Jai drove the car silently. Srishti sat besides him. Looking outside the window. She had no idea where he was taking her. But she was excited for sure. Time was nearing seven in the evening. Srishti looked at Jai. Who had a small smile playing in his lips. She stared at him. Intently. He had grown moustache for his upcoming film. It looked gorgeous on him. Jai felt her stare on him and smiled inwardly.

He coughed to get her attention

"Seems like Ms. Srishti is keenly staring at me. I'm i that handsome?"he looked at her. She widened her eyes and diverted herself. He smiled

"Where are we.....going?"she asked.

"You'll see"he said.

Srishti looked around the moment. She felt the surroundings familiar. She looked at him questioningly. As he applied brake and stopped right in front of her house.

"Here. Your home. We came back to your world. The world you were forced to leave behind"he smiled. She gulped and stared at her house. Tears welled up. In her eyes. She looked back at him

"This time. I'm with you because. Now I belong to your world" he smiled. Sristi had no words. It touched her heart strings. Jai could read her mind.

It's been a long time. Since she had met her parents. She didn't even talked to them. She was guilty for misunderstanding them. What they did was a mistake. She believed that they left her alone. When she needed them the most. But everything they did was for her safety. Their concerns. Forced them to keep quiet. She forgave Jai. Her parents deserved to be forgiven too. Srishti was consumed by extreme guilt that she didn't knew what to do.

Jai stretched his hands and grabbed few covers from the back seat. He then came outside the car and opened the door for her. She came outside. Looking around. She missed her home like hell.

"Lets go?"Jai asked.

"I'm...I'm not sure"she said. Hesitating.

"I understand. But they'll be so happy to see you. I know you miss them too. You decided to give me a chance to prove myself. Your parents deserve a chance too. They did everything. To keep you safe. They even stayed away from you. Not wanting to pressurize you anymore. They were in so much pain srishti. And I could see that. I was guilty for taking you away from them. Now I'm bringing you back to them"he said. She kept looking at him with tears.

He stepped closer and held her hand. Squeezing it.

"I'm with you. You'll be fine. You got this"he said. She took a deep breath. And nodded her head. He smiled and they walked inside together. 

Jai and Srishti stood right in front of the door. Seeing her tensed face. He stepped ahead and rang the calling bell. Once. And then twice.

"Bhoomi...go and open the door"they heard Radhikas voice from inside. Srishti waited eagerly. To see her parents.

Bhoomi opened the door and her eyes widened. Seeing Jai and Srishti at the door.

"Akka?"

Srishti smiled widely with tears and quickly pulled her in for a tight hug. Bhoomi hugged her back. Her eyes shedding tears too. Srishti still couldn't believe how she managed to survive. Without bhoomi. She was her everything.

"I hate you. You're only coming back now?"bhoomi asked. Crying. Srishti smiled and hugged her tighter.

"Couldn't stay away for so long. I missed how irritating you were"srishti said. Bhoomi chuckled and they broke the hug. Jai smiled looking at them. Bhoomi looked at him and smiled widely.

"Hi bhoomi"jai said.

"Hi"bhoomi said nervously.

"This is for you"Jai said giving a small packet to her.

"Oh thank you"she squealed in excitement

"Come inside"she said opening the door wide for them. Srishti looked at Jai who nodded. He held her hand and they walked inside together. 

"Amma...look who's here" bhoomi shouted as they came inside the living room

"Who is there bhoomi" radhika came outside the kitchen. Wiping her hands. She paused when she saw srishti and Jai.

"Srishti?"

"Amma"

Srishti ran to her and hugged her tightly. Radhika hugged her back and wept.

"How have you been?"Radhika asked. Caressing her hairs. Srishti broke the hug and smiled holding her hands.

"I'm fine ma. How are you?"she asked.

"Now that you came. I'll be fine"she said. Srishti smiled and wiped her tears.

"Where's appa and annaya?"Srishti asked.

"They went outside to get some things"radhika said. And looked at Jai who smiled and greeted her politely. He stepped closer and bend down to take her blessings. Which made her surprised and take a step back.

"What are you doing sir? Please don't do this"radhika said.

"Sir? Please don't call me that. I had a hard time convincing your daughter to stop calling me that"jai said with a chuckle. Which made srishti blush inwardly.

"Thanks for bringing her back. And taking care of her"radhika said.

"Actually she had been saying that she wanted to visit you for a long time. But I was busy with shoots. I thought we'll come together and see you all. And ofcourse, she's the one who is taking care of me. Right srishti?"Jai asked. Srishti smiled looking at him.

"Wow. This is so cool"

They turned back hearing bhoomis gasp. As she had opened the gift packets which Jai and given her. The moment she felt their gaze. She threw an awkward smiled and hid the boxes behind her.

"Sorry. Couldn't help. I was curious"she said. Three of them laughed at her.

The calling bell outside rang again.

"That must be appa and annaya"bhoomi said.

"I'll get the door"srishti walked ahead and opened the door.

"Srishti?"Preyansh asked. Surprised. Seeing his daughter.

"Appa?"she smiled with tears. And hugged him. He hugged her back. Not knowing if she was really here. Vishwank walked in behind preyansh. Looking at Srishti in surprise too.

"Now you missed us ha?"viswank asked with a smile. Srishti punched him playfully in his stomach. He smiled and hugged her to his chest.

Jai felt contented from his heart as he witnessed the emotional family reunion. He knew he should have done this a long time ago. Srishti needed her family more than anything else. But she needed time too. She had lost a lot. This felt right. At this moment.

Preyansh and vishwank was delighted. Seeing Jai along with srishti. Jai bent down to take preyanshs blessings too. But he stopped him from doing so.

"After all I'm your son too" Jai smiled at them.

Preyanshs and radhikas happiness had no bounds. They knew that srishti was in the right place after all. Everyone got seated around the couch. Getting involved in a conversation. Srishti was glad seeing how her family was getting along with Jai.

"How did the function go?"preyansh asked

"It went well" Jai smiled. They quizzed about his latest movie and Jai found himself explaining about the movie and its production works. Radhika brought tea and biscuits for them.

"Akka I have a news that you won't believe"bhoomi said in between.

"What's it?"Srishti asked. Curiously.

"Annaya is getting married" bhoomi said excitedly. Vishwank choked on his tea and then smacked bhoomis forehead.

"What really?"Srishti asked.

"Oh that's a news vishwank"jai said

"No no. Bhoomi was just kidding"vishwank said

"Absolutely not. We are really serious about this"
preyansh said

"You didn't even let me know this"srishti glared at viswank. Who shook his head.

"There's nothing to say"

"Actually there's a girl that we like. And we've been forcing him to meet her. She's a dance teacher and she's really pretty. Her name is priya" radhika said

"Is it?" Srishti asked excitedly

"Stop it. Please"vishwank got up to leave. Bhoomi pushed him back to the couch.

"See...Annaya already started blushing"bhoomi said with a giggle. Earning another smack from viswank. Jai and Srishti laughed at them.

"Will you both have dinner from outside? If you don't mind....can we all have dinner together?"Radhika asked. She badly wanted to spend more time with srishti.

Srishti looked at Jai for an answer

"Of course. We have a lot of time. Right?"Jai looked at Srishti. Who smiled in response. Radhika smiled delightfully. And got up to walk to the kitchen.

"I'll help you Amma"Srishti got up too and followed her.

Vishwank, Jai and preyansh got involved in a conversation. Bhoomi went through the gift packets that Jai had bought for them. Again.

After a while. Vishwank got a work call, so he excused himself and walked to his room. Preyansh and Jai continued to talk about his family.

"Appa can I take Jai sir to show him akkas room?"bhoomi asked after while.

"Bhoomi...."

"Sure bhoomi. You can give me a home tour"jai smiled. And preyansh nodded his head. As an okay.

Bhoomi was so excited to talk to him. She took him upstairs to her room. Talking continuously.

"You know what. All my friends treat me like a celebrity in school" bhoomi said excitedly.

"Really?"Jai smiled

"Sometimes it's irritating. They keep asking about you and akka. When I don't answer. They seemed to think that I have attitude. But I don't care about that. I wonder how you manage such a big stardom.  And still be calm and sweet to people"bhoomi asked.

"Sometimes we have to put effort into that. It's not easy being an actor. But if you're passionate about what you're doing. The chances of getting irritated. Is quite less"he said.

"Wow"bhoomi said. Thinking about his words.

"But you know how to handle these kind of people bhoomi. I think that's great"jai said.

"Yeah yeah..they all are jealous people. And you know something..even my Instagram followers ballooned to 12k followers. Great know?"

Jai smiled at her candidness.

"You should visit my school one day sir"

"If I get time. I'll definitely come visit you at school"he said making her excited.

"Thank you sir"

"Sir again? Why is your family so obsessed with calling me that?"Jai asked.

"Um...I don't know what else I should call you"bhoomi said.

"I'm your sister's husband right? So you can call me bava. Only if you are comfortable"

"Bava? Really? Can I call you that?"bhomi asked. Excitedly.

"Sure"he nodded with a smile.

"Okay bava. I'll call you bava from now on"she said. He laughed.

They walked inside the room. Together. Jai looked around the room. To see his posters. And frames. He wasn't surprised. He remember the last time he visited. He was curious seeing his posters in her room. But he couldn't ask her anything about it. But now that he knew that srishti was his fan. He felt lucky.

"Woah. So it was true that your sister is the biggest fan of mine?"he asked with a chuckle.

"You have no idea how insanely she adored you"bhooomi said.

"How come? I don't believe it" Jai said hiding his excitement

"It's true and I have proofs. Sit"she made him sit on the bed and went to grab something from the wardrobe. Jai looked on curiously as bhoomi came back with a box.

"What are these?"he asked.

"Open it and see for yourself"bhoomi smiled.

Jai opened the box to find a book. Which looked like a dairy. He turned the pages one by one and found a bunch of collection of his pictures. She had his every movie poster. Interview articles. And newspaper cuttings. His eyes widened his surprise. He never thought she admired him this much.

"Don't read that"bhoomi jumped as Jai reached a page.

"Why?"he asked.

"Because you'll die laughing if you read what she's writen there"bhoomi giggled.

"What's it?"Jai asked curiously.

Bhoomi took the book from him. And cleared her throat.

"Five things to do when I meet you in real"she readed out. Making him surprised.

"You're kidding"he took the book back from her. And read the middle page.

5 THINGS TO DO WHEN I MEET YOU IN REAL ( I know it's silly....but... Still😁)

No. 1 - To hug you ( I'm already blushing. I must admit that I feel jealous when I see you hugging other heroines on screen )

Jai chuckled reading it.

No. 2 - To take a selfie with you

No. 3 - To tell you that how much you mean to me

No. 4 - To visit your house ( I always wonder how you talk...smile etc. with your family )

No. 5 - And finally...a date with you ( Although I know it will never happen 😭)

He grinned and looked at bhoomi. Who was laughing seeing his expression 

"I told you right bava. Akka was a nut case. I always made fun of her. For being so mad about you. I thought people are not how they pretend to be on screen. But now that I know you. I understand why akka liked you so much"bhoomi said.

"Do you think she still likes me that much?"Jai asked.

"Ofcourse. She could never stop liking you. And now you both are married. I still can't believe it though. But I know. She admires you so much. She always have"she said. Which made him smile wholeheartedly 

Vishwank finished his call in fifteen minutes. He walked to the kitchen and found Srishti busy talking to Radhika. They were smiling. And laughing together. It's been a while since he had seen Radhika smiling. He knew how much srishtis absence had affected their family.

"Hmm what's special today?"viswank walked inside. Made both the ladies turn towards him.

"I've made pulav. Srishti says it's jais favorite"radhika said.

"Oh special dish for son in law huh?"viswank asked. Teasing Srishti. Who glared at him.

"It's almost done"srishti said

"Great. Come with me"viswank grabbed her arm.

"Where to?"

"Just come"

She sighed and followed him. They walked outside together. To the lawn.

"Are you happy?"he asked. After few seconds which made her smile.

"You wanted to ask me this?"

"I don't know. I felt guilty. Whenever I think about you. I was helpess srishti. I wish I was there for you. You needed us the most but. We couldn't be there for you"he said.

She sighed. Holding his hand.

"You don't need to feel guilty about anything Anna.
Even I didn't bother to hear amma and appa out for one time. Whatever happened. Was for my own good. But I don't regret anything. Neither should you. I'm happy. Trust me"she said.

"Sure?"she asked.

"Yes. Everyone loves me there. They take care of me. They treat me like their own. I feel really lucky to be a part of that family. They are so nice annaya"she said.

"And what about him?"he asked. She looked at him. Not knowing what to say.

"Love huh?"he asked with tease. She widened her eyes.

"What? No. There's nothing like that. He's good. He is..."she struggled. Wondering what to say.

"He is? What?"

"Nothing. He is..."she said again which made him laugh.

"I saw you both stealing glances of each other. Every freaking minute?"he said and. She grew red.

"You're mad. He is just.....we are good friends now. I mean. It was hard at first with the misunderstandings and everything. But he's a good human being. And he understands me. That's enough"she lowered her head.

"That's enough? What about the future? You know you can't be friends with him forever. You're married to him Srishti"he said. She felt her throat going dry.

"I....I don't know anything annaya. We're giving each other some time. We will figure it out"she said. He held her shoulder.

"I'm glad you're happy. And I really hope. This friendship of yours. Will turn into something beautiful. Because I know how much worth you are. It's hard for everyone not to like you. And as much as I know Jai. He deserves someone like you. I'm not saying to force your feelings. I'm saying not to hide from anything. Even from your own feelings"

Srishti stood frozen. Hearing his words. She knew it was something she already know. A shudder ran through her body. Recalling everything viswank just said.

Radhika called everyone to the hall for dinner. Bhoomi and Jai walked downstairs. Busy talking and laughing.

"Bava....don't tell akka that I showed you her personal things. She will kill me"bhoomi said.

"Don't worry bhoomi. I won't"he chuckled.

"Wow"jai exclaimed as he saw the dishes. Which smelled heavenly.

Everyone settled down around the table. Srishti and Radhika served them food.

"Maa you also come sit know"jai said to Radhika. Her eyes mositened. Listening to him. When he called her that.

"Yes amma. I'll serve. You go and sit"srishti said.

"Why? We all will serve each other right?"Jai said and bhoomi gave him a thumbs up. Radhika sat next to preyansh.

Jai got up from the chair and made srishti sit next to his chair. She widened her eyes and looked around. To see everyone smiling at them. Jai started serving everyone. Which made everyone protest. He grinned and continued filling everyone's plates.

Srishti couldn't stop admiring him. She kept looking at him with a smile.

Once he was done. He sat next to her. And looked at her. Feeling her stare.

"All okay?"he asked with a thumbs up. And she nodded her head. Still smiling. He smiled back and went to taste the food

"Everything tastes amazing maa"jai said once he finished his plate.

"Really?"Radhikas face brightened up. "Here eat some more"she said taking a spoon full of rice.

"Oh no thanks. I've already ate too much. My stomach is gonna burst now. And my trainers are gonna kill me tomorrow"jai said.

"Srishti....why didn't you each much? Your plate is not even half empty"radhika asked.

"I'm full Amma"Srishti said.

"She's just making excuses. She eats that much only. You know how many dishes we make at home. But madam eats less than a baby. What to say"jai said.

"That's her thing bava. She eats like a sparrow. No matter how hard we try to fatten her up"bhoomi said. Srishti sticked her tongue out to her.

"Atleast she doesn't inhale her food like you"vishwank said. And everyone bursted out laughing.

"Bava even you're making fun of me now?"bhoomi asked. Faking sadness. Looking at Jai.

"Aww never. Infact I think I'm like you bhoomi. I live for food. But unfortunately we're in diet. Like most of the time"jai said.

"Me too bava. I like dieting. I think it's challenging"bhoomi said.

"Bhoomi. I think you've got dieting all wrong.
You're supposed to actually stick to the diet, not just talk about it"preyansh said.

Everyone bursted out laughing again.

Srishti looked around feeling blessed. She haven't felt this alive in a long time. This was her need. Her dream. Something she didn't knew she wanted.

She looked at Jai. Who was laughing and talking with her parents in ease. And smiled wholeheartedly. Post dinner. Srishti helped Radhika in the kitchen. Bhoomi also joined them. Spending time with her sister whom she missed like hell. While the men were busy chatting in the living room.

Srishti looked at Jai. From time to time. Even during her work. He caught her staring two times. And raised his brows looking at her. She quickly shook her head. Bit her tongue and went back to help. He smiled inwardly. While her heart fluttered with unknown emotions.

Time was nearing ten in the night. Jai told srishtis parents that they were intending to leave.

"I'm sorry we had to leave this soon. I had the most amazing time. But I got an early day tomorrow. We have to go"jai said.

"It's okay. We're glad that you came son. We will never forget this day"preyansh said. Srishtis eyes moistened. Feeling weight in her chest. To leave her parents behind.

"If you want to stay back. You can okay. Dont just come with me thinking that it's an option"he said to her. But she shook her head.

"I want to come with you"

Jai smiled. And went ahead to hug bhoomi and viswank. Bhoomi reminded him about visiting her school and he gave her fist bump. Srishti hugged her parents tightly. Bidding bye to them.

"Wait..we should take a selfie"bhoomi said.

"Okay"jai agreed. Followed by everyone.

Vishwank whipped out his phone and everyone posed together for a group picture. Srishti stood besides Jai. They looked at the camera and smiled happily.

"Anna...click one picture of me with bava. I have to show it to my friends"bhoomi said excitedly. Jai laughed seeing bhoomis excitement. And posed for a picture with her. Srishti kept looking at them with a smile. Viswank and Jai also took a selfie together. Followed by srishtis parents

"Akka stand next to bava. Next we will click yours"bhoomi said.

"No it's fine"srishti said.

"I wasn't taking your permission. Tell her bava"bhoomi said to Jai.

"Yeah srishti"he nodded. She sighed and stood next to him. Maintaining some distance.

"Stand closer. You both are not Strangers"bhoomi shrugged. Srishti glared at her.

Jai put his arms across her waist. And slowly pulled her closer. Srishti gulped hard and struggled to smile at the camera. Radhika and preyansh looked at them. Admiring them. How good they looked together.

Once they were done. They walked outside. Bidding bye to the family. Srishti hugged everyone again. Before she got inside the car. While Jai waved at them. And started the car.

Srishti kept looking outside the window with a small smile. Today was one of the best day in her life. And she could only owe it to him. Her superstar. Who found time for her happiness in between his busy schedule.

"Thank you"she said slowly. After few seconds of silence.

"For what?"he asked.

"For this day. For everything you've done for me"she said. He smiled and held her hand.

"I'm glad that you're happy. And you don't need to thank me. Whatever I did was for us"he said. She nodded and looked back. Outside the window.

By the time they reached back home. Almost everyone was asleep. Jai had informed everyone that he was taking srishti back to her home. He went to call Ganesh. To ask him about tomorrow's schedule. While srishti took a shower in their room.

She shivered feeling the cold water. Running down her body. She didn't know why she couldn't stop smiling. She knew something happened to her. Her heart twisted with feelings.

"What has happened to me?"she asked herself.

By the time she came outside the washroom. He had taken a shower in the adjacent room. And was sleeping peacefully on his side of the bed. Her lips flexed into a smile. And she went ahead. Covering him properly with the duvet. Before dimming the lights. And moved to the balcony.

Srishti stood on the balcony. The cool breeze caressing her face. Her heart raced, and her mind was in turmoil. Trying to make sense of the overwhelming emotions she felt.

She had always admired Jai, her superstar, from afar. He was her idol, her inspiration, and a constant presence in her life. But tonight. As she replayed the events of the day in her mind. She couldn't deny the truth any longer. The way he had made time for her.
The way he had cared for her happiness. The way his smile had made her heart flutter. It all pointed to one undeniable conclusion.

She recalled viswanks words. And her heart thudded.

"I'm I in....love?"

Love. That word scared her. Her feelings scared her. What if she had started falling for him? He was a superstar. And they got married because of fate. Not destiny. She didn't knew if she deserved someone like him. But he could make her feel something. Which she wasn't capable of feeling. She closed her eyes and let out a sigh.

"I'm...in love...I love him..." She said with tears forming in her eyes.

Her eyes widened as soon a she said that. Her mind flooding with doubts and insecurities. He was a superstar.

How could she, an ordinary girl, hope to capture the heart of someone so extraordinary?

Yet, a small part of her refused to give up. The way he had looked at her. The way he had held her hand. It all seemed to suggest something more than just friendship. Could it be possible that he felt the same way about her?

But as she stood there. The cool breeze drying her tears. Srishti realized that she couldn't run away from her feelings. She loved him, and denying it would only lead to more pain and regret.

"I've fallen in love with you, but I'm scared you may not feel the same way about me"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Precap - Love is in the air😁

♡ Nila ♡