Page 19 of Since You Came Along

When they were about to leave, Meera began putting the finishing touches on her look. She wore a shimmery black dress; its sleek fabric caught the soft light as she applied a bold swipe of red lipstick. The quiet hum of the room seemed to echo her anticipation.

Siya breezed in, wearing a pale pink off-shoulder top paired with shorts. Her hair cascaded in soft curls around her shoulders.

Without warning, Meera glanced up and asked, ‘What’s going on between you and Abhay?’

Siya stiffened, her back straightening, and a flicker of tension passed across her face. ‘What do you mean? Nothing’s going on between us,’ she replied defensively.

Meera raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. ‘Well, something is definitely going on. Did you know each other before Raghav and I met?’

‘Is it that obvious?’ Siya sighed, giving in.

Meera smiled and nodded as she sat down at the dressing table, a playful glint in her eye. ‘It is. So, tell me, what’s the story?’

Her face flushed. ‘We met once, ages ago. I don’t like him, so I avoid him. Simple as that.’ Siya huffed, tossed the comb on the bed and strode out of the room.

Meera rolled her eyes, but made a mental note to ask her again later.

The evening continued with an air of excitement as they made their way to the club. It was a bustling Saturday night, and the music thrummed through the walls.

As the night wore on, laughter and jokes flowed, fuelled by the drinks. But despite the fun, Raghav only had one drink. He knew he’d be the one driving them all home.

He had always thought Meera to be beautiful, but seeing her dance was like seeing her in her element. The grace in her every move was captivating, the fluidity of her body speaking of years of training. She laughed along with Siya, tipsy, her joy evident in every step she took.

Abhay joined Raghav at the counter, and they clinked their glasses. After a few moments of quiet appreciation, Raghavturned to Abhay and asked with a fond smile, ‘Meera is something, isn’t she?’

Abhay nodded, his expression softening. Then, he hesitated, as if weighing his words. ‘Raag…’

Raghav turned to him, sensing the shift in Abhay’s mood. ‘Yeah?’

With a slight smile, Abhay met his eyes. ‘We like her.’ He took a deep breath, then added, ‘And Nica would’ve liked her too.’

That simple statement struck Raghav harder than he’d expected. He looked across the room at Meera, who was helping Siya keep steady despite her drunken state. Even in her tipsy state, she was looking out for her friend.

He turned back to Abhay, and the words came out as a quiet admission. ‘I like her too.’

Without another word, the two friends hugged. Abhay felt a rush of happiness, and both of them recognised the significance of that moment.

As Abhay walked away to grab a refill, Raghav caught sight of Meera wobbling toward him. He moved to meet her halfway, and reached out to steady her.

She looked up at him with a lopsided grin and slurred, ‘You never told me you have two heads. Why do you have two heads? I don’t want to get married to a two-headed guy.’

Raghav couldn’t help but laugh at her drunken antics. ‘Who do you want to marry, then?’ he teased.

Meera placed her finger on his lips, shushing him. ‘It’s a secret.’

Her touch sent a jolt of warmth through him, and as she swayed, he tightened his grip around her waist. ‘Tell me,’ he urged.

‘I want to marry Ironman,’ she whispered. Before he could respond, she added, ‘And Raghav Saleen!’ In her drunken state, she slurred his last name and Raghav found that adorable.

Raghav smiled at her. ‘Ironman’s taken, but you can marry Raghav Saleen if you want.’

Her gaze turned serious, her eyes locking with his. ‘But does Raghav want to marry me?’

Raghav felt something inside him soften, and he leaned in, pulling her close. He kissed her forehead, and as he pulled away, he whispered, ‘Yes, he does.’

Meera beamed at him, her smile pure and unguarded. ‘Is he sure?’ she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Raghav’s heart swelled. He caressed her cheek, his voice steady and resolute. ‘I’m sure.’

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