One day, as Rajeev was immersed in his work, meticulously combining herbs and modern ingredients for his latest medicinal creation, Gowthami approached him. She had been pondering something for a while and finally decided to voice her thoughts.
"Rajeev," she began hesitantly, watching him as he skillfully measured out a tincture, "I've been here with you for almost three months now."
Rajeev looked up from his work, his curiosity piqued. "Yes, that's right," he responded, smiling softly at her.
Gowthami continued, "In all this time, I haven't seen any girl come here to propose to you, nor have I seen you show any interest in proposing to anyone. Why is that?"
An evil smile spread across Rajeev's face, and his eyes twinkled mischievously. He put down the vial he was holding and turned his full attention to Gowthami. "Well, that's because I already have a girl in my life," he said, his tone light but with a hint of seriousness.
Gowthami's heart skipped a beat. She felt a sudden pang of something she couldn't quite identify—was it jealousy, curiosity, or something else? She tried to keep her voice steady. "Oh? And who is she?" she asked, attempting to sound casual.
Rajeev's smile widened as he leaned a little closer. "It's a secret," he whispered playfully, his eyes never leaving hers. "But I can tell you one thing—she's someone very special to me."
Gowthami felt her cheeks flush slightly. She was about to press him for more details when Rajeev turned back to his work, the mischievous smile still lingering on his lips.
"Now, if you don't mind," he said, picking up the vial again, "I need to finish this. But perhaps we can continue this conversation later?"
Gowthami nodded, her mind racing with questions and emotions. As she watched Rajeev return to his task, she couldn't help but wonder who the girl in his life was and what it meant for her own feelings. The mystery only deepened her curiosity and made her more aware of her own growing affection for the handsome doctor.
Gowthami couldn't shake the thought of who the girl Rajeev loved might be. Her curiosity gnawed at her until she could no longer keep silent. She approached Rajeev again, her determination evident in her eyes.
"Rajeev," she began, trying to keep her voice steady, "you mentioned a girl earlier. Who is she?"
Rajeev looked up from his work, a playful glint in his eyes. "Ah, the girl I love," he said, leaning back and crossing his arms. "She's incredibly beautiful. Her eyes are like the deepest pools, her hair flows like silk, and her smile can light up the darkest room."
Gowthami felt a pang of jealousy, her heart sinking with each word. The emotion was clear on her face, and Rajeev couldn't help but find it amusing. He enjoyed seeing her reaction, sensing the depth of her feelings for him.
"She's also kind, strong, and has an aura about her that makes everyone around her feel special," Rajeev continued, his tone teasing. "I can't imagine my life without her."
Gowthami's jealousy grew, and she struggled to keep her composure. "You really love her, don't you?" she asked, her voice tinged with sadness.
Rajeev nodded, his eyes still twinkling with mischief. "I do. In fact, I could use your help in winning her over."
Gowthami's heart sank even further. The thought of helping Rajeev woo another woman was unbearable. She shook her head, her voice firm. "I'm sorry, Rajeev. I don't think I can help you with that. I have no idea how to win her over."
Rajeev stood up and walked over to her, his eyes softening. "Would you like to see her?"
Gowthami looked at him, confused. "What do you mean?"
He gently took her hand and led her to the large mirror in his office. "Look," he said, positioning her in front of the mirror
Gowthami looked at their reflection, still puzzled. "I don't understand..."
Rajeev's voice was tender as he spoke. "She's right here, Gowthami. The girl I love is you."
For a moment, Gowthami was speechless. She stared at their reflection, then at Rajeev. The realization dawned on her, and her heart swelled with a mix of relief, joy, and disbelief.
"You mean... me?" she whispered, her eyes searching his.
Rajeev nodded, his expression sincere. "Yes, you. Ever since the day I found you, you've become more than just someone I helped. You've become someone I deeply care about."
Gowthami's eyes widened in surprise, her heart skipping a beat. "What? But you said—"
Rajeev smiled, his expression tender. "I said all those things because they're true about you. I love you, Gowthami. I've loved you for a while now."
Tears welled up in Gowthami's eyes as she looked at him. The jealousy and confusion melted away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of happiness. Rajeev gently wiped a tear from her cheek, his touch warm and reassuring.
Gowthami realized that Rajeev had said all this to make her jealous. She playfully started hitting him on the arm, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of relief and mock anger.
"You almost scared me to death!" she exclaimed, trying to keep a stern face but failing as a smile broke through. "How could you do that to me?"
Rajeev laughed, catching her wrists gently to stop her playful assault. He pulled her into a gentle embrace, holding her close. "I'm sorry for making you feel jealous," he said. "I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me , and I couldn't resist. You looked so cute when you were jealous."
Gowthami pouted for a moment, but then her expression softened. She looked into his eyes, taking a deep breath. "Rajeev, you have no idea how much I've wanted to tell you this. I was just scared because I didn't know if you felt the same way."
Rajeev's smile faded into a look of tender seriousness. "Tell me, Gowthami."
She took a step closer, her heart pounding in her chest. "I love you, Rajeev. I don't know when it happened, but being with you, seeing your kindness, your dedication... I've fallen for you. Completely."
Rajeev's eyes lit up with joy as he pulled her into a tight embrace. "I love you too, Gowthami. More than words can say."
They stood there, holding each other, the weight of unspoken feelings finally lifted. It was as if the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them, bound by a newfound understanding and love.
Gowthami looked up at him, her eyes glistening. "No more games, okay?"
Rajeev chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "No more games. Just us, being honest with each other."
She nodded, smiling brightly. "Just us."