[30]
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Siya stood in the bustling corridor, her gaze darting eagerly in search of Shashwat. Just then, Arushi's arrival injected an air of excitement into the atmosphere.
"Do din baad mil rahe hain," Arushi exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement, as she disappeared into the classroom, with Siya trailing behind.
[We met after two days!]
"Richa kaha reh gayi!" Siya fretted, her nerves on edge. Just then, Richa breezed into the room, settling into her seat seamlessly.
[Where is Richa?]
"Yaar, holiday homework kiya physics ke numericals mile the?" Richa inquired anxiously, her brow furrowed with concern.
[Have you completed the physics holiday homework?]
"Bhaii, hum bhul gaye!!" Siya confessed, her anxiety mounting as she nervously chewed on her nails.
[ Bro I forgot to complete.]
"Behen, he will eat us alive! Last period hai unka, abhi se start karenge to ho jayega," Arushi chimed in, her tone laced with urgency.
[His class is at last so if we started writing now it will be completed.]
"Haan, let's start. Mai Sanjana se copy lekar aayi," Richa suggested, taking charge of the situation.
"I am going to the washroom, baal thik karna hai. Tab tak tum log start karo," Siya announced, setting off towards the door.
[I have to fix my hair. You guys carry on.]
But fate had other plans, as Shashwat suddenly materialised in front of her, causing them both to step back in surprise, and her handkerchief to flutter to the ground. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment, before they both bent down to retrieve it.
In a deliberate move, Shashwat brushed his fingers against hers, sending a jolt through Siya's heart. She looked up at him, her gaze meeting his with a mixture of surprise and delight. Before she could pick up the handkerchief, he swiftly grabbed it, their hands lingering in the air between them.
With a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, Shashwat tucked the handkerchief into his pocket, causing a frown to crease Siya's brow. But before she could protest, he winked at her, sending her pulse racing even faster.
"Please, side!" he said, snapping his fingers playfully in front of her face. Obligingly, Siya stepped aside, watching as he retrieved some notebooks from the cupboard.
As Siya returned to her seat, her mind still reeling from the encounter with Shashwat, she found herself drawn to his presence once again.
"You didn't go to the washroom?" Arushi questioned, breaking her from her reverie.
Siya simply shrugged, her attention fixed on Shashwat, who was engrossed in the notebooks spread out before him.
Whenever their eyes met, she would quickly avert her gaze, feeling a rush of butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
"Ohh to ye baat hai," Richa remarked, catching on to the unspoken dynamics between Shashwat and Siya, earning a playful hit on the shoulder from Siya.
Shashwat reached for a paper from the notebook, but before he could keep the notebooks back, Kanak intercepted, intentionally took the notebooks, brushing her fingers against his, and Shashwat quickly left the notebooks without a frown.
"I'll keep these," Kanak declared sweetly, and Shashwat simply nodded, his attention momentarily diverted.
"Everyone, make a line and come to the ground for assembly," Shashwat announced, prompting everyone to rise and form a line.
He glanced at Siya, gesturing for her to stand, and she quickly diverted her gaze, busying herself with her notebook. A small smile tugged at Shashwat's lips, noticing her reaction.
Arushi and Richa stood up obediently, but Kanak who was noticing her and Shashwat for a long time, simmering jealousy boiled over as she singled out Siya.
"Siya, you need to be called out specifically, sunai nahi deta kya ek baar me? Stupid!!" Kanak barked, drawing the attention of everyone present.
Shashwat bristled at Kanak's tone, ready to intervene, but before he could speak, Siya unleashed her fiery retort.
"Don't try to act too smart. You're not our boss to take advantage of your position and speak rudely. Agli baar se hamee iss tone me baat ki na phir dekhna!" Siya warned, her anger palpable. Shashwat couldn't help but smirk at her ferocity.
"Shashwat, did you see her tone? She's talking to the captain like this," Kanak complained, seeking validation from Shashwat.
"I saw everything, Kanak. This is not the way to address anyone. We can't shout at anyone just because of our position. We are volunteers here, and if we don't set the right example, how can we expect others to follow? Don't use that tone with anyone," Shashwat admonished, his tone firm.
"Come on, everyone, let's head to the ground," Shashwat urged, diffusing the tension as he walked away.
Kanak seethed with rage, while Siya smiled gratefully for Shashwat's support.
"Karva liya bejati," Arushi remarked.
"Bechari, look at her face," Richa added, and the trio shared a laugh at Kanak's expense.
As the trio left, Kanak's friend approached her, offering a pointed observation.
"I told you there was something between those two. Otherwise, Shashwat would never have reacted like that. He didn't like the way you spoke to Siya. If it were anyone else, he wouldn't have cared," her friend remarked, leaving a jealous and infuriated Kanak in her wake.
As the morning sun cast its golden hues across the school grounds, volunteers bustled about, setting up for the assembly.
Siya, her infectious laughter ringing out, was engrossed in conversation with her friends.
Nearby, Shashwat, with a furrowed brow, engaged in a serious discussion with a junior, all the while stealing glances at Siya, his eyes betraying a hidden admiration.
"Shashwat beta, who is going to present the thought for today?" inquired a teacher, interrupting his reverie.
"Siya..." he blurted out absentmindedly, before quickly correcting himself, "...I mean Garima." His voice trailed off, and he swallowed nervously, realising his slip-up and the teacher nodded.
As the morning prayers concluded and the customary activities wound down, the principal stepped forward to address the eager students. With a commanding presence, she began, her voice carrying across the assembly ground.
"Good morning, students. I have an exciting announcement to make today," she declared, her words punctuated by murmurs of curiosity rippling through the crowd.
"Our school is organising a trip to Vrindavan," she continued, eliciting an immediate wave of excitement and animated chatter among the students. Smiles broke out, and whispers of anticipation filled the air.
"But," she added, pausing for effect, "this trip is exclusively for students in classes 10 through 12."
A collective sigh of disappointment swept through the younger students, while those in the eligible classes exchanged excited glances, their anticipation undiminished.
"For those interested," the principal continued, her tone regaining their attention, "the cost of the trip is 3000 rupees."
Some students exchanged glances, calculating the logistics, while others nodded eagerly, already mentally preparing for the adventure.
"I will provide more information regarding the itinerary and requirements soon," she concluded before stepping back, her announcement leaving a tangible buzz of excitement lingering in the air.
As the principal made her exit, Shashwat stepped up to the microphone, his voice clear and commanding as he addressed the dispersing crowd.
"Assembly is over, everyone. Please proceed back to your respective classes," he announced, his words signalling the end of the morning gathering. With a collective sigh, the students began to disperse.
Excitement bubbled within the classroom as Siya, Richa, and Arushi eagerly discussed the prospect of their upcoming trip to Vrindavan.
"Kitna maza aayega na!! Yar hamara Vrindavan jaane ka sapna poora hoga finally!!" Siya exclaimed, her eyes shining with anticipation as they settled into their seats.
["How much fun it will be, right? My dream of going to Vrindavan will finally come true!"]
"Haan, but do you think our parents would allow us? Itna door hai yaar!" Richa voiced her concern, a hint of apprehension in her tone.
"Arre dekh, tu apne parents se kehna ki hum dono ke parents maan gaye hain and we are going, aur mai apne parents se kahungi ki tum dono ke parents maan gaye. And Siya, tu bhi yahi kehna phir," Arushi suggested.
["Look, you have to tell your parents that my and Siya's parents have agreed and we are going, and I'll tell my parents that your and siya's parents have agreed. And Siya, you say the same thing then."]
"Haan, ye sahi idea hai," Siya agreed, her grin widening.
[Great Idea!]
In Shashwat's classroom, amidst the buzz of excitement about the upcoming trip to Vrindavan, Akash eagerly tried to convince his friends to join him.
"Bhai chal na, kitna maza ayega. Kabhi kabhi to ye kanjus school vale le jate hain trip pe," Akash pleaded with a hint of persuasion in his voice, hoping to sway his friends to his side.
["Let's go.It will be so much fun. Not everyday these stingy school authorities take us on trips."]
"Arre, mai keh raha hun na papa se puch ke bataunga," Reyansh chimed in optimistically.
["Oh, I'm telling you, I'll ask my dad and let you know."]
"Isse bol na kuch! Kuch din ki hi to baat hai, usme kon sa tu top kar jayega," Akash teased, nudging Shashwat with a playful grin, trying to appeal to his sense of fun and spontaneity.
["Just tell him something! It's just a matter of a few days, what's the worst that could happen?"]
But Shashwat remained resolute, his focus unwavering despite the allure of the trip.
"Yaar, boards hain hamare. We should focus on studies. I am not going," Shashwat stated firmly, his determination evident in his tone.
"Chalo na, baby!!" Akash exclaimed dramatically, adopting a high-pitched, exaggerated girl's voice as he sidled up to Shashwat. With a flourish, he wrapped an arm around Shashwat's shoulder, pulling him into an embrace. His hand gently traced Shashwat's cheek as he continued in a husky tone,
[Please come with us baby.]
"Tumhare bina mai wahan kya karunga!"The sudden shift in tone and demeanour caught Shashwat off guard, and his irritation flared.
[What I will do there without you?]
"SHUT UP!! Aur door hatt mujhse. What are you doing! Hattt!!" Shashwat retorted sharply and forcefully pushed Akash away.Reyansh, unable to contain his laughter, erupted into chuckles.
In the morning at college, Arav sat in his seat, his gaze fixed on the door as he awaited Ritika's arrival. Observing her untidy seat, he couldn't help but tidy it up with his handkerchief, muttering to himself, "Kahan reh gayi!"
[ Where is she?]
Meanwhile, Ritika parked her scooty and made her way towards the class, casually playing with her keys and singing a playful tune,
"Mummy meri shadi kar do may june July me, Mummy mera man nahi lagta college ki padhai me!" However, her cheerful demeanour quickly shifted as she overheard some girls mentioning her name.
She paused, pretending to fiddle with her phone, as she listened in on their conversation.
"Haan bro, Arav bechara fas gaya hai iss Ritika ke chakkar me! I don't know what she thinks of herself. She's constantly bothering him," one girl remarked, inciting frustration in Ritika.
[Arav is stucked because of this Ritika.]
"I feel bad for Arav. Uski shakal se pata chalta hai ki wo kitna irritate karti hai usse! He's clearly suffocated," another girl sympathised.
[We can see through his face that how much this Ritika irritates him.]
"Exactly, remember how Arav used to follow me around in the beginning of college...I'm sure he likes me, but because of Ritika, he can't even talk to any other girl," added a third girl.
"Yeah, he definitely likes you. He even told my boyfriend, Satyam, ki wo Ritika uske gale pad gayi hai," the first girl confirmed, sending a pang of hurt through Ritika's heart.
As she absorbed their words, Ritika's hands clenched involuntarily, feeling a mix of anger and hurt at Arav's apparent perception of her. Despite her presence around him, she had always maintained a respectful distance and never overstepped any boundaries.
"Is this what he thinks of me?" she muttered to herself, struggling to contain her emotions as she rubbed her temples. With a determined stride, she stormed towards the class, tucking her keys away in her bag.
Unbeknownst to Ritika, the girls continued their conversation with laughter and high-fives as they watched her approach the classroom.
As Arav's eyes lit up upon Ritika's entrance into the classroom, he feigned absorption in his books, but his curiosity was piqued when he noticed her bypassing his seat and opting to sit with her friend instead.
"Isse kya hua?" he muttered under his breath, furrowing his eyebrows as he watched her take her place.
[What has happened to her!]
"What happened? Aaj apne swami ke sath nahi baithegi? Dekh bechara kaise dekh raha hai," Simran, Ritika's friend, teased, noticing Arav's perplexed expression.
[Won't you sit with your Arav today?]
"I don't want to talk about this topic," Ritika replied tersely, her tone indicating her discomfort.
"Is there any problem?" Amrita, another friend, inquired, concern evident in her voice.
"No. I have to complete my notes," Ritika deflected, attempting to divert the conversation as she retrieved her notebook and began to focus on her studies.
As the teacher entered the classroom and began the lesson, Arav's attention remained divided, his thoughts lingering on Ritika and her uncharacteristic behaviour.
As the class progressed, Siya noticed that her water bottle was empty, and upon checking her friends' bottles, she found them also depleted.
"Ham bottle bhar ke aate hain," Siya suggested, standing up to refill their bottles.
[I have to fill my water bottle.]
"Hamari bhi bhar dena," Arushi chimed in, handing over their empty bottles to Siya.
[Take my bottle also.]
"Siya, meri bhi please," another girl from behind added, extending her bottle towards Siya.
[Mine too.]
"Siya, meri bhi," yet another girl echoed, joining the line of students seeking Siya's assistance.
"Siya..." Before anyone else could make a request, Siya interjected, "Bas bhai! I have only two hands," she explained, gesturing towards her occupied hand with the bottles. She then sought permission from the teacher before making her way outside to fill the bottles.
As Siya walked past her class, Shashwat caught sight of her heading towards the water tap.
"Sir, may I go to fill my bottle?" Shashwat requested, eager to follow Siya's lead.
"Yes," the teacher granted, and Shashwat hurriedly exited the classroom.
"Par uski bottle to already bhari hui hai!" Reyansh remarked, puzzled by Shashwat's sudden decision.
["But his bottle was already filled,"]
"Tu na jaa ke pogo dekh," Akash said, playfully patting Reyansh's head like a pet.
["You should watch pogo.]
"What?" Reyansh asked, perplexed by the reference.
"Nothing!! Wo pani accha nahi laga hoga maybe," Akash shrugged nonchalantly, dismissing the matter.
Siya stood by the water tap, surrounded by numerous bottles waiting to be filled.
As she attempted to manage the bottles, a few slipped from her grasp, but before they could hit the ground, Shashwat swiftly bent down to catch them.
He placed the bottles near the tap, earning a grateful smile from Siya.
"Thank you," she expressed her gratitude, and Shashwat nodded in acknowledgment.
With the bottles now secure, Siya and Shashwat began filling their respective bottles. Amidst the sound of running water, Siya spoke up, her gaze fixed elsewhere.
"Suniye," she began, her voice soft yet hesitant.
"Sunaiye," Shashwat replied, looking over at her as he closed the tap, his bottle now filled.
"Wo... hamari hankey vapas kar dijiye please," Siya requested, her tone innocent and sincere, causing Shashwat to chuckle softly.
[Please return my handkerchief.]
"Ok..ye lo," he responded, extending the handkerchief towards her. But just as Siya reached out to take it, he pulled it back teasingly.
[Take this.]
"Par pehle dare pura karna padega. Terrace vali baat complete karo," Shashwat added mischievously, a playful glint in his eyes as Siya's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
["First, you have to complete the dare. Complete the sentence you left on terrace.]
"Ham kuch nahi kahenge. Aap rakh lijiye apne paas," Siya replied, avoiding his gaze as she focused on the task of filling the bottles.
[I am not going to say anything. You can keep this to you only.]
Before Shashwat could respond, they noticed a teacher passing by. Reacting quickly, Shashwat discreetly poured out the water and resumed filling his bottle, while Siya did the same. Once the teacher had passed, they breathed a sigh of relief.
"Matlab madam apni hankey ki qurbani de sakti hain par ek baat ko pura nahi kar sakti! Aisi bhi kya baat thi?" Shashwat asked, raising his eyebrows.
[ "It means madam can sacrifice her handkerchief but can't complete one sentence! What could be the sentence ?"]
"Aapko pata nahi hai?" Siya asked back, looking at him.
[You don't know?]
"Pata hota to aapse puchta?" Shashwat countered, leaning in closer to her, causing Siya to lower her gaze, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue.
[If I knew,would I have asked you?]
With a gentle smile, Shashwat extended the handkerchief towards Siya, who gratefully accepted it. Taking his filled bottle, Shashwat nodded to Siya before turning to leave.
As Siya unfolded the handkerchief to return it to her bag, she noticed a small chit tucked inside. Curious, she unfolded it, revealing a handwritten note.
"Dare to tumhe pura karna hi hoga, Mishti," she read aloud, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she realised the teasing yet affectionate message from Shashwat.
[You have to complete the dare Mishti.]
Siya couldn't help but hide her face behind the handkerchief, a shy smile spreading across her lips as she savoured the moment.
As everyone moved towards the chemistry lab, Arav took a seat beside Ritika, hoping to address the tension between them.
"Ritika, kuch problem hai kya?" he inquired, his concern evident in his voice.
[Is there any problem Ritika?]
"Simran, can I sit there?" Ritika asked abruptly, signalling to another seat. Arav felt a pang of disappointment as he watched her move away, breaking their usual pattern of sitting together. His heart sank at the sudden change.
The class eventually concluded, and Arav scanned the canteen until he spotted Ritika sitting alone. Determined to confront the issue, he purchased two samosas and approached her, placing the plate in front of her and taking a seat opposite her.
"Ritika, what happened? Kuch hua hai kya? Why are you ignoring me?" Arav questioned, his gaze fixed on her, hoping for an explanation.
"Dekhiye, Swami mujhe abhi koi baat nahi karni. Please leave. And why are you bothered if I am ignoring you?" Ritika responded, her tone curt and defensive.
[I don't want to talk to you right now.]
" Mujhe accha nahi lagta tum mujhse baat nahi karti to," Arav confessed, his words laden with concern, making Ritika's heart race.
["I don't like it when you don't talk to me."]
"Why? Aapko to khush hona chahiye na ki mai ab aapke gale nahi par rahi. Jaa ke uss Garima se baat kijiyega aram se," Ritika retorted, her voice trembling with emotion.
["You should be happy that I'm not bothering you now. Go talk to that Garima comfortably."]
"What are you saying? Aur Kon Garima?" Arav asked, baffled by the sudden mention of a name he didn't recognize.
[Who is garima?]
"Wahi, jiske peeche aap ghuma karte the. Arav if you liked someone else you could have tell me. Mai ussi time peeche hat jati. But I never imagined that tum ye sochoge ki mai tumhare gale pad gayi hun," Ritika explained, her voice breaking with hurt and frustration.
[That's the one you were chasing after. Arav, if you liked someone else, you could have told me. I would have stepped back at that time. But I never imagined that you would think I'm after you.]
"What?? What the hell are you saying Ritika? Aur ye Garima hai kon? I don't even know her. Who said all this rubbish?!" Arav exclaimed, his confusion turning to frustration.
"Jhuth mat bolo. Wo Garima aur uske kuch friends baat kar rahi thi...ki tumne kaha hai ye sab. Maine apne kaano se suna sab kuch!! Tum mere peeche se ye sab bolte ho mere baare me?" Ritika revealed, her eyes welling up with tears.
["Don't lie. Garima and a few of her friends were talking... about you saying all this. I heard everything with my own ears!! Are you talking about me behind my back?"]
"I can't believe this! Tum aise kaise kisi bhi bewkuf logon ki baat pe trust kar sakti ho? I don't know any Garima parima!! Mai tumhare baare me Aisa kuch soch bhi nahi sakta to kisi aur se bolna to door ki baat hai!" Arav said , his eyebrows were furrowed and then he added ,
[How could you trust these stupid people! I can't even thinking these things about you.]
"And one more thing , I don't like anyone else," Arav clarified vehemently, hoping to dispel any doubts from Ritika's mind.
"Tum sach keh rahe ho?" Ritika asked hopefully, her eyes searching for honesty.
[Are you telling the truth?]
"Does it matter?? Jab tumhe yakeen kisi aur pe hi karna hai to.," Arav replied with a hint of frustration, standing up from his seat and walking away, leaving Ritika behind.
[Does it matters? When you have to trust on others.]
"Shit!! Swami to naraz ho gaye. Ritika ki bacchi kya karti hai tu bhi, aise ilzam lagane se pehle ek baar puch to leti!" she muttered to herself, feeling guilty as she bit her nails and hurriedly followed him.
["Swami got upset. What do you do, Ritika? Before accusing like this, you should have asked him once!"]
"Swani rukiye na. I am sorry," Ritika pleaded, trailing behind him as he exited the college premises.
"Arre kahan bhage jaa rahe hain? Bike to college me hi padi hui hai," she pointed out, trying to catch up to him.
[Where are you running like this? Your bike is in college.]
"Tumse matlab? I will go back by auto. And stop following me," he retorted, increasing his pace as they entered an empty street, the tension between them palpable.
"Arre why are you walking so fast?" Ritika asked, her breaths coming out in huffs as she struggled to keep up, her concern evident in her voice.
"Jaa kahan rahe hain?" she pressed, desperate for an explanation.
[Where are you going?]
"Kahin bhi jaun," Arav replied curtly, his emotions too turbulent to articulate further.
[None of your concern.]
As Arav stormed ahead, Ritika trailed behind him, her heart heavy with regret and longing. Desperate to bridge the growing gap between them, she began to sing softly, her voice carrying through the empty street.
"O mere sona re sona re sona re
De doongi jaan juda mat hona re"
Her melodious voice echoed against the walls, mimicking the lines dramatically, but Arav merely rolled his eyes in response, his expression stern and unyielding.
"Maine tujhe zara der mein jaana
Hua kusoor khafa mat hona re"
With each word, Ritika's voice carried the weight of her emotions, her plea for forgiveness intertwined with the haunting melody.
She moved closer, resting her elbow on his shoulder in a gesture of familiarity, but Arav swiftly removed her hand, his determination evident in his stride as he continued to walk away.
Despite his resistance, Ritika persisted, her voice filled with longing and hope, desperately trying to reach the depths of his heart.
"Maine tujhe zara der mein jaana
Hua kusoor khafa mat hona re"
But Arav remained unmoved, his gaze fixed ahead, his emotions veiled behind a fa?ade of stoicism.
"Oh meri baahon se nikal ke
Tu agar mere raste se hat jayega"
Ritika's voice trailed behind Arav as she followed him, her tone a mix of longing and determination. She tried to match his pace, her steps echoing the rhythm of the song as she refused to let him slip away from her grasp.
With each step, Ritika's movements became more animated, her dance mimicking the playful lyrics of the song. She reached out, intertwining her arms with his, a silent plea for him to stay connected despite his attempts to pull away.
"Tum chhurao lakh daaman
Chhorte hain kab yeh armaan"
Arav fought to maintain a stern expression, but the corners of his lips twitched with the effort of suppressing a smile. He gently removed Ritika's grip from his arms, his heart melting at her earnest gestures even as he tried to maintain his composure.
Throughout the song, Arav's expressions shifted between resistance and tenderness, his efforts to appear unaffected by Ritika's actions gradually giving way to a sense of admiration and affection.
Despite his initial reluctance, he couldn't deny the warmth that blossomed in his heart with each passing moment spent in her company .
But suddenly Ritika fell down, clutching her foot and exclaiming "Mummy!!", Arav's concern was immediate. Rushing to her side, he knelt down, his brows furrowed in worry as he examined her injury.
"Kya hua?? Dekh ke chalna chahiye tha na. Dikhao kidhar Kahi hai chot?" he asked, his tone laced with concern as he carefully checked her feet for any signs of injury. But Ritika's smile, albeit sheepish, hinted at something else.
[You should walk carefully!]
"Seriously Ritika! Tum natak kar rahi thi?" Arav asked incredulously, surprised by her sudden change in demeanour. However, Ritika couldn't keep up the act any longer.
[You were acting?]
"To aap vaise sun hi Kahan rahe the meri baat. Sorry Swami.. please apni pran sakhi ko kshama kar dijiye," she said, holding her ears apologetically, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
[You were not listening me . Please forgive your pran sakhi.]
Unable to contain his amusement, Arav chuckled and gently removed her hands from her ears.
"Ab college vapas chalen?" he asked, offering her a hand to help her up. Ritika nodded, and together they rose from the ground, ready to return to college.
["Shall we head back to college now?"]
"Vaise aap jaa kahan rahe the?" Ritika inquired as they walked towards the college, curiosity piqued.
["Where were you going?"]
"I don't know," Arav replied with a shrug, his earlier concerns now replaced by the lighthearted banter between them.
"Siya beta, I need your help with some chart paper decoration," Megha announced, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on Siya, who couldn't hide her relief at the timely distraction.
Siya's face lit up with a grin as she realized she had been saved from the impending test.
"Of course, Ma'am. Sir, can I?" Siya politely sought permission from the teacher, who nodded in agreement, understanding the importance of the task at hand.
Meanwhile, Arushi and Richa exchanged glances, their faces contorted into mock expressions of despair, as they watched Siya's fortunate escape from the test.
As she entered the activity room, her gaze fell upon Shashwat, who was already engrossed in his own task, working diligently on a different chart paper. Shashwat's face lit up upon seeing her, though he quickly masked his grin, focusing intently on his task.
"Siya, I need your help with this chart paper." Megha said with a smile, breaking Siya out of her reverie.
"Yes ma'am," Siya stammered, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush as she approached the chart paper, stealing glances at Shashwat out of the corner of her eye.
Shashwat, equally aware of Siya's presence, felt a familiar warmth spread through his chest as he stole glances in her direction. He couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement at the prospect of working alongside her.
As Megha left the activity room, leaving Siya and Shashwat alone, a subtle tension hung in the air, tinged with anticipation and unspoken emotions. Siya's heart raced as she gathered the courage to speak, her gaze flickering nervously towards Shashwat.
"Wo... glue pass kar dijiye please," she requested, her voice barely above a whisper.
Shashwat was about to pick up the glue but suddenly stopped and smirked, before picking up a pen.
"Ye?" he teased, a playful smirk playing on his lips.
Siya's brows furrowed as she saw the pen.
"Nahi, glue," she clarified, her patience wearing thin as she waited for him to comply. Undeterred, Shashwat reached for a marker, feigning innocence.
"This?" he asked, his smirk growing wider as he watched her reaction. Exasperated, Siya shook her head, her irritation bubbling to the surface.
"Arre, glue maang rahe hain ham," she reiterated, her tone laced with annoyance.
Unable to contain his amusement any longer, Shashwat picked up a ruler, a small smirk dancing on his lips as he looked at her expectantly.
Frustration mounting, Siya's patience wore thin. "Arre, aapko glue nahi pata wo..." she trailed off, her words catching in her throat as she noticed the smirk on his face.
[Don't you know what is glue!]
With a knowing smile, Shashwat finally relented, picking up the glue and extending it towards Siya. As she reached out to take it, however, he tightened his grip on the bottle pulling it towards him, causing her to move closer to him, her breath catching in her throat at the sudden proximity.
"Chhoriye na," she protested weakly, her heart pounding in her chest as she felt the warmth of his presence enveloping her.
[Leave it please.]
"Chhurha lo," he countered, his voice low and teasing, sending shivers down her spine as she struggled to maintain her composure.
[ ""You let it go from my hand yourself."]
Determined to reclaim the glue, Siya attempted to snatch it from his grasp, but his hold was too firm, and she found herself drawn closer to him, her breath catching in her throat as she felt the warmth of his presence enveloping her.
With a huff of frustration, Siya glared at him, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she demanded,
"Aap chhorenge ya nahi?"
["Will you leave it or not?"]
Gulping nervously, Shashwat released his hold on the glue bottle, allowing Siya to take it.
As she resumed her task, he couldn't help but admire her.
His heart swelling with affection for the girl who had captured his attention in the most unexpected of ways.
With each passing moment, his admiration for her only grew stronger, as he found himself falling deeper and deeper under her spell, mesmerized by the beauty that radiated from her every gesture and expression.
As Siya felt Shashwat's gaze lingering on her, her stomach churned with a flurry of emotions, causing her to instinctively look away, her cheeks flushing with a delicate shade of pink.
"Aap kaam pe focus kijiye na!" she chided softly, her voice tinged with a hint of nervousness as she avoided meeting his gaze.
["Focus on your work."]
"Tumhare samne hote huye koi kahin aur focus kaise kar sakta hai!" Shashwat countered playfully, his words sending a warm flush spreading across Siya's cheeks, her heart fluttering at his proximity.
["How can anyone focus elsewhere when they are in front of you?"]
In an attempt to lighten the mood, Siya playfully grabbed some glitters that were kept for decoration and tossed them towards Shashwat's face, a mischievous sparkle dancing in her eyes. He chuckled in response, his gaze never leaving hers, causing her stomach to do somersaults.
Unfazed by her playful gesture, Siya tossed more glitters towards him, but this time, Shashwat winced in pain as a speck landed near his eye, causing him to hiss in discomfort and hold his eye.
"Hwy bhagwan!! I am sorry!! I am so sorry... dikhaiye idhar," Siya exclaimed, her concern evident in her voice as she reached out to inspect his eye.
Reluctantly, Shashwat removed his hand from his eye, allowing Siya to take out her handkerchief and gently wipe away the glitters near his eye and on his eyelid. The close proximity sent a rush of warmth coursing through his veins, his heart pounding erratically at her tender touch.
"Ho gaya!" he murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper, as Siya looked up at him, her gaze meeting his for a fleeting moment before she quickly stepped back, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
Feeling equally flustered, Shashwat looked down shyly, his cheeks flushed with a rosy hue as he returned to his work, his heart still racing from the unexpected intimacy they had shared.
Just then, the teacher entered the room, breaking the momentary spell between them as they both busied themselves with their tasks, stealing shy glances at each other whenever they thought the other wasn't looking, their hearts dancing to the silent rhythm of their budding affection.
As evening descended, Siya found herself nestled among her sisters, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of their upcoming trip.
"Yaar, hame permission toh mil gayi par Arushi was saying that her bhaiya is not coming with us on the trip," Siya lamented, a hint of sadness tainting her expression.
"Try talking to him once. I'm sure he'll agree," Ritika suggested optimistically.
"But how? I don't want him to feel like ham unke personal matters me bol rahe hain," Siya fretted, her brows furrowing with worry.
["I don't want him to feel that I am intriguing in his personal space."]
"Don't overthink it, didi. He won't think like that. You know he has feelings for you, so why would he think otherwise?" Divya reassured her, her words infused with a sense of conviction.
"Haan yaar you should talk to him," Ritika chimed in, prompting Siya to nod in agreement.
Siya reached for her phone and opened Instagram, her fingers hovering over the keyboard as she composed a message to Shashwat.
"Suniye," she typed, her heart racing with anticipation, before hitting send.
Meanwhile, Shashwat was engrossed in solving a particularly tricky maths problem, his phone lying silent beside him. Frustrated with his lack of progress, he reached for his phone in search of a solution, only to be greeted by Siya's message notification.
A grin tugged at his lips as he adjusted himself in his chair, his curiosity piqued. With a playful gleam in his eyes, he opened her message, eagerly devouring its contents.
"Sunaiye," he replied, his response laden with a hint of mischief, knowing full well the effect his playful banter had on Siya.
Siya's heart fluttered as she received his response, her lips curling into a smile. His simple "Sunaiye" never failed to elicit a reaction from her, sending waves of excitement coursing through her veins.
As Siya mustered up the courage to send another message, her fingers danced across the screen, typing out her inquiry.
"Aap trip pe aayenge?" she messaged him, her heart racing with anticipation.
["Will you come to the trip?"]
Shashwat's eyes lit up as he read her message, a smile spreading across his face. Without hesitation, he crafted his response, eager to play along with her playful banter.
"Aap kya chahti hain?" he sent, his words dripping with teasing charm.
["What do you want?"]
Siya couldn't help but blush at his reply, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she giggled at his playful antics.
"Hamare chahne se kya hota hai!" she retorted, her fingers tapping out the message before hitting send.
["What does it matter if I want or not"]
Shashwat's reply came swiftly, his words causing a flutter in Siya's heart.
"Aaj kal to sab kuch tumhare chahne se hi hota hai," he sent, his sincerity shining through in his words.
["Seems like everything happens according to your wishes these days."]
"Accha seriously bataiye.." Siya pressed, her curiosity piqued as she awaited his response.
[Tell me seriously!]
"I am always serious with you," he assured her, his message resonating with warmth and affection.
Emboldened by his response, Siya decided to take a playful jab.
"Hamare chahne se aayenge?" she asked, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.
["If I will say will you come?"]
"Shaq hai to aazma ke dekh lo," Shashwat replied, his words sending a rush of excitement coursing through Siya's veins. She couldn't help but cover her face, her cheeks burning with a blush.
["If you have doubts, then try and see for yourself."]
"Hame accha lagega agar aap bhi aayenge to. Accha, I am going now, mummy is calling me. Bye," she quickly sent, before hastily logging off, her heart racing with exhilaration.
[I will feel good if you will come with us.]
Shashwat watched her go offline with a fond smile, his heart swelling with affection.
"Whatever my Mishti says," he muttered to himself, a soft chuckle escaping his lips as he set his phone down on the table, his thoughts consumed by the charming exchange with Siya.
Shashwat dialled Akash's number, his mind made up about the trip.
"Akash, actually I'm thinking we should go for the trip. It's our last year, and we won't get another chance. I'll talk to my parents, so we can submit the money tomorrow. Reyansh ko bhi keh dena," Shashwat proposed eagerly.
"Yeah, I already told him. And I've informed uncle and aunty about both of us," Akash replied nonchalantly.
"What? But I haven't even said yes yet," Shashwat exclaimed, taken aback by Akash's preemptive action.
"Yeah, but I knew this was going to happen. Jab Siya ma'am ka order aayega to aap mana thodi na kar sakte hain," Akash teased, prompting Shashwat to chuckle and rub his neck sheepishly.
["When Siya madam will order, you won't be able to deny right?"]
"Still, I should talk to papa once," Shashwat mused, before heading downstairs where Darsh and Arushi were engrossed in planning, with Ishita eagerly joining in.
"Papa, can I also go on the trip?" Shashwat asked Naman, who was enjoying his evening tea.
"Akash already spoke to us, why are you asking again?" Naman replied.
"And we are happy that you are going ! Har time kitabi keeda bana rehta hai. Sometimes these trips are important too," Kirti added, voicing her approval.
"Mummy, hypocrisy ki bhi seema hoti hai. Hame kitna request karna pada. Isn't it important for us too?" Arushi retorted.
"Looking at your marks, we shouldn't even consider giving you permission. But Akash convinced us that he'll take care of both of you, and your friends are going too, so we agreed," Kirti explained, her tone firm and they both pouted.
As Richa entered the café, her anticipation turned to disappointment as she failed to spot Akash waiting for her as usual. Concern crept into her heart as she dialled his number, only to be met with silence on the other end.
"I should check inside," she muttered to herself, her determination unwavering as she made her way into the café.
Frantically searching every nook and cranny, Richa's brow furrowed with worry until she finally approached the manager for answers.
"Uncle, where is Akash?" she inquired, her voice laced with urgency.
"Akash, beta, he's washing dishes. He mentioned he needs extra money for a trip, so he's putting in extra hours today," he explained, earning a nod of understanding from Richa.
Finding Akash amidst the clatter of dishes, Richa's heart softened at the sight of him toiling away. Clearing her throat to gain his attention, she watched as he turned towards her, weariness evident in his eyes.
"Tum?" he uttered, his exhaustion palpable as he checked his phone beside the washbasin.
"Oh God, I didn't realise the time. Richa, I don't think we'll be able to go anywhere today. I'm so sorry," he apologised, his tone laden with regret.
"Ham aaj hi jayenge" Richa insisted, her determination unwavering.
["We will go today only."]
"Richa, there's so much work today. It will take a long time. You will end up being late, and your parents will be worried" Akash reasoned, his concern evident in his voice.
"No one will be late," Richa retorted, swiftly rolling up her sleeves and preparing to dive into the task at hand.
"Tum maanj ke dete jao, I will wash them," she offered, extending a hand towards the dishes, but Akash quickly intercepted.
"What are you saying, Richa? You're not doing this. It's my job, and I will handle it," he insisted firmly, refusing to let her take on the burden.
"And who said I'm doing this for you? Mai to ye sab apne hone vale boyfriend ke liye kar rahi hun, because he promised to take me somewhere," Richa declared, her resolve unyielding.
"Richa, please, I request you. I can't let you do this. Accha mai ye half an hour me complete karne ki koshish karunga. Ham aaj hi jayenge," Akash pleaded, his desperation evident.
"Shut up, Akash! I'm serious. Either let me help or don't talk to me at all. Aur mai trip pe bhi nahi aaungi." Richa asserted, her voice unwavering as she took matters into her own hands.
Before Akash could respond, Richa gently pushed him aside and began washing the dishes, leaving him to watch in awe at her selflessness and determination.
As he observed her, a swell of emotions washed over him.
Richa's unwavering support and willingness to roll up her sleeves for him touched his heart in ways he couldn't fully comprehend.
With each passing moment, his admiration for her grew, and he found himself falling deeper in love with her.
Initially, he had feared she would be embarrassed by his humble job, but her actions proved otherwise, surprising him with her acceptance and understanding.
In that moment, he realised just how lucky he was to have her in his life, and his love for her blossomed stronger than ever before.
She snapped her fingers in front of his face, pulling him back to the task at hand.
"Sir, we have to finish this in half an hour. Jaldi karo," she urged, her determination shining through.
He chuckled softly, admiring her resolute spirit, before diving back into his work with renewed vigor. Together, they worked efficiently, the clatter of dishes filling the air as they raced against the clock.
After half an hour of intense labour, the dishes were finally done. They made their way to the manager, who transferred the extra salary into Akash's account and then they walked outside.
"Thank you," Akash expressed his gratitude, his eyes reflecting genuine appreciation.
Richa simply nodded, her smile speaking volumes as they prepared to embark on their impromptu adventure.
"Chalen?" she suggested, and Akash readily agreed.
Stopping at a bike near a breathtaking vista, they found themselves surrounded by the splendour of nature. A cliff loomed before them, draped in verdant greenery, while the crisp mountain air kissed their cheeks.
"It's so beautiful, yaar!" Richa exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with wonder.
"Not more than you," Akash replied, his words laced with affection, eliciting a playful eye roll from Richa, though her flushed cheeks betrayed her true feelings.
As Richa ventured dangerously close to the edge of the cliff, Akash's protective instincts kicked in.
"Richa, don't go there. It's too dangerous," he cautioned, gently pulling her away from the precipice.
"Arre yaar, mummy jaisi harkatein mat karo," she protested, her lips forming a playful pout. "She never lets me stand near the edge."
["Don't act like my mother."]
"Haan, to kya galat karti hai? Pata hai kitna dangerous hota hai. Zara sa pair fisla aur seedha neeche," he reasoned, his concern evident in his voice.
["Yes, so what's wrong with that? You know how dangerous it can be. Just slip a little, and you could fall straight down."]
"Tum ho na mere sath, to tum sambhal hi loge mujhe. Please na, jyada paas nahi khade rahenge," she pleaded, her gaze softening as she looked into his eyes.
["You're with me, so you'll take care of me. Please, you won't stand too close."]
With a resigned sigh, Akash relented, knowing he couldn't deny her anything. Walking beside her, he vowed silently to always keep her safe, no matter the cost.
As they stood overlooking the scenic vista, Akash's voice trembled with emotion as he shared a cherished memory.
"Jab tak Dadi was alive, she used to take me here every week. Ham yahan chota sa picnic manate the. And you know, yahan se chillane se awaz vapas aati hai," he recounted, his words tinged with nostalgia.
["We used to have a small picnic here. And you know, shouting from here echoes back."]
"Mai bhi chillaun?" Richa suggested eagerly, her eyes lighting up with excitement. Akash nodded, a tender smile gracing his lips.
[Should I also shout?]
"Par kiska naam lun!" she pondered aloud, her brow furrowing in thought.
[But whose names I should take?]
"Kisi ka bhi, apna ya kisi special insan ka," Akash suggested, his tone nonchalant.
[Anyone your special person.]
Richa nodded in agreement, her grin widening as she found her inspiration. With a mischievous gleam in her eyes, she shouted,
"AKASHHHHHHHH!!!" The sound echoed through the mountains, reverberating back to them several times over. Akash looked at her, surprised and overwhelmed, before joining in the fun.
"RICHAAAAA!!" he shouted, his laughter mingling with hers in the crisp mountain air.
"Chalo ab," he said, gently taking her hand and leading her away from the cliff's edge. They settled on a nearby rock, the tranquillity of the surroundings enveloping them.
"Let's take a selfie," Richa suggested, pulling out her phone and snapping a few pictures of them together. As she glanced down at their intertwined hands, a soft smile played on her lips. Capturing the moment, she clicked a picture, preserving the memory for eternity.
"Akash, I have something for you," she announced, drawing his attention.
His eyebrows raised in curiosity, he eagerly inquired, "Kya?"
"Offo, hath chhoroge pehle?" she teased, and he released her hand, smiling sheepishly.
Opening a tiffin box, she revealed its contents.
"Tumne kaha tha na ki tumhe veg rolls bahot pasand hain.
. aur Dadi banati thi tumhare liye? Maine bas try kiya hai.
.unke jaisa to mai kabhi nahi bana sakti but still I tried," she confessed nervously, her eyes searching his face for a reaction.
Akash's words caught in his throat as he struggled to express his gratitude.
[You said na that you love veg rolls that's why I made it. I know it's not that much good but still!.]
"Richa...I... tumne mere liye khud banaya?" he asked, his voice filled with awe.
"Maine Chinese me bola kya?" she teased, but his eyes were fixed on the tiffin box with different emotions. He didn't realise when tears brimmed in his eyes.
As Akash's eyes welled up with tears, he struggled to maintain his composure, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. The weight of his grandmother's absence bore heavily upon him, and he longed for her comforting presence.
"Akash!" Richa's concerned voice cut through his turmoil, her gentle touch cupping his face and coaxing him to face her. "Look at me," she urged, her own eyes welling with tears as she wiped away his.
"Don't hide these tears," she implored, her touch tender as she brushed away the tears that streamed down his cheeks. Her empathy and kindness pierced through his defences, offering him a safe space to express his grief.
"Can I hold your hand for a while?" Akash's voice cracked with vulnerability as he sought solace in her touch.
Richa extended her hands without hesitation, allowing him to grasp onto her, their connection offering him a lifeline amidst his despair.
As his tears fell onto her hand, she felt her heart ache for him, witnessing his pain unfold before her.
As Akash's sobs wracked his body, Richa instinctively drew him close, offering the warmth of her embrace as a balm to his wounded soul. Her gentle caresses soothed him, her own tears mingling with his as they shared in his sorrow.
"I...I am missing her...Why did she leave me alone in the world full of strangers," Akash's voice trembled with anguish as he poured out his heart to Richa, his words echoing the depth of his grief.
Richa listened in silence, her presence a silent testament to her unwavering support and understanding.
After a few moments, as Akash's sobs subsided, Richa tenderly wiped away his tears, placing a comforting kiss on his palm. Her reassuring smile spoke volumes, offering him a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of his despair.
"Ab jaldi se Khao isse varna thanda ho jayega," Richa's gentle reminder broke the sombre silence, bringing a small smile to Akash's lips as he took a bite of the veg roll.
As they savoured the homemade treat together, the heaviness in the air lifted, replaced by a sense of comfort and camaraderie. With Richa by his side, Akash felt a flicker of light in the darkness, knowing that he was not alone in his grief.
As they finished their veg rolls, the atmosphere lightened, and they decided it was time to head back.
As Richa made her way towards the bike, she felt Akash's hand gently grasp hers, causing her to turn towards him, her expression one of confusion.
Closing the distance between them, Akash lifted her palm towards his mouth, silently seeking her permission. Richa, understanding his unspoken request, looked down with a shy smile, granting him the permission he sought.
With tender reverence, Akash placed a soft kiss on the backside of her hand, his gaze fixed on her flushed face.
The simple gesture sent butterflies dancing in Richa's stomach, her heart fluttering with anticipation.
His smile mirrored her own, and he moved closer, his presence comforting and reassuring.
"Red cheeks suit you," he whispered, his words sending a wave of warmth coursing through her. Playfully teasing, he gently pulled her nose, eliciting a playful swat from Richa.
"Shut up!" she exclaimed , cheeks flushing even deeper as she walked towards the bike and Akash followed her with a smile.
Meanwhile at other side, Arushi approached her mother with a request.
"Mumma, I have to buy a file for my projects... Thode paise do na," she said.
"Tere paas hai nahi?" Kirti asked.
"Haan, but wo to mere paise hain," Arushi explained.
"To file bhi tujhe apne liye hi leni hai," Kirti replied.
"Bhabhi aap bhi na!! Idhar aa Aru mai deti hun," Ishika offered, reaching into her purse. Arushi grinned in gratitude.
"Ishika tumne hi inn sab ko bigad ke rakha hua hai," Kirti commented, shaking her head. Ishika handed Arushi the money.
"Jitne paise bache usse kuch kha lena," she advised. Arushi hugged her appreciatively. "You are the best choti maa!"
At the stationery shop, Arushi approached the counter and asked for a practical file.
"Itna costly file lekar kya karungi mai!! Jayega to sab dustbin me hi at last!" she muttered to herself, examining the expensive file. Then she decided,
"Uncle, 40 vala dijiye," she said to the shopkeeper.
Just then, she heard a familiar voice from behind requesting, "Uncle, ek project file, scale, and blue-black pen de dijiye."
Turning around, she was surprised to find Reyansh standing there. He too looked surprised to see her.
"Hii," he greeted, and she smiled in response.
"Aap?" she asked, still taken aback by the unexpected encounter.
"Siya ke liye kuch project ke file aur pen chahiye the," he explained.
"Ohh, mai bhi isiliye aayi hun," Arushi replied, realising the coincidence, and Reyansh nodded in understanding. They both purchased the items they needed and began to walk together.
"Ghar jaa rahi ho?" he inquired.
"Nahi.. yahi road ke kinare rehne ka soch rahi hun aaj," Arushi replied sarcastically, and Reyansh chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. She couldn't help but join in his laughter.
"I mean.. you know iss cafe ke pastries bahot tasty hote hain.. try karogi?" he suggested, and after a moment of consideration, she nodded in agreement.
Reyansh and Arushi found themselves seated at a corner table, with Reyansh promptly ordering two pastries and a cold coffee.
"Are you going on the trip?" Arushi inquired.
"Tum aa rahi ho?" he asked, receiving a nod from her.
"To phir mai bhi aa raha hun," he replied with shrugging his shoulders causing Arushi to rub her nose.
"Kuch bhi" she teased, to which Reyansh simply smiled.
Just then, Arushi's heart skipped a beat as she spotted her science teacher, Satya ma'am, along with her husband.
"Hatya ma'am... I mean, Satya ma'am!! Oh, no! What should I do?!" Arushi panicked, her eyes darting around. Reyansh noticed her distress and turned to see what had caught her attention.
Spotting Reyansh, Satya ma'am's face lit up with a smile, recognizing one of her favourite students.
"Reyansh beta, what brings you here?" she asked, approaching their table.
"Good evening, ma'am, good evening, sir. I actually came with..." Reyansh glanced towards Arushi's seat but found it empty, furrowing his brows in confusion.
"Huh?" Satya prompted, curious about Reyansh's hesitation.
"I... I came for pastries," he finally managed to say.
"Oh, Ankush, this is Reyansh, one of my favourite students along with Shashwat. Did I tell you about them?" Satya introduced Reyansh to her husband, who smiled warmly in response.
"Shall we join you?" Satya offered, and Reyansh, though nervous, agreed politely.
"Of course, ma'am, please, sir," he gestured for them to sit, while internally wondering where Arushi had disappeared to.
As Satya and Ankush placed their orders, Reyansh's confusion only deepened, and just as he was starting to feel uneasy, he felt a tug on his pants.
Startled, Reyansh looked down to find Arushi staring back at him, her eyes wide with panic.
"You!" he exclaimed, surprised, and both Satya and Ankush turned to look at him inquisitively.
"Kya?" Satya asked, concerned.
"I... I mean, both of you here?" Reyansh asked, still processing the unexpected turn of events.
"Oh, well, your ma'am was upset with me, so I thought we'd treat her," Ankush explained with a smile, and Reyansh smiled.
As they engaged in conversation, Satya initiated, "So, you're coming on the trip, that's great."
Just then, Arushi, feeling bored, started tickling his feet. Startled, Reyansh jumped in his seat.
"What happened?" Satya inquired, noticing his reaction.
"Nothing... maybe there was a bug," Reyansh replied, attempting to brush off the situation. However, before he could relax, Arushi tickled his feet again, causing him to flinch once more.
"Is there an insect bothering you?" Ankush asked, concerned.
"Yes, sir... but I'll handle her..I mean, handle it." Reyansh said.
He then traced his fingers lightly across Arushi's face, causing her to gasp and retract her hand. Reyansh couldn't resist pinching her cheek playfully, which made her blush, but she quickly retaliated by hitting his hand.
Their playful banter was interrupted by the arrival of the waiter with their pastries and coffees.
"Sir, your order," the waiter announced, placing the items in front of Reyansh, who mentally slapped his forehead at the oversight.
"Are you alone? Why order two pastries and cold coffees?" Satya questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"Well... um, yes, ma'am. I just really like pastries and cold coffee, so I ordered two of each," Reyansh replied nervously, hoping his excuse would suffice.
Just then, Ankush's phone buzzed with an urgent message.
"Satya, I'm sorry, but there's an urgent meeting I need to attend. We have to leave," Ankush informed her apologetically.
Satya rolled her eyes in exasperation, and both Reyansh and Arushi couldn't help but sigh in relief.
"Thank God!" Reyansh blurted out, catching Satya's attention.
"What do you mean?" she asked curiously.
"I mean, thank God I met both of you both here. Bahot accha laga mujhe ," Reyansh clarified, and they nodded in understanding.
"Okay, bye, Reyansh beta... see you later," Satya bid farewell as they left, and once outside, Reyansh and Arushi shared a sigh of relief.
"Bach gaye!!" Arushi sighed in relief, while Reyansh shot her a glare.
"Pagal ho tum! What was the need to hide there?" he questioned, his tone a mix of exasperation and concern.
"Agar dekh leti to kya sochti? Vaise bhi wo Holika hamesha hamare peeche padi rehti hai, jaise kab hame aag mein lekar baith jaye," Arushi explained, trying to justify her actions.
"Phir kuch aur keh dete, jaise ham coincidentally mil gaye.
.. aur phir, you are my best friend's sister and my sister's best friend, toh bahut se reasons the.
.. do log sath mein pastries nahi kha sakte?
Agar wo tumhe dekh leti toh kya hota, pata hai?
" Reyansh reasoned, hoping to make her understand.
Arushi smiled sheepishly. "Toh mai keh deti ki kuch gir gaya tha and I was searching," she confessed, shrugging her shoulders.
"Wow! What a unique idea!" Reyansh teased, causing Arushi to pout.
"Uss waqt kuch samajh nahi aaya tha, hehehe," she admitted, recalling the moment with a chuckle. Reyansh shook his head, amused by Arushi's antics.
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