[32]
As the students arrived at the hotel they were assigned to, a sense of excitement lingered in the air. The grandeur of the hotel's architecture and the bustling energy of the surrounding area added to their anticipation.
It was decided that the students would be split between two hotels, with half of them staying in one and the other half in the adjacent one. Siya, Arushi, and Richa grabbed their room key and made their way to their room.
Upon reaching their room, exhaustion hit them, and they flopped onto the bed, tossing their luggage aside.
"Let's change into something more comfortable first. We have to go out in the evening," Aarushi suggested.
"Haan to jaa na," Siya replied, her voice tired.
[So go and change.]
"Pehle tu jaa na" Aarushi insisted.
[You first.]
"Mai kyun jaun?? Tu hi chali jaa na..I will change at last.," Richa countered.
[Why should I? You should go first.]
"Hadd hai bhai!! Mar jao dono bed pe pade pade.
.I am going to change," Siya declared, getting up and heading towards her suitcase.
As she glanced out the window of the neighbouring hotel, she spotted Shashwat.
He opened the window, his sullen expression instantly transforming into a bright smile as he waved at her.
She ignored him and continued to get her clothes, causing his smile to falter.
Meanwhile, Akash and Reyansh entered the room. Reyansh went straight to change while Akash noticed his friend peering from the window. Frowning, he slapped the back of Shashwat's head.
"Sharam to nahi aati hogi? Aise kisi ke room me dekh raha hai! Vaise to bada sata savitra bana firta hai!! Siya ko bataunga." Akash scolded, and Shashwat retaliated by stomping on his foot, causing him to hiss in pain.
["Are you not ashamed? Peeping into someone's room like this! You always act so sanctimonious!! I'll tell Siya."]
"khud dekh le room me," Shashwat retorted.
[Check the room yourself.]
"Nahi..mai teri tarah aisi behudi harkat nhi karta..," Akash shot back, and Shashwat rolled his eyes before heading to the bed.
["No, I don't engage in such senseless behavior like you do."]
Akash glanced at the window and spotted Richa talking on the phone. His heart skipped a beat with happiness as she noticed him, looking surprised, and waved, which he eagerly reciprocated. As she moved out of sight, Akash continued peeking, searching for her.
Shashwat came up behind him, criticising, "Sharam to nahi aati hogi?Aise kisi ke room me dekh raha hai! Vaise to bada sata savitra bana firta hai!! Richa ko bataunga.."
[Are you not ashamed? Peeping into someone's room like this! You always act so sanctimonious!! I'll tell Richa.]
"Chal mai kabhi shareef nahi banta hun teri tarah jo tu bilkul hai nahi. I will gladly accept that I was staring at Richa..tere andar himmat hai accept karne ki?" Akash retorted.
["Fine, I never pretend to be as innocent as you, which you clearly aren't. I'll gladly admit I was staring at Richa. Do you have the courage to accept that?"]
"Teri tarah besharam nahi hun na mai," Shashwat replied, throwing a pillow at Akash's face.
[I am not shameless like you.]
"Reyansh dekh ye mujhe maar raha hai!" Akash complained as Reyansh emerged from the bathroom, changing.
[Reyansh see he is hitting me.]
"Ah, poor you!" Reyansh chuckled, playfully hitting Akash's head.
"Jab dekho mujh par atyachar karte rehte ho dono! Mujhe nahi rehna tum dono ke sath.. ma'am se keh dunga mujhpar friendship violence karte ho tum log," Akash jokes dramatically.
As evening descended, everyone was ready to explore Vrindavan. Their first destination was Prem Mandir. Shashwat couldn't help but steal glances at Siya, hoping for her to notice him, but she was engrossed in laughter with Arushi and Richa, oblivious to his gaze.
As they arrived at Prem Mandir, a sense of awe washed over them.
The temple stood tall and resplendent, its grandeur illuminated by a soft glow of lights that accentuated its intricate architecture.
The intricate carvings and detailed craftsmanship adorned every inch of the temple, reflecting the timeless beauty of Indian architecture.
At the entrance, a majestic archway welcomed visitors, adorned with ornate designs and colourful motifs, hinting at the spiritual journey that awaited inside.
As they stepped through the archway, they were greeted by the melodious strains of devotional music, filling the air with a sense of tranquillity and reverence.
Inside, the main courtyard of Prem Mandir unfolded before them, a sight to behold.
The courtyard was adorned with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and serene fountains, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
At the centre stood the main shrine, its towering spires reaching towards the sky, a symbol of devotion and spirituality.
Every corner of Prem Mandir exuded a sense of divine grace and beauty, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its spiritual aura.
As they wandered through the temple complex, they encountered devotees engaged in prayer and meditation, their devotion palpable in the air. The fragrance of incense and flowers filled the air, adding to the sensory experience of the sacred space.
After receiving blessings at Prem Mandir, the group immersed themselves in capturing memories through photographs and some joined in singing kirtans.
"Aarush, stop flirting here at least!" Shreya, one of Siya's classmates, scolded Aarush, who was standing behind Siya, capturing her singing kirtans with friends.
"Vrindavan me aaye hain raasleela to banti hai." Aarush joked.
Siya overheard and snapped, "Do you even know what raasleela is?
Do you understand its significance? And for your information, Krishna performed the Govardhan Leela before the Raas Leela.
He lifted the Govardhan Parvat on his little finger when he was just 7 years old.
.. You couldn't even lift your own bag. So, before trying to mimic raasleela without understanding its true essence, dare to copy the Govardhan Leela.
." Siya's words left everyone, including Shashwat, impressed.
"Come on, Siya, I was just joking," Aarush tried to diffuse the tension, but Siya ignored him.
"I also want to wear that gopi dress. But these teachers just don't understand," Siya sighed, looking at her friends.
"Seriously! It looks so beautiful," Arushi agreed.
As they were about to leave and headed towards their bus, Shashwat approached Siya.
"Mishti yaar please at least talk to me once..Itna gussa karne vali baat bhi nahi thi " Shashwat pleaded.
"Accha? Gussa karne vali baat nahi thi to kya aarti utarne vali baat thi?
Aap to bahot mature hain na, still you are not understanding the gravity of your actions!
Kuch bhi ho sakta tha.. ek baar mana karne me kya jaa raha tha aapka?
" Siya scolded him for five minutes straight, while Shashwat smiled at her, happy that she was talking to him for the first time at length.
"Why are you smiling now?" Siya asked, puzzled.
"Pehli baar tumhe mujhse itni der tak baat ki. Ab lagta hai roz peanuts khane padenge taki tumhe sun sakun," Shashwat teased, making Siya's cheeks flush and heart flutter, but she maintained her stern demeanour and walked away.
"Shit! Shashwat, you can't keep your mouth shut!" he cursed himself under his breath.
As they strolled through the bustling streets, the vibrant colours of the stalls beckoned to them, each offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of life. Siya's eyes lit up as she spotted a Krishna idol, its serene expression capturing her heart.
"Richa, look how beautiful this Krishna idol is," she exclaimed, her voice filled with awe.
"Are you getting it?" Richa inquired, and Siya nodded eagerly, a grin spreading across her face.
"I'll take this flute-shaped keychain," Arushi chimed in, reaching for the delicate trinket.
"Dikha" Siya said, snatching it from her hand. "It's gorgeous. Chalo ham teeno ye ek ek le lete hain phir apne school bags me laga ke aayenge." She suggested.
"Great idea, bhaiya give us three of these keychains," Arushi requested, and the shopkeeper quickly obliged.
"Ab kya dekh rahi hai? Paise nikal" Arushi teased, prompting Siya to playfully chide her for being stingy as they paid the bill and moved on.
"Can't you buy a keychain for us?" Richa quipped. Arushi shrugged nonchalantly.
"Nahi thode se to paise mile hain." She replied.
"Kanjoos!" Siya teased.
"Where's Divya?" Siya inquired, scanning the crowd.
"She's with her friends," Richa replied.
"Friends kya mile hamko bhul gayi!" Siya exclaimed, shaking her head in mock disbelief.
Meanwhile, Akash found himself drawn to a stall selling traditional earrings. Darsh, his friend, couldn't help but notice his unusual choice.
"Bhaiya, why are you standing here? Shauk badal gaye hain kya?" Darsh teased.
[Are you likes are changing?]
"Thappad khayega," Akash retorted , before revealing his purchase.
[You will be slapped.]
"Ye kiske liye khareed rahe hain?" Darsh asked, curious.
[For who you are buying this?]
" Teri bhabhi ke liye." Akash replied, paying for the earrings and tucking them away safely.
[For your bhabhi.]
As they continued walking, Akash's gaze wandered to a nearby stall selling fragrant garlands. Excusing himself discreetly, he purchased one, concealing it from view.
Meanwhile, Richa and Siya were browsing at different stalls, each lost in their own world. Richa was about to move to another stall when someone grabbed her wrist and pulled her behind a nearby stall. Startled, she gasped, only to find Akash standing there.
"Akash!" she sighed in relief.
"What are you doing?" she whispered urgently, glancing around nervously.
"I bought something for you," he confessed softly.
"What?" she asked, intrigued.
"Turn around," he instructed, and she complied.
With gentle hands, he tucked the fragrant garland into her hair, snapping a quick picture before showing it to her. Richa's cheeks flushed as she touched the delicate flowers.
"It's beautiful. Thank you so much," she murmured gratefully.
"Now go, before someone sees us," Akash urged, starting to walk away, but Richa caught his hand, stopping him.
Before he could react, she pressed her lips gently against his knuckles, a gesture of gratitude and affection.
Blushing furiously, she hurried away, leaving Akash smiling to himself as he rejoined the group.
After dinner, Reyansh noticed a missed call from Arushi. Ignoring it, he glanced at her message, "Reyansh, meet me behind the building of your hotel!"
"Sorry... I can't," he responded, feeling a heavy sigh escape him.
"Okay, then I'll stand here until you come... And I'm not kidding," her message read, prompting Reyansh to facepalm himself as he slipped out secretly.
He found Arushi waiting there and greeted her with a brusque tone, "What?"
"What's your problem? Why are you behaving like this?" Arushi asked directly, her hurt palpable.
"What? I don't understand what you're saying," Reyansh replied, avoiding her gaze.
"You know very well what I'm saying. Please tell me the reason.
Why are you ignoring me? Have I done something?
Are you upset with me? If I did anything wrong, then I'm sorry.
.. You can be angry with me, but at least talk to me," she pleaded, her voice trembling with emotion, breaking Reyansh's heart.
"You haven't done anything wrong, please don't blame yourself... And go to sleep now, don't overthink, it's not your fault," Reyansh replied, trying to console her.
"This is too much! I'm not a robot who doesn't feel anything.
Do you think you can treat me with so much love whenever you want, giving me hope, and then ignore me like this?
Am I not hurt?" Arushi's voice cracked as tears welled up in her eyes despite her efforts to hold them back.
Reyansh quickly reached out to wipe her tears, but she jerked away from his touch.
Nonetheless, he gently wiped her tears away, and she looked at him.
"Shhh!! Please Arushi... please don't cry.
I didn't mean to hurt you like this... but.
.. there's a lot going on in my mind... everything's getting complicated.
.. all my feelings are mixed up. I need to clear my own mind and sort through my own emotions before I can give you any more hope," Reyansh explained, his voice filled with sincerity.
"Clear your mind, before I change my mind, Reyansh. I don't want to get hurt anymore," Arushi said, her voice trembling with vulnerability as Reyansh held her hand and gently caressed her hair.
"Everything will be alright... but please give me some time," he reassured her, and she nodded.
"Go to sleep now... don't stress yourself. Goodnight," Reyansh said, and she nodded in response.
"Goodnight," she whispered, before walking away, leaving Reyansh with a heavy heart and a mind filled with conflicting emotions.
Reyansh sighed as he saw her disappearing. He remembered his conversation with Shashwat one day before the trip.
Reyansh sat on his bed, his mind still lingering on the memory of Arushi and the way she made him feel.
A smile played on his lips, but beneath it, a sense of unease stirred.
He couldn't shake off the feeling that he was treading on thin ice, venturing into uncharted territory with every thought of her.
Just as he was lost in his thoughts, the familiar ringtone of his phone pierced the air. It was Akash and Shashwat calling to discuss the upcoming trip. Reyansh picked up, trying to push aside his swirling emotions.
Amidst the planning, Shashwat interjected, "Reyansh, one of my aunties saw you with Arushi on the road that day." Reyansh shot up from the bed, his heart racing, while Akash, in the background, choked on his water.
"Um, Shashwat, it's not what you think. We just happened to bump into each other," Reyansh rushed to explain, panic evident in his voice.
Shashwat's reassuring tone cut through the tension, "Oh, relax, Reyansh. I was just mentioning it casually. You don't need to justify anything to me. I trust you." As Shashwat spoke, the sound of Akash spitting out his water could be heard.
"Kya hai tujhe? Chup chap Pani pee na." Shashwat scolded Akash.
[What happened to you now?]
As they disconnected the call, Reyansh sat on his bed, the weight of Shashwat's words heavy on his mind.
"I trust you." It echoed in his thoughts, a stark reminder of the trust placed in him by his best friend.
Yet, here he was, feeling himself falling for Arushi, despite knowing the complications it could bring.
He ran his hand through his hair, a sigh escaping his lips.
Everything felt so tangled and confusing.
On one hand, he cherished the moments with Arushi, her laughter echoing in his mind, and the warmth he felt in her presence.
On the other hand, he felt the weight of guilt gnawing at him for betraying Shashwat's trust, despite his own feelings being beyond his control.
Reyansh closed his eyes, trying to sort through the whirlwind of emotions raging within him. Should he confront his feelings and risk hurting his best friend? Or should he try to suppress them, burying them deep within himself to maintain the status quo?
But deep down, he knew he couldn't ignore his feelings for Arushi. They had blossomed unexpectedly, like a flower breaking through concrete, and now they refused to be ignored. The more he tried to push them away, the stronger they seemed to become.
Reyansh knew he had to find a way to navigate this delicate situation, to confront his feelings and the consequences they might bring. But for now, all he could do was wrestle with his inner turmoil and hope for clarity amidst the chaos of his emotions.
With a slight furrow of her brow, Siya glanced around the empty space, her thoughts wandering. Her gaze drifted to the window, and her attention was immediately drawn to the sight of Shashwat's room, conveniently situated just opposite hers. The window was slightly ajar, inviting her curious gaze.
Intrigued, Siya approached her own window and peered out, her heart racing with anticipation. She hoped to catch a glimpse of Shashwat.
Just as she looked out, Shashwat appeared, stepping into his room with a casual ease. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment, and Siya felt a rush of heat flood her cheeks. Instinctively, she ducked behind the curtains, a mixture of embarrassment and amusement coursing through her.
Inside his room, Shashwat couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Siya's retreat. His gaze lingered on her window, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he contemplated her hidden presence.
As Siya settled onto her bed, her mind still lingering on the playful encounter at the window, Shashwat pondered how to ease the tension and perhaps even bring a smile to her face.
His gaze fell upon the small Bluetooth speaker that Akash had brought along for their trip.
With a spark of inspiration, he seized the opportunity to lift her spirits.
With a swift motion, Shashwat switched on the speaker and connected it to his phone via Bluetooth.
A mischievous glint danced in his eyes as he scrolled through his playlist, searching for the perfect song to lighten the mood.
Finally, he found it, a lively tune that he knew would capture her attention.
'Mere samne vali khidki pe began to play'
[A/N- Do listen this song while reading this scene ?? ]
Settling himself by the window, Shashwat adjusted the volume dial, ensuring it was neither too loud to disturb the tranquillity of the night nor too soft to go unnoticed. With a satisfied nod, he hit play, and the familiar melody filled the room, weaving its way into the stillness of the night.
As the playful melody filled the air, Siya couldn't help but be drawn to the window, her curiosity piqued by the familiar tune.
With each verse that flowed from the speaker, she found herself captivated, the lyrics weaving a tale of love and longing that echoed the sentiments swirling within her own heart.
"Mere saamne waali khidki me, ek chaand ka tukda rahata hai,"
The song crooned, and Siya chuckled softly, her gaze fixes on Shashwat's window. There he was, looking back at her with a mixture of mischief and affection, his eyes twinkling in the dim light.
Her heart swelled with warmth as she watched him shrug his shoulders and hold his ears in a playful gesture of apology. Despite her best efforts to maintain her facade of anger, she couldn't help but feel her resolve melting away in the face of his genuine efforts to make amends.
"Afsos ye hai ki wo hamse, kuchh ukhada ukhada rahata hai," the lyrics continued, and Siya's laughter bubbled forth, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she glared at Shashwat, her lips twitching with the urge to smile.
But she quickly composed herself, remembering her role in their playful dance of emotions. With a mock scowl, she turned away from the window, determined to play along and keep up the charade of annoyance.
As she stood by the other window, her giggles escaped into the night, mingling with the soft strains of the song that still filled the air.
From their separate vantage points, Siya and Shashwat exchanged glances, their silent communication speaking volumes of the unspoken bond that bound them together.
As the melodious song continued to play, Shashwat's footsteps drew closer to the window where Siya stood, her heart racing with anticipation. The lyrics resonated with the unspoken emotions swirling between them, their stolen glances and playful exchanges echoing the sentiments of the song.
"Jis roj se dekha hai usko
ham shama jalana bhul gaye,
dil tham ke aise baithe hain
kahin aana jana bhul gaye,"
The lyrics crooned, and Siya felt her breath catch in her throat as Shashwat appeared before her, his presence filling the space between them with an electrifying energy.
Their eyes locked in a silent exchange, each word of the song ringing true in their hearts. It was as if time stood still, the world fading away around them as they found solace in each other's company.
"Ab aath peher inn ankhon mein,
wo chanchal mukhda rehta hai,"
The song continued, and Shashwat winked at her, a playful glint dancing in his eyes. Siya's cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and delight as she watched him, her heart fluttering wildly in her chest.
Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Siya huffed in mock annoyance and turned away, her laughter bubbling forth as she made her way back to the bed. With a shy smile playing on her lips, she sank onto the soft mattress, her heart still racing with the thrill of their fleeting encounter.
As she sat on the bed, giggles escaping her lips, Siya couldn't help but marvel at the beautiful romance unfolding between them, even from a distance. Despite the barriers that separated them, their connection remained strong, a testament to the enduring power of love and longing.
"Barsaat bhi aa kar chali gayi,
badal bhi garaz kar baras gaye,
par unki ek jhalak ko ham,
aye husn ke Malik taras gaye,"
The song crooned, and Shashwat felt a pang of yearning as he thought of Siya, her presence like a beacon of light in the darkness of the night.
Meanwhile, Siya watched from behind the curtains, her heart fluttering with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. She felt a rush of emotions as Shashwat's eyes met hers, a silent understanding passing between them in that fleeting moment.
"Kab pyas bujhegi ankhon ki,
din raat ye dukhda rehta hai,"
The lyrics continued, and Shashwat grinned as he caught Siya peeping at him once again. With a playful twinkle in his eye, he beckoned her to the window, his heart filled with a sense of anticipation.
Siya hesitated for a moment, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, before finally mustering the courage to approach the window. As she stepped into view, Shashwat couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for her, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of her shy smile.
With a gesture of apology, Shashwat held his ears and began to do sit-ups, a playful expression on his face. Siya's eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly gestured for him to stop, a soft giggle escaping her lips.
As Shashwat paused the song and motioned for Siya to check her phone, she complied, her heart pounding with anticipation. She read his message, her cheeks flushing at the endearing nickname he had given her.
"I am really sorry... I won't repeat this again," he wrote, and Siya couldn't help but feel a wave of warmth wash over her at his sincere apology. With a smile, she replied, "It's ok," her heart swelling with forgiveness.
"Mishti...," Shashwat typed, and Siya's breath caught in her throat as she waited for his next message. When it came, her heart skipped a beat at the unexpected request.
"Can you meet me alone tomorrow at the place where we are going?" he asked, and Siya's mind raced with possibilities. What could he possibly want to say to her? Is it what she is thinking?
"Kyun!?" she replied, her curiosity piqued.
"Kuch kehna hai," he replied simply, and Siya's heart raced with excitement at the thought of what he might reveal.
[I want to say something.]
"Kya?" she asked eagerly, her pulse quickening with anticipation.
[What?]
"Jo tum iss janam me nahi kehne wali," he replied, and Siya's breath caught in her throat at his cryptic words. What could he mean by that?
[The thing you are not going to say in this birth.]
Before she could respond, Shashwat bid her goodnight, and Siya felt a pang of disappointment as he disappeared from view. With a sigh, she closed the window and settled onto her bed, her mind buzzing with questions and emotions.
Akash and Reyansh entered the room together, their conversation interrupted by the sight of Shashwat holding the speaker.
"Why are you standing with the speaker?" Akash asked, his curiosity piqued.
"I was just checking," Shashwat replied, hastily setting the speaker down.
"I'll go change first," Reyansh said, slipping into the bathroom.
Shashwat's disappointment was palpable as he spoke up. "Bhai, why did we get this room? I thought, like in the bus, the seats would be close to each other. I thought all our friends would be together."
"Are you missing Siya already?" Akash teased, earning a playful pinch from Shashwat.
"Tujhe to bahot ulte seedhe ideas aate hain. Can't you come up with something to get us out of this hotel?" Shashwat asked, eager for a solution.
"I have one idea," Akash said, a mischievous glint in his eye. Shashwat's interest was immediately piqued.
"Tell me," Shashwat urged.
Akash explained his plan to Shashwat, who didn't initially warm up to the idea but reluctantly agreed, seeing no other alternative.
"But Reyansh shouldn't find out," Shashwat insisted, and Akash nodded in agreement.
Their clandestine discussion set the stage for a mischievous adventure, with secrets and surprises waiting just around the corner.
After some time had passed, a teacher approached Shashwat with concern.
"But what happened, Shashwat beta? Why don't you want to stay in this room?" the teacher inquired.
"Sir, I was taking a shower, and suddenly the shower broke and fell down. I narrowly escaped without getting hurt, but if I had been a bit ahead, I could have been injured. That's why I don't trust this room at all now," Shashwat explained.
"But when I went, everything was fine," Reyansh chimed in, puzzled.
"Haan to...to tu pehle Gaya tha na?" Shashwat responded, prompting Reyansh to nod in agreement.
[You went before me that's why.]
"Haan ma'am Mera dost Aaj maut ke muh se bahar aaya hai....mere pyare dost ko Aaj kuch ho jata to mai jee naa pata sir...aapko kya pata hamari dosti Mai Shashwat ke Bina nhi aur shashwat mere bina nhi" Akash emotionally embraced Shashwat, wiping away his own fake tears.
["Yes, Ma'am, my friend has narrowly escaped death today... If something had happened to my dear friend today, I wouldn't have been able to live, Ma'am. You know, our friendship is inseparable, Shashwat and I can't live without each other."]
"Saale overacting mat kar marwayega kya?" Shashwat whispered , hitting Akash on the back.
"Aaaaa mere jigar ka tukda!" Akash hugged him tightly, earning another playful hit from Shashwat.
[My beloved.]
"Chal hatt" Shashwat pushed him away.
"Aur Maan lijiye mere pyare Reyansh ko kuch ho jata maan lijiye Reyansh jab gaya tha uss time toot jata aur Reyansh ka muh bhi sath me toot jata to....iss bhari jawani me itne handsome hunk ki shakal kharab ho jati to kon karta mere Bhai se shadi?" Akash continued his overacting.
["And imagine if something had happened to my dear Reyansh, imagine if Reyansh had gotten injured when he left, his face would have been disfigured along with his mouth... in this youthful age, if such a handsome hunk's face got ruined, who would marry my brother?"]
"Are you out of your mind?" Reyansh exclaimed incredulously.
"Haan tere future ka soch ke ki agar chehra kharab ho jata to kon deta apni ladki tujhe.... Shashwat tu bata kya tu apni behan deta (shashwat hit on his head) sir aap bataiye aap apni beti dete?" Akash persisted, receiving a slap on the head from the teacher.
["Yes, thinking about your future, if your face got ruined, who would give their daughter to you... Shashwat, tell me, would you give your sister? (Shashwat hits him on his head) Sir, you tell me, would you give your daughter?"]
"Shut up, Akash... don't worry, Shashwat, we'll take care of that room. Meanwhile, you can get keys for another room," the teacher reassured, patting Shashwat's shoulder.
"But sir, all the rooms in this hotel are already booked. There are some vacant rooms in the hotel next door. We can shift them there," another teacher suggested.
"Thank you, sir, you're our savior!" Akash hugged the teacher tightly.
Shashwat pulled him back. "Control yourself bhai."
"You take your bags and go to the hotel across the street. Get the keys from Sarita ma'am. Meanwhile, I'll call Ma'am and explain everything.." the teacher instructed, and they left the room to make arrangements.
"Why were you overacting?" Shashwat asked as he packed his bag.
"Overacting? Acting kya karni thi isme?" Reyansh replied, puzzled.
"W...well, he wants to stay in the same hotel as Richa, so we had to do this," Shashwat explained.
"You're supporting his stupidity too? Can't believe it," Reyansh said, shaking his head, amused by his friends' antics.
"Tera bhi fayda ho gaya issi bahane hai na Rey" Akash slipped, and Reyansh's eyes widened. Shashwat looked at him, confused.
[You are benefited too Rey.]
"Akash beta phas gaya ab kya karun." Reyansh looked at Shashwat. Akash gestured that I was talking about you. Shashwat glared at him. Reyansh's smile faded as he remembered Arushi.
[Akash you are trapped. What to do now!]
"Are we done here? Let's go." Akash asked, and they both nodded.
After retrieving the room key from the other hotel, they made their way to their new room.
"This room actually feels quite nice," Akash remarked as they settled in.
All three of them lay down on the bed, enjoying the comfort.
"I'll message Siya to ask which room she's in, and I'll let her know we're here too," Shashwat said to himself, pulling out his phone.
Suddenly, they heard loud music blaring from the room next door.
"Kon se janwar ko room mila hai bhai?Everyone must be tired and resting, and these people are disturbing with loud music," Shashwat complained.
"Why don't you go and get it stopped? You're the head boy, you can surely manage that," Reyansh suggested.
"Wait, let's hear which song they're playing," Akash proposed.
The lyrics of the song blared through the walls:
"Lagata ka di hi deewana ho,
Photo ke choome la rozana ho,
Saancho ka..."
"What kind of song is this?" Shashwat asked, perplexed.
"This song is so famous, Siya often dances to it, saying it's on her favorite list at the moment. But it seems like this song is popular with others too," Reyansh remarked.
"The lyrics are strange," Shashwat commented.
"This song suits Ritika di and Arav bhaiya perfectly," Reyansh added, and the trio laughed.
"I'll go get them to quiet down," Shashwat said, excusing himself.
Determined to restore peace and quiet, Shashwat takes it upon himself to confront the source of the disturbance.
He strides purposefully to the neighboring room and knocks on the door, where Arushi, surprised by his unexpected visit, greets him.
"Bhaiya aap?" Arushi asks her expression one of curiosity.
"Is this your room?" Shashwat inquires, seeking confirmation.
Just as he prepares to address the occupants about the noise, the door swings open, revealing Siya and Richa dancing energetically to the lively beat of the song.
Caught off guard by their unexpected presence, Shashwat's initial annoyance is replaced by amusement as he watches their impromptu dance session.
"Raha tiya jagal, bhail piya pagal, Oo maane le hamara ke devta ho, Kaeel chahe shadi, Baaja bajva di, Chapa liye biya oo nevta ho, Ta Pooja kare le ke dhoop batti, Pagli dikhave agar..." the lyrics echoed through the room, their energy palpable.
Suddenly, the music abruptly halted as Arushi paused it, casting a brief moment of silence over the room. Siya's eyes locked with Shashwat's, her expression a mixture of surprise and amusement.
"Pagal hai kya?" she exclaimed, breaking the silence, her tone light yet tinged with humor.