Chapter 7
Aditi's Perspective
As the rickshaw pulled away, I could still feel my cheeks burning. "Bye, Frosty." His words echoed in my mind, and I couldn't shake the way my heart raced every time he called me that. What on earth was happening to me? Kabir Mehra—of all people—was getting under my skin, and I couldn't stand it.
I glanced down at my Icebreaker novel, the one I'd been so careful to keep hidden behind my bag. My fingers traced the edges of the cover absentmindedly. How did he manage to sneak a glance at it? And why did it feel like he'd seen right through me? The way he teased me about it, as if he knew exactly what kind of scenes were in that book... Ugh! How embarrassing.
I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts as I walked towards my house. But Kabir's stupid smirk kept replaying in my mind. "My Frosty," he'd said, leaning in so close that I could feel his breath on my ear. Who does he think he is? And why did I just let him do that?
Before I knew it, I was home. I barely noticed Chachi paying for the rickshaw or the casual way Kabir took the bags from her. But the second he called me "Frosty" in front of her, I felt the heat rising to my cheeks again. And then he had the audacity to smile at me! As if he knew exactly what he was doing to me.
I hurried inside, mumbling a quick "Hi, Mom," before heading straight to my room. I needed to be alone, to think, to calm down. But even behind the closed door of my room, I couldn't stop thinking about him. Why was Kabir so... so infuriatingly charming today? And why did it affect me so much?
I flopped down onto my bed, staring up at the ceiling. Was it the way he called me "Frosty"? The way he seemed to enjoy teasing me, knowing he was getting a reaction? Or was it the way he looked at me, with those dark, teasing eyes that seemed to hold a secret only he knew?
I groaned, covering my face with a pillow. "Why am I even thinking about this? It's just Kabir!" I muttered to myself. But deep down, I knew it wasn't just Kabir. Something had shifted between us today, something that made my heart race and my thoughts spiral out of control.
I pulled out my Icebreaker novel, hoping to distract myself, but the words on the page just blurred together. All I could think about was him. Every time I read about the cute moments between the characters, I pictured Kabir's face instead of the hero's. And it drove me crazy.
Why did he have to be so nice today? Offering to carry my bag, holding my hand while we practiced... and then there was the way he whispered in my ear, sending shivers down my spine. It was like he knew exactly how to fluster me, and he was enjoying every second of it.
I sighed, closing the book and tossing it aside. There was no way I could focus on anything else right now. My mind was too full of him—his teasing words, his smile, the way he seemed to be everywhere I turned.
I glanced at the mirror across the room, noticing the light pink flush on my cheeks. I touched my face lightly, wondering if Kabir noticed. Of course he did. He was always watching, always teasing. And it infuriated me because, deep down, I kind of liked it.
"But why?" I asked my reflection. Why did I enjoy it when he called me "Frosty"? Why did I feel a flutter in my chest every time he smiled at me? And why, for the love of God, did I blush every time he came near me?
Before I could drown in my thoughts any further, Mom called me for lunch. I quickly splashed some water on my face, hoping to cool down the blush that wouldn't seem to go away.
After splashing my face with cold water for what felt like the hundredth time, I finally felt calm enough to join the family for lunch. I took a deep breath, hoping the blush on my cheeks had faded enough not to draw any attention.
As I stepped out of my room, I heard the familiar sound of Anaya's giggles. She was sitting at the dining table, playing with her favorite stuffed bunny, Bubbles. Her laughter always filled the house with a warmth that made everything feel right, even on days when my head was full of confusing thoughts about Kabir.
"Didi!" Anaya's voice rang out as soon as she spotted me. She waved Bubbles around excitedly. "Look! Bubbles is ready to eat with us today!"
I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Is she? Well, I hope Bubbles likes what Mom's made for lunch," I said, trying to sound cheerful.
Mom was setting the table, her usual calm and composed self. She looked up at me with a knowing smile. "Aditi, why don't you help me serve? And make sure Anaya doesn't spill anything on Bubbles," she said, her eyes twinkling with that motherly intuition that always seemed to know when something was off.
"Sure, Mom," I replied, walking over to help. The kitchen smelled amazing, as usual. Mom had made her special paneer butter masala, Anaya's favorite, along with some freshly made rotis. It was hard to stay flustered with the comforting aroma of home-cooked food all around.
"Didi, can I sit next to you today?" Anaya asked, her big brown eyes full of excitement. She was always happiest when she got to sit beside me during meals, even if it meant her food ended up more on her clothes than in her mouth.
"Of course, Annu," I replied, ruffling her hair as I placed the dishes on the table. She beamed up at me, and for a moment, I managed to forget all about Kabir and his infuriatingly charming ways.
Dad walked in just then, his phone still in his hand as he wrapped up a work call. "Yes, yes, I'll look over the documents and get back to you," he said before hanging up. He set his phone down and looked at us with a smile. "What's for lunch today, my girls?"
"Paneer!" Anaya shouted, raising Bubbles up in the air as if she was the one who had cooked it.
"And Bubbles is joining us too," I added with a grin, helping her onto her chair.
Dad chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, I hope Bubbles is hungry."
We all sat down to eat, and the usual chatter filled the room. Anaya, in her usual fashion, started telling us about her day at preschool, animatedly describing how she and her friend Ria had played on the swings and how Bubbles had joined in the fun too.
"Ria said Bubbles can swing higher than everyone!" Anaya declared proudly, taking a bite of her roti.
"Oh, did she now?" Mom said with a smile, clearly enjoying Anaya's storytelling. "That's quite an achievement for Bubbles."
"Yes! Bubbles is the best!" Anaya grinned, completely unaware of how adorable she was.
As I listened to Anaya's chatter, I felt a warmth spreading through me. This was my safe space—my family, where everything was simple and filled with love. But even in this moment, a part of my mind was still stuck on Kabir and how he'd managed to disrupt my peace today.
Mom noticed me zoning out and gently tapped my hand. "Aditi, you've barely touched your food. Is everything okay?"
I blinked, realizing that I'd been lost in my thoughts again. "Oh, sorry, Mom. I was just thinking about something," I replied, trying to sound casual.
"Thinking about what?" Dad asked, looking at me curiously as he buttered another roti.
"Um, just school stuff," I said quickly, not wanting to delve into the real reason behind my distraction. "We're practicing for Founder's Day, and there's just a lot to do."
Mom raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced but willing to let it slide. "Well, make sure you eat properly, okay? You need your energy."
"Yes, Mom," I said, picking up my spoon and forcing myself to focus on the delicious food in front of me. But even as I ate, I couldn't help but replay the events of the day in my mind. Kabir's teasing words, the way he called me "Frosty," and that infuriating smirk that seemed to be permanently etched in my memory.
"So, how's the preparation going?" Dad asked, breaking through my thoughts. "Are you nervous about the event?"
"Not really," I lied. "We've got everything under control. It's just... you know, a lot of practice."
"Well, I'm sure you'll do great, sweetheart," Dad said with a reassuring smile. "You always do."
I nodded, feeling a bit more at ease with his words. My parents always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. But this time, it wasn't the event that had me on edge. It was the way Kabir had managed to make me feel so... off-balance.
"Didi, can I come watch you practice one day?" Anaya asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
I smiled at her innocent question. "Maybe, Annu. But it's a bit boring, you know. Just a lot of talking and standing around."
Anaya pouted, clearly disappointed. "But I want to see you on stage!"
"Don't worry, Anaya," Dad chimed in. "We'll all be there to watch Aditi on Founder's Day. Won't that be exciting?"
Anaya's face lit up again. "Yes! I can't wait!"
As lunch went on, the conversation shifted to other topics—Dad's work, Mom's latest recipe experiments, and Anaya's plans to make Bubbles a new dress. I laughed along with them, feeling a sense of comfort that only my family could provide. But even amidst the laughter and warmth, Kabir's presence lingered in the back of my mind.
By the time lunch was over, I felt a bit more grounded, thanks to my family. Anaya had managed to smear paneer all over her face, and Mom was busy trying to clean her up while Dad and I cleared the table. The normalcy of it all was exactly what I needed.
Kabir's Perspective
As I stepped into the house, the scent of Mom's cooking immediately hit me—biryanis and spices mixed with the faint aroma of her homemade mango pickle. My stomach growled, and I couldn't help but smile. Mom's cooking always had that effect on me.
Dropping my bag by the door, I made my way to the dining room, where I found Chachi setting the table. Arjun, her and Chacha's son, had been at the office with Chacha and Dad, so the house had been unusually quiet.
Mom came out of the kitchen, carrying a large bowl of biryani. "Perfect timing," she said with a smile. "Go wash up quickly. Lunch is almost ready, and your Dad, Chacha, and Arjun should be home any minute."
"On it!" I replied, heading to the bathroom to wash up. The cool water felt refreshing on my face, wiping away the heat and dust of the day.
By the time I got back, Dad, Chacha, and Arjun had just arrived, talking animatedly as they walked in. Arjun, my little cousin, saw me and grinned.
"Bhaiya, you're in trouble! Chachi said you were slacking off in school," he teased, already climbing into the chair next to me.
"Hey, I've been working hard, okay?" I protested, ruffling his hair as he giggled.
Dad and Chacha joined us at the table, settling into their usual seats. "What's for lunch today?" Dad asked, his eyes lighting up as he caught sight of the biryani.
"Mom's special," I replied with a grin.
Soon enough, we were all seated, and Mom began serving generous portions of biryani. Chachi was in charge of the raita and salad, making sure everyone had what they needed.
As we started eating, the conversation flowed easily. Chacha and Dad were discussing work, something about a new project that had just come up. Arjun, meanwhile, was busy trying to sneak extra pieces of chicken onto his plate when he thought no one was looking.
"So, Kabir," Chachi began with a knowing smile, "how was school today? Any interesting stories?"
I swallowed a mouthful of biryani, already sensing where this was headed. "Nothing much, Chachi. Just the usual—classes, some practice for Founder's Day."
Chachi wasn't going to let me off that easily. "Oh really? And how's Aditi? Didn't you mention she's part of that practice too?"
I nearly choked on my food. "She's fine," I said quickly, trying to sound nonchalant. "We're both anchors for the event, so we've been practicing together."
"Ah, I see," Chachi said, clearly enjoying herself. "You two seem to be spending a lot of time together these days."
Arjun, ever the curious one, looked up at me with wide eyes. "Bhaiya, do you like Aditi Didi? You always talk about her."
Before I could respond, Chachi let out a soft laugh. "Arjun, beta, sometimes friends just talk about other friends. Isn't that right, Kabir?"
"Exactly," I nodded, grateful for the slight save but also aware that Chachi was having way too much fun at my expense.
Mom, thankfully, decided to change the subject. "So, Arjun, did you finish your homework? You promised to show me your drawing."
Arjun immediately perked up. "Yes, Ma! I drew a spaceship! I'll show you after lunch."
As the conversation shifted, I could finally relax a little. The biryani was, as expected, delicious, and the chatter around the table was comforting, filled with the kind of warmth that made home feel like the best place in the world.
After we finished eating, I helped Mom clear the table while Chacha and Dad moved to the living room for their post-lunch tea. Arjun ran off to fetch his drawing, excited to show it to everyone.
As I was stacking plates in the kitchen, Chachi walked in with a smirk. "Kabir, beta, I was just teasing you earlier. But if you ever need advice on how to talk to Aditi, you know where to find me."
I groaned, trying to keep my composure. "Chachi, please, let's not make this a thing."
She laughed, patting my shoulder. "Alright, alright. But remember, I'm rooting for you."
With that, she left me to finish up in the kitchen, her laughter still echoing softly. I shook my head, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. Chachi might be relentless, but there was no denying that she had a knack for making life more interesting.
After lunch, Chachi handed me some money for the bike repair. "Don't spend it all in one place," she teased, patting my shoulder. "And make sure Arjun doesn't get into any mischief."
"Arre Chachi, you know me," I replied with a grin, though her raised eyebrow suggested she wasn't entirely convinced.
"Yes, that's exactly why I'm warning you," she shot back with a laugh, waving us off as we left the house.
Arjun, holding my hand, skipped along beside me as we made our way to the bike shop. The sun was still high in the sky, casting long shadows across the road. I could hear Arjun humming some song he'd picked up from one of his cartoons, lost in his own little world.
As we neared the shop, Arjun suddenly tugged on my hand. "Bhaiya, look! There's Ananya!"
I followed his gaze and spotted a little girl around Arjun's age, sitting on a bench outside a nearby shop. She was holding an ice cream cone, her face lit up with a bright smile as she chatted animatedly with a man who must have been her father. They seemed familiar, but I couldn't quite place them.
"Do you know her?" I asked, curious.
"Yes, she's my best friend from school!" Arjun exclaimed, already letting go of my hand and running toward her. "Ananya! Ananya!"
The girl looked up, her eyes sparkling with recognition as she waved excitedly. "Arjun!" she called back, her voice full of joy.
I followed Arjun, smiling at their adorable interaction. It was only when I got closer that I realized the man sitting beside Ananya looked vaguely familiar. He was tall, with a kind smile and a warm presence. As I reached them, he stood up, giving me a friendly nod.
"Hello," he greeted me, extending his hand. "You must be Arjun's brother. I'm Ananya's father."
"Nice to meet you, sir," I replied, shaking his hand politely. "I'm Kabir."
The man's face lit up with recognition. "Kabir? Aditi talks about you all the time."
Wait, what? Aditi's dad?
I blinked, taken aback. I had no idea this was Aditi's family. She'd always been so mysterious, keeping her personal life under wraps. I'd never expected to run into them like this.
"She does?" I asked, trying to hide my surprise.
"Yes," he said with a smile. "She often mentions how competitive you are, especially in academics and sports. She seems to enjoy the challenge."
Aditi talks about me at home? I'd never have guessed.
"Uh, thank you, sir," I managed to say, feeling a bit flustered. "I didn't know she thought that."
"She's always been a bit reserved," he admitted, "but she's a bright girl, and I'm sure she appreciates having someone like you to keep her on her toes."
Then, with a generous smile, he added, "Would you two like to have some ice cream?"
"YES YES YES! I want a chocolate one with sooo many gems on it!" Arjun exclaimed, jumping with excitement. I shot him a warning look. "Behave," I said.
"Arre beta, it's no problem. You're like my own children. Choose any ice cream, and I'll pay for it," uncle said warmly.
"YAY! ICE CREAM PARTY!" Both Arjun and Ananya shouted together.
"Okay, so mango with sprinkles for Ananya and chocolate ice cream with gems for Arjun. And what about you, Kabir beta?" he asked.
"Oh, nothing for me, uncle," I said, trying to be polite.
"Arre, why be so shy? Think of me as your father. Tell me the flavor you like."
I smiled, feeling a strange warmth at his words. Why consider when you can be my father-in-law? It's the same thing. "Coffee ice cream, uncle," I finally said.
He was about to pay when I quickly intervened. "No, uncle, let me pay."
"Arey beta, children don't pay," he insisted with a chuckle.
"Then at least let me get one for Aditi," I said, looking him in the eye. It was then I noticed she had her father's eyes.
Before uncle could respond, Ananya piped up with a giggle, "Bhaiya, then you should get mango ice cream with sprinkles because didi doesn't like the ice creams from here. So, I'll eat it instead, hehe!"
I chuckled at her innocent logic while her father added with a smile, "Yes, Ananya is right. Aditi has very specific tastes. But I suppose a little extra ice cream doesn't hurt."
Are Aditi and Ananya really sisters? Their personalities couldn't be more different.
"Will she like blueberry flavor?" I asked her uncle, hesitating slightly.
"Arre beta, just get any flavor. If she doesn't like it, I'll have it. You know, in most cases, she saves her food, but Ananya eats it before she even gets the chance," he said with a chuckle. Ananya giggled along with him.
"Bhaiya, please just get mango ice cream with sprinkles instead. I'll eat it! Didi never eats ice cream from here, please?" Ananya pleaded, her eyes wide and hopeful.
I chuckled at her persistence. "You've had enough ice cream for today, bache. Let him get something for your didi," her dad gently reminded her.
"Okay," I agreed, turning to the vendor. "Pack a cup of blueberry ice cream, bhaiya."
I paid for the ice cream, and her dad took the cup with a grateful smile.
"Achha, Uncle, to phir baad mein milte hain," I said, giving a final wave.
"Thik hai beta, to phir dhyaan rakhna," Uncle replied with a warm smile, and we all parted ways. Ananya waved goodbye from her dad's arms, while Arjun kept looking back and waving at her. I found myself wondering what it would be like if Aditi and I were as close as Ananya and Arjun.
"Bhaiyaa, can we take the bike now?" Arjun asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"It will take some time. It will reach the mechanic Bhaiya will bring it to us tonight," I explained.
"Ugh, I can't walk. Can't you carry me like Ananya's dad carries her?" he groaned.
"Ananya is such a cute little princess. What are you? Why should I carry you?" I teased.
"You're weaker than the girls of your age," he said defiantly.
"Oh really? Name a girl stronger than me," I challenged, tickling him on his neck.
"Haha, Bhaiyaa, Aditi didi is stronger than you! Whenever I play at Ananya's house, Ananya and I pretend to fall asleep on Aditi didi's comfy lap when she studies on the sofa. She carries both of us to Ananya's room, and when Mumma Papa come to pick me up, and her parents come home, I pretend to fall asleep again, and she carries me to the car. When she wants to watch TV, she makes us fall asleep by singing and playing guitar," he said, and I was in utter disbelief.
OMG, he was with my Frosty in my—my Frosty's arms? He would listen to her singing while here she only argues with me. He was enjoying all the time with her; he sleeps on her lap. Oh Bhagwan!
" Since when has this been happening?" I asked in shock.
"Since I was a small boy of 3 years old," he replied.
"Holy shit, where was I during all this?" I wondered aloud.
"Why haven't you told me ever?" I asked, feeling a mix of surprise and jealousy.
"You were busy playing football with Raghav Bhaiya," he said casually.
"Holy shit, this cannot be happening right now," I said. "You know what? You won't be getting chocolates."
"Bhaiyaa, maine kya kiya?" he protested.
"You ate that ice cream with all those gems. Your teeth will rot!" I said, pretending to be annoyed. Sharam to nahi aati apni bhabhi ke saath maze karta phirta hai. Befkoof.
"Zara ghar chal. Tu UKG mein hai, par ye akal nahi aayi ki chocolate nahi khani chahiye itni zyada," I added as we reached home.
I saw Chachi watching an old serial on TV. "Ye itna purana serial?" I exclaimed.
"Aa gaye dono bete mere!" she said with happiness.
"Bhaiyaa ne Aditi didi ke liye ice cream li kyunki unke papa ne hamare liye li," Arjun said proudly.
Oye pagal! "Oye hoye meri bahu rani ke darshan ho gaye kisi ko!" Chachi exclaimed with delight.
"Arre, woh nahi, uske papa aur choti behen thi," I said with a blank face.
"Tabhi main kahoon itni khushi se gaya tha. Ab ye mara hua munh lekar aaya hai," she said.
"Arre nahi, Chachi," I started to say, but Arjun interrupted.
"Inka munh aur mood isliye mara hua hai kyunki inhe pata chala ki Aditi didi mujhe godi mein utha sakti hai aur ye nahi," he continued. "Bhaiyaa ki immunity weak ho gayi hai," he finished.I glared at him, while Chachi started laughing.
"Mai yahan books leke aaya hoon, padhna hai mujhe," I said, heading to my room. I returned with my books.
"Mumma, mujhe neend aa rahi hai. Aap soao na mere sath," Arjun pleaded.
"Upar Tai Ji so rahi hai. Unke sath ja aur uthaayo mat unhe, thak gayi hain. Agar tune pareshan kiya toh maar aisi padegi na," Chachi said.
"By mummy, main so raha hoon," Arjun said, making me chuckle and I started my studying.
[Till now no one has read it i hope anyone of everyone reading it now is liking it pls give your suggestions and votes pls do comment and tell me how are the dialogs.]