Page 118 of Reckless Dare

She nodded, knowing it was to attend his aunt’s death ceremony. “I’m going to miss you.”

She knew it was more than just missing him. The twist she felt in her stomach told her what she felt wasn’t just about missing him. She felt way too connected to him. Whenever he was in pain, she felt equally hurt.

The thought of him losing an aunt who was like his mother, made her ache for him.

When did I start feeling this way?

She had fought her feelings towards him for the longest time. Even when they came together, she tried to hold back her feelings because of her father.

But now, it was too late.

As though he sensed her feelings, he pulled her close and kissed her hard. He didn’t say the words, but his kiss communicated that he was going to miss her too. She kissed him back.

“I love you, Ava,” he said softly.

She was shocked. Even though she knew what they had between them was something powerful and everlasting, she didn’t think he was the kind to profess his love and for her.

“I love you, too,” she whispered and it felt like her words surfaced from the depths of her soul.

He kissed her again, gently this time on her lips. “I’ll be back soon.”

CHAPTER 36

“Abhi, what are you doing here by yourself?” a woman’s voice asked.

Abhi turned to see his mother’s smiling face as she joined him in the huge garden at his grandparents’ place. The entire Simha family had just returned from distributing food supplies and free medical services to the surrounding villages on the occasion of his aunt’s death anniversary.

Each year, Abhi’s grandfather made generous contributions to the needy on his only daughter’s birthday and death anniversary.

“Nothing, Ma.”

His mother smiled. “You look lost in thought.”

He didn’t say anything.

“Is it about a girl?” his mother prodded.

He was surprised, but it was only for a moment. He knew his mother was very intuitive when it came to him.

“I…it’s nothing, Ma.”

“Abhi,” his mother warned. “I overheard Ved and Rana teasing you about a girl named Ava.”

He cursed his loudmouthed cousins.

“Who is Ava, Abhi? Do you like this girl?”

He knew his mother wouldn’t let go of the topic. “It’s complicated.”

“Oh, come on,” his mother said. “What can be complicated about my son liking a girl in his university? I want to know more!”

He knew that his mother was one of the most understanding people. But telling her about Ava might even hurt a person like his mother.

“Well?” his mother pressed. “Who is Ava? What’s her full name?”

He looked at her for a moment. “Her name is Avantika Patel. And she’s a second year medical student.”

“Oh! That’s so awesome!” His mother looked joyous.

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