"Where did this stupid Sudesh disappear?" I muttered, scanning the busy hall for him.
Standing in the middle of the stairs, I debated. Kitchen or room? Where should I check first? Kitchen seemed better. Just as I stepped down, someone's shoulder bumped into mine. The sudden hit made me lose balance, and the gifts slipped from my arms, scattering everywhere. A wave of dizziness brushed past me for a second before I crouched down to collect them.
"Sorry, I was in a hurry," a man's voice said.
I looked up—and froze. My eyes widened the same moment his did. My heart pounded as the memory of what happened just minutes ago came rushing back.
Quickly, I lowered my head, avoiding his gaze. Still, he knelt and helped me gather the gifts. The silence between us was awkward, heavy.
"About the ro—" he began, but before he could finish, my palm pressed over his mouth.
"Shh! I don't remember anything, and you shouldn't remember either, okay?" I whispered, glaring at him.
He blinked at me, then stared into my eyes for a moment. Slowly, he shook his head and shrugged.
A relieved smile spread on my face. "Good." I pulled my hand away. "Okay, I'll carry some, you take the rest, alright?" Without waiting for his answer, I pushed a few boxes into his arms and stood.
Just as I turned to head down the stairs, something tugged at my dupatta. I froze.
What the heck? Is he showing his ugly side now?
"Leave my dupatta right now!" I snapped, clutching the gifts tighter. "Don't show me your cheap side, okay? Come on, yaar—" My words choked when I saw him standing in front of me, holding the boxes I had given him.
If he was here… then who—?
I turned, cheeks burning, only to see the fabric caught on a screw sticking out of the stair railing.
This is what people call self-embarrassment.
I glanced at him, then at my dupatta. He smirked faintly before helping free the fabric. An awkward smile tugged at my lips. "Tha-thank you."
He gave me a slight smile, blinked once, and walked away—leaving me with the ridiculous thought: He looks so cute when he does that.
---
As I scanned the huge hall, I finally spotted that stupid Sudesh, happily chatting away with Nikhil and Anita.
"Forget me, huh? What kind of best friend do I even have?" I rolled my eyes and walked over. "Where should I keep these gifts?"
"Oh, my cittu, so sweet of you!" Sudesh said, pointing to a large blue box near him.
I placed the gifts carefully inside. The man from the stairs joined me, setting down the boxes he carried. This time, I kept quiet.
"Vaishank, what a surprise! You're picking up gifts—even for your annoying cousin?" Nikhil teased, resting an elbow on Sudesh's shoulder.
"Not an annoying cousin," Vaishank corrected with a smirk, "a hated one."
Nikhil chuckled.
"And for the record, I didn't do this for you. I did it for someone who's worth doing anything for." His eyes flicked toward me briefly before he turned and walked away.
I sucked in a breath, my heartbeat stuttering. Why is it racing now? Why is this even affecting me?
"Does Vaishank hate you?" Anita asked Nikhil curiously.
Nikhil smiled and shook his head. "No. But because of me, he has to endure a lot of headaches. He's more like a problem-solver than an enemy."
Sudesh and Anita nodded, and I found myself nodding too. Still, my eyes searched the hall, but there was no sign of him anymore.
---
I walked into the kitchen, where people bustled about, busy with cooking. I searched for Sarala aunty, but she wasn't there. A sigh escaped me as I leaned lightly against a cabinet. Just then, a woman placed down a knife nearby—too close.
Before my brain could even react, a hand gripped my waist gently and pulled me back.
It was him.
Vaishank's sharp gaze landed on the aunty, who looked shocked. "Ma, you should be careful," he said firmly.
"I'm so sorry, Vaishank, I was just—" she stopped, pressing a hand to her mouth. She looked at me with sincere eyes. "I didn't know you were standing there, beta."
I smiled faintly, glancing at Vaishank before looking back at her. "It's okay, aunty. I should have been more careful."
Her lips curved into a gentle smile. "Here, have a ladoo. Forgive me by accepting this."
Awe, why is she so down to earth? I thought, stealing a glance at Vaishank, who was smirking again. Does he… does he seem interested in me? Or am I just imagining it?
"Sure, aunty." I accepted the ladoo, but before I could take a bite, I felt someone's eyes still lingering on me. I looked at Vaishank. He was smiling slightly, watching me.
"I'll eat it outside. Bye." I waved quickly.
He raised a hand in return, still wearing that faint smile.
Stepping out, I bit into the ladoo. Sweetness melted across my tongue, and my heart ached suddenly.
Haa… so sweet. But I'm already missing my mom's ladoo. I should call them soon.