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Why did he have to come outnow? And why did he have to look like that?

He was dressed in black sweatpants and a fitted white Henley, with sleeves pushed up to his elbows to reveal strong, veined forearms, looking like a fashion model. His broad chest stretched against the fabric, and his dark hair was slightly damp, as if he had just taken a shower. The golden glow of the evening sun kissed his ridiculously sharp jawline, making him look annoyingly good.

Meanwhile, she glanced down at herself and nearly groaned.

Oversized tee. Faded leggings. Hair twisted into a messy bun.

Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic.

Of course, the one time she wasn’t expecting to see him, she looked like a couch potato. And when she did try to look presentable, he conveniently never showed up.

Her fingers instinctively tugged at the hem of her tee, suddenly feeling underdressed, but it was too late.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, neither of them moved. The song continued to play in the background, almost mocking the situation.

Jis roz se dekha hai usko (Since the day I’ve seen her)

Ham shamaa jalaana bhool gaye (I’ve forgotten to light the lamp)

Dil thaam ke aise baithe hain (I’m just sitting clutching my heart)

Kahin aana jaana bhool gaye (I’ve forgotten about coming and going anywhere)

Ab aath pahar in aankhon mein (Now constantly in my eyes)

Vo chanchal mukhda rehta hai (That playful face remains)

Mere saamne waali khidki mein (In the window across from me)

Ek chaand ka tukda rehta hai (A piece of the moon lives)

Something shifted in the air as he started walking slowly towards her, almost as if the song had lured him out. The hose in her hand trembled slightly, but she didn’t move. And the song… it continued to play, teasing them both.

Barsaat bhi aakar chali gayi (Even the rain came and left)

Baadal bhi garaj kar baras gaye (Even the clouds thundered and rained)

Par uski ek jhalak ko ham (But for one glimpse of her)

Ai husn ke maalik taras gaye (I kept yearning, o god of beauty)

Kab pyaas bujhegi aankhon ki (When will the thirst of my eyes quench)

Din raat ye dukhda rehta hai (Day and night this worry remains)

Mere saamne waali khidki mein (In the window across from me)

Ek chaand ka tukda rehta hai (A piece of the moon lives)

Afsos ye hai ke vo hamse (The problem is that)

Kuchh ukhda ukhda rehta hai (She stays somewhat detached from me)

Nandini felt her breath hitch as he took slow, deliberate steps towards her, without dropping his laser intense gaze. Why was he looking at her like that? By the time the song ended, Shaurya had almost reached her.

Her fingers tightened around the hosepipe when he stood right in front of her, barely a breath of space separating them. Her heart raced as his deep voice broke the silence.

“You’re flooding my garden.”