[40]
Shashwat folded his pant legs and dipped his feet into the cool, refreshing water, while Siya did the same, sitting close beside him. The sensation of the water flowing over their feet was soothing, adding to the serenity of the moment.
Siya leaned her head on Shashwat's shoulder, feeling completely at peace. "Hamne aise kayi sapne dekhe hain where we both are sitting together at a place like this. Hame laga nahi tha ye sach bhi hoga," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
["I've had so many dreams like this where we are sitting together at a place like this. I never thought it would come true."]
Shashwat smiled, resting his cheek on her head. "Ek baat puchun?" he asked, a slight hesitation in his voice.
["Can I ask you something?"]
"Of course," she replied, looking up at him.
"When did you fall for me?" he asked, his cheeks slightly red with embarrassment.
Siya chuckled softly. "When I saw you for the first time. My first day at school," she said, making his eyes widen in surprise.
"Really?" he asked, unable to hide his astonishment.
"Haan.. aur dekhiye na I am so smart. Aapko pata bhi nahi chalne diya hamne that I feel something for you," she said, flexing her imaginary muscles.
["Yes, and see, I am so smart. I didn't even let you know that I had feelings for you."]
Shashwat rubbed his nose, trying to control his chuckle as he remembered the time she accidentally confessed her feelings, thinking he was Arushi. "Are you sure ki tumne mujhe pata bhi nahi chalne diya?" he asked, teasingly.
["Are you sure you didn't let me know?"]
"Kya matlab?" Siya asked, frowning slightly.
["What do you mean?"]
"Remember our independence day practice days? When you were talking to Arushi about your feelings and then you turned to find it was me," he said, and her eyes widened in shock.
"You heard that? Please say no..." she said, embarrassed.
"Sorry, but yes," he replied, and she covered her face with her palms.
"Mummy! It was so embarrassing. Aapne bataya kyun nahi?" she asked, her voice muffled.
["Oh my God! It was so embarrassing. Why didn't you tell me?"]
"Bata ke kya karta? Tum uncomfortable ho jati wo alag," he said, shrugging.
["What would I have done by telling you? You would have become uncomfortable, which is different."]
"Phir bhi!" she said, whining slightly. [Still!]
"Arre, but accha hua na I heard that.. mujhe tumhari feelings ka pata chal gaya tha and after that I started giving attention to you. Pehle toh mujhe tumhara naam bhi yaad nahi rehta tha," he said, trying to explain.
["Hey, but it was good that I heard that... I got to know your feelings and after that, I started paying attention to you. Earlier, I didn't even remember your name."]
"Matlab aapko kuch feel nahi hua hame pehli baar dekh ke? Jaise, koi ishara mila ho, ya dil me ghanti baji ho, ya kuch khayal aaya ho ki this is my soulmate, kuch bhi?" she asked, slightly hurt.
["So you didn't feel anything when you saw me for the first time? Like, you got some sign, or a bell rang in your heart, or you thought that this is my soulmate, anything?"]
"Nahi," he replied honestly, and she punched his arm lightly.
["No."]
"Arre... ye sab bas movies me hota hai. Mere liye jaise school ki baki ladkiyan thi vaise hi tum.
But after knowing your feelings I couldn't shake the attraction I felt for you and then during Prashant bhaiya's wedding I got to know you better and eventually you captured my heart," he finished, looking deeply into her eyes.
["Hey... this all happens only in movies. For me, you were like the other girls in school. But after knowing your feelings, I couldn't shake the attraction I felt for you and then during Prashant bhaiya's wedding I got to know you better and eventually you captured my heart."]
Shashwat took a vibrant flower from the ground and turned to face Siya.
"May I?" he asked softly, holding the flower up. She nodded, a gentle smile playing on her lips.
He moved closer, delicately fixing the flower near her ear. He stepped back, admiring how the flower enhanced her natural beauty.
"I think it's about to rain. We should leave before that," Shashwat suggested, glancing at the sky.
"Arre, nothing will happen. Ham keh rahe hain na," she said confidently. They continued chatting, the gentle breeze carrying their laughter.
After a few minutes, Siya noticed Shashwat lost in deep thought.
"Kahan kho gaye?" she asked, snapping her fingers in front of him.
"I only have a few days left in school. I wish I had fallen in love with you earlier. Toh aur time milta tumhare sath school me. I am going to miss everything," he said, his voice tinged with sadness.
"Me too," Siya replied, her voice soft. "When you won't be there, I won't feel like attending school daily either."
Shashwat took her hands in his, looking into her eyes with earnest sincerity. "Siya, I know it will be hard, but you have to understand the importance of school and studies, especially since it's your boards. You need to focus on your education and do your best."
Siya nodded, appreciating his concern. "You really like this school, right?"
Shashwat smiled, a nostalgic look crossing his face. "Yes, I do. This school has given me so many memories. It's where I met Akash, who's like a brother to me now. We've shared so many laughs, so many challenges. And then, there's you."
Siya's eyes softened as she listened.
"Meeting you here, falling in love with you, it's made this place even more special. Every corner of this school holds a memory - the classroom where we first talked, the canteen, the library " Shashwat continued, his voice filled with warmth.
Siya smiled, feeling the same affection for the memories they had created. "I'm grateful too because I met you in this school. And I also met Arushi and Richa. I never had any best friends in my life because of my father's transfers."
Shashwat's curiosity was piqued. "So, where were you born?" he asked.
"Banaras. Our house was originally in Banaras.
Dada had it built. I spent my entire childhood there.
And then with the transfers, we all went with Papa, and during vacations, we used to go there until Dada-Dadi were alive.
After their death, we rarely visit Banaras," she explained, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.
"Oh, my hometown is in Bhopal too. Me and Arav were born in Bhopal. We were in the third grade when we moved here. Even now, we go there every vacation," he shared.
"Will you go this time too? In winter vacations?" she asked, feeling a twinge of sadness.
"No, I have my boards, so Papa ne mana kar diya," he said.
"Oh yes, you will have your preparation leave. Then we will also have to stop meeting and talk less," she said, her tone a mix of understanding and sadness.
"Arre kyunnnnn?" he asked, stretching out the word in protest.
"Because you have your boards... so you need to focus on that from next month... so we will fix a schedule that we only talk for half an hour at the set time," she explained, trying to be practical.
"Mishti, this is not fair. I won't be able to focus on my studies without talking to you," he said, pouting.
"I am saying this so that you can focus on your studies," she insisted.
"But aadhe ghante me mera kya hoga? Can't we increase the time a little?" he pleaded, giving her puppy eyes.
"How much?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Just 2-3 hours," he said with a grin, but she looked at him sternly.
"1... will that be okay?" he asked, pouting again. She sighed deeply.
"Ok," she agreed finally, shaking her head with a small smile.
Suddenly, the sky opened up, and rain began to pour down. Shashwat gave a pointed look to Siya, his eyes narrowing in a playful scold.
"Arre... hame kya pata tha! Hamne Indra dev se contract thodi sign karvaya tha ki barish nahi hogi. Bas guess kiya tha," she said defensively, her voice rising above the sound of the falling rain.
"Ab chalo jaldi," he said, grabbing her hand as they sprinted towards the scooty, their feet splashing through puddles forming on the ground.
"Ab bheeg toh jayenge hi toh bhagne ka kya fayda!" she argued, causing him to slow down his pace. They were already soaked to the skin, their clothes clinging to them.
"Itni barish me chala logi scooty?" he asked, concern lacing his voice as he glanced up at the darkening sky.
"I don't know... ankh me pani ayega," she admitted, her eyes blinking rapidly to keep the rain out.
"Peeche baitho," he instructed, and she grinned, hopping onto the back of the scooty without hesitation.
"Dhyan se baithna, uss din ke jaise girogi toh dress bhi kharab hogi," he teased, and she hit him lightly on the back, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"Marte dam tak bhulne mat dena wo din aap," she said, her voice a playful whine. He chuckled, the sound deep and comforting despite the rain.
He started the bike, and Siya initially reached out to hold his shoulders but hesitated out of shyness. Instead, she grabbed the back of the scooty, her fingers clutching tightly. They rode through the rain-soaked streets, the city looking almost magical under the curtain of rain.
After a while, they reached a less crowded area of the city. Gathering her courage, Siya finally placed her hands on Shashwat's shoulders. The sudden contact made his eyes widen in surprise, and he pulled the brake reflexively, causing the scooty to skid slightly and nearly hit a car.
"Arre oyee dikhta nahi hai kya?" the man in the car shouted, his voice filled with irritation.
"Uh!! Sorry uncle!" Shashwat apologized quickly, raising a hand in a placating gesture.
"Aaj kal ka baccha log bhi bigadta jaa raha hai!" the man muttered as he drove away, shaking his head.
"Kya tha ye?" Siya asked innocently, her wide eyes looking up at him from under wet lashes.
"Kuch nhi," he replied, his ears turning a bright shade of red. He smiled, trying to shake off the embarrassment, and started the scooty again. Siya chuckled at his reaction, the sound blending with the rhythmic patter of the rain.
As they reached closer to their destination, Siya's grip on Shashwat's shoulders became more relaxed, a silent testament to the comfort she felt in his presence.
He stopped the scooty at the place they met before starting the date
"We have to part ways now. Tum yaha se scooty lekar chali jao. Barish bhi band ho gayi." He said, his voice low as he held hand.
She looked at him with curiosity, unaware of his subtle movements until she felt something cool and smooth slide onto her middle finger.
Siya's gaze dropped to her hand, where a delicate silver ring now adorned her finger.
It shimmered softly against her skin, catching the sunlight in a subtle dance of reflection.
She blinked in surprise, her eyes widening with a mix of astonishment and delight.
Shashwat stood beside her, his expression filled with quiet admiration as he watched her take in the unexpected gift.
"Iss ring ki toh kismat hi khul gayi," Shashwat murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with warmth and sincerity. He couldn't help but admire how the ring seemed to enhance the natural elegance of her hand, accentuating her grace in a way that captivated him.
Siya looked up at him, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue as his words washed over her. She felt a rush of gratitude and affection, touched by his thoughtfulness. "Thank you," she replied softly.
As if to seal the moment with a silent promise, Shashwat leaned in and pressed a tender kiss on the silver band encircling her finger.
Siya's blush deepened, a shy smile playing on her lips as she absorbed the warmth of his gesture.
Their eyes met briefly, exchanging a silent understanding that spoke volumes of their growing connection.
Before either could break the gentle spell of the moment, Siya impulsively reached for Shashwat's hand.
She held it lightly, feeling the steady beat of his pulse beneath her touch.
With a softness that matched the quiet intimacy of the scene, she pressed a fleeting kiss on his wrist, just above the edge of his sleeve.
Shashwat's breath caught at the unexpected tenderness of her gesture, his heart skipping a beat in response to her affectionate touch. He watched, a mix of awe and fondness in his eyes, as she withdrew and climbed onto her scooter, ready to depart.
Watching Siya drive away, Shashwat stood rooted to the spot, a gentle smile lingering on his lips.
He absentmindedly rubbed his neck, feeling a warmth that extended far beyond the physical touch.
Pulling out his phone, he snapped a quick picture of his wrist, capturing the indelible mark of their shared moment-a memento of a day filled with unexpected gestures, unspoken promises, and the blossoming of something beautiful between them.
Arav sat in the bustling college canteen, his eyes glued to his phone as he scrolled through the photos.
Each image was a snapshot of moments with Ritika-moments where she had forcefully taken selfies or mischievously popped into his pictures.
His gaze lingered on one particular photo: he was staring at her with a done face, while she grinned at the camera, radiant and carefree.
That day replayed in his mind with vivid clarity.
He had been alone in the canteen, waiting for Ritika. Her presence had become his routine, something he subconsciously craved. As he felt something on his nose, he opened the front camera to check. Suddenly, Ritika appeared behind him, posing for a selfie.
"Mai bhi mai bhii!!" she exclaimed, her grin wide and infectious, startling him with her unexpected appearance.
"Tum kab aayi?" he asked, turning around to face her.
"Arre yaar swami, pehle selfie toh click kariye," she insisted, clicking the button before he could object.
"Hadd hai! Mai selfie nahi le raha tha," he retorted, feigning annoyance.
"Haa toh le liye toh koi problem hai kya? Itni acchi toh aayi hai. Ek aur lete hain," she said, admiring the picture.
"No thanks. Aur aise achanak se bhi mat aa jaya karo ki kisi insaan ko heart attack hi aa jaye," he said, closing his phone.
"How rude Arya! Itna bhav khana bhi acchi baat nahi hai.. jis din maine aapke paas aana band kar diya na tab aapko samajh aayega. Hmph!!" she said, flipping her hair dramatically.
"Aur kab aayega wo din?" he asked with a mocking smile.
Arav's chest tightened as he remembered her words.
She was right. Now, her absence was a tangible void.
He had always known he was addicted to her presence, but now he was desperate for it.
Her playful admonition echoed in his mind, "Thukra lo mere pyar ko, kahin aisa na ho ki jab tak tumhe meri value samajh aaye, tum mujhe kho chuke ho! "
The possibility of losing her forever gnawed at him, breaking something inside. Was this just guilt over losing a friend, or was it something more profound? The ache in his heart, the emptiness he felt, pointed to something deeper.
He had heard about love countless times, even from Shashwat. Could this be love? Was this longing, this emptiness, the realisation of his true feelings for Ritika?
Arav's thoughts raced as he tried to process his emotions.
He felt a torrent of regret for not appreciating her more, fear of never seeing her again, and a clarity about his feelings.
He had taken her for granted, always assuming she would be there, her laughter and presence a constant in his life.
But now, faced with the possibility of her absence, he realised just how deeply he cared for her.
Suddenly, it all made sense. This wasn't just about missing a friend.
This was love. He loved Ritika. It wasn't just the comfort of her presence or the fun they had together.
It was the way she lit up his day with her smile, the way she challenged him, teased him, and made him feel alive.
He loved her spontaneity, her warmth, her entire being.
As he sat there, the weight of his realisation settled in. He knew he had to do something, to tell her how he felt before it was too late. He couldn't bear the thought of a future without her.
"I love her," he whispered to himself, the words feeling both strange and incredibly right.
With determination ,Arav stood up. He needed to find Ritika and tell her how he felt. He couldn't let another day go by without letting her know. His heart pounded with a mix of fear and excitement, but he knew what he had to do.
"I need to tell her this," he said with determination, stepping out of the canteen, ready to finally confess his love to Ritika.
Arav walked purposefully through the bustling college corridors, his heart a storm of emotions.
He had to find Ritika, had to tell her how he felt before it was too late.
After a few moments of searching, he spotted her inside an empty classroom with Mohit.
They were huddled over her phone, engrossed in their project discussion.
Taking a deep breath, Arav stepped into the room. "Ritika... I need to tell you something."
Without looking up, she replied, "I'm busy."
"Ritika, please..." His voice trembled with urgency.
Sensing the tension, Mohit looked up. "Mujhe ek call aa rahi hai. Excuse me, guys," he said, giving them a nod and leaving to give them some privacy.
Ritika continued scrolling through her phone, her tone indifferent. "Bolo, faltu time nahi hai mere paas."
Arav's mind raced. This was it. "I... I think... I mean, I don't think... I realised... I mean, mai actually... I..." He struggled to articulate his feelings.
She cut him off, her patience thin. "Jab decide ho jaye kya kehna hai tab kehna. Excuse me," she said, standing up to leave. Desperate, Arav grabbed her wrist, pulling her back.
"What the hell, Arav!" she exclaimed, eyes flashing with anger as she tried to free her hand.
"I love you, Ritika," he blurted out, his voice steady but filled with emotion. She froze, her eyes widening in shock. "I really do..."
For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Ritika stared at him, trying to process his sudden confession. Memories of all the times he had hurt her came flooding back, the pain still raw. She wrenched her hand free from his grip.
"Leave, Arav," she said coldly, turning away.
"Ritika, please listen. I know I messed up. I took you for granted. But I love you. Can't you give me a chance?" he pleaded, his voice cracking with desperation.
"Love isn't everything, Arav," she replied, her tone firm and unyielding. "For me, my self-respect is more important. I can't forget all the things you said to me. You can't erase those memories from my mind."
"I was a fool. I didn't realise how much you meant to me until now. Please, forgive me. I'll do anything you say, just give me one chance," he begged, his eyes pleading with her to believe him.
"Anything? Can you really stoop so low? Would you bend down on your knees, at my feet, and beg for forgiveness in front of everyone? Just like you humiliated me in front of the whole college?" she asked, her voice dripping with bitterness.
Her words struck him like a blow, but he knew she was right. He had humiliated her publicly, made her feel small. But he was willing to do whatever it took to make amends.
After some time, Ritika found a quiet spot in the garden, seeking solace in her music to calm her mind.
She closed her eyes, letting the melody wash over her, trying to push away the tumultuous thoughts.
Just then, she sensed a presence nearby.
Opening her eyes, she saw Arav approaching.
Her heart tightened, and she quickly stood up, ready to walk away.
But before she could leave, he reached out and gently held her wrist.
"Ritika, please," he pleaded.
She turned, her eyes full of pain and uncertainty. "Arav, I've told you-"
But he interrupted her, dropping to his knees in front of her. The sight made her freeze in shock. Around them, students began to notice, and a small crowd started to gather, murmuring among themselves.
"Please, listen to me," Arav began, his voice trembling. "I know I've hurt you. I've been selfish and blind, and I've taken you for granted. But I'm begging for your forgiveness. I can't stand the thought of losing you."
Ritika's eyes widened as she saw the sincerity in his expression, the desperation in his voice.
"I know my words can't undo the pain I've caused," he continued, "but I need you to know how much you mean to me.
You mean everything to me, and I can't imagine a future without your smile, your laughter.
I'm willing to put my pride aside, to be vulnerable in front of everyone, because losing you is my greatest fear. "
Tears streamed down his face as he looked up at her, his eyes pleading.
"Please, forgive me. Let me show you that my love is true, that I'm ready to be the partner you deserve.
I'm on my knees, not out of shame, but out of love and devotion.
My tears may fall, but they are nothing compared to the tears I've caused you. "
With that, he lowered his head to her feet, his tears falling onto her shoes. "I love you, Ritika," he whispered, his voice breaking.
The crowd around them was silent, watching this raw display of emotion. Ritika felt her heart ache at the sight of Arav, broken and sincere, at her feet. She had never seen him so vulnerable, so desperate.
After a few moments of standing in stunned silence, Ritika couldn't understand the overwhelming emotions crashing over her.
She turned and walked away, leaving Arav still on his knees, his heart pounding with fear and hope.
He quickly stood up and followed her, determined not to let her go without a proper conversation.
"Ritika, wait!" he called out, his voice filled with desperation. She quickened her pace, but he caught up to her just outside the garden, grabbing her wrist gently. She turned to face him, her eyes filled with confusion and pain.
"Arav, what do you want from me?" she asked, her voice trembling. "You can't just show up, say you love me, and expect everything to be okay."
"I know," he said, his voice breaking. "I know I've hurt you, and I can't undo the past. But I need you to understand that I truly love you. I realised too late what you mean to me."
Ritika's eyes filled with tears, her heart aching. "You don't understand, Arav. You humiliated me, made me feel worthless. How am I supposed to just forget all that?"
"I'm not asking you to forget," he replied, his voice soft but earnest. "I know it will take time, and I'm willing to wait. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make it up to you. Please, just give me a chance."
She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "I can't do this, Arav. I've been through so much because of you. I forgive you, but I can't forget everything that happened. I need to stay away from you to heal."
Arav's heart sank, but he nodded, understanding her need for space. "I understand," he said quietly. "But I promise you, Ritika, I will melt your heart again, just like you melted mine. I won't give up on us."
Ritika looked at him, her emotions a tangled mess. She wanted to believe him, but the pain was still too fresh. She turned away, leaving him standing there, watching her walk away once more.
As she disappeared from sight, Arav took a deep breath and smiled softly. "Miss Ritika Malhotra, be ready to see a new side of your Swami," he murmured to himself. He was determined to win her back, to show her that his love was genuine and that he was ready to be the partner she deserved.
Meanwhile, after school, Reyansh and Arushi had planned their date for the evening.
Reyansh stood near a temple with his bike, waiting eagerly for Arushi.
He repeatedly checked his reflection in the bike's mirror, setting his hair just right.
A constant grin adorned his face, reflecting his excitement.
Soon, he spotted Arushi walking towards him. She was wearing a crop top and flared jeans, her hair tied in a high ponytail. She looked stunning, and Reyansh's heart skipped a beat. He waved at her, and she smiled back, making her way to him.
"Hello," Reyansh greeted her warmly, gently holding her palm and placing a soft kiss on her knuckle. Arushi blushed, taking her hand back shyly.
"Chalen?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
He nodded, "Baitho," he said, motioning for her to get on the bike.
Arushi settled behind him, holding onto his shoulders. Reyansh felt a thrill of happiness as she clung to him. He started the bike and they sped off, the cool evening breeze adding to the excitement of the moment.
Reyansh took a different route, and Arushi immediately noticed. "Idhar se kahan jaa rahe?" she asked, curiosity and a bit of concern in her voice.
["Where are you going from here"]
Reyansh smirked, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Yahan mere papa ke itne friends hain na, kisi ne dekh liya toh seedha papa ko batayenge," he explained, his voice calm but hinting at a playful undertone.
["There are so many of my dad's friends here. If anyone sees us, they'll directly tell my dad."]
Arushi nodded, understanding. "Ye toh hai," she agreed, glancing around at the unfamiliar surroundings.
The road they were on was eerily empty, the only sounds being the hum of the bike engine and the occasional rustling of leaves.
Reyansh, ever the prankster, saw an opportunity for some light-hearted fun.
"Aru, maine wahan kuch dekha. I think ye jagah safe nahi," he said, his tone filled with faux concern, expertly masking his grin.
"K..kya?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly as she instinctively shifted closer to him, her fingers gripping his shirt tightly.
"Haan... and maine toh suna hai ki yahan bhoot pret bahot hain. Tumne suna hai kya?" he asked, injecting a dramatic pause into his voice.
[Yeah... and I've heard there are a lot of ghosts and spirits here. Have you heard anything?]
"Mummy!!" she exclaimed, eyes wide with fear as she hid her face against his back, clutching his shirt even tighter. Her breath came in short, nervous bursts, and she closed her eyes, clearly spooked by his words.
"Toh phir tumne ye route liya hi kyun?" she asked, her voice muffled but tinged with genuine fear and a hint of frustration.
Reyansh glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his eyes dancing with amusement as he struggled to control his chuckle.
"Ab mujhe laga hamare parents jyada scary hain bhoot se.
But don't worry, you can hold my waist tightly.
I don't mind. Kyunki kehte hain ki yahan bhoot khoobsurat ladkiyon ko pehle attack karte hain," he said, his tone playful but gentle.
["Now I feel like our parents are scarier than ghosts. But don't worry, you can hold my waist tightly. I don't mind. Because they say ghosts attack beautiful girls first."]
In response, Arushi hugged him even tighter, her fingers gripping his shirt near his heart in fear. This made his ears turn a light shade of red, and he felt a flutter of butterflies in his stomach. The sensation of her warmth and the intensity of her grip brought a smile to his face.
"Haan, aise hi paas baithe rehna," he murmured, his voice soft and reassuring. The proximity allowed him to feel her heartbeat, fast and rhythmic against his back.
She noticed something then, her voice curious but concerned. "Your heart is beating so fast," she said, the words almost a whisper against the backdrop of the quiet road.
"It always does, in your presence," he admitted softly, his confession filled with genuine emotion. Arushi blushed deeply at his words, her grip on his shirt loosening slightly as she processed his heartfelt statement.
As she began to retreat her hand, intending to create a bit of distance, Reyansh quickly held it over his shirt.
He didn't want her to pull away completely, not just yet.
Before she could react, he placed a soft kiss on her palm, a tender and intimate gesture that sent a wave of warmth through her.
Butterflies erupted in her stomach, and she blushed even deeper, the redness spreading across her cheeks.
As the realisation hit her, Arushi raised her eyebrows, her expression shifting from fear to curiosity. "Yahan kya sach me bhoot hain?" she asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.
["Is this place actually scary?"]
Reyansh's lips curved into a slight smile, but he tried to maintain his act. "Huh? Haan haan, hain na," he said, attempting to sound convincing.
Arushi quickly understood his trick and let go of his shirt. "Stop the bike!!!" she exclaimed, making him jerk and stop the bike abruptly.
"Kya hua?" he asked, confused by her sudden outburst.
She got down from the bike, her face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment. "Tum mujhe bewkuf bana rahe the? You know how scared I was. I don't want to talk to you," she said, turning on her heel and starting to walk away.
"Arre, kahan jaa rahi ho? Hamari date hai na," Reyansh called out, driving the bike slowly beside her.
["Where are you going ? We had our date?"]
"Go to hell with your date!" she snapped, her eyes blazing.
"Tumhare sath toh wahan bhi chal dunga," he flirted, but she only glared at him.
"Arre, I am sorry na yaar," he said, trying to placate her.
Some people nearby noticed the commotion and thought Reyansh was harassing her. "Oyee, kya kar raha hai??" a boy asked, stepping forward.
["What are you doing?"]
"Ji?" Reyansh asked, stopping the bike and looking at the boy in confusion.
"Ladki chedta hai? Sharam nahi aati?" another boy accused, and Arushi's eyes went wide.
["Doesn't you feel ashamed of teasing a girl?"]
"Arre, you are misunderstanding, ye ladki nahi hai," Reyansh tried to explain, but his words only caused more confusion.
["Oh, you're misunderstanding, this isn't a girl,"]
"Kya??" the boys exclaimed in shock, looking Arushi up and down.
"What do you mean by ladki nahi hai?" Arushi asked, gasping in disbelief.
"Aree, I mean... ladki hai ye... but she is my girlfriend," Reyansh clarified, trying to correct his earlier statement.
"Jhooth bolte huye sharam nahi aati? Dikhne me toh shareef ghar ke lagte ho," one of the boys said, clearly not convinced.
The situation escalated as the boys grabbed Reyansh by the collar.
Arushi, seeing things getting out of hand, shouted, "Hey!
Chhodo use!" She pushed the boys away from Reyansh with surprising force.
"How dare you touch him? He didn't do anything wrong.
He's my boyfriend, and we're just having a disagreement.
Mind your own business!" she said, her voice strong and unwavering.
The boys, taken aback by her fierceness, muttered amongst themselves. "Bhalai ka toh zamana hi nahi raha," one of them grumbled as they walked away, shaking their heads.
Reyansh and Arushi looked at each other, the tension dissolving into shared relief. Then, unexpectedly, they both burst out laughing, the absurdity of the situation breaking the ice between them.
They continued their date, moving on to enjoy street food. The bustling stalls offered a variety of delicious treats, and they indulged in everything from spicy chaat to sweet jalebis. The lively atmosphere and the array of flavours brought a sense of joy and normalcy back to their evening.
Reyansh watched Arushi savouring her favourite snacks, her earlier anger completely forgotten.
Both Reyansh and Arushi sat together under the shade of a tree, the gentle rustling of leaves overhead creating a serene backdrop to their conversation.
"Reyansh, tum Siya aur Richa ko hamare baare me batane kyun nahi dete? She shares every little detail of her life with me. I don't want to hide this happiness from my best friends," Arushi said earnestly, looking at Reyansh with a hint of concern.
Reyansh sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yaar, it's awkward. Meri behen hai wo... aur Richa ko pata chala toh Siya ko chal hi jayega. Tum samajh nahi rahi," he explained, his voice tinged with reluctance.
Arushi nodded thoughtfully. "Still, usse kitna bura lagega agar kisi aur se pata chala toh," she countered gently, her eyes searching his for understanding.
"Accha baba... kal bata dena, okay? But usse kehna mujhse aa ke kuch discuss na kare. It will be so awkward," Reyansh said, trying to find a middle ground.
Meanwhile , Siya walked into the stationery shop, glancing around at the neatly arranged shelves filled with various school supplies.
"Uncle, do blue, do black pen de dijiye aur ek scale bhi aur paanch rupaye ki chewing gum bhi," Siya requested the shopkeeper, gathering her items.
["Uncle, please give me two blue pens, two black pens, a scale, and a five-rupee chewing gum."]
As she waited, she heard a familiar voice from behind. "Uncle, ek spiral copy de dijiye sabse jyada pages wali," the voice said.
["Uncle, please give me a spiral notebook with the most pages."]
Siya turned around, surprised. "Shashwat!" she exclaimed.
"Mishti? Tum kya lene aayi ho?" Shashwat asked, equally surprised to see her.
"Pen aur aap?" Siya responded.
"Notebook." Shashwat said, smiling.
"Vaise pen lene itna door kyun aayi? Tumhare ghar ke paas koi stationary shop nahi hai kya?" Shashwat asked casually.
["Why did you come so far to buy pens? Isn't there any shop near your house?"]
"Hai par aaj band hai aur papa ko pata chal gaya hamare paas pen nahi hai to bhaga diye pen laane ke liye. Itni mast need aayi thi yaar, bahot rona aa raha hai," Siya said, making a face. Shashwat chuckled at her dramatic expression.
["Yes, but it's closed today. Dad found out I didn't have any pens, so he sent me running to get some. I really needed them; I felt like crying."]
They both bought their items and walked out of the shop together.
"Aap library se vapas aa rahe kya?" Siya asked as they stepped outside.
"Haan... acha thoda kahin baith kar baat karte hain," Shashwat suggested.
"Yahan paas me ek new open restaurant khula hai, wahan chalte hain," Siya suggested.
"Ok, chalo," Shashwat agreed.
"Ek minute, mummy ko call kar ke bol deti hun ki Richa mil gayi thi to uske ghar pe hun," Siya said, pulling out her phone. She quickly made the call and informed her mother of her plan.
After a few minutes, they rode to the restaurant on Siya's scooty. They parked and walked into the cosy, newly opened eatery, the aroma of fresh food filling the air.
They took a seat at a table, chatting and laughing. Unbeknownst to them, just a table away sat Reyansh and Arushi, engrossed in their own conversation, oblivious to Siya and Shashwat's presence.
"Tum ruko, mai order dekar aata hun chai ki," Shashwat said, giving Siya a reassuring smile before heading towards the counter.
["You wait here, I'll place an order for tea."]
Siya nodded, smiling back. Meanwhile, at another table, Reyansh turned to Arushi, "Aru, tum ruko, mai cold coffee ki order dekar aata hun." He flashed her a confident grin and made his way to the same counter.
["Aru, you wait here, I'll place an order for cold coffee."]
Completely unaware of each other's presence, Shashwat and Reyansh approached the counter at the same time. They stood close to each other, their focus solely on placing their respective orders.
Siya, who had been casually glancing around, suddenly froze. Her eyes fell on Reyansh, standing just near Shashwat. Her heart skipped a beat, and her eyes popped out in surprise. Panic quickly set in. "Reyansh bhaiya yaha!" she thought.
Without thinking twice, she quickly ducked under the table, hoping he hadn't seen her.
At the same moment, Arushi, who had been scanning the café absentmindedly, spotted Shashwat. Her eyes widened in shock.
"Shashwat bhaiya yaha?! Iska matlab Siya bhi yahi hogi.
.. ye Siya ki bachi, waise to pal pal ki khabar deti hai, aaj nahi bata paa rahi thi ki bhaiya ke saath plan bana hai iska," she muttered under her breath, her tone a mix of frustration and amusement.
Without a second thought, she too quickly hid under the table, praying Shashwat hadn't noticed her.
["Shashwat bhaiya is here?! That means Siya must be here too... this Siya, she usually shares every little detail, but today she didn't mention she had plans with bhaiya."]
Both Siya and Arushi were now under the same table, hiding from the boys, completely unaware of each other's presence. The space under the table was cramped, and they inadvertently bumped into each other.
Meanwhile, at the counter, both boys placed their orders at the same time.
"Do chai, do cold coffee," Reyansh and Shashwat said in unison.
They looked at each other, their eyes widening in shock.
"Sh...Shashwat, tu yaha kya kar raha hai?" Reyansh asked, trying to mask his surprise.
["What are you doing here?"]
Shashwat quickly glanced at his seat, looking for Siya. Not seeing her there, he sighed in relief. "Mai...ummm, mai to aise hi bas aa gaya. Socha dekh lun naya restaurant hai, aur tu?" Shashwat lied smoothly.
["I... ummm, I just happened to come by. Thought I'd check out the new restaurant. What about you?"]
Reyansh also glanced at his seat, searching for Arushi. Not finding her there, he too sighed in relief. "Ye... umm, I just came out for a walk. But you're here alone, why order two cups of tea?" Reyansh lied, raising an eyebrow in suspicion.
"Wo mera man tha..." Shashwat shrugged. "Aur tu? Do cold coffee ka order de raha tha?"
["And you? Were you ordering two cold coffees?"]
"Arre, wo to mera bahot man tha peene ka...par teko to chai nahi pasand thi na," Reyansh pointed out, his eyebrows arching higher.
["Oh, I really felt like having it... but you didn't like tea, right?"]
"Arre, naya restaurant hai, socha try kar ke dekhta hun aaj chai," Shashwat fibbed, maintaining his casual demeanour.
Both boys stood there, each trying to act nonchalant while internally hoping their respective companions remained hidden.
They both took their tea and cold coffee and went back to their seats. Just then, Richa and Akash entered the café.
"Shashwat Bhaiya! Reyansh Bhaiya!" Richa called out, spotting them from afar.
Akash saw them too. "Sale dhokebaaz, dono akele akele party kar rahe hain aur mujhse pucha bhi nahi," he muttered, feeling slighted.
["These cheaters are having a party all by themselves and didn't even ask me."]
Under the table, Arushi and Siya were desperately seeking a chance to escape. They turned to each other and, in their panic, both let out a loud scream.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!"
Reyansh and Shashwat's eyes popped out in surprise.
"Arushi, tu!" Siya exclaimed, shocked.
"Wo... wo..." Arushi stammered, trying to find an explanation.
"Chal beta, bahar aa, dekhti hun tujhe," Siya said, crawling out from under the table, followed by Arushi.
["Come on, dear, come out, let me see you."]
"Arushi yahan?!" Shashwat exclaimed in shock.
"Siya, tu yaha?" Reyansh echoed, equally stunned.
"Tu meri behan ke sath kya kar raha hai?" Shashwat demanded, turning to Reyansh.
["What are you doing with my sister?"]
"Aur tu meri behan ke sath kya kar raha hai?" Reyansh shot back, glaring at Shashwat.
[" And What are you doing with my sister?"]
Meanwhile, Akash was at the counter, nonchalantly ordering. "Bhaiya, ek popcorn dena," he said, handing over some money. Richa, exasperated, smacked his arm.
"Come over there, let's sort this out. Otherwise, both of them might end up fighting." Richa urged, pulling Akash towards the unfolding scene.
"Tum jao, mai ye popcorn lekar aata hun," Akash insisted. Richa shook her head in disbelief and walked towards the group, while Akash joined them shortly after, popcorn in hand.
Richa arrived first, stepping between the two fuming boys.
"Kya scene hai bhai?" Akash asked, munching on his popcorn, clearly entertained by the unfolding drama.
"Iss se puch, ye meri behan ko yahan kyun laaya," Reyansh said, glaring at Shashwat.
["Ask him why he brought my sister here."]
"Tu iski behen ko yahan kyun lekar aaya? Koi aur jahah nahi mili?" Akash said, shrugging his shoulders.
["Why did you bring his sister here? Couldn't you find any other place?"]
"Shut Up Akash!! Pehle iss se puch, ye meri behan ko lekar kyun aaya," Shashwat retorted, equally angry.
["Shut up, Akash! First ask him why he brought my sister here."]
Both boys were staring daggers at each other, the tension palpable.
"Arushi, tu?? Kahin tum dono...?" Shashwat asked Arushi angrily. Arushi put her head down, avoiding his piercing gaze.
"Siya, tune mujhe bhi nahi bataya? Mai tujhe kha thodi jata...agar tera aur iska kuch tha...aur Shashwat, tu...tune bhi pata nahi lagne diya," Reyansh said in disbelief, his voice rising slightly.
["Siya, you didn't tell me either? Like I wouldn't have found out... if something was going on between you two... and Shashwat, you... you didn't even let me know."]
Akash, thoroughly enjoying the confrontation, added, "Wo log to duniya ke samne chidimari kar rahe the, tu hi pogo ki duniya me tha jo tujhe samjh nahi aaya," he said, popping another kernel of popcorn into his mouth.
["They were flirting in front of the world, and you were in the Pogo world that you didn't understand."]
Frustrated, Reyansh grabbed a handful of popcorn and threw it at Akash's face. "Chup kar tu," he snapped.
["Shut up"]
Akash, brushing off the popcorn, turned to Richa. "Richa, take these two with you. I'll handle them." he said, taking charge of the situation.
Richa nodded, understanding the urgency. "Chalo, tum dono mere saath chalo," she said to Arushi and Siya, her tone firm but gentle.
Arushi and Siya, relieved to leave the tense situation, followed Richa out of the café. They cast worried glances back at their brothers, hoping that Akash could calm things down.
There was a long silence. Akash sat between Shashwat and Reyansh, munching on a burger. Both Reyansh and Shashwat wanted to throttle each other, but they were both dating each other's sisters, leaving them without answers or defences.
"Yaar, ye burger me mayonnaise kitna kam daale hain," Akash commented, breaking the silence.Reyansh and Shashwat gave him incredulous looks.
["Hey, they've put so little mayonnaise in the burger."]
"Seriously, Akash! Tujhe burger ki padi hai??" Shashwat asked, exasperated.
["You are concerned about burger?"]
"Nahi..." Akash paused. "French fries ki bhi padi hai... dekho na, ye log sauce diye hi nahi." His earnestness only made things worse, and both boys smacked him on the head from either side.
[" I am concerned about french fries too. Look, they didn't even give us sauce."]
"Ye yahan mujhe dhokha de raha tha aur tujhe mazak soojh raha hai," Reyansh fumed.
["He was deceiving me here, and you're finding it funny."]
"Haan, aap toh Satyawadi Harishchandra ji se sach bolne ki training lekar aaye the na?" Shashwat shot back, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
["Yes, you came here after taking training from Satyawadi Harishchandra ji to speak the truth, right?"]
"Tujhe meri hi behan mili thi," Shashwat said, his frustration clear.
["You had to find my own sister."]
"Kya matlab? Tujhe bhi to meri behan mili," Reyansh retorted.
[" And you had to find my own sister."]
"At least you should tell me" Shashwat said, his voice tinged with a sense of betrayal.
"Haan, jaise tu bada meko chhor deta. Abhi public place na hoti na to tu mera muh laal kar deta ab tak...aur mai tera," Reyansh countered, his temper rising.
["Yeah, just like you leave me alone. If this wasn't a public place, you would have punched me by now... and I would have done the same to you."]
"Aisa ek thappad marunga, chehra laal ho jayega," Shashwat threatened.
"Tameez se baat kar, aur mai bhi marunga ek...aur kabse chal raha ye sab?" Reyansh demanded.
[""And since when has all this been going on?"]
"Jab Vrindavan gaye tab Shashwat ne propose kiya par uske pehle se hi kaam jaari tha," Akash interjected, munching the french fries.
["When we went to Vrindavan, Shashwat proposed, but things were already in motion before that."]
"Aur tera aur Aru ka?" Shashwat asked, turning to Reyansh.
["What about you and aru?"]
"Abhi kuch dino se....halaki pehle se Inka bhi tha par propose late Kiya bechara pogo dekhta rehta tha na isliye late propose kiya.," Akash replied.
["Since a few days ago... although he had feelings before, but he proposed late because he used to watch Pogo all the time."]
They both looked at Akash in unison. "Iska matlab tujhe sab pata tha?" Reyansh asked, his eyes narrowing.
["That means you knew everything?"]
"Aur tabhi ye aise ulti seedhi bakwas karta Teri wali meri wali aur puchne par aise cover kar leta tha," Shashwat added.
["And that's why he used to talk nonsense like 'yours, mine' and cover it up when asked."]
"Tujhe to mai baad me dekhunga, pehle iss se nipat lun," Reyansh said, his eyes still on shashwat.
["I'll deal with you later, first I'll handle this one."]
"Yaar, ab tum dono ladna band karoge... Tune iski behan ko pasand kiya, isne teri. Hisaab barabar. Ab kis baat ka jhagda?" Akash tried to reason.
["Guys, will you both stop fighting... You liked his sister, he liked yours. It's even now. What's the argument about?"]
"But seriously , thought about you Shashwat... tere baare me soch ke I started maintaining distance from Arushi. We both were hurt, but I was thinking about you. But mujhe kya pata tha ki yahan mera best friend meri hi behen pe chance maar raha hai," Reyansh said, his voice rising with each word.
"Actually... teri behen ispe chance maar rahi thi," Akash interjected, trying to mediate.Shashwat nodded.
["Actually... your sister was showing interest in him."]
"Haan... I mean, I also love... I mean, now feelings are mutual, but starting me maine bhi tera socha tha," he said, his tone softening as he spoke.
["Yeah... I mean, I also loved... I mean, now our feelings are mutual, but initially I also thought about you."]
"Haan, phir kya hua?" Reyansh asked, his anger still palpable.
"Phir... phir Akash ne kaha mujhse ki tere baare me na sochun aur isne hi mujhe bhadkaya tha," Shashwat said, pointing a finger at Akash and putting all the blame on him.
["Then... then Akash told me not to think about you, and he's the one who misled me."]
Akash's eyes widened in shock. "Arre! Mujhe kyun beech me la rahe ho? Main toh sandwich ban raha hoon tum dono ke beech," he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender.
["Oh! Why are you dragging me into this? I'm just stuck like a sandwich between you two."]
"Tujhe Reyansh aur Arushi ke baare me bhi pata tha, phir bhi tune mujhse chupaya," Shashwat asked, narrowing his eyes at Akash.Akash shrugged nonchalantly.
["You knew about Reyansh and Arushi, yet you kept it hidden from me."]
"Haan toh... mai tum dono ka best friend hoon na... toh tere aur uske dono ke secret safe rakhne the mujhe."Reyansh and Shashwat stared at him, processing his words.
Before they could react, Akash added with a grin, "Accha, ab forget everything... ek dusre se jija ji jija ji keh ke gale milo aur apni dosti ko rishtedari me badal do."
["Okay, now forget everything... call each other 'jija ji' and hug it out, let's turn your friendship into a relationship."]
"Shut up, Akashhhhhh!!" they both shouted in unison, glaring at him.
"I don't want to talk to him, Isne mujhse itni badi baat chupai," Shashwat fumed.
"Oo bhai, tu to mat hi bol. Tera aur Siya ka tabse chal raha aur mujhe aaj pata chala. Mera aur Arushi ko to naya relation hai." Reyansh retorted.
["Oh brother, you don't say that. Yours and Siya's has been going on since then and I just found out today. My relationship with Arushi is new."]
"Let's go home now, it's getting dark... we'll talk about it at school tomorrow." Akash suggested, trying to calm the situation.
"I don't want to see his face, sala dhokhebaaz," Shashwat said, turning away.
"Haan, jaise mai mar raha hun aap ke darshan ke liye, Prabhu... hatt yaha se," Reyansh shot back, also turning away.
["Yes, as if I'm dying to see you, Lord... move aside."]
As they both started to leave, Shashwat turned back and said, "Siya ko kuch mat kehna."
["Don't say anything to Siya.]
"Aur tu Arushi se tameez se baat karna, chillana nahi uspe," Reyansh replied.
["And you, talk to Arushi respectfully, don't yell at her."]
They both left, still fuming but slightly more composed.
Akash, seeing them go, muttered, "Chal bhai, Akash, chup chap ghar chal... kal school gaya to ye dono mere ko maar maar ke toilet me flush kar denge," he said, following them out.
["Come on, Akash, let's quietly go home... if I go to school tomorrow, these two will beat me up and flush me down the toilet."]
Shashwat and Reyansh returned to their respective homes, the tension still lingering between them. Shashwat went straight to Arushi's room, finding her deeply engrossed in her phone.
"Reyansh ko call kar rahi ho?" Shashwat's voice broke the silence.
Arushi turned around, slightly startled. "Nahi, wo Siya ko," she replied softly.
"Arushi, tum bhi mujhe nahi bata paayi Reyansh aur tere bare me," Shashwat said, his tone slightly reproachful.
["Arushi, you also couldn't tell me about Reyansh and yourself."]
"Sorry bhaiya, but how could I... I mean, I'm your younger sister... and Reyansh was going to tell you after the exams." Arushi explained, looking down.
"Whatever, abhi mera bahut dimaag kharab hai, to kuch din tak mai Reyansh se baat nahi karna chahta," Shashwat said, frustration evident in his voice.
["Whatever, right now I'm very upset, so I don't want to talk to Reyansh for a few days."]
"Bhaiya, aapko wo acha nahi lagta kya?" Arushi asked, concerned.
["Don't you like him?"]
"Haan, par usse mujhe batana chahiye tha," Shashwat admitted, his expression conflicted.
["He should have told me"]
"Apne konsa unhe bata diya?" Arushi inquired further.
["As if you told him."]
"Ab... ab... padhai kar, chup chap," Shashwat deflected, avoiding the question.
"Bhaiya, wo Siya ko bol dijiye na ki mera call utha le... jabse hum wahan se nikle, usne ek word mujhse nahi ki aur mere taraf dekha bhi nahi," Arushi requested, hoping for some intervention.
["Bhaiya, please tell Siya to pick up my call... since we left from there, she hasn't said a word to me or even looked at me."]
"It's your fault, she's your best friend. At least you should have told her if not me... she shared everything with me from our first encounter till yesterday, and you... well, I'm not going to say anything, it's your job to convince her." Shashwat said firmly before turning to leave.
Arushi watched him go, feeling a mix of guilt and frustration. She knew she had mishandled the situation with Siya, and now her brother was caught in the fallout. As Shashwat left, she sighed, knowing she needed to find a way to repair the rift that had formed between them.
Siya paced back and forth in her room, her voice rising in frustration as she spoke to Richa over the phone.
"Yaar Richa, Arushi aise kaise kar sakti hai, kamini kahin ki.. ham dono ne usko ek ek detail se sari baat batayi aur usne kya kiya... gaddar kahin ki," Siya vented in frustration over the phone.
["Richa, how could Arushi do this? Both of us told her everything in detail, and what she do!! Traitor!!"]
"Sach me..I am so upset!! Kal baat karenge usse!" Richa replied sympathetically.
[" We will talk to her tomorrow."]
"Mujhe usse koi baat nahi karni," Siya said decisively.
["I don't want to talk to her."]
"Acha, tu bas sun na, mai puch lungi usse," Richa offered.
["I will talk to her ok?"]
"Chal thik hai kutta Reyansh Bhai aa raha uski khabar Leni hai?" Siya ended the call.
["Okay, fine. Reyansh bhai is coming, I have to talk to him too."]
"Aao, tumhari hi kami thi," Ritika remarked as Reyansh arrived.
"Pehle aap iss se puchiye, isne kyun nahi bataya hame apne aur Shashwat ke bare me," Reyansh said, looking directly at Siya.
["First ask her why she didn't tell us about herself and Shashwat."]
"Hame pata tha," Divya chimed in.
[" We knew."]
"Kya? Waah Bhai, matlab mujhe chhor ke poori toli ko pata tha," Reyansh expressed his surprise.
"Tu mat hi bol, tera aur Aru ka to sirf tujhe hi pata tha, toli ko bhi nahi pata lagne diya," Ritika taunted him.
"Aa...wo...arre, mai bhul gaya tha," Reyansh stumbled over his words.
"Jaa ke na UKG ke bacho ko ye bahana sunao, bhaiya ye koi viva nahi hai jo aap bhul gaye the," Siya said, rolling her eyes.
["Go and tell this excuse to the UKG kids, bhaiya, this isn't a viva that you forgot."]
"Reyansh, at least you could have told me... and Arushi didn't tell us either." Ritika interjected.
"Wo didi, mai to... mai 12th ke baad batane wala tha," Reyansh explained defensively.
["Didi, I was planning to tell you after 12th."]
"Acha, thank you, itna bada ehsaan karne wale the," Siya sarcastically remarked.
["Oh, thank you, you were going to do such a big favor."]
"Chup kar tu... aur Shashwat ko to bataunga kal mai... kya hi bataun mujhe usse baat nahi karni... sare dosto ko pata tha bas mujhe hi nahi," Reyansh said in frustration and walked towards his room in anger.
["Shut up, I'll tell Shashwat tomorrow... what do I tell him, I don't want to talk to him... all my friends knew except me."]
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