Ambivalence

Unwavering Commitment

Sharvansh's POV

I got ready for the function while Aaradhya was still changing. I couldn't fathom why she was taking so much time.

"Aaradhya, hurry up, we are getting late," I called out, my patience wearing thin.

Receiving no response, I walked towards the closet and knocked on the door. "Aaradhya," I called again.

I saw her peeping out of the door. "What's taking so long?" I asked, growing a bit frustrated.

"Um, vo...vo mera blouse," she replied, a hint of fluster in her voice, her eyes refusing to meet mine.

"Can you call someone to help me?" She said in a low voice.

"I can't, it would be doubtful if I asked someone to help you," I replied firmly. I knew she wouldn't appreciate it if someone talked about us, and I wasn't about to give any reason for gossip.

"Open the door; I will help you," I instructed, and in second her eyes widened before going back to normal.

"But-"

"We don't have the time to argue, Cherry."

Slowly she came out of the bathroom, holding the blouse that did nothing to hide her. Her long hair was intricately braided, and her head adorned with a mangtika matching her earrings. What caught my attention, however, was the sole piece of jewelry hanging around her neck — the mangalsutra. I lifted my eyes, catching the subtle red hues on her cheeks. Her lips were painted red-brown shade, and her eyes were highlighted with a black line.

She moved to stand in front of the mirror, but I gently turned her to face me. Encircling her body, my fingers deftly worked on tying the strings of her blouse, while her eyes remained glued to the ground. I could hear the faint noise of her racing heartbeats, as her chest heaved up and down with her deep breathing becoming heavier. I glanced at her hands fisting the fabric of her lehenga.

The gap between us was eating me alive. I didn't know how or why, but I wanted to close the distance. I yearned to look beyond the cold facade she wore, to understand her thoughts and emotions. I wanted to hear her speak freely, just as she did with her friends. Even my Dadi Sa and Ruhani had witnessed her genuine smiles more often than I had. I desired to know the Aaradhya who danced freely in the room, to discover everything that could make her wear that happy expression on her face.

She shivered when my fingers brushed against her skin.

"Stay here," I instructed and walked towards the bed to get her dupatta.

Bending slightly towards the table, I breathed in her scent and picked up a pin.

She finally lifted her eyes to look at me and asked, "What are you doing?"

"Helping you," I replied, my fingers skillfully fixing the dupatta in place, creating a seamless look to complement her attire.

As I secured the dupatta in place, I couldn't help but notice the subtle changes in her expression. Her eyes, initially focused on the task at hand, now carried a mix of surprise and curiosity. I could sense the tension in the air, the unspoken energy that lingered between us.

I took a step back, admiring the way the dupatta enhanced her overall appearance. The soft fabric draped elegantly over her shoulders, complementing the intricate design of her lehenga. My gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary, captivated by the way she looked.

"Better?" I asked, my tone softer than before.

She nodded, still avoiding direct eye contact. The air seemed charged with a different kind of tension — one that danced on the line between intimacy and restraint.