OH! THAT DEVILISH SMILE
OH! THAT DEVILISH SMILE
Rishabh sent the message: “Be ready, Birthday Girl, by 7:30 pm. I am coming to pick you up.”
Avani replied promptly: “Yup, I will be ready.”
With determination, Rishabh headed for the shower, his mind already occupied with the evening’s plans. He made a few calls to ensure everything was set for Avani’s surprise birthday celebration. Checking the time, it was already 6:45 pm. Grabbing his car keys, he left his home, ready to make the evening memorable for Avani.
Feeling a whirlwind of emotions, Avani stood in front of her wardrobe, uncertain of what to wear for her dinner with Rishabh. Smriti, her ever-supportive friend, entered the room armed with a brand-new dress.
“You are wearing this tonight. Give him some teasing,” Smriti said, handing over a stunning wine-red knee-length dress with off-shoulder sleeves. Avani hesitated, feeling it might be a bit too much.
“Smriti, it’s too extravagant. I can’t wear this. And by the way, where are you off to all dressed up?” Avani inquired, eyeing Smriti from head to toe.
“Dear, have you forgotten I have a boyfriend who is in the same city and crazy for me. He is taking me out tonight, and I’ll probably be staying out. Meanwhile, you rock this dress,” Smriti replied, winking mischievously, and handing the dress back to Avani.
Avani sighed and rolled her eyes at Smriti's antics. As she prepared herself, memories of her and Rishabh's past relationship flooded her mind. They had always maintained boundaries, even in the midst of love. Now, with no relationship to confine them, their feelings remained but the restrictions had dissolved.
In the mirror, Avani saw her reflection. She had taken a shower, blow- dried her hair, leaving it loose, and wore the dress. Applying light makeup with a touch of nude lipstick, kajal, and mascara, she scrutinized her appearance. Anxiety gripped her, and nervousness surged within her veins. She questioned her decision nth times, wondering why she had agreed to this dinner in the first place.
Rishabh stood outside Avani’s apartment building; his heart pounded with anticipation. He stepped out of his car, taking a moment to compose himself before dialling her number. The phone rang, and he waited anxiously, hoping she would pick up.
"Coming downstairs." Avani replied and disconnected the call. Rishabh smiled and put the phone back.
Avani put on her heels, grabbed her clutch, and locked her apartment door. She descended the stairs, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Each step she took brought her closer to the society gate where Rishabh was waiting for her.
Avani spotted Rishabh's car, and he leaned against the car door, arms crossed over his chest. He wore a navy-blue shirt that accentuated his well-defined physique, paired with black jeans and shoes. His clean- shaven appearance made him look even more dashing, and he seemed to be attracting the attention of several admiring onlookers. A twinge of jealousy washed over Avani as she observed this.
As she approached, she noticed his eyes on her, and irritation bubbled up. Rishabh couldn't help but be in awe of her beauty. He admired her seductive allure.
Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, but something was different—
'Had she cut her hair?' Rishabh made a mental note about it. His eyes shamelessly roamed over her, stopping at her pink lips, which seemed to beckon him.
'Pervert' she thought, rolling her eyes. Despite her annoyance, she couldn't deny the flutter of attraction he always managed to stir within her.
"You are looking so beautiful … Happy Birthday, Avani," Rishabh said, placing a tender kiss on her right cheek as he handed her a bouquet of red roses.
Avani stumbled, taken aback by his audacity. Her gaze locked onto him, but she quickly looked away to avoid getting lost in his captivating coffee brown eyes. With a hint of frustration, she reminded him of their surroundings, "Rishabh, we're in public."
"I'm well aware of that, and honestly, I couldn't care less," he retorted, flashing a charming smile while maintaining his firm grip.
'Oh, that devilish smile of yours. This way I am going to let my guards down in no time' she thought, pushing him away slightly.
"Enough, let's go," she said, pushing him away gently. He released her and opened the passenger car door, gesturing for her to get in.