𝐈𝐍 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐌𝐀𝐇𝐀

𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘

♡Tarun's Pov♡

So smooth. Her fingers grazed over mine as she retracted the torchlight from me.

Looking at the retreating figure of Maha, gloominess hugged me. With a poker face, I returned to my mansion and slumped down on the couch in the living room. The guests were already departed and I sighed in solace.

A few minutes passed by and I felt the couch dipping beside me. Dhruv reclined down with a creased forehead. He groaned aloud. "Something's up?" I queried him and he nodded his head slightly. "Reena denied having food and was crying profusely" This kid.

"I will talk to her" saying that I got up from the couch and trotted upstairs.
With a soft knock, I slid open the door quietly. She was gripping her teddy bear to her chest and crying hysterically.

"Reena" I called and she looked up at me, her sobbing got too loud. "Shh..chill kid" I closed the door and stood at the edge of her bed. "So, why are you crying?" I folded my hands on my chest. "You know why" She mumbled between her sobbings.

"If I knew the reason why would I ask you for the same Reena" she glared at me and again started to cry. "You got a point there," she confided and wiped her tears, then stared dead at me.

"Now tell me the reason" I swiftly sat at the bed, perching my fist under my chin and balancing my elbow above my knee. My eyes were fixed on her. "You don't love me," she stated in a whisper. "I do, but not just the way you want me to" I smiled at her.

"But why? Am I not beautiful?" She tilted her head. "Why do you directly grip onto looks? If you love someone for their beauty, do you consider yourself truly in love with them?" She shook her head.

"Reena, you are such a sweetheart in childhood, but I don't know why have you been acting so arrogantly to everyone now" She looked down and cried. "I'm sorry" I held out my hand and patted her head. "It's okay, you can always change your bad habits" she nodded her head.

"Hmm now, will you have your food like a sweetheart you are?" I raised my eyebrows and she giggled. "Yes," she said and I stood up from the bed. "Okay then have food and sleep in peace" I winked at her and reached towards the door.

As I was about to go out of the room, Reena called out to me. I stared back at her in confusion, with my hands still around the doorknob. "Yes?" She smiled. "I know why you are not interested in me" I quirked one eyebrow at her. "Why?" What is this kid talking about?

"Because you are already in love with someone" oh come on. I shook my head at her and closed the door. Already in love?

A big NO.

"She is alright Dhruv, don't stress yourself," I said from upstairs and he nodded with a gentle smile.

A yawn left my mouth as I sauntered inside my room. Taking a good shower, I put on my boxers and a grey t-shirt. It's been days since I had read a book, I took the "Ancient sedimentary environment" book. I put on my study spects and began to read but Maha's face unexpectedly appeared in the book!!

What the fuck--

I took away my spectacles and rubbed my eyes, still, Maha's face was there. I abruptly closed the book and sighed a breath. She is messing with my head.

No reading today.

I kept my study spects on the table and plopped on the bed. "Sleep Tarun" I urged myself to fall asleep but couldn't. Argh! This is so frustrating. Turning on my back, once again I tried to doze off but Maha's eyes were disturbing me so much.

Ugh!

I sat upon the bed and raked my fingers through my hair. What should I do to fall asleep?

Come on.

Ah, Music!

I put on my ear pods and turned on a song which made it all even worse. Maha, her face again dawned upon my mind.

Sighing in defeat, I invited her thoughts with my own will.

And just like that, thinking about her my eyelids closed after a long time attempt, gradually leading me to the dream universe.

"Tarun, why are you sleeping so much today!" Richard's voice made me flutter my eyes open. "What time is it?" He was all ready to go for research. "9.45 am" what! How did I sleep for this much time?

Of course!

All because of Maha.

She isn't doing anything but still doing everything. Shit. What am I even saying!

I rubbed my face in tiredness and hurriedly did my daily routine. I rushed down the stairs and had breakfast in less than 5 minutes.

Digestive system, I'm sorry.

With a kiss on my mom's forehead, Richard and I hopped in the car to leave for the village. "Man, you in love?" I frowned and gave Richard a blank look. "Why buddy?" He chuckled. "Then what might be the reason If a man like you struggle to sleep" I remained silent. Of course, even after having a good shower, my face is looking quite dull.

But why is everyone continuously pestering me about being in love?

How can they be so sure?

I sighed and looked out the window. Maha will be waiting for me. Okay, it's actually us. Why would she wait for me alone, oh shit Tarun! One sleepless night and you are already gone nuts.

I rubbed my forehead and leaned back.

Soon after reaching the village, we were welcomed by Maha. I stared at her but she turned her gaze away. Hmm? After spotting the research area, Maha rushed somewhere to bring the toolbox.

We both waited for exactly fifteen minutes but she wasn't back yet. Huh? She usually doesn't take this much time.

Worry took over me. "I will go and search for her" I declared to Richard and went in the way Maha had gone.

                      ..................

Take care and be safe guys🤗❤️