Chapter 6
Kabir's perspective
As I was about to leave for school on my bike, I noticed that the tire was completely flat. Just then, Arjun hugged my legs from behind. "Bhaiya, I thought that if I open that knob in the tire your bike, the air in the tire would magically increase. I'm SORRY," he said, almost in tears.
I picked him up and held him close. "It's okay, Arjun. I won't tell anyone, but you need to know that we need a lot of air in a small space to inflate the tire. Let's go get it filled together, and we can even grab some chocolates once we finish our homework, okay?"
He nodded happily and ran off in excitement.
Now, I had to walk to the bus stand and wait for a rickshaw. Almost immediately, an e-rickshaw arrived, and the driver asked, "School ja rahe ho? Toh baith jao."
I saw a girl in the same school uniform sitting inside, looking out the window. Her long, shiny hair was braided into two neat plaits. It was Aditi Sharma—of course, no one else in school had such beautiful hair. But it wasn't just her hair; it was her competitive and fierce personality that made me notice these things about her. Thanks to Arjun, at least I would be going to school with her today. Yay!
"How much to school?" I asked the driver.
"40 rupees," he replied.
"Are you serious? You charged me 20 rupees from Shanti Nagar!" Aditi interjected, turning towards the driver.
She's taking my side? Is she into me? No, of course not. But a little delusion never hurts, right? Oh, hey, Aditi, does it harm to be delusional? Yes, I'm asking you. Please answer quickly.
"Arre, ladki, don't make such a fuss. You've ruined my business," the rickshaw driver said, turning to me. "10 rupees, sit down."
I smiled and took a seat in front of her, placing my bag beside me. Seeing her keep her bag on her lap, I suggested, "Why don't you put your bag on the side? It must be heavy."
"I like it this way," she said.
"But why?" I asked.
"Do you have a girlfriend?" she asked, looking into my eyes intensely.
Ladies and gentlemen, today when I enter the school, I won't just be Kabir—I'll also be Aditi's boyfriend! Oh my god. All those bad boys who thought they could win her over were wrong. Hehe.
"No," I replied with a grin.
"So you wouldn't understand," she said, looking at something behind her bag.
"What?" My heart sank. "Someone, please, end my misery."
"That why my bag is on my lap," she replied, still looking behind her bag.
"Look, I know you're using your phone behind it, so just admit it," I said, smirking casually.
"NO, I'M NOT!" she snapped. Her bag fell onto my knees, revealing a novel titled Icebreaker. The cover looked quite cute. She quickly picked up her bag, as if she was embarrassed.
"Never knew you were a fan of fairy tales, Library Lover," I teased.
She raised her eyebrows as we reached the school gate. She put her fairytale book back into her bag. I never knew she believed in such things. She must be really cute inside.
We then paid and started walking towards the school gate.
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Aditi's Perspective
Fairytales, huh? I mentally smirked, knowing he had no idea about the book.
The same chaos at school as always. As I entered the classroom, everyone was huddled in their groups, and I was alone. Even Hermione had Ron and Harry; at least Crookshanks was with her. Why is it that I either end up talking to people my parents' age or playing with kids like Anaya? Why, God, why?
As I placed my bag on my seat, someone shoved me. Instead of apologizing, that putna Priya said, "Can't you walk carefully?" giving me a disgusted look.
"Tundi aurat ki tarah to tu chal rahi thi, befkoof," I snapped back. If she doesn't give a damn, I won't either.
She was about to retort, but the bell rang, and everyone lined up for assembly. For heaven's sake, I wished Meera would stop turning around to look at me. I have my father's temper and might snap at her. I don't mind her turning around, but not with those irritating looks.
"STANDESE!" we heard PT Sir shout, accompanied by drum beats. Stand at ease, sir. I thought, what's that?
"ADDENSHION!" Attention, sir. I smiled at how he managed to mispronounce it every day. Hehe.
"JOINED HANDS FOR PRAYER." I chuckled. Even though the sports periods feel fewer, PT Sir will always be remembered for his grand pronunciations in assembly. At least now we have physical education every day. Thank goodness the boys play, because the girls neither participate in sports nor get involved in conversations. So what should I do?
Oh, to faint just once during assembly, please give me the power to endure such embarrassment. Those who faint seem to have all the fun. If I faint, would a boy like Nathan Hawkins carry me and say, "Shut up, Aditi, I lift more weights in the gym than you do"?
If there were a terrorist attack here, I should go back to class to protect my book boyfriends or save myself. Today, I'm just focused on Nathan Hawkins. He's so sweet; it's the first time I've seen a golden retriever boyfriend in enemies-to-lovers.
"SANDATESE!" PT Sir's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
"MOVE BACK TO YOUR CLASSES." Ugh, it's so hot. We all went back to our classrooms.
I sat in my seat. First period: English. The teacher entered and began discussing reading and its importance. I agreed—reading novels is a necessity for me. Reality seems like a mess, and the fictional world is much better.
I don't know what got into Kabir, but he suddenly said, "Ma'am, Aditi also reads novels. She has one with her right now." Bitch, I was drinking water and choked. Before I could say anything, Ma'am asked, "Can I see it, Aditi?" I just nodded, my hands shaking. Yeh kutta bkl hai kya? Oh God, he should have embarrassed me by talking about my fairytale book. Now I will to leave school.
Suddenly, I spotted My Little Epiphanies by Aisha Chaudhry. Thank you, Aisha. You've helped me from afar. I love you.
I handed it to Ma'am, who praised my choice. Before Kabir could say anything else, I pinched his waist from under the table.
The periods until recess went fine—just explanations and answering questions, which mostly meant battling with that kutta, Kabir.
Finally, recess!
Kabir's Perspective
Finally, Raghav and I were heading toward the canteen. I could sense the mischief in his eyes as soon as we stepped out of the classroom.
"Mard sirf apni pasandida aurat se hi maar khata hai," Raghav said out of nowhere.
"Oye, tu kya bakwas kar raha hai? Maine kab Aditi se maar khai?" I shot back, realizing a second too late that I'd just admitted she was my "pasandida aurat."
Raghav smirked, catching on immediately. "Two years ago, it was just a crush. Now, she's your favorite woman. Keep it up, bro. Progress is happening! By the way, when she pinched you, you didn't react much, did you?" His teasing tone was relentless, and I could feel a blush creeping up my cheeks.
"Arre yaar, aaj rickshaw mein kya hua," I started, trying to play it off casually. "She kept her bag on her lap, and I suggested she keep it on the side. Then she said, 'If you had a girlfriend, she would've told you why,' and I was like, 'Are you hiding your phone behind it or what?' She snapped at me, and her bag fell. That's when I saw she was reading a book called Icebreaker—looked like a fairytale with a guy and girl on the cover. Later, in class, I tried to tease her about it, but she pulled out another novel before I could say anything. When I tried to mention the fairytale, she pinched me, and, well... here we are. Now we have to practice together later."
Raghav shook his head, his grin widening. "Are you stupid? I've heard girls talking about that book—it's got spice, bro."
"No way," I disagreed. "She can't be into that stuff. She reads it with an expressionless face, and she giggles at the romantic moments between Harry and Ginny. It's impossible she's into something spicy."
Out of nowhere, Raghav suddenly shouted, "Priya! Kabir is calling you!"
My heart sank as Priya, the girl who's been after me since who-knows-when, came running toward us. She always demeaned Aditi, and I couldn't stand her for it.
"What kind of book is Icebreaker?" Raghav asked her, completely ignoring my glare.
Priya looked straight into my eyes—ugh—and replied, "Very spicy. You know, girls like it. That's why."
No, no, no. Aditi can't be into this kind of stuff. She's all about overachieving, and her face just screams innocence!
The bell rang, signaling the end of recess, and I had to head to the auditorium to practice for Founder's Day. Raghav gave me a knowing look, his teasing smirk still plastered on his face.
As I entered the auditorium, a smile crept onto my face. Aditi was already there, completely focused on the script. I made my way to the podium and noticed there was only one mic.
"You know, I think we should start practicing to maintain the sync," I suggested.
"Yes," she replied, her tone cold and distant.
I passed her the mic, letting my fingers brush against hers as I handed it over. Her fingers were cold, and I couldn't help but notice that her hands weren't as soft as I imagined. She really should apply some moisturizer. Between her style, her demeanor, and that icy book she's reading... Oh my lord, she really is Frosty.
"So, what do you think? Who should start, and who should call the principal? The rest of the script is already divided," she asked, finally giving me her full attention.
"As you wish, Frosty," I said with a teasing smile.
"What?" she asked, surprised.
"Take whichever part you want, my Frosty. I'll be happy with either," I replied, looking into her striking grey eyes. I noticed the corners of her ears turning pink, and I couldn't help but smile. Yaar, tu fisal ja, na, I thought. Kab se tere pyaar mein gira hua hoon.
"What did... you just call me?" she stammered, trying to maintain her icy demeanor.
I leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "Frosty... my Frosty." Her cheeks flushed a light pink, and I was loving every second of it.
"Don't... don't call me that," she said, still trying to keep her cool. But she was trying a little too hard.
Cutie. I leaned in again, just to push her buttons a bit more. "Well, my dearest Frosty, if you really didn't like it, you would've killed me by now. So, I guess you don't mind it, do you?"
Before she could respond, Reena ma'am's voice boomed through the auditorium. "EVERYONE, PLEASE BE QUIET! BOTH LEAD ANCHORS, DECIDE YOUR LINES QUICKLY!"
The sudden interruption startled Aditi, and she almost dropped the mic but caught it just in time. I chuckled at her reaction.
"You start," she said, handing the mic over without making eye contact. Her heart must have been racing. Well, she made my heart race too, so... jaise ko taisa.
I wrapped my fingers around her hand that was still holding the mic. "You can start if you want to," I offered with a smirk.
"No, I'll call the principal on stage," she replied, her voice shaky but firm.
I leaned in again, close to her ear. "As my Frosty says." I loosened my grip on her hand, finally taking the mic. We continued practicing, and throughout the performance, her ears stayed pink. Whatever she was feeling, I was definitely enjoying it.
The bell for the 6th period rang, signaling the end for the 11th and 12th grades. I quickly rushed back to class, grabbed my bag, and hers too.
"Get the rickshaw, Frosty, I'll carry your bag," I said, noticing the slight hesitation in her movements. Without a second thought, she ran towards the gate to hail a rickshaw. As I walked with Raghav, he nudged me.
"Oye hoye, someone's in a great mood today. Spill the beans tomorrow. I want to hear all about you and your Frosty," he teased.
Raghav, the only son with three sisters, really does love to gossip. With that thought, I headed out and spotted Aditi standing beside a rickshaw. I smiled as I reached her, and this time, we sat together. She had her Icebreaker book hidden behind her bag again, but I managed to sneak a glance.
She was giggling at a cute scene in the book. Such a cold cutie she is. Then, she flipped some pages, and I caught a glimpse of something spicier. Omfg, she's reading this with a straight face? Haye ram, what an ajeeb but adorable girl.
The rickshaw reached our stop, and I spotted Chachi nearby. I called out, "Chachi!" She came over and paid for the rickshaw. As I took the bag of veggies from her, the rickshaw started moving again.
"Bye, Frosty," I called out, noticing how flustered she was.
As I began walking with Chachi, she glanced at me with a knowing smile. "Ye wahi hai?" she asked.
"Kaun wahi?" I pretended not to understand.
"The one you always talk about with Raghav, the one you like," she said.
"Arre Chachi, itna gyaan!" I replied, laughing.
"Waise, ladki pyari toh bohot hai, par tujhe bhav hi nahi deti," she teased, laughing even harder.
"Kaha se aise raaz jaan leti ho yaar, aap? Par batana mat kisi ko," I pleaded.
"Arre nahi, nahi, bharosa rakh mujhpe," she reassured me. "Waise, Arjun ki chhutti ho gayi hogi na?" she asked.
"Haan, par wo tere Chacha aur Papa ke paas office mein hai," she informed me. "Aur bike theek karwane se pehle paise le liyo, warna pit jayega tu agar pocket money waste ki," she added in a semi-serious tone.
"Arre Chachi, aisa kuch nahi," I said, trying to defend myself.
"Pitna hai tune?" she asked.
"Nahi, meri choti maa, de dena paise. Jab wo meri GF ban jaigi, pehli date ka shagun bhi tum hi karna," I joked.
"Haan bilkul, mera bhanja nahi hai tu. Arjun se pehle tujhe hi pala hai," she replied, laughing.
We continued talking until we reached home, where Mom was making something for lunch. I told her about my day, went to my room to freshen up, and then joined the whole family for lunch.