All Chapters of Love with a twist: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Ava's POV: "I already called Abhi's mom. I know Meera Aunty will look after you well. But call me every day. Don't skip any meals, and make sure you're home before midnight," my mom rattled off her list of instructions while we stood by the curb, waiting for her cab. "Ma, I'm 20, not 2," I said, rolling my eyes. She shot me a look that could silence a riot. "Yeah? Then prove it by actually listening for once," she retorted, folding her arms. Classic Mom. I don't even know why I bother. "Okay, the cab is here," I blurted out, hoping to redirect her attention. But no such luck. "I can see that, Ava. Don't think you can just change the subject. Lock the house properly before you go anywhere. And drive safe—it's already dark," she added, her tone back to full-on concerned parent mode as we loaded her luggage into the cab. "Abhi is coming to pick me up, Ma. You don't need to worry. Go and enjoy your time with Aunt Priya," I said, hugging her briefly before stepping back to let her get

Ava's POV: I didn't know waking up in someone's arms, held protectively, could make me feel so cherished. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat under my cheek, his arms wrapped securely around me, and his flawless, peaceful face made something inside me stir—a feeling I hadn't experienced in a long time. Ugh, great. Now he's making me all corny. Unable to resist, I traced the arch of his brow and the curve of his lashes with my finger, my touch feather-light. "Thank you," I whispered, barely audible, "for being there, for making me feel so special all the time." I froze when I felt his hold tighten slightly. He was awake. "Mmhmm," he murmured, his voice still husky from sleep, "this would be the cue for a passionate kiss." His eyes fluttered open, and before I could react, he shifted, hovering over me with that smug, boyish grin. I couldn't help but laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck as he leaned closer. Not going to complain. "She's not in here, Meera. Maybe she went out for a

Ava's POV: "Then what?" Siddi asked eagerly, revving the Scooty up to 70. "Then the next thing that happened left me sore," I said, quickly covering Rocher's ears as he sat nestled between us on the seat. Siddi gasped dramatically and slammed the brakes, making my helmet bump into hers. "Seriously? We're in the middle of the road!" I yelped, panicking as Rocher barked in protest. "I don't care! Tell me every little detail now!" she demanded, refusing to move until I started talking. "Fine, but drive!" I insisted. She reluctantly started the Scooty again, turning left as I began. "Nothing happened," I grumbled, trying to untangle a knot from Rocher's fur while dodging her nipping teeth. "He kissed me, carried me to bed, and then..." I cleared my throat, stalling as Siddi giggled mischievously. "And then?" she pressed, leaning forward in anticipation. "Then he made me wear his shirt, laid my head on his chest, and told me to sleep," I said in a high-pitched voice, exaggerating t

Ava's POV: I was smiling, watching him eat from the other side of the table. I'm pretty sure my pupils had turned into heart symbols when he glanced my way. My brain was playing all kinds of love songs as I absentmindedly circled my finger on the plate. "Ava, are you okay? You haven't eaten much," Meera Aunty pointed out, drawing my attention. "Ah, no, Aunty, I'm just full from the junk food earlier," I said quickly, shoving a forkful of food into my mouth to mask my nerves. When Abhi stood to clear his plate, I followed him to the sink. "Abhi," I called softly as he grabbed his keys. "Abhi, I need to talk to you." He didn't respond, heading toward the door as if he hadn't heard me. "Abhi! Please listen na. I need to tell you something important," I blurted out, rushing to block his path before he could leave. He finally stopped, closing his eyes as though trying to steady himself. "Ava, I need some time before you do that. Just leave me alone for now," he said, his voice quiet

Ava’s POV: "This is the sacred forest of Mawlynnong. It has been preserved by the natives since ancient times as a part of their religious beliefs. This forest has a rich flora that consists of several plants, trees, and rare flowers..." The guide droned on, but my attention wavered. I was lounging on a mossy rock, my legs aching from all the walking around the waterfall earlier. My energy was drained, and my enthusiasm wasn't exactly bubbling over. "Abhi, let's take a selfie!" squealed Ashu, her voice as grating as nails on a chalkboard. I snorted involuntarily, watching him brush her off. But to my dismay, he saw me smile, then shrugged and moved closer to her, allowing her to click a selfie. I rolled my eyes, annoyance bubbling up. I cannot believe him! Sure, he's hurt, but this? Taking selfies with her of all people? He practically slammed the door in my face last night, forcing me to bunk with Siddi. As if that wasn't enough, Priti mentioned that Ashu sneaked out of her room la