!!Story Time!!
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**Gulafsha's P.O.V.**
Today, for the first time in a long time, I was actually… *happy*.
Akanksha's wedding was finally over, and with that, my so-called "responsibilities" as the ever-present helpful sister also ended. But the real relief? Mom and Dad had finally stopped pestering me about marriage. Not because they suddenly developed progressive thoughts—no, no—they had simply redirected their panic toward Bhaiya, who had recently quit his job. So now, instead of asking *"Beta shaadi kab karogi?"*, they were dramatically wailing, *"Bhaiya ab kya karega?"*
And me?
Safe.
Free.
Alive.
I had wrapped up my last bit of office work and tossed my laptop aside like it was a cursed item. I stretched, walked to the speaker, and hit play.
**🎶🎶 I know you want it, but you're not gonna get it, tere haath kabhi na aane 🎶🎶**
The bass dropped, and so did I—into a full-on item number groove in the middle of my bedroom. Who needs cardio when you've got Bollywood?
**🎶 Sheila ki jawaniiiiii 🎶**
I twirled.
I shimmied.
I winked at my own reflection.
Because why not?
But just when I was about to slide into that signature step, my eyes landed on the open window.
And **there he was.**
Dev.
Standing outside like some filmy Romeo who missed the memo that real people use doors.
My body froze. The music continued to blare, but I was now just staring. He stepped inside without hesitation, as if it was the most natural thing in the world to climb into my house uninvited.
He walked towards me, snaked his hand around my waist, and with a grin pulled out his silver card from his pocket and began to *sing*—
> "**Chal yahaan se nikal, tujhe sab laa dunga…**
> **Qadmon mein tere laake jag rakh dunga…**"
"DEV!" I shoved him away and scrambled to turn off the speaker. "What the *hell* are you doing here?!"
He smiled, completely unaffected by my rage. "I was missing you."
"Through the *window*?! Have you gone mad?"
He casually glanced back at the open window. "It wasn't that high. I just climbed up using the pipe. Honestly, Gul, you should keep this closed. A thief could break in."
"You *are* the thief, dumbass!" I hissed.
"I called you, messaged you, everything. You didn't respond!"
"Maybe because I was too busy being the next item girl?" I said while checking my phone. Missed calls. Oops.
He stepped closer again. "The dance was great. But why did you stop? Let's dance one more time—"
"No, we are not doing this." I rolled my eyes and backed away. "Mom and Dad are here, Dev. Leave before they see you!"
"I thought you live alone?" he asked with confusion.
"I do. *But* they came this morning."
"*Dammeee…*" he groaned, his face twisting like his plan had just fallen apart. Honestly, my house should be on a watchlist. What if I was changing clothes?
I rushed to the door and peeked out. Coast was clear. I checked downstairs—Mom and Dad were in their room, fast asleep. Perfect.
I sprinted back upstairs, grabbed Dev's hand, and whispered, "Follow me."
Step by silent step, I led him to the front door. Opened it. Pushed him out.
"Now go," I whispered urgently.
But he just stood there, grinning like a lunatic.
"What now? GO before they see you!"
"I won't leave… without a kiss," he said, smug.
"I'm not kissing you, Dev. Go!"
"If not… then tonight I'll be having dinner with Uncle and Aunty," he winked.
I glared at him. "That won't be *dinner*, it'll be a funeral. For you."
"Then kiss me," he repeated like a stubborn 5-year-old.
I looked at him. Black shirt. That smirk. That doorframe lean. Dammit, he looked good.
Fine.
I leaned up, kissed his cheek, and backed away. "Happy now?"
He wiped his cheek in mock betrayal. "This isn't a *real* kiss."
"You behave like a toddler, so that's what you get."
"I won't go."
God, this man.
"FINE!"
I grabbed his face and kissed him full on the lips. He responded immediately, hands slipping around my waist and—oh god, under my top. His hands were *cold*. Like *ice cubes on bare skin*.
My breath hitched. Five whole minutes of breathless kissing later, I finally pushed him away, gasping.
He smirked.
Before he could say anything stupid, I slammed the door on his face.
---
**Dev's P.O.V.**
I was halfway to my car when my phone buzzed.
**Gulafsha calling.**
I picked up and didn't even let her speak. "I'm so angry right now."
"*Ooo… whyyyy?*" she giggled on the other end.
"You *threw* me out of your house! I can't believe it."
"Oh, please! My parents are here, I *had* to!"
I sighed dramatically. "You know I told you I'm going to marry you someday. Still, you're not even introducing me."
"I know… it's just not the right time."
"Fine," I muttered, settling into the car. "By the way, that kiss—"
"*Don't bring up that topic now!*" she cut me off, her voice flustered.
"Okay, okay…" I laughed softly, checking my phone again.
**Three missed calls from Justin. Two texts.**
I called him back. After two rings, someone picked up—and *shouted*.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?! WHY AREN'T YOU PICKING UP?!"
Definitely not Justin.
"Sahil?" I asked.
"Who else, dumbass?" he snapped. "I texted you the address. You've got *10 minutes*. Come now!"
"Okay! But what's going on? And why are you calling from Justin's phone?"
"Long story. I'll explain later. Just come. This meeting is about those guys who crashed Kartik's wedding."
I straightened. "I'm coming."
I ended the call, sat up, and started the engine.
From kisses under the moonlight to whispers about criminals.
Ah, the drama never stops.
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**To be continued...**
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Thank you 😊