A U T H O R
"Careful, Wildcat."

Aarini's eyes were already wide, but the moment those two words reached her ears, she froze. That deep, irritatingly familiar voice was enough to make her realize exactly whose arms she had landed in. Slowly, she lifted her gaze, silently praying that her ears had somehow betrayed her.

Unfortunately, they hadn't.

Standing right in front of her was none other than Reyansh Oberoi, the arrogant businessman she had mentally named Ostrich. His sharp eyes were fixed on her face, and the faint smirk playing on his lips made it painfully obvious that he was enjoying the situation.

No. No, no, no! Not him again!

Aarini instinctively tried to step away, but her foot slipped against the uneven pavement once more. Before she could lose her balance completely, Reyansh's right hand caught her waist, steadying her against him. Her palms landed on his chest, and her fingers tightened around his coat.

"Seriously?" Reyansh muttered, glancing down at her feet before looking back at her face. "Do you always go around falling everywhere? And why do you always end up crashing into me?"

His amused tone immediately brought Aarini back to her senses. She looked down, finally realizing how close they were standing, and quickly removed her hands from his chest. Reyansh released her waist once she had regained her balance, although the irritating smile on his face remained.

Aarini adjusted her dupatta, trying to recover whatever dignity she had left.

"You... What are you doing here?" she demanded, narrowing her eyes at him.

Reyansh raised an eyebrow at her question. "I came to a café to have coffee, Miss Wildcat. What about you? Did you come all the way from your dreamland just to create another drama?"

Aarini's mouth fell open in disbelief.

"Excuse me? If I start speaking, you'll be the one left speechless!" she snapped, folding her arms across her chest. "And why are you always wherever I go? Are you stalking me or something?"

Reyansh let out a short, disbelieving laugh. "Stalking you? Please. I'd need an extraordinary amount of patience to stalk someone as dramatic as you, and unfortunately, I don't have that kind of tolerance."

"Then stop appearing in front of me every time I go somewhere!"

"I was standing here minding my own business until someone decided to throw herself at me."

Aarini gasped, looking thoroughly offended. "Throw myself at you? Are you out of your mind? I slipped!"

"Yes, I noticed," Reyansh replied calmly. "Twice, actually."

She glared at him. "You know what? I should've just fallen!"

Reyansh tilted his head, his expression turning thoughtful. "Interesting. Next time, I'll remember that you prefer the pavement."

Aarini stared at him in disbelief. This man!

"You're impossible!" she exclaimed, stamping her foot.

"And you're welcome," Reyansh replied, straightening his coat where her fingers had wrinkled the fabric.

Aarini opened her mouth to argue again, but a familiar voice interrupted her. "Aarini!"

She immediately turned towards the parking area and spotted Riya walking towards them.

"Riya!" Aarini exclaimed in relief, already moving away from Reyansh. "Thank God you're here!"

However, she had barely taken two steps when something tugged at her dupatta, pulling her back slightly.

Aarini stopped abruptly.

Her eyes narrowed, and without even turning around, she snapped, "Are you crazy? Why do you always have to irritate me, Ostrich? Let go of my dupatta!"

Reyansh looked down at his wrist before raising an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

Aarini turned towards him, ready to deliver another angry lecture, only to discover that Reyansh wasn't holding her dupatta at all. The delicate silver border had somehow become caught in his wristwatch.

For a second, she simply stared at it. Oh, wonderful.

Reyansh followed her gaze, and the moment he understood what had happened, an amused smile appeared on his face.

"Look at that," he remarked, lifting his wrist slightly. "You and your belongings always seem to get tangled up with mine. What kind of karma is this?"

Aarini immediately reached for her dupatta, carefully freeing the fabric from his watch. "Not even in your dreams, okay?" she retorted, adjusting it over her shoulder.

Reyansh chuckled. "Trust me, Wildcat, my dreams are considerably more peaceful."

"Good! Keep them that way!"

"Gladly."

Aarini shot him one final glare before turning towards Riya, who had finally reached them.

Riya looked between the two, clearly confused by the expressions on their faces. "What happened, Aarini?" she asked, glancing at her friend.

"Nothing," Aarini replied quickly. "I was just about to fall."

Reyansh looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "About to?" he repeated. "You would've been on the ground by now if I hadn't caught you."

Aarini turned towards him with an exaggerated smile. "Thank you so much for your heroic service, Mr. Oberoi. The nation will remember your sacrifice."

Reyansh's lips twitched. "You're welcome, Miss Mehta. Try walking with your eyes open next time."

Before she could respond, he glanced at his watch and turned towards the café entrance. "I have better things to do than argue with you."

"Then go! Who's stopping you?"

Reyansh shook his head, looking thoroughly amused, before walking inside.

Aarini watched him leave with an irritated expression. Arrogant ostrich!

The moment he disappeared through the glass doors, Riya grabbed Aarini's arm excitedly.

"Oh. My. God!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening. "Aaru, that man was so hot! And of course, you had to crash straight into someone like him. What luck!"

Aarini turned towards her in disbelief.

"Are you crazy? Me? With him? No way!" she replied, waving her hand dismissively. "He's just a hot ostrich. Nothing special apart from his height and that enormous ego of his."

Riya blinked before bursting into laughter. "Wait. A hot ostrich?"

"Yes!"

"So you agree he's hot?"

Oh, damn it. Aarini froze. "That's not what I meant!"

Riya's grin widened. "But that's exactly what you said."

"Riya, please! He's arrogant, rude, irritating, and thinks the entire world revolves around him."

"Okay, but he's handsome."

"That's not the point!"

"So you agree?"

Aarini threw her hands up in frustration. "Fine! Yes, he's handsome. Happy now? But having a good face doesn't mean he has a good personality. That man is a walking warehouse of ego!"

Riya laughed, clearly enjoying her friend's irritation. "Still, I have to admit, he looks like someone straight out of those dark romance novels you read."

Aarini immediately scoffed. "Don't insult my book boyfriends by comparing them to that ostrich. My fictional men have standards!"

Riya raised an eyebrow. "Don't most of them kidnap people?"

"That's different!"

"How?"

"Because they're fictional, Riya! Stop asking unnecessary questions!" Riya burst into laughter again, while Aarini folded her arms and looked away.

Although she would never admit it aloud, she couldn't completely deny that Reyansh was attractive. His sharp features, broad shoulders, and expensive suit certainly made him look like the kind of man who belonged on a book cover.

Unfortunately, his personality ruined the entire experience.

Handsome? Fine. But still an ostrich.

Aarini quickly shook off the thought and turned towards her friend. "Come on, let's go inside. Your Sahil must be waiting."

Riya nodded, checking her phone. "Yes, he called while I was parking. He said his friend was parking the car, too. He might have gone inside already."

Aarini stopped for a fraction of a second.

His friend? Her eyes instinctively shifted towards the café entrance. No. Absolutely not. Please don't tell me that arrogant ostrich is Sahil's friend.

She immediately dismissed the possibility. Come on, Aarini. Mumbai has millions of people. Not everything revolves around Reyansh Oberoi.

"By the way," Riya continued as they walked towards the entrance, "whatever you say, that man was really handsome. But my Sahil is handsome, too!"

"Of course", Aarini laughed, shaking her head. "Your Sahil is the eighth wonder of the world. Now can we please go inside before I die of hunger?"

The café was pleasantly busy, with soft music playing in the background and the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Aarini followed Riya towards a table near the large glass windows, casually glancing around the elegant interior.

She was already thinking about what to order when Riya suddenly smiled and waved at someone. "Sahil!"

Aarini turned towards the table, and stopped, her smile disappeared, her eyes widened. No.

Sitting at the table was a handsome man who immediately stood up when he saw Riya. Beside him, however, was someone Aarini recognized far too well.

Reyansh Oberoi.

The same man she had argued with barely five minutes earlier. The same man she had just called an arrogant ostrich. And apparently, Sahil's best friend.

Aarini stared at him in disbelief. Oh, you've got to be kidding me!

Reyansh, who had been looking at something on his phone, lifted his gaze at the sound of approaching footsteps. His eyes landed on Riya first. Then on the girl standing beside her. For a brief moment, his expression changed.

Her?

His brows lifted slightly as recognition dawned on him. Then, slowly, an amused smirk appeared on his face.

Well, this should be interesting.

Aarini noticed that smirk and immediately wanted to throw something at him. Why is he smiling like that? Does he know something I don't?

Before she could think of an excuse to escape, Riya grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the table. "Come on, Aaru!"

Aarini reluctantly followed, silently cursing her terrible luck. Of all the people in Mumbai, Sahil had to be friends with him? Seriously? Now I'll have to see that arrogant face at the engagement, the wedding, and every other function! Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.

Sahil greeted Riya with a warm smile before turning towards Aarini. "You must be Aarini."

Riya immediately nodded, looking delighted. "Yes! Sahil, meet Aarini, Aarini Mehta my best friend, my soul sister, and the only person who knows all my embarrassing secrets."

Sahil chuckled and extended his hand. "Hi, Aarini. I've heard so much about you."

Aarini managed a polite smile and shook his hand. "Hi! Same here. Congratulations, by the way."

"Thank you!" Sahil replied warmly. "I hope you're ready for all the madness coming up."

Aarini smiled. "Oh, don't worry. I've been preparing for Riya's wedding madness for years."

Riya playfully smacked her arm. "Aaru!"

"What? I'm just being honest!"

Sahil laughed, already beginning to understand why Riya spoke so fondly about her best friend.

Then he turned towards Reyansh. "And this is my best friend. After a lot of emotional blackmail, I finally managed to convince him to come today." Sahil gestured towards him with a grin. "Meet Reyansh Oberoi."

Aarini slowly lifted her eyes. Reyansh was already looking at her. His expression was perfectly composed, but the amusement in his eyes was impossible to miss.

Aarini pressed her lips together. Don't react. Don't react. Just pretend you've never seen this irritating creature before.

Reyansh leaned back comfortably in his chair. "Hello, Miss Mehta," he greeted, his voice calm.

Aarini narrowed her eyes slightly. "Hello, Mr. Oberoi," she replied through a painfully polite smile.

Sahil looked between them. "Wait. You two know each other?"

Before Aarini could answer, Reyansh spoke. "We've had the pleasure of meeting."

Aarini nearly choked. Pleasure?

She turned towards him with a look of pure disbelief. "Unfortunately," she added sweetly.

Reyansh's lips twitched. "Likewise."

Riya blinked, looking from one to the other. "Hold on. You're the same man Aarini was arguing with outside?"

Sahil immediately turned towards Reyansh. "You were arguing with her?"

Reyansh shrugged casually. "I was trying to save her from falling. She decided to thank me by arguing."

Aarini gasped. "Excuse me! You started it!"

"I caught you before you fell."

"And then you started irritating me!"

"Apparently, saving someone's life is considered irritating now."

"Saving my life?" Aarini repeated incredulously. "I slipped on a stone, Mr. Oberoi. I wasn't falling off a mountain!"

Sahil burst into laughter. Riya covered her mouth, trying to control her own.

Reyansh looked at Aarini with a faint smile. "Next time, I'll ask whether the situation qualifies as an emergency before helping."

Aarini folded her arms. "Next time, just mind your own business."

"Gladly."

Sahil shook his head, laughing. "Okay, okay! You two can continue this argument later. Can we sit down first?"

Aarini immediately looked away, realizing they had already attracted enough attention.

This is all his fault.

Reyansh, meanwhile, seemed perfectly satisfied with the outcome.

As everyone settled into their seats, Aarini found herself sitting directly opposite him.

Of course.

Because apparently, the universe hadn't finished making fun of her.

Riya leaned towards Sahil, smiling as she adjusted the bracelet on her wrist. "By the way, the engagement is the day after tomorrow. I hope you two are completely prepared!"

Sahil grinned. "Of course. Everything is almost ready."

Aarini nodded enthusiastically. "And don't worry about me. I'm fully prepared to eat, dance, and embarrass both of you."

Riya laughed. "I expected nothing less."

Sahil suddenly looked towards Reyansh, a mischievous smile appearing on his face. "Actually, I have an idea. Why don't Aarini and Reyansh prepare a dance performance together? It would be amazing!"

"NO!"

Both Aarini and Reyansh answered at exactly the same moment. Loudly, Firmly. And in perfect synchronization.

The entire table fell silent. Sahil blinked. Riya stared at them. Aarini turned towards Reyansh with wide eyes, while he looked equally unimpressed by the suggestion.

For a second, they simply stared at each other.

Then Aarini quickly cleared her throat. "I mean... no. I don't think that would work. We're just... not in sync."

"Definitely not," Reyansh muttered, reaching for his glass of water.

Sahil looked between them before bursting into laughter. "Well, judging by that perfectly synchronized rejection, I'd say you two are already doing pretty well!"

Aarini glared at him. "Very funny."

Reyansh placed his glass on the table. "Sahil, I don't dance. You know that."

"Exactly!" Aarini immediately agreed. "And I have absolutely no intention of dancing with someone who looks like he'd turn a wedding performance into a board meeting."

Reyansh slowly turned towards her. "Excuse me?"

Aarini gave him an innocent smile. "Nothing, Mr. Oberoi. Just an observation."

"Interesting. I was about to make a similar observation about your ability to remain quiet for more than thirty seconds."

Sahil laughed so hard that he nearly spilled his water.

Riya shook her head. "Enough, both of you! Aarini, you promised you'd dance at all my wedding functions. Remember?"

Aarini's expression immediately softened. "Of course I remember! I'll dance for you, Riya. Just don't expect me to perform with him."

She pointed towards Reyansh without even looking at him.

Reyansh raised an eyebrow. "Don't worry, Wildcat. I have no intention of risking my feet."

Aarini turned towards him sharply. "Stop calling me Wildcat!"

"Then stop calling me Ostrich."

"Fine!"

"Fine."

They looked away from each other at the same moment. Sahil and Riya exchanged a glance. Then both burst into laughter.

A little while later, their food arrived, and the conversation shifted towards the upcoming engagement. Riya excitedly described her outfit, the decorations, and the songs she had selected for the performances, while Sahil listened with an affectionate smile.

Aarini gradually forgot about Reyansh sitting opposite her as she became involved in discussing the arrangements. She teased Riya about her endless shopping, complained about the amount of practice still left, and confidently announced that she would be the most entertaining person at the entire function.

"Just make sure you don't steal all the attention from the bride," Sahil joked.

Aarini grinned. "No promises, future jiju!"

Riya burst into laughter. "See? I told you she's impossible!"

Sahil smiled warmly. "I'm beginning to understand."

Aarini looked between them, noticing the way Sahil listened to Riya and how naturally they smiled at each other.

For a moment, her teasing expression softened.

"You two really look perfect together," she admitted. "I'm genuinely happy for you."

Riya's cheeks turned pink. "Aww, Aaru!"

Sahil smiled appreciatively. "Thank you, Aarini. Riya has told me a lot about you. I know you've always been there for her, and that means a lot to me."

Aarini shrugged, although the affection in her eyes was unmistakable. "She's my best friend. Of course I'll always be there for her. And now that you're marrying her, you'll have to tolerate me, too."

Sahil laughed. "I think I can manage that."

"Good! Because if you ever make her cry, I'll personally come after you."

Riya shook her head. "Aarini!"

"What? I'm giving him a friendly warning!"

Across the table, Reyansh quietly watched the exchange.

For the first time since meeting Aarini, she wasn't arguing with him or preparing some ridiculous insult. She was smiling genuinely, her affection for her best friend evident in every word.

He had always considered her loud, stubborn, and unnecessarily dramatic.

Apparently, she could be serious when she wanted to.

Interesting, he thought.

Unfortunately, Aarini noticed him looking at her. Her eyes narrowed immediately. "What?"

Reyansh raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Why are you looking at me?"

"Am I not allowed to look in your direction?"

"You've been staring!"

Reyansh leaned back, looking thoroughly amused. "Relax, Wildcat. I was simply wondering how someone who talks this much manages to breathe."

Aarini's mouth fell open. "Excuse me!"

Sahil immediately covered his face. "Oh, God. Not again!"

Riya laughed helplessly. Reyansh took a calm sip of his coffee. "Still talking, I see."

Aarini glared at him. "And still being an arrogant ostrich, I see."

Reyansh's lips curved into a smirk. "At least ostriches know how to walk without falling over their own feet."

Aarini nearly dropped her fork, "YOU..."

"Aaru!" Riya interrupted quickly, laughing. "Please! We're in a café!"

Aarini pressed her lips together, taking a deep breath. Calm down, Aarini. Don't commit murder in public.

Reyansh watched her expression change and looked away to hide his amusement. He had to admit one thing. Annoying Aarini Mehta was becoming unexpectedly entertaining.

After finishing their food, Riya suddenly clapped her hands together. "Okay, listen! We need to finalize our performances for the engagement. Aarini, remember the songs we selected? We're dancing to those, and you need to prepare your solo performance on that song. Don't forget!"

Aarini nodded confidently. "Don't worry. I'll be ready."

Riya smiled in satisfaction before turning towards Sahil. "And you, mister! What about our couple performance? Have you practised?"

Sahil's smile faltered. "Well... actually..."

Riya narrowed her eyes. "Don't tell me you haven't practised."

Sahil scratched the back of his neck. "I was going to-"

"Sahil!" Riya exclaimed, looking horrified. "The function is the day after tomorrow! We haven't practised together even once. I thought you'd learn at least a few steps so we could practise properly, but you haven't even started!"

Sahil immediately raised both hands in surrender. "Okay, okay! Don't panic. We can go right now and practise at home. Come with me, and we'll figure everything out."

Riya sighed dramatically. "You make everything so difficult!"

Sahil smiled sheepishly. "I know. But you still love me."

Riya tried to maintain her annoyed expression, but the corner of her lips betrayed her.

Meanwhile, Aarini had stopped listening to their playful argument.

Wait a minute. If Riya goes with Sahil, how am I supposed to get home? She glanced towards her best friend. And what about my book?

Riya had promised to buy her that limited-edition dark romance novel on the way back. Aarini had practically sacrificed her peaceful afternoon for it.

Don't tell me I'm losing my book because Sahil forgot his dance steps!

Riya seemed to remember her promise at the same moment. "No, Sahil. I can't go with you right now. I have to drop Aarini home, and we also need to buy her darkk...."

Before she could finish, Aarini immediately leaned forward and covered her mouth with her hand. "Enough, Riya!" she whispered urgently, her eyes widening.

Riya blinked in surprise. Sahil frowned. "Buy her dark what?"

Aarini quickly removed her hand and gave him an innocent smile. "Nothing!"

Reyansh, who had been quietly observing the scene, raised an eyebrow. Dark what?

Riya cleared her throat, struggling not to laugh. "Nothing important. Aarini just needs to buy a few things from the market, and I stopped her from bringing Lucy today."

Sahil looked confused. "Lucy? Who's Lucy?"

Before Aarini could answer, Reyansh muttered with a faint chuckle, "Her scooty."

Aarini immediately turned towards him. "Did anyone ask you?"

Reyansh looked at her calmly. "He asked a question. I answered."

"Then stop answering questions that aren't directed at you!"

"Stop making everything so dramatic."

Aarini glared at him.

Riya quickly interrupted before another argument could begin. "Yes, Lucy is the name of Aarini's scooty."

Sahil stared at her for a moment before laughing. "She named her scooter?"

Aarini lifted her chin proudly. "Yes, I did. And she's a very important part of my life, thank you very much."

Reyansh shook his head, clearly amused. "That explains a lot."

Aarini narrowed her eyes. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, Wildcat."

"Stop calling me that!"

"Then stop reacting every time I do."

Aarini opened her mouth, but Riya immediately grabbed her arm. "Aaru, please!"

She reluctantly fell silent.

Sahil, meanwhile, turned back towards Riya. "Anyway, why don't you come with me? We'll practise together, and I promise I'll learn everything properly."

Riya folded her arms. "And what about Aarini? Her house is far from here."

Aarini immediately straightened. "Riya, don't worry. You go with Sahil. I'll book a cab and manage on my own. It's completely fine."

Riya looked uncertain. "Are you sure?"

"Of course! I'm not a child. I can go home by myself."

Reyansh raised an eyebrow at that statement but wisely chose not to comment.

Aarini noticed. "What?"

He shrugged. "Nothing."

"Then why are you making that face?" Aarini glares at him.

Reyansh chuckled, "This is my normal face, Miss Mehta."

"Well, it looks irritating." Aarini scoff in irritation.

"And yet, you keep looking at it." Reyansh casually said.

Aarini stared at him. I swear, one day I'm going to throw something at this man.

Riya sighed. "Will you two please stop arguing for five minutes?"

"Tell him!" Aarini complained.

"Tell her," Reyansh replied at the same moment.

Sahil burst into laughter. "Unbelievable! You two are exactly alike!"

Both immediately turned towards him. "We are NOT!" they exclaimed together.

Sahil raised his hands. "Okay! My mistake!"

Riya shook her head, laughing, before returning to the problem. "Aaru, I really don't want you travelling alone. It's getting late."

Aarini smiled reassuringly. "I'll be fine, Riya. You go and practise with Sahil. We can buy my things another day."

Riya still looked unconvinced. Before she could say anything else, Sahil suddenly snapped his fingers. "Wait! I have an idea."

Aarini looked towards him. "What?"

Sahil smiled as though he had just discovered the perfect solution. "Reyansh can drop Aarini home!"

Aarini froze. Her smile vanished.

WHAT?

She slowly turned towards Sahil, hoping she had somehow misheard him. Unfortunately, his expression suggested he was completely serious.

"No, no!" she immediately protested, shaking her head. "I can manage myself. Really, there's no need!"

Sahil waved his hand dismissively. "Come on, Aarini! It's not a problem. Reyansh has his car, and he can drop you safely."

Aarini forced a polite smile. "No, really. I'll be fine. I don't want to trouble him."

Across the table, Reyansh watched her sudden transformation with obvious amusement.

Look at that. The wildcat has suddenly become so polite. He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest.

Sahil turned towards him. "Reyansh, you'll drop Aarini home, right?"

Before Reyansh could even answer, Aarini interrupted again. "No! I mean... there's really no need. He must be busy, and I don't want to inconvenience him."

Reyansh's lips twitched.

Inconvenience me? Five minutes ago, she was practically threatening to murder me with her eyes.

He looked towards Aarini, his expression unreadable. "How considerate of you, Miss Mehta."

Aarini gave him a painfully sweet smile. "You're welcome, Mr. Oberoi."

"Although I don't remember asking you to decide whether I'm busy." Reyansh raised a brow.

Her smile disappeared. "Excuse me?"

Reyansh raised an eyebrow. "Nothing. Just an observation."

Aarini narrowed her eyes. This arrogant Ostrich what..

Before she could finish the thought, Riya suddenly stood up. "That's it! Aarini, please stop arguing!"

Aarini blinked. "But Riya..."

"No!" Riya interrupted firmly. "You're going with Reyansh, and that's final. I swear on our friendship, Aaru. Don't start your 'I'm a strong independent woman' drama right now!"

Aarini stared at her best friend in disbelief.

Seriously? She's using our friendship against me?

She glanced towards Sahil, who looked perfectly pleased with the arrangement, before turning towards Reyansh.

The man was sitting comfortably in his chair, watching the entire situation unfold with an infuriatingly calm expression.

Of course he's enjoying this.

Aarini pressed her lips together, struggling to contain the hundred protests building inside her head. But Riya had already made up her mind. And Aarini knew that arguing further would only delay everyone.

Finally, she let out a defeated sigh. "Okay," she muttered reluctantly.

Riya immediately smiled. "Good girl!" Aarini gave her a betrayed look.

Sahil stood up, picking up his phone and car keys. "Perfect! Problem solved."

Riya turned towards Reyansh. "Thank you so much, Reyansh. Please make sure she reaches home safely."

Reyansh glanced at Aarini before nodding. "Don't worry, I will drop this wild cat kid safely to her home."

Aarini folded her arms. "I can hear you, you know. And I'm perfectly capable of reaching my own house."

Reyansh looked at her. "Then perhaps you should try reaching the car without falling first."

Sahil burst into laughter.

Aarini's jaw dropped. "YOU!"

"Aaru!" Riya warned, although she was laughing herself.

Aarini closed her eyes for a moment.

Calm down. Just survive the car ride. Then you'll never have to see this irritating man again.

At least, that was what she desperately wanted to believe.

Riya hugged her quickly before picking up her handbag. "Call me when you reach home, okay?"

Aarini nodded. "Fine. Now go before Sahil forgets the rest of his dance steps."

Sahil laughed. "Hey! I'm not that bad!"

Riya gave him a pointed look. "We'll see about that."

With a final wave, the soon-to-be-married couple walked towards the exit, leaving Aarini and Reyansh sitting opposite each other.

For a few seconds, neither spoke.

Aarini stared at the table, silently wondering what terrible deed she had committed in a previous life to deserve this punishment.

Reyansh, meanwhile, finished the last sip of his coffee before placing the cup on its saucer.

He glanced at his watch, then looked towards the girl sitting across from him. "Are you planning to spend the entire evening staring at that table, Wildcat?"

Aarini immediately lifted her head. "Don't call me that."

Reyansh sighed, looking thoroughly unimpressed. "Fine, Miss Mehta. Would you prefer to spend another hour arguing, or should we leave?"

Aarini glared at him. Arrogant ostrich.

Swallowing her irritation, she picked up her sling bag and stood.

Reyansh rose from his chair as well, adjusting his blazer before slipping his phone into his pocket.

For a moment, his gaze rested on her annoyed expression.

A faint smirk appeared on his lips. "Shall we?"

Aarini looked at him, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Yes," she replied reluctantly.

Without another word, Reyansh turned towards the exit, and Aarini followed him, muttering complaints under her breath.

To be continued...

So, Reyansh and Aarini are finally going to be alone together! 🤭❤️

What do you think will happen during their car ride? Will they manage to stay quiet, or will another argument begin?

Please vote for the chapter and comment your favourite part! I would love to read your reactions.

Thank you for reading and supporting Accidentally Yours! ❤️

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