Rohan looked at Mira with a hint of nervousness.
"So, Mira," he began, "I've been wanting to ask you this… tell me if it's not the right time, but I was actually hoping you'd come with me to a party."
Mira tilted her head, intrigued. "Which party?" she asked.
He smiled. "Bhoomi and I, and a few friends—we've all been invited."
Mira raised an eyebrow. "Oh, that's the popular people's party, huh? You guys are popular."
Rohan laughed lightly. "It's nothing like that. So… are you going to come or not?"
Mira hesitated, then nodded. "Okay, fine. But I'll need to go shopping first."
Rohan's eyes lit up. "Oh, that would be great! Would you like me to join you while you go shopping? I could pick you up at 5:30 next evening."
She thought for a moment. "How about we plan the dress shopping for Saturday? That would be perfect timing. I'm free at 5:30 PM for sure."
Rohan grinned. "Great."
Then his expression softened. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you when Sam tried to hurt you."
Mira straightened. "Hey, I wouldn't need protection. I'm not a weak person. I would have kicked Sam myself… but before I could, Hirsh came up and acted like a hero." She paused, a small smile appearing. "I'm still grateful for him, but I could have handled it alone."
Rohan nodded slowly. "Okay… sure, whatever."
He glanced at his watch. "Anyway, I have to go. Bye."
Before leaving, he leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the cheek. Then he walked away, leaving Mira standing there, a little stunned, a little smiling.
Mira was still in her blue shorts and red top when she heard the bike outside. She peeked through the door and saw Rohan, casually leaning on his bike, looking effortlessly attractive as always.
"Rohan! It's not 5:30 yet… you came early," Mira said, surprised.
He smiled and held out his hand. "I was coming early so I'd see that you don't get late. Come on, let's go."
Mira hesitated, tugging at her shorts. "Wait, I'm not ready yet. I need to change."
Rohan took her hand gently, holding it as she stepped back. "You look… beautiful already. Now don't waste time. Come on, get on the back."
Mira glanced at herself. "I'm just wearing shorts and a top… I should at least put on jeans. I didn't expect you to come on a bike."
Rohan grinned. "Do not worry, I'm here. Nothing's going to happen. Just hold on tight."
Mira bit her lip and climbed onto the bike. Sitting behind him, her heart raced, the wind teasing the ends of her hair. Rohan's hand held hers lightly, steadying her, and she felt a strange mix of excitement and nervousness.
As they drove to the mall, Mira tucked herself closer to him. "You're lucky I didn't wear my skirt, Rohan," she teased.
He chuckled softly. "Just hold on. That's all that matters."
At the boutique, Mira browsed the racks, holding up dresses and showing them to Rohan. He, however, was scrolling through his phone.
"Come on, Mira, just choose fast, please," he said, glancing up briefly.
Mira pouted. "Really? You're supposed to help me, not ignore me."
Rohan laughed, setting his phone aside. "Okay, okay, fine. I'll help you choose."
As they went through the options, Mira held a dress against her body, asking for his opinion. He stepped closer, his presence warm and reassuring. She could feel the faint brush of his shoulder as he adjusted the fabric and nodded.
Suddenly, the hook of her dress got stuck as she tried it on. She turned red instantly. "Oh my God… this is so embarrassing," she whispered, fumbling slightly.
Rohan's hands were steady as he carefully helped fasten the hook. Their faces were so close that Mira could feel his breath near her ear. Her heart raced, and she turned slightly, trying to hide her blush.
"There, all set," Rohan said softly, stepping back. He smiled at her, his eyes lingering for a moment. "You look amazing."
Mira's cheeks burned. "I… I can't believe this… I've never had anyone help me like that before."
Rohan grinned, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "That's what I'm here for. Now, let's pick the rest and get going."
Mira laughed nervously, still feeling the warmth from the closeness. Shopping had never felt this… exciting. With Rohan by her side, even the simplest task felt special.
The engine of Rohan's bike hummed softly beneath them as they glided down the quiet streets. Mira wrapped her arms around his waist instinctively, leaning slightly closer, trying to steady herself against the gentle sway of the bike.
"Hold on tight," Rohan whispered, a playful smile in his voice.
Mira giggled nervously. "I am! You don't need to remind me."
They rode past the streetlights, which cast golden halos on the road. The air was cool, and the scent of blooming jasmine from the trees filled Mira's senses. She could hear the faint rustle of Rohan's jacket as he leaned slightly forward, focused on the road, yet somehow aware of her closeness.
After a turn, they found themselves at a small, quiet hill overlooking the city. Rohan slowed the bike and finally stopped. The city lights sparkled below them like a blanket of stars, but above, the moon shone silver and bright, reflecting in Mira's wide eyes.
"Wow," she breathed, tilting her head back.
Rohan took a seat on the grass nearby, patting the spot next to him. "Sit," he said simply.
Mira hesitated for a moment, then carefully climbed down from the bike and sat beside him. Their shoulders brushed, and Mira felt an unexpected warmth spread through her chest.
"You know," Rohan began softly, "I've always liked nights like this… quiet, just two people, away from everything else."
Mira smiled shyly, her fingers brushing against his accidentally. He didn't pull away.
They looked at the moon together. It was enormous, luminous, and Mira felt as though time had slowed just for them.
"You've got… amazing eyes," Rohan said suddenly, and Mira blinked in surprise, looking up at him. His gaze was steady, sincere, not teasing like usual.
She felt heat rise to her cheeks. "I… thank you," she murmured.
He reached out, tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. "You look beautiful tonight," he whispered, his hand lingering near her cheek.
Mira swallowed, her heart racing. She wanted to speak, but the words seemed to vanish. Instead, they just sat there, shoulders touching, listening to the soft rustle of leaves and the distant hum of the city.
Rohan gently shifted closer, just enough so their knees brushed. "You know," he said with a small grin, "I could stay here forever… just like this."
Mira laughed softly, a little nervous, a little thrilled. "Forever would be… a long time," she teased.
"But I could start with tonight," he countered, and she felt a shiver of excitement.
They spent the next few minutes talking about trivial things—favorite foods, funny school memories—but the silence between them was equally comfortable, filled with unspoken feelings.
When it was finally time to go, Rohan offered his hand to help her back on the bike. Their fingers intertwined, and Mira's heart skipped a beat.
As they rode back under the moonlight, the wind rushing past, Mira rested her head on Rohan's shoulder for just a moment. He instinctively leaned closer, and she felt the warmth of him, the rhythm of his heartbeat, and the faint scent of his cologne.
It was simple. It was quiet. But in that fleeting moment, Mira felt… perfect.