Chapter 9
Aditi's perspective
The full-day practice was as exhausting as I'd feared. Reena ma'am wasn't taking any chances, making sure every detail of the function was perfect. By midday, I was feeling drained, but I wasn't going to show it, especially not in front of Kabir. He was watching me, I could feel it, and the last thing I needed was for him to see me tired.
Kabir. Just thinking about him made me tense. I knew he was going to use this practice as an opportunity to get on my nerves, like he always did. True to form, he was hovering around me, making little comments and throwing sidelong glances my way, as if trying to figure out my mood.
I tried to focus on the anchoring script, but my mind kept wandering back to last night. That stupid ice cream. I couldn't stop thinking about how close I'd come to eating it, how I'd stood there, staring at the freezer, actually considering it. But before I could even decide, Anaya had gotten to it first. The disappointment had been irrational, and I hated that it was even there in the first place. Why did I care so much?
We were in the middle of rehearsing the closing lines when Kabir started. "So, Aditi, had anything interesting happen last night?" His tone was casual, but I could see the mischief in his eyes.
My stomach twisted in nervous anticipation. I knew exactly what he was hinting at, but I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. "Nothing out of the ordinary," I replied, forcing my voice to stay even. I kept my eyes glued to the script. "Just focused on the script, like a good anchor should."
"Really? No surprises? No unexpected treats?" he prodded, his voice light, but I could feel the weight of his curiosity pressing down on me.
My heart sped up a little. I could feel my pulse in my throat, but I wasn't going to let him see that. "Nope. Just the usual. Why, Kabir? Did something happen to you last night?" I shot back, finally glancing up at him with an expression that I hoped looked innocent.
He grinned, leaning in slightly, making my pulse quicken. "Well, I might've done something nice for someone, but I'm not sure they appreciated it."
I stiffened. My grip on the script tightened, my knuckles white. I wasn't ready to give in, not yet. "Oh, really? Well, maybe that 'someone' didn't notice. Or maybe they didn't care."
His eyes sparkled with amusement, and I could feel a bead of sweat forming at the back of my neck. He was too close, too perceptive. "Or maybe that someone just didn't want to admit they liked it."
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my breathing steady. "Maybe that someone has better things to do than think about whatever it is you're hinting at."
For the rest of the practice, Kabir kept trying to bring the conversation back to the ice cream. Every time we had a break, he'd find some way to slip in a comment or a question, and each time, I brushed him off, pretending I didn't understand what he was talking about. But with each passing hour, the effort to stay cool was wearing me down. I could feel my patience thinning, my nerves fraying.
By the time we reached the final run-through, I was a bundle of nerves. My usual calm was slipping away, replaced by a growing frustration. My heart was racing, and I could feel a flush creeping up my neck. Why couldn't he just let it go?
We were rehearsing our closing lines when Kabir tried again. "So, Aditi, if someone were to hypothetically give you something sweet, what would you do with it?"
This time, I snapped. My hands were trembling slightly as I turned to him, my voice sharp and filled with pent-up frustration. "Kabir, what is your problem? Why are you so obsessed with this?"
He blinked, clearly surprised by my sudden outburst. His expression softened slightly, but I could still see the curiosity in his eyes. "Whoa, chill, Frosty. I was just asking."
But I was too wound up to let it go. My chest felt tight, and I could feel my face growing hot with a mix of anger and embarrassment. "You want to know what happened with the ice cream, right? Fine, I'll tell you. My dad brought it home, said it was from you. And you know what I did with it? I put it in the freezer because I didn't want it. But then later... I thought maybe I'd try it."
Kabir's eyes widened slightly, clearly intrigued, and my heart pounded in my chest. "Oh? So, did you?"
I sighed, the embarrassment of my admission making my skin prickle. "I went to get it this morning, but by the time I did, Anaya had already eaten it." I tried to sound indifferent, but the irritation in my voice betrayed me. I couldn't believe I was telling him this.
Kabir's grin grew wider, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "So you did want to eat it!"
My cheeks burned with embarrassment, and I shot him a glare. "Only because I was curious. Don't get any ideas, Kabir. It wasn't about you."
He chuckled, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "Sure, sure. But admit it, you were at least a little disappointed when it was gone."
I crossed my arms, trying to regain some control over the situation, but my heart was still racing. "Maybe a little. But that doesn't mean anything."
He leaned in closer, lowering his voice, and I could feel the heat radiating from him. "Well, if you're really that upset about it, I could always get you another one."
I rolled my eyes, but I could feel the corners of my lips twitching despite myself. "You wish. I'm not falling for your tricks, Kabir."
He shrugged, still smiling, and for a moment, I was acutely aware of how close we were standing. "Whatever you say, Frosty. But the offer stands."
As the practice wrapped up, everyone began packing their things and heading out. I slung my bag over my shoulder and started looking for a rickshaw. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden hue over the school grounds, but I couldn't fully appreciate it. My thoughts were still tangled up in the day's events.
I glanced around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Kabir, but he was already leaving on his bike. I watched him for a moment, feeling a small, inexplicable pang in my chest. Usually, he'd hang around, teasing me a little more before zooming off, but today, he just left without a word. I felt oddly... disappointed. Was I actually missing his annoying banter?
I shook my head, trying to push the thought away, and focused on finding a rickshaw. Eventually, one pulled up, and I hopped in, the ride home passing by in a blur of thoughts and emotions.
When I got home, I was greeted by the usual sounds of dinner being prepared. The smell of spices filled the air, and I could hear Anaya's giggles coming from the living room. I kicked off my shoes and made my way to the kitchen, where Mom was bustling around, her back to me as she stirred something on the stove.
"Aditi, did you eat the ice cream Kabir sent?" Mom asked without turning around, her voice casual, but I could feel her attention on me even if she wasn't looking.
I froze for a second, caught off guard. "Why would I?" I replied, trying to keep my voice neutral, but my mind immediately flashed back to this morning, to Anaya polishing off the tub without a second thought.
Before I could say anything else, I heard a familiar giggle behind me. Anaya, of course. I turned to find her standing there with a mischievous grin plastered across her face. She knew. And she was enjoying every second of it.
"Anaya," I started, my voice laced with warning, but it was too late. She burst into laughter, clutching her stomach as she doubled over, and that was all it took.
Mom turned around, raising an eyebrow at me. "So it wasn't you who ate it?" she asked, her tone suspicious but amused.
I sighed, rubbing my temples. "No, it was Anaya. She ate the whole thing this morning."
Anaya nodded enthusiastically, her face lighting up as she jumped in. "It was so yummy, Mama! You should've seen Aditi's face when she found out it was gone!" She broke into another fit of giggles, and I could feel my cheeks heating up.
Everyone, including Mom, was now smiling, and I couldn't help but feel a tiny bit of jealousy mixed with frustration. It was supposed to be my treat, after all, but Anaya had swooped in and devoured it without a second thought. The fact that it had been from Kabir didn't make it any easier to swallow.
Mom chuckled, shaking her head as she turned back to the stove. "Well, maybe next time, Aditi will get to it first." Her voice was teasing, but there was warmth in it too, and I couldn't stay annoyed for long.
Just then, Mom turned to me, her expression softening. "By the way, Arjun is coming over for lunch today. Why don't you and Anaya play with him for a while?"
Anaya's eyes widened with excitement, and she practically jumped up and down. "Yay! Arjun is coming! I want to play with him, Didi! Can we, please?"
I forced a smile, nodding. "Sure, Anaya. We'll play with Arjun." Inside, I felt a mix of emotions. I was tired, a little worn out from the day, and honestly, just wanted some quiet time. But seeing Anaya so happy, I couldn't say no.
I quickly changed out of my school uniform, slipping into something more comfortable. As I was finishing up, I heard the doorbell ring, followed by the excited chatter of Anaya greeting Arjun. I took a deep breath and headed out to join them.
Arjun was a bundle of energy, just like Anaya. His mother had dropped him off and left, trusting that we'd keep him occupied. The two of them were already running around, laughing and chasing each other when I arrived.
Before I knew it, they were both pulling at my hands, begging me to feed them. "Didi, please feed us! It'll be fun!" Anaya insisted, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Arjun chimed in, his face equally eager. "Yes, please! We want to eat from your hands, Aditi Didi!"
I couldn't help but smile at their enthusiasm. Despite my initial reluctance, there was something endearing about their excitement. "Alright, alright," I said, giving in with a laugh. "But you two better behave, or no more games after this!"
They both giggled in unison, clearly satisfied with my agreement. I sat down with them, picking up small morsels of food and feeding them one by one. They ate eagerly, their faces lighting up with each bite, and their giggles filled the room.
As I continued to feed them, I could feel my earlier frustrations melting away. Their joy was infectious, and soon enough, I found myself smiling along with them. For a moment, everything else faded away—the teasing from Kabir, the disappointment over the ice cream, and the weariness from practice. All that mattered was the happiness of these two little munchkins in front of me.
Before I knew it, I was laughing with them, caught up in their innocent delight. And even though I hadn't had a single bite myself yet, I realized I didn't mind. Seeing Anaya and Arjun so happy was more fulfilling than any meal could be. And as they continued to giggle, I found myself feeling lighter, the weight of the day lifting from my shoulders.
Maybe Kabir's teasing would continue, and maybe Anaya would keep sneaking treats out from under me, but in this moment, surrounded by family and laughter, I knew everything was just as it should be.
After lunch, I retreated to my room, feeling a sense of calm after the chaos of the morning. The sun was high in the sky now, its rays filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. I settled onto my bed, crossing my legs and laying my books out in front of me. There was still a mountain of homework to get through, and I knew I had to focus.
I opened my notebook, trying to concentrate on the math problems in front of me, but my mind kept wandering. The sound of Anaya and Arjun's laughter echoed from the living room, a constant reminder of their playful energy. I smiled to myself, their happiness was contagious, even from a distance.
For a while, I managed to get lost in my studies, the numbers and equations drawing me in. But just as I was starting to make progress, the laughter outside my room grew quieter. I glanced up from my book, my curiosity piqued by the sudden silence. The quiet only lasted a moment before I heard the unmistakable sound of little feet tiptoeing towards my door.
I pretended not to notice, keeping my eyes on my notebook as the door creaked open. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Anaya and Arjun peeking in, their eyes wide with mischief. They exchanged a glance, clearly trying to decide whether or not to interrupt me.
I stifled a smile, pretending to be absorbed in my work. After a moment of whispered consultation, they tiptoed into the room, moving as quietly as they could manage. It was almost impressive how they managed to stay so silent, but I could still feel their presence, the way the room seemed to fill with their playful energy.
Before I knew it, they had made their way to my bed, climbing up and settling beside me without a word. I could feel the warmth of their little bodies as they nestled in, their heads gently resting on my lap. I glanced down, meeting their innocent, sleepy gazes, and my heart melted a little.
Anaya looked up at me with wide eyes, her earlier excitement replaced with a sleepy contentment. Arjun, too, was starting to look drowsy, his eyelids drooping as he tried to keep them open. They were clearly worn out from all the playing, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of affection for them.
"Are you two tired?" I whispered, my voice soft, not wanting to disturb the peaceful moment.They both nodded, but neither said a word. Instead, they just snuggled closer, their little heads finding the perfect spot on my lap. I gently brushed my fingers through Anaya's hair, the simple action calming not only them but me as well.
Minutes passed, and the room grew quieter. The sounds from outside seemed to fade away, replaced by the gentle rhythm of their breathing. I could feel their bodies relaxing, the tension of the day slowly ebbing away as they drifted closer to sleep.
I continued to study, flipping through the pages of my textbook with one hand while the other rested on Arjun's back. The warmth of their trust filled me with a sense of peace, a connection that was simple but profound.
An hour passed like this, the three of us together in quiet harmony. Their breaths grew slower, deeper, until I knew they had both drifted off to sleep. I looked down at them, their faces so serene, their bodies completely relaxed as they slept soundly in my lap.
For a moment, I didn't move. I just sat there, feeling their small bodies rise and fall with each breath. There was something incredibly soothing about this—having them so close, so trusting. It made the worries of the day seem far away, insignificant in the face of this simple, pure connection.
Eventually, I carefully set aside my books, not wanting to disturb them. My homework could wait. This moment was too precious to break. I leaned back against the headboard, closing my eyes for a brief second, savoring the warmth of their presence.
And as the afternoon sun continued to filter through the curtains, bathing the room in a soft glow, I realized how much these small moments meant to me. The laughter, the playfulness, the quiet moments like this—these were the things that made all the teasing, all the frustrations, worthwhile.
With a contented sigh, I let myself relax, the peaceful rhythm of their breathing lulling me into a state of calm. And in that quiet, sunlit room, surrounded by the people I loved, everything felt just right.
Kabir's perspective
After spending what felt like an eternity at the library, I finally headed home, my mind buzzing with formulas, theories, and the dull ache of exhaustion. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows on the road as I walked, my backpack slung over one shoulder. All I wanted was to crash on the couch and maybe sneak in a quick nap before dinner.
As I approached the house, I noticed the front door slightly ajar. The faint sounds of conversation drifted out, mixed with the soft hum of the evening breeze. I stepped inside and found my best friend, Raghav, leaning casually against the wall, chatting animatedly with my Chachi, who was busy folding some clothes. They both looked up as I walked in, their faces lighting up with matching grins.
"Kabir! Finally back from the library, huh?" Raghav called out, a teasing lilt in his voice.
"Yeah, felt like I was trapped in there forever," I replied, dropping my bag by the door and stretching my tired limbs. My eyes swept the room, and I spotted my little cousin Arjun fast asleep on the couch, his small form curled up in a blanket.
"Arjun's already out cold?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "Why's he so tired so early?"
Chachi looked up from her task, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Arre, apni bhabhi sulaayegi toh kaise nahi soyega?" she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
It took a second for her words to register. I blinked, momentarily confused. "Bhabhi? Which bhabhi, yaar?"
Before Chachi could answer, Raghav chimed in, his grin widening. "Your Frosty, of course."
My stomach did a little flip at the mention of her, and I frowned. "Only I can call her that," I retorted, a hint of jealousy creeping into my voice.
Raghav and Chachi both burst out laughing, clearly enjoying my reaction. "Dekho, dekho! Possessive ho raha hai humara Kabir," Raghav teased, nudging me playfully.
"Jealousy ka bhi rang dekho iska," Chachi added, her laughter ringing out in the room.
I rolled my eyes, trying to play it cool, but I could feel my cheeks heating up. Why did it bother me so much that they were talking about her like this? I tried to shake off the feeling, but it lingered, gnawing at me.
Just then, Arjun stirred on the couch, rubbing his eyes as he woke up. He blinked sleepily at us, his small face scrunching up in confusion. Raghav saw the perfect opportunity and, with a wicked grin, turned to Arjun.
"Arjun beta, tell us, what happened at Anaya's house today?" Raghav asked, his voice dripping with feigned innocence.
Arjun sat up, still groggy, but eager to share his little adventure. "Didi fed us lunch, and then we played for a bit. Later, we sneaked into her room and rested our heads on her lap. She was studying, but she didn't mind. We fell asleep there," he said, his voice soft and drowsy.
A pang of something sharp and unwelcome hit me. Arjun, my own little cousin, had been with her, resting his head on her lap. It was such a small thing, but the jealousy bubbled up inside me, unbidden and irrational. Why did the thought of him being close to her, so comfortably, make me feel this way?
Before I could dwell on it too much, Arjun turned his big, innocent eyes on me, as if sensing my turmoil. "Kabir bhaiya, can you marry Aditi Didi?" he asked, his voice so earnest that it took me by surprise. "Then I can sleep on her lap whenever I want."
My heart skipped a beat, and my mind went blank for a second. Raghav, sensing my discomfort, couldn't resist adding fuel to the fire. "Shaadi toh woh kar lega, beta, par tujhe paas tak na aane de. Kabir bhaiya ko jealousy hogi," he said, laughing wickedly.
Arjun, clearly confused by the whole exchange, just shrugged and slid off the couch, mumbling something about going to play outside. I watched him go, trying to process the conversation that had just unfolded.
Once Arjun was out of earshot, Raghav turned to me, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "So, bhai, what's the plan? Are we planning the wedding already, or should I keep teasing you a little longer?" he quipped, winking at me.
I shook my head, trying to dispel the lingering jealousy. "You're an idiot," I muttered, though there was no real heat in my words.
"Come on, let's go get some street food. I think you need a distraction," Raghav said, clapping me on the back.
I hesitated for a moment, but the idea of getting out of the house—and away from all these confusing feelings—was too tempting. "Alright, let's go," I agreed, grabbing my wallet from the table.
As we stepped out into the evening air, I couldn't help but glance back at the house, my thoughts still swirling around Aditi, Arjun, and everything that had been said. Raghav caught the look and nudged me playfully.
"Don't worry, Kabir. You'll figure it out. Just remember—only you can call her Frosty."
I rolled my eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "Yeah, only me."
And with that, we headed down the street, the cool evening breeze doing little to cool the heat still simmering inside me.
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