Chapter 50

The sunlight poured through the cracks of the curtains, hinting at the start of a perfect day they were having. Niharika stood near the mirror, brushing her hair lazily, her damp locks leaving faint traces of water on her T-shirt. Mayank walked in, already dressed in a casual white T-shirt and black jeans, his hair neatly combed back. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, and watched her.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice low but expectant.

Niharika turned, startled to see him there. "Almost. Just need to grab my bag."

"Take your time. We're not rushing," he said, though his tone held the slightest impatience, like he was eager to get on the road.

Minutes later, Niharika walked out with her bag slung over one shoulder. "Let's go," she said, looking at him. Mayank grabbed the car keys and led her outside to the driveway, where a sleek black sedan stood gleaming in the morning sun.

"Wait here," Mayank said, surprising her by walking past the sedan. He moved to the garage and opened it, revealing a stunning white Jeep Wrangler. Its glossy exterior shone as if it had been freshly polished, the rugged vehicle looking like it was built for adventure.

Niharika blinked, taking a moment to process what she was seeing. "What...? Where did this come from?"

Mayank threw her a grin over his shoulder as he unlocked the Jeep. "I own two cars," he said casually, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

"Two cars?" she repeated, still staring at the Jeep. "Damn."

He chuckled as he opened the passenger door for her. "Hop in."

Still in awe, she climbed into the passenger seat, running her hands over the leather interior. The Jeep smelled new, like freshly cleaned upholstery and faint cologne—just like him.

As they pulled out of the driveway, Mayank switched on the music. A soft Bollywood melody filled the car, making Niharika smile. She leaned back, watching the city rush past them.

"I didn't think you'd be the type to play romantic songs," she teased, glancing at him.

He shrugged, keeping his eyes on the road. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Niharika. You'll find out."

She looked at him, her curiosity piqued, but decided not to press further. Instead, they chatted about the day ahead, their banter easy and light as the city faded into the background.

Eventually, they reached Siya's house, where Siya and Samar were waiting in their car. Siya waved enthusiastically as they pulled up, and Samar gave them a thumbs-up.

"We'll follow you," Siya called out, her voice bright with excitement.

Mayank nodded, revving the engine as they led the way. The road stretched ahead, the hills of Ras Al Khaimah drawing closer with every passing mile.

As they drove, Niharika glanced at the steering wheel, her fingers itching to take control. After a moment of hesitation, she spoke up. "Mayank... can I drive?"

He turned to her, his brows lifting in surprise. "You want to drive this?"

She nodded, her expression both eager and hesitant. "I mean... if you're okay with it."

He studied her for a moment before pulling over to the side of the road. "Sure. Let's switch."

Niharika beamed as they swapped seats. Her excitement was palpable as she adjusted the mirrors and gripped the steering wheel. Mayank watched her, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"You look like a kid in a candy store," he teased.

"Shut up," she shot back, though her grin gave her away. She started the car, easing it back onto the road.

Mayank leaned back, watching her with undisguised amusement. She was careful at first, but as she grew more comfortable, her confidence shone through.

"You're good at this," he admitted, genuinely impressed.

"Of course I am," she said, glancing at him with a mock look of superiority.

Unable to resist, Mayank pulled out his phone and snapped a quick selfie of the two of them. Niharika, caught off guard, frowned. "No! I don't look nice. Take it again."

Mayank chuckled, shaking his head. "You look fine, Niharika."

"No, I don't. Take it again," she insisted, her voice firm but playful.

He sighed dramatically but relented, leaning closer to take another photo. This time, Niharika smiled properly, and the picture came out perfect. Mayank studied it for a moment, a thoughtful look crossing his face. He was tempted to post it but decided against it for now. He'd ask her first.

They reached the zip-lining spot at Jebel Jais shortly after, the towering mountains making for a breathtaking backdrop. Siya and Samar joined them, their excitement contagious as they discussed the experience ahead. When the manager explained the zip-line options, everyone agreed to go—everyone except Niharika.

"I'll sit this one out," she said, her voice wavering slightly as she looked at the high cables stretching across the valley.

"Come on, Niharika," Siya encouraged. "It's not that bad."

Mayank stepped closer to her, his voice gentle. "Hey, what if we did it together? There's an option for a tandem zip-line. You won't be alone."

She hesitated, her fear evident. "I don't know, Mayank..."

He smiled reassuringly. "I'll be right there with you. Trust me?"

After a moment of internal debate, she nodded. "Okay."

They were strapped into the tandem harness, seated side by side. Niharika's hands gripped the straps tightly, her knuckles white. Mayank glanced at her and offered his hand. "Want to hold on?"

Without hesitation, she took his hand, clutching it like a lifeline. "Don't let go," she whispered.

"I won't," he promised.

As they zipped off, the initial rush of fear gripped her, the wind roaring past them. But as they soared over the valley, the fear gave way to exhilaration. The view was stunning, the mountains stretching out endlessly beneath them. Niharika's grip on Mayank's hand loosened slightly, and she let out a laugh—half nervous, half amazed.

When they landed, her face was flushed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "That was... incredible," she admitted.

Mayank grinned. "Told you it'd be worth it."

Later, they all stopped at a cozy restaurant for lunch. Mayank and Niharika ended up sharing a plate, their forks occasionally clinking as they reached for the same bite. It was easy, comfortable—like they'd done it a hundred times before.

As they drove to their next destination, Niharika decided to switch cars, riding with Samar. Mayank watched her leave with a pang of disappointment, though he didn't say anything. Siya joined him in the Jeep, her curious gaze settling on him.

"So, how's it going with Niharika?" she asked.

Mayank shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "Better. She's opening up more. She even talked about her ex."

Siya's eyes widened. "Really? That's huge, Mayank."

"Yeah," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "I think we're getting there."

They talked about strategies to confront Niharika's ex-friends as they reached the lake. Everyone sat by the water, the atmosphere relaxed. When Siya jokingly asked if Mayank and Niharika would throw a wedding party, Mayank surprised everyone by saying, "Maybe. Let's see."

Niharika looked at him, startled, but didn't object. Instead, she nodded, her mind racing with thoughts of their growing relationship.

The drive home was quiet. When Mayank started to doze off, Niharika offered to drive. As he drifted into sleep, she glanced at him, a soft smile on her lips. For the first time, she felt hopeful about their future.

When they reached home, Niharika began tidying up, but Mayank stopped her, grabbing her hand. "Relax, Nihu. Do it later."

She smiled, letting him pull her close. "Thanks for today," she said. "I had fun."

"So did I," he replied. Before she could leave, he hugged her once more, holding her tightly. She returned the embrace, her heart full.

As they parted for the night, Mayank considered asking her to stay in his room but decided against it. He didn't want to push her. Instead, he watched her leave, his heart quietly yearning for more.

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