Abhi (Narration):
I slowly slide my fingers down from her forehead to her lips, gently brushing her hair back and tucking it behind her ear.
I lean in closer—now, our bodies are touching.
I can feel her heartbeat—fast and heavy, like it's about to leap out of her chest.
I close my eyes, leaning toward her lips.
She shuts her eyes tightly too… trembling just a bit.
We're a breath apart…
Yash:
(Loudly from the background)
"No way! Have they forgotten there are single people around here?!"
Youngest Brother:
"Bro, you're destined to die single—stop comparing yourself to them."
Second Brother:
"Yeah, what was that girl's name again? Jenny, right?"
Cousin 2:
"Oh don't tell me… you mean the same jenny who literally tied a rakhi on your hand during childhood? Your 'sister'?"
(Laughing)
"Hahahaha!"
Yash:
(Vexed)
"Very funny, guys! So what if she tied a thread once? That doesn't make her my sister forever!"
Second Brother:
(Grinning)
"See? I told you—he's still chasing his childhood crush."
[Suddenly, footsteps echo up the stairs...]
Father:
(Entering the terrace)
"You guys enjoying the—"
Abhi (Narration):
Suddenly I hear a familiar voice—
Wait… is that her dad?!
My heart drops.
In a split second, I jump up, pulling away from Ishana as if I touched fire.
Abhi:
(Stammering, straightening himself)
"Uhmm... uncle? What are you doing here?"
Father:
(Raising an eyebrow)
"Ohh, sorry! I didn't realize this was that kind of party..."
(Glancing awkwardly at the group)
"I just came up to check if you guys had any issues with the arrangements.
But never mind—I'll leave. You all carry on with… whatever you were doing."
Abhi:
(Scratching his head, trying to laugh it off)
"No, no, it's okay, Uncle —you can stay."
Ishana (Inner Monologue):
What the hell was he trying to do just now?!
I couldn't even push him away—there are so many family members around.
If I did, they'd all start asking questions.
Ugh, I couldn't even look into his eyes… he was too close.
But thank GOD my dad walked in right then.
Another few seconds and my innocent lips would've been history.
He backed off just in time… Dad saved my life today.
(She stands up quietly, moving beside Abhi, flustered and avoiding her father's eyes.)
Yash:
(Laughing)
"Now that's what I call a spoiler!
Dad, you have no idea what you just interrupted—hahaha!"
Youngest Brother:
"Bro, you're gonna regret missing that moment!
So close—and poof!"
Second Brother:
"Yeah, Dad, you might as well join us now. We've already seen more drama tonight than a Netflix series!"
Father:
(Unamused)
"Uhmm… I don't think it's appropriate for me to be part of this party.
I should probably go sleep.
You guys also finish up and head to bed soon."
Youngest Brother:
"Aww come on, Dad! It's barely past midnight.
We haven't all met in so long—let us enjoy the night!"
Father:
(Shaking his head, half-smiling)
"Do as you please.
By the way, where's your elder cousin and his wife?"
Abhi:
(Quickly)
"Uh, they were tired, so they went to their room."
Youngest Brother:
(Smirking)
"Correction—they weren't tired.
They went to get tired."
Ishana:
(Coughs awkwardly)
"Ahem"
Father:
(Concerned)
"Ishana? Are you okay? Did you catch a cold?
Your face is all red."
Yash:
(Laughs)
"I don't think she caught a cold, Dad…
I think she caught fire! Hahaha!"
Father:
(Confused)
"What? What are you people even talking about?
This doesn't make any sense!"
Abhi:
(Quickly intervening)
"Nothing, Uncle —they're just messing around. Ignore them."