[38]
At school, Siya tried many more attempts to talk to Shashwat, but he didn't give her a chance. After school was over, she finally found him standing alone, putting some books in his bag that he had taken from the library. She approached him, stepping in front of him, but he didn't look at her.
"Dekhenge bhi nahi hamari taraf?" she asked, her voice soft but insistent. He kept his gaze firmly on his books, trying his best not to look at her.
[Won't you look at me once?]
Then, reluctantly, he finally glanced at her. She seized the moment, holding her ears in a gesture of apology. "I'm really sorry, Shashwat," she said earnestly.
He started walking away, but she quickly held his wrist and gently pulled him back. Just then, Kanak, who had been noticing them, smirked happily and walked towards them.
"Shashwat, you are here? We have to maintain the line," Kanak said, her tone dripping with faux concern.
Siya gritted her teeth and said, "I am talking to him, so please leave us alone."
Kanak's smirk widened as she sensed an opportunity. "Oh, Siya, don't you get it? Shashwat doesn't want to talk to you. Why are you making a fool of yourself?" she said, her voice loud enough to draw the attention of a few students nearby.
Siya's face flushed with embarrassment and frustration. "Kanak, this is between Shashwat and me. Apni naak mat ghusao beech me," she said, trying to keep her composure.
Kanak ignored her, turning to Shashwat and grabbing his hand as if she had a right over him. "Come on, Shashwat, let's go. You don't need to waste your time here," she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
Seeing Siya's insult, Shashwat's anger flared. No matter how upset he was with Siya, he couldn't stand anyone insulting her. He quickly withdrew his hand from Kanak's grip.
"Siya , we need to talk, Kanak excuse us." He then turned to Siya, took her wrist gently but firmly, and walked away from Kanak, leaving her standing there in stunned silence.
As Shashwat walked away from Kanak, he released Siya's hand.
"You can go," he said, his tone still cold but less harsh than before.
"Par you wanted to talk to me na?" she asked, hope flickering in her eyes.
"Not now. Jao, your brother must be waiting for you," he said, turning his back on her.
Siya's heart sank, but she refused to give up. "Shashwat, please, let me explain," she pleaded, following him.
He stopped and turned to face her, his eyes hard. "Explain what, Siya? That you fell asleep? Do you know how ridiculous that sounds?"
"I know it sounds bad, but it's the truth! I didn't mean to fall asleep. Hamne to alarm bhi lagaya tha but..." she trailed off, seeing the hurt in his eyes.
"This date mattered to me, Siya," Shashwat began, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and pain. "I was so happy, so excited. I spent the entire day preparing, thinking about how perfect it would be. I even missed my coaching for you! And you know how important my studies are to me."
"I know, Shashwat. I really do. I'm so sorry," Siya said, tears welling up in her eyes.
"It's not just about the date. It's about respecting each other's time and feelings.
You didn't even bother to set a proper alarm.
Do you know how that made me feel? Like I was nothing but an afterthought to you.
It's not just about this one time, Siya.
It's about understanding and valuing each other.
If we're going to make this work, we need to respect each other's time and effort. " He explained to her.
She nodded. "You're right. I was wrong, and I'm truly sorry. I promise to do better, to be more careful."
"We should leave." Shashwat said and started to walk away, but the strap of his bag got stuck on the door handle. Annoyed, he assumed it was Siya again. "Leave my bag. If anyone comes and sees us, they'll ask questions."
Siya, standing a few feet away and leaning against the door, suppressed a chuckle. She watched as he turned around, ready to scold her, only to realise his bag was stuck on the door. Embarrassed, he fumbled with the strap.
She bit her lips to control her giggles but couldn't hold it in. She burst out laughing.
"Don't laugh," he said, frowning.
Siya pressed her lips together, nodding her head as she tried to stop laughing.
Shashwat, still embarrassed, turned to walk away again.
This time, Siya grabbed his bag strap. He sighed, thinking it was the door again, and turned around, only to see Siya holding it.
He glared at her, and she quickly released the strap, looking down.
He resumed walking, but she grabbed the strap again. He turned, annoyed, only for her to let go just in time. She repeated this four or five times, clearly enjoying his frustration and the confused expressions on his face.
Finally, he stopped and asked, "Chahati kya ho tum?"
[What do you want?]
"Chahte to aapko hain, par filhal aapka sath mil jayega to bhi chalega. Sath chalne denge?" she asked, her sudden boldness surprising him.
[You, but for now I want your company. Will you let me walk with you?]
He was momentarily speechless, taken aback by her directness. After a pause, he just nodded, unable to suppress a small smile.
She grinned widely and walked beside him, the tension between them easing a bit as they moved forward together.
Siya started walking beside Shashwat, and soon Akash joined them. Sensing the tension, she began to hum softly, "Woh hain zara zara kafa kafa to nain yun churaye hain." Akash, noticing Shashwat's serious expression, decided to help lighten the mood.
He nudged Shashwat and sang, "Na bol dun toh kya karun, woh has ke yun bulaye hain..."
Shashwat, clearly not amused, called out, "Reyansh!"
Siya instinctively created some distance between herself and Shashwat as Reyansh approached.
"What took you so long?" Reyansh asked Siya.
"Your best friend," she said, making Shashwat's eyes widen and Akash look shocked.
"Huh?" Reyansh asked, confused.
"Arre... Akash bhaiya... unhone kaha tha wait karne ko taki ham sath me aayen," she explained with a sly smile.
Akash gave a small chuckle, relieved by her quick thinking.
Reyansh shook his head and said, "Chal, Divya is standing near the bike."
Siya nodded and started walking toward Divya. Akash, still grinning, glanced at Shashwat, who maintained his serious demeanor but seemed slightly less tense.
As Siya and Divya entered the room, they found Ritika sitting on the bed, stuffing chips and choco lava cake into her mouth while sobbing. Her kajal was smeared from crying, her hair messy, and "Tujhe Bhula Diya" was playing on her phone. They rushed to her side.
"Didi... kya hua?" Siya asked, her voice full of concern.
Ritika didn't reply, just stuffed more chips into her mouth.
"Kya kar rahi ho, Didi? Atak jayega," Divya said, trying to take the chips away.
"Why are you crying? Yeh kya hai? Aur yeh songs kyun baja rahi ho? Arav bhaiya ne kuch kaha?" Siya pressed on, her worry growing.
Ritika looked at Siya, her eyes red and puffy. "Is it true? He said something?" Siya asked again, more insistently.
"Is it true? Koi aur baat toh nahi hai?" Siya asked suspiciously.
"Haan baba... Tu jaanti hai na mai kitna jaldi rone lag jaati hun movies dekh kar. Aur phir college mein professor ne sabke samne suna diya, toh usse bhi yaad karke rona aa gaya. Tum dono jao, change karke kuch khalo," Ritika said, trying to sound convincing.
After changing, Siya and Divya went to eat, leaving Ritika alone in the room. As soon as they were gone, she broke down again.
"How could he say that to me? Maine kabhi usse force nahi kiya mere saath rehne ko.
.. I always asked if he was comfortable with me or not aur uss din bhi maine usse nahi bulaya tha.
.. I never wanted him to leave his presentation par woh khud aaya.
.. maine nahi kaha tha ki mere saath ruko.
He did it willingly. I never forced him for anything.
He can't talk to me like that!" Ritika sobbed, the pain evident in her voice.
She then remembered how worried her parents and siblings were about her.
She didn't want her family to be sad because of a man who didn't value her.
Gathering her resolve, she promised herself, "I won't cry anymore for a person who doesn't deserve my tears.
My family deserves my strength, not my tears. I am stronger than this."
She continued, her voice growing steadier, "I deserve someone who respects me, who values my presence. Arav may not see my worth, but I do. I will focus on my studies, my family, and my friends. I will become the best version of myself. No more tears for someone who cannot appreciate me."
With that, she wiped her tears for the last time, took a deep breath, and resolved to move forward, leaving the hurt behind.
As night settled in, Siya paced restlessly in her room, her mind swirling with regret and anxiety. Ritika, sensing her sister's distress, entered the room and immediately noticed Siya's troubled demeanour.
"What happened, Siya?" Ritika asked gently, sitting down beside her on the bed.
Siya sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping with guilt. "Didi, I messed up big time. Shashwat asked me out on a date, and I fell asleep and he ended up missing his coaching because of me. Now he's really upset with me, and he won't even talk to me."
Ritika's brows furrowed in concern as she listened to Siya's explanation. She could sense the weight of Siya's words and the depth of her remorse.
"You fell asleep?" Ritika exclaimed softly, her voice tinged with disbelief.
"Siya, how could you be so careless? Do you realise how much effort Shashwat must have put into planning that date?
And you... you let him down like this? Siya, you have to understand.
Shashwat cares about you deeply. He's putting in all this effort because he wants to spend time with you, to make you happy.
You should feel lucky, Siya. Lucky that Shashwat loves you so much. Don't take his efforts for granted."
"I..I don't know what to do. I've tried to apologise, but he won't listen to me. What should I do now?" Siya asked, her voice tinged with desperation.
"I have an idea... I think this will melt his heart," Ritika said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"What?" Siya asked curiously.
"First, let everyone fall asleep," Ritika whispered, a conspiratorial smile playing on her lips.Siya frowned but nodded, agreeing to the plan.
At midnight, in the quiet solitude of Ritika's kitchen, Siya and Ritika embarked on a clandestine mission. Siya, determined to mend her mistake and win back Shashwat's forgiveness, was diligently preparing a cake while Ritika stood watchfully near the door, keeping a lookout.
Ritika glanced over at Siya, who was focused intently on the task at hand. "Tu kar legi na? Mai kuch help karun?" Ritika offered, her voice hushed to avoid waking anyone.
Siya paused, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel, her expression resolute. "Nahi... I want to do it myself. Chahe jaisa bhi banega, at least it will be an honest effort for him," Siya replied softly, determination clear in her voice.
Ritika nodded in understanding, knowing how important this gesture was for Siya. Together, they carefully placed the freshly baked cake into a decorative box, ensuring it was neatly packed and presentable.
"Didi, are you sure we should do this? Kal subah school me jaa ke de denge hum unhe," Siya asked hesitantly, a hint of worry in her voice.
"Offo, shut up! Trust me, kuch nahi hoga. Chal ab Divya ko bulati hoon mai," Ritika reassured Siya, her confidence unwavering. She knew that this heartfelt gesture could bridge the gap between Siya and Shashwat.
As the clock approached midnight, Divya emerged from her room, rubbing her eyes and yawning deeply. Her sleepiness was evident, and she looked disoriented as she entered the kitchen where Siya and Ritika were busily preparing a cake.
"Kya problem hai?? Mujhe sona hai," Divya murmured sleepily, her voice tinged with a hint of annoyance at being awakened.
"Close the door after us and stay awake. We will call you after sometime," Ritika instructed firmly, her tone brooking no argument. She exchanged a knowing glance with Siya, emphasising the seriousness of their mission.
Divya, still half-asleep, blinked at them in confusion but complied with Ritika's instructions. She closed the door behind them as they stealthily slipped out of the house. Ritika quietly retrieved her scooter from where it was parked, careful not to make any noise that could wake anyone inside.
Shashwat's evening had settled into a quiet routine after a long study session.
The dim light of his room cast soft shadows across the walls as he prepared to retire for the night.
Closing his chemistry book with a sigh of relief, he glanced at the clock on his bedside table.
It was late, and exhaustion weighed heavily on his shoulders.
With a tired stretch, he removed his glasses and set them down, preparing to finally get some rest.
Just as he was about to switch off the bedside lamp and sink into the comfort of his bed, a faint, almost imperceptible sound echoed through the room-a low knock on his window.
Shashwat froze mid-motion, his heart skipping a beat.
He dismissed it at first, attributing it to his tired mind playing tricks on him.
But then, the sound came again, slightly more distinct this time, sending a chill down his spine.
His first instinct was to reach for his phone, but the realization hit him like a cold wave-he didn't have it.
His phone was still being repaired, leaving him without the means to call for help.
Panic threatened to overtake him as he scanned the room for any potential weapon, settling finally on a flower vase.
With trembling hands, he approached the window cautiously, every nerve in his body on edge.
With a deep breath to steady himself, Shashwat gathered his courage and flicked on the room light.
The sudden brightness illuminated the darkened corners, and he moved closer to the window, his grip tightening on the vase.
He hesitated for a moment, bracing himself, before slowly unlatching the window and pushing it open.
"Jai hanuman gyan gun sagar
Jai kapees tihu lok ujagar
Ram doot atulit bal dhama
Anjani putra Pavan sut nama"
Muttering hanuman chalisa he opened his eyes.
What he saw outside instantly froze him in place-a figure standing in the shadows, facing away from him, with their eyes tightly shut in what appeared to be fear.
Shashwat's heart raced, a mix of confusion and concern flooding his mind.
As his eyes adjusted to the dim light filtering through the window, recognition dawned upon him.
"Siya?" he whispered, disbelief colouring his voice. He lowered the vase slowly, realising the absurdity of his defensive stance. "Siya, what are you doing here?" he asked, his voice a mixture of surprise and concern.
Siya remained motionless for a moment, her eyes still shut tight, as if bracing herself for something. Slowly, she opened her eyes, meeting Shashwat's gaze with a mixture of apprehension and relief.
"I... I'm sorry," she finally managed to say, her voice trembling slightly. " Please, can we talk?"
"Dimag kharab hai tumhara??" Shashwat's voice was stern, laced with worry and frustration. "Time dekha hai kya hua hai? Akele aayi ho? You know how dangerous it is? Kuch bhi ho sakta tha.. what..."
Siya cut him off mid-sentence, her tone urgent. "Arre, let me enter the room first. Gir jayenge ham aapke lectures ke chakkar me!" Her attempt at lightening the mood fell a bit flat, but Shashwat realised her point. He took the box from her hands with a frown, placing it on the table with a sigh.
Instead of relenting, Shashwat grasped Siya's hands firmly, pulling her gently further into his room.
The intensity in his eyes softened slightly as he continued to scold her, his concern underlying every word.
"Siya, I can't believe you did something so reckless.
I understand you want my forgiveness, but this wasn't the way.
You could have been hurt. What if you slipped and fell from the window? Do you know how much it could hurt?"
Siya looked down, her heart heavy with guilt. "I just... I just wanted to talk to you. I needed to make things right between us," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Shashwat sighed deeply, the lines of tension softening around his eyes as he squeezed her palm gently.
"Siya..." His voice softened, the sternness melting away.
"Mai tumhe aaj ya kal maaf kar deta.. It's hard for me as well to stay angry with you.
But tumhe aise risk lene ki zarurat nahi hai.
Aur abhi bhi agar pipe se pair fisal jata toh? Kitni chot lagti pata hai?"
Siya looked up at him, her eyes filled with gratitude and relief. " I'm sorry," she said softly, her gaze unwavering.
Shashwat's expression softened further, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He reached out and gently brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face, his touch gentle yet reassuring. "Come on," he said gently, leading her towards the chair by his desk. "Let's sit down and talk."
Siya gently guided Shashwat to sit on the chair near his desk, her hand holding his with a reassuring grip.
She placed the box in front of him, her eyes sparkling with nervous anticipation as she opened it.
Inside, a cake awaited, the words "I am sorry" written delicately across the top in frosting.
Shashwat's surprise was evident as he looked up at Siya, a wide smile spreading across his face.
"You made this for me?" His voice held a mixture of astonishment and genuine happiness.
Siya nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Yes, I wanted to apologize in a special way."
Shashwat chuckled softly. "Why are you looking at me? Cut the cake na," she urged him, trying to dispel the tension with light-heartedness.
Taking the knife from her, Shashwat held her hand gently over the handle, his touch sending a jolt of warmth through her. Siya's heart skipped a beat, flustered by his proximity and the sudden intimacy of the moment. Together, they cut into the cake, and Siya handed him a piece on a plate.
"Here, try it," she said, a nervous smile playing on her lips.
Shashwat took a bite, his expression softening with each taste. The cake was slightly burnt around the edges, but he didn't mind. He savored the bite and then looked at Siya with a smile. "It's delicious," he assured her, his eyes filled with gratitude.
Siya blushed at his compliment. "Ye toh jala jala sa taste kar raha! Hey bhagwan!! I tried to bake a perfect cake. Par..." she started to lament, but Shashwat interrupted gently.
"Par jaha tum ho waha gadbad na ho..ye toh ho nahi sakta," he teased lightly, a playful glint in his eyes.
Siya couldn't help but smile, though she slapped his arm playfully. She watched as he took another bite, silently hoping he wasn't just being polite.
"Please ab mat khana.. it's not perfect," she insisted, her insecurity surfacing despite his reassurance.
"It's better than perfect," Shashwat countered sincerely, his gaze softening as he met her eyes.
Siya felt a rush of warmth at his words, her heart swelling with relief and affection.
In that moment, as they sat together, sharing a simple cake in his room, the tension that had plagued them seemed to dissolve.
They laughed together, teased each other, and most importantly, began to rebuild the connection that had been momentarily strained.
Siya noticed a small piece of cake clinging to Shashwat's lips. Her eyes widened slightly as she pointed it out.
"Kaise bolen...aapke hothon par cake hai....nahi, chee kitna ajeeb lag raha...aapke lips par cake hai...wo thoda sa cake aapke lips par lag gaya...aise bolte hain," Siya was thinking in her mind. Just then, Shashwat snapped his fingers in front of her face.
["How do I say... there's cake on your lips... no, that sounds weird... there's a bit of cake on your lips... that's how you say it."]
"Where are you lost?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice.
"Wo...aapke cake pe thoda sa lips lag gya," Siya blurted out and immediately bit her tongue, realizing her mistake.
[There is lips on your cake.]
"Kya?" Shashwat asked, clearly confused by her words.
[What?]
"Wo... I mean, aapke lips par cake laga hai thoda sa," she corrected herself, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping up her cheeks.
[I mean there is cake on your lips.]
Shashwat's puzzled expression melted into a soft chuckle. "Oh, really?" he said, touching his lips with his fingers but missing the spot.
"Rukiye," Siya interjected quickly. She grabbed a small spoon from the table and, with a mix of determination and shyness, leaned in closer. Carefully, she used the spoon to scrape the cake off his lips.
Shashwat watched her with a warm smile, amusement dancing in his eyes. When she finally managed to remove the cake, he couldn't help but chuckle again. "Thanks," he said, his voice filled with affection.
Siya smiled shyly, her cheeks still slightly pink.
Shashwat's eyes twinkled with playfulness.
"To ham chalte hain," Siya said, rising from her seat ready to leave, but felt a gentle tug on her hand. She turned to see Shashwat holding her hand, his eyes pleading softly.
[I should leave.]
"Thodi der ruko na," Shashwat requested, his voice a mixture of longing and warmth.
[Stay for sometime.]
Siya hesitated. "Raat bahot ho gayi hai," she replied, glancing at the clock. The lateness of the hour made her uneasy.
Shashwat smiled, a playful glint in his eyes. "Madam, abhi bhi raat hi hai to thode time me kya ho jayega," he teased, his voice light and comforting.
Siya felt her resolve waver. She looked at Shashwat, his expression earnest and inviting. With a small sigh, she allowed herself to be persuaded. She sat down on the bed, her movements tentative.
"I'm sorry, hum bhi na ekdum pagal hain...aise kaun so jaata hai, wo bhi apni first date par...agli baar se aisa nahi hoga, promise," Siya said, a hint of self-deprecation in her tone.
"I have already forgive you Mishti. Ek hi galti ke liye kitni baar maaf karna padega mujhe tumhe? Vaise bhi ye chhoti si date usse zyada achhi hai," Shashwat reassured her, his voice gentle and comforting.
[How many times I will have to forgive you for one mistake. By the way this small date is more beautiful]
Siya chuckled softly at his words, her laughter tinkling lightly in the room. Shashwat couldn't resist the urge and pinched her nose playfully.
"Aaooo!!" Siya exclaimed, surprised by the unexpected gesture. She quickly brought her hand to her nose, rubbing it gently.
Siya glanced at her watch, realising they were running behind schedule. "Ab sach me late ho raha hai hame chalna chahiye," she remarked softly, a hint of urgency in her voice. She looked towards Shashwat, who sat across from her with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Shashwat grinned playfully. "Ek choti si date ke baad ek chota sa couple dance to banta hai," he replied, his tone teasing yet inviting.
Siya's eyebrows raised in surprise at his suggestion. "Dance?" she responded, her initial hesitation evident. The idea of dancing seemed unexpected but not entirely unwelcome.
Shashwat leaned forward, his expression earnest. "Bharosa nahi hai mujhpe?" he asked softly.
A small smile tugged at Siya's lips as she considered his question. "More than myself," she admitted quietly, her eyes meeting him with a mix of fondness and uncertainty.
Encouraged by her response, Shashwat extended his hand towards her. "Chalo," he said warmly, inviting her to join him. With a mix of nerves and anticipation, Siya placed her hand in his, allowing him to guide her to her feet.
Shashwat reached for his phone, deftly navigating to a familiar song.
The opening notes of "Mere hath me" filled the air, its melodious tune creating a backdrop for their impromptu dance.
As they moved together, Shashwat leading with practised ease and Siya following his lead, any initial hesitation melted away.
[A/N- Listen Mere hath me for better experience]
Shashwat extended his hand towards Siya as the soft, melodious strains of the song began to play. His eyes met hers, filled with a gentle longing. The music wrapped around them, creating an intimate cocoon.
Siya, feeling a mixture of shyness and excitement, placed her hand in his.
A spark ignited between them, a silent promise of unity and togetherness.
Shashwat's fingers gently closed around hers, and she felt the warmth of his touch, as if the entire world had faded away, leaving only the two of them.
Shashwat moved closer, ever so slightly, his hand hovering over Siya's waist. He didn't touch her, yet the nearness of his presence made her heart race.
She could feel the heat from his hand, the space between them charged with unspoken emotions.
The world seemed insignificant; it was as if they were the only ones who existed.
Shashwat gently guided Siya, their hands still intertwined. They moved in perfect harmony, their steps light and graceful. Each movement was a silent conversation, expressing their deep connection and affection. Their dance was a reflection of their hearts beating in unison.
Shashwat and Siya maintained their delicate balance, never closing the gap entirely.
Their proximity was akin to the closeness of a breath, an almost touch.
It was like the gentle brushing of memories against one's consciousness, or the way arms find each other in an embrace.
The music swelled, matching the intensity of their emotions.
Their steps became more assured, more synchronized. They moved as one, their closeness a testament to their bond. Siya felt Shashwat's presence as surely as she felt her own heartbeat. She realized that even in the absence of physical touch, his love enveloped her completely.
In the final moments of the song, Shashwat brought Siya's hand up to his lips, placing a tender kiss on her knuckles.
It was a gesture of reverence, of deep affection.
Siya felt a shiver run through her, the intensity of his love reaching her very soul.
They stood there, wrapped in the warmth of the music and each other, knowing that their hearts were forever intertwined.
As the song ended Siya coughed slightly masking her flushing cheeks because of the kiss raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued.
There was a moment of silence before Shashwat asked, "Tum akeli aayi ho?"
[You came alone?]
Siya shook her head. "Nahi.. Ritika didi is there. Wo neeche khadi hain."
Shashwat's eyes widened. "What? Wo bahar khadi hain? Itni thand me! Mishti, you should go back now."
Siya's heart skipped a beat at hearing him call her "Mishti" again. It felt like a small victory, a sign that things were getting back to normal. She couldn't help but tease, "Aap bhag rahe hain hame?"
Shashwat chuckled softly but shook his head. "Ritika Didi must be shivering there. Go, otherwise she will catch a cold. Tumhe pehle batana chahiye tha, itne der tak rokta na mai tumhe."
Siya admired his thoughtfulness, one of the many reasons she had fallen so deeply for him.
Shashwat smiled, but his eyes were firm. "Chalo, let's get you out of here safely from the main door."
Siya moved towards the window, hesitating for a moment. "It's risky, Shashwat. Agar ham pakdi gayi to, we won't have any answers. The consequences will be worse."
Shashwat frowned, considering her words. "You're right. But I still don't like the idea of you climbing out of the window again. It's dangerous."
Siya smiled reassuringly. "I can handle it. Trust me."
With a sigh, Shashwat reluctantly nodded. "Okay, but be careful."
Siya was near the window, carefully manoeuvring to climb down. She paused, hanging there, and whispered, "Good night."
"Good night, Mishti. Call me once you reach. Be careful," Shashwat responded, his voice tender but laced with concern.
She glanced up and saw his hands supporting hers, ensuring she had a steady grip. He was about to withdraw his hands, seeing that she had secured herself on the pipe, but she held onto his hand, surprising him. His eyebrows raised in curiosity.
Biting her lips nervously, Siya hesitated for a moment, then without a second thought, leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on his wrist, right near his pulse. The unexpected gesture made Shashwat's stomach flip, and a flush of red spread from his ears down to his neck.
"Siya..." he whispered, but she had already released his hand, gracefully descending to the ground.
Once on solid ground, she glanced back up at him. Shashwat was still standing there, a shy smile tugging at his lips, the warmth of her kiss lingering on his wrist.
Siya giggled at his expression, a mix of surprise and bashfulness, and waved at him. Shashwat, still slightly dazed, waved back, his heart fluttering at the sweet, spontaneous moment they had just shared.
As she walked away with Ritika, Siya felt a surge of happiness, knowing that despite the day's misunderstandings and her earlier mistakes, they were still connected. She glanced back one last time to see Shashwat watching her, his eyes filled with affection.
Ritika nudged her, bringing her back to the present. "Chalo, before someone sees us," she whispered urgently.
Siya nodded, a broad smile on her face. As they made their way back, she couldn't help but replay the evening's events in her mind, feeling a sense of hope and warmth.
Meanwhile, Shashwat stood by the window, the smile never leaving his face, feeling the warmth of her kiss as he caressed his wrist where she kissed.
The next morning, Siya walked through the corridor with her friends trailing behind her, chatting animatedly.
As she turned a corner, she suddenly collided with Shashwat.
The impact made her stumble, and she backed up against the gate.
His hand instinctively went to the gate beside her, creating a moment of proximity that made her heart race.
Their faces were not so close, but the nearness was enough to make Siya blush.
She looked down, her cheeks warming as she stole a glance at the students around them.
Except for Kanak and her friends, who were smirking in their direction, everyone else seemed engrossed in studying for the upcoming test.
Feeling the weight of their stares, Siya glanced up at Shashwat, who tilted his head slightly to get a better look at her blushing face. She coughed slightly, trying to break the tension. "Sab dekh rahe hain," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Realising the situation, Shashwat removed his hand and stepped back, maintaining a respectful distance. He flashed her his most beautiful smile before entering the class. That smile-it always did something to her, melting her heart and making her feel giddy.
Siya watched him go, her heart fluttering. She then turned to her friends, who were nudging her shoulders teasingly, their eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Oh my God, Siya! That was so romantic," Arushi said, giggling.
"Did you see the way he looked at you?" Richa chimed in, her voice full of excitement.
Siya's face grew even hotter as she tried to deflect their teasing. "Hatt! It's nothing like that."
As they walked to class, Siya's mind replayed the moment again and again. She couldn't help but smile, her friends' laughter and teasing fading into the background. All she could think about was Shashwat and the unspoken promise in his eyes.
Reyansh sat in the auditorium, ostensibly writing a speech for the annual function, but his real focus was on Arushi's dance practice.
She moved across the stage with an elegance that captivated him, her semi-classical dance flowing like a river.
Every step, every gesture was imbued with grace.
She performed an intricate sequence: her right leg extended in a beautiful arabesque, her arms stretched out like wings.
She spun on the ball of her foot, her skirt swirling around her like a blooming flower.
Her expressions were equally mesmerizing, each movement of her eyes and hands telling a story.
Reyansh was completely entranced, his pen idle on the paper.
He watched as she moved into a series of quick footwork, her anklets jingling in perfect rhythm.
She leaped gracefully, her body arching in a perfect line, before landing softly, transitioning into a series of graceful hand movements that mimicked the flow of water.
As she moved into a slow, controlled spin, her arms lifting gracefully above her head, Reyansh's eyes were locked onto her every movement. The world around him seemed to fade away, leaving only the sight of Arushi dancing.
Suddenly, Monica ma'am noticed him from across the room and chuckled softly, walking over to him. "Reyansh beta, show me your speech," she said, breaking his trance.
Reyansh blinked and looked up at her, momentarily disoriented. He handed her the notebook, realising that he hadn't written a speech at all. Instead, there was a poem, words flowing from his heart as he watched Arushi dance. Monica ma'am picked up the notebook and began to read:
In a realm where shadows play and light is soft,
She moves with a grace that takes my breath aloft.
Each step, a whisper, delicate and sure,
A symphony of movements, endlessly pure.
Her feet kiss the ground, in rhythmic embrace,
Creating a melody, a timeless grace.
Her arms weave patterns, like birds in flight,
A dance of the day, and the calm of the night.
Eyes that speak in silent, eloquent prose,
Tell tales of joy, and of sorrow's close.
In every spin, in each delicate twirl,
She conjures a world, a mystical swirl.
Her anklets sing songs of ancient lore,
With each gentle jingle, my heart soars more.
A leap into the air, light as a feather,
Brings together earth and sky, bound together.
She is the river, flowing with ease,
She is the wind, whispering through the trees.
Her dance is a prayer, a serene, sacred trance,
I am but a spectator, lost in her dance.
In every move, in each fleeting glance,
She holds me captive, in a dreamlike dance.
A soul unbound, a spirit set free,
In her graceful dance, I find my peace, my plea.
Monica looked up from the poem, her eyes twinkling with understanding. "This is beautiful, Reyansh," she said softly. "But you know this isn't a speech for the annual function, right?"
"Wo.. Actually.. haan ye maine bahot pehle likha tha. Abhi nahi. Wo to ye page khul gaya," he stammered, trying to cover his embarrassment.
Monica ma'am chuckled, shaking her head. "This is a new notebook, I guess. And this is the first page. By the way, I am impressed. You can be a writer in the future. Accha, now write the speech. Aur classroom me jaa ke likho, warna pata nahi kitni poetry kar doge."
Reyansh smiled sheepishly. "I promise I will write the speech. Classroom me garmi hai."
"December me?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I mean.. thandi hai," he corrected, fumbling for an excuse. Monica ma'am giggled and brushed his hair adoringly.
"Alright, Mr. Poet, get to work," she said, handing the notebook back to him. "But I have to say, this poem is beautiful. You should choose writing as your career if you want."
Reyansh blushed, nodding. "Thank you, ma'am. I'll get started on the speech right away."
Monica ma'am gave him a warm smile before walking away.
Reyansh glanced back at the stage where Arushi continued to dance, her movements as captivating as ever.
With renewed determination, he turned to a fresh page in his notebook and began to write, his heart still beating in rhythm with Arushi's dance.
Just then, Akash plopped down beside Reyansh with a grumpy expression.
"Tujhe kya hua?" Reyansh asked, noticing his friend's sour mood.
[What happened?]
"Cancel that second salsa dance," Akash demanded.
"Why?" Reyansh asked, confused.
"Richa usme perform kar rahi hai uss kalmuhe Shakti ke sath. He has a crush on her. Dekh uss side me kaise kharbuje si shakal banai hai usne khushi se," Akash said, pointing toward Shakti, who was dancing with Richa and making her laugh.
Reyansh glanced over and saw Shakti, grinning from ear to ear, clearly enjoying the dance with Richa. "Arre.. mai kaise cancel karun?" Reyansh asked, exasperated.
[How should I cancel that?]
"Jaise tune wo vala kiya tha jisme Aru tere sautan ke sath dance kar rahi thi," Akash said, earning a playful slap on the head from Reyansh.
[Just like you cancelled the salsa dance where Aru was performing.]
"Maine nahi kiya tha.. I mean.. I just stated some facts," Reyansh defended himself.
"Haan, I know that very well. Isme bhi koi fact nikal aur band karva. Otherwise, mai Shashwat ko bata dunga ki tu uski behen ko pata rakha hai," Akash threatened, earning another smack.
[Just cancel it otherwise I will tell shashwat that you are dating his sister.]
"What should I say? Everything is perfect in that dance. And see, Richa is putting so much effort," Reyansh said, trying to reason with him.
"Arushi also puts so much effort," Akash countered.
"That was another thing, Akash. That time I was a little insecure because there was nothing between us. But tera case alag hai na," Reyansh explained, trying to calm his friend. Akash whined, clearly not satisfied.
Just then, Richa came over during a dance break and sat beside Akash. Reyansh saw this as his cue to give them some privacy. "Alright, I'll catch up with you later," he said, excusing himself.
"Jaa ke dance practice karo na," Akash said, folding his arms across his chest, a frown etched on his face.
"Break diya gaya hai abhi," Richa replied nonchalantly, putting the water bottle down. "Tumhari naak kyun fuli hai?" she asked, poking his nose playfully.
"Meri naak bilkul thik hai," Akash retorted, stepping back slightly.
Richa sensed something was off. "Akash, what happened?" she asked, her tone softening.
"Wo Shakti ka baccha tumhare sath kyun dance kar raha hai?" he demanded, his eyes narrowing.
[Why is he dancing with you?]
"Kyunki ma'am ne kaha hai," Richa explained, raising an eyebrow. "Why, what's the big deal?"
[Because ma'am asked him to.]
"The big deal is, he has feelings for you." Akash snapped.
Richa's eyes widened in surprise. "Akash, it's not his fault that he likes me. No one can control their feelings." she said, crossing her arms.
"Then you can stop giving him hopes," Akash shot back.
Richa's patience was wearing thin. "Do you think I'm interested in him? Is that what you think of me?"
"Mera wo matlab nahi hai. I just want you to stay away from him. Uske sath dance mat karo." Akash said, frustrated.
"Are you giving me order?" Richa challenged, stepping closer. "You don't get to decide who I dance with or talk to."
Akash's jaw tightened. "I'm just looking out for you."
"I don't need you to look out for me like this," Richa retorted. "You're being unreasonable."
"Unreasonable? Tumhe nahi pata wo Shakti kaisa ladka hai," Akash said, his voice filled with concern.
"And you think you know everything?" Richa countered. "Shakti is a good guy. Tumhe bina wajah insecurities ho rahi hai ."
"Insecurities?" Akash laughed bitterly. "This is about you not seeing what's right in front of you."
"Maybe it's you who needs to see things clearly," Richa said, her voice shaking with emotion. "I'm not your possession, Akash. You need to understand that."
The room fell silent as the tension hung thick in the air. Neither of them backed down, their words cutting deeper with each exchange.
"Fine," Akash finally said, turning away. "Believe whatever you want."
"Maybe I will," Richa shot back, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Without another word, Akash walked out of the rehearsal room, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. Richa stood there, feeling a mix of anger and sadness. She took a deep breath, wiped her eyes, and headed back to her dance practice, determined not to let the argument affect her performance.
As she rejoined the group, Shakti noticed her tense expression. "Everything okay?" he asked gently.
"Yeah," Richa replied, forcing a smile. "Let's just focus on the dance."
Meanwhile, Akash trudged to his classroom, his mind racing with thoughts of their argument. He couldn't shake off the feeling of regret, but his stubbornness kept him from turning back.
Outside the bustling college building, Ritika stood still for a moment, taking a deep breath to steel herself for the day ahead. She knew she would have to face Arav sooner or later, but she was determined to keep her composure. With a final exhale, she stepped inside.
Inside, Arav was searching frantically for Ritika. The weight of yesterday's events hung heavy on his heart. He knew a simple "sorry" wouldn't fix everything, but it was a necessary first step. As he turned a corner in his hurried search, he collided with someone.
"Ritika!" he exclaimed, seeing her picking up her water bottle from the floor. Her eyes met his, and the emotions were palpable. His eyes were filled with regret and vulnerability, while hers held accusation and hurt.
"Ritika... I..." Arav began, but before he could continue, Ritika flashed him a smile.
"Good morning, Arav," she greeted him, her tone and expression shockingly normal.
"G..good morning.. Mai..wo.." he stammered, thrown off by her unexpected reaction.
"Accha ab side hato, I have to go to Rita ma'am," she said, still acting as if nothing had happened.
"Tum..aise..kal jo bhi hua...mai... I mean mujhe..." he struggled to find the right words, the guilt gnawing at him.
"Kya bol rahe ho? Don't waste my time na. Ab hato mere raste se. I am getting late," she said firmly. Arav, still in shock, moved aside. She smiled at him again and walked away.
As Ritika walked away, Arav stood rooted to the spot, his mind reeling.
He had prepared himself for a confrontation, for her anger, for her hurt.
He expected her to shout at him, to accuse him, to demand answers.
But this... this calm, almost indifferent reaction was something he hadn't anticipated.
Arav's heart twisted painfully. He wanted her to be happy, to smile genuinely. But not like this. Not in a way that felt so forced, so detached. Her calmness felt like a wall, impenetrable and cold. It left him feeling more guilty and desperate than if she had yelled at him.
The vulnerability in his own eyes deepened as he watched her retreating figure.
He knew he had hurt her, and seeing her pretend that everything was fine was like salt in an open wound.
He had hoped for a chance to explain himself, to apologize sincerely.
But how could he do that when she wouldn't even acknowledge what happened?
Arav felt a mix of frustration and helplessness. He realized that fixing things wouldn't be as simple as he'd hoped. He needed to find a way to break through her fa?ade, to reach the real Ritika hiding behind that forced smile.
Determined, he clenched his fists. "I won't give up," he vowed silently. "I will make things right. Somehow, I will."
As he made his way to his class, his mind was a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts.
The regret, the guilt, and the determination to mend what was broken all swirled within him.
Arav knew he had a long road ahead, but he was willing to walk it for the chance to see Ritika truly smile again, from her heart.
Arav walked into the classroom, his heart heavy with thoughts of Ritika.
He took his usual seat, anxiously glancing at the door.
Moments later, Ritika entered, her expression calm and composed.
She went straight to her friends and sat with them, her back to Arav.
He felt a pang of regret and self-reproach.
Why did he expect her to sit with him after what he had done?
Ritika felt his gaze on her and turned slightly, giving him a polite, distant smile before she began writing in her notebook. Her nonchalance stung him more than he cared to admit.
A classmate, Rohan, approached Arav. "Arav, can I sit here?" he asked, gesturing to the empty seat beside him.
"No... I mean... this seat belongs to someone else," Arav replied, his voice faltering.
"But baitha nhi hai koi," Rohan pointed out.
"She will... someday... definitely someday she will," Arav said with determination, his eyes glancing back at Ritika.
Just then, the teacher entered the room, silencing the chatter. "Alright, class, let's talk about the project. Any changes in teams?"
Ritika raised her hand. "Sir, I would like to change my team," she said, her voice steady.
The teacher looked at the seating chart. "The only person left without a partner is Mohit. You can be his partner. Arav, do you have any problem with this?"
Arav's heart raced. "Yes! She is mine..." he blurted out, and the room fell silent, everyone staring at him. Realizing his slip, he quickly corrected himself. "I mean... my partner. She is my partner. I don't know anyone else well enough to work with them."
The teacher raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Very well. Ritika, you will stay with Arav for this project."
Ritika gave a slight nod, her face revealing nothing of what she felt. Arav felt a mix of relief and anxiety. He knew he had made things awkward, but he couldn't bear the thought of losing this last connection to her.
Ritika stood her ground in front of the teacher, her expression resolute. "But Ma'am, it doesn't matter what he wants, I need a new partner," she asserted firmly.
The teacher sighed, clearly seeing the tension between Ritika and Arav. "Oohh.. okay beta, you can be paired with Mohit. Arav, your new partner is Ashwin," the teacher declared, trying to diffuse the situation.
Arav nodded silently, his gaze fixed on the floor. He wanted to say something, to explain, but Ritika had already turned away, her demeanour composed and unaffected. He felt a pang of frustration and helplessness. How could he apologise to her when she wouldn't even give him a chance?
Arav tried to approach Ritika several times, but each time she deflected his attempts with casual indifference. Whenever he tried to bring up the project or apologise, she would respond with polite but distant remarks before walking away with a smile.
"Ritika, can we talk ?" Arav asked one afternoon, catching her just before she left for another class.
"I have to go to the library, " Ritika replied smoothly, adjusting her bag. "I'll see you later."
After a few hours , Arav found himself increasingly isolated. His friends, though well-meaning, were different from him. He missed Ritika's lively debates and her quirky sense of humor, her flirting. Despite everything, he found himself longing for her presence, for her constant companionship.
As Arav sat alone in the canteen, lost in his thoughts, he saw Ritika entering with Mohit and her other friends. They were laughing together, sharing inside jokes. Arav felt a pang of jealousy and longing. It hurt to see her so happy without him, to realize how much he relied on her presence.
Arav couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness that had settled within him. He missed Ritika's presence beside him, her voice filling the silence with laughter and conversation. Sitting alone in the canteen, he realized just how much he had taken her for granted.
"She used to always be there," he thought, watching Ritika and her friends from a distance.
The ache in his chest grew stronger as he recalled their shared moments, the times they had debated fiercely over books and movies, the times she had teased him for being too serious. He missed her banter, her warmth, her unwavering support.
But every attempt to approach Ritika ended in disappointment. She seemed determined to keep her distance, to maintain the fa?ade of normalcy between them. Arav wondered if he had lost her friendship for good.
Watching Ritika laugh with Mohit, a pang of regret washed over him. He realised how much he had come to rely on her, not just as a partner but as a person who understood him like no one else did.
Shashwat sat alone in the canteen, lost in his thoughts, his appetite subdued. The noise of the canteen faded into the background as he contemplated recent events. Suddenly, a small junior approached him timidly, placing a bread pakoda on his table.
"This is from didi. She also sent this," the boy said, handing Shashwat a small chit before scurrying away.
Shashwat furrowed his brow in confusion, then turned to see Siya smiling at him from a nearby table.
A blush crept up his cheeks, and he playfully pinched the boy's cheek in thanks before the boy left.
Opening the chit, he read her message: "Can I take you on a date Mr. Rajvansh?" His heart skipped a beat, and he glanced over at Siya, who had now taken a seat behind him, facing away from him.
Quietly, he turned the chit over, took out a pen, and wrote a reply. Carefully, he coughed to discreetly draw her attention and extended his hand backwards, passing the chit to her. Siya took it, unfolded it, and read his response: "Of course, I will be glad Ms. Malhotra."
A smile spread across Siya's face as she looked at Shashwat. She nodded subtly, acknowledging his answer. Shashwat couldn't help but smile back, feeling a warmth in his chest that he hadn't felt in a while.
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