Chapter 23

All of a sudden the lights of our room got switched on.

I opened my eyes and I was pleasantly surprised as Rahul was standing there. I almost cried with relief. I rushed towards him and threw myself straight into his arms. My tears started flowing.



He was rooted to the ground. His mouth was open. He was enchanted and then he tightened his arms around me, " Wow beautiful, I didn't know you missed me so much. Thanks for such a warm welcome. If only I knew, I would get such a welcome, I would have come earlier. "



I was blushing so hard.



" I thought it was some burglar when you entered the room. I was so scared, I was about to shout for help when you switched on the lights. So... Why didn't you tell us that you were coming today?"



He was still holding me very tight. He started laughing and said, " So, I must thank your imaginary thief for this grand welcome. Hmmm? "



I was smiling shyly and he was looking very intensely at me. He started bringing his face very close.



Oh god !! He was now looking at my lips, he bent further and his lips were just a few inches away from mine when his phone started ringing.

Rahul said something, but I couldn't hear them.



He picked up the phone as his PA was calling him. He talked to him for two mins. I tried to escape from his arms but all in vain. He was smiling at me. The moment he disconnected the phone, I asked him, " Do you want something to eat or drink?"

He looked at me mischievously and was about to say something when there was a knock on the door.



He closed his eyes and loosened his arms around me. I opened the door, mom was standing outside. She looked very surprised and asked, " Beta, I just saw Rahul's luggage in the lobby. Is he back?"



I smiled and before I could say anything Rahul came and hugged her, " Yes mom I just came, I got a chance to get an earlier flight so I took that. "



Mom was very happy with this surprise she asked, "You must be hungry beta shall I get something for you? "



"Yes mom, something light with coffee. "

We all went downstairs and had a late-night snack party. Dad scolded him for not informing us about his flight. But Rohit said, " It is ok dad, bhai must have missed someone and wanted to surprise her."

" I was shocked, when I reached home, mom you know what, if I hadn't switched on the light for 2 more minutes, Priya must have shouted at the top of her voice as she thought I was some thief. She was so scared that when she saw me she almost cried."



He was grinning like anything. Everyone started laughing.



The meeting was a great success and our company got a very big order. Everybody was very happy.

Dad said, " I'm proud of you my son, you have really done very well. This order was very important for our company, now we can establish our branch in London as well. We can capture the market there. Our company will be bigger, much bigger. Very well done son.



Now we have to work even harder as we have to meet this order before time. You can take a holiday for tomorrow and then, from the day after tomorrow you have to join the office again and Priya can also join as you have to do your internship now."



"Yes Dad," we both said at the same time.



" Oh and one more thing kids, tomorrow evening we are throwing a big party to celebrate this. So enjoy and feel free to call your friends." We all were very happy and started talking about the party, guests Menu etc. It was 5 in the morning and we all were feeling sleepy, so everyone went to sleep.



In the morning I got up and found myself enclosed in his arms. It was so blissful. I felt safe and loved. I slept well last night. I love being in his arms.



I wanted to make some Indian food as he must have missed it there. I went to the kitchen and mom was already there. We cooked a big brunch as it was almost11 PM. We prepared some Upma, onion Paranthas and Medu vada and Idly with Sambhar.

Everyone relished the food. Rahul opened his bag and gave gifts to everyone, a new laptop for dad, cosmetics and a very smart long coat for mom.

Rohit was very anxious to see his gifts, but Rahul said that he forgot to get anything for him. Rohit didn't say anything, but he was about to go to his room when Rahul stopped him and gave him a bag full of gifts. Rohit hugged him and said, " You are the best bhai, this is even more than what I asked you to get for me." Rahul just patted on his back. Then he gave me another bag, it was for me. I thanked him but Rohit teased us and said,

" What is this, Priya? Thank him properly. " He raised one eyebrow while saying. I wanted to kill him but just glared at him. Mom and dad shook their heads and left the room.



I was leaving the room when Rohit asked me, " By the way, Priya did you invite your friends? Please don't forget to inform them." Now it was my turn to take revenge for his merciless teasings.



I just turned to face him and said, "Oh, I called all my friends, most of them would come, but a few can't."



"Why?? What is the problem?? And by the way, who can't come ?" He asked.



" Sia would not be able to make it," I said, making a sad face.



" What?? Why?? What is the problem?? How can she do that? She is your best friend. No, she has to come." Rahul was stunned by his behaviour. I was about to burst out laughing but I contained myself.



" Her dad is not at home and her mom will not send her alone."



"But that is not a big issue, anyone can pick and drop her. You can do that for your friend, right?" Rahul was getting confused now. Rohit was not behaving normally.



" Sorry Rohit, but I am extremely busy today. It is ok, I would have loved it, if she could come, but I understand."

I smirked. Rohit looked disappointed. I was trying to hide my smile.



" If you are busy, I can go and pick her. " He offered.



" No Rohit, you don't have to make extra efforts. It is ok. "



"No, I am perfectly fine with it. I can pick her." Rahul was looking at us curiously and I couldn't help laughing now. I literally burst out laughing.



" It is ok Rohit you don't need to go and pick her. But what is wrong with you? Why is it so important that she attends the party? As it is, she always attacks you. Right? " I raised my eyebrows and smirked, Rohit was a bit red now he just left the room.



Rahul was looking at me and I said, " I was just teasing him. It seems that he likes her."



" Wow tell me everything, he is always teasing us. It is my chance now." We went to our room, I told him everything. He was enjoying it a lot.



" So, my little brother seems to like her. Is she not coming? I mean, we can pick and drop her, that is not a problem." He said.



" No, there is no need for us to do that, she is coming." I retorted. He smiled mischievously. " I am going to enjoy this party."



" Same here." I was excited about this.



" Priya, why don't you open your bag. " Rahul was looking at me intensely. I smiled and opened the bag. There were cosmetics, perfumes, dresses, long black overcoat etc. I thanked him.



" How about a special thanks, like Rohit has suggested?" I shook my head and started to move but he caught my hand and pulled me into his arms. My back was touching his chest. I could hear loud heartbeats, but was not sure if it was mine or his.



His face was quite near my ear and his breath was tickling me on my neck. My eyes were dropping and he bent a little and kissed me on my neck and then just below my ear. I gasped and stilled.



" Oh Priya, this is not fair, whenever you cook for me, I appreciate it by giving you a kiss. Right? So now I gave you gifts so you should also appreciate it."



I couldn't say anything, I was just rooted to the place. I had a shy smile on my face.

He chuckled and then he turned me within his arms and said, " I missed you, Did you miss me ?"



"Yes..." I said, but it came out like a whisper. I was looking downwards, he put his fingers below my chin and made me look at him and placed his lips on mine.