[37]
After some time, Ritika's eyes fluttered open at the sound of the doorbell. Arav immediately stood up, glancing at her with a mix of concern and relief.
"Tumhare bhai behen honge. I should leave now," he said, his voice soft.
"Thank you, Swami," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. He leaned down and caressed her hair gently.
"Take care," he said with a warm smile before heading out of the room.
As he opened the door, he was met with surprised faces-Siya, Divya, and Reyansh all standing there, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern.
"Bhaiya, aap?" Reyansh asked, his eyebrows shooting up.
"Actually, Ritika ka accident ho gaya tha, so I brought her back from the hospital. Since no one was at home, I had to stay," Arav explained, his tone calm yet serious.
"Accident?? Kaise?" Siya asked, her voice tinged with worry.
"Kahan? How is she?" Reyansh added, his concern evident as Divya hurried past them towards Ritika's room.
"She's fine now, but please take good care of her. Bye," Arav said, offering a reassuring smile.
"Thank you, bhaiya," Siya said, her eyes reflecting her gratitude. Arav nodded with a smile and left.
Siya and Reyansh quickly made their way to Ritika's room, finding her propped up on the bed, looking weary but managing a small smile.
"Didi, how did this happen?" Siya asked, sitting beside her and taking her hand.
"Are you hurt anywhere else? And why didn't you tell Papa and Mummy?" Reyansh asked, his voice a mixture of frustration and worry.
Ritika sighed, feeling the weight of their concern. "It was a small accident. I was in a hurry for the presentation and a car came out of nowhere. I lost control and fell off my scooty."
"Why didn't you called mummy papa right away?" Siya asked, her tone softer now.
"I didn't want to worry them unnecessarily. Papa is at the cantonment and Mummy is at the hospital. There wasn't much they could do from there except worry," Ritika explained, her voice calm yet tired.
Divya, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "You really need to be more careful, didi. We were so scared hearing about the accident."
After some time, their parents arrived and scolded Ritika for being careless and not informing them about her accident. The evening settled in, and Divya left for her coaching class while Ritika sat in the living room with Tara, who was preparing juice for her.
Meanwhile, Siya decided to finally look at Shashwat's gift. She pulled out the art book from her bag and sat at her study chair. Just as she was about to open it, her phone rang. It was Arav.
"Hello bhaiya," Siya answered, her voice cheerful.
"Mishti, it's me," came Shashwat's voice from the other end, and she frowned in confusion.
"Aap? But ye to Arav bhaiya ka number hai," she said, glancing at the screen again to make sure she wasn't mistaken.
"Haan, wo mera phone to toot gaya na. Ek do din baad ayega new phone, to tab tak Arav ka phone use kar raha hun," Shashwat explained, his tone a mix of frustration and resignation.
"Ohh," Siya said.
"Mishti. Did you get a chance to look at the gift yet?" he asked, his voice eager.
"Dekhne hi jaa rahe the," she replied.
"Great! I want you to stay on the line while you go through it," he said.
"Okay," she said, excitement and curiosity bubbling inside her.
As she opened the book, the first page greeted her with a beautifully detailed drawing of their first meeting.
There she was, sitting on the floor, her expression one of surprise and confusion, while Shashwat was on one knee before her, a gentle smile on his face.
Below the drawing, in his neat handwriting, were the words: "I was on my knees for you since the first day. "
"Which page are you on?" Shashwat asked.
"The first one," she said, her voice soft with emotion.
"I remember that day so well, Though I didn't felt anything at that moment but abhi sochta hun to I regret why I didn't fall for you there." he said.
Her heart swelled, and she turned to the next page.
It depicted the unforgettable bike moment when she had fallen, captured with stunning accuracy.
Beside it, he had written, "Our first and most memorable bike ride.
" Siya blushed, covering her face momentarily, feeling the embarrassment and fondness wash over her.
"Now?" he asked, sensing her reaction."The bike moment," she said, her voice tinged with embarrassment and he giggled.
"Why are you laughing? Ham maar denge!!" She said, her cheeks turning pink.
"Okk sorry sorry..next page." He said, controlling his laugh.
On the following page, a scene from their school drama together came to life. They stood side by side on stage, their expressions mirroring the intensity of their performance. Underneath, Shashwat had penned, "Destiny wanted us to be together from the start."
"Drama practice," she said.
"Yeah, I felt like the universe was giving us signs, pushing us together, tabhi to kanak ke jagah role tumhe mil gaya tha." he said, his eyes shining as he remembered that day.
The next drawing was of their first touch, the moment he handed her an envelope. The way their fingers brushed was captured so perfectly that Siya could almost feel it again. "The first time my heart skipped a beat for you," he had written, making her smile softly at the memory.
"Envelope," she whispered.
"That was the first time I felt a spark," he said softly. "I didn't let anyone touch my hand that day because I wanted to remember that moment with you."
Page after page, the drawings unfolded, each capturing a special moment between them. Their first talk, the first gift he gave her, their shared laughter, and stolen glances-all immortalised with intricate lines and heartfelt words.
Finally, she reached the drawing of their confession. They were standing close, looking into each other's eyes, the world around them fading away. Beneath this poignant image, Shashwat had written, "I am devoted to you."
Tears welled up in Siya's eyes, overwhelmed by the effort and love Shashwat had poured into each drawing and word. She hugged the book to her chest, a smile breaking through her tears.
Listening to the silence on the other end of the line, Shashwat grew concerned. "Mishti? Are you still there?" he asked gently.
Siya took a deep breath, her heart pounding. "I love you, Shashwat," she said suddenly, her voice trembling with emotion.
For a moment, Shashwat was stunned, his heart skipping a beat. His cheeks flushed as her words sank in.
"Uh, I have some work to do," he stammered, feeling overwhelmed. "I'll call you later, okay?"
"Okay," she said softly, a smile evident in her voice.
He ended the call and immediately buried his face in his pillow, blushing furiously. The reality of her confession replayed in his mind, making him smile wider with every passing second. The words he had longed to hear from her were now his to cherish.
After a few seconds, Shashwat called her back.
"Haan?" she answered, her voice soft and expectant.
"I love you too, Mishti," he said, his tone warm and sincere, making her cheeks flush with happiness.
"Vaise... you didn't answer my question," he continued, a teasing note in his voice.
"Konsa question?" she asked, slightly confused, her mind still wrapped up in the sweetness of his confession.
"Aree wo chit vala," he reminded her, chuckling lightly.
"Ohh... kahan chalna hai?? Aur kab?" she asked excitedly, her heart racing.
["Where are we going? And when?"]
"Jab aur jahan tum bolo," he replied with a smile she could hear through the phone.
[When and where you say.]
"Kal? Sunday bhi hai kal..aap bhi free honge," she suggested eagerly, hoping he would agree.
[Tomorrow.. tomorrow is Sunday and you will be free.]
"Wo... meri NDA ke online coaching daily hoti hai. But wo sham 6 se hai. Toh 3 pe chal sakte hain," he explained, his voice apologetic but hopeful.
[I have my NDA online coaching daily, but it starts at 6 in the evening. So, can we go at 3?]
"Done. Kal 3 baje, school ke paas wale ice cream parlour me?" she proposed, smiling widely as she envisioned their date.
"Whatever my Mishti says," he agreed, making her blush even more at his affectionate tone.
"Accha, byy," she said, feeling a mix of excitement and shyness, disconnecting the call with a big smile on her face.
Siya sat back in her chair, her heart fluttering with joy. She hugged the art book tightly to her chest, still overwhelmed by the beautiful gift and Shashwat's heartfelt confession.
On Sunday morning, Reyansh arrived at Arushi's home. As he stepped inside, he was greeted by Shashwat, who had a broad smile on his face but seemed a bit distracted.
"Aa gaya tu," Shashwat exclaimed, approaching Reyansh. His eyes, however, were not on Reyansh; they were darting around the room, clearly searching for someone else.
"Oyee, udhar kya dekh raha? Yaha hu mai," Shashwat said with a playful grin, giving Reyansh a light, friendly tap on the head. Reyansh laughed, shaking his head as he looked back at Shashwat.
"Arushi kahan hai?" He asked, absent-mindedly.
[Where is Arushi?]
"Kya? Why are you asking about her?" Shashwat asked, raising his eyebrows in curiosity.
"Ooo wo, mai... Siya was asking, she was calling her at her home," Reyansh quickly covered up, trying to sound casual.
"She could have call herself ," Shashwat said, looking confused by the explanation.
"Tujhe to pata hai na, pagal hain teeno dost," Reyansh said with a chuckle, attempting to lighten the mood. Shashwat joined in with a laugh, shaking his head.
Just then, Akash walked towards them, seemingly out of nowhere. "Tum dono wali tum dono se bilkul opposite hain," Akash blurted out before he could stop himself. Realizing his mistake, he quickly bit his tongue, looking embarrassed.
"Kya?" Reyansh asked, puzzled by Akash's comment.
"Arre, tum dono wali behne... hehehe," Akash stammered, trying to cover his slip-up with a nervous laugh.
"Buddhu!!" Reyansh and Shashwat said in unison, shaking their heads and laughing .
"Chal aaja." Shashwat said and the trio sat on the sofa.
"Mummy!!" Arushi's voice echoed through the hall as she hurriedly entered, looking for her mother. Her eyes darted around the room, scanning for any sign of her.
Shashwat looked up when he heard her call out. "Bhaiya, where is mummy?" Arushi asked, her tone a mix of impatience and worry.
"She is at Market" Shashwat replied casually, not taking his eyes off the TV. "Haan, wo Siya was calling you." he added.
Reyansh sighed in frustration. He had specifically come up with math problem as an excuse to see Arushi.
"Arre yaar, jiske liye math problem ka bahana bana kar aaya wahi chali jayegi....maine faltu me bol diya," Reyansh thought to himself, feeling a pang of disappointment. He had been hoping to spend some time with Arushi, away from the prying eyes of their families.
["Oh man, she'll leave just for the sake of a math problem excuse... I said it for no reason."]
Arushi caught Reyansh's eye and he gave a slight shake of his head.
"Aa..bhaiya haan, wo thodi der me jati hun," Arushi said quickly, trying to cover her tracks. "Aap log ke liye chai bana ke lati hun," she added, giving herself a reason to linger a bit longer.
Reyansh watched her from his spot at the table, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Haan Rey, I solved this question," Shashwat said, placing his notebook in front of Reyansh. Just then, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen and saw Mishthi's name. A small smile crept onto his lips.
"Reyansh, tu ye dekh, Adhik is calling me, He have to discuss something about annual function," Shashwat made an excuse, eager to take his Mishthi's call in private.
"Haan, jaa sun le speech," Akash teased Shashwat, a knowing grin on his face. Shashwat rolled his eyes in response and walked out of the room, phone already to his ear.
Moments later, Arushi entered the hall carrying a tray with tea. "Where is bhaiya?" she asked, setting the tray down.
"Usse important call aa gayi," Akash replied. "Call se yaad aaya, mujhe Richu ko call karna tha. Tu Rey ko chai de, mai thode der me aata hun." Akash stood up, making an excuse to give Reyansh and Arushi some alone time.
"Shashwat to ache ghante se pehle aane se raha. Mai bhi wahi jata hun, warna muh utha ke kabab me haddi ban ne na aa jaye," Akash muttered, walking off to join Shashwat.
Arushi picked up a cup of tea and handed it to Reyansh. As their fingers brushed, a soft blush spread across her cheeks.
"Sharma to aise rahi ho jaise pehli baar hath touch hua hai hamara," Reyansh teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
[You are blushing as if I have touched your hand first time.]
Arushi lowered her gaze, a shy smile playing on her lips. "Aisa kuch nahi hai," she mumbled, but the warmth in her cheeks betrayed her.
Reyansh chuckled softly. "Achha, to aaj ke plans kya hain? Siya se milne ka mann nahi hai tumhara?"
[What are your plans for today? Won't you meet siya?]
"Haan, mujhe jana to chahiye milne ke liye...to mai chalti hun...shayad aap nahi chahte mai aapke sath baithun," Arushi teased him, a playful glint in her eyes.
[I should leave, you don't want me to be with you.]
"Arre, nahi nahi, main toh mazak kar raha tha...main toh chahta hun tum aise hi mere samne baithi raho," Reyansh said quickly, a hint of panic in his voice as he reached out to gently hold her hand.
[I want you to sit near me all the time.]
Arushi laughed, enjoying his reaction. "Sach? Aise hi baithne se bore nahi ho jayenge?"
[Really? Won't you get bored?]
"Tumhare sath bore hone ka sawal hi nahi uthta," Reyansh replied, his tone sincere. "Tumhare sath har pal special hota hai."
"Tumhare filmy dialogues kabhi khatam nahi honge." Arushi shook her head, laughing.
"Dil se bolta hoon yaar." Reyansh said pouting.
"Chai kaisi hai?" Arushi asked, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and a bit of shyness.
Reyansh moved closer, closing the distance between them, making Arushi's heart beat faster. "Bilkul tumhari tarah" he said softly, his eyes twinkling with affection. He reached out and gently pinched her cheeks.
Arushi blushed deeply, a shy smile spreading across her face. "Reyansh, Shashwat Bhaiya aa jayenge," she said, glancing nervously towards the door.
Seeing her nervousness, Reyansh moved back, giving her some space.
Just then, they heard Akash's voice from the hallway, "Shashwat, itni jaldi baat ho gayi teri Adhik se?"
Arushi quickly stood up from her place and hurriedly left the room, her cheeks still flushed.
Akash entered the room and touched the tea pot. "Chai to thandi ho gayi."
"Toh jaa ke garma le na," Shashwat said, following behind him.
Reyansh, trying to focus back on the task at hand, turned to Shashwat. "Shashwat solve these questions for me, I have to leave."
Shashwat nodded, sitting down and picking up his notebook. "Haan" He handed the notebook to Reyansh and started explaining the steps in detail.
"Ok, I should leave" Reyansh said, packing his books into his bag.
"Arre, tu jaa hi raha hai to take Aru with you, she is going there only," Shashwat suggested, glancing up from his notes.
"Nahi, Bhaiya, mai chali jaungi," Arushi said, descending the stairs. She had overheard the conversation and was feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement.
"Arre, Rey jaa raha hai to kyun jayegi akele? Reyansh ke sath hi jaa," Akash insisted, raising an eyebrow at her reluctance.
"Thik hai, Bhaiya, jaisa aap log kahen," Arushi said, giving in with a sigh and making Reyansh chuckle at her act. She tried to appear nonchalant, but the sparkle in her eyes betrayed her true feelings.
They both stepped outside, the warm sunlight adding a golden hue to the afternoon. Reyansh walked over to his bike and started it, the engine roaring to life.
"Baitho," Reyansh said, glancing back at Arushi with a reassuring smile.
Arushi carefully sat on the bike, holding onto the back seat for support. As Reyansh looked over his shoulder, he noticed her tentative grip.
"Bike start hote hi gir jaogi. Ache se pakad ho mujhe," Reyansh advised, his tone firm but caring.
Arushi hesitated for a moment, then slowly placed one hand on his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his body through his shirt. Satisfied, Reyansh started the bike, the vibrations sending a thrill through both of them.
As they began to move, Reyansh could feel Arushi's grip tighten slightly. He smiled to himself, enjoying the closeness. "Thoda aur tight pakad lo. Safety first," he teased, his voice gentle.
Arushi blushed but obliged, holding his shoulders more tightly. The sensation of holding him so close made her heart race even faster.
The bike sped through the streets, the wind whipping past them. They rode in comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts but connected through the shared experience. The familiar scenery flew by, but today it all felt new and exciting.
Akash and Richa were walking down the streets, their steps in sync as they navigated the bustling environment around them.
"Akash, ab tum kaise ho? I mean tumhare ghar walon ka behaviour..." Richa began hesitantly, concern evident in her voice.
Akash stopped her mid-sentence, shaking his head. "Richa, yaar please, mera unke baare mein baat karne ka bilkul man nahi hai."
Richa bit her lip, nodding. "I am sorry" she said earnestly, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Richa glanced around, trying to lighten the mood. "Yaar, golgappe khane ka man kar raha hai...tum khaoge?" she asked, trying to inject some cheerfulness into their conversation.
"Nahi, tum khao. Main plate chatunga," Akash quipped, a teasing glint in his eyes.
"Hatt!" she exclaimed, playfully hitting his shoulder.
"Arre, mazak tha! Mera man nahi, tum khao," he clarified, laughing. "Mujhe sach mein man nahi hai."
Richa rolled her eyes but smiled, feeling the weight of their earlier conversation lift slightly."Okk," she said, leading the way to the nearest golgappa stall.
As they approached the vendor, Richa's excitement grew. "Bhaiya, ek plate golgappe dena," she ordered, glancing back at Akash with a grin.
While she eagerly enjoyed her treat, Akash watched her, a small smile playing on his lips.
As Akash watched Richa savour her pani puri, a wave of unspoken emotions washed over him. He couldn't help but smile as he observed her animated expressions, the joy lighting up her face. In his mind, the words he longed to say echoed softly:
"Tumhari aankhon mein jo pyaar ka alam hai
Wo mere dil ke har kone me basa hai
Har lamha tumhe soch ke bitana chahta hun
Tumse hi meri zindagi ka har sapna saza hai"
Richa noticed his gaze and paused mid-bite, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Kya hua, Akash? Aise kyun dekh rahe ho?" she asked.
Akash snapped out of his reverie, chuckling to mask his feelings. "Kuch nahi," he said.
"Chalein?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement and mischief as she tilted her head toward him. The way the fading sunlight caught her face made her look almost ethereal.
Akash felt his heart skip a beat. "Wait," he said softly, reaching out instinctively. His fingers brushed her cheek as he gently wiped away a stray drop of pani puri water. The world around them seemed to fade away in that moment, leaving only the two of them, caught in a delicate, intimate bubble.
Akash's hand lingered, his thumb tracing the curve of her cheek, savouring the softness of her skin.
Richa's breath hitched slightly, a faint blush colouring her cheeks. "Thank you." she whispered, her voice barely audible over the din.
Akash smiled, his eyes never leaving hers. "Chalein?" he said.
They walked wrapped in their own world, the street around them a mere tapestry of life and colour. And in that fleeting, precious moment, they were the only two people that mattered.
Finally, they reached Akash's house, a modest, warmly lit home nestled at the end of the street. Richa turned to face him, her smile softening as she spoke. "Tumhare ghar aa gaya. Mai chalti hun," she said, her voice tender but carrying a hint of reluctance.
Akash looked at her, a gentle warmth in his eyes. "Byyy, school me milte hain," he replied, drawing out the farewell with a playful note.
Richa lingered for a moment longer, her gaze fixed on Akash's face, as if she wanted to capture every detail in her memory.
She finally spoke, her voice was soft and tender.
"Take care, Akash," she whispered, reaching out to gently hold his hand.
Leaning forward, she pressed a gentle kiss on his knuckles, a gesture filled with warmth and affection.
Akash felt a surge of tenderness wash over him at her touch and gesture. He lifted her hand to his lips in return, planting a soft kiss on her palm. "Tum bhi," he murmured, his voice tinged with sincerity and a deep fondness for her.
As Richa turned to leave, she paused and glanced back, her eyes meeting his one last time for the evening. Akash watched her walk away, his heart feeling both full and achingly empty.
Akash stood there for a few moments longer, watching until she disappeared around the corner. He finally turned and entered his house, already looking forward to seeing her again at school.
He leaned against the door, a soft smile playing on his lips as he replayed the evening in his mind.
Just as Akash closed the door behind him, he heard footsteps approaching from the dimly lit hallway. His father emerged from the shadows, his face lined with a mix of sorrow and sternness.
"To ek aur zindagi lene ka irada hai tumhara? Wo bechari abhi bachi hai, usse kyun maarna chahte ho tum? Jaise apni Maa Dadi ko maar dala... jaise wo tumse pyaar kar ke mar gayi waise hi...." His father's voice was a harsh whisper, each word laced with bitterness and accusation.
[So, you intend to take another life? She's still a young girl, why do you want to harm her? Just like you killed your mother and grandmother... just like she'll die loving you...]
Akash, who had been lost in his thoughts, took out the earbuds from his ears, feigning ignorance.
"Ji... kuch kaha aapne?" He pretended not to have heard the painful tirade.
"Khair jo bhi kaha, I am not interested.
Good night." His tone was flat, controlled, as he turned away from the confrontation.
[Did you save anything? Whatever it is .]
He walked towards his room, his steps steady but his heart pounding. The sting of his father's words echoed in his mind, reopening old wounds he had tried so hard to forget. Inside his room, he closed the door softly, leaning against it for a moment as he took a deep breath.
The room was his sanctuary, a small space filled with memories and dreams. Akash moved to his desk, where photos of his mother and grandmother stood, their smiles frozen in time. He touched the edge of one frame gently, a sad smile playing on his lips.
In the evening, Shashwat stood in front of his cupboard, his face contorted in deep concentration as he inspected yet another shirt. His brothers sat on his bed, wearing expressions of utter boredom. Akash, was on a video call, propped up on Shashwat's desk, looking equally exasperated.
"I think this one is better," Shashwat said, pulling out a dark blue shirt and holding it up for inspection.
"This is the 30th shirt, Shashwat," Akash said, rubbing his temples. "Just pick one already!"
Shashwat ignored the complaint and turned to his brothers. "What do you guys think? Does this look good?"
"It looks exactly like the last five shirts you tried on," Darsh muttered. "Why are we even here?"
Shashwat gave a stern look. "You don't understand. First impressions matter."
"Shashwat, tereko mai yahi se chappal phek ke marunga! Kya problem hai?? Itne sare acche outfits hain, usme se pehen na kuch," Akash said, his voice tinged with exasperation.
"Arre...par mujhe nahi accha lag raha. I need to look perfect. Accha ye vala?" Shashwat said, pulling out another dress.
"Shadi nahi karni hai.. ye kurta pehen ke jayega tu? Dimag thik hai?" Arav asked, raising an eyebrow as Shashwat realised he was holding a traditional kurta. He quickly put it back and sat on the couch, dejected.
[You don't have to get married. Will you wear this kurta? Are you crazy?]
"Yaar... I don't have anything to wear," Shashwat complained, flopping down dramatically.
"Haan, ye sab to Aru ke hain. Aur ye ladkiyon vale dialogues kyun maar rahe ho aap?" Darsh added, shaking his head.
"Inme se ek bhi nahi accha hai. Arav...tu apna wo blue shirt de de," Shashwat said with pleading eyes, turning to his brother.
[Arav give me your blue shirt.]
Arav nodded and started to get up, but Shashwat stopped him. "Wait... Akash, tu apna wo black shirt de de."
"Seriously Shashwat! Ab mai tujhe kapde dene aaun waha pe?" Akash said, exasperated.
"Mai kya pehnu!" Shashwat whined, looking around helplessly.
[What should I wear.]
Arav sighed, rolling his eyes. "Wear this one! Ab chup chap se ready ho aur hame baksh de! Tere solah shringar ke alawa bhi we have so many works," he said, pulling out a sleek black shirt from Shashwat's cupboard.
Shashwat reluctantly took the shirt from Arav, examining it closely. "This is better ."
Arav smiled. "See? Told you. Now hurry up, Mishti must be waiting."
"Tu usse Mishti kyu bol raha!" Shashwat said , his brows furrowing
[Why are you calling her Mishti.]
"Accha, get ready. Mera phone rakh apne paas, you will need it," Arav said, handing over his phone to Shashwat.
"Akash, should I..." Shashwat turned to Arav's phone to speak to Akash but saw that the call had been disconnected. He pouted and put the phone down, feeling a bit lost .
Just then, an idea popped into his mind.
He decided to call Arushi but found her number busy.
Determined, he went to Arushi's room and knocked on the door.
Inside, Arushi was on a call with Reyansh, but she quickly disconnected the call without a word, leaving Reyansh frowning.
She switched her phone to aeroplane mode and opened the door.
"Bhaiya? What happened?" she asked, curious.
"Wo...actually..." Shashwat hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "I need your skin care... I mean...tu mera skin care kar sakti hai...matlab...mai accha lagu..." he stammered, making her giggle.
"Bhaiya, aap date pe jaa rahe ya shadi karne!" she teased, causing his ears to turn red with embarrassment.
"Rehne de," he said, turning to walk away, his face flushed.
"Arre... I was joking, Bhaiya. It's okay. Everyone wants to look their best on their first date. Aao, mai karti hun," she said, grabbing his wrist and pulling him into the room, closing the door behind them.
Shashwat returned to his room, and as he checked himself in the mirror, a wide grin spread across his face.
He adjusted the collar of his crisp black shirt, ensuring it lay perfectly against his neck.
Satisfied with his reflection, he wrapped his elegant watch around his wrist, the silver gleaming against his skin.
As he admired his reflection, his phone buzzed. He called Siya but got no answer.
"Maybe she's getting ready," he muttered, pocketing his phone. He hurried out of his room, only to stop short and slap his forehead. "Shoes!" he exclaimed. He quickly slipped into his polished black shoes, completing his look.
Just as he stepped out, he bumped into Ishika.
"Arre!" she exclaimed, steadying herself. Her eyes widened as she took in his appearance. "Oyee hoyee...ye itna hot shot ban ke kahan jaa raha hai?" she teased.
Shashwat rubbed the back of his neck, a shy smile playing on his lips.
"I know...date pe jaa raha hai na?" she asked, her eyes twinkling.
He nodded shyly.
"Ek second!" Ishika said, quickly fiddling with her phone. "I've transferred 5000 in your account. All the best."
"Choti ma...it is not needed. I have my savings," he protested.
"Haan wahi savings na jisse tujhe apne books khareedne hain? No need to sacrifice your studies. Itne me ho jayega na ya aur chahiye?" she asked, a motherly concern in her voice.
"Nahi... it's more than enough," he said, smiling as he hugged her. "Thank you, Choti Ma."
"Hatt! Maa ko koi thank you bolta hai. Jaa ab agar late hua to uske gusse se mai nahi bachane wali tujhe. Aur haan, mujhe aa ke batana how was your first date. And peeche vale gate se jana...bahar sab baithe hain aise saj dhaj ke jate huye dekhenge to shaq karenge," she advised with a wink.
"But mai Maa Papa se bina bataye kaise chala jaun," he said, hesitant.
"Arre mai keh dungi tune mujhe bata diya. Ab jaa," she reassured him, giving him a gentle push.
He smiled gratefully and headed out. On his bike, he could feel the nerves bubbling up. His palms were sweaty as he wiped them on his jeans, taking a deep breath.
"Huh!! Calm down Shashwat! It's just a date. Sab thik hoga," he whispered to himself.
As Shashwat rode his bike towards the ice cream parlour, his heart pounded with a mix of excitement and anxiety. This was all so new to him. For years, his life had revolved around books, studies, and exams. He never thought much about dating or romantic gestures.
"What if I mess up? What if she doesn't like the date?" he thought, biting his lip. His palms, despite being wiped earlier, were getting sweaty again. He took another deep breath, trying to steady his nerves.
He remembered all the times he had seen his friends or classmates going on dates, looking so at ease. He envied that confidence. Today, he wished he had paid more attention to those interactions rather than burying himself in books.
"Calm down, Shashwat. It's just a date. Just be yourself," he reminded himself, though the reassurance felt thin.
Despite his best efforts, the nerves kept creeping back. He felt like he was preparing for the biggest test of his life, only this time, there were no textbooks to guide him, no clear answers to fall back on. This test required him to open up, to be vulnerable in a way he had never been before.
As he neared the parlour, he took another deep breath, trying to summon the courage and confidence he displayed in other areas of his life.
He parked his bike and checked his reflection one last time, smoothing out his shirt and taking another deep breath. As he walked towards the entrance, he felt a mixture of nervous anticipation and cautious optimism.
Shashwat sat at the ice cream parlour, the initial excitement of the date slowly giving way to anxiety and frustration. His foot tapped nervously under the table as he checked the time once again. It had already been half an hour since their agreed meeting time.
He picked up his phone and dialled Siya's number again, but it went straight to voicemail. "Why isn't she answering?" he muttered under his breath, fidgeting with his phone. He sent her a WhatsApp message: "Where are you, Mishti?" But her status remained offline.
The minutes ticked by slowly, each one feeling like an eternity.
He glanced around the parlour, noticing the curious glances and suppressed giggles from other patrons.
He felt a flush of embarrassment creeping up his neck.
He tried to reassure himself, "Maybe she's stuck in traffic.
Maybe her phone died." But the sinking feeling in his stomach grew heavier with each passing minute.
An hour had now passed. The waiters had come by multiple times, asking if he was ready to order, and he had awkwardly declined each time, feeling more foolish with every visit.
He dialled her number for the tenth time, hearing only the monotonous ringing that seemed to mock his growing sense of disappointment.
"Where are you, Mishti?" he whispered to himself, his voice tinged with a mix of worry and irritation. The once vibrant anticipation had now turned into a painful knot in his chest.
As the second hour slipped into the third, the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the street.
The ice cream parlour, once bustling with activity, started to empty out.
Shashwat felt the weight of every glance and every whisper.
He imagined what they must be thinking - that he had been stood up, that he was foolish for waiting so long.
He missed his NDA coaching class, the thought of which added to his frustration. This date had been important to him, and now he felt like a fool for prioritising it over everything else. His heart ached with a mix of sadness and anger.
Finally, after three long hours, Shashwat couldn't take it anymore. He stood up, feeling the stares of the remaining patrons burning into his back. He threw a few bills on the table, more out of habit than necessity, and walked out of the parlour with his head down.
As he mounted his bike, his emotions churned inside him. He felt stupid for waiting so long, for ignoring his own priorities. He had never felt so exposed, so vulnerable. His eyes sting with unshed tears.
By the time he reached home, he was emotionally drained. He parked his bike and trudged inside, his shoulders slumped in defeat.
He went straight to his room, closing the door behind him. He sat on the edge of his bed, staring at his phone, still no message, no missed call from Siya. The silence was deafening.
Shashwat buried his face in his hands, feeling a deep sense of disappointment and hurt. For the first time, he felt the sting of rejection and the harsh reality of unfulfilled expectations.
Siya stretched her arms, a wide grin spreading across her face as she revelled in the excitement of her first date.
"Today is my first date! Hame to yakeen bhi nahi ho raha.
I should get ready," she said to herself, practically bouncing with joy.
She reached for her phone, ready to call Shashwat, and then noticed the numerous missed calls from him.
Her heart skipped a beat as she checked the time and her eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. It was 7 pm.
"Hey Kanha!! Hamne to alarm lagaya tha..
. how did this happen!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with panic.
She quickly checked her phone and realised her mistake.
She had set the alarm for 3 am instead of 3 pm, and as usual, her notifications were off.
A wave of regret washed over her as she saw Shashwat's messages and missed calls.
"No, no, no!" she muttered, burying her face in her pillow. "How could I be so careless? Shashwat must have been waiting for so long." She felt a deep sense of remorse.
Siya sat up, clutching her phone tightly, her fingers trembling as she typed a quick message to Shashwat: "Shashwat, I am so, so sorry! I set my alarm wrong and missed all your calls. Please forgive me. Can we still meet?"
She hit send and waited anxiously, her mind racing with thoughts of how he must be feeling. The guilt gnawed at her, knowing she had let him down. She could imagine him sitting alone at the ice cream parlour, feeling abandoned. The minutes ticked by with no response, and her heart sank further.
Determined to make things right, she called him. Shashwat saw his phone ringing and frowned, disconnecting the call. He noticed her message notification but didn't open it. Siya, feeling increasingly desperate, called him again. This time, he sighed and picked up the call.
"Hmm?" he answered curtly.
"Shashwat... please forgive me. Ham... pata nahi kaise hua ye! Please, aap ice cream parlour aa sakte hain?" she pleaded, her voice filled with regret.
"I am busy. Mujhe padhai karni hai," he said, his tone flat and frustrated.
"Shashwat please... I know you are angry... but please... ham jaa rahe hain ice cream parlour," she insisted, her voice trembling with emotion.
"I can't come now, Siya," he replied, his frustration evident.
"But I am coming... aur aap jab tak aayenge nahi ham wahin baithe rahenge," she declared, her determination unwavering.
[I will be there only until you come there.]
"Jo karna hai karo," he said and disconnected the call abruptly.
She quickly got up, grabbed her bag, and rushed out of her house. The ride to the ice cream parlour felt like an eternity, her mind filled with thoughts of how to make it up to Shashwat.
Minutes turned into hours, and the sky grew darker as the sun set. Siya remained seated, her patience unwavering despite the growing anxiety in her heart.
Shashwat sat on his bed, textbooks scattered around him. He sighed heavily, still reeling from the disappointment and anger of the day. The phone call from his NDA coaching teacher replayed in his mind.
"Hello?" Shashwat answered the call, his voice already tired.
"Shashwat, where were you today? You missed a very important class," his teacher's voice was stern, carrying the weight of disappointment.
"Sir, I... I had something personal come up," Shashwat tried to explain, his words feeling inadequate.
"Personal? Do you realise how crucial this time is for your preparation? Missing even one class can set you back significantly," the teacher's scolding was harsh and direct.
"I'm really sorry, sir. It won't happen again," Shashwat said, guilt gnawing at him.
"It better not. You need to prioritise your studies if you want to succeed. Don't let this happen again," the teacher said before hanging up.
Shashwat sat there, feeling a fresh wave of frustration and hurt. His anger toward Siya mingled with the disappointment of missing his class, leaving him feeling overwhelmed.
Just then, there was a knock on his door. Arushi stood there with a worried expression.
"Kya hua?" Shashwat asked, noting the anxiety in her eyes.
"Bhaiya, where is Siya?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"Mujhe kya pata. Ghar pe hogi," he replied, frowning.
"Uske papa ka call aaya tha... unhone kaha hai ki Siya yaha aayi hai... aur unhone kaha hai ki mai jaldi usse vapas bhejun and I somehow handled the situation. But I don't know where she is! She is not picking up my call," Arushi explained, panic rising in her voice.
[Her dad called me. He said that Siya is here.]
Shashwat remembered Siya's words and facepalmed himself. He checked the time; it was 8:30. Realising the gravity of the situation, he rushed towards the door.
"Papa mummy se kehna mujhe stationary ka saman chahiye tha isliye bahar gaya!" he called out to Arushi as he grabbed his jacket and headed out the door.
He hopped on his bike, his heart pounding. The evening air was cool, but it did little to calm his racing thoughts. He drove quickly, weaving through traffic with a sense of urgency. When he reached the ice cream parlour, he saw her sitting there, looking lost and anxious.
Siya's face lit up when she saw him, but the guilt and regret were evident in her eyes.
"Shashwat!" she called out, relief washing over her face.
He walked over to her, his expression a mix of frustration and concern. "Kya kar rahi ho yahan? It's been hours!You should have gone home when you realised I wasn't coming. Do you know how worried everyone was?" he scolded, his voice sharper than usual.
"I am sorry...I.." She said but was interrupted by Shashwat.
"Bike pe baitho," Shashwat said, his voice edged with frustration.
"I'm sorry... please hame maaf kar dijiye. Ham so gaye the... aur..." Siya began, her voice trembling.
"So gaye the? Seriously Siya? I was sitting here for four hours! Do you realise that? I missed my coaching, aur tum so rahi thi?" Shashwat snapped, his patience wearing thin.
"Aapki galti hai. Aapko wapas chale jana chahiye tha na, coaching thi toh," Siya blurted out in a moment of defensiveness, immediately regretting her words as she saw the hurt flash in Shashwat's eyes.
[It was your fault, you should have go back.]
"Yeah, it was my fault that I waited for you. I am sorry. Ab bike pe baitho," he said, his tone now colder.
"Shashwat... hamara ye matlab nahi tha... please," she tried to explain, but he interrupted her again.
"Sit on the bike," he said firmly.
"Aap jab tak maaf nahi karenge I won't," Siya said, her voice determined.
"Siya, I said bike pe baitho," he repeated sternly. Without arguing further, she sat behind him, feeling the weight of his anger and disappointment.
The ride back was silent, the tension palpable. Shashwat's mind raced with conflicting emotions-anger, disappointment, and a lingering hurt. Siya, on the other hand, felt a mix of regret and guilt, desperately wanting to make things right but not knowing how.
When they reached her house, Shashwat stopped the bike and she got down slowly, hesitating.
"I am really sorry... please," she pleaded, her voice small and filled with remorse.
"Go inside," Shashwat said, not meeting her eyes.
"But..." she started, hoping for a sign of forgiveness.
"Jao, Siya!" he said more firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. She looked down, nodding, and walked towards her house. The way he said her name felt so strange and distant, making her heart ache. She was dying to hear him call her Mishti again.
Siya entered her home, closing the door behind her with a heavy heart. Shashwat watched her go, a storm of emotions brewing inside him.
The next morning, Siya stood in the corridor with her friend Richa, anxiously waiting for Shashwat.
She spotted Arushi rushing towards her, with Shashwat a few steps behind.
Siya smiled at Arushi, who joined her, but when she looked at Shashwat, he only gave her a brief glance before averting his gaze and entering the classroom.
"Kuch hua hai kya? Bhaiya kal raat se aise upset se dikh rahe.
.. aur tu bhi kaha gayab thi? Aur aaj bhi wo tujhe aise ignore kar diye," Arushi asked, concern evident in her voice.
Siya sighed and explained everything, her words spilling out in a rush.
Richa and Arushi slapped their foreheads simultaneously.
[Is anything wrong? Bhaiya is upset. And where were you yesterday? ]
"Siya... tu pagal hai kya? I mean, it was so stupid of you! Ek baar ko koi aur reason hota to justify kiya jaa sakta tha... but so gayi thi tu!! Are you serious?" Richa exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief.
[Are you mad? I mean it there was some other reason than it would be justified but you slept?]
"I know... hame bahot guilty feel ho raha. Unhone hamare liye kitna kuch kiye... aur ham!" Siya said, her voice filled with regret.
[I am feeling so guilty. He had done so much for me and I!!]
"Yaar... bhaiya was so excited. Wo dohpar se date ki taiyari me lage huye the.
.. kabse dresses select kar rahe the, phir unhone Arav bhaiya aur Darsh ko kabse pareshan kar rakha tha unhone.
.. and he came to me for his skin care..
. just because he wanted to look good in front of you.
Aur unhe kal papa se daant bhi padi thi because he missed his coaching," Arushi added, her tone reflecting her brother's disappointment and effort.
"Yaar, I know I did wrong but ab kya karen ham? He is not even checking my messages," Siya said, her eyes pleading for a solution.
Arushi placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Siya, bhaiya is like that. He never gets angry easily and always handles things calmly. But whenever he gets angry, it's actually hard to pacify him," she explained.
Siya sighed deeply, feeling the weight of her mistake. "Toh ab kya karen? How can I make it up to him?"
"Don't worry..kuch sochte hain." Arushi said, patting her shoulder.
At lunch, Siya gathered her courage and walked into Shashwat's class. The room buzzed with activity, but it quieted down as students noticed her presence. She made her way to Shashwat, who was sitting with Reyansh and Akash.
"Bhaiya, do you have an extra pen?" Siya asked, leaning towards Shashwat. He looked up, surprised by her sudden approach.
Reyansh shook his head, "Nahi.. akash tere paas hai?"
Akash smirked at Shashwat, "Shashwat, do you have an extra pen?"
Shashwat's mind flashed back to the day before, remembering how he had asked her for a pen as a pretext to ask her out on their date. The memory stung, reminding him of the disappointment and hurt he felt.
Without looking at Siya, Shashwat handed her a pen. "Here," he said curtly.
"Thanks," she muttered, and as she turned to leave, she discreetly slipped a small piece of paper onto his lap.
Once she was gone, Shashwat sighed and picked up the chit. It read, "I am sorry," with a sad emoji drawn next to the words. He felt a pang of emotion, and though he was about to tear the chit, he couldn't bring himself to do it. Instead, he folded it carefully and placed it inside his book.
Siya entered the library, her heart skipping a beat as she spotted Shashwat's class there for a study period. She grinned when she saw him sitting alone, deeply engrossed in his book. Taking a deep breath, she approached and took the seat directly in front of him.
"Can I sit here?" she whispered, her voice gentle and hopeful.
Shashwat barely glanced up, his expression stoic. "It's a free country," he muttered, keeping his eyes fixed on the pages in front of him.
Undeterred, Siya sat down and placed her books on the table, sneaking glances at him. Shashwat, steadfast in his resolve, didn't acknowledge her presence.
She tapped his shoe lightly with hers, causing Shashwat to widen his eyes in surprise. He looked up, his gaze meeting hers for the first time.
She held her ear, a silent gesture of apology. Shashwat, unimpressed, slid his foot back under his chair and returned to his book. Siya pouted, feeling the sting of his indifference.
Not ready to give up, she noticed his hand resting on the table. She intentionally brushed her hand against his, feeling a spark at the contact. Shashwat's head snapped up, and he looked at her, eyes wide with surprise.
She smiled mischievously and, seeing his reaction, quickly brushed her hand against his again. Shashwat, trying to maintain his composure, pulled his hand back and placed it on his lap.
But Siya was persistent. She reached under the table and gently took his hand in hers. Shashwat's eyes widened even more, his neck turning a shade of red as he tried hard not to blush. He looked around, ensuring no one noticed their little exchange.
"Uh...what is your name?" he asked the girl sitting next to him in a low voice, clearly flustered.
"Seriously, Shashwat? You don't know my name? I'm in your class. My name is Purnima," she replied, confused.
"Oh...sorry. Can you sit here?" he asked, gesturing to the seat he was occupying.
Purnima nodded, smiling. "Sure," she said, moving to switch seats with him.
Siya's mouth dropped open in shock, and she released his hand with a pout as Shashwat moved to the other seat. He sat down, his expression resolute as he avoided looking at Siya.
Akash, who was seated next to Siya, leaned over and whispered, "Tum dono ke beech kuch hua hai kya?"
[Is something wrong between you both?]
Siya looked at him, surprised. "Kyu?"
"Wo kabse muh sada ke baitha hua hai.. aur maine kal date ke bare me pucha to mujhe suna diya usne. So I thought "kuch hua hoga," he explained.
[He is upset and scolded me when I asked him about date.]
"Wo ham kal so gaye the.. aur aa nahi paye. Wo 3 ghante tak wahi wait karte rahe," she whispered, her voice filled with regret.
Akash sighed, shaking his head. "This was so wrong, Siya."
She looked down, feeling even worse. But Akash quickly added, "But it's okay... uski shakal dekh... tujhe hi chori chori se dekh raha hai. I think he is melting a little."
Siya glanced over at Shashwat. Sure enough, he was stealing glances at her, quickly looking back at his book whenever their eyes met. She couldn't help but smile, feeling a glimmer of hope.
Arav was in the college cafeteria, when his phone buzzed. It was a message from his professor, Dr. Sharma, asking him to come to his office immediately.
He hurried across campus to the professor's office. He knocked lightly on the door.
"Come in," came Dr. Sharma's voice from inside.
Arav opened the door and stepped in. Dr. Sharma was sitting behind his desk, a serious expression on his face. He gestured for Arav to sit down.
"Good afternoon, sir," Arav said, trying to keep his voice steady.
"Afternoon, Arav. Do you know why you're here?"
"Yes, sir. It's about the presentation yesterday. I'm really sorry, I had-"
Dr. Sharma cut him off, his tone harsh. "Save your apologies, Arav. Do you have any idea how important that presentation was? You were supposed to be there. Your absence was noted by everyone, including the department head."
Arav clenched his fists in his lap, feeling a mix of anger and shame. "I understand, sir. It won't happen again."
Dr. Sharma scoffed. "Won't happen again? I wish I could believe you, Arav. But your recent behaviour tells a different story. Do you think I don't know what's been going on between you and Ritika?"
Arav's eyes widened. "Sir, it's not-"
"Don't lie to me," Dr. Sharma snapped. "You think I haven't noticed the way you two have been acting? You're becoming a stain on the name of good students in this college. Instead of focusing on your studies, you're getting distracted by... attractions."
"Sir, Ritika and I-"
"Enough," Dr. Sharma said, cutting him off again.
"I don't care about your excuses. You are good for nothing if you can't prioritise your education over everything else.
You were one of our most promising students, Arav.
Now look at you. Missing important presentations, neglecting your duties.
You're letting everyone down. Your professors, your peers, your family.
And for what? A girl? Arav you have to focus on your studies. "
"I will do better sir." Arav muttered, his head hung down.
"You better," Dr. Sharma said, his voice cold. "Because if I see one more slip-up, there will be consequences. Serious consequences. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, sir," Arav said quietly.
"Good. Now get out of my office"
Arav nodded and stood up, feeling like he had been punched in the gut.
Ritika took a deep breath before knocking on Dr. Sharma's office door. She knocked firmly, and Dr. Sharma's stern voice called her in.
"Come in."
Ritika entered, closing the door softly behind her. "Good afternoon, sir."
Dr. Sharma looked up from his desk, his expression still severe from the previous encounter. "Afternoon, Ritika. What brings you here?"
"Sir, I came to talk about Arav."
Dr. Sharma's eyebrows furrowed. "What about him?"
"Sir, I know you were upset about him missing the presentation yesterday, but there's something you need to know." Ritika hesitated, then continued, "He missed it because of me."
Dr. Sharma leaned back in his chair, scepticism evident in his eyes. "Because of you? Explain."
"Yesterday, I had a minor accident," Ritika explained. "I was alone at the hospital, and Arav came to stay with me. He didn't leave until he knew I was okay. That's why he missed the presentation."
Dr. Sharma's expression softened slightly, but he remained silent, prompting Ritika to continue.
"Sir, I know he should have informed you, but he was worried about me. I wouldn't have been able to manage on my own. Please, give him another chance."
Dr. Sharma looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, Ritika. I'll re-evaluate the situation."
Ritika's face lit up with relief. "Thank you sir."
Ritika chirped happily as she searched for Arav in the bustling college corridor.
She couldn't wait to tell him the good news about his second chance.
"Swami kitne khush honge ye sunkar," she murmured to herself, her excitement bubbling over.
But suddenly she collided with Arav who was lost in his thoughts.
"Swami, what is this? No good morning, no hi... You didn't even ask about my health," Ritika called out, catching up to him. "Apni pran sakhi ki bilkul chinta nahi hai. By the way, I have good news for you," she said, her voice filled with happiness.
Arav suddenly stopped and turned to face her, his eyes blazing with anger. "JUST SHUT UP, RITIKA!" he yelled, his voice echoing through the corridor. Heads turned, and a hush fell over the students around them, all eyes now on the unfolding scene.
Ritika stood frozen, her smile fading as she processed the harshness of his words. "Arav, I-"
"No! You don't get to speak. Do you have any idea what I've been through?
Dr. Sharma humiliated me in front of everyone because of you!
" Arav's voice was laced with bitterness.
"You think a 'good news' can fix everything?
I missed one of the most important presentations of my academic career because I was at the hospital with you.
And for what? So you could play the damsel in distress? "
Ritika's eyes welled up with tears, her heart aching from his words. "Arav, I didn't mean-"
"Of course, you didn't mean it," he interrupted, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "You never mean it, do you? You just keep dragging me into your messes, and I'm the one who suffers."
"Arav, please-"
"Stop it, Ritika! Just stop!" he shouted, his frustration boiling over.
"You're selfish. You only think about yourself.
You use people to get what you want, and you don't care about the consequences.
Well, I'm done being your pawn. I have my own life, my own goals, and I can't keep sacrificing everything for you. "
The students around them watched in stunned silence. Ritika's tears now flowed freely, her chest tightening with each hurtful word Arav hurled at her.
"I'm done. I can't do this anymore," Arav said, his voice breaking slightly. " Tum kehti ho ki you love me right?" He asked and nodded.
"I do." She whispered
"You think this is love? You don't love me.
You're infatuated, obsessed with some fantasy version of me.
You never tried to understand me, to see me for who I really am.
You flirt with me, you tease me, you pull my leg constantly.
Is that your idea of love? Love is about understanding, about caring, about being there for someone. You don't get that."
"Arav..-"
"Stop behaving like this, Ritika! For God's sake, stop chasing after me. I don't want you near me. You just irritate the hell out of me with your antics. It's suffocating. Mera peecha chhor do." he said, his words like daggers piercing her heart.
Ritika stood there, her heart shattered into pieces. She watched as Arav walked away, feeling an overwhelming sense of loss and regret.
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