehead and pushed her back, trying to keep things light, even though my pulse was racing. "Sita, you're so beautiful that anyone would like you. What's new in that?"
But she wasn't satisfied with that answer. She tilted her head, eyes glinting with curiosity, and asked softly, "Liking someone… it's not always the same. Everyone has their own way of liking. So tell me—how do you like me? Is it just friendship… or something more? Something romantic?"
Her words struck deep, and suddenly the air around us felt heavy, intimate, dangerous. My breath faltered, and I quickly turned my face away, pretending to be occupied with the glass of water as I drained it in one go. My cheeks burned, and though I tried to hide it, I knew she had noticed.
Sita suddenly reached out, her fingers brushing against my cheek before firmly holding my face in her hands. She tilted my head toward her until my eyes met hers. She leaned in closer, so close that I could feel the warmth of her breath fanning against my lips. Her gaze was unwavering, her voice low and steady, carrying a mix of innocence and determination.
"Ved," she whispered, her lips barely an inch from mine, "tell me the truth… do you like me or not?"
My entire body stiffened. My mind screamed in panic. Oh God… she's so close. What is she trying to do to me? If she stays like this, she'll drive me insane. This girl won't stop until she gets an answer. But I can't… I can't confess right now. Not like this. Not when my heart is racing so fast I can barely breathe.
Before I could gather the courage to answer—or run from the question—her lips parted as though she was about to say something more. But just then, Sasha and Mia appeared out of nowhere, their timing both a curse and a rescue.
Sasha's teasing voice cut through the heavy air. "Oops… did we just disturb a couple?"
Mia rolled her eyes and gave Sasha's arm a playful slap. "Why do you always have to say things like that? Couldn't you have waited? What if they were about to kiss?"
Sasha gasped dramatically and then laughed. "You're right. Maybe I spoke too soon. After all, they are wifey and wifey. It's their right, not ours. Come on, let's give them space."
She started tugging Mia away, still grinning mischievously.
Flustered and desperate to stop their nonsense, I quickly grabbed Sasha's hand and pulled her back toward the table. My voice came out sharper than I intended. "Enough. Don't start with your drama. Just sit down quietly, both of you."
Even as I said it, my pulse was still thundering from Sita's closeness. Her hands had only just left my face, but the memory of her touch lingered, making my skin burn. I avoided her eyes, afraid she'd see the truth written all over my expression.
Sasha and Mia finally settled into their seats beside us, and together we placed an order for food. The air began to lighten a little, though inside I was still reeling from the closeness I'd just shared with Sita.
As the waiter left, Sasha suddenly turned to Mia with a sly smile. "Mia, do you remember Julie?"
Mia laughed instantly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, you mean the rose girl?"
I blinked in confusion, tilting my head. "Wait… who's Julie?" I asked, genuinely curious.
Before I could say another word, Sasha's hand darted under the table. She pinched my foot hard with her fingers, making me flinch. Then she quickly raised a finger to her lips, signaling me to stay quiet.
Sasha turned smoothly toward Sita, her smile never fading. "Sita, Julie is Ved's friend. And guess what? She's coming here today too… to enjoy with us."
The moment those words left her mouth, I felt a spark of irritation and amusement all at once. She was clearly trying to stir something, and judging by the way Sita's face shifted ever so slightly, her plan was working.
I forced a smile, my eyes narrowing at Sasha in mock sweetness. Without a word, I picked up my glass of juice, leaned forward casually… and then "accidentally" tipped it right over her lap.
The cold splash made her jump, and she let out a shriek. "Oh my God, Ved! What did you just do?"
I gasped dramatically, though the smirk tugging at my lips betrayed me. "Oops! Sasha, I'm so sorry. That was an accident. Really, it slipped. Come on, I'll take you to get cleaned up."
Still half glaring, half laughing, Sasha stood up, shaking off droplets of juice. "Fine. Yes, let's go. You'd better help me with this."
I rose from my seat beside her, casting a quick glance at Sita. She was watching us closely, her expression unreadable, though I swore I saw a tiny flicker of satisfaction in her eyes.
I led Sasha toward the restroom, walking quickly so no one could overhear us. As soon as we were inside, I turned to her with narrowed eyes. "Alright, Sasha. Enough games. Who exactly is this Julie, and why is she coming here? What are you and Mia planning?"
Sasha crossed her arms and smirked knowingly. "Ah, so that's why you dragged me in here. You're jealous already, huh?"
I rolled my eyes. "Stop being dramatic and just answer me."
She leaned casually against the wall, her grin growing wider. "Fine. Listen, Ved. Mia and I thought of a little… experiment. We want to see how Sita reacts if she sees you with another girl. How she feels when someone else is close to you. Consider it a test. A harmless observation."
My jaw dropped. "That's your big idea? Seriously, Sasha? This is the most ridiculous plan I've ever heard!"
She only laughed at my frustration. Then her expression shifted, turning sly. "By the way… were you and Sita really about to kiss back there? You two were sitting awfully close."
I hesitated, feeling the heat rise to my face. "I… I don't know. But Sita was leaning so close to me, I could hardly breathe."
Sasha's eyes lit up mischievously. "Oh really? Close like this?" She leaned forward, her face inching nearer to mine.
Instinctively, I matched her, bringing my face closer as if to demonstrate. But before I could say a word, Sasha shoved me back with a disgusted look. "Ew, Ved! What are you doing? Don't tell me you were about to reenact it with me! Gross!"
I held my hands up defensively, laughing nervously. "What? You're the one who leaned in first!"
Before we could argue more, the restroom door burst open. Mia walked in, her eyes blazing with disbelief. She pointed at me, her voice sharp. "I saw everything!"
My eyes widened in confusion. "Wait—what did you see?"
Without answering, Mia stormed over and slapped my arm hard. Then, with tears brimming in her eyes, she spun on her heel and ran out, leaving me completely stunned.
I turned back to Sasha, bewildered. "What on earth was that? What exactly did she think she saw?"
Sasha covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. "Oh, Ved… you're unbelievable. You're already married to Sita in everyone's eyes, and now you're planning to break my marriage with Mia before it's even started. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant."
I blinked at her, utterly lost. "Huh? What nonsense are you even talking about?"
Sasha just shook her head, still giggling as if this was the funniest scene in the world. Meanwhile, I stood there, caught between shock, amusement, and a very strong urge to run before Mia came back with more slaps.
To be continue....