I woke up with a jolt and then froze. Today... today was my FATHER'S BIRTHDAY!!!! My heart skipped a beat. My mind ran in circles. Everybody had forgotten, and of course, I didn't remind anyone either. That was just how our family worked-chaos ruled, and I didn't bother saving anyone from their forgetfulness.
I dragged myself to school, feeling the weight of the day like a heavy backpack. And to make everything worse, I didn't see Rivan at all. Not a glimpse, not a smirk, not even a teasing glare. The universe clearly wanted me to have the worst, most stressful, chaotic day imaginable. Every lecture felt like it dragged, every corridor felt longer than usual. By the time I came home, I was ready to collapse.
That's when my mom's voice rang through the house like a siren.
"Rohitha, get ready! We have to go to the Thakore's house!!"
"Maa, I just got back from schooooll!!" I whined, flopping onto the couch dramatically.
"I don't care! Get ready fastly!!" she snapped, leaving no room for negotiation.
"Ufoooo, UNFAIR!!" I shouted, throwing my hands up in surrender. But there was no escaping it.
I opened my wardrobe and went straight for the black. My shoulder-off black dress clung just right to my curves-the one I loved because black was power, mystery, and chaos all rolled into one. I slipped on my black heels, the sharp click of each step announcing my arrival like a warning. My eyeliner was sharp enough to cut Rivan's heart if he wasn't careful (yeah, I meant it), and my hair flowed down my back, perfectly messy in a deliberate way.
Stepping out, I found my dad already in the car, his hands gripping the steering wheel like he was waiting for me to finally stop complaining. I grabbed my phone, slipped on my headphones, and let my personal soundtrack take over. Strategy by Twice started playing, followed by Like JENNIE by Jennie. My anthems. My queens. My energy boosters.
The drive was chaotic, honks and screeching brakes blending with my music. And then, finally, we arrived. The Thakore house was massive, lush with greenery that made the entrance look like something out of a movie. And there he was-Rivan-standing at the gate, sleeves of his black silky shirt rolled up, smirk in place, aura of trouble radiating like a spotlight.
"Welcome to my house, Miss Hot-headed," he whispered as I passed, close enough that I felt his breath.
"Save the seductive voice for kissing me, Mr. I-kiss-strangers-which is never," I snapped, flipping my hair back.
"I will prove you wrong, Miss Cocky," he replied, grin widening.
Inside, the house was grand. The parents were seated, dads discussing trading, stocks, politics; moms whispered about children and school and accomplishments. I greeted the auntie and uncle, the siblings with careful politeness, though I felt Rivan's gaze following me like a mischievous shadow.
"Okay, I will make chai now!" the auntie said, moving toward the kitchen.
"No, Akka, Rohitha will make aweessooomme chai!! Right, Rohitha??" my mom exclaimed, eyes sparkling with expectation.
"Uh-Maa, but-" I started, ready to protest.
"Okay, go to the kitchen!" she interrupted sharply, leaving no room for debate.
"No, I will make it," the auntie offered again, but my mom's voice overpowered hers.
"No, Akka, she is the best chai maker in our house," she said proudly.
How's the chapter, guys?!
Hope you love it!!
Lots of love from me!!
~sweetpancakes_17