[11]
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In the morning before the assembly, the school comes alive with a joyful buzz. Laughter and friendly banter echo through the corridors as students share stories and exchange smiles. Everyone is enjoying the light-hearted moments before gathering for the assembly.
As Siya entered inside her classroom, a flutter of nerves and excitement swirling within her and her heart skipped a beat, finding Shashwat standing inside talking to some boys of her class.
Shyly stealing glances, she was momentarily lost in his presence.
But she accidentally collided with a nearby bench.
Shashwat, observant, caught her gaze, a knowing smile playing on his lips as their eyes briefly locked in a moment .
Siya quickly averted her gaze, cursing herself mentally. Meanwhile, Shashwat casually looked in the opposite direction, respecting the unspoken boundary.
"Ye inn dono ka bag to yahi rakha hai..Kahan chali gayi hamare bina!!" Siya said to herself not finding her best friends on her seat.
[Their bags are here only. Where they went without me?]
"Siyaaaaaaa!!" She flinched hearing her best friend's voice from behind.
"Where were you both?" She asked as they reached near her.
" Washroom." Arushi replied and she nodded.
She again glanced at Shashwat who was writing something in a notebook.
"Class, make a proper line and move towards the assembly ground." They heard Shashwat's voice.
"Yes, class listen to Shashwat." Kanak said in an authoritative tone .
As the students began to move, Siya remained momentarily lost in the charming details of his face. Unknown to her, Shashwat noticed her gaze.
With a shy but warm smile, he decided to approach. As he neared Siya, he gently snapped his fingers in front of her.
"Move towards the assembly. Kaha dekh rahi ho?" He asked.
[What are you looking?]
"Aapko." She replied without realising her words and a warmth crept up his cheeks. His usually composed expression gave way to a subtle flustered reaction, a crimson hue tinting his cheeks.
[You.]
Shashwat coughed softly while his face was still tinged with shyness. Realising her words her cheeks flushed in embarrassment .
"I..I mean aapko.. I mean aap line kaise banate hain dekh rahi thi." She replied, playing with her fingers.
Without wasting another moment, she hurriedly turned on her heels and dashed towards the assembly and a shy smile lingering on her lips.
As she disappeared into the assembly line he stood there for a moment, a subtle smile played on his lips, a blend of shyness and amusement lingering in his expression .
"Good morning Richu." Akash greeted Richa as they reached the assembly ground.
"Hatt!!" She said and moved forward with her friends while Shashwat and Reyansh laughed loudly .
"Tu kyun bezzati karvata rehta hai apni sare juniors ke samne?" Shashwat said while laughing.
[Why do you keep insulting yourself infront of all juniors?]
"Aree uske liye to mai sari duniya ke samne bezzati karvane ke liye taiyaar hun." He replied with a faint smile looking at Richa who was talking with her friends.
[ For her, I can take all insult infront of the whole world.]
"Tu nahi sudhrega na!!" Reyansh said, slapping on Akash's head.
[You won't be change.]
"You both are coming right?" Siya asked all of a sudden, making them frown.
"Where?" Arushi asked.
"Arre I told you na that Ashi Didi is getting engaged tomorrow." She said.
"Oohh yes I just remembered. But mere cousin bhaiya ki engagement bhi hai kal and I was going to invite you." Arushi said and Siya sighed.
[Tomorrow is my cousin's engagement also.]
"Richa, you will have to come."Siya said and Richa nodded.
"I have to submit a leave application." Siya said, taking out her diary.
"Ohh shit!! Mai to bhul hi gayi thi. But the application needs parents signature. Wo kahan se ayega?" Arushi asked and Siya smirked.
"Don't doubt my talent. I can copy the signatures." Siya said, flipping her poni backwards in attitude.
"Really?? Then we don't need teachers to sign our copies." Richa said grinning.
In the bustling corridors of the city hotel , a symphony of laughter and excited chatter echoed. The venue, a resplendent hotel adorned with cascading flowers and soft lighting, exuded an air of elegance. Family and friends, mingled amid the gentle hum of excitement.
In a corner of hotel room women were busy in doing makeup . Ritika and Siya looked at each other with frustrated expression while doing makeover of two different ladies.
"Why you both are not ready yet?? These girls na!! Kuch bhi time pe nahi ho sakta. Bas sara din baithe rehti hain." A lady said after Siya made her hairstyle.
[They can't do anything on time .]
While they both sighed controlling their frustration and anger. Since morning they are busy in helping others and now these ladies have audacity to scold them.
"Didi ye baal bana do accha sa." Divya said coming towards them with a comb .
[Didi make my hairstyle.]
"Ham na hon ready!! Since morning we both are busy in doing everyone's makeup and uske baad bhi yahi sun ne ko mil raha hai ki ham log time pass kar rahe hain.
Ham ready hone jaa rahe hain after that I will make your hairstyle.
" Siya said in loud frustrated voice making the relatives to hear her. Ritika and Divya also followed her.
[I also have to get ready. Since morning we both are busy in doing everyone's makeup but after that we have to listen that we were just doing timepass.]
Before anyone could taunt her again she stormed out of the room.
"Such a mannerless girl." A woman said.
"Like her mother ." Another woman replied.
As Siya stood at the entrance with her family, the vibrant colours of the engagement festivities unfolding around her, she eagerly welcomed the groom's side.
Amidst the arriving guests, her eyes caught a familiar face that sent a jolt of surprise through her and her heartbeat quickened.
There, among the well-wishers, was Shashwat, looking equally stunned to see her.
Their eyes met, Siya's welcoming smile held a hint of surprise , and Shashwat's surprised expression softened into a warm acknowledgement. As Siya's gaze shifted from Shashwat to the crowd, she spotted Arushi . Arushi , catching sight of Siya, couldn't contain her excitement and surprise.
They jumped in the air and in the next instant, they embraced each other in a tight hug.
"Yaar I can't believe you are here!! That means the cousin brother you were talking about is Prashant Jiju?" Siya asked, breaking the hug and she nodded grinning.
"Hello bhaiya!! Hii Darsh." Siya greeted them and they replied to her.
"Hello."
"Where is Richa?" They heard Akash's voice.
"Aayi nahi abhi tak. Let me call her." She said as they entered inside together.
[She hasn't came yet.]
"Where is Reyansh? Shashwat asked, looking at Siya.
"Shashwatttt, Akashhh!!" They heard Reyansh's voice who just took them in a bone crushing hug .
"What are you doing here?? Wait, you were talking about Prashant Jiju yesterday?" Reyansh asked, breaking the hug and they nodded
"Siya yaar teri to lottery nikal gayi." Arushi said, hitting her shoulders with hers and she grinned.
"Aruu!!" They both turn and find a surprised Richa.
"What are you doing here??" She asked as she reached near them and she explained her too.
"Arushi??" Ritika also asked in surprise as she came there with Divya and Siya explained to her .
"Siya and Ritika, your jiju and his cousins are resting in that room and go and serve them breakfast and tea.
"Arre Aru beta you? Are you from the groom's side?" Tara asked in a surprised tone.
"Haan aunty, I am Prashant bhaiya's cousin." She replied and Tara smiled.
With the echoes of laughter and celebration lingering in the air, Siya Ritika and other two girls made their way inside the room where the groom and other brothers were present, engaged in cheerful conversation.
The door creaked open, drawing their attention as they entered.
Ritika started serving breakfast to everyone.
"Sorry kanji ankh agar mujhe pata hota ki tum aa rahe ho to mai tumhare liye ek katori doodh lete aati." She said in low voice as she reached near Arav.
[ Sorry kanji ankh if i knew you are coming I would have brought a bowl of milk for you.]
"Tumhe batmeezi kiye bina khana hazam nahi hota na?" He asked glaring at her and she just shrugged her shoulders smiling.
As Siya gracefully served tea to everyone, her eyes locked onto Shashwat .
His one look was enough to make her heart race.
With a shy smile, she approached him, holding a cup of tea delicately as if presenting a special offering and he gave her a soft smile making her forget everything as his smile held a magnetic charm that seemed to erase the world around her.
As she extended the cup, her fingers trembled ever so slightly, and a subtle blush colored her cheeks.
Shashwat, sensing her nervousness, softened his gaze into a reassuring smile and gently intercepted the trembling cup from the other side.
The warmth in his eyes deepened into a comforting smile, a gesture that spoke volumes without uttering a single word.
Following the engaging ceremony, everyone reached the hall. The engagement day, now in full swing, embraced the shared joy and connections that unfolded in both planned rituals and unexpected moments.
Siya's eyes widened with surprise as she spotted Kanak who entered inside the hall with her parents. She exchanged a quick glance with her best friend.
"Baap re baap ye paap kahan se aa gayi?" Siya said in a shocked tone.
[Oh God!! From where she came?]
"Arre I have already told you na her parents are too much close to our family that's why she is here. Her father and Prashant bhaiya's father, my Tauji are best friends that's why she is here." Arushi told her and she huffed.
"Who is she?" Ritika and Divya asked.
"Kalank." She told them and they nodded.
"Ye sautan mera peecha nahi chhoregi." She said glaring at her.
[She won't leave my way.]
"Heyy Siya!! What are you doing here?" Kanak said, coming near her.
"This is my sister's engagement." She replied.
"Oohh okk..Aru where is Shashwat?" She asked and Siya squeezed Arushi's hand glaring at her.
"I don't know." Arushi replied.
"Oohh ok I will call him." She said with a smile and dialled his number.
"Ohh okk I will call him." Siya mocked her as she went to other side.
"She is here, that means she will be present at the wedding also?" Richa asked and Arushi nodded.
"Yaar mujhe nahi rehna shadi me." Siya whined.
[I don't want to be in wedding.]
"It's your sister's wedding." Arushi said.
"Still I don't want to attend the wedding." Siya said.
"Ok then ..Mat aana phir wo Kanak dore dalegi bhaiya pe. Friend to already hai girlfriend ban jayegi aur kya." Richa said and Siya snapped her head towards her.
[Ok then. Then kanak will try to impress him hard and she is already his friend so she will become his girlfriend also.]
"Do you think she will impress him? If he will be impressed by her that means he has feelings for her and if he has feelings for her then what's the point ." Siya said, shrugging her shoulders.
"Richa what are you saying? Siya there is nothing like this. Don't overthink. I am sure he doesn't feel anything for her." Arushi consoled her.
"Par mujhe kabhi kabhi shaq hota hai. I mean I haven't seen bhaiya talking to any other girl except her. And he is introverted so he never expresses his feelings to anyone so no one can understand what he feels." Richa said adding more salt .
[But sometimes I doubt.]
"Hmm that is possible." Ritika also agreed and Siya just left without saying anything.
"Richa , Ritika Didi, what was the need to say all these things?" Arushi said.
"But we were just giving her a reality check." Ritika said and Richa nodded.
"But she is upset now." Arushi said, searching for Siya who was nowhere to be found.
"Arre don't worry she will be fine in a few minutes." Ritika said.
Siya, perched on the stairs, felt a pang of insecurity and sadness as she observed Kanak engaging in conversation with Shashwat.
Siya, unable to conceal her emotions, shot a death glare in Kanak's direction. Shashwat, perceptive to Siya's feelings and well aware of her emotions, catching Siya's gaze, couldn't help but chuckle at the intensity of her glare.
"What happened Shashwat? Why are you laughing?" Kanak asked curiously as she heard his chuckle all of sudden.
"No nothing." He said and she nodded and continued talking but his mind was fixed on the girl who was throwing sharp glares at Kanak.
After a few minutes, Siya came back to her friends who were sitting on chairs near the stage.
"Kitni buri ho tum sab!! Ham tum sab se gussa the aur tum log yahan baith ke khikhikhi kar rahi ho?" She asked, sitting beside Richa glaring at her.
[You all are so bad. I was angry with you and your are laughing here!]
"Tum gussa thi?" Richa asked and earned a smack from Siya.
[Were you angry??]
Everyone gathered near the stage, the air thick with anticipation.
The engaged couple stood centre stage. The room hushed as the couples prepared to exchange rings, a symbol of promises and a step towards a shared future.
As the couples slipped the rings onto each other's fingers, the room erupted into applause and cheers.
Everyone eagerly approached the stage, smartphones and cameras in hand, ready to capture precious moments with the newly engaged couples.
"Why are you all standing there? Come on stage na." Prashant said to his cousins after everyone went towards the food counter .
"Yes Ritika , Reyansh come here." Ashi said and they approached the stage with a grin.
"Siya, will you stand at that side?" Akash whispered to Siya who was standing beside Richa. Siya grinned and moved towards the other side standing beside Ritika.
"Buddhu, why are you standing here? Go and stand near Shashwat. See there is space beside him. Itna accha chance hai." Ritika whispered in her ears.
"Hatt!! Hame ajeeb lagta hai." Siya said shyly and Ritika hits her forehead.
[I feel weird.]
"Siya there is not much space. I am facing problem i'm standing here with you. See there is space near Shashwat. Go and stand there." Ritika said in loud voice gaining everyone's attention.
"Itni jagah hai to." Siya glaring at Ritika.
[There is too much place.]
"Nahi Didi..There isn't any space . I can see that. Aap jao na wahan." Darsh said with a grin.
"It's ok Siya, you stay here only. I will go there." Said Kanak who was standing on the other side of Ritika.
Ignoring the fleeting hesitation, Siya rushed and stood beside Shashwat . Shashwat just rubbed his nose, controlling the smile which was forming on his lips knowing the reason of her actions very well.
" I am feeling hungry now. Let's go to the food counter." Akash said.
"Bhaiya aap log jao. We have to click more pictures." Arushi said and he nodded.
"Guys I am also coming with you all. I don't have much interest in clicking pictures." Kanak said coming near Shashwat and Akash shook his head .
"Kal..Kanak tumne bataya nahi ki tumhari koi judwa behen hai." Siya said making everyone frown.
[Kanak you didn't tell me that you have a twin sister?]
"What? But I don't have any twin." Kanak said furrowing her eyebrows.
"Really? Par abhi thodi der pehle hamne ek ladki ko dekha jisne kam se kam 100 pictures click karwayi thi and you know uski shakal bilkul tumhare jaisi thi .
I think wo tumhari humshakal hogi kyunki tumhe to pictures click karna acha nahi lagta.
" Siya said with a mocking smile while others controlled their laugh and Kanak just glared at her.
[But few minutes before I saw a girl who clicked more than 100 pictures. You know she was looking like you . I think she is your duplicate.]
After clicking pictures they went towards the food counter and the aroma of the different varieties of food floated in the air.
"Kanji ankh uss jagah me kheer rakhi hui hai. You will love it because I know cats love kheer." Ritika said and Arav rolled his eyes.
[Kanji ankh kheer is at that counter.]
"Ritika Di you this is too much now. I will tell mummy." Reyansh said.
"Leave it, Reyansh. Aisi Batmeez ladki ko samjhana hi paap hai." Arav said, throwing glares at Ritika.
[There is no use of explaining this mannerless girl.]
"Darsh tumne meri maths copy chori ki thi na? Mai kal school me batane hi wali thi tumhe accha hua yaha mil gaye." Divya said to Darsh who gulped.
[Darsh you have stolen my maths copy. I was going to tell you tomorrow so it's good that I met you here.]
"What? Which maths copy? I don't know anything." He Said without looking at her.
"Don't lie ok? I was going to complain to ma'am but Riya stopped me. But I won't spare you tomorrow." Divya warns him.
"Who is this Riya? And why did she stop you?" Arushi asked .
"What do you think Didi? Why would she have stopped me?" Divya asked back.
"Oooooooohhhhh" Everyone said in unison.
"Darsh , What's going on?" Shashwat asked, raising his eyebrows.
"What? Nothing bhaiya." He said, trying to defend himself.
"Bade bhai abhi tak single baithe hain aur tu girlfriends bana raha hai?" Arav asked with raised eyebrows.
[Your brothers are still single and you made girlfriend?]
"No bhaiya. You all are getting me wrong. I don't even look at her." He explained.
"But wo to hamesha isse hi dekhti rehti hai." Divya said and Siya, who was staring at Shashwat,quickly averted her gaze.
[But she always stares at him.]
"Ok ok leave it now! Let's eat something." Reyansh said and everyone nodded moving towards the counter.
As they started serving themselves the meals. Siya held the spoon to take gulab jamun but she felt one more hand on the spoon. She looked up and found Shashwat who was already looking at her. Both quickly withdrew the spoon and her cheeks tinged with a blush .
"Aap pehle le lijiye." She said looking down.
[You can take it first.]
Shashwat, with a smile, served the gulab jamun to Siya first and then served it on his plate.
"Thank you." She said and he nodded smiling.
"Yaar pata abhi kya hua??" Siya exclaimed happily as she reached near her friends and sisters.
[You know what happened?]
"Nahi." Richa said.
[No]
"Aree listen na. Shashwat served me this gulab jamun." She said and gave them a whole description of their little moment while they all were looking equally happy and excited.
"I don't know how I will eat this gulab jamun now." Siya said, looking at the gulab jamun with a pout.
"Haan haan frame karva ke rakh lo room me." Arushi said with a mocking smile .
[Yes Yes frame it and keep it in your room .]
Guests gathered their belongings, exchanged final embraces, and prepared to leave the venue. The atmosphere, still resonant with the warmth of shared moments, held a bittersweet tinge as everyone bid farewell.
"Siya wo entrance pe jaa, wahan ladke valon ke liye shagun hai, envelopes aur gifts. Jaise sab bahar jaate jayen sabko ek ek pakadte rehna. Aur namaste karna mat bhulna." Tara said coming towards Siya.
[Siya go to enterance and as the guests started leaving give them the envelopes and gifts.]
"Arre yaar mummy!!" Siya whined.
"Do you have any problem?" Tara asked in a dangerous voice, making her gulp.
"Nahi to. Kisne kaha? I am going." She said with a Nervous smile.
"Ritika you also go with her." She said and they both went towards the entrance.
With smiles on their faces and a genuine sense of warmth, Siya and Ritika handed each guest an envelope and gifts, a token of thanks for being a part of the joyous celebration.
"Siya why are you keeping that envelope at that side?" Ritika asked looking at the beautiful envelope which was kept at other side.
"Aree it was most beautiful envelope that's why I kept it for Shashwat." She said with a grin and Ritika shook her head.
Arav reached near Ritika and she handed a envelope and a gift box to him.
"If I knew before that you are also coming then I would have keep a special gift for you." Ritika said making him confuse.
"Special?" He asked.
"Yes usme ek chuha rakh deti. Kitne khush ho jate na tum." She said smiling and he left from there without arguing with her.
[Yes I would have kept a mouse into it . ]
As Shashwat arrived at the exit. Siya, with a slightly heightened heartbeat, takes that special envelope that she had reserved for him.
She forwarded the envelope and he extended his hand to take it and Siya's fingertips brushed against his in a soft, yet palpable connection.
In that moment, a flutter of butterflies stirred in the pit of their stomachs making them flinch a little.The air between them seemed to carry an electric charge, a delicate current of shared energy that resonated in the tingling sensation that lingered on their skin.
Siya, with a shy yet radiant smile, felt her heart quicken its pace, the butterflies dancing in a delightful symphony within her.
Shashwat's face, typically composed, now betrayed a hint of a rosy hue. The butterflies in Shashwat's stomach seemed to take flight. The touch, simple yet charged, left an indelible mark on his senses, and a shy yet genuine smile played on his lips.
"Ohho Didi.. Bhaiya ko kitna accha envelope diya . It seems like aapne unke liye especially rakha tha." Darsh said in a mischievous tone earning a glare from Shashwat.
[Didi this much beautiful envelope for bhaiya? It's seems like you kept this envelope especially for him.]
"Shut up Darsh!! Let's go, everyone must be waiting." Shashwat said and left from there not before giving her a last glance.
In the quiet embrace of her room, Siya lay with her thoughts consumed by the events of the engagement day.
Her gaze was fixed on her hand, the same hand that had brushed against Shashwat's in that tender moment.
The memory of his touch lingered, an echo of warmth that transcended the physical encounter.
As she traced the invisible imprints of their fleeting connection, a subtle smile played on Siya's lips.
Seated on his study chair, Shashwat grappled with a conflicting mixture of emotions. The memory of the tender touch from Siya left him in a state of shy. His usually composed demeanour gave way to a subtle blush.
His hand, the canvas upon which Siya's touch had painted its presence. Shashwat traced the lines, his fingertips seemingly carrying the echo of that gentle connection. He just wanted to preserve the freshness of Siya's touch.
Clutching the envelope given by Siya, Shashwat found himself entangled in a web of thoughts.
His fingers traced the edges of the envelope.
"Bhaiya, why are you staring at that envelope? Wo Siya didi ka diya hua envelope hai, khud Siya didi nahi isliye usko ghoorna band Karo." Darsh said as he entered his room with Arav.
[It is the envelope given by Siya didi not siya didi herself. Stop staring at it.]
"Shut up Darsh." Shashwat said, turning back, keeping the envelope on the table.
"What shut up? Jisko dekhna hai usko dekhte nahi aur envelope ko dekh rahe hain." He said but Shashwat's one glare was enough to shut him down.
[You don't look at the one you should and now looking at the envelope.]
"What are you both doing here?" He asked .
"We just wanted to sleep together. Come." Arav said, trying to hold his hand but he gently withdrew his hand. A flicker of protectiveness crossed his face, and he avoided any additional contact, preserving the lingering sensation that he didn't want to loose.
The confusion and fascination from her simple touch had created a shield around that particular hand, and Shashwat, in his silent reverie, guarded the precious feeling as if it were a fragile treasure.
"What happened?" Arav asked with a frown.
"Nothing..I am coming after keeping the books properly." He said and they both went towards his bed.
Clutching the envelope in his hand he carefully placed it between the pages of his personal diary properly. Closing the diary, Shashwat felt a quiet satisfaction, as if he had safeguarded a delicate treasure.