As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue across the bustling streets, Bella stood frozen at the entrance of the Rajvansh household. Her heart raced in her chest, a mix of excitement and anxiety swirling within her. Dinner had been a cacophony of laughter and playful jabs, but her thoughts were solely consumed by the piercing gaze of Rojan, who had not let her out of his sight all evening.
“Are you coming in or just planning to stand there and stare at the door?” Aadhav teased, nudging her playfully. Bella shot him a glare but could not suppress the smile tugging at her lips.
“Shut up, Aadhav,” she retorted, shaking her head. Just then, she felt Rojan’s presence beside her, his hands shoved deep in his pockets as he leaned against the doorframe.
“Hey, thief,” he said, an amused smirk on his face. “Planning another heist tonight?”
Bella rolled her eyes but felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. “Only if you’re guarding the mangoes,” she shot back, her voice playful yet tinged with an edge of genuine challenge.
Rojan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh, is that a challenge? Because I’m not going to let you get away easily this time.”
Before Bella could respond, a loud crash echoed from the living room, breaking the moment. All heads turned toward the source of the sound. It was Rohan, who had knocked over a stack of plates while trying to demonstrate a particularly flamboyant dance move.
“Rohan!” Mishti shrieked, her hands on her hips as she surveyed the mess. “What on earth are you doing?”
“Practicing for the family talent show!” he exclaimed, grinning sheepishly. “I’ll clean it up, I promise!”
As the family erupted in laughter, Bella felt a gentle nudge at her side. It was Kaojal, her younger sister, who leaned in close. “Do you think Rojan likes you?” she whispered, an impish grin spreading across her face.
“Shh! Keep your voice down,” Bella hissed, her heart racing at the thought. “He’s just being annoying, that’s all.” Yet, there was a part of her that couldn’t shake off the flutter in her stomach.
Meanwhile, across the room, Rojan exchanged a look with his brother Aadhav, who was snickering at Rohan’s antics. “You really think she’s into you?” Aadhav teased, nudging Rojan with his elbow.
“Shut up, Aadhav,” Rojan replied, trying to sound nonchalant, but his cheeks tinted a faint pink. He couldn’t deny the thrill he felt each time Bella challenged him, her fiery spirit drawing him in like a moth to a flame.
As the night wore on, conversations flowed like the sweet mango lassi that was being served. Bella and Rojan found themselves seated next to each other at the dinner table, the air thick with unspoken tension. Their playful banter had transformed into a game of subtle glances and lingering smiles. Bella couldn’t help but notice how Rojan’s dark hair fell over his forehead, and how his laughter seemed to light up the room.
But just as the atmosphere reached a crescendo of warmth and camaraderie, the doorbell chimed, cutting through the night’s enchantment. Mishti excused herself to answer the door, and the tension in the room shifted, a collective curiosity buzzing through the air.
“Who could that be?” Rohan wondered aloud, his mouth still full of paratha.
Bella’s heart sank slightly; she had hoped the evening would remain uninterrupted. A few moments later, Mishti returned, flanked by a tall figure whose face was obscured by a large bouquet of flowers.
“Everyone, meet our new neighbor, Aisha!” Mishti announced, her voice bright. Bella’s heart sank further as Aisha stepped forward, her smile dazzling and her presence captivating. Rojan’s eyes widened with surprise, and in that fleeting moment, Bella felt a pang of jealousy she hadn’t expected.
“Hi, everyone! I just moved in next door and thought I’d bring over some flowers as a welcome gift,” Aisha said, her warm voice filling the room. She glanced at Rojan, her gaze lingering just a moment too long.
“Welcome!” the family chorused, but Bella’s mind raced, her heart pounding louder than her thoughts. Why did it feel like Aisha’s arrival had turned the evening upside down?
As the night continued, Bella felt the distance between her and Rojan grow, despite them sitting side by side. His laughter with Aisha felt like a distant echo, and Bella’s playful repartee with him seemed overshadowed by the newcomer’s charm.
“Ugh, I need air,” Bella muttered under her breath, excusing herself from the table. She slipped outside, the cool breeze wrapping around her like a comforting embrace.
But her solitude was short-lived as Rojan followed her, stepping out into the night. “Bella, wait!” he called, concern etched on his face.
“What do you want, Rojan?” Bella snapped, frustration boiling within her.
He hesitated, the distance between them charged with unspoken words. “I just... I wanted to check on you. You seemed... off.”
“Off? Why would I be off?” she shot back, crossing her arms defensively.
“Because,” he said, taking a cautious step closer, “I could see it in your eyes. You’re not the only one who notices things, you know.”
Bella’s breath hitched. “It’s just… Aisha. She’s so… perfect,” she admitted, the vulnerability slipping through her bravado.
Rojan’s expression softened, and for a moment, the world around them faded away. “She’s new, Bella. But you—” he paused, searching for the right words, “you’re the one I’ve been arguing with over mangoes, remember?”
Bella’s heart raced as she searched his eyes, feeling the weight of his words. “But what if she wants to steal all the mangoes?” she whispered, a mixture of playfulness and sincerity in her tone.
Rojan chuckled, the tension easing between them. “Then I’ll just have to make sure she knows you’re the reigning mango queen.”
In that moment, as laughter bubbled between them, the door swung open behind them, and Aadhav’s voice rang out, “Hey lovebirds, come back inside! We need your expertise in judging our mango-related talent show!”
Bella glanced at Rojan, the spark of playful rivalry igniting once more. “You ready to put your mango knowledge to the test?” she asked, a grin spreading across her face.
“Always,” he replied, a glint of determination in his eyes.
As they re-entered the house, Bella felt a renewed sense of hope. The night was far from over, and the story between her and Rojan was just beginning, with twists and turns yet to unfold.
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