At last, I ended up in the kitchen. The smell of boiling milk hit me like a mini explosion of chaos, and for a moment, rage bubbled inside me. How could everyone forget my father's birthday? I shook it off. There was work to be done-chai had to be perfect. Then, it hit me. The cake. I had to buy a cake.
Just as I was lost in my thoughts, Rivan appeared. He leaned casually against the kitchen doorframe, smirk in place, as if he owned the house. Well... technically, he did own part of it, being the Thakore heir and all.
Stop being dumb Rohitha!
"Need help?" he asked, voice dripping with amusement.
"No," I replied sharply, though my heartbeat betrayed me.
"Do you even like chai?" he pressed, raising an eyebrow.
"No!"
"Then how do you know how to make one?"
"That's called being a Desi girl, Rivan," I snapped, not looking at him.
He moved closer. Now behind me, I could feel his breath tickling my neck, hands resting lightly on my waist. My heart skipped a beat.
"Say my name again," he muttered, voice low.
I turned slightly, leaning just a fraction toward him. His hands were still on my waist, warm and solid.
"Rivan," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
He hovered over me, smirk unwavering.
"I might add salt to yours," I said, trying to maintain my usual sharp edge.
"Even salt tastes sweet when it's made and served by you," he replied, voice smooth like velvet.
I rolled my eyes, turned away, and poured the chai into cups, placing them carefully on the serving tray. I walked toward the elders, my hands slightly trembling.
"Does it taste nice?" I asked, trying to sound casual.
"Incredibly tasty!" the uncle said, sipping with an approving nod.
"Best chai I ever had!" exclaimed the auntie, eyes wide with admiration.
"Told you, my daughter makes the chai better than anyone!" my mom chimed in proudly.
"This is dangerous," Rivan muttered under his breath.
Everyone turned to him in surprise.
"I might just fall for her... just for the chai she serves," he added, a teasing glint in his eyes.
I choked on my thumbs-up drink. Seriously? Did he just say that out loud? Everyone looked at him like he'd just committed a crime. I rushed to change the subject.
"Papa, Maa, can I go out for some time?" I asked, pleading, trying to save the moment.
"But-" my mom started.
"Please," I cut her off.
"Okay, with Rivan only, because you don't know the area," my dad said firmly.
"But-" I started.
"Then don't go," my dad interrupted.
"Fine!" I huffed, trying not to roll my eyes. Rivan smirked, clearly enjoying my mini victory.
We headed outside.
"Where is the nearest bakery?" I asked.
"I'll show you," he replied, curious. "Why?"
"Today's my papa's birthday. Everybody forgot. I'm buying a cake."
"Aww, Miss Hot-headed has a sweet side," he mocked, clearly enjoying himself.
"Shut up!" I barked, trying to maintain my dignity.
At the bakery, I ordered a Black Forest cake-his favorite. I reached for my wallet, but Rivan beat me to it, paying without hesitation.
"Rivan! I can pay-" I protested, but he refused, shaking his head.
"You are a great daughter," he said quietly.
"I should be," I replied. "He works so hard to make me study. He's just... my best friend."
"Let's go, Miss Sentimental," he teased, voice laced with mockery.
"Stop it!" I yelled, cheeks heating. He smirked, utterly unbothered.
Back at home, I sang the birthday song loudly and proudly as we entered.
"Whose birthday is today?" my dad asked, smiling.
"Obviously, it's YOURS, papa! Maa, Nivi, even you forgot your own birthday!" I said, dramatic but sincere.
"Happy birthday, uncle," Rivan added politely.
"Thank you, beta!" my dad replied warmly.
"You planned all of this?" he asked, eyes glimmering.
"Yes!!" I said, puffing my chest with pride.
"Awww beta, I love you!" he pulled me into a warm hug. I hugged back, squeezing tightly before stepping away.
"Okay, let's cut the cake," I said, smiling.
"Ha, let's do it," my dad agreed. He cut the cake while Rivan stood beside me. I could feel someone lightly brushing against my waist. My heart did a little jump.
After the cake cutting, my mom and the auntie started cutting the cake for everybody to eat while the dads whispered about what a wonderful daughter I was (yes, I know, I know). The kids ran around, giggling, frosting on their faces.
I was heading to the bedroom to grab auntie's phone when Rivan appeared behind me.
"Next time, if you bake a cake, I might just marry you right there," he muttered, voice low and dangerous.
"Then I'll make one with poison," I snapped, stepping forward.
He took a step closer. Another. Then suddenly, his hands were on my waist, pulling me gently but firmly until my back pressed against his chest. Hidden from everyone's eyes.
"Then I'll happily die in your arms, Miss Hot-headed," he whispered, voice dangerously seductive.
I blushed, heart hammering, and broke free, taking a few hurried steps away.
"How are you so flirty at fifteen?" I asked, incredulous.
"Maybe... I just found the right girl to flirt with," he said, smirking.
I rushed to the bedroom, grabbed the phone, and bolted back to the kitchen. He followed, leaning casually against the doorway.
"Maa, what are you doing?" he asked innocently.
"Can't you see?! I'm cutting the cake for everyone!" the auntie snapped.
"Can Rohitha talk with you, beta? About school?" my mom asked gently.
"Okay, auntie," he said with a smirk. "We have a park in the front."
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