Chapter 34: Chapter 31

Rudra unlocked the door to his flat with a theatrical flourish, pushing it open and bowing dramatically. “Welcome to my humble abode, madam. Please, do mind the mess and also the charm—it’s everywhere.”

Gauri chuckled, stepping inside. “Let me guess, you cleaned up before I came, didn’t you?”

“Absolutely not,” he said with mock offense. “This is my natural state of existence—organized chaos. Like me, it’s ruggedly handsome but with layers of mystery.”

The flat was cozy, with a mix of modern and eclectic decor. A small corner had a shelf full of books, most of which were about culinary arts and travel.

“You live alone?” Gauri asked, looking around.

“Nope. I live with my multiple personalities,” he quipped, flashing a grin. “They all think you’re cute, by the way.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re impossible.”

“Behold mam, impossible do means i m possible, and you love it,” Rudra shot back, moving toward the kitchen. “Now, wine or snacks first? Or should we skip to the part where I impress you with my Spotify playlist?”

Gauri perched on a stool, raising an eyebrow. “Spotify? Wow. Someone’s trying hard to be Gen Z.”

“Hey! Spotify is for all ages. And for your information, I have impeccable taste.”

He scrolled through his phone, and moments later, the gentle strums of “Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez filled the room.

Rudra extended his hand toward Gauri, bowing slightly. “May I have this dance?”

She snorted. “Seriously, again?”

“Dead serious.”

“Do I have a choice?”

“Absolutely not,” he said, grabbing her hand and pulling her. Her heart skipped a beat. This closeness was maddening.

Their hands interweave, and Rudra’s other hand found its way to her waist. Gauri, surprised by the sudden shift in tone, followed his lead.

“You’re surprisingly good at this,” she said, letting him guide her across the small space.

“I aim to impress,” he replied, his voice softer now.

The moment shifted as the music enveloped them. Their laughter subsided, replaced by an electric tension in the air. Rudra’s eyes locked with hers, his gaze intense yet warm.

Gauri felt her heart skip as they drew closer. She could feel his breath on her face as his lips inched toward hers.

And then— smack!

She placed her palm flat against his face, stopping him in his tracks. “Whoa there, cowboy,” she said, though her tone was a mix of teasing and seriousness.

Rudra blinked, then grinned. “Not the kiss I was expecting, but hey, your hand is soft. Bonus points for that.”

Gauri chuckled but after a major pause, grew serious. “Listen, Rudra… before we go any further, I need to know something.”

He straightened up, sensing her shift in mood. “Shoot.”

“I need to know if you’re serious about this… about me. Because I can’t do it casually. If you’re not serious, we should stop now before things get too complicated.”

Rudra studied her for a moment, his usual playful demeanor softening. Without a word, he lifted her effortlessly and set her down on the kitchen counter.

“First of all,” he said, leaning her against the counter and folding his arms around her, “no other girl has ever stepped a foot in here. Not because I’m secretive or anything, but because I didn’t want just any girl here.”

Gauri raised an eyebrow. “Oh? So, why me?”

“Because,” he began, his tone turning light, “I’ve been saving this sacred space for someone who gets my humor. Someone who won’t just roll their eyes when I say something outrageous but will fire back with something equally ridiculous. Basically, someone who can handle me.”

She laughed despite herself. “That’s your criteria? Humor?”

“Not just humor,” he said, his voice growing earnest. “Look, Gauri, love’s great and all, but it’s not enough to survive a relationship. You need someone who understands you on a level that words can’t express. Someone who can listen to your silence, see beyond what you show the world, and most importantly—” he grinned. “—someone who can survive me and my endless tactics. And that someone… is you. You’re my chaos, Gauri.”

Her breath caught at his words. She tried to respond, but he held up a finger.

“Hold on, I’m not done,” he said. “I also believe relationships are about balance. So, while I bring the chaos, you bring the equal—or, you know, the slightly less chaotic chaos. Together, we’re the perfect storm.”

Gauri smiled, but her insecurities surfaced. “But… Rudra, I’m not from a family like Siya’s. I don’t have that kind of money or social status.”

“I wanna be yours,” he said simply.

“And I don’t have a stable income yet. My bakery just started. What if I fail?”

“I wanna be yours.”

Her lips twitched. “I don’t even like coffee. I’m more of a tea person.”

“I wanna be yours,” he said again, grinning.

Gauri couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her. She shook her head, leaning closer. “You’re impossible.”

“Secrets I have held in my heart, Are harder to hide than I thought, Maybe I just want wanna be yours,” he sings softly, their faces inches apart now.

The space between them disappeared as their lips met in a gentle, lingering kiss. It wasn’t rushed or desperate but filled with a silent promise of commitment and understanding.

When they finally pulled apart, Gauri smirked. “You’re my bastard, Rudra.”

He chuckled, resting his forehead against hers. “And you’re my chaos.”

For the first time, neither felt the need to speak. The silence said it all. It was their story, starting with an accidental flirtation to being a chaotic team. It wasn't just anyone. It's Rudra and Gauri.