Page 42 of Always? Forever.
"That's my favorite part too," she exclaimed. "Oh my goodness, we actually have something in common.”
I shrugged casually. "Well, statistically speaking, it was bound to happen at some point."
She grinned mischievously. "You know, you should just admit that you're a big softy. This whole cynical persona is just an act to make you appear wounded, mysterious, and, dare I say, sexy."
I leaned in with a teasing tone, "Wait, did you just say sexy?"
Taken aback, she stammered, "What? I mean... well..."
I interrupted with a sly grin, "Do you think I'm sexy?"
She quickly replied, "No."
I pressed on, playfully, "It's alright if you do."
Her tone remained resolute, "I don't."
I teased further, "You think I'm a little sexy, don't you?"
She smirked, "No, I think you think you're sexy."
I chuckled, "I might be a little sexy."
She conceded, "That's the point I'm making."
I couldn't resist adding, "So you think I think I'm sexy?"
She laughed, "Yes."
And with that, we continued to dance, completely oblivious to our surroundings.
I looked at her, she looked stunning in that black saree, at that moment I knew I couldn’t wait any longer, I wanted to tell her then and there that I was falling in love with her, that I loved her, that I loved her the way she is and no matter what I’ll always be there for her. She was looking in my eyes as we swayed to the sound of the music.
As Samaira and I moved to the rhythm, she tilted her head up at me, voice dripping with mischief.
“Guess who your cousin Meher wants to see me with?”
I narrowed my eyes. “Should I be worried?”
“Her dentist,” she said, trying to sound offended but failing miserably.
I scoffed. “You’re literally here with me.”
She raised a brow. “Told her that. She thinks I’m too angelic for your chaotic soul.”
She grinned, all teeth. “She might be my favorite cousin now.”
I scoffed, pulling her closer. “Good to know Meher’s blind.”
She just grinned. And I swear—God help me, I fell a little more.
Samaira
The music shifted into something soft and old-school, the kind of track that felt carefully chosen to make people emotional on cue. I was busy gazing into Kartik’s eyes and my focus shifted for a moment and that’s when I sawhim.
Hriday.
Standing near the bar like it hadn’t been over a year. Like he didn’t owe me at least a blink of discomfort.
