2
["What!! Who said to go this high? Hurry up, buddy."]
"Bhaii, I can't! I am not able to get down," Akash admitted, his predicament becoming increasingly apparent.
Just then, the rhythmic sound of approaching guard footsteps reached their ears, widening their eyes in panic.
"Sit there only," Shashwat instructed, and hide behind some long, overgrown plants.
"No one is here," the guard declared, scrutinizing the vicinity.
"But I heard the voice," another guard insisted.
"We should check then," the first one decided, and they began their systematic search.
Shashwat gulped audibly, closing his eyes tightly, silently praying for a swift escape. Meanwhile, Akash, attempting to blend into his leafy refuge, hatched a plan.
"Hooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!" he began in a low, eerie voice.
"What the hell is he doing!" Shashwat muttered, facepalming himself.
"K.. kon hai?" the guard asked, now visibly scared, but Akash persisted with the ghostly sounds.
"I think there is a ghost," another guard suggested.
"Par wo to raat ko aate hain," one of them argued.
[But they used to come at night.]
"Dophar me bhi aate hain," another chimed in. As Akash let out another spine-chilling howl, both guards, convinced that a ghostly presence haunted the orchard, hastily retreated, leaving the duo relieved yet amused at the success of their impromptu diversion.
Amid the lush backdrop of the fruit orchard, Shashwat heaved a sigh of relief, emerging from their concealed spot.
"Akash, jump down. I promise I will catch you," Shashwat reassured, his tone carrying a blend of sincerity and urgency.
"Tere upar to mujhe ab bilkul bharosa nahi raha," Akash retorted, his skepticism evident as he eyed the distance to the ground.
["I don't believe you."]
"Akash, trust me. Jaldi kar yaar... isse pehle wo vapas aa jayen," Shashwat urged, scanning their surroundings for any signs of approaching trouble.
"Ok then. Sambhal lena," Akash agreed reluctantly, mustering the courage to take the leap. Shashwat watched with widened eyes as Akash descended, instinctively stepping backward to avoid a direct impact.
"Mummmyyyyyy!!!!! Meri kamar!!!" Akash winced in pain lying on the ground. Although the thick layer of grass had spared him any serious injury.
["My waist."]
"Akash, are you ok?" Shashwat asked, genuine concern replacing his earlier tension as he approached his fallen friend.
"Sale! Dhokebaaz!! Aasten ka saanp hai tu. Tere upar kabhi bharosa nahi karunga mai ab," Akash grumbled, sitting on the grass and caressing his waist, nursing the twinge of pain. Shashwat wore an apologetic expression, realizing the consequences of his suggestion.
["Traitor! Deceiver!!I'll never trust you again."]
"Sorry yaar! I wasn't aware," Shashwat apologized, genuinely regretful for the unintended outcome.
"Shut up!!" Akash retorted, his playful annoyance evident. Shashwat extended a helping hand, assisting Akash in getting back on his feet.
"We should leave now," Shashwat suggested, eager to put the orchard escapade behind them. They both climbed over the walls, with Akash expressing his grievances all the way, cursing Shashwat for his misadventure.
As Shashwat and Akash stepped into the school premises, they stumbled upon Siya and Arushi engrossed in the art of crafting rangoli.
"Kaise dun ye usse?" Shashwat inquired, seeking advice on creating the perfect rangoli.
["How should I give this to him?"]
"Just go and give it to him under the pretext of checking the rangoli nearby... And Reyansh is also not far, this is the perfect opportunity.," Akash suggested, adding a casual shrug.
"But Aru is there," Shashwat pointed out, making a face at the prospect of involving Arushi.
"Wait, I will call Arushi," Akash offered to help and went towards them.
"Arushi, Richa is calling you in activity room. She needs your help," Akash conveyed, and Arushi nodded in acknowledgment.
"I am coming in few minutes."Arushi said to Siya before leaving for the activity room.
""The path is clear now, go ahead... I am going to drink water, tired of sitting on the tree."," Akash excused himself and left the scene.
As Shashwat observed Siya delicately creating the rangoli, the sunlight filtering through the trees enhanced her gentle movements.
Strands of her hair, swaying in the breeze, framed her face like a delicate halo.
Mesmerised by her serene expression, Shashwat couldn't resist the urge to draw closer, each step bringing him nearer to the captivating sight.
Caught in the enchantment of Siya's presence, Shashwat, lost in thought, took a step forward without realising his surroundings.
His foot inadvertently landed on the delicate rangoli, shattering the intricate design Siya had painstakingly crafted.
Startled, he snapped out of his reverie, his heart sinking as he realised his unintentional mistake.
The vibrant colours now marred beneath his feet, an unintended disruption to the artistic creation before him.
Akash descended to the ground, only to witness Shashwat standing right on the delicate rangoli.
"Andha hai kya dikhai...," Siya's frustrated voice echoed as she looked up, spotting Shashwat with widened eyes.
In his haste to escape the rangoli mishap, Shashwat inadvertently stepped on the intricate patterns, smudging the designs and leaving behind a trail of unintended destruction.
"Bhai, bahar nikalna hai wahan dance kya kar raha hai?" Akash exclaimed, making his way towards Shashwat. He grabbed his hand, pulling him away from the compromised rangoli.
["Bro, you need to go outside. Why are you dancing there?"]
"Are you mad? Look at thw condition of Rangoli," Akash remarked, glancing at Siya, who shot an irritated glare at Shashwat.
Shashwat, realising the gravity of the situation, stared at the smeared rangoli, his eyes widening in shock. Siya's disappointment was palpable as she looked down at the once meticulous creation.
"Kitne mehnat se banaya tha hamne," Siya expressed her disappointment, her voice reflecting a mixture of frustration and regret.
Arushi, Richa, and Reyansh arrived at the scene, curious about the commotion and the state of the rangoli.
"Bhaiya Richa didn't called me." Arushi asked in confusion.
"A....w...wo to I was joking, prank hahahahaha," Akash stammered, attempting to diffuse the tension, his eyes darting nervously.
Arushi shook her head and just then hee gaze shifted to the ruined rangoli, and her eyes widened in disbelief.
"Siya, what were you doing, dancing on the rangoli?" Arushi questioned angrily, her frustration evident.
"Um...actually, it was my fault. I accidentally stepped on the rangoli while coming outside, and the entire design got ruined," Shashwat admitted, his gaze fixed on Siya, who stared at the damaged artwork with teary eyes.
"Bhaiya...now if someone else had made this mistake, you would have been the first to take charge, and now you yourself made such a mistake.
..Siya had thought of the design herself, and when the rangoli was complete, you ruined it.
..now what will she do...Principal ma'am had given us the responsibility for this," Arushi scolded, hitting her palm on her forehead in frustration.
"Don't worry, I will talk to principal ma'am."Shashwat offered, looking down.
"Aur baat karne se kya hoga, rangoli dobara thodi banegi," Reyansh pointed out pragmatically.
"I am so sorry, I didn't realised mai yahan kab aa gaya. Mai to tumhe...," Shashwat stopped abruptly, realizing he was about to reveal something he hadn't intended. He looked at Arushi, Richa, and Reyansh, who were all curiously watching him.
"Kya tumhe bhaiya?" Arushi inquired, sensing there was more to his words.
"No.. nothing. Mai to bas use ko ye samjhane aa raha tha ki jaldi kare, abhi thoda aur bhi kaam hai," Shashwat quickly made an excuse, attempting to divert the attention.
["I was just coming to explain to him to hurry up, there's a little more work left."]
Siya looked into his eyes, seeing the genuine remorse reflected in his expression. Despite the disappointment of the ruined rangoli, she sensed his sincerity and softened slightly, her own frustration tempered by empathy for his evident remorse.
"It's all right, Jo hona tha wo ho gaya. I'll make it again. I'll keep a simple design so that it gets done quickly... Arushi, Richa, you guys take care of the remaining work, otherwise it will get too late." Siya declared, taking charge and settling on the floor to begin anew.
Arushi and Richa promptly left the scene, leaving Siya to rework the rangoli.
"Reyansh, we should help Richa and Arushi," Akash suggested to Reyansh.
"Bhai, bechari lag raha ro degi wo bas tu hai, isliye kuch nahi boli. Koi aur hota to uska khoon ho jata... ab tu hi uska mood lift kar, mai chala apni Richu ki help karne aur Reyansh ko bhi sath le jaa raha, baki tu samajhdar hai," Akash whispered to Reyansh, and they left with him.
["Bro, she looked so helpless; she didn't say anything because you were there. If it were someone else, there would have been a scene... now, you lift her mood; I'm going to help Richu, and I'll take Reyansh along. You're smart enough to handle the rest."]
Siya cleared the colors and started making the rangoli again. Just then, Shashwat interrupted.
"Wait," he said, taking her by surprise as he sat beside her.
"Let me create the design this time. After all, it was my fault that it got ruined, so it's my responsibility to fix it," he asserted.
"Nahi, it's okay. Ham kar lenge" Siya insisted.
"Kyun, hum aapki help karenge to aapko koi problem hai?" he teased, smirking. She shook her head, indicating no.
["Do you mind if I will help you?"]
"Waise bhi, you have already seen my art right?," he said, smiling. She nodded in agreement.
As Shashwat began crafting the design, Siya watched him intently, a mix of emotions playing on her face. Lost in thought, she observed his focused efforts, and a hint of admiration softened her features as she recognized his earnest attempt to make things right.
He successfully created a beautiful design, and a teasing smirk appeared on his face.
"Mujhe dekhne se man bhar gaya ho, to aap design dekh sakti hain," he teased her, making her eyes widen. She quickly shifted her gaze, biting her tongue nervously.
["If you're tired of seeing me, you can look at the design."]
"I.. was not t looking at you. I was just looking at the designs." she responded, trying to cover her slight embarrassment. Shashwat controlled his laughter, appreciating her attempt to maintain composure.
As Siya gazed at the newly crafted design, a sense of amazement lit up her eyes. Shashwat, eager for her feedback, asked, "How is it?"
"This is so beautiful, More than mine," she exclaimed in genuine excitement, a smile breaking across her face. Shashwat's efforts had not only redeemed the situation but also won her appreciation.
"Let's fill the colours," he suggested, and Siya nodded in agreement, ready to bring vibrancy back to the rangoli canvas. The duo worked in tandem, each colour adding life to the intricate patterns.
As Siya meticulously filled the colours into the rangoli, Shashwat couldn't help but gaze at her, captivated by her focused determination and graceful movements.
Lost in the rhythm of her actions, he admired the way her features softened with concentration, her every gesture imbued with a quiet elegance that held him spellbound.
In that moment, amidst the vibrant hues of the rangoli and the gentle afternoon sunlight, he found himself entranced by the simple beauty of her presence.
Siya's hair kept falling onto her face, obstructing her view.
She attempted to push her locks away repeatedly, but they stubbornly refused to stay put, their tips stained with colours from the rangoli-making process.
Frustrated, she tried to brush them aside once more, only to find her efforts futile as her hands were smeared with hues of vibrant pigments.
Observing her struggle, Shashwat reached out with a gentle touch, his fingers delicately brushing against her hair.
With a tender sweep, he carefully tucked her strands behind her ears, ensuring they stayed away from her face.
His touch was gentle yet firm, his actions driven by a desire to alleviate her discomfort and help her focus on their task at hand.
Siya felt a rush of warmth at his gesture, a flutter of butterflies dancing in her stomach as she met his eyes.
As Siya felt Shashwat's finger brushing her temple, she couldn't help but meet his gaze, her eyes locking with him in a moment of shared vulnerability. There was a palpable tension in the air, an unspoken acknowledgment of the significance of this simple yet intimate gesture.
In that fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still as they both grappled with the intensity of their emotions.
And as they lingered in each other's presence, suspended in the silent exchange of unspoken feelings, they both knew that this was just the beginning of a journey that would forever alter the course of their lives.
As Shashwat and Siya found themselves locked in a silent exchange, the tranquil moment was abruptly interrupted by the distant voices of other students.
"W...wo Mai bas...I am sorry, wo tumhe disturb ho raha tha, isliye maine kar diya. Mera koi vaisa intention nahi tha...I am really sorry agar tumhe acha nahi laga to," Shashwat stammered nervously, breaking the eye contact.
["I just... I am sorry if I was disturbing you, that's why I stopped. I didn't have any such intention. I am really sorry if you didn't like it."]
"Why are you apologising? I know you didn't mean any harm with your actions, and your intentions were pure. By apologising, are you trying to make me feel disappointed? Do you think I don't trust you?" Siya questioned, her gaze unwavering.
"It's not like that." He said and she smiled looking at rangoli.
"I have brought something for you." Shashwat added, surprising her.
"Wait a minute," he said, retrieving a guava from his bag and presenting it to her.
"Ye ye aapko kaha se mila?" she asked, genuinely surprised.
"Wo...principal ma'am ke orchard se," Shashwat admitted, avoiding eye contact.
"Kya? Aapne principal ma'am se pucha, aur unhone haan kar diya?" Siya questioned in disbelief.
["What? You asked the principal ma'am, and she agreed?"]
"Actually, wo to mai aur Akash ne," Shashwat confessed, looking down in awkwardness.
"Kya??? Aapne chori se," Siya burst into laughter. "Aap log chori karne gaye the...hey Bhagwan, matlab head boy of the school bhi chori karte hain," she teased, amusement evident in her laughter.
[You both stole those guavas?]
"You are laughing? Kitne mushkil se laya tha mai... Akash ki to kamar bhi toot te toot te reh gayi," Shashwat chuckled, half-amused and half-exasperated by their guava adventure.
["I brought it with so much difficulty... Akash's back almost broke in the process."]
"What?? Is he fine?" Siya asked, genuine concern crossing her features.
"Haan, don't worry," Shashwat reassured, a small smile playing on his lips.
"But there was no need for all this. Hum itna bhi nahi mare ja rahe the... Wo to bas choti si wish thi," Siya expressed, a mix of surprise and gratitude in her voice.
"I wanted to fulfill your every small and big wish," Shashwat confessed, his gaze fixed on her, creating a flutter in her heart for the umpteenth time. He extended the guava towards her, a symbolic offering of his earnest intentions.
Siya took the guava from his hands, her cheeks turning a shade of pink. Shashwat, with a teasing tone, said,
"Ab tum isse showcase mein rakh mat lena, kha lena," and she looked down, smiling.
["Don't keep it in showcase now."]
"But what happened to Akash bhaiya?" she inquired, curiosity evident in her eyes. Shashwat proceeded to narrate the incident, detailing Akash's misadventure in the orchard.
"Kya? Akash bhaiya ped par," Siya exclaimed, her laughter mingling with Shashwat's recount of the events.
Meanwhile, Kanak, observing the interaction from a distance, couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Her friend, noting the dynamic between Shashwat and Siya, decided to add fuel to the fire.
"Yaar, Kanak, I am noticing Shashwat bhaiya and Siya from few days. There is something between them." her friend commented, subtly implying a romantic connection.
"Shut up! It's not like that. Siya is just Shashwat's best friend's sister, nothing else," Kanak retorted angrily, though a hint of suspicion lingered in her mind. She clenched her fist in frustration and walked away.
As Shashwat and Siya were engrossed in making rangoli and sharing laughter, Akash and Reyansh observed them from a distance, confusion evident on Reyansh's face.
"Arre rangoli ban bhi gayi," Akash remarked, drawing Reyansh's attention to the finished artwork. They both looked at Shashwat and Siya, who noticed their gaze. Siya swiftly hid the guava beside her, hoping to keep it a secret.
"Haan." Siya responded smiling.
"Shashwat..." Reyansh began, walking towards them with a stern expression. Shashwat and Siya stood up, exchanging a quick glance.
"Reyansh, we were just....." Shashwat attempted to explain, but Reyansh silenced him with a raised palm.
Richa, Arushi, and Akash exchanged nervous glances, sensing trouble.
"Tune itni badi baat chupai mujhse... tu mera best friend hai aur tu..." Reyansh started, glaring at Shashwat.
["You were hiding this from me?"]
"Par bhaiya," Siya interjected, but Reyansh interrupted her,
"I am not talking to you Siya." Siya exchanged worried glances with her friends, who signaled that trouble was brewing.
"Tu galat samjh raha hai, meri baat sun," Shashwat pleaded, but Reyansh was resolute.
["You are misunderstanding me... Please listen once."]
"Bhai tu please kuch galat mat samjh, aur please tu Siya ko kuch mat bolna, ham tujhe batate hain... koi misunderstanding hogi, ham abhi clear kar sakte hain," Akash intervened.
["Bro, please don't misunderstand, and please don't say anything to Siya. We'll explain to you... there might be a misunderstanding, and we can clear it up now."]
"Ek minute, Shashwat itna acha artist hai iske liye mai Siya ko kyun daatunga, aur isme misunderstanding kya hai, saaf clear hai ki Shashwat ne mujhe kabhi nahi bataya," Reyansh expressed in confusion.
["Shashwat is such a good artist; why would I scold Siya for that? And what's the misunderstanding? It's clear that Shashwat never told me anything."]
"Kya? You were talking about this?"Shashwat asked, and Reyansh burst into laughter.
"Arre, I was just joking yaar. Itna serious kyun ho gaye sab?" Reyansh clarified, and everyone sighed in relief.
"Yaar, clearly bolna chahiye tha na!" Shashwat said, relieved yet exasperated.
[You should have cleared it."]
"Accha late ho raha hai. Chal, hum apna bag lekar aate hain. Tum sab yahi rukna," Akash suggested, and the trio left the scene, leaving behind a mixture of relief and amusement.
["Alright, it's getting late. Come on, let's grab our bags. You all stay here."]
Under the moonlit night, Ritika stood on the quiet road, draped in a graceful grey saree that cascaded elegantly around her. The pallu gently swayed in the cool breeze, revealing subtle hints of silver embroidery. Her ears sparkled with delicate earrings, catching glimmers of streetlight.
With a bindi adorning her forehead like a jewel, Ritika carefully applied the final touch to her traditional look. Her luscious hair, left untamed, flowed down her back like a cascade of silk.
As the distant hum of approaching footsteps echoed, Ritika's gaze fixed on the road, awaiting Arav's arrival.
As the night embraced the scene, a sleek car pulled up in front of Ritika. The soft purr of the engine subsided, and the door swung open, revealing Arav dressed in a sophisticated brown blazer, paired with a sleek black shirt and pants. His attire exuded a blend of confidence and charm.
Upon laying eyes on Ritika, a momentary pause gripped Arav.
His gaze fixated on her, his normally composed demeanour momentarily faltering.
The grey saree, the cascading hair, the subtle yet enchanting adornments-she was a vision that captivated him.
Time seemed to stand still for a brief moment as he walked towards her, a hint of awe reflecting in his eyes.
For the first time, Arav felt a subtle flutter within, a newfound sensation stirred by Ritika's presence.
It wasn't just admiration; it was an enchantment that surpassed mere attraction.
As he approached, his steps echoed the rhythm of his racing heart, and the air around them seemed charged with an unspoken connection.
"You are looking so handsome, Swami," Ritika complimented, breaking his trance. He blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her words.
"Chalo," he said, regaining composure, opening the car door for her. Ritika gracefully entered, her saree's pallu trailing outside. Arav, with a gentle bend, secured the pallu on her lap before closing the door.
"Aapne bataya nahi mai kaisi lag rahi hu?" she inquired, seeking his opinion. Arav remained silent.
[You didn't tell me how am I looking?"]
"Swami, are you listening?" she playfully called, teasing him by tingling her bangles in front of his face.
"Ritika, what are you doing? Accident ho jayega," he cautioned, and she pouted, withdrawing her hand.
She decided to break the silence by switching on the car's radio. The sweet melody of the song filled the air as she grinned, clearly enjoying the tune that began from the second paragraph and she started to sing along with the song.
"Khanke choodi meri tujhe bulane ko,
sajti hun mai tujhe hi bas dikhane ko,," she sang, her fingers gracefully dancing, tingling the bangles near Arav's ears, creating a subtle symphony that resonated with the car's rhythmic movement.
"Kar de na pagal tujhe hayyee pagal tujhe,
Roop mera phir mere kis kaam ka," she continued, her playful nudges intertwining with the lyrics as she subtly brushed his hand from her elbow.
Arav, though maintaining an air of indifference, couldn't help but steal glances at her through the front mirror, captivated by her animated expressions.
"Ek munda meri umra da hayee meri umra da,
dekho, dilon ki ye baatein nahi nahi janta.
Zalima hayee dekho dilon ku ye baatein nahi janta," she dramatised, her hands moving dramatically, and a genuine smile, despite his attempts to suppress it, graced Arav's face, mirroring the infectious joy radiating from Ritika.
"Bahot badi nautanki ho tum," Arav chuckled, shaking his head with a warm smile. Ritika giggled in response.
["You are a drama queen."]
As Ritika and Arav stepped out of the car, they found themselves standing before the entrance, where the lively sounds of music and laughter spilled into the night. The entrance was adorned with twinkling fairy lights, creating a whimsical path that led them into the heart of the festivities.
Upon entering, the interior of the palace unfolded like a grand tapestry. The ballroom, with its high ceilings and crystal chandeliers, hosted the vibrant freshers party. The air was infused with the lively beats of music, and a kaleidoscope of colours illuminated the dance floor.
The palace's opulent corridors hosted various stalls and interactive activities, adding a touch of excitement to the evening. Guests mingled, dressed in an array of dazzling attires, creating a lively and celebratory atmosphere.
As Arav and Ritika moved inside together, the grandeur of the palace blended seamlessly with the exuberance of the freshers party.
Amidst the vibrant festivities of the freshers party, Arav found a moment to catch up with his friends across the room. As he immersed himself in conversation and laughter, he couldn't help but feel a subtle tug of possessiveness regarding Ritika.
Unbeknownst to Arav, Ritika, sensing a brief disconnect, decided to join her circle of friends. Among them was Mohit, a male friend known for his friendly banter. They laughed and exchanged anecdotes, the atmosphere around them effervescent with camaraderie.
Arav, glancing over his shoulder, noticed Ritika engrossed in conversation with Mohit. A flicker of jealousy crept into his expression as he observed their easy rapport.
Arav, feeling a surge of discomfort and jealousy, moved closer and stood with folded arms across his chest, his gaze fixed on Mohit.
"Oh wow, tumne saree pehni hai?" Mohit casually remarked, seemingly oblivious to the tension in the air.
"Itne der se notice nahi kiya tune?" Ritika playfully retorted.
"No, actually, meri nazar to tumhare chehre se hat hi nahi rahi thi," Mohit replied with a smirk, earning a light slap on the shoulders from Ritika, who was giggling at his cheeky remark.
Arav's expression tightened, his irritation becoming palpable. "What's so funny?" he questioned, his tone sharp, capturing their attention.
"Swa... Arav, aap kab aaye?" Ritika asked, attempting to diffuse the tension.
[When did you came?]
"When you were busy with him," Arav replied, his gaze still fixed on Mohit, who seemed unfazed.
"Ritika, I want to talk to you. Chalo," he declared, gently holding her wrist, the urgency evident in his eyes.
"Where?" Ritika inquired, her curiosity sparking amidst the pulsating music.
"Chalo to," he urged, his tone a blend of earnestness and determination.
"Okk byy Mohit," Ritika said, casting a brief farewell glance towards Mohit. Mohit, sensing the shift in dynamics, extended his hand for a friendly shake. However, Arav intercepted, offering his hand instead.
"See you later," Mohit said with a casual smile, accepting the handshake from Arav. As Arav guided Ritika away from the vibrant crowd, Mohit remained behind, his gaze lingering on their departing figures.
Arav led Ritika to a quieter corner, away from the rhythmic beats and laughter of the party.
"What happened?" she asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.
Arav, unable to contain his concern, questioned, "What was that?" His gaze was fixed on her, searching for an explanation.
"What?" Ritika replied, her frown deepening at his abrupt inquiry.
"What were you doing with him?" Arav's voice carried a hint of possessiveness, his unease surfacing.
"Aap to apne friends ke sath busy the... and I was getting bored, so uske sath baatein kar rahi thi," Ritika explained, shrugging her shoulders.
"Koi aur nahi mila uske alawa? Itna bada flirt hai wo," Arav retorted, his protective instincts flaring.
"Haan to mere to bas ek do friends hain, aur wo abhi tak aayi nahi aur aap bhi busy the. And he was good company," Ritika defended her choice, her expression showcasing a mix of frustration and defiance.
["Yes, I only have one or two friends, and they haven't arrived yet, and you seem busy too."]
"Seriously? Koi aur nahi mila except that flirt?" Arav questioned, his tone laced with disapproval.
"He is a nice guy. By the way this party is looking so boring na?"Ritika deflected, attempting to shift the focus.
"I don't know. Go and ask your nice guy to entertain you," Arav suggested, folding his arms across his chest
"Are you jealous?" she asked with a mischievous smirk, her eyes glinting with amusement.
"No way!" Arav quickly denied, looking everywhere except at her, attempting to maintain his composure.
"To aap ITV ke hero jaise kyun behave kar rahe hain jo apni heroine ko kisi aur ladke ke sath dekh kar jealous hota hai," she teased, her words lingering in the air as Arav rolled his eyes in response.
["Why are you behaving like a hero from an Indian TV show who gets jealous seeing his heroine with another guy?"]
"Shut up!" he retorted, a hint of frustration in his voice.
"So you are not feeling jealous?" she probed further, her playful demeanor persisting.
"Not at all," Arav affirmed, but Ritika's pout indicated that his denial had not quite convinced her.
"Huh! Koi fayda hi nahi hua aaj," she huffed, expressing her disappointment.
["All went in vain."]
"What?" Arav questioned, genuinely confused by her reaction.
"Aree matlab, na hi aap jealous huye ITV ke hero ke tarah aur mai saree pehen kar, itna ready hokar aayi aapke liye so I thought you will react like the TV and will feel something different aur mujhpar fida ho jaoge.
Par sara plan to bekar ho gaya," she explained with a pout, her disappointment evident.
[Neither you were jealous nor you fell for me even when I dressed up so beautifully."]
"So ITV hero falls for heroine's dress and outer appearance? I thought love is about falling for inner beauty," Arav remarked, surprising Ritika with his unexpected insight.
"Wow Swami... Impressive haan!" Ritika clapped, genuinely impressed by his response.
Just as, Ritika's friends made their entrance, injecting a burst of energy into the vibrant gathering. As she spotted them, a natural enthusiasm lit up Ritika's eyes.
"My friends are here. See you later, Swami," she announced with a warm smile and turned to leave but stopped by Arav's voice.
"Vaise... acchi lag rahi ho," he complimented, walking away, leaving Ritika wide-eyed.
["You are looking good."]
"Did he just complimented me? For the first time!!" she exclaimed, a wide grin forming on her face. Despite the simplicity of the compliment, it held a beauty that transcended the surface, making it a memorable moment for Ritika in the midst of the freshers party.