Chapter 13
494 Words
That night, as they were getting ready for bed, Arohi let out a small whine. "Hey Ishaan, I’m in a dilemma."
Ishaan glanced at her, amused. She was sitting cross-legged on the bed, her laptop open with several university websites on the screen.
"What’s up, child?" he teased, making her roll her eyes.
"I’ve been thinking about changing my career. I just got an opportunity to be a lecturer at the University of California in my field of study… but I’m not sure if I should take it."
Ishaan’s eyebrows raised in surprise. "That’s huge, Arohi."
She nodded. "I know, but it’s a completely different direction. I’m not sure if I’m ready to take that leap."
Ishaan could see the uncertainty in her eyes, but more than that, he saw the excitement she was trying to hold back. He smiled. "I think you should take it. It’s an incredible opportunity, and you’ve worked so hard to get here."
Arohi blinked at him. "You really think so?"
"Of course. And I’ll help you with the applications. We’ll prepare for the interview together."
Her face lit up at his words. She had expected him to give advice, but his willingness to support her through it meant more than she could express.
Over the next few weeks, Ishaan helped her with everything—from crafting the perfect application to practicing mock interviews late into the night. When she finally got the job, she could hardly contain her excitement.
She called Ishaan immediately. "I GOT IT!" she squealed over the phone.
Ishaan grinned. "I knew you would. Congratulations, professor."
Little did she know, he had been planning something special for her.
That evening, when he got home, he found Arohi still buzzing with excitement. Before she could ask anything, he walked up to her with a playful smirk.
"Come with me."
"Where?" she asked, confused.
"Just trust me."
Before she could protest, he gently placed a blindfold over her eyes and led her outside.
"Ishaan, what are you doing?" she laughed nervously.
"Patience, Professor Arohi," he teased.
When they stopped, he removed the blindfold. In front of her was a sleek, brand-new car with a big red bow on top.
Arohi’s jaw dropped. "Wait… what?"
"This is for you," Ishaan said with a grin. "I know you take the train every day. Now you can drive to work comfortably."
For a moment, she just stared at him, overwhelmed. Then, without thinking, she threw her arms around him in a tight hug.
Ishaan stiffened in surprise, but then a soft chuckle escaped him as he hugged her back.
A second later, she seemed to realize what she had done. Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly pulled away, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Um… thanks, Ishaan."
He smirked. "First hug, huh?"
She shot him a glare, still blushing. "Shut up."
But deep down, they both knew—something between them had changed. And neither of them minded.
- Writer
