POV: Aarav
When Aunty asked Bunny to go to the nearby store, I decided to go with her.
It was a short walk — nothing special — but something about being next to her on a regular street in a regular town felt… comforting.
Halfway there, someone called out her name.
A guy.
Her face lit up instantly.
She turned and ran toward him with that stupid wide smile she rarely gave anyone — except me.
"Aarav, you go get the groceries. I'll catch up."
She said it casually, almost like I was just… someone who could be left behind.
I nodded, but I wasn't happy.
She looked excited. She looked happy.
And not because of me.
I returned after ten minutes, hoping it was just a quick chat.
But she was still there — still talking, still smiling.
I walked up, holding the shopping bag.
Aarav (coldly):
"I got the stuff. Let's go."
She barely glanced at me.
Bunny:
"Yeah… you go ahead. I'll come in a minute."
That was it.
I don't know what snapped in me — maybe it was the way she smiled, or how casually she dismissed me.
But I grabbed her hand and started walking.
She didn't budge.
She literally stood there like she'd grown roots in the road.
So without a word, I leaned down and scooped her up in my arms.
Bunny (struggling):
"What the hell, Aarav?!"
Aarav (whispering near her ear):
"If you don't come with me right now, I swear I'll kiss you in front of your old friend."
She froze.
Bunny (blushing, muttering):
"Fine. Take me home already."
And I did.
With her in my arms, she waved a dramatic goodbye to the guy, and I didn't even care anymore.
---
Back at home
As soon as I stepped in with her still in my arms, Aunty and Uncle started laughing.
Aunty (teasing):
"Aarav , she's not a little girl anymore. You can put her down now."
Aarav (grinning):
"She wasn't walking. So I improvised."
Uncle (smiling):
"She's all yours, handle her however you want."
I looked at Bunny — her cheeks were glowing red.
She smacked my shoulder lightly as I set her down.
---
Later — in Bunny's room
Aarav:
"So… you were laughing so much back there, huh? "
Bunny (crossing her arms):
"I wasn't laughing at you. It was funny, okay? My parents practically think you've adopted me."
Aarav (pretending to be serious):
"You are mine. And they've already accepted it."
Bunny:
"Possessive much?"
Aarav:
"You like it."
Bunny:
"I do not!"
Aarav (walking closer):
"Oh really? Then why didn't you stop me when I picked you up in front of that guy?"
Bunny (stammering):
"Because—you—I—It was just too shocking, okay?!"
I moved even closer, pinning her gently against the wall.
Aarav (softly):
"You didn't mind it. In fact, I think you loved it."
Bunny (trying to act annoyed):
"You're full of yourself."
Aarav:
"And yet… here you are, not pushing me away."
She looked up at me. I looked right back.
One second. Two. Three.
Then she whispered:
Bunny:
"You're still annoying."
Aarav:
"Annoying looks good on me."
And before she could say anything else, I leaned down and kissed her.
Softly at first.
Then a little deeper when her hands clutched my shirt.
When we finally pulled away, she looked up — breathless, flushed, eyes wide.
Bunny (barely audible):
"Idiot…"
Aarav (smiling):
"Yours."
---
To be continued…