[This chapter is unedited, pls ignore the mistakes. I will correct it later. Happy reading<3]

The house has never felt this silent, maybe because it's been a while since I have been in my room or because no one is in the house except Lucas and me. Even he is downstairs in the guest room, since lunch he hasn't come out.

It's not his fault, I am avoiding him because I am too embarrassed to face him after he saw my childhood pictures.

I never thought I would be embarrassed about that. Now I feel how he felt.

Maybe I am just insecure, I was really different in my childhood. I do admit I was cute in my baby pictures or during my toddler years but not later on. Looking at my album - I was skinny, dark skinned and had really short hair which made people think I was a boy.

One of the reasons I am always scared to cut my hair. Not to feel that taunts or jokes about me looking like a boy.

It's not easy to forget all those hurtful comments right?

I wonder - how did our own people make us feel inferior for the colour that actually represents us. The brown community yet everyone is behind having fair skin - the absurd beauty standards. It took me a while to accept myself, having this skin honey, the not-so straight hair.

Now, I am happy with my current self. Almost.

It made me question Lucas many times. Why was he so interested in painting me? He could have painted anyone. But he went for me. He said it's to get my culture, immortalize it. His words were so deep that I was left amazed.

Is that all he wanted?

I sigh softly, closing the albums and keeping it aside. The soft hum of the air conditioner is the only sound I could focus on. It's too silent for my liking - I do like silence, the peace but.

My gaze diverts to the open laptop beside me, Veer's engagement party's live being played on it with the volume muted. Veer pulled some strings so the party could be shown to me live but I couldn't focus on it either. I shut down the laptop and pull my knees against my chest.

Surprisingly, Mira isn't even at the party. It's not even an engagement but just a gathering of business partners. Veer guessed it already that Mira wouldn't come. I don't blame her, all of Veer's partners are Mira’s rivals.

It looks so boring. I am happy that I didn't go.

The way my mind bounces from one topic to another in the span of a few minutes makes me think that I have at least ten people inside my head.

I could just sit and think about anything and everything.

My eyes move around the room, it's still the same. Ma kept all my stuff as it is, making sure my room is cleaned everyday. This was my comfort place, I could just come here and hide from everything happening outside. Doesn't matter if it's about other matters or about my family.

But it doesn't feel like there. For some reason I got so comfortable at Lucas's house and that room that now my own room feels old. I am admitting this so shamelessly that I am finding comfort in some other place instead of my own house?

What is Lucas doing?

It shouldn't concern me what he is doing!

But I haven't seen him since lunch. Did he eat dinner? I kept a few curries aside which he could use for dinner. He hasn't talked much but it's my fault as I was trying to avoid him.

Should I check on him? Will I look desperate?

Why am I thinking about it so much? But if I go and ask him if he ate dinner or if he needs something it would show that I care! I do care though but I don't wanna make it seem so obvious!

I wanna thank him again. His words gave me comfort and his advice actually worked. I wouldn't have done it without a little push.

My heart thudded at the remembrance of his embrace. It felt really good yet the worst part is that it didn't felt platonic like Stella's hug. And I am craving more of it, his hold and those comforting words. His presence over all.

No matter what I do, I just can't ignore it. After the graduation party, I started to notice his small actions that spoke louder than he said. That care or small jealousy moments. Listening to me and remembering all my favourite things.

Calling for a jet in a few hours just for my comfort? Including my comfort items, carrying me to bed! Who does that!

This not only made me question his intentions but my own feelings for him!

What should I do?

Maybe approach him subtlety? Like for something? Ice cream?

Yeah! That's it!

I stand up, checking myself in the mirror. I changed into a normal t-shirt and pajamas because no matter how well I dress up, I need my comfort clothes.

What will he think? Why does it matter! It's my own house! I always dressed like this there too!

I groan and stomp out of the room, walking downstairs - why have I started to care about my appearance in front of him?

I march downstairs, my head held up with full confidence but as soon as the guest room door comes to my view, all my confidence drains out. My shoulders slowly hunches down when I reach the door. I raise my hand to knock but it paused midair. I consider myself, should I speak to him or just go back?

No, let's face this!

I take a deep breath and gently knock on the door.

Silence

I knock again, “Lucas? It's me” I say a bit louder if he is sleeping or in the bathroom. Suddenly, I hear some rustling from inside followed by a muffled thud and hurried footsteps.

The door swings open and the words get stuck in my throat.

There stood Lucas - freshly showered. The water is still dripping down his hair, wearing nothing but a towel that's hanging dangerously low around his hips.

This is giving me deja vu

I gulp the lump in my throat watching the water droplets slip down his abs. This might be my third time seeing him shirtless but damn-

For a good few seconds neither of us speaks. I force my eyes up to his face - he just stares at me. His eyes are soft as he watches me with an unreadable expression. My mouth opens and closes as I forget everything I wanted to say.

What's happening-

Lucas's eyes widens when he realises the situation, his face drained with panic. “Actually I-” before I could complete my sentence, he slams the door so fast that it causes a gush of air to hit my face.

I stand there frozen and speechless, heat crawling up my neck as I slowly sink down. I rest my forehead against the doorframe feeling more embarrassed than him.

Kya ho raha hai yeh

[Translation - What is happening]

Inside the room,I hear fast rustling, drawers yanking open and close and even soft cursing. I think he was showering a few minutes ago and opened the door without thinking

I compose myself and stand up on my feet. Stretching my arms and tilting my neck left and right to remove the stiffness. After a few breathless minutes - the door opens again. This time more slowly and Lucas comes into the view. Fully dressed.

He is wearing a black t-shirt and grey sweatpants. His hair is still wet and messy due to the previous incident.

“Hey” he says, I could still see how fast his breathing has gotten and the way his cheeks are slightly pink.

He looks cute like this

“Hey” I say casually giving him a smile and leaning sideways against the doorframe. I am trying to show that I am calm and nonchalant while my knees are shaking.

As I watch him more carefully, I notice the lines on his t-shirt. I blink in surprise “Lucas” I breath out, my voice came out lower than expected. I watch him inhale sharply and nods in acknowledge

“Your t-shirt, it's inside out” I point out, trying not to look at him. Lucas looks down at his t-shirt, realization drawing upon him as he closes his eyes and mumbles something “I just experienced a near-death embarrassment moment. Let me breathe” he replies

I bit the inside of my mouth to hold my laughter, the tag of his t-shirt was sticking out behind his neck.

I nod, clearing my throat to cover my chuckle “this is a near-death embarrassment moment? I thought it was the one where you did the same thing when I was on a video call with my mother and Sonia. Or when your shirt got ripped by me in front of the campus?” I ask teasingly, the memories still fresh in my mind

He rolls his eyes “And both of them were caused by you. Especially the shirt ripping. At this point I think you are doing this intentionally. Why? Can't get enough of me?” He replies with the same tone

I push myself off the door frame and stand in front of him “Oh please, at least you have something under all that sneaky fox like attitude” I say in fake mockery gesturing to his abs

Lucas smirks, the tension breaking “flattery might get you everywhere, milaya”

I roll my eyes, trying to hide the way my heart responding to his words instead of my tongue “whatever, I was inviting you for some ice cream”

His expressions softens “sure”

I nod and turn, padding through the hallway silently towards the kitchen. I could see Lucas following me, from the corner of my eyes catching the glimpse of him pulling over the t-shirt over his head and wearing it the right way again.

Something is wrong with me because that simple moment looked so hot to me.

Turing on the kitchen lights, I grab two bowls and spoons from the cabinet. My eyes drata to the empty vessels - indicating that he ate dinner. A relief washes over me, I should have helped him instead of being sad in my room.

Humming softly in excitement, I reach out to the freezer and pull out the tub of vanilla ice cream. “One or two scoops?” I ask over my shoulder while grabbing the scooper

“One is enough,” Lucas says, leaning against the counter. I don't question it, I know he doesn't like sweets - it's shocking that he even agreed to have one in the first place.

I server a scoop in his bowl while fill my bowl with a generous amount of ice cream

I hear Lucas chuckle behind me as he opens the fridge “You know, eating plain ice cream is criminally boring” he comments making me turn around “excuse me? Vanilla ice cream is classic! What do you mean boring!” I say defensively

“Classic doesn't mean good,” he adds, grabbing the bowls and taking them aside. I watch him move around the kitchen grabbing a few things. Did he memorize where everything is kept in just a few hours?

I watch him chop berries, tossing them on his scoop. Then he adds some cashews and almonds on it with an expertized moment.

I lean my hip against the counter, crossing my arms to watch him with a narrowed gaze “are you seriously turning this into a 5-star dessert?*

Lucas flashes me with a grin “you wouldn't understand this,” he gestures to his upgraded bowl “is art”

I scoff and glance at his bowl. Well it does look better with all the extra stuff and now chocolate syrup drizzle “you need everything so high class?”

“Says the one who just scooped enough ice cream to get a grown up man high on sugar” Lucas countered with a playful tone, adding a cherry on the top of the ice cream and handing me the bowl

“Fine, picasso. Let's see if your art is edible” I dig the spoon in the bowl scooping the ice cream and fruits along. Lucas watches me with curiosity as I eat it. The strawberry with chocolate drizzle on vanilla ice-cream just melts in my mouth.

“Not bad” I comment, licking the spoon clean. It's so good that I couldn't help but continue to eat from his bowl only. Lucas doesn't complain but moves on to do the same with my bowl. Adding the same things to it.

I notice him stealing glances at me, his eyes drifting to my hands and lips. My cheeks get flustered at his gaze making me turn away.

Lucas clears his throat “told you, you should believe me” He says, taking a bite from the bowl I am eating. He hums in an exaggerated way “see? perfection”

I couldn't help but chuckle. Lucas steps closer, taking the bowl from my hand and holding it for me. His fingers brushing against mine sending a shiver down my spine.

His eyes locked with mine, noticing my state. I know he noticed my reaction and maybe more.

“I wanted to thank you. If you hadn't advised me to talk to my father I would have just ignored it. It really helped me” I mutter, my voice gets lower “and also for comforting me. I really needed it”

Lucas smiles softly “I am glad-”

The light flickered and within a second everything became dark. A startled gasp escapes my mouth “Lucas?” I call out, frozen in my spot.

Lucas’s hand brushes against mine making me aware of his presence “its okay, Jasmine” he assures, his voice low and steady “I am right here” I hear a soft thud beside me as he keeps the bowl on the counter

I clench the spoon tightly, my heart beating faster. Not only from the darkness but also from the way he sounds so calm and gentle.

“Probably the fuse or a black out? Do you have a generator?” He asks. “Yes but I think it's switched off as we are leaving tomorrow” I reply, usually whenever lights goes off the generator instantly starts working but it's switched off as we are going to Rajasthan tomorrow

“I hate darkness” I admit biting my lower lip to stay calm. It always feels so suffocating, like someone would grab and pull me away in this darkness

Lucas holds my elbow reassuringly, he turns on the flashlight on his phone “let's go and check the fuse first”

I navigate him through the hallway as he follows me, holding my arm gently and also the phone for light. I open the utility room’s door, where the usual cleaning products are stored and switch boards are provided.

Lucas steps forward, pointing the light on the switch board and opens it. His eyes narrow in concentration as he fumbles with the switches “I think it's a black out” he says as there's nothing wrong with the fuse “should we switch on the generator?” He asks, facing me.

“No it's alright, let's wait for the lights” I reply, it would be too much trouble and I have no idea about that thing. I don't wanna cause any troubles for him

“Let's go back” I suggest. As I was about to move, I felt something brush against my ankle. I frown in confusion and look down trying to see with whatever light is provided.

Lucas follows my gaze. We hear a soft, suspicious sound - a squeak echoes in the room. My eyes widens as I recognise that voice.

A rat

I let out a small shriek as I see the mouse running between my feet. I jump on my toes, the spoon dropping from my hand creating a tiny crinkle that makes the mouse more hyper.

“Chuha! Chuha! Chuhaaaa!” I yell in fear, without thinking I just jump on Lucas to save myself.

[Translation - Mouse! Mouse! Mouse!]

“Woah-” Lucas stumbles back, somehow managing to catch me instinctively, his phone falls down. “LUCAS! USKO BHAGAGO!” I cry out, my arms wrapped tightly around his neck while my legs around his waist in pure panic.

[Translation - Lucas! Kick it out!]

“What! Calm down!” He says, his arms holding my waist securely. “Lucas, it touched me!” I gasp out, burying my face in his shoulder.

I still feel that thing on my feet. Goosebumps crawl across my body, I hate darkness and I also hate rats! Ew! Somebody help me! Why is there a rat in my house!

Lucas sucks in his breath, I could feel his heart pounding against me “Jasmine, you can't just climb on me like that” he mutters, almost breathless.

I lean back to face him “what do you mean? What was I supposed to do! It could climb on me or bite me!” I exclaim

How can he not understand? That thing is so dangerous

I feel his muscles flex beneath me, his hand trails to my lower back to steady me “It's a mouse, not a monster” He says with a sigh. I open my mouth to say my defence but I hear the rat squeaking again. “Woh yahin hai!” I whine holding him tighter.

[Translation - it's here!]

Lucas groans softly, turning his head back “Milaya-”

“No!” I shut him sharply “there's a rat here which means that I am never setting my foot on the floor!”

Lucas tightened his grip around me as he bends down and picks up his phone “alright, I have got you” he mutters

And he did

He held me securely as he carried me out of the room. While I just clinged onto him like my dear life. My breathing calmed down when I felt out of the rat danger.

A few seconds later, the lights flashed back on, making me smile. “Finally! I-” I pause finding my face extremely close to his. I blink in surprise, in darkness I didn't realise we were this close, I could feel his breathing against my skin

I slowly release his neck, resting my hands on his shoulders while he still held my back and my waist. As the clouds of my stupidness fades, I understand the reason for Lucas's reaction.

Gosh what was I doing!

Lucas smirks wickedly, pressing my lower back with his palm making me arch against him “If you wanted me to carry you so badly, you could have just asked” He whispers, his lips brushing against my ear. I bite down a gasp, my body reacting to his actions.

Slowly, reluctantly I loosen my grip and slid down to my feet but he doesn't let go of my waist. The warmth of his hand radiating against my t-shirt.

“Look, I was just scared. I didn't realise it. I hate rats and-” I trail off as I see him looking at me with a softness. “Are you alright now?” He asks, his smirk is long gone, replaced by something else. He doesn't want me to explain or anything

I don't know if I have admitted this before but he is so good, caring, and handsome. Whatever word that should be used to describe him isn't available in my mind right now.

I would have literally fallen if he wasn't holding me right now.

“We, we should finish our ice-cream” I shutter on my words nervously, taking a step back and this time he let me go. “Let's eat in the living room” I suggest, my heart pounding as I turn around and rush to the kitchen.

I need to get my mind straight but I don't think my heart would listen