Chapter 4
A lavish Maharashtrian spread laid out for dinner was nothing short of a feast. From Mirchi Ka Thecha, Bharwan Vangi, Varan, Baath, Usal, Koshimbir, Chapati, Bhakri, Papad, Puran Poli, Buttermilk, and Sol Kadi, the table overflowed with flavors ranging from mild and soothing to fiery and intense.
And then, of course, by popular demand, there was Bhang.
The men, including Uncle Khanna, had already finished their dinner and retreated to enjoy their drinks, leaving the girls to eat near the poolside in a quieter setting.
Raelle, however, found herself more preoccupied with sneaking glances at Scylla than with her food. The flickering lantern lights reflected in those deep blue eyes, and for a moment, Raelle wondered if Scylla even noticed how captivating she looked.
Then, out of nowhere—
"AAAHHHHHHHHHH!"
The shriek cut through the night air, shattering the peaceful atmosphere.
Raelle’s head snapped up, "Oh my God! What happened?"
All she saw was Scylla, mouth wide open, face red, flapping her hands wildly like a bird trying to take flight.
"My mouth is on fire! It’s so hot and spicy—water! I need water! NOW!" Scylla gasped between pants, eyes watering as if she were on the verge of tears.
Mrs. Khanna, the epitome of calm, turned to Tally, "Go to the kitchen and get some buttermilk from the cooler. It will cool down the spice."
Tally sprinted off toward the kitchen.
But Raelle wasn’t as patient. Watching Scylla suffer was unbearable, "Screw this—I’ll get her some ice water!" she muttered and ran inside.
By the time she returned, slightly breathless, Scylla was already sipping on a glass of buttermilk, looking immensely relieved.
"Oh my goddess, this is amazing!" Scylla groaned, closing her eyes as the cooling liquid soothed her burning tongue. "It’s like magic. Tally, can I have some more?"
Tally, already prepared, handed over another glass, "Here, I grabbed two just in case."
Raelle, still concerned, stepped closer, gently placing a hand on Scylla’s warm shoulder, "Are you okay now?" she asked softly.
Scylla nodded, finishing her drink in one final gulp, "Yeah, I’m fine. Thank you."
Raelle exhaled, relieved. But something still felt… off.
"I think my appetite is gone," Scylla mumbled, attempting to stand up.
Except—she wobbled.
Raelle instantly stepped forward ,"Scylla, are you sure you’re okay?"
Scylla let out a silly giggle, "I am! I am perfeckly f-fine!" she hiccupped, swaying slightly. "Look! I can balance on one leg!"
Raelle’s stomach dropped.
"Scylla, don’t—"
SPLASH!
Scylla went backward into the pool.
For a moment, everyone stood frozen.
Then—"OH GODDESS!" Raelle yelled before diving in.
The cold water hit her like a slap, but she ignored it, swimming towards Scylla, who was floating—laughing.
By the time Raelle surfaced, dragging Scylla with her, Tally and Abigail were already kneeling at the poolside, reaching out.
"A little help here?" Raelle huffed.
Together, they pulled Scylla out, followed by Raelle.
Scylla, completely drenched, looked down at herself and suddenly burst into giggles.
"I’m all wet! That’s ‘cuz I went for a swim!"
Raelle, shivering, rolled her eyes, "Yep, that’s generally what happens when you fall into a pool, genius."
Scylla’s expression turned thoughtful, "But I was FLOATING."
Tally let out a long groan. "Oh no."
Raelle narrowed her eyes, "Tal… what exactly did you give her?"
Tally hesitated, "Buttermilk?"
Abigail, arms crossed, muttered, "I’ll go check." She stalked off toward the kitchen, Tally scrambling after her.
Meanwhile, Raelle helped Scylla to her feet—or at least tried to, because Scylla had now attached herself to Raelle like a baby koala. When Raelle looked around for Porter , he was already sloshed and was being escorted to his room by Karan.
"Scylla, we need to get you inside before you catch a cold."
"Nooo… I’m warm. You’re warm." Scylla mumbled against Raelle’s shoulder.
A few minutes later, Abigail and Tally returned.
Abigail sighed dramatically. "Well, Turns out Tally gave Scylla Bhang instead of buttermilk."
Raelle stared at Tally, deadpan. "Seriously?"
Tally cringed,” It was an accident! I swear!"
Scylla suddenly pointed at Tally. "You got me BHANGED UP!" Then, she laughed hysterically.
Raelle groaned, “Tal, Abs—let’s call it a day . I’ll handle this."
Once they left, Raelle turned back—just in time to catch Scylla before she toppled off the chair.
"Oh no, no, no—"
Instead of letting go, Scylla latched onto Raelle again.
"Scylla, I need to change out of these wet clothes too."
"Mmm-mmm."
"Yes."
"Mmm-mmm."
With great difficulty, Raelle managed to change out of her own drenched clothes before helping Scylla into dry ones. The entire process was pure torture—Raelle desperately trying not to stare at Scylla’s freckled skin, toned arms, and those ridiculously blue eyes.
Once Scylla was finally in bed, she grabbed Raelle’s wrist.
"Let’s dance."
Raelle blinked. "I’m sorry—what?"
"The dance. From the club. I never got to dance with you."
Raelle hesitated, "Scylla, you’re high as a kite right now."
Scylla whispered, softer this time. "Please, Rae. Just one dance."
There was a raw honesty in her voice that Raelle couldn't ignore.
With a sigh, Raelle played the song.
🎶 "Tere saath saath aisa koi noor aaya hai... 🎶
(The light emanating from you)
Chand teri roshni ka, Halka sa ek saaya hai
(Even the moon feels like a shadow in front of your light)
“Teri nazaron ne dil ka kiya joh hashar, Asar yeh hua”
(Your eyes created such a tumult in my heart that…)
Ab inme hi doob ke ho jaoon paar, yahi hai dua
(All I wish for now is to drown in them)
Raelle’s hands found Scylla’s waist, and Scylla’s arms wrapped around her shoulders.
They swayed, closer than necessary, breaths mingling as the melody wrapped around them.
Ankhon mein teri ajab si ajab si adaayen hain”
🎶 (There’s something special in your eyes) 🎶
Even after the music faded, they didn’t stop swaying.
Raelle’s heart pounded. She opened her mouth to speak—
But Scylla silenced her.
By leaning in.
Their lips met—not with lust, nor drunken recklessness, but something soft. Something uncertain.
And then, Raelle kissed her back.
This time, there was no hesitation.