“It worked. It worked. It worked~”

Stella sings in an opera tone while she is twirling around her room. I sigh softly, shaking my head. Resting my chin on my palm as I watch Stella dancing on the screen.

My fingers brushed against my lips unconsciously, his touch still lingering - a small smile appearing on my face.

She stops and stares at me like she would just jump out of the screen onto me “See! Look at you all glowing and smiling!” She squeaks. I open my mouth to calm her down but she snaps her finger “Don't you dare ask me to calm down. Remember what you did when I kissed Liam?”

Her words make me go back to two years ago when Stella randomly came to our dorm all drenched in rain and said Liam kissed her.

Even while she showered I stood out of the door asking her to tell me everything.

Should have minded my own business.

Now I am getting the taste of my own medicine

“Alright, tell me everything” She says calming down and taking a seat, yet her eyes sparkle with excitement “Or whatever you feel comfortable with” she adds.

Her smile is as bright as ever, her blonde hair let into her loose natural curls. She is wearing a blue t-shirt that matches her eyes. I wouldn't be surprised if I ask her if it's Liam's.

I see her in his clothes more than himself.

I always feel single because of this. But wait-

I am not single anymore?

I sigh, relaxing myself a bit, dressing in this silver lengha is making me feel hot or is it because of him?

“He got jealous and understood my plan” I mumbled awkwardly. Stella blinks in surprise “Wow he is really observant but it's alright as the plan did affect him”

I nod, “Then he said few things, then we kissed and then he confessed that he love me” I say, my voice goes lower with each word and by the time I let out the word ‘love’ Stella was already fist slamming on her desk, her squeaks covered by her palm

“Jasmine Singhania! Do you realise what kind of perfect story you have experienced? Enemies to lovers, fake dating, he fell first!” Stella groans softly, her book girl is being fed a feast.

I chuckle, shaking my head. Stella doesn't know about the painting thing or else she would have gone crazy “Stop being so dramatic!”

She shrugs nonchalantly “Nope, not when I am witnessing a book live. Not when the guy who once rolled eyes at you now looks at you like you are the only thing that's worth believing!”

Her words slowly sink in - he used to roll his eyes at me but now he looks at me with those dreamy eyes.

My stomach flips again

I bring my knees to my chest. His words, his touch, his confession all echoing in my mind. I never imagined this to happen so soon. “This feels so surreal. What if I blink and the next moment everything vanishes?” I ask looking at her with uncertainty

Stella's expression softens “Oh Jasmine. It's alright to feel scared and out of place. But this is real, take a deep breath and welcome this feeling because you deserve every second of this”

I slowly rest my legs crossing them, my fingers playing with my dupatta “I guess. This is very new. I did go on a few dates but it never went more than what's your favourite food, colour and all”

Stella hums and nods “Take time and get to know him. But I think you both understand each other well. He knows all your preferences while you understand him too. I have noticed” she says making me think deeper

“Was I a gone case long ago?”

Stella grins “Oh Darling, the moment you served food on his plate at dinner in front of everyone. We all knew and understood”

I groan, burying my face in my palms. I should have acknowledged these feelings sooner. Lucas fell for me after that university event and I looked over it.

I didn't think Stella's plan would work so quickly

I had to request Kabir to help me make Lucas jealous. He was confused as he thinks we are dating so why but I had to lie to him that we had an argument and I need to get him back.

Kabir was surprisingly understanding. He agreed to linger around during the food tasting and feed me that laddu also doing that couple dance together that we improvised in five minutes while Sonia called Lucas.

I couldn't think what to do

After the kiss, Lucas held me for long time in silence. I was panicking and jumping internally at the same time. Being overwhelmed, I just said him goodnight and came to my room.

I didn't change my clothes or even turn on the lights of my room and called Stella. Even right now I am just sitting in a half lit room with moonlight and lantern.

“Jasmine!” Stella snaps me out of my thoughts as I look at her “I am here and if he hurts you then Liam and I will come there to kick his ass. Got that?”

I chuckle and nod “I don't think he would do that but of course I have the two most perfect bodyguards” I say playfully. “We are your heart guards” she replies proudly keeping her hand on her chest.

Stella's expression softens as she lowers her hand “Should we come early? Are you overwhelmed?” She asks with concern. “Liam?” She called out, before I could stop her.

Liam already entered the room within two seconds.

“Liam, can we go-”

“Stella, it's fine!” I stopped her. Liam glances at her and me, his confusion evident. Stella frowns before sighing “You sure?”

I nod quickly “Yes Yes totally. Don't trouble yourself. When you can. And yes I am overwhelmed but I will sort it out myself. I also need to talk to him about our status and boundaries before moving forward”

Liam's confusion deepens. He doesn't know about the whole situation “Everything alright there?” He asks me.

“Yes, everything is good,” I reply. Noticing Liam's confusion — Stella glances at me for permission. At my silent approval, she tugs his shirt. Liam lowers himself so Stella could whisper in her ear.

Stella mutters a few lines in his ear. Maybe about Lucas's proposal. Liam blinks in surprise, his eyes darting between me and Stella. She gives him a nod for another confirmation.

“That's…” He trails off, totally speechless staring at me. I stare at him blankly “Now I understand why you both are brothers”

They do it simply yet with the heaviness that's unable to ignore.

I remember long back asking Stella if Liam had a brother so I could hit on him.

Never thought that would get me here

“Anyways, you need to…” while Stella started speaking, I heard a soft knock on the glass door of the balcony. I almost get sacred looking at the tall shadow standing behind the door.

“I will talk to you guys later” I mutter, cutting off the call midway and standing up to approach the door carefully.

Lucas?

I stand in front of the door in disbelief before unlocking it slowly. My eyes never leave him as he waits patiently while I slide the door open.

“Are you insane?” I whisper-yell. He grins nontacntaly, his hair tousled from the wind outside. “You jumped onto my balcony? You think you are Varun Dhawan or what!”

I pull him inside, looking to the left where his room is. Our balconies are just side by side yet it has a gap between and we are on the first floor which is mush above the ground — because of the ancient architecture

“Seriously Lucas?”

He shrugged, totally unbothered “You weren't replying to my texts. I thought I got ghosted post-confession”

My heart shudders at his words “Oh no! I totally forgot!” I groan softly in regret. I walk over to the bed to grab my phone from under the pillow “Today, during the practice of Sangeet-” I turn around holding the broken screen up.

I blink in surprise finding him so close to me. My breath hitches at his proximity. He looks at my phone tilting his head before looking at me again. His face dawn in a beautiful softens because of the lanterns.

“It….it fell and broke. That's why I couldn't” I shutter nervously. In the morning, Kavya and I were practicing and that's when this happened.

He stepped closer, his warmth wrapping around me like a memory “But you couldn't tell me about it through….I don't know? Messenger pigeons?”

A small laugh escapes my lips despite myself. The audacity of him to be charming even in this moment

“Yeah unfortunately I couldn't find them. Maybe a fox?”

He smirks, my gaze lingers on his lips. Remembering them on mine, moving slowly yet Desperately. Never in my life i thought that i would get breathless while having my first kiss

He crosses his arms before replying “Or maybe a cat?”

“No no, don't remind me of cats. I will start missing Charlie” I sigh, keeping my phone on the nightstand. It's been a few days since we left Sydney yet everyday I miss having him around.

“He is well taken care of. Don't worry” Lucas replies assuringly

I look at him again “Why are you here suddenly?” I ask “You could have waited till morning”

“I couldn't” He replies, his tone hesitant “I missed you”

I bite down a squeak. I always thought how it feels to those female leads in those rom-com dramas when the male leads says he misses her.

I always giggled and squeaked at those scenes and now experiencing it at a totally different level.

I clear my throat trying to calm myself despite the heat crawling up my neck

I scoff, pretending to be annoyed. “We were together fifteen minutes ago, you know…” I trail off, stopping myself from saying anything further about the incident.

“You mean making out against the wall?” He asks, suddenly Stepping towards me. I am back against the bed. My heart starts racing again remembering the kiss

“You are impossible”

“And you are very beautiful when you pretend not to be affected” He teases. But his expression softens soon, he opens his arms gesturing me to come closer.

I reluctantly accept his embrace. His arms wrap around me, snuggling me against his chest. My arms slides to his torso, gripping the back of his shirt as I melt into him

A content sigh escapes him. My cheek rested against his chest listening to his heartbeat — steadier than mine yet shaken.

“You feel nice” He mutters against my hair, slowly cradling me. “I have waited weeks for this”

My heart squeezed at his words. I was trying to stay calm while the butterflies in my stomach were on a disco night. I pull back slightly to look at him

“I am sorry”

He frowns “For what?”

“For not replying properly earlier. When you told me…” I bite my lip, my voice suddenly feeling tight “It wasn't because I didn't feel anything. I do but that was a bit overwhelming. I was processing and then your words and the kiss” I take a deep breath “But I really liked it”

Lucas smiled slightly, brushing his knuckles against my cheek “So no regrets?”

I shake my head, totally sure “No regrets. But i wanted to talk about us”

He nods “That's another reason why I came here. I don't think I could have waited till next morning to ask you — Can I be your boyfriend, Jasmine?”

“Are you asking me to be my real boyfriend, Lucas Elias Williams?” I ask softly, taking his middle name too.

His eyes narrows playfully “Are you objecting?”

I shake my head again “Absolutely not”

I take a deep breath, preparing myself for the next words. I slowly pull back, making him confused. “i wanted to also talk about boundaries” I say sitting on the edge of the bed “To understand what we are okay with and where we draw a line”

I look at him with quite seriousness. Waiting for his reaction, he paused for a second before nodding in understanding. I gesture him to sit.

But to my surprise he doesn't sit on the bed — he looks around the room before grabbing the wooden chair from aside. Placing it in front of me and taking a seat.

Not casually

Respectfully

I am caught off guard. It's a small gesture but when I mentioned boundaries he took it seriously and compiled without hesitation. This gave me some ease knowing he is ready to listen and understand.

“I am glad you brought it up. I respect you for saying that. Tell me everything. Where your comfort stays and ends”

My lips curves up at his words “Firstly, I am not made of glass to be taken care of at every small moment”

He smiles “That doesn't mean I won't handle you with care”

The butterflies are doing gymnastics now

I nod, taking slow breaths “I am new to a relationship. I want respect, loyalty and trust. I will return the same. I understand we both need time to open about something — so we both will be patient about it”

“You have my words. This is new for me too, I will follow them” He replies without any protests

My shoulders loosens their tension with each word he speaks. “I am fine with touches…holding hands, caressing, kissing too. However, I don't appreciate rough handling, playful upto a limit.I want to feel safe, not guilty” I mutter

I know Lucas and I are different in many ways. Especially with our cultural differences. While we both are getting comfortable with each other. I don't think I would be so open to be intimate just yet.

Lucas nods, leaning forward a bit to rest his elbows on his thighs “You don't have to pretend to be comfortable when you aren't. You say the word and I will stop. No questions, no protests. I will make sure that I don't do something that would make you feel that way”

I sigh softly in relief, “What about your boundaries?”

He smiles a little, almost sheepishly “I think I had a few until you. I feel comfortable around you. So I am happy to take things at whatever pace that makes you feel secure” He extends his hands forward.

I feel something loose inside me. Slowly, I slide my hands into his, feeling his warm hands eloping mine.

“Thank you” I whisper softly leaning closer to him.

Lucas didn't say anything right away. Instead he lifted my hands to his lips. He kissed my knuckles like they were something precious. Keeping my hand in his, he rests his forehead against mine “Feeling better?”

I nod in response

My eyes lowered to our hands “You make me feel new things that I thought I never would. I always dreamed of those for sure. I didn't realise how your words affected me. I should've-”

“I didn't come here for answers” he mutters “Just to be near you”

I press my lips together, my chest tightened. This cold, introverted, infuriating guy who would annoy me at every chance he got knew to be soft exactly when I needed

“I think I really like you, more than I would admit” I add, trying to keep my voice steady. He leans back to look at me properly “That's good right?” I ask with uncertainty

He smiles caressing my cheek “Yes”

He leaned in closer and I did too. Like a natural pull towards each other. My heart started racing again as my eyes drift to his lips. A bit of insecurity crawled inside me.

“It's okay. Do what feels right” He assures, his lips brushed against mine and my breath hitched

Our lips touched, my eyes automatically closes feeling that same softness

Suddenly, a knock on the wooden door made me jump back “Jasmine! You asleep yet!” Veer's voice came muffled through the door. My eyes widens at the realization.

Lucas,In my room, at night and Veer at the door—

I shove him back in blind panic. Lucas caught off guard, his chair tilting back almost hitting the floor. His eyes widened like a deer caught in the headlights.

“Lucas!” I whisper yell catching his hand as he jumps to his feet and catches the chair before it could hit the floor and make a noise.

“What was that!” He breath out

“Jasmine?” Veer calls out again with a knock.

“Hide! Hide! Now please!” my voice dropped to full panic

Lucas looked here and there going towards the balcony to jump out. “No! Hell you can fall down!” I groan, pulling him by his arm. In a rush it could be more dangerous

“Okay okay bathroom?” He asks, going towards the bathroom door but it's locked. “I don't remember where I kept the key!” I whisper yell.

He freezes midway looking here and there around the room. The time running out, if I take this much long to open the door then veer will be suspicious.

I can't randomly say I am dating my fake boyfriend? You know how weird it sounds?

“Here!” I push him towards the wardrobe. He doesn't move an inch and looks at me in disbelief  “Jasmine, I am a six foot two guy. You think I will fit in there?” He protests, gesturing to the wooden shelves inside.

“Then fold yourself, be a human hanger!”

He raises his eyebrow turning to face me “Or the best solution? I will just open the door” he says sarcastically.

“No no!” I whisper, holding his arm “behind the curtains!” I flap my hands towards the window

He looks at the lace curtains and back at me, his feet planted on the ground strongly “You want me to look like a ghost? They are see-through!”

“This is so easy in Bollywood movies!” I whine, looking around the room. My eyes stopped at the bed, having enough space to go under.

I tap his arm “Bed! Under the Bed!”

Lucas blinked “What?”

“UNDER THE BED!”

“I am not five!”

I face him with a dead serious expression “If you don't go under the bed in three seconds and if Veer sees you fake or real boyfriend in my bedroom this late then he will toss you to five feet under the ground!” I whisper through gritted teeth

He takes a deep breath “You owe me for this” He adds before lowering himself under the bed awkwardly. Making sure he is settled below with no suspicion, I approach the door.

Fixing my hair and dupatta. Wiping my face a bit to lower the flustered expressions.

I open the door with the best smile i could pass “Heyy”

Veer frowns, his eyebrows furrowed together taking in my appearance “Took you long” he says stepping inside the room.

I shrug “I fell asleep”

He raises his eyebrow, totally suspicious “In that lengha?” He gestures to my outfit. I totally forgot about changing

“I just fell asleep! I was tired! Why are you interrogating me? I was planning your ceremonies only!” I exclaim defensively crossing my arms

He raises his hands “okay okay sorry. I was just asking”

“Why are you here?”

“Oh yes, a few things reminders” He replies pulling out his phone “Tomorrow Nikhil and Kunal are arriving with dadi”

My expressions quickly brighten up “Dadi aa rahi hai? Finally!” I say in excitement soon the realization comes “Wait, woh hamare uncle bhi arahe hai kya?”

[Translation - Grandmother is coming? Finally!

Wait, is our uncle coming too?]

I have decided not to call him bade papa again. He made this stupid rule to call him bade papa to show despite having our father, he will always be the older one with authority.

Veer shakes his head “No, Woh duno baad mai aayenge. Aur Nikhil aur kisi ko layega” He adds. I feel relieved that our uncle and aunty are coming afterwards, till then I can enjoy myself freely.

[Translation - No, they are coming afterwards. And Nikhil is bringing someone]

“Kisko?” I ask after hearing him mention nikhil bringing someone. Veer shrugs his shoulders “No idea. And day after tomorrow..” He trails off scrolling through his phone “Yes, I have called for designer clothing. You and Lucas can select the readymade one, we will send them for any altering later”

[Translation - Who?]

I nod “Okay, so selection is the day after tomorrow. Anything we want right?” Veer nods in confirmation “Yes and That's all”

Dadi with Kunal and Nikhil tomorrow

Outfits selection day after tomorrow

“Mira might arrive tomorrow. She has some work so she could also come the day after tomorrow” Veer says, his tone uncertain.

“Also, Sonia said that Lucas said to cancel laddu from the menu? I know I gave the call to select any sweet freely but he literally said he is allergic to laddu? Is it specifically that or any ingredients? Ask him if we can make any adjustments. Laddu is the main sweet, especially in ceremonies and Pooja” He explains with confusion.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath glancing back at the bed where Lucas is hiding “Don't worry about that. Include it, I will talk to him”

Veer nods “Alright then, Good Night” he says before walking out. I make sure he is far away from my door before closing it.

“Lucas?” I called him out. As I turn around, I see him slowly sliding out from beneath the bed. His hair disheveled, shirt riding up and eyes narrowed

“You heard what Veer said? You literally cancelled the whole damn sweet?” I ask in disbelief. I expected him to be jealous but not to this extent.

He shrugs nonchalantly “So? You used Kabir to make me jealous”

I sigh, shaking my head before approaching him “Still, you cancelled it saying you are allergic? At Least you could come up with a good reason?”

Lucas scoffs, crossing his arms “I did whatever came to my mind. I can't see you with that horse!”

I let out a loud gasp “Lucas! His name is-”

I snuck in my breath as he leans down to my face — inches away “You don't get it, do you? Seeing him with you, feeding you and dancing with you drove me insane”

My throat tightens, unable to bring out words

“Kabir or whatever his name is” He waves his hand dismissively, mispronouncing his name intentionally “He is included in my bounding. He stays out” He announces breaking no arguments

I shut my mouth and nod “Yes Yes, it was just a plan. The dancing and that laddu was all pretend” I mutter glancing up at him slowly “He is just a friend. I have no more feelings for him”

Lucas stands still, giving me no smile or softness

“You know” I began softly “You can't stay mad at someone you love” . Lucas raises his eyebrow, catching up my intentions “You are pulling that card?” He asks in disbelief

I give him the most innocent smile like I am not trying to melt him. This is a nice way, despite him playing cool, he has his weak points.

Aka Me

“Don't do that. With your eyes and your smile” He warns taking a step back like it would help him. This almost makes me laugh realizing how much we affect each other

I take another tiny step closer “But I am not doing anything” I say in a honey coated tone.

“Jasmine”

“Lucas” I take his name, stressing on it as I tilt my head a bit

He groans under his breath, his jaw tightens as my lips spell out his name “Milaya, don't”

I straightened up, my brows furrowed together in curiosity “You always called me that. What does it mean?” I ask, my attention shifting.

Lucas exhaled softly, his shoulders relaxing “It means sweet or…. darling. But I use it in context of sweet”

I paused, a slow mischievous smile appears on my lips “You think I am sweet?”

“You are changing the topic”

“You think I am sweet” I comment, it's not a question and he doesn't deny it either.

“Yes, you are dangerous sweet” he mutters “I am getting addicted to sweet now”

“Especially me” I grin, suddenly feeling giddy inside.

“Yes, especially you” He replies with a soft sigh “Still doesn't get you out of-” his eyes widens as I peck his cheek.

His lips part and close again as he stares at me. His ears turn in the cutest shade of red — a small peck is enough to make him blush.

“Feeling better Mr. Williams?”

“Y-yes, I should go” he shutters, his face getting more flustered with each second and i couldn't help but tease him “Aww you are blushing”

My heart is melting

“I am not!” He quickly rubs his face with his palm, trying to his cheeks with his fingers sprawling across his mouth “Good Night!”

He quickly turns and walks to the balcony. His moments quick, he opens the door to go back just the way he came in

“Lucas! Take the door!” I whisper sharply as he swings to the door open. He glanced back once, the corner of his lips twitching “Can’t risk getting caught by your brother”

I huff stepping closer to the balcony “What if you fall?” I ask in concern, he came in fine but don't know about return.

“I won't” He comments before disappearing behind the door, my eyes narrows as the curtains rustle with wind coming in.

Carefully, I step out to the balcony to make sure he is alright. My heart pounds as the cold marble touches my bare feet.

This guy is unbelievable

If he breaks his bones then?!

A sudden tug—

My breath gets caught as I feel an arm around my waist. Strong and sure as he pulls me to his chest. My gasp gets swallowed by the gush of wind “Lucas!”

He turned me in his arms to face him. A small smirk playing on his lips yet his ears remained red. Our breaths mingles with eachother. His other hand reaches out to tilt my head up “You can't tease me like that. A proper kiss for your boyfriend to have a good night sleep, please milaya?”

I groan softly, after this I don't I will be able to sleep either. “I am very bad at this one”

“Practice makes it perfect”

My lips parts bur nothing comes out. I should say something in protest or give him a witty remark.

How did I go from teasing to getting teased myself?

He leans closer, his eyes flickering to my eyes waiting for any protests. But I don't say anything — I wanna kiss him just much as he wants to kiss me.

He kissed me

Slowly, gently, like remembering every detail of my lips.

My heart pounded against his chest. His fingers spawled across my waist while the other caresses my cheek tenderly. My arms curls around his neck melting into the kiss.

I move my lips instinctively, my eyes closed as I try to blend into this moment. I don't know if I am doing it right but he feel right.

The palace blurred, the rustling of trees, the whisper of breeze like a cheer for us.

Finally, he pulls back. Both of our breathing fast, face flustered. “Now it will be a very good night” He whispers, kissing my forehead. A small yet tender gesture, he takes a moment to look at me for sometime

“Good Night” I whisper.

He nods, already stepping back with a maddening grin on his lips as he jumps into his balcony like he jumped into my life.

“Sweet Dreams, Milaya” he says before disappearing into the shadows leaving me breathless, blushing and—

I stand there for a few seconds, my arms wrapping around myself and rubbing my skin covered in goosebumps.

I step back into the room, sliding the door shut and locking it. I walk over to my bed and plop myself on it with face down onto the pillow.

Then i explode

I squeal loudly, muffling the noise into the pillow. Kicking my feet in the air like I do while watching a rom-com k-drama and the leads just brushed their hands against eachother ‘accidentally’

HE IS TOO CUTE!

EXTREMELY FLIRTY!

HE MAKES ME A BLUSHING MESS!

HE IS SUCH A SWEET GENTLEMAN!

YET LEAVES ME BREATHLESS, respectfully