[25]
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
In the quietude of the night, Shashwat immersed himself in solving maths problems, fueled by the lingering taste of kheer. His focus wavered when his gaze landed on the tiffin box, prompting a dilemma.
"How could I return an empty lunch box after she made kheer for me?" he pondered, hand on chin.
"Mai bhi kuch banaun kya!"
[Should I also prepare something for her?]
Within moments, a decision crystallised, and he stealthily carried the tiffin box to the kitchen.
"Sab gehri neend me so rahe honge na? Check karta hun." He mused, sneaking through the silent house.
[I'll check if they're sleeping deeply]
He grabbed a glass and let it shatter on the floor, covering his ear from the resounding noise. As moments passed, he sighed in relief, declaring,
"Everyone is sleeping," and flashed a grin as he moved towards the kitchen slab.
"What should I prepare? Kisse puchun?" He muttered and a mischievous grin adorned his face as he decided to seek advice from Akash.
Dialling Akash's number, Shashwat was met with a frustrated voice on the other end,
"KYA HAIII??" Akash's irritation evident in his tone.
[WHAT??]
"Akash, so raha hai kya?" Unfazed, Shashwat inquired.
"Nahi to! Kisne kaha? Mai to chatt par baith ke dhoop sek raha hun. Iss time koi sota hai kya?" Akash retorted, adding a touch of sarcasm.
["Oh, not at all! Who said that? I'm just sitting on the terrace, soaking up some sun. Does anyone sleep at this time?"]
Undeterred, Shashwat continued,
"Accha sun na. I wanted to ask if you know what Siya likes to eat? I want to prepare something for her."
"SALE KUTTE KAMINE!! TUNE ISLIYE MERI NEEND DISTURB KI ITNI RAAT KO??? KAL SUBAH PUCH NAHI SAKTA THA?" Akash's frustration reached its peak, and Shashwat had to move the phone away from his ear.
["Hey, you rascal! Did you disturb my sleep for this reason so late at night? Couldn't you have asked in the morning?"]
"Haan thik hai thik hai! Curse me how much you want. But answer me after that. You spend so much time with her during the wedding functions to tujhe pata hai kya?" Shashwat calmly pressed on, seeking valuable information.
"She likes sooji ka halwa. Ab rakh phone mujhe sona hai, you disturbed my beauty sleep," Akash reluctantly shared before abruptly ending the call.
"Hey bhagwan! Ye pyar ne mere padhaku dost ko kya bana diya hai!" Akash muttered and sighed returning to his slumber.
[" Oh God! Love has turned my studious friend into something else!"
In the quest for sooji, Shashwat's determination faced a dilemma. Halting abruptly, he mumbled,
"But agar abhi halwa banaya to subah tak thanda ho jayega aur kharab bhi ho sakta hai jab tak wo ghar le jaa ke khayegi. Ab kya karun bhagwan?" He tapped his feet on the floor and contemplating a solution, he devised a plan, saying,
["If I make halwa now, it'll cool down by morning and might spoil until she takes it home to eat. Now, what should I do!]
"I can prepare it at 4 am. Tab to koi jagta nahi hai yahan. Aur halwa banane me jada se jada kitna hi time lagega! To mujhe 4 baje tak uthna padega." Returning to his room, he set the alarm clock, ready to embark on his early morning culinary venture.
["Well, no one's awake at this hour. And making halwa won't take much time! So, I'll have to wake up by 4 am."]
Attempting to rest, Shashwat's internal clock betrayed him. Ten minutes later, he anxiously checked the time, sighed, and repeated the ritual fifteen minutes afterward. Frustration struck as he slapped his forehead, scolding himself,
"What are you doing Shashwat! Pehli baar thodi 4 baje uth raha hai jo baar baar time check kar raha hai."
Attempting to regain composure, he reasoned, "Par agar meri ankhen hi na khulen to? Papa always wakes up at 5 O'clock and I have to prepare beforehand. Abhi 1:30 ho rahe hain... Thoda hi time hai to tab tak mai padhai kar leta hun." Resolute, he immersed himself in studies.
["But what if my eyes don't open? Papa always wakes up at 5 o'clock, and I need to be prepared in advance. It's 1:30 now... I have a little time, so I'll study until then."]
As hours passed, a yawn signalled the approaching moment. Glancing at the clock, which read 3:55 AM, Shashwat closed his chemistry book and stretched, ready to transition from textbooks to the kitchen.
After sometime, Richa found herself seated in an auto, en route to school. As the auto navigated the streets, her eyes caught sight of Akash at a small restaurant, engrossed in devouring sandwiches. A frown creased her forehead, and she promptly instructed the auto to halt.
"Bhaiya yahi ruk jao," she directed, disembarking and settling the fare. Approaching Akash, she tapped his shoulder, surprising him.
"Richa? What are you doing here?" he questioned.
"I should ask you. Yahan par kyun kha rahe ho? Ghar par breakfast nahi khate?" she inquired, folding her arms across her chest.
[Why are you eating your breakfast here? Why didn't you had it at your home?]
"Actually..wo.." he began, attempting to find an excuse, but she cut him off.
"I know. Pakka aunty ne kuch healthy banaya hoga tabhi tum yahan par breakfast kar rahe ho ghar ki jagah," she stated, and he sighed.
["I know. Surely, aunty must have made something healthy; that's why you're having breakfast here instead of at home."]
"Mujhe nahi khana tha wahan," he replied, looking at his plate.
[I don't want to eat there.]
"Haan, that is what I am saying na," she continued, but he remained silent.
"Tumhe school nahi jana?" Akash asked, savouring his sandwich.
["Don't you have to go to school?"]
"Haan. Mai jati hun," she responded.
[Yeah! I should leave.]
"Tum chaho to mere sath bike par chal sakti ho," he offered with a grin.
["If you want, you can ride with me on the bike."]
"Accha? Aur agar school me kisi ne dekh liya to kya kahenge?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.
["Oh, really? And if someone sees us at school, what will they say?"]
"To mai dusre raste se chalunga aur tumhe school se thode pehle drop kar dunga. Wait for some time," he suggested, and she agreed, taking a seat.
["Then, I'll take an alternate route, and I'll drop you off a bit before reaching the school."]
Just then, a man approached them, addressing Akash.
"Akash beta, aapki iss month ki salary maine aapke bank account me daal di hai. You can check," he informed, and Richa frowned. Akash glanced at her and then smiled at the man.
["Akash, I've credited your salary for this month into your bank account. You can check."]
"Thank you, uncle," he expressed, and the man left.
"Salary? Tum yaha job karte ho? Tumne kabhi bataya nahi. And your father is a big businessman as far as I know. Still tum idhar..." she questioned, puzzled.
["Salary? You work here? You never mentioned it before."]
"Haan..But I just wanted to earn some money," Akash explained hesitantly.
"And what about your studies? Tumhara board hai na iss baar? You should focus on studies instead of these jobs," she expressed concern.
"Arre exam ke time par nahi karunga meri maa! Leave it. Chalo late ho raha hai," he said after drinking water. She nodded, and together they made their way to school.
["Oh, I won't bother during exam times, girl! Leave it. Come on, it's getting late.]
Amid the morning routine, Reyansh, preparing for school, discovered a bracelet on his dressing table.
Memories flooded back from the previous night - the rain, the music, Arushi's smiling face, and the pivotal moment of holding her hand.
A perplexing emotion gripped him, something entirely new.
He was with his newfound feelings, seated on his bed, gaze fixed on the bracelet. Contemplating a resolution, he decided,
"Siya ko de kar keh dunga vapas karne ko." However, as Siya's voice echoed, he swiftly stowed the bracelet in his pocket.
["I'll give it to Siya and ask her to return it."]
"Breakfast nahi karna?? Mummy is calling you. Sunai to deta nahi hai, hame yahan tak chal kar aana pada bulane ke liye," Siya remarked, making faces. Reyansh lightly smacked her head in jest, and together, they descended downstairs.
["Don't you want to eat? Mom is calling you. Can't hear, had to come all the way here to call you."]
In the school corridor, Shashwat stood yawning, eagerly searching for Siya. His eyes lit up as she approached with Akash and Reyansh. Siya caught his gaze, exchanged a small smile, and Shashwat turned his attention to his friends as she entered her class.
Siya settled at her desk, realising some Class 12 students were also present.
""Will the classes be merged today as well?" she asked Arushi, excitement evident, and Arushi nodded with a grin.
As the trio engaged in conversation about various random topics, Richa couldn't contain her excitement to share the morning revelation about Akash.
"You know??Aaj mai Akash ke sath aayi. Bike par." She said with a grin and they both passed a mischievous smile.
[You know ? I came with Akash on bike.]
"Ohhoo first bike ride haan?" Siya teased.
"But how?" Arushi asked, curiously.
"When I was in auto ,I saw Akash at a restaurant. He was eating breakfast there. I know usse kuch healthy bana ke diya hoga aunty ne tabhi bahar breakfast kar raha tha," Richa divulged, her tone laced with enthusiasm. Arushi glanced at her, curiosity evident in her eyes.
["I know aunty must have prepared something healthy for him; that's why he was having breakfast outside."]
"Tune unse ye sab kaha to nahi?" Arushi inquired, sensing a potential breach of privacy.
[Don't tell me you said this to him.]
"Haan kahan na. Maine kaha ki aunty ne healthy khana banaya hoga isliye udhar kha raha hai," Richa replied nonchalantly, unaware of the impending revelation and Arushi slapped her forehead in disbelief.
["Yeah, exactly. I said aunty must have made healthy food, that's why he's eating there."]
"Richa yaar! Tujhe jab kuch pata nahi hai to kyun bolti hai," she chided, a mix of frustration and concern in her voice.
["Richa, seriously! Why do you speak when you don't know anything?"]
"Matlab?" Richa and Siya questioned simultaneously.
[ What do you mean?]
"Matlab mujhe kuch clear pata nahi hai..
And Akash bhaiya didn't want to tell this to anyone, but tune jo kiya uske liye mai bata rahi hun.
His mother is no more. Akash bhaiya ko janam dete hi unki death ho gayi thi, and unki stepmother unhe bilkul pasand nahi karti.
That's why he never eats anything from his house.
Breakfast wo Hamesha bahar se karte hain, and lunch meri Maa bana kar unke liye bhejti hain daily.
Unki family ka kuch clear pata nahi hai mujhe.
Shashwat bhaiya knows everything, but mujhe bas itna hi pata hai," Arushi disclosed, her voice carrying a weight of understanding and empathy.
["Akash bhaiya faced the tragedy of losing his mother right after his birth, and his stepmother doesn't like him at all.
That's why he never eats anything from home.
He always has breakfast outside, and my mom prepares lunch for him every day.
I don't have a clear understanding of his family.
Shashwat bhaiya knows everything, but I only know this much. "]
Richa's expression shifted from excitement to regret, her hand instinctively reaching for her head in remorse.
The revelation peeled back the layers of Akash's life, exposing a story of loss and familial complexities.
In that moment, Richa grappled with the realisation that her casual words had unintentionally touched upon a deeply personal aspect of Akash's life.
The classroom, once buzzing with conversation, now held a sombre atmosphere, the impact of newfound knowledge settling on Richa's conscience.
"Yaar mujhe aise nahi kehna chahiye tha.
Mujhe bilkul idea bhi nahi tha." Richa uttered, remorse colouring her words.
The weight of unintended revelation pressed upon her, and she found herself grappling with the realisation of how casually spoken words could unravel the layers of someone's life.
In that moment, the once vibrant atmosphere of the classroom took on a solemn tone.
[" I shouldn't have said that. I had no idea at all."]
As she contemplated the unintentional impact of her words, Richa couldn't shake off the profound understanding of the pain that lingered behind Akash's seemingly cheerful demeanour.
She recalled the moments when she had glimpsed that pain in his eyes, concealed behind a smile that never let others feel the weight he carried.
Their conversation faced an unexpected interruption as Shashwat entered the room, a presence that immediately drew attention.
"Class, make a proper line and move towards..." A yawn interrupted his sentence, and he concluded, "Move towards the assembly," followed by another yawn.
"Ye bhaiya ko ho kya gaya? He is yawning since morning, tired bhi dikh rahe hain. Jaise raat bhar soyen na hon," Arushi observed.
[What happened to him!]
"Maybe he was studying till late at night," Richa speculated.
"Is he fine? Tujhe puchna chahiye tha na unse!" Siya expressed concern.
"Aap teeno ki special discussion khatam ho gayi ho to please line me aa jaiye," Shashwat interjected, redirecting their attention to the task at hand.
["If your special discussion is over, please come back to the line."]
In the midst of the assembly, Arushi's gaze lingered on Reyansh, engrossed in conversation with a girl, a smile playing on his lips. Self-awareness dawned as she murmured,
"He doesn't even look at me aur mai hi pagal jaise dekhti rehti hun. Why is he affecting me? Because I let him affect me. Huh! Ab se I also won't look at him. Mujhe bhi farak nahi padta."
["He doesn't even look at me, and I keep staring like a fool. Why is he affecting me? Because I let him affect me. Huh! From now on, I won't look at him either. I also don't care."]
Shifting her gaze, she caught his eyes just as hers diverted. Meanwhile, Reyansh noticed Siya and Richa engaged in conversation with boys from her class, leaving Arushi standing alone lost in her thoughts. Taking a decisive step, he retrieved the bracelet from his pocket and approached her.
"Why is he coming towards me? I think he is coming to apologise for yesterday's incident.
Haan yahi reason hoga, pakka yahi kehna hoga hi galti se Mera hath pakad liya tha, because he will never do that intentionally.
Haan to mai kon sa mari jaa rahi hun. Mujhe kuch sun na hi nahi hai. " Arushi's inner monologue continued.
["I think he is coming to apologize for yesterday's incident. Yes, this must be the reason. He'll surely say it was a mistake to hold my hand, as he would never do that intentionally. Why am I even overthinking? I need to listen to what he has to say."]
Reyansh reached near her, intensifying her heartbeat. She decided to ignore him, manoeuvring towards her friends, leaving him with a puzzled frown.
As Shashwat meticulously adjusted the microphone on the stage, a routine task took an unexpected turn as his eyes fell upon Siya engrossed in conversation with a boy.
A subtle yet unmistakable frown etched itself on his usually composed countenance.
For someone accustomed to Siya's interactions with male classmates, this sudden surge of discomfort was perplexing.
In that moment, a wave of unfamiliar feelings cascaded through Shashwat's usually pragmatic demeanour.
It wasn't merely the act of Siya conversing with a boy that troubled him; it was the subtle shift in his own perception.
He found himself affected, a departure from the indifference that had been his shield.
The casual exchanges, once inconspicuous, now bore a weight that tugged at his composure.
His pulse quickened, and a sense of unease settled in the pit of his stomach.
Questions lingered, dancing in the recesses of his thoughts - why now?
What has changed? Shashwat, unaccustomed to such emotional undercurrents, grappled with the complexity of these newfound sentiments.
"Students, make a proper line and stand at your place," he announced through the microphone.
The directive prompted everyone to shift back to their designated lines, the assembly proceeding with an undertone of restlessness as the anticipation for the prayer loomed.
Shashwat's internal turmoil lingered, overshadowing the routine proceedings, as he grappled with a newfound sensitivity to Siya's interactions that had never bothered him until now.
As the assembly concluded, students filed back to their respective classes, claiming their seats in anticipation of the day's lessons. Akash, settling beside Shashwat, couldn't contain his curiosity.
"Have you prepared the halwa?" he whispered, to which Shashwat responded with a nod, accompanied by a tired yawn.
Their quiet conversation was interrupted as Shashwat's maths teacher made her entrance into the class. With a poised demeanour, she addressed the students,
"Good morning, class. Today, we'll be running the schedule differently. One period of Class 12 will be followed by one period of Class 11. It's crucial for both classes to cooperate and refrain from disturbing each other. Let's maintain a conducive learning environment."
The announcement elicited a mix of reactions from the students, who exchanged glances, processing the unusual shift in their usual class dynamics.
In the midst of Shashwat's class, a battle unfolded between his desire for concentration and the relentless pull of drowsiness. Yawns escaped him, and his attempts to engage with the lesson were futile.
"Shashwat solution aaya aapka?" the teacher inquired, noticing his struggle. He rubbed his eyes, glancing at his empty notebook, and stifled another yawn before responding, "No sir."
Concern etched the teacher's face as he probed further, "What happened beta? Is everything alright? Aapse itna easy solution nahi hua, and you are looking tired. Are you okay?"
"I am fine sir. And I can solve this," Shashwat reassured, straightening up and attempting to gather his focus. As he delved into the question, the rest of the class observed his determined effort.
"Tu thik hai na?" Reyansh inquired, a visible concern in his voice. Shashwat nodded,
[Are you ok?]
"Thik hun mai. Don't worry." The camaraderie of friends echoed in their exchange, but Siya, sensing something amiss, couldn't shake off her worry.
Her eyes, filled with concern, questioned Shashwat's well-being. In response, he offered a reassuring smile, a subtle blink conveying his assurance. Siya returned the smile, yet a shadow of doubt lingered in her eyes.
In the college classroom, Arav desperately checked his wristwatch, muttering, "Aaj aayegi nahi? But she always informs me whenever she is absent."
His friend Rishab approached with a teasing smile, intending to sit beside him. Arav halted him, hesitatingly stating, "Actually Rishab, this seat kisi aur ki hai."
Rishab, ever the provocateur, seized the opportunity to playfully question Arav,
"Ohh yeah, I know kiski hai. But tune hi mujhse kaha tha na ki you don't want to talk to her, when first time she sat beside you. Ab kya hua? Jadu chalne laga kya Ritika ka?" He received a playful smack on the head from Arav.
"Aisa kuch nahi hai. Jaa yahan se," Arav deflected, avoiding the probing question. He moved to another seat, peering outside to catch a glimpse of her.
[It's nothing. Go from here.]
Spotting Ritika entering the classroom, Arav quickly took his seat, pretending to be engrossed in his book. Ritika's cheerful voice broke through,
"Good morning Aryaputra," as she settled in her seat.
"Ab ye kya naya nickname hai?" Arav asked, looking at her.
["Now, what's this new nickname?"]
"Arre aapne Ramayan aur Mahabharat nahi dekhi? They call their husbands Aryaputra," Ritika explained with a grin, earning a disbelieving look from Arav.
["Oh, have you not watched Ramayan and Mahabharat? They call their husbands 'Aryaputra'."]
"Pagal ho tum," he remarked, looking back at his book with a smile playing on his lips.
[You are crazy!]
As their banter continued, Ritika shifted the conversation to freshers' preparations. "Vaise, did you buy the dress for freshers?" she inquired.
"What is the need? I have so many dresses to wear at freshers," Arav replied.
"Arre, you should buy a new one. Freshers par purane dress pehnoge kya?" she insisted.
"Dekhta hun," Arav shrugged, an air of nonchalance masking the subtle excitement building within him.
In the midst of Siya's English class, Shashwat stole glances at her, engrossed in secretly enjoying lunch with her friends. A smile adorned his face as he shook his head, amused by her discreet endeavour.
The tranquillity was disrupted when the teacher addressed Siya,
"Siya, read the next paragraph." Caught off guard, Siya, in the midst of stuffing a paratha into her mouth, widened her eyes in panic. Shashwat, aware of the impending danger, looked at her with concern.
"Ma'am!" Shashwat interjected, catching the teacher's attention.
"Yes, beta?" she inquired.
"Ma'am actually, I had a doubt in my English chapter 'Indigo,'" Shashwat swiftly presented an excuse.
"Beta abhi inki class chal rahi hai... I will explain later," the teacher responded, turning her attention back to Siya, who was nervously chewing her paratha.
"Ma'am baad me bhul jaunga puchna," Shashwat insisted, attempting to save Siya from the imminent embarrassment.
[Ma'am I will forget to ask later.]
"Ok, come here," the teacher directed, signaling Shashwat to approach. Siya breathed a sigh of relief, taking a moment to drink water as Shashwat moved towards the teacher with his book, sparing a reassuring glance in Siya's direction.
During the free period, as students engaged in various activities, Arushi decided to refill her water bottle. Reyansh, noticing the opportune moment, thought it was the right time to return her bracelet.
"Yaar, bottle bhar ke aati hun," Arushi announced, taking her water bottle and standing from her seat. Reyansh seized the moment and said,
"Mai bottle bhar ke aaya." Akash, noticing the interaction, couldn't resist a mischievous smirk.
["I'll fill the bottle and come."]
"Sure sure," he teased, but Reyansh paid no heed and proceeded outside.
As he approached the water station, he saw Arushi filling her bottle, humming a song.
"Ahmm!" he cleared his throat, attempting to initiate the conversation. Arushi looked at him, and he began,
"Arushi actually..." Before he could continue, she interrupted.
"I know.. But I don't want to talk about that," she stated, cutting him off abruptly, and walked away.
Confused, Reyansh muttered to himself, "What! Kya hua hai isse? Aise kyun behave kar rahi hai?" The unexpected response left him puzzled, pondering the complexities of their interaction.
[Why is she behaving like this!]
In the stillness of the classroom, the teacher sat in silence, her gaze moving across the room, expecting studious engagement from her students.
"Complete your pending work or use this time to study something new," she directed, her words breaking the silence. "I expect pin-drop silence. Let's make the most of this opportunity for focused learning."
Siya absentmindedly played with her pen, lost in her thoughts.
The rhythmic twirling of the pen soon met an unexpected end when it slipped from her fingers, producing a gentle clatter against the floor.
Shashwat, engrossed in his own thoughts, was quick to divert his attention to the subtle disruption, and their eyes met in that fleeting moment.
In unison, they both bent down to retrieve the fallen pen.
The unexpected collision of their heads was accompanied by a shared chuckle, breaking the otherwise silent atmosphere.
Their eyes lingered on each other for a moment, a silent understanding passed between them.
Focused on the pen, they synchronised their movements, reaching down together to reclaim the displaced writing instrument.
As their hands met in the pursuit of the pen, an intangible connection sparked, a subtle intertwining of fate that sent a cascade of butterflies fluttering within both of them.
Their gaze remained locked for a moment longer, a shared smile acknowledging the whimsical nature of the situation.
Siya, overcome by the unexpected connection, cast her eyes downward with a shy smile, momentarily forgetting about the pen.
Shashwat, captivated by the unspoken chemistry, extended the pen towards her.
In a gentle twist of fate, his index finger delicately interwoven with hers, adding an unexpected layer to their interaction.
Siya's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and intrigue, as she tried to pull her hand back.
However, Shashwat, with a teasing smirk, playfully held on to the connection.
The air in the classroom seemed charged with an unspoken tension.
Siya, caught in the moment, felt the fluttering of butterflies intensify within her stomach.
She cast a pleading glance towards Shashwat, silently urging him to release her finger.
Succumbing to her plea, he gently let go, allowing her a momentary respite.
Before she could fully gather herself, Shashwat skillfully took the pen from her grasp, placing it on his table with an air of nonchalance. Siya gasped, her eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and amusement, while Shashwat maintained an innocent facade, a teasing smile playing on his lips.
He discreetly opened the last page of his notebook and penned a note.
Tearing a small part from the notebook, he strategically dropped his handkerchief near Siya's seat.
Retrieving the handkerchief, he surreptitiously placed the chit on her desk, stealing a glance at her before returning to his seat.
Siya, quick to notice the subtle exchange, picked up the chit, concealing it between the pages of her copy.
"Pen chahiye? School over hoga to sabke jaane tak rukna," she read, glancing at him for confirmation. Shashwat, nonchalantly shrugging his shoulders, maintained an air of innocence.
["Do you want your pen back? Wait until school is over, and everyone leaves."
She carefully stowed the chit inside her copy, her head resting on the table to conceal her blushing face. Shashwat, stealing a shy smile, couldn't help but gaze at the pen.
In the intricate dance of emotions, Siya, the perpetual mischief-maker and chatterbox, found herself navigating uncharted waters when it came to Shashwat.
The mischievous spark in her eyes and the constant banter that defined her persona seemed to wane in his presence.
A peculiar transformation occurred - the vivacious girl, who never knew the meaning of nervousness, now experienced it when confronted with him.
Words, which flowed effortlessly in other situations, hesitated to escape her lips in his presence.
The mischievous glint dimmed, replaced by a shy reserve, a side of Siya seldom witnessed by others.
Contrastingly, Shashwat, known for his sincerity and the absence of mischief in his demeanour, underwent a subtle metamorphosis in Siya's company.
The mischievous twinkle in his eyes became a familiar sight, and a playful demeanour emerged when he interacted with her.
The boy who was accustomed to a more composed and serious disposition unveiled a new facet - the mischievous charmer, drawing inspiration from the spirited energy Siya effortlessly brought into his world.
Together, they played the roles that love often assigned - Siya, the mischievous sprite who became reticent and shy, and Shashwat, the sincere boy who found his mischievous side exclusively reserved for her.
As the school day concluded, students began packing their bags and formed neat lines to exit the classroom. Siya, however, remained seated, caught in a moment of contemplation.
"Baithi kya hui hai? Chal na," Richa nudged, prompting Siya to come up with an excuse. Richa and Arushi noticed Shashwat, who was leisurely packing his bag nearby.
["What are you sitting for? Come on, let's go."]
"Tum dono jao bahar wait karna... Mujhe dusre building par jana hai ma'am ne bulaya hai. I will come after sometime," Shashwat informed his friends.
["You both go outside and wait. I have to go to the other building; ma'am has called me."]
"Haan haan, apni ma'am se milna hai isko. Chal Reyansh," Akash quipped, earning a glare from Shashwat.
["Yeah, yeah, he has to meet his ma'am. Let's go, Reyansh."]
"Kya?" Reyansh asked, puzzled.
[What?]
"Kuch nahi. Chal," Akash insisted, dragging him away.
[Nothing, let's go.]
Witnessing this, Richa and Arushi exchanged glances and couldn't help but smirk at Siya.
"Ohhhh ye reason hai. Koi nahi tu aram se aana. We will wait for you," Arushi said with a knowing smile as they exited the classroom. The playful banter added a light-hearted touch to the end of the school day, leaving Siya to navigate her own thoughts before joining her friends outside.
Arushi and Richa stood near the gate, waiting for their friend. Suddenly, Richa spotted Akash and Reyansh.
"Tu ruk yahin, mai aati hun," Richa said, moving towards them.
[Wait here. I am coming.]
"Akash, tumse baat karni thi," she said to Akash.
[Akas I want to talk to you.]
"As you order, ma'am," Akash replied, following her. Meanwhile, Reyansh noticed Arushi standing alone.
He approached her, holding out her bracelet, but she began walking away, causing him to frown.
"Hua kya hai isse!" he muttered, trailing behind her.
[What has happened to her?]
"Arushi," he called out, but she continued walking, leading them to the backside of the school.
Confused, Reyansh confronted her, "Arushi, what's the matter? Aise bhag kyun rahi ho?"
[Why are you running like this.]
"N..nahi to," she hesitated, attempting to leave again, but Reyansh gently held her wrist, stopping her in her tracks.
"Arushi, kya baat hai? Aise behave kyun kar rahi ho?" he inquired.
[What happened? Why are you behaving like this?]
"Aapko kya fark padta hai!" she retorted, refusing to meet his gaze.
[Why do you care?]
As Reyansh struggled to find the right words, Arushi intercepted him, her voice trembling with a cocktail of vulnerability and apprehension.
"Arushi, actually I..." Reyansh began, his voice trailing off as Arushi interjected, her tone tinged with resignation.
"I can guess what you're going to say," Arushi declared, her voice quivering with suppressed emotion. "You regret holding my hand, right? It was just a mistake. Aap to sab kisi reason se karte ho."
The charged atmosphere crackled with tension, Reyansh's expression softening with empathy as he extended a hand, trying to bridge the growing emotional chasm between them.
"But Arushi," he started, his voice gentle yet laced with determination, but Arushi remained steadfast, cutting him off once more as she turned to walk away.
"I don't need to hear it," she insisted, her voice a fragile blend of defiance and vulnerability. "I'm leaving."
With every step, Arushi's heart pounded in her chest, torn between the longing for connection and the instinct to protect herself. Reyansh watched her retreating figure, his own heart heavy with the weight of unspoken truths.
Driven by an unwavering resolve, Reyansh reached out and grasped Arushi's hand, halting her retreat. Arushi's breath caught in her throat as she turned back to face him, her eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and trepidation.
"I only wanted to return your bracelet," Reyansh spoke softly, his voice filled with a sincerity that cut through the tension like a knife.
Arushi's eyes softened with understanding as she reached out to accept the bracelet. But Reyansh held on, his touch firm yet gentle as he met her gaze with unwavering intensity.
"Arushi, I don't regret holding your hand," Reyansh confessed, his words carrying the weight of his emotions. "It was no mistake. I wanted to. I want to hold your hand."
Arushi's breath caught in her throat as she was enveloped by the intensity of Reyansh's declaration. In that fleeting moment, Reyansh delicately fastened the bracelet around her wrist.
She glanced at her wrist, where Reyansh had placed the bracelet. Before a smile could form on her lips, she turned to go, assuming he had released her hand. To her surprise, he hadn't let go yet. She looked back at him.
"Why were you upset thinking that I held your hand by mistake?" Reyansh inquired, closing the distance between them. Arushi, feeling her heartbeats quicken, looked down when he stood near her.
"Tum chahti thi main tumhara hath pakadun?
" he asked, slipping his hand between hers.
Butterflies danced in her stomach, and she couldn't help but smile.
She gently pulled her hand back, the smile lingering on his face.
The subtle exchange left an unspoken connection, and Arushi carried the warmth of the moment as she walked away, leaving Reyansh with a smile that mirrored hers.
["You wanted me to hold your hand, didn't you?"]
As Siya sat alone in the classroom, she felt a subtle presence approaching. Her heartbeats quickened in anticipation.
"Kheer was far better than perfect. Thank you so much," he whispered, placing her tiffin box on the seat. Attached to it was a small chit and her pen. Without uttering another word, he left, his figure fading away.
Siya eagerly opened the lunch box, discovering her favourite sooji halwa inside. "Sooji ka halwa!" she exclaimed, inhaling its tempting aroma. Glancing at Shashwat's disappearing silhouette, she couldn't help but smile.
Opening the attached chit, she read,
"Khali box return nahi karte. So a sweet dish for mishti." A puzzled expression crossed her face, muttering,
["One shouldn't return empty boxes."]
"Mishti? Ye kya tha?" Yet, her attention swiftly returned to the halwa, and with a big grin, she hugged the box, savouring the sweetness of the unexpected gesture. Siya, filled with a sense of warmth, carried her newfound joy as she made her way outside.
["What is this 'Mishti'?"]
As Richa and Akash descended to the ground, the weight of the morning's unintentional revelation lingered between them, prompting Richa to seek a moment for reconciliation.
"Kya baat karni thi?" Akash inquired, curiosity etched on his face.
[What do you want to talk?]
"Wo..I want to apologise," Richa confessed, her gaze fixed on the ground. Akash, intrigued and a bit puzzled, probed further,
"Par kis baat ke liye?"
[But why?]
"Aaj subah... maine jo kaha... mujhe bilkul bhi idea nahi tha.
Arushi ne mujhe bataya ki tum ghar par..
. I mean... Please forgive me. Mai bina soche samjhe kuch bhi keh deti hun.
I didn't mean to hurt you," Richa explained, genuine remorse evident in her voice.
Akash observed her for a moment, and then a warm smile spread across his face.
["This morning, what I said, I had no idea at all. Arushi told me that you're at home. I mean, please forgive me. I speak without thinking sometimes."]
"Isme sorry vali koi baat nahi hai. You could never hurt me," he reassured, his words carrying a sense of understanding and kindness.
"But still...I..." Richa attempted to express her regret, only to be gently interrupted by Akash placing his index finger on her lips.
"Shhh!! Mujhe bilkul bura nahi laga.. ulta mujhe to khushi hui ki you care about me. Tum kitni bhi koshish kar lo apna pyar chupa nahi paogi," he winked, his gesture carrying a lightness that eased the tension between them. Richa, smiling in response, shook her head.
["I didn't feel bad at all. In fact, I'm glad that you care about me. No matter how hard you try, you won't be able to hide your love."]
"Akash, tum kitne baje uss restaurant me jate ho?" Richa inquired, her curiosity peeking through her words.
["Akash, what time do you usually go to that restaurant?"]
"Jis time tum aayi usse 10 minute pehle hi," Akash responded, a matter-of-fact tone accompanying his reply. Richa, nodding in acknowledgment, absorbed this piece of information.
["I usually go there about 10 minutes before you arrived."]
"But why?" Akash questioned, seeking clarity on the sudden interest in his routine.
"Kuch nahi. Just asked," Richa replied, a casual shrug emphasizing the nonchalance in her tone. The air between them held a sense of ease, and their conversation unfolded with a blend of curiosity and light-heartedness.
As Siya returned home from school, a sense of anticipation tingled in the air. Rushing to her room, she swiftly changed into a fresh set of clothes. The excitement was palpable as she moved to the balcony, the aroma of her lunch box teasing her senses.
With careful anticipation, she unveiled the contents of the lunch box, revealing the masterpiece Shashwat had crafted - the sooji ka halwa. The golden hue and aromatic fragrance wafted through the air, immediately captivating her senses.
A flood of emotions overwhelmed her as she savoured each bite. Gratitude for the effort he had put in, admiration for the delicious creation, and a newfound warmth blossomed within her. The halwa became more than just a dish; it embodied the sincerity and thoughtfulness Shashwat had poured into it.
Perusing the chit once more, Siya's brow furrowed in contemplation.
Determined to convey her appreciation, she reached for her phone, opening Instagram.
A subtle smile played on her lips as she clicked a picture of the now-empty lunch box, a testament to the delightful experience she had just encountered.
With a few taps, she sent the image to Shashwat, accompanying it with a heartfelt caption:
"Mumma ke baad pehli baar kisi aur ke hathon se banaya hua halwa accha laga hame."
["After Mom, for the first time, I liked halwa made by someone else's hands."]
Meanwhile, Shashwat, having changed and settled into his room, received the notification.
Opening her message, a genuine smile lit up his face as her words reached him.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and warmth at her positive response.
Eager to reciprocate the sentiment, he typed back,
"If you will say, mai hamesha bana kar launga tumhare liye."
["I will always make it for you."]
The message sent ripples of anticipation through Siya's heart as she read the words. The subtle promise carried a depth of meaning, igniting a flutter in her heart. It wasn't just about the halwa; it was a glimpse into the potential for more shared moments, more gestures of care.
"Vaise ye mishti kya hai???" Siya typed, her curiosity evident in the message.
["What is this mishti?"]
Reading her inquiry, Shashwat couldn't help but smile shyly for a few seconds before beginning to type.
"Sweetheart ko hindi me yahi kehte hain na?" he replied.
["Yes, in Hindi, we say 'Sweetheart' for the same."]
Siya's heartbeat momentarily ceased as she absorbed the endearing revelation. A blush painted her face, and as she eagerly awaited his next words, his message appeared on the screen,
"And I know you don't like these English nicknames, so Hindi me bola." She giggled at his words and then typed,
"Actually, sweetheart ko Hindi me meetha dil kehte hain??," a playful twist to the endearment. Shashwat chuckled, shaking his head, before typing,
[Actually, in Hindi, we say "Meetha Dil" for sweetheart.]
"Pagal ladki." Siya smiled, covering her face as the affectionate banter continued.
[Crazy girl!]
"By the way, I never imagined that a person like you could flirt like this," Siya typed, injecting a playful tone into her message, and sent it to Shashwat.
He chuckled, appreciating the light-hearted banter, and responded with a touch of humor,
"Well, maybe you bring out the flirt in me."
Amused by his reply, Siya couldn't resist delving deeper into the conversation. "Why did you wanted to give me a nick name ? Isn't that something you reserve for someone special?" she inquired.
"I did give it to someone special." Shashwat, choosing his words carefully, responded.
As Shashwat's message echoed through the digital realm, Siya's heart raced with exhilaration. She read his carefully chosen words, and the surge of joy propelled her to fling her phone onto the bed. A burst of excitement overcame her as she leaped in jubilation, relishing the delightful exchange.
Reveling in the thrill, Siya sprawled on her bed, her thoughts racing as she pondered how to respond. The room echoed with the resonance of her joy, and in that moment, the ordinary surroundings became a backdrop to the extraordinary emotions stirring within her.
Meanwhile, Shashwat, on the other side of the conversation, could easily visualize her reaction. A gentle smile graced his face as he observed the unseen dance of emotions on the other end. Choosing to leave the conversation on a light note, he typed,
""I have to eat and head to coaching. I'll talk to you later." Shashwat informed her.
"Okk, byy??," she replied.
"Byy Mishti," he typed, smiling as he placed his phone on the table. Siya blushed, the new nickname leaving a warm glow in her heart.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________