Page 38 of Always? Forever.
We get back to draping the saree and just like that topic for the time being is dropped. By the time I was ready, it was5:00 p.m. and my doorbell rang at the very minute. Aria rushed out to open the door while I wore my jewellery.
Kartik
I rang the doorbell, nervous as I could be. I was going to take my current pretend fiancée to my cousin brother’s wedding with my ex-girlfriend who I thought I would marry. My life was fucking fantastic.
To top it off I was late. Not liketen minutes latecute. I wasthirty minutes late oh my god she’s going to kill melate.
The door was opened by Aria. She stood there leaving me no space to enter as she eyed me up and down making me more nervous.
"Hello," I greeted with an attempt at a warm smile.
"What are your intentions with my girl?" Aria questioned, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized me.
"Good intentions," I replied, not entirely sure what else to say at that moment.
"Who's at the door, Aria?" a voice called from inside the house, prompting Aria to turn and open the door a bit wider. I seized the opportunity and stepped inside. My heart raced as I heard footsteps approaching from the bedroom to the living room. I felt like I had entered heaven and returned. There she was, looking absolutely mesmerizing in her black saree. Her hairflowed freely, justthe way I liked it, and she wore earrings that perfectly matched the gift I had brought for her.
When my brain finally processed her presence, all it could muster was a simple, "Wow."
She blushed, tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear, and flashed a shy smile at me.
“I know I know I am late. I got held up. It’s a whole thing. I’ll grovel. Verbally or dramatically. Dealer’s choice.” I said.
She raised one eyebrow. “You’d better start now.”
God, she looked good. Like… unfairly good. Like the kind of good that made my brain stop working mid-apology.
“You, uh…” I coughed. “You look...”
“If you say ‘nice,’ I swear I will not accompany you,” she deadpanned.
“I was going to say distracting,” I offered, grinning despite myself.
That got her. Just the tiniest twitch at the corner of her mouth. But it didn’t last.
“Do you always keep girls waiting, or am I just lucky?” she asked, adjusting her earring with clinical precision.
“Only the terrifyingly pretty ones who may or may not murder me later,” I said.
Silence.
Then she sighed, eyes rolling slightly toward the sky.
“You’re lucky you’re charming,” she muttered.
“Oh, now she admits it,” I teased.
“Don’t flatter yourself. I still might kill you later.”
Aria cleared her throat, breaking the moment. "Bring her back by 12, no staying over," she stated firmly, her gaze still fixed on me with a hint of skepticism. I nodded in acknowledgment before returning my attention to the stunning woman before me.
"You are absolutely gorgeous," I couldn't help but compliment her. Samaira blushed even deeper, if that was possible, at my words. Aria continued to watch me with caution.
"Thank you," Samaira replied softly, her gratitude evident in her eyes. I couldn't help but smile. There was no way I was going to let this incredible woman slip through my fingers.
"I'll make sure to bringmy girlback on time. I'm responsible, and I'd never let anything happen to her," I assured Aria, my gaze still locked on Samaira. "Especially her heart," I added in a soft murmur. Aria's frown transformed into a knowing smirk as if I had passed some sort of test. Samaira looked at me, her eyes shimmering with emotion and a smile gracing her face. I cleared my throat and reached for the gift I had brought for her.
Samaira
