[19]
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In the vibrant glow of the evening, as the preparations for the Sangeet function echoed in the air, Richa stepped outside and spotted Akash approaching with boxes in hand. Observing his untied shoelaces, she called out to him,
“Akash.”
“Hayee aapne bulaya?” He asked, moving towards her with a grin.
[Called me?]
“Shoe laces khule hain tumhare.” She said pointing towards his shoes.
[Your shoe laces are opened.]
“Oohh to tum mujhe itna notice karti ho?” He asked with a teasing grin.
[So you notice me this much??]
“Ji nahi. My eyes fell on it suddenly.” Richa said, shrugging her shoulders.
“I'll fix them later. Abhi hathon me ye boxes hain.” He said, showing his busy hands.
Undeterred, Richa knelt down, surprising Akash, who hastily stepped back.
“What are you doing?” He said.
“Tumhe kya lagta hai?” She asked, raising her head.
[What do you think?]
“Richa , you can't touch my feet.” He said in a serious tone.
“Kyun? You also have done this so many times. Why can't I?” She asked.
“Wo alag baat thi yaar.” He said but Richa glared at him and tied his shoelaces before he could deny more.
“Ho gaya.” She said with a smile after getting up.
“Dekho aisi harkatein karti ho aur mujhe aur pyar ho jata hai phir tum gussa ho jati ho.” He said in complaining tone and she left from there shaking her head.
[See you act like this then I fall for you more and then you get angry.]
Meanwhile Shashwat entered and caught sight of Siya engrossed in taking selfies with Vihan.
“Iske paas aur koi kaam nahi hai kya? Jab dekho fevi quick laga ke chipka rehta hai! Aur shakal to dekho kaisi bana rakhi hai. Thinking that he is looking cool by making these stupid faces. No bro you are not looking cool you are looking fool.” He muttered glaring at him and moved towards them, subtly expressing his disapproval.
[Don't he have any work? Always sticks with her . And look at his face.]
Pushing Vihan from the shoulders as he passed between them, Shashwat effectively created some distance, leaving both Siya and Vihan surprised.
“What was that?” Vihan asked and Siya shrugged her shoulders.
Shashwat noticed Vihan attempting another selfie.
“Ye aise nahi sudhrega.” He said to himself and then again moved towards them.
He walked to the other side and, with a more forceful hit on Vihan's shoulder, caused his mobile to fall.
“Arrey yaar! What are you doing shashwat?” Vihan asked getting irritated.
“Galti se dhakka lag gaya and it's your fault, beech me khade hokar selfie loge to yahi hoga.” He said leaving Siya surprised as he never talked with anyone in that tone.
[It was by mistake.]
“Chalo ab udhar jaake selfie lete hain," Vihan said while firmly holding Siya's wrist. Siya, however, responded with a frown, clearly signaling her disapproval. Shashwat, the usually composed figure in any situation, felt an unusual surge of anger witnessing his grip on her wrist.
[Let's take selfie there.]
Unable to contain his building frustration, he took determined steps towards them.
Seizing the moment before Siya could retract her hand, Shashwat tightly grasped Vihan's hand compelling him to release Siya.
Vihan hissed a little as he pressed his grip on his wrist tightly shooting burning gaze on him.
"What's your problem, man?" Vihan asked with puzzled expressions.
Suppressing his initial urge to react impulsively, Shashwat decided to divert attention. He shifted his focus to Vihan's watch, glancing at it with feigned curiosity.
“Nice watch, kitne ki thi?” He asked observing his watch kneely .
[What is the price?]
"It's quite expensive. Why do you ask?" He said with a proud smile.
Maintaining his composure, Shashwat shrugged off the question with a nonchalant demeanor.
"Just curious.”
Just then Siya received a call and excused herself.
As Siya received a call and excused herself, Shashwat couldn't help but smirk, leaving Vihan with a puzzled expression.
“Enjoy your selfie.” He said with a smirk and walked away.
As the Sangeet function approached, a bustling anticipation filled the air, and everyone descended the stairs towards the hall after getting ready.
Arav, however, found himself alone, still entangled with some work. After locking his room and turning, he was startled to see Ritika approaching him, adorned in a peach-colored lehenga, light makeup, and flowing hair, wearing a captivating smile.
“What?” He asked with a frown but she didn't replied and kept moving towards him while he took a step back.
“What are you doing?” He asked again but she didn't replied.
Undeterred, she continued moving closer, making him nervously step backward. Arav, puzzled, questioned her intentions,
“What are you doing? And Why are you coming towards me like this?”
"Just admiring the god-gifted beauty, Arav.” She replied with a charming smile.
"Ritika, you need to control your tongue. Bahar tumne jo kaha, sab kya soch rahe honge? Aur jab dekho dekhti rehti ho mere taraf. Relatives me koi dekh lega to kya kahega?” He said in a serious tone.
[What everyone must be thinking? And you always keep staring at me . If anyone saw this what they will say?]
“Ab pyar me thoda bahot ilzam na liya to kya kiya?” She said taking a step forward directly looking into his eyes and for few seconds his gaze locked with hers but he suddenly blinked his eyes and moved backwards.
[It's good to took blame in love.]
“Dekho.” He said and she again moved towards him saying,
“Dekh hi to rahi hun.”
“I..I think I should go now. Late ho raha hai.” He said as he don't know what to reply her.
She smiled and leaves his way gesturing him to walk and he walked away while she walked behind him.
Amidst the animated conversations and laughter that filled the hall, Shashwat's gaze sought out the one person who held a special place in his thoughts—Siya. The moment she entered, a hush seemed to fall around her, as if the air itself acknowledged her presence.
Siya, adorned in a captivating lavender-colored suit, exuded an ethereal charm.
The Patiala salwar gracefully complemented her figure, and a delicately netted dupatta draped over her shoulders added a touch of subtle sophistication.
Light makeup accentuated her natural beauty, while a bindi adorned her forehead, enhancing the graceful symmetry of her features.
Her hair, flowing freely, framed her face like a cascade of soft silk.
As Siya moved gracefully through the hall, surrounded by the lively chatter of her friends and the vibrant colors of their attire, Shashwat couldn't help but be entranced by her presence. Each step she took seemed to be in harmony with the melodies of the upcoming Sangeet function.
Meanwhile, her friends Arushi, resplendent in a light green sharara, Richa, a vision in a vibrant yellow suit, and Divya, captivating in a striking red lehenga, added a kaleidoscope of colors to the scene, forming a beautiful backdrop to Siya's elegance.
Shashwat, captivated by Siya's presence, couldn't help but admire her beauty. His gaze lingered on her as she gracefully moved through the hall, radiating a quiet charm that drew his attention.
As the Sangeet function was over everyone were sitting in hall enjoying the moment as someone were playing antakshari and someone were just chit chatting while eating something while light music was playing on speaker.
Shashwat who was sitting with his friends noticed Siya engrossed in her mobile amidst her friends.
Wanting to steal a moment with her, he subtly coughed to capture her attention.
Their eyes met, and he gestured for her to join him in the tranquil garden.
The simple gesture sent a flutter through her stomach.
In response, Siya blinked her eyes, acknowledging the invitation. Shashwat, with a warm smile, made his way towards the garden.
“Wo..I got a call from my friend.” She said getting up from couch.
“Tujhe kuch jada hi uss dost ki call nahi aa rahi?” Richa asked glaring at her.
[You are getting too many calls of your that friend.]
“A..arre usse kuch kaam hai na. Aate hain ham.” She said and excused herself and walked towards the garden.
[She has some important work. I am coming.]
In the enchanting garden, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, Siya entered to find him already seated, his gaze fixed upon the celestial beauty above.
The gentle chiming of her anklets, like a melodic whisper, reached his ears, prompting a warm smile to grace his lips. Without a word, she settled beside him, and a tranquil silence enveloped them, creating an atmosphere that was both comfortable and soothing.
Breaking the serene hush, Siya extended her hand, revealing a handful of nuts cradled delicately in her palm.
Shashwat's eyes met hers, and in that shared gaze, a silent understanding bloomed.
Accepting the nuts with a grateful smile, Shashwat marveled at the language they spoke without uttering a single word.
As he took some nuts, Shashwat's keen eyes caught a glimpse of delicate writing on her palm. As he focused, the letters formed his own name, elegantly penned in her hand. A surge of emotions washed over him – a mix of amazement, uncertainty, and a subtle touch of affection.
“Ye kya likha hua hai?” he inquired, kneeling beside her, studying her palm intently.
[What is this?]
“K..kya? Kuch bhi to nahi. Accha, I should leave now. I think someone is calling me,” she stammered, attempting to evade the question.
But before she could rise, his small finger intertwined with hers, causing her to flinch slightly.
“Jane se pehle jawab to do,” he insisted, lifting her palm while still holding her index finger. As she contemplated an excuse, he continued,
[Answer me first.]
“Why is my name written on your hand?”
“Wo...wo..It's not your name,” she replied, struggling for an explanation. Mentally slapping her forehead, she felt his grip tighten. He controlled his smile, teasingly asking,
“Ohh, so there is some other Shashwat in your life?”
Closing her eyes in frustration, she sighed,
“Actually, Shashwat is the name of Lord Shree Ram, and I am his devotee, so I wrote his name.” She said it in one breath, eyes shut, anticipating his reaction.
“Ohh ok.” He chuckled softly, nodding in understanding and she sighed thinking that she had made a great excuse.
As she attempted to withdraw her finger, he unexpectedly tightened his grip, holding onto her finger and placed their hands on the grass, fingers intertwined, gazing at the expansive sky above while Siya's stomach was doing weird flips and her already red coloured cheeks became more flustered.
He broke the silence, his voice soft,
"You know, I find it fascinating that you're a devotee of Lord Shree Ram. I am also his devotee." He said with a smile and she glanced at him with a smile.
“Vaise, tum sab ki performance bahot acchi thi. Everyone loved it, especially your part. They were praising your look.”Shashwat said, with an appreciative smile.
[Your performance was good.]
"Kya fayda jiske liye ready huye, usne to kuch nahi kaha," she blurted out, but soon realised and bites her tounge while he snapped his head towards her .
[But the one for whom I got ready he didn't said anything.]
“Kya kaha?” He asked, raising his eyebrows.
[What did you said?]
“No.. Nothing..I said nothing..wo actually..” She stammered, attempting to backtrack before he could respond.
Shashwat, with a furrowed brow, stood up abruptly, excusing himself and moved inside while she kept looking at his disappearing figure. She felt a pang in her heart and cursed herself.
“What was the need of saying this?? Tu kya pagal hai??What he must be thinking? But how could he leave without saying anything? He called me here hamne thodi bulaya tha. At Least he should say something but it's my fault, I shouldn't say that.” She said and moved inside the hall.
As she moved inside, her heart still heavy with regret, the melody of "Kitna Haseen Chehra" started playing on the speakers .
She glanced towards Shashwat, who, with a playful smile and raised eyebrows, gestured toward the song, seeking her opinion. She looked at him, surprised while her cheeks flustered. Avoiding prolonged eye contact, she moved towards her friends.
Shashwat's eyes, however, remained fixated on her. Unbeknownst to her, he was observing every move. Unable to meet his gaze, she glanced down, feeling flustered.
As the enchanting melody of "Kitna Haseen Chehra" filled the air, Shashwat and she found themselves caught in a web of unspoken moments, their feelings echoing the sentiments of the romantic lyrics.
Amidst the rhythmic beats, Shashwat's eyes gestured with a playful warmth, silently conveying admiration. She, in turn, couldn't help but blush.
During a tender moment, their eyes locked, and time seemed to slow down. Shashwat's gaze, full of warmth, made her heart flutter. It was as if the evening had paused just for them, captured in the poetry of the song.
A playful smile tugged at Shashwat's lips, his eyes reflecting the beauty he found in her laughter. She, feeling the warmth of his attention, hid her face behind a subtle blush, the connection between them growing stronger with every passing lyric.
In a shared moment, a gentle breeze tousled her hair, and he reached out to tuck a loose strand behind her ear. Their eyes met again, the unspoken language of attraction and affection playing out in the soft caress of his gesture and the warmth of her smile.
He rested his hand on his chin, his gaze fixed on her with an expression of gentle admiration.
As the song unfolded, she felt the warmth of his gaze and a sudden rush of shyness. Unable to meet his eyes directly, she stood from her place, turning towards the other side. A deep blush painted her cheeks, the music mirroring the heartbeat of her embarrassment.
As the final notes of the song lingered in the air, he found himself caught in a rare moment of vulnerability. Blushing and overcome by the intensity of the shared connection, he lowered his gaze, unable to maintain the playful facade any longer.
[AN- Kuch jada hi filmy ho rahi hun Mai aaj kal guysss????.]
As the night settled in, and everyone laid down to sleep, Akash, the astute observer, couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. He nudged Shashwat and inquired,
"Kya chal raha hai?"
[What's going on?]
“Kya keh rahe ho?" Shashwat asked, feigning innocence.
(What are you saying?)
"I'm asking about you and Siya. Something seems to be happening there. What's cooking?" Akash said, with a knowing smile.
"Kya..kya baat kar raha hai? It's nothing.” Shashwat denied, caught off guard, with a hesitant glance downwards.
[W.. what are you saying?]
“Tu na jada natak mat kar mere samne.You like her, don't you?" Akash, undeterred, pressed further.
[Don't act infront of me.]
No, it's nothing like this.” Shashwat mumbled as a sudden flush painted his face.
“Sharma kyun raha hai phir? Dekho to maare sharam ke chehra kaise laal ho raha hai" He asked, looking at her kneely.
[Why are you blushing then?]
"Chup reh yaar." He said trying his hard to control his blush.
[Shut up!]
"Tell me clearly now." Akash asked in a stern voice.
"I...I don't know. I think..I actually ..I like her.” Shashwat finally confessed with a flustered expression.
“WHATTTT?? DEKHA MAINE KAHA THA.” Akash exclaimed in an over excited voice while Shashwat covered his mouth with his palms whispering,
“Chup reh yaar!! Uthayega kya sabko?”
[Keep quiet.]
"Yaar I am so happy for you!!” He whispered excited.
"Accha so jaa ab." Shashwat said and he grinned.
Shashwat tossed his position contemplating the unexpected revelation. He whispered to himself, "Liking? Is that what it is?" His face still flushed, he pondered the feelings stirring within him, acknowledging the undeniable truth—he was indeed getting attracted to her.
In the quiet of the night, as everyone else slept, Shashwat found himself in a moment of introspection. He asked himself, "Do I really like her?"
The answer echoed within him, uncertain yet affirmative, "Maybe yes!"
“What maybe? It's definitely YESS”
Closing his eyes, he attempted to make sense of this newfound sentiment.
The Shashwat Rajvansh, who had never ventured into the realm of romantic thoughts, now stood at the crossroads of unfamiliar emotions.
His mind, the rational architect of his decisions, questioned the validity of these feelings—Is it wrong?
Yet, as he delved into the recesses of his heart, an undeniable truth emerged.
The fluttering sensations, the subtle joy at her presence, and the newfound interest in matters of the heart—these weren't wrong.
His heart, the silent navigator of his emotions, whispered that there was a beauty in this unexpected connection.
The contrast between the Shashwat of yesterday and the Shashwat of today weighed on his thoughts. His mind grappled with the shift, but his heart stood firm, affirming that the unexpected nature of this revelation didn't make it wrong.
After the festivities, a free day unfolded, and the group of youngsters decided to explore the bustling markets of Udaipur. The sun painted the vibrant streets with warm hues as they meandered through the narrow lanes, eager to discover the treasures the markets had to offer.
Stalls adorned with colourful fabrics, intricate handicrafts, and traditional jewellery greeted them at every turn. The air was filled with the lively chatter of vendors and the enticing aroma of street food, creating a sensory feast for the group.
As the group continued, they encountered stalls showcasing Rajasthani handicrafts—ornate pottery, exquisite jewellery, and intricately carved wooden items. Akash, drawn to the craftsmanship, engaged in conversation with a skilled artisan about the stories behind the creations.
Meanwhile, Reyansh and Arav were captivated by a display of vibrant paintings depicting the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. The market, a tapestry of colours and creativity, offered a glimpse into the region's artistic soul.
As the journey unfolded, Shashwat found himself drawn to Siya, stealing glances whenever he could. However, a lingering thought that she might find it awkward caused him to avert his gaze, creating an internal tug-of-war between curiosity and consideration.
Unable to resist the urge to look at her, he decided to take a different approach.
Subtly pulling out his phone, Shashwat navigated to his Instagram followers list, searching for Siya's profile.
The soft glow of the screen illuminated his face as he crafted a message that would unravel his hidden desire.
"Can I look at you during the whole journey?”
Siya was engrossed in her own world, casually scrolling through her Instagram feed. The subtle notification popped up on her screen, and her heart skipped a beat as she noticed Shashwat's name. A surge of excitement threatened to break free, but she composed herself and opened the message.
As the words unfolded on her screen, her eyes widened in pleasant surprise.
The simplicity and directness of his question caught her off guard, and a flush of warmth painted her cheeks.
It felt like a delightful secret shared in the midst of the bustling journey, and a zoo of butterflies came alive in her stomach.
Shashwat, stealing a glance at her reaction, couldn't help but smile, the corners of his lips curling in a gentle acknowledgment of the unspoken connection they were forging.
In response, Siya took a moment to collect her thoughts. The anticipation hung in the air for those 10 minutes as she carefully crafted her reply. Finally, she typed,
"Aapki marzi.”
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