Part 3
She entered the room, her eyes scanning the space for any signs of the past incident. But Malhar was fully clored, and the room was transformed into a romantic haven. Roses and heart-shaped balloons filled the air, and a banner reading "I love you Kalyani, will you be my girlfriend?" hung above the bed.
Malhar's eyes locked onto hers, and Kalyani felt her heart skip a beat. He looked dashing in his royal blue suit, and she couldn't help but stare.
"Gosh, you look beautiful," Malhar whispered, walking towards her. "You're God's masterpiece, an angel created just for me."
Kalyani's heart melted, and she knew she was in trouble. She had never felt this way about anyone before, and the thought of going with Malhar as his undercover date to the glitz restaurant sent her heart racing with excitement.
As Malhar took her hand, Kalyani felt a spark of electricity run through her body.
Kalyani turned to face Malhar, who had just closed his bedroom door. "Malhar, what's all this? I thought we were going undercover," she asked, her eyes scanning the romantic setup.
Malhar's response was cheeky. "Do you really think I'd take you with me and risk your life to catch some sycophantic criminal? Kalyani, I'm not mad like you."
Kalyani's mouth fell open. "Malhar, how rude," she said, her tone a mix of shock and amusement.
"So why did you give me this dress to wear, then?" she asked, her eyes landing on the intimate table setting for two.
"Do you want to sit me with you and watch you romance your date?" she asked, her voice laced with sarcasm. Malhar nodded, and Kalyani's response was immediate. "Not happening."
She turned to leave, but Malhar caught her, pulling her into his arms. Kalyani's heart skipped a beat as she stared into his beautiful eyes. All she wanted to do was run back to her room and cry.
*Why are you doing this to me, Malhar* Kalyani thought helplessly.
"I'm doing this because I want to confess my love for the woman I love and celebrate your birthday," Malhar said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I want to make up for the gift I gave you. Let's celebrate my love and your birthday, just the three of us."
Kalyani hesitated, unsure of what to say. "Malhar, I don't think that's a good idea," she whispered.
"Please, I need my best friend with me, for moral support you know." he begged.
"Fine," Kalyani replied, her voice half-hearted.
Malhar smiled, relief etched on his face. "Thank you. You won't regret this, I promise." He kissed her in the forehead.
As they sat down to eat, Kalyani couldn't help but notice the table was set for two. "Why is the table set for two when there are three of us celebrating right Malhar?" she asked, lifting the lid off her plate.
Her eyes lit up as she saw her favorite food. "Wow, Malhar, you remembered my favorite food," she said, looking up at him with a sweet smile.
Malhar smiled back, turning on the music system. The song "Timeless" by Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini played softly in the background.
"Yes, I did, because this is my life's love's favorite food, she love it so much and she would make me cook for her all time," he replied, lighting the candles on the table.
Kalyani's heart skipped a beat, and she felt like throwing up. Malhar's statement made the food she loved taste bitter.
Kalyani's gaze drifted past Malhar, as she couldn't look at him as she knew if she did, she would have cried. As she looked pass Malhar her eyes landing on a banner behind him. The words "I love you Kalyani, will you be my girlfriend?" seemed to jump out at her, rendering her speechless. She alternated between looking at Malhar and the banner, her mind reeling with emotions.
Malhar, lost in her, she looked beautiful and he didn't notice Kalyani's stunned expression. He plucked a single rose from the vase on the table and stood up, a tender smile on his face. He walked towards Kalyani, got down on one knee, and offered her the rose.
Kalyani was still speechless, her eyes fixed on the banner and then on Malhar. She couldn't form a single word, her heart racing with emotions.
Malhar's eyes shone with love as he looked up at her. "Kalyani, I love you," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "Will you be my girlfriend?"Text
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