Chapter: 3 Why did you run away that day?

Neil was discharged today from the hospital and has come back home now. All of them were sitting on the sofa, chatting cheerfully. Although Mira’s parents were sad, they knew Malhotras will take good care of their daughter. However, Mihir was not happy with all of this. Even though he teases his sister whenever he gets the chance, he couldn’t set aside the fact that he loves her dearly. The age gap between them is 4 years, yet they fight like kids even today.

Mihir was upset from the time he heard about the whole marriage thing from his dad. He clearly told them not to even tell this to Mira and should directly say no to this. He felt sorry for his sister and didn’t talk to his parents from that day. He felt so bad that he couldn’t even look at Mira.

Everyone looked for Mira, who was nowhere to be found. Even Mihir wasn’t there.

“I think they’re in the garden." Lekha went towards the garden to call the siblings. Mihir and Mira were both sitting on the swing chairs. Mira was crying hard, leaning against her brother’s chest, while Mihir comforted her with his sympathetic embrace. He felt so heavy seeing his sister in such a condition.

“Mira, don’t cry. Everything will be good. Come on, now stop crying.” Their mom said in a sad tone, caressing her hair.

“Everything would’ve been good mom if you and dad hadn't forced her into this,” Mihir said in a sharp tone.

“Beta, we don’t have a choice. And this will be best for her” Mom said, controlling her tears.

Mihir was about to say something but Mira stopped him. She wiped her tears from the back of her hands, held her brother’s hand, and walked inside. Both of them came inside along with their mother. Mihir and Mira sat together.

“Mira, Ray is coming to pick you up. We realized that both of you haven’t even met yet. Spend some time with each other.” Neil uncle said, breaking the ice in the quiet room.

Mira looked down, totally nervous about meeting Reyansh. Everyone except Mira has already met him. All of a sudden, a well-built man entered the living room. Mira still looked down. He greeted everyone with a hoarse voice, which brought goose bumps all over Mira’s arms.

“Hey, Mira.” Mira was gobsmacked by his voice. She was so shy and looked down all the time. She replied “Hi” in a very low tone, which almost sounded like a whisper.

“Let’s go,” Ray spoke again with a smile looking at her cute actions. Mira looked at her mother as if asking for permission.

“You can go, sweetie.” Rhea aunty said laughing. Her mother also nodded.

She stood up and followed Ray’s steps without looking up. When they both went outside she looked up and was surprised again. He was the same man she saw at night some days back. He is the guy with the amazing back! The thought made her kind of excited and nervous both at the same time. Finally, she will see his face!

With all of these thoughts in her mind, her leg hit a stone on the ground. She was about to fall but a strong hand held her. Their eyes met for a split second and they moved away from each other. His touch was like an electric shock, forcing her heart to pound.

Mira was still shocked. His black-coloured eyes, as dreamy as a starry night, are so intriguing. With the god-like features, he can make any girl his fan. Indeed, she became one! How many girls would've drooled over him!

‘Why am I feeling jealous????’

“Are you okay, Mira?” a voice hindered her thoughts and she came back to reality.

'My name sounds so good when he says it!'

She just nodded, still unable to say something. He has that kind of aura around him that can make people go speechless, especially women!

After getting into the car, Ray drove towards a cafe nearby. Mira looked everywhere but there were very few people there. Again, the thought of talking to him, that too when they are alone, was frightening for her.

“What would you like to have?” He asked looking at her beautiful face.

“Orange juice,” She hesitatingly said after thinking for a long time. For Mira, coffee is something she hates. She doesn't understand why people enjoy it too much. It's too bitter.

Again, she started looking everywhere other than him. He looked at her with curiosity. When she sensed a gaze on her face, her face turned red but still, she didn't look at him.

"So Mira, what do you do?" The silence was too much, so he asked. He knew nothing about her. His parents kept on praising her and told him that she is young, but nothing else. Well, she looks very young, around 15-16 years old.

Mira looked at him with a nervous look and finally spoke, "My +2 exams are over and I'm waiting for the result."

"What? That means you would be 18?"

"Y..yes."

Ray was shocked after hearing this. Even though she is of a legal age to marry, she is still so young. He felt bad for the girl sitting opposite him. Now, he was at a loss for words.

But he is here for an important thing. He has to tell Mira everything.

"Mira there's something I've to tell you." She nodded looking at him. He was about to say something when the waiter came with their order.

When he was gone, he continued, "Actually...I love someone else. I'm really sorry, but this marriage is just forced on both of us. And I.."

He was about to say something else too but stopped looking at the girl in front of him. He expected her to be sad or annoyed by this confession. But on the other hand, she was smiling. It wasn't a mocking smile, but a genuine smile. He was flabbergasted by her reaction.

"Why are you smiling?" He asked, totally intrigued.

"Because it's a good thing. You love someone else. Tell this to your parents and marry her. And then both of us will be free. Problem solved!!" She was no longer feeling shy, rather she felt comfortable now. Although there were mixed feelings in her mind, she felt jealous that this handsome man was already taken. But still, she will be free.

Ray looked at her with mesmerizing eyes. She looks even more beautiful with that beautiful smile of hers. He couldn't believe this girl to be so naïve and bubbly at the same time.

"But my parents are adamant on getting us married." He looked sad.

"No, you're wrong. They are your parents. How would we be happy if you love someone else? Tell them you love someone else. They will surely understand. This is the only chance we have to get away from this marriage. You can do this!!" So now cheerleader Miraya was high-spirited. Finally, she can have her freedom back.

Ray was dumbfounded by her actions. Just 5 minutes back, she was so shy that she wasn't even looking at him and now, suddenly she was so lively. He smiled at her cuteness.

"If you need my help, you can tell me. I can even come with you." She said childishly, sipping her orange juice. She was so hungry as she was skipping her meals.

"Okay, madam." He smiled at her. He felt something warm in his heart with her.

"So, who is she? If...you want to tell." She said looking at her juice cup, which was empty now.

"Her name is Caroline. We have been together for a year now. And yes, you want something else?" He asked her.

"Yes, another glass of juice," She said, with a little hesitation this time.

"Okay, but you can have coffee. The weather is a little cold today."

"No, no.. actually, I don't like coffee."

Reyansh gave the order and looked at the little girl, fully amazed. She is indeed the little girl he thought her to be.

"Was it you I saw some days back at night? Why did you run away?" Ray asked her with a smirk.

Mira choked on her second glass of juice.

'Oh god, this is embarrassing! It means he saw me. Why?? What would I tell him? That I was watching him and was fantasizing.'

Her thoughts were interrupted by a deep voice.

"Mira?" He looked at her with eyes full of concern.

"I... I'm fine." She stuttered.

After some little talk, they stood up to go Home. They were comfortable talking with each other.

The cafe wasn't that far, so they reached home within 10 minutes. The drive was peaceful.

"It was nice talking to you, Mira." He said, getting off of the car.

"Yes, same here." She said excitedly.

"Well, Mira is a nice name." He said while entering the house.

"Thanks, but my full name is Miraya." The compliment made her blush.

"Oh, that's even better." Hearing this, she smiled so brightly that Ray just stared at her. She looked so innocent and beautiful.

"Ahem," a sound startled them both. Mira looked at the person standing next to her.

"Mom," Ray said, clearly annoyed by his mother's reaction.

"Someone enjoyed the little outing quite too much." She laughed, teasing both of them. She then took Mira's hand and pulled her inside. Reyansh followed them and went towards the dining room.

His mother served them dinner and they ate it peacefully. His mother watched them as they looked comfortable with each other. She smiled at this development.

After dinner, they looked at each other with a smile and then went to their rooms.

Mira was so happy that she started jumping in excitement. Finally, she would be free. She sat on her bed and thought about the whole day. Then, she suddenly realized the time when Ray touched her. The thought made her blush. It wasn't something intimate, he held her for support. But still, she shivered only by the thought of it. He truly is a magician!

She smiled like a fool replaying all the scenes that happened between her and Ray.

Reyansh was also in his room thinking about the cute girl. How she reacted to his confession almost made him laugh.

He wanted to talk to his dad about Caroline first but his parents insisted he meet Mira, so he thought he would tell her everything. Being a single child, he is the centre of his parent’s lives. As long as his demand was reasonable, he would get it almost every time.

He was certain of the fact that once he told his parents about Caroline, they would surely listen to him. They just want to see him settled down, so he will obey them.

Only because their parents don't know Caroline, they are forcing this marriage on him. Once he tells them about her, everything will be just fine. Just like Mira said. The thought made him smile again.

Tomorrow, everything will be back to normal. With this thought, both of them slept peacefully.

Little did they know what the future holds for them!

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