Nidhi's POV:

Surprisingly, everything went smoothly after that mall incident. Though I know Nithin won't say anything at home he remained very normal and usual with me as well.

I only tried to initiate conversations but he didn't reveal anything, not even about his girlfriend, Reena. I regret not having a proper respectful talk with her that day. Because of our toxic siblings, she and Darsh became very uncomfortable. 

I asked Nithin to let me talk to her, but I was met with silence and ignorance, so I asked Darsh for help. Though he responded positively till now even he didn't make me talk to her. Nithin is not aware of any of this and I intend to keep it that way. We, anyway, don't share our things with each other, not even when one of us asks. I have asked him what he and Darsh talked about many times, only to get silent.

That day, Nithin literally locked me up in the car, not even giving me a chance to pull my window down as he and Darsh were engaged in serious conversation. 

Later, I asked both of them many times what they talked about, but none said anything, mainly Darsh said it was just a regular chat they had about work, which failed to convince me. Giving up I didn't bring it up again. 

And my time is occupied with other important tasks than to dwell on it. I am on a roll with my engagement shopping, moving shops together to get the best clothing. Maa and Grandma joined me a few times and completed their shopping, but mine is still left. 

Even Ravali joined me once. Varun should have also joined us, but at the last minute, he didn't. I suppose things are still not good between them. I also talked to Varun regarding their relationship; he was rather uninterested in talking about that with me, and I feel their ship is ready to drown, though I hope that does not happen and they reconcile again. 

Just 2 days are left and I still have to buy engagement rings. Two days and rings are not purchased! Darsh kept on delaying with his busy schedule. We tagged together once to purchase a couple of outfits, and that's it. I had to remind him every day to join me, and he would get busy with his work and apologize to me. And it has been continuing for the past week.

Having enough patience I gave him the ultimatum to either meet today or to postpone the engagement. The warning worked and he said he would directly join me in the store. 

It's 11 in the morning, and I have been inside for the past 20 minutes and checking out some new couple's rings. I tried reaching out to Darsh but got no answer.

"Ma'am these two rings are great pieces. It will suit you and sir," the salesman said as I was asking to show more pieces. 

"Yeah, keep this aside and show these when he arrives," I smiled awkwardly, controlling my anger and irritation. What is keeping him this late?

"I have arrived," I turned to find Darsh panting heavily. "Sorry, I couldn't answer your call."

I didn't give him much reaction and just nodded. He settled himself beside me and took a few immediate water sips from the bottle provided to him. 

"Sir, these are selected by ma'am. Will show you other pieces as well." The salesman briefed me as I stared at Darsh, awaiting his reaction.

He is focused on the rings and gives his utmost attention to everything that is put forward to him. Completing his surveillance, he turned to me, "Which one did you like?" stressing on 'you'.

 I pointed at the rings I liked, avoiding the need to use my mouth with him now. I hope by now he understands that I am pissed off at him for making this all so late. 

He took the rings in his hands and examined them(The ring picture is uploaded above)

"Let me put it on your hand and see," he smiled and forwarded his hand to take mine, holding the ring.

"I wore it and it was perfect for me. You can check the man's ring on yours," I whispered.

His face fell, and he looked rather taken aback by my statement. Let him understand my frustration, I thought and looked away from him. 

"Ok. Why don't you slide it on my finger then?" he asked after a moment of silence, with slight hesitation still lacing in his voice. I looked at his smiling face now holding another ring, his eyes pleading with me to accept.

He won't let me be, does he? 

Not uttering a word, I grabbed the ring away from him harshly and instantly, I slid the ring onto his finger rather forcefully, not caring about his comfort. And the very next moment I realized my mistake.

"Ahhh," Darsh cried as he tried to free his hand from my grip. Startled, I let go of his hand only to come to my senses that I rather pushed the ring too much, not bothering to check if it fit him. 

"Darsh! Sorry, sorry.... show me your finger," Panic surged through me seeing his wrinkled face enduring pain. The ring was too tight for him and I forcefully slid the ring on his finger in my stupidity.

"It's ok, ok," he fumbled, slowly, massaging his palm and the ring finger. My heart squeezed in pain and guilt seeing him suffering because of my anger. 

His finger turned red, trying to pull the ring out but was not successful in doing so. Eventually, the salesman there guided him to the restroom to apply soap and tried removing it, and to our relief, it worked, and the ring came out.

Darsh sat beside wrapping a wet napkin around his hand to ease off the pain. I believe the impact must have caused swelling and he is trying his best to convince me otherwise.

"Would you like to check other rings that fit you, Sir?" the salesman queried after we settled down a bit.

"No."

"Yes." We uttered simultaneously and turned to each other to understand why our answers differed.

"What?" 

"Let's take them. You liked them right?" Darsh talked as if he had forgotten the pain he endured a few minutes ago.

"You were in pain, Darsh. Just now! We will check other rings, if not here in another place..."

"You 'liked' them, so no need to check other options," My heart raced as he stressed the word 'Liked'. "Can you increase the width of the ring for me?" he asked the salesman who agreed.

I was too flabbergasted to talk and remained silent as he continued his small chat with the staff. Eventually, within some time, the rings were customized according to fit, and billing was done. 

Handing the rings to us, the staff wished us luck and hearty wishes. I guess we made quite some impression among them. 

Leaving the store, I walked behind him, held his hand, which made him shell-shocked at my act, and stopped right in the tracks, widening his eyes. Finally, I smiled, looking at his funny face and pulling him into his car.

We were alone in the cellar, inside the car, and I continued to hold his hand firmly and caress the fingers, which I didn't do in the shop. 

"Nidhi.... " came out soft and gentle, which just made me fall for him all over again.

"I am sorry, Darsh," I uttered looking down guilty of my actions previously and kissed his fingers. My lips lingered for a moment or more before colliding with his stunned eyes. His hand went cold and I could feel his breath becoming more rigid. 

"I want you to be with me at this most important time and you were unavailable for most of it. I was angry and frustrated at you, and in that spun of irritation, I.... caused you pain. I am sorry. I promise from now on I will keep my emotions in check; though difficult, I will try."

Completing my speech, I waited for his response to get complete silence. All the while I kept holding him and waiting for him to utter something. 

"Nidhi....." 

"Hmm." 

"I... I... Words are not forming....." I see him visibly panicked and nervous. What's suddenly got to him?

"What happened?" I asked as I palmed his face, and he suddenly flinched back, making me perplexed.

"Nothing..... Nothing.... Just it's my first... First time like this..."

It took me a moment to understand what he was referring to. Is he being this nervous... because of the kiss?

That too on his hand?

I chuckled looking at his innocence. His ears turned a light shade of red too.

"Darsh! Are you serious?" I continued laughing at his cuteness.

He, too, smiled in response recovering from the effects.

"What will happen when we kiss each other? And do more?" I teased him, squeezing his whole arm which is in my hold by now. Just being like this with him is making me forget the world around me, about the cellar we are in, and how we might be seen by anyone.

Darsh looked more comfortable and composed and understood what I meant. He thinly pursed his lips, hiding his smile and blush, but miserably failed, and with a smile, he asked, "Why don't you teach me then?"

This time my cheeks burned hot. God! What all I am feeling!

"Sure then. Brace yourself," I replied, laughing, and Darsh also joined in, just cherishing our first intimate moment.

Hello Everyone.

I hope you are doing well.

A sweet update after a month. Can't help the time gap.

Anyways, tell me, how is the chapter? I plan to improve their relationship in all ways gradually at a slow pace, even romance so that it will look real.

And another important thing, on October 1st week, my other book, 'Our Disconnected Love Story', was ranked in the top 2 in the whole of India. I mean I am so so so happy that after two years completing the book, it's receiving tremendous love. Thank you to all the readers who read that book and are reading this book, too.

And new readers please do check out that book as well in your free time. I am sure you will enjoy it.

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Share the book with your friends who might like reading this one.

Thank you.

Stay Safe.