Chapter 14

In the morning, I woke up early and got ready. I skipped today's class since I had to go home. Vihaan arrived early as well.

We all went to my home after everyone was done with breakfast. I unlocked the door and walked in to find dirt all around since it had not been cleaned for a while. I found brooms and rags for us and we started cleaning the house.

After three hours of dusting and wiping, the house was clean. Also, we were hungry by the time we finished. Thankfully, Nia brought lunch for us, which we finished instantly. After lunch, we all rested on the sofa while Nia decided to return home after some time. By the time she left, Aarav was in a deep sleep due to exhaustion, while Vihaan was laid-back and relaxed.

I walked to my room and decided to take a shower since I felt a little itchy due to the dust. After a relaxing shower, I dressed in my pajamas, wrapped a towel over my head, and went to the kitchen to make coffee for myself. As I reached the kitchen, I found Vihaan awake. Upon noticing me, he walked toward me. "Do you want coffee?" I asked nervously, to which he nodded.

I was making coffee for us when suddenly my towel slipped down from my head which he grabbed. 'Thank you,' I muttered, but he didn't return it. Instead, he stared at me for a while, making me squirm under his gaze. I was shocked when he turned me around and pat-dried my hair with a towel. I was lost and froze at that moment. It felt like we were sharing a moment.

I mustered my courage and turned toward him. I looked straight into his eyes and finally asked him the burning question in my head, "Do you like me?"

He looked at me intensely, roaming his eyes over my face. He was about to answer my question when Aarav entered the kitchen while rubbing his eyes.

"Are you making coffee for us?" Aarav asked, He was still a bit sleepy, for which I was thankful since he wasn't noticing us very much.

I quickly took the towel from Vihaan and walked back a bit to put some distance between us as I replied to Aarav, "Yes. Wait in the living area. I'll get it for us." They both returned to the living area. I breathed a sigh of relief.

After getting coffee for us, I sat in front of him on the sofa. I could feel Vihaan staring at me the whole time I was drinking my coffee.

I eagerly waited for the chance to know his response to my question and I got it when Aarav excused himself to the washroom. We were both awkwardly looking at each other. I waited patiently for his words as he nervously bounced his knee. I asked him to be comfortable and there was no rush.

He took a deep breath and spoke, "I want to say it now."

"Well," I looked at him eagerly. Before he could reply, dad walked inside with his luggage, "I'm back home." I rushed and hugged him. "I missed you, Dad."

Dad pulled away as he spoke, "I missed you, my dear." Aarav came back and greeted dad. He took the luggage and put it in his room. Later, we all sat in the living area. Dad and Aarav talked about each other's well-being. Dad stared at the new guy in the home. Aarav introduced Vihaan as his close friend. Dad congratulated me and patted my head, "I am proud of you, dear."

Vihaan stared at us and had a sad expression on his face. I realized that once Aarav told us about Vihaan's parents, they were divorced and he was living with his mom. Perhaps, he misses his father.

Dad asked them to stay for dinner but Aarav declined, saying that aunt and Nia would be waiting at home. Vihaan also declined politely. Later, they excused themselves. Dad asked them to visit frequently. I decided to send them off so I walked out with them. I thanked them for their help today. Aarav asks me to get back inside the home but I couldn't go just yet. I am still looking forward to hearing Vihaan's answer as I was staring at him. He looked back at me as he spoke, "See you soon." I was sad but nodded and smiled.

I went back and helped dad to cook dinner, and we enjoyed it together with a little chat. I thought about today's situation as I was laying on my bed. Somewhere, I feel that he likes me but I want to hear him say that so I decided to wait until he confesses his feelings for me.