"Wow, after all that sloppy fielding, the target is still just 189. That's actually doable," Aaryan remarks, munching on popcorn Shivani just made.
I narrow my eyes at him and swat his hand. "Don’t."
"Bhabhi," he whines, smirking.
"Let him eat!" Shivani chastises, narrowing her eyes at me. I roll mine in response and huff aloud.
"Dude, you have a death wish or what?" Siddhant nudges Aaryan.
"I’m going to the storeroom. I forgot to bring more snacks," Shivani informs us and whispers the last as she begins moving away.
"I’ll come with you." I call out not wanting to leave her alone.
She shakes her head and pushes me back. "No need. You guys talk. I’ll be back soon," she says with a smile.
As soon as she’s gone, Siddhant leans in, his eyebrows dancing with mischief. "Dude. You’re in love."
I pull a face and stare at him like he’s grown another head. "You’re delusional."
"And I think you’re in denial," Aaryan adds.
"No one asked you, dumbass," I snap, already done with their nonsense.
But they just laugh in response. Great. I huff aloud with irritation, but then it melts as I hear Shivani’s footsteps. My head snaps in her direction, and my expression softens instantly. Damn, she’s beautiful. I can never get over her.
"Bro, he really is smitten. Look at him," Aaryan whisper-yells. I glare at him, and he raises his hands in defense. Siddhant muffles his laugh as they both share a look.
"Shut up," I warn them.
They mime throwing away a key and pretending to lock their lips, and I just shake my head. How are these guys even my friends?
Shivani walks in, amused. I smile, trying to hide whatever conversation just happened. I am not ready for it; it feels overwhelming. I nudge the two clowns beside me, and they fake a smile too.
She laughs. "You’re all cute."
"Shivani, what have I told you about that? I’m not cute," I reply as she keeps the soft drink cans on the table.
"Oh, but you are, Raksh," Aaryan squeals, pulling my cheek, and I instantly swat away his hand.
"I will beat you up," I growl, grabbing his collar.
"You won’t. Bhabhi would save me, wouldn’t you, Bhabhi?" He pouts at her.
"Let him go, Rudra," she says softly. I don’t want to—but I let him go anyway, though I keep glaring. But this stubborn piece of meat just smirks in response.
The audacity!
"Meet me outside," I mutter to him.
Shivani watches our exchange, her eyes gleaming with amusement.
"What are you thinking about, darling?" I ask her as I shove them away from my view.
Her gaze meets mine, her smile growing. "Oh, just wondering what you’re going to do to him outside," she teases with her wide smile.
I chuckle, rolling my eyes. "Don’t worry. Nothing serious. He just needs to remember who is the boss," I say, shooting Aaryan a look.
Siddhant shakes his head. "One day, you guys will grow up," he says, smirking, as if he is the wise one. Well, he is, but I am not admitting it. It will only boost his ego.
