|| Emotionally tired day ||

***

Shravas was constantly looking at Lasya as he observed the way she carried her body for the badminton moves and he was impressed by her fast hand movements while playing badminton.

Lasya and Sheetal are playing badminton in their backyard play area. Sheetal was also very good at it likewise Lasya.

Lasya used to play in school which made her immensely popular in school days, but once they knew about her family background nobody showed any interest in her.

Everyone in Anand's family was enjoying the time with Lasya. There was one pair of eyes who were busy observing Shravas continuously for the past half an hour without taking her eyes off him. She had a smile on her face seeing him lost somewhere or maybe with someone.

"Well Vasu, it seems Lasya is a good badminton player", She just heard him and hummed for her to continue. She suppressed her giggles and tried to get the most out of him since he is in a dream trance.

"She is liked by your dad and me and especially your baby girl after a little conversation with her", she keenly observed her son's reaction to know whether he is feeling something for her.

"Yeah, she is indeed a good girl" He replied not looking at his mom but getting lost deeply with Lasya.

She smirked internally and decided to ask a mind-blowing question out of the blue directly.

"Do you love her?", His mom asked moving towards him and adjusting herself near his son's seat.

Since he was lost in Lasya's view, he answered nonchalantly, "Of course, I do"

After a few seconds, he turned around to look at his mom who was now suppressing giggles. Then he realized what blunder he has committed just a few seconds ago.

"Mo...mom... I didn't mean it. Actually, what were you asking?" He asked as if he has no clue at all.

His mom patted his shoulders and ruffled his hair lovingly. 

"It's okay Vasu. There is no issue to fall in love and that too with Lasya" His mom looked at Lasya who was playing along with her little daughter. She had smiled and looked at her son. 

"Son, I love when you are happy and if she is your happiness then I will not stop making her yours in turn ours. Your dad, myself, and your baby girl loved her. So there is no point in denying your wish"

He smiled at mom. He leans down on her shoulders and closes his eyes feeling the warmth of his mother. "Mom, I am happy you all like her in return. She is an orphan now. She was never loved by anyone and I want to be her prince charming mom. But this is very complicated"

He now pulled away from her shoulders and looks at her with tears.

"I don't want to see her in loneliness anymore. It hurts me here." He touched his heart. Then he continues "All I want is her happiness and I wish to give her anything in her life which she deserves mom. I want to cherish her, pamper her, and spoil her with my love throughout my life. I am crazy, and irrevocably in love with her mom since the day I saw her for the first time in that Olympics café"

His mom arches her eyebrows in surprise and he can see a hint of confusion brewing in her mind.

"Well mom, it's that I started loving her way before she joined our college. I was somewhat like a stalker at first." Like he narrated the whole story of how he used to follow her throughout her work, during the night until she reached her apartment, and also those secret admirer messages. He also shared about her family information that he knows and how she became an orphan and how she struggled to manage and lead her life normally.

Hearing his confession, his mom had tears and her heart swelled in pride with happiness for his son's immense love for the lovely girl who has already captured her heart in the first meeting itself.

She understood Lasya is not a money-minded gold digger but a hard worker, a trustworthy who values every single penny she earned. She also understood that Lasya respects and loves everyone unconditionally especially if they become her loved ones and she can see it through Ritchie and Lasya's unconditional bonding. 

"Oh My God, I am so happy for her. Also, I feel like we will be very lucky to have her as my daughter in law in future. Vasu, don't be late to confess your love towards her" She states as a matter of fact. "It's better late than never. Hope you know it and why I am saying this is because your girl is a real gem" She raised one eyebrow at him.

"Yes mom, I know. I am waiting for a special day and I will do it after our presentation competition which is going to be held in Delhi within 20 days. I want to make it special for her. She should be happy. But?" He paused and looked at his mom who is waiting impatiently for her son to continue.

"But as I said, it is very complicated mom. She was never loved and never been in love. So obviously she will have dreams of her prince. And more she is not like any other girl who would fall for someone instantly so I am afraid, to be frank. I have a fear of so many what if", Shravas opened his heart with his mom looking at Lasya who was eagerly playing with his baby girl. 

"Just asking, may I know some of your what if's? please", his mom pestered him.

"Like what if she doesn't see me like that mom? What If she just considers me as a mere friend? What if she has someone else in her heart like a crush or something? What if she is never interested in getting married in a fear that person might leave her in the end?" His mom covered her mouth with a gasp after hearing her son's so many what-ifs.

"Don't do these things, like thinking and talking all negative Vasu. Be positive in yourself and have faith in your love. But as far as my instincts are telling, she also feels something for you. Otherwise, she would have screamed at you when you tried to cage her", as soon as his mother said those words, Shravas gasped and his eyes widened with embarrassment. 

"Yes, you are right. I was there when you were caging her and no need to be shocked", His mother chuckled and continued, "And there is nothing to be embarrassed by.  So at that time, she just requested you to let her go. That means she may have some fear of getting committed or attachment but who knows unless you try for it" She stated her known facts making him understand that TRYING is always an option rather than ASSUMING.

He nods his head and closes his eyes. "Mom, I am happy that you all will be there to support me in getting her. I will plan something soon and will share the happy news with everyone. Till then, please don't let anyone know about my love life" He pleaded to his mom with the best puppy face he could make. She chuckled at his antics and side hug him tightly.

"Lasya"

"Sheet"

His mother called them from the side of the ground, and they immediately turned to look at her.

"It's enough for the day. Come here both of you and have some refreshments"

Hearing her, they both stopped playing and started to walk back keeping the rackets on the ground. 

"Mom, we just started to play. We want to play more", Sheetal whined shaking her head.

Lasya was looking at her lovingly and she couldn't help but agree with her as she felt good after playing the game for many years. It brought back memories, both sweet and sour. How her classmates who once praised her started to treat her badly when they came to know about her family and how she stayed in an orphanage. She was the only kid from an orphanage who was attending a convent school because of some sponsorship. 

The days of crying and other tormenting looks from her friends disturbed her. But alas all is well now and she just heaved a sigh and asked permission from Shravas's mother for her baby boo.

"Auntie, shall we play a little more after the refreshments for a few more minutes, please? It's been a long time since I played so feeling all energetic. That's why?", Lasya enquired. 

His mother was feeling too good after listening to her request. Did she just take the request upon herself for Sheetal? This quality of her made his mother feel at ease. 

She gave a thumbs up at Shravas who was looking at her lovingly. 'Okay. But only for a few minutes", she said. 

"Yuppie, come, sissy, let's play", Sheetal dragged Lasya towards the court again to play. 

'Thank God, my family loved her, Shravas thought. 

***

After the match, Lasya was hell tired due to all jumping for the two hours and it made her lose all her energy. She came towards the coffee table and drank a full bottle of water in a second.

Shravas was staring at her and swallowed a lump when he saw her drinking the water faster than he could think also her sweat was running down from her forehead to her chest and sinking into the shirt she wore.

Feeling an intense gaze, Lasya stopped drinking and looked at Shravas who was shamelessly gawking at her. She felt a little awkward and turned to his mom.

"Auntie, I guess I should get going now. It's already 5 past 6" She said more in a pleading tone for which she got a chuckle from Shravas. She frowned and glared at him silently telling him to shut up.

"Okay, but next week you should come again and stay with us the full day. What do you say?" His mom asked getting up from the chair and giving her a towel to wipe off the sweat.

"Thanks, auntie", Lasya took the towel from her and started cleaning herself off the sweat. But she needs to get into a shower first once she reaches her apartment. "Sure auntie, I will try to come next week. I am not promising now but still, I will make sure. And I also liked very much here today." She sighed and gave the towel back to her. 

"Okay as you say." His mom smiled at her and turned to his son's side and gestured to drop her off. "Vasu, go and drop her since she must be very tired out of playing." Shravas nods his head with a smile.

"Sissy, come back soon. I will miss playing with you. Also, I like you" Sheetal said before she ran inside the house along with her mother.

"I too like you baby boo", Lasya shouted letting her know with a smile. 

***

Lasya started to look here and there, and Shravas seems to understand so he added soon, "Your Ritchie is happy. My guard will bring him now. He has eaten his snacks and played and rest well".

Lasya's mouth formed in 'o' and nodded her head in understanding, "Thank you Shravas. It means a lot to me"

"Please mention not, after all, we are friends. Right?", Shravas asked.

'Yeah, I guess so", Lasya giggled.

***

"Shravas, it's okay. I will manage. You don't have to worry about me and I shall take a cab from here. Why simply waste time dropping me off when you can do something else like helping your dad at that time?" She suggested to him an idea to back off from dropping her off cause she is feeling awkward being with him especially when they will be both together all alone inside the car since she was reminded of the previous close encounter that happened between them a few hours ago.

She was kissed and what if it was on her cheeks? She still felt good and couldn't stop that stupid smile appearing on her face whenever she thinks about it. She wants to clear her mind off him and she is eagerly waiting for the day to get end so decided to hurry up back home so she shall think about their moment. 

"Cant this idiot, understand me once?", Lasya thought frowning. 

Shravas as if he has read her mind, smirked looking at her for which she narrowed her eyes in suspicion. 

"You don't mind about it. I have lots of time to help my dad and now I want to drop you back at your apartment", He said and turned to his mom smilingly and winked at her. His mom gave him a thumbs up in return asking him to go on with the same.

Now getting her approval, Shravas felt happier and turned to Lasya, "Now let's go"

But she didn't budge. 

"If you don't want to be late, though I don't mind spending time with you here but..." Before he could finish, she hurriedly barged into the driveway and stood there stomping her feet getting all furious.

Within a few minutes, his guard brought Ritchie who was waging his tail seeing Lasya. 

Lasya was happy seeing him as she kneeled, "I hope you enjoyed your day Ritchie. Now, it's time to go back home". She ruffled his fur with love. Shravas looked at their bond and felt happy at least Lasya is not alone at her house. She has Ritchie for the time being. 

Being a gentleman Shravas is, he opened the car's rear door. He went to her side and asked Ritchie to get inside, and being a good boy, he got inside the car comfortably. Now, Lasya, she is standing there looking everywhere but him stubbornly.

"Come Lasya, take your seat", Shravas called her out, while opening the passenger door. Don't know why, she was never like this. But today she is acting all stubborn and she was enjoying this as it irked Shravas. 

"Okay, that means you won't come by yourself", Shravas deadpanned. 

Lasya's eyes widened out thinking the worst, like he would pick her up in the bridal style and, "Okay, I am coming", for which Shravas burst into laughter and she made face at him.

***

While sitting in the car, 

"What's with you smirking these days?" She asked crossing her arms above her chest once Shravas set his foot inside his car's peddle.

"What?" As if he doesn't know anything he continued taking the car out of the driveway.

"Well, you know what I mean Shravas. Why are you so...?" Before she could continue he cut her off saying 'irritating?'

She gave him a 'Duh, I told you so look' and turned her head outside the window. She just sat there in silence with nobody talking. She let allowed the cold air to ruffle her hair and embrace her. She closed her eyes as it soothed her body flawlessly. It was a tiring day after all. 

In the morning, they had prepared a presentation. After that time with his family and later in the early evening sports. It did tire her off. 

Meanwhile, Shravas was taking regular glances at her when she was sitting beside him closing her eyes and taking in the cool breeze. He had a goofy smile seeing her like that and turned to concentrate on the driving. Both of them were happy in silence. 

A few minutes passed by when Shravas cleared his throat to gain her attention and it worked as she turned to look at him. 
"Lasya, I suggest it better you take Chinese or Italian takeaway for your dinner"

She frowned as she didn't understand what he meant by takeaway and narrowed her eyes in confusion. Before she could ask what he meant, he cleared the matter.

"Well, today was a hectic day, I mean since you are very tired being prepared and playing, I thought you could grab a takeaway and have dinner leisurely at home"

"Aww, he thought about this for me. How cute!", Lasya was melting in her seat because of all the cuteness but didn't dare to pass her thoughts to him. 

She opened her mouth to say something but he outsmarted it saying looking straight into her eyes.

"Don't" he turned to the road and continued, "Don't give me a lame reason like you are not tired and all. I can very well see it that you are so it will be better if you grab or else I will be happy to cook something for you and then I shall leave". 

She gasped hearing it and she knew he is smirking at the moment because he was having that successful goofy smile on his face even if he is not looking at her she could sense it from his side. 

"Okay. It will be good if it's a takeaway. I don't want to disturb you during the night cooking for me. But thanks anyway for asking", She said and turned to look outside with a cute smile.

"By the way, glad to know you cook as well. Your future wife will be indeed lucky to get such a charming, intelligent and smart person as her husband", Lasya said softly fidgeting her fingers. 

"Aww thank you for the praise. And I am sure that I will be lucky to have my wife for the person she is", Shravas told distantly looking at the road with a small smile.

Lasya muttered, "huh?", confusedly. 

"Nothing important as of now. Don't strain your brains for this silly matter", Shravas voiced out without looking at her but noticed the smile slowly appearing on her face and he felt his heart beating faster for some reason. He couldn't wait to confess and he has made up his mind to tell her once they come back from Delhi.

Shravas drove towards a Chinese restaurant and placed an order. They waited for a few minutes and collected their takeout and then drove her to her apartment. There was silence in the car which was disturbing Shravas.

"I feel like I am a driver. Lasya please yaar talk something to me" He complained like a small kid who has been grounded for a few hours from talking.

She chuckled and looked at him.
"It serves you better Shravas. I am your customer and you must drop me without causing any kind of disturbance" She played along with him making him groan.

Before continuing, they reached her place and the car came to halt. 

Shravas parked the car in front of her door. Seeing the apartment, her dog Ritchie jumped out of the window and stood near the door. She quickly took her backpack and was about to turn the knob when she felt a tug on her elbow.

Shravas pulled her to himself and kissed her cheek and seductively murmured 'good night love'. She froze in his chest and was breathing heavily. She didn't understand what was happening to her when he is this close to her. 

Shravas clicked his tongue with annoyance for being this weak in front of her. 

"Did he just say, love?", Lasya asked herself. 

"What did you just say now?", Lasya asked with hope silently saying to repeat once again. But to her dismay. Shravas just shrugged and replied casually, "I said, good night Lasya"

He let her go and she hurriedly opened the door. She without looking back got Inside. She was shivering badly after the proximity and the word he just said. She closed her eyes and leaned against the closed door making herself calm. 

Shravas on the other side kept his hand on his heart and soothed himself to relax. He also chuckled at seeing her running just like a rabbit.

'she is such a child at times. Oh God, how much I love her he mumbled to himself rubbing his nape. 

After what felt like an eternity, he drove off from the lane.

She heard his car ram towards the street and she felt herself breathing again as if she was holding it for a long time. 

'why does he has to kiss me? Oh God, does he also feel something for me?' she asked herself looking at Ritchie who was just drooling over looking at her since he is waiting for his bowl of milk. She sighed and ruffled his fur and went to the kitchen to get milk for him. 

***

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