🎵 Song: Kesariya – Instrumental Version

"Some invitations are simple...

'Come for dinner.'

But when the person calling you is the one who knows exactly how to make your heart race...

Even a short walk becomes unforgettable."

The first evening at the Shimla farmhouse slowly settled over the mountains.

Outside...

A cold breeze carried the scent of pine trees.

The valley below was covered in tiny golden lights from distant cottages.

Inside the farmhouse...

Warm lights glowed softly, making the place feel even more homely.

Dining Hall

The delicious aroma of dinner filled the farmhouse.

The dining table had already been prepared.

Everyone slowly gathered downstairs.

Rajeev and Vikram were discussing the next day's sightseeing plans.

Meera and Nandini arranged the final dishes.

Kabir and Anaya were arguing over who would get the window seat during tomorrow's drive.

Meera looked around.

"Is everyone here?"

Kabir quickly counted.

"Mumma..."

"Aarohi Didi isn't."

Nandini smiled.

"She said she was unpacking."

Meera nodded.

"She probably lost track of time."

Then Nandini looked toward Reyansh.

"Beta..."

"Hmm?"

"Can you please call Aarohi?"

"Tell her dinner is ready."

For a split second...

Reyansh tried to act normal.

"Sure, Aunty."

But inside...

He was already smiling.

"Gladly."

Outside Aarohi's Room

The upstairs corridor was completely quiet.

Reyansh reached the first guest room.

He knocked gently.

Knock... Knock...

No answer.

He knocked again.

Still nothing.

He smiled to himself.

"Ocean..."

"You really do get lost in your own world."

He carefully turned the doorknob.

The door wasn't locked.

He pushed it open slightly.

Inside the Room

Aarohi stood near the large window.

She had just finished unpacking.

The cool mountain breeze made the white curtains sway gently.

She was adjusting the sleeve of her oversized lavender sweater while looking outside at the snow-covered peaks.

She hadn't even noticed someone entering.

Reyansh quietly closed the door behind him.

Then folded his arms.

"So..."

"My Ocean likes ignoring people now?"

Aarohi turned around immediately.

"Reyansh!"

"You scared me!"

He smiled.

"I knocked."

"I didn't hear."

"You were busy admiring the mountains."

"They're beautiful."

He looked directly at her.

"They're not the only beautiful thing in this room."

Aarohi immediately looked away.

"Y-You..."

She walked toward the door.

"I should go downstairs."

The moment she reached it...

Reyansh casually placed one hand on the door before she could open it.

Click.

The escape route disappeared.

Aarohi looked up.

"Reyansh..."

"Hmm?"

"Move."

"Why?"

"Everyone's waiting."

"They can wait five more seconds."

"They'll wonder where we are."

He smiled mischievously.

"Let them."

She sighed.

"You've started this again."

"I never stopped."

He took one slow step closer.

Not enough to touch her.

Just enough that she had to tilt her head slightly to look at him.

Their familiar height difference became obvious once again.

Even in flat shoes...

She barely reached his shoulders.

He smiled.

"You know..."

"What?"

"I've noticed something."

She blinked.

"What?"

"Even in the mountains..."

"You're still tiny."

Aarohi frowned.

"I am not tiny."

"You are."

"I'm not."

"You are."

"I'm your senior."

"And?"

"I'm older."

"By one year."

"So respect me."

He laughed.

"I do."

"This is my version of respect."

She crossed her arms.

"I don't like your version."

"I know."

"That's why it's fun."

She tried to step around him.

He moved the same way.

Blocking her path again.

"Reyansh..."

"Please."

"We'll be late."

He leaned forward just a little.

His voice became softer.

"So?"

"So..."

She looked around nervously.

"What if someone comes?"

"They'll knock."

"Still..."

She could feel her heartbeat getting faster.

Every time he stood this close...

Her brain completely stopped working.

He looked into her blue eyes.

"The view outside is beautiful."

She nodded slowly.

"It is."

"But..."

He smiled.

"I've been looking at a prettier view since I entered."

Aarohi froze.

Her cheeks instantly became warm.

"You..."

"You flirt too much."

"Only with one person."

She blinked.

"What?"

He smiled innocently.

"I said..."

"I only tease one person this much."

Her heart skipped a beat.

She quickly looked down.

Trying to hide the blush that had already spread across her face.

Reyansh chuckled softly.

"There it is."

"My favorite blush."

"I don't blush."

"You've said that at least twenty times."

"And you've been wrong twenty times."

Without thinking...

He gently tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.

His fingertips barely brushed against her hair.

The simple gesture made Aarohi inhale sharply.

Her breathing unconsciously became deeper.

She looked up at him.

Completely speechless.

He smiled.

"Much better."

"W-What?"

"I like seeing your face."

She couldn't think of a reply.

Just then—

Knock! Knock!

Kabir's voice echoed from outside.

"Bhai!"

"Mumma is asking where you both are!"

"And dinner is getting cold!"

Reyansh closed his eyes dramatically.

"Perfect timing."

Aarohi laughed softly.

"Move."

He finally stepped aside.

"As you wish..."

He opened the door with a small bow.

"After you, Ocean."

She walked past him.

Just as she crossed the doorway...

He leaned closer and whispered near her ear—

"Tomorrow..."

"I'm stealing the seat next to you again."

Aarohi's breath caught.

She looked at him with wide eyes.

"You already planned that?"

He winked.

"Obviously."

She shook her head with a helpless smile and hurried downstairs before he could tease her any further.

From the staircase...

Kabir saw Aarohi's bright pink cheeks.

Then he looked at Reyansh.

Who was grinning from ear to ear.

Kabir smirked.

"Five minutes to call someone for dinner..."

"And Bhai still found a way to make Aarohi Didi blush."

Downstairs...

The adults noticed nothing unusual.

But Anaya took one look at her sister's face...

And then at Reyansh.

She silently smiled.

Operation Cupid...

Was progressing even faster than expected.

As everyone sat together for dinner...

Reyansh looked across the table.

Aarohi accidentally met his eyes.

He gave her a tiny smile.

She quickly looked away.

But not before smiling back.

And somehow...

The warm farmhouse felt even warmer that night.

End of Chapter 45 🌊❤️🏔️