Finallyyyyy chapter aa hi gya😭

12k+ words hai toh i expect maximum engagement 🤧

I'm really sorry for the delay and  thankyou so much for waiting patiently ❤️

And we have 100 followers on scrollstack 🤧

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चाहे तुम कुछ ना कहो मैने सुन लिया
के साथी प्यार का मुझे चुन लिया
चुन लिया मैने सुन लिया
पहला नशा पहला खुमार
नया प्यार है नया इंतज़ार
कर लू मैं क्या अपना हाल
ऐ दिल ए बेकरार
मेरे दिल ए बेकरार तू ही बता
पहला नशा पहला खुमार
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Author's pov

The sun blazed higher in the sky marking the arrival of a new morning, the air was filled with chaotic noises of early morning traffic. Some people were shouting on the lined cars, some were selling things to the vehicles passing by, juggling between red light and green light.

Among that cacophony, Yuvaan was sitting on the window seat, his thoughts drifting back to the conversation from yesterday. At first he was hurt by the way Vanya declined to address him as a brother but now he is getting curious to know about her. There’s something about her he couldn’t ignore. The way she acts with others and the way she acts around him seems so different, he was wondering about the reason behind her indifference, especially around him.

His thoughts were racing when the car stopped abruptly putting a pause to his train of thoughts. He looked towards his driver with questionable eyes,

“what happened?” he asked raising his eyebrows,

His driver gestured towards the road “kuch nahi yuvaan baba, vo ladki beech me aa gayi!” he informed, Yuvaan's eyes went to the pointed direction and found a girl glaring at them.

[Nothing really, Yuvaan baba, that girl just got in the way!]

She was collecting her books which fell due to sudden impact, a wrinkle forming on her perfectly ironed school uniform.

Yuvaan looked at the scene infront of him, he decided to offer a helping hand and walked towards her.

He picked her books and pouch, a smile made its way to his lips watching a doraemon keychain on her pouch.

After dusting the books he forward them towards her, “so….” he began to apologize but that girl snatched the books from his hand and went from there not before stomping his feet.

She walked a step away but turned her head towards him, her eyes narrowed making Yuvaan frown.

He looked around to find if her glare is meant for someone else but no one was there except him, he pointed his fingers at him to confirm but she turned her head making faces at him, and collided with a stand making her stumble.

She composed herself and walked away checking her books, Yuvaan was watching her every movement with knitted eyebrows.

“ajeeb ladki hai!” he mumbled looking at her disappearing back,

[What a weird girl!]

He turned to go towards his car when his eyes fell on a silver bracelet on the road, where that girl was sitting a moment ago.
He picked it up, after thinking for a second he put it in his pocket. His eyes went wide noticing the time

“Uncle jldi chalo, nahi to late ho jaaunga!” he ran to his car before it sped up on a mission.

[Hurry up, Uncle, otherwise I’m going to be late!]
___________________________________________________________________________

Vanya was going towards her class, her bag was hanging loosely from one shoulder. She was swinging her water bottle in one hand, her mind revising the formula of maths for the upcoming test. She was in her own world when a girl from her class collided with her making her bag fall.

“sorry” she said picking vanya’s bag,

“It's okay!” vanya said with a smile before walking away lazily,

Her eyes darted around the class not finding her friends, she put her bag on the table and decided to explore the school a little.

Meanwhile, Yuvaan crossed the school gates and spotted Vivaan walking lazily a few steps ahead.

“vivaan!” he ran towards him,

“tu akela kyu aa rha hai? Aradhya or sharavani kaha hai?” he asked looking around to spot his other two companions

[Why are you coming alone? Where are Aradhya and Sharavani?]

“aradhya ka naam matt lo bhaiya, mujhe uss chudail ke baare me koi baat nhi karni hai!” vivaan crossed his arms, his nose flared in irritation

[Don't mention Aradhya's name, bhaiya, I don't want to talk about her at all!]

Yuvaan raised his eyebrows at his words, but before he could ask more aradhya came there with ishaan.

Vivaan looked towards her and their eyes held murderous glints for each other, “when you both have come together then why this drama?” yuvaan chuckled looking between them, he looked towards ishaan who put his finger on his lips to don’t say anything

Aradhya walked ahead pushing vivaan’s shoulder, vivaan ran behind her and pushed her shoulder in revenge.

She looked at him with raised eyebrows before kicking his leg, “tera jyada ho rha hai ab aradhya!” Vivaan said, putting his hand on his waist.

[This is getting to be too much, Aradhya!]

“accha mera jyada ho rha hai??? or jo tune meri cycle ki hwa nikal di uska kya?” she snapped, pointing an accusing finger at him

[Oh, so I'm going too far??? And what about you letting the air out of my bike tires?]

“arre kitni baar bolu mene nahi nikali teri hwa….i mean tere cycle ki hwa!” vivaan said with an irritated sigh

[How many times do I have to tell you, I didn't let the air out of you…..i mean your bicycle!]

“jyada na natak karne ki jarurat nahi hai mujhe ishaan ne btaya tha ki usne tujhe ye karte hue khud dekha tha” she glared at him,

[There's no need to act like this, Ishaan told me that he saw you doing it himself]

“tu jhooth matt bol. Mujhe ishaan ne kaha tha ki teri cycle me kuch ho gya tha toh me bss dekh rha tha” he defended himself

[Don't lie to me. Ishaan said that something had happened to your cycle, so I was just looking at it]

Ishaan was standing beside yuvaan who looked at the scene infront of him confusingly, “lgta hai mera yaha se khisakne ka time aa gya hai” he mumbled and tried to flee from there before he could become the prime suspect of crime but his karma was getting back at him as he noticed vivaan and aradhya were glaring at him.

[Looks like it's time for me to get out of here]

“sorry, mene jaanboojh kr kuch nahi kiya tha me bss ek stunt try kr rha tha pr aapki cycle ne haar maan li!” he clarified hurriedly before running from there

[Sorry, I didn't do it on purpose. I was just trying a stunt, but your cycle gave up!]

Aradhya and vivaan looked at each other before launching towards him, “saale chindi chor, teri wajah se me pit rha hu subha se!” vivaan yelled throwing his shoes towards him,

[You bastard, I’ve been getting beaten up all morning because of you!]

“ha or me isse peet rahi hu!” aradhya snapped throwing her left shoe at him, vivaan looked at her with raised eyebrows

[Yes, and I am beating him up for it!]

Ishaan laughed at aradhya’s words, he was running backwards so he didn’t notice shreya was coming from the other side. They collided with each other, landing on the ground.

“aankhein permanently daan kr diya hai kya?” shreya glared at him irritatingly,

[Have you permanently donated your eyes?]

“jab dekho bandaro ki tarah fudakte rehte ho yaha waha!” she jabbed her finger at him, he looked around only to find his siblings bickering among themselves,

[Every time you're jumping around here and there like monkeys!]

He poked his cheeks before hooking his pinky finger with her index finger, pulling her a little closer.

“Aankhein toh sahi salamat hain” Ishaan retorted, his voice dripping with pure mockery as he sat on the ground, completely unfazed by her death stare “Par aapki aawaz sunte hi lagta hai ki kaan zaroor daan karne padeng”he added boiling her blood

[My eyes are perfectly fine….But just hearing your voice makes me feel like I’ll have to donate my ears]

“Tumhaari himmat kaise hui..” Shreya took a menacing step forward, poking her finger hard against his collarbone, her eyes flashing with irritation “Ye jo faltu ka attitude le kar ghumte ho na, ek minute me thik kar dungi mai tumhe. Agli baar agar mujhse takraye, toh principle office baad me jaoge, pehle mai tumhaara ye hasta hua chehra bigadungi” she shows him a punch making him chuckle.

[How dare you…The useless attitude you carry around, I’ll fix that in a minute. If you cross me one more time, you’ll go to the principal’s office later but first, I’ll ruin that smiling face of yours”

Ishaan stood up with an effortless flip,  lowering his head slightly to look her straight in the eyes, his smirk widening  “woah, itni badi dhamki? Mai toh dar se kaamp rha hu. Par sach batao, mujhse ladne ka bas bahana dhoodti rehti ho na aap? Itna bhi kya obsession hai mujhse, senior?” he said, biting his inner cheeks to stop laughing at her expressions.

[Woah, such a big threat? I’m shaking with fear. But tell me the truth, you’re just always looking for an excuse to fight me, aren’t you? Why are you so obsessed with me, senior?]

“Obsession aur tumse? Apni shakal aaine me dekhi hai kabhi?” Shreya scoffed loudly, crossing her arms and looking away with an exaggerated roll of her eyes  “you presence makes even a donkey charming” she scoffed sarcastically,

[Obsession, and with you? Have you ever looked at your face in the mirror?]

“tch tch itna ganda taste” he shook his head disappointingly,

[Tch tch, such bad taste]

“actually, it suits you……..dhenchu dhenchu"” he laughed imagining her with a donkey beside her but before she could retorted, a shoe landed beside ishaan, almost hitting him on head

“aaj toh tu gya bete aaj tera kaam tamam hai!!” aradhya flashed him a dead sign, he cried internally but tried to maintain a tough facade feeling shreya’s smirk.

[You're done for today, ishaan.. today is the end of you]

“Baad me milte hai, senior!” he gave her two finger mock salute before darting from there, “don’t miss me too much!” he yelled sarcastically, her expressions were like she’s about to puke hearing him.

[See you later, senior!]

Vivaan followed ishaan who was laughing loudly while running, when his eyes fell on some students in the corridor, his eyes scanned the place curiously before he walked towards them.

“kya hua? Is someone fighting?” he asked excitedly to one of the students, the student shook his head and pointed towards the watercooler where a girl was filling her bottle but his eyes went on her shirt, a page was stuck there with some heinous words.

[What happened? Is someone fighting?]

‘fatherless’

‘error 404- father not found’

A disgust ran over vivaan as he read the words, he stopped aradhya who was hurdling on ishaan. Little did their heart know who this girl might be, aradhya’s eyes blazed with rage as she took in the words.

“Ye kis boondi ke ladoo ne kiya hai uska taanpoora toh me bajati hu!” she snapped and took a step forward when the girl turned after filling her bottle, and their heart was right…..it was vanya.

[Which idiot did this? I’m going to make sure they pay for it!]

She smiled cheerfully seeing aradhya, “tu late kyu ho gayi? Tune kaha tha na ki 7:30 baje tak aa jaayenge….vani kaha hai?” she said walking towards them, vivaan’s heart sank in the pit of his stomach seeing her innocent smile.

[Why are you late? You said that you would be here by 7:30... where is Vani?]

Vanya sensed everyone’s gaze on her, her eyebrows knitted in confusion at the weird glances throwing on her, “is there something on my face?” she asked holding aradhya’s arm, aradhya shook her head in denial.

“Toh phir sab mujhe aise kyu dekh rahe hai jaise koi ajooba dekh rahe ho?” she added with humour, her eyes darted around her, scanning her surroundings.

[Then why is everyone looking at me as if they are looking at a marvel]

“didi there's something on your shirt!” Ishaan informed her, earning a collective glare from vivaan, aradhya and yuvaan.

Vanya frowned, reaching her hands backwards to fetch the paper but aradhya snatched it from her, “kuch nahi hai ye, koi mama ka mausa prank kr rha hai” she said tearing the page.

[It's nothing, some idiot is pulling a prank]

Vanya looked at her then at vivaan and ishaan, her eyes stopped at yuvaan and her mind started replaying yesterday’s hurtful words she had thrown at him, but to her surprise yuvaan gave a small smile instead of getting angry at her.

She was looking at him when a small piece of paper fell from aradhya’s hand, giving a glimpse of content written inside

A chuckle escaped Vanya's lips reading the word, she bent down to pick the piece of paper before turning to aradhya, “you were hiding this from me?” she shook her head with a small laugh, but it was devoid of any humour.

She took the remaining pieces of paper from aradhya’s hand before reading them, “why are you reading this nonsense? You don’t have to…” aradhya tried to take the paper from her hand.

“It's okay, don’t worry!” Vanya gave her a small smile while keeping the pieces in her hand after reading.

“Are you okay?” Aradhya put her hand on Vanya's shoulder, trying to give a little comfort.

Vanya nodded in response, “yes, I am! Actually they are pretty decent” she chuckled.

“italy me toh….” she began but stopped sensing a hint of sympathy in their eyes, “class me chale? Assembly ka time ho rha hai” she said changing the topic and took aradhya with her

[Shall we go to class? It’s almost time for assembly]

Vivaan watched their retreating figure, a gust of anger ran down his spine as he clenched his hand into a fist remembering the hint of hurt in Vanya's downcast eyes.

___________________________________________________________________________

Sharavani looked at her watch, a groan escaped her lips knowing that she’s already late for school. She ran towards the gate and managed to cross it just before it could get close. Relief washed over her thinking she could escape the teacher's long lecture for being late but luck was not on her side. The prayer has started and the teacher has started stopping late students. She tried to stay out of sight and successfully managed to do it as she was 4th in line.

The teacher was looking around her to spot today’s discipline incharge and found arnav standing there,

“arnav come here” she called him, he nodded and walked towards the main entrance.

“yes mam?” he asked politely,

“Write down the names of these students who have come late, and then bring them to the assembly!” she left handing the register to him, he nodded, turning to students.

He stood there as the queue was getting longer with the arrival of students, a sigh of disappointment escaped his lips as he started writing names.

His hand scribbled the names when he turned to sharavani, “what's your…..” he looked up from the register, his words dying in his throat seeing sharavani.

“Va.. sharavani tum?” He asked surprisingly, closing the register.

Sharavani’s hold on her bag strip tightened as she nodded,

“Tum late kaise ho gayi?” He asked raising his eyebrows

[How did you get late?]

“Meri aankh hi nhi khuli subha or bhaiya bhi jldi chale gaye thae toh mujhe chalkr aana pda isiliye me late ho gayi” she explained him the reason behind her late arrival, her lips forming into a small pout.

[I just didn't wake up on time this morning, and my brother left early too, so I had to walk here. That’s why I’m late]

Arnav chuckled, shaking his head at her honesty. He glanced around her and found ten more students standing behind her.

His eyes went towards the assembly ground where whole school was gathered for morning prayer, the teacher has ordered him to take these students to the assembly ground but he knows better how these students would get humiliated by making stand infront of whole school.

He looked at Sharavani who was cursing her luck, his heart melted at the sight of her. He felt an unexpected desire to protect her from that humiliation even if it meant breaking rules for once.

He scanned the place to find any teacher, a smirk curved on his lips finding none.

He gestured students to follow him walking towards the garden gate which is attached to the junior wing,

“Tum sab yaha se chup chaap chale jaao, koi shor matt karna!” he said slowly, opening the door of the garden.

“Teacher aapko daatengi nahi?” Sharavani asked concerned for him

“It's okay, tum jaao!” he said with a smile.

Sharavani looked at him for a second before running inside with silent steps.

Arnav went back to his place, a smile was adoring his face despite his rebellious act. He has never broken any rules of school inside these four walls but today he felt inexpressible calm, a fluttering happiness inside his heart.

He ruffled his hair with a lazy smile, walking towards the assembly ground.

The teacher looked at him confusingly as he walked alone in the assembly ground, “where are the other students?” she asked looking behind him

“V.. vo actually, Ma'am, there were not many students, so I let them go after a warning” he said keeping his hands behind,

“But Arnav, I told you to bring them to the assembly, right? They don’t take warnings seriously. I never expected this carelessness from you. You were the Head Boy for years, so you know better about these students” she shook her head in disappointment, Arnav lowered his head, nodding slightly.

“I'm sorry mam” he apologized, the teacher patted his shoulder and went from there.

A smile tugged at his lips despite the scolding, even the stern words seemed sweet to his ears as he felt a wave of peace wash over his chest. He knew how humiliating it is for students to stand here and face the whole assembly.

He has been witnessing this for years and it never bothered much to him, but today he felt a discomfort in his chest imagining the humiliated face of sharavani so he chose a path he never thought he would take. He lied to his teacher and break his principle, he never have prioritized anyone above his principles not even his siblings, but today he break his rules he have been following for years and instead of guilty he was feeling an inexpressible happiness that sharavani didn’t have to hear the cruel and discouraging words of teacher, not have to felt judging eyes of her classmates and other students.

He ruffles his hair before walking to ashvik and shreya who were checking students uniform and nails while maintaining the discipline of lines.

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“Shreya, you check the line for 10th A, and I’ll check 10th B!” ashvik said standing on the other side of the assembly gates, Shreya nodded focusing on the line

“or bhai kya chal rha hai?” yuvaan said teasingly, leaning on the gate along with arnav,

[Hey, what's going on?]

Ashvik glared at him before checking the nails of a boy, “bhai kis fashion show me jaa rahe ho? Chalo khade ho jaao side me ab PT sir judge karenge tumhe!” he said sarcastically, checking the dress of other student

[Bro, which fashion show are you headed to? Come on, stand aside, PT sir is going to judge you now!]

“yaar tu wapas se bann jaa na headboy ab mujhse nhi ho rha hai ye sab!” ashvik groaned looking at arnav pleadingly, who smirked at his situation

[Dude, just become the Head Boy again, I can't handle all of this anymore!]

“nope, I’m better this way!” arnav said dismissively,

“and it’s been 2 years already ab tak toh tujhe aadat ho jaani chahiye” he added, casually crossing his arms making ashvik scoff.

[And it’s been 2 years already; by now you should have gotten used to it]

Meanwhile, Shreya was checking the line of 10th A when she noticed Ishaan standing at the end of line. Her lips curved in a smirk noticing he’s not wearing his id card, she stopped him deliberately as the students started going towards their class

“Ishaan, where’s your id card?” she asked taking ishaan’s attention who was laughing with his friends,

He rolled his eyes at her before searching his id card in his pocket, but frowned not finding it.

“Wait, I think it’s in my bag. I’ll get it in a second” he said trying to cross the line but she stood in front of him with her hands crossed,

“Don't make excuses, I know students like you very well!” she said mockingly

“i said na ki me bag me bhool gya hu, give me a second me abhi lekr aata hu” he attempted to pass the gate again but she didn’t bulged from her place

[I said already that I forgot it in my bag, give me a second, I’ll just go and get it]

“id card gale me pehene ke liye hota hai bag me rakhne ke liye nahi” she remarked sarcastically , “please stand with those students!” she added making him grit his teeth

[The ID card is meant to be worn around your neck, not to be kept in your bag]

Ishaan looked towards his brother for support, “bhaiya please bolo na inhe ki jaane de” he said in a whiny tone but arnav shrugged his shoulders

[Bhaiya, please tell her to let me go]

“rules are rules ishaan, go stand back!” arnav said and diverted his attention towards yuvaan who was telling him something, ishaan glared at shreya who tilted her head with a smirk.

“aapko ye bahut mehenga padega!” he whispered to her walking a step closer to her

[This will cost alot to you!]

“mujhe sasti cheezo ka shauk bhi nahi hai!” she whispered back in the same tone,

[I don't even have a taste for cheap things!]

“now please” she gestured him to the side with a mocking smile

He rolled his eyes before walking to the pointed direction lazily.

___________________________________________________________________________

sharavani was sitting on table when other students entered in the classroom, aradhya walked to her seat and swat her arms playfully.

“How did you get late today?” She asked, taking her seat beside Sharavani.

Sharavani opened her mouth to tell her about morning incident but zipped her mouth noticing arnav coming there with yuvaan,

“Aradhya, I think mera pen tere pass reh gya hai!” he said, glancing secretly towards Sharavani, she looked down at her hands with a shy smile.

[Aradhya, I think my pen has been left with you!]

“I don't have your pen bhaiya…..” aradhya said before searching her bag, she took out a random pen and held out to him, “aap ye wala le lo!” she said taking out a random pen

“nahi mujhe wahi pen chahiye, vo mera lucky pen tha!” he said with a convincing tone while yuvaan threw a teasing smile towards him, “tu aram se dhund me yahi khada hu tab tak.” he added as his eyes drifted back to sharavani.

[No, I want that exact pen. It was my lucky pen!]

Sharavani bit her lower lips to stop the lingering smile, her ears started turning red noticing his intense gaze on her. Aradhya frowned at his unusual behaviour and looked at him only to find him staring at her friend.

A low chuckled escaped her lips as she started searching for the unknown pen leisurely, her hands moving slower than their class fan.

Yuvaan was looking towards the gate to protect his friend’s secret, his breath hitching, noticing ashvik’s figure coming inside the classroom.

He coughed loudly but arnav was lost in his sanctuary without caring of the world, sharavani glared at yuvaan for disruption only to find her brother coming inside. She cleared her throat but Arnav didn’t blink his eyes, a smile adorning his face not knowing the biggest villain of his love story was standing beside Yuvaan.

Sharavani’s eyes darted around to find any way to escape her brother’s eyes, “bhaiya? aap yaha?” she said loudly standing from her seat,

[Bhaiya? You here?]

Arnav’s eyes widened hearing about her brother, he turned his head so fast that it might have cracked, “namaste!” his panic voice echoed in the class as some of students looked at him weirdly,

Ashvik looked at him confusingly, but before he could ask arnav short circuited mind made another blunder, “happy new year” he tried to cover up but cursed himself internally

“mar…….nahi mtlb tu yaha kya kr rha hai?” he bites his tongue to stop another slip of tongue that announces to the world that he has officially lost his mind.

[Mar… no, wait, what are you doing here?]

Ashvik looked at him for a second before lifting his hand to his forehead, “bhukhar toh nahi hai…” he mumbled checking his temperature.

[You don't have a fever…]

“isse pyaar ka bhukhar chadha hai!” yuvaan mumbled, giving teasing expression standing behind ashvik

[He has caught a fever of love]

Arnav glared at him with a murderous glint in his eyes but Yuvaan wiggled his eyebrows teasingly at him, totally unfazed by his glare.

“ye sab chod, tu bta na yaha kya karne aaya hai?” arnav said removing ashvik’s hand from his forehead

[Forget all that, tell me, what have you come here to do?]

“me akela bore ho rha tha toh aa gya, tujhe mila jo tu lene aaya tha?” ashvik asked shrugging his shoulder,

[I was getting bored alone, so I came. Did you get what you came for?]

“abhi kaha…tune beech me aakr taang jo ada di” arnav mumbled looking away

[Not yet... you interfered and messed it up]

“kya?” ashvik asked, not able  to hear his inaudible words,

[What?]

“ha me vo copy hi dhund rha tha” arnav said laughing nervously,

[Yes, I was looking for notebook only]

Ashvik raised at his eyebrows at him, “pr tu toh pen lene aaya tha.." he asked, his tone is laced with suspicion

[But you came to get the pen, didn't you?]

Yuvaan slapped his forehead, Arnav nodded his head frantically not wanting to get caught.

“h…ha pen hi lene aaya tha na pr phir yaad aaya ki meri chemistry ki copy bhi aradhya ke bag me reh gayi hai” his voice stammered making ashvik suspicious,

[I actually just came to get my pen, but then I remembered that my chemistry notebook is also in Aradhya's bag]

“chemistry toh tere dimaag or jubaan ki nahi ban rahi hai!!” yuvaan mumbled trying to hold back his laughter,

[Your chemistry isn't even working with your brain or your tongue!]

Aradhya looked at ashvik’s growing suspicion and held out a copy before he could dwell deeper in this topic.

“mil gayi bhaiya aapki chemistry ki copy!” she said with a cheerful smile, arnav sighed and took it with a thankful smile.

[Found it, bhere is your chemistry notebook!]

“or pen?” ashvik raised his eyebrows as arnav turned to go, arnav closed his eyes for a moment to find another excuse,

“p..pen ha pen…” he tried to find an invincible pen on the table, sharavani bite her cheek to stop the bubbling laugh inside her.

She looked at Arnav's tense expression and decided to help him, her hands went inside her bag before taking out a pink kitty pen, “ye raha aapka lucky pen!” She held it infront of arnav with a playful smile.

[Here is your lucky pen!]

He looked at the pen then at her playful expression, a smile formed on his lips as he took it from her hand, “indeed it is lucky!” he said walking out of the classroom with yuvaan, he turned his head from the door and gave a playful wink to sharavani making her eyes wide in shock.

She looked at her brother who was busy talking to aradhya, her hands lifted to pat her chest where her heart was beating wildly but all her attempts to calm her racing heart only went in vain. She kept her bag on bench and rested her head on it to hide her flustered face from others, a helpless smile broke through her lips as she revisit the teasing moment.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________  

Half of the day passed in a blink as it was already lunch period, everyone went to canteen to enjoy their delicious meal but three souls have taken on another mission as they walked silently inside the class

“what are you doing guys? It’s really not necessary!” vanya tried to stop her friends who were finding the bag of the girl, somya, who did the disgusting prank on vanya

“tu na chup reh or ye lollipop kha!” Sharavani said, pushing a candy on her mouth so she won’t disturb their act of justice.

[Just stay quiet and eat this lollipop!]

“himmat kaise hui uss pakodi ki tere saath aisa karne ki” aradhya’s nose flared as she opened the packet from her skirt pocket,

[How dare that idiot do something like that to you!]

She bent down and loosen the screw of her chair along with her friend’s, sharavani grinned putting the packet of cockroaches in somya’s bag,

“ab aayega mja!” they hified each other, vanya shook her head but the corner of her lips curved up in a smirk,

[Now the fun begins!]

“yaar vivaan ko bhi hona chahiye tha toh pta nhi english wali mam ko uss se itna jaruri kaam aa gya!” sharavani said with a pout, vanya chuckled taking her out of the classroom

[Yaar, Vivaan should have been here too. I don't know why the English teacher had such urgent work for him]

“chal ab ftafat lunch kr lete hai baad me free ka show bhi toh dekhna hai!” she said pulling sharavani with her.

[Alright, let's have lunch now. we have a free show to watch later, after all!]

____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Vivaan entered the classroom and found it empty, he sighed as he noticed the time. “ab toh break khatam hone wala hai, yahi kr leta hu lunch!” he mumbled taking out his tiffin box,

[The break is almost over now, I'll just have lunch right here!]

On the other side, vanya was walking hastily towards her classroom with a packet secretly residing in her packet, “yaar ek baar me saara kaam nhi kr sakti kya ye dono” she whined opening the classroom door only to find vivaan sitting inside the otherwise empty classroom.

[Can't these two just get all the work done at once?]

She ignored him and went towards somya’s bench, opening her bag she put a plastic lizard in it discreetly, after her little mischievous act she dusted her hand walking lazily towards her seat.

Vivaan’s eyes were following her every movement, he shook his head with a chuckle watching her smiling mischievously to herself. He was looking at her when she turned her gaze at his side, her eyebrows raised in question.

“kya? Kabhi ladki nahi dekhi hai kya?” she said rolling her eyes,

[What? Have you never seen a girl before?]

“ladki toh dekhi hai pr itni haseen phli baar dekh rha hu!” he said teasingly with a smile.

[I have seen girls before, but this is the first time I'm seeing someone this beautiful!]

“kaash me bhi yeh keh paati!” she sighed dramatically, clicking her tongue at him before turning her head to the other side.

[I wish I could say that too!]

Vivaan chuckled closing his tiffin when students started filling in the empty classroom, 

Somya walked In with her friends, flashing a mocking smile towards vanya sitting on her chair. She opened her bag when her chair wobbled throwing her on the floor along with her friends, her bag also fell on her with impact making her groan.

The cockroaches started creeping on her head making them scream, “AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH” she stood up abruptly shaking her head.
Sharavani and her trio put palm on their mouth to stop themselves from laughing,

The teacher walked in the que, somya’s heart stopped beating for a second when her hand went on the lizard. She threw it towards the gate with a shriek, it landed directly on the teacher’s head. The chemistry teacher felt something on her head and tried to clear it but in the process her luscious hair fell down making everyone shock,

Aradhya and sharavani looked at each other before sitting on their seats to stop the sea of laughter, “inka maidaan toh tere future ki tarah safachat nikla!” aradhya mumbled earning a glare from sharavani but burst into laughter the next second along with vanya and vivaan, they hid it with a dramatic cough.

[Their field turned out to be as barren as your future!]

“What is happening here?” teacher asked picking her wig, the students laughed unable to control any longer,

The teacher glared at Somya, who pointed her finger at vanya before walking towards the teacher, “mam, ye isne kiya hai!” she said wiping her tears, vanya rolled her eyes at her.

[Ma'am, she did this!]

“koi proof hai tumhare pass?” she asked crossing her arms,

[Do you have any proof?]

“Mam, only she was here at breaktime. I’m sure she have done it” somya said glaring at vanya

“But ye aisa kyu karegi?” teacher asked sitting on her chair, her specs resting on her nose

[But why would she do this?]

“ha btao ye aisa kyu karegi?” sharavani said challengingly making somya speechless as she couldn’t reveal her morning prank

[Yes yes, tell]

She looked around only to find vivaan standing lazily on one corner, her eyes sparkle as she point at him, “mam, vivaan was also there. He must have witness her putting these things in my bag” she said,

“vivaan tumne aisa kuch dekha yaha?” the teacher asked, somya looked at vivaan hopefully.

[Vivaan, did you see anything like this here?]

Vanya looked down remembering the ways she have behaved with him. She know it is the best chance for him to take the revenge, her lips formed into a small pout already guessing the punishment in her mind.

Meanwhile, vivaan looked at her for a second before shaking his head, “no mam, i didn’t see anything like that!” he declined politely,

“is it enough ya or kuch kehna hai somya?” teacher said disappointingly, “meet me in the principle office after class” she added before focusing on the class.

Everyone settled in their seat, their concentration on the board but vanya’s eyes wandered towards vivaan’s seat, he was writing the concepts on his notebook while vanya tried to understand the motive behind his sudden rescue, her burrows knitted in confusion as she scanned his face.

Vivaan sensed her unwavering gaze on him, he lifted his eyes and their eyes met in a brief eye lock, he flashed a soft smile in her direction, she looked at him for a second before rolling her eyes and faked a concentration on her notes.

_________________________________________________________________________________________  

The college lecture room burst with students as the anticipation of the coming fest making everyone excited. 

Eshita turned towards atharv who was noting something on his notebook, she looked at him with a mischievous smile as she folded the end of her dupatta and brushed it against atharv’s ear secretly. 

He shrugged it off without turning, her lips formed into a small pout as she tried again but this time atharv held her wrist, “let me focus, eshita!” he said without looking at her, his hands moving as he flipped the page 

“what are you reading so attentively?” she asked peeking inside his notebook 

“nothing” he said closing his book, eshita looked at him suspiciously before her curiosity took over her.

“aisa bhi kya padh rahe thae?” she asked teasingly, lifting her hand to take his notebook.

[What on earth were you studying that was so important?]

Atharv lifted his hand higher with a smirk, eshita huffed in annoyance and leaned towards him but her balance slipped making her fall on him. 

The whole class burst into shouting teasingly, “oooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhh” 

His hands went to her back instinctively to steady her, “are you okay?” he asked making her sit properly, his ears burning with shyness as he gave her water bottle to drink some water. 

Eshita’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment for second before chuckling at athrav’s expression

She opened his register only to find her favourite book inside, she remember telling him about it excitedly a few days ago, 

She looked towards him with a small smile, “you were reading this?” She shook her head, showing the book. 

“V…vo you were so excited to talk about it but i didn't know the about it much so i thought….” he said avoiding her eyes making her laugh, 

“tum toh aise sharma rahe ho jaise tumhe kuch aisa waisa krte hue pakad liya hai” she teased making him groan 

[You're blushing as if you've been caught doing something suspicious!]

“shut up, eshita!” he said palming his face to hide the rising color of his cheeks, 

Eshita bit back the smile before leaning on the bench, she rested her chin on the bench looking at him with a soft yet teasing smile, her eyes twinkling with admiration for this man who's willing to read a book completely opposite to his genre, and that too just because she was excited about it. So he read it so that she could discuss something about it freely with him. 

She shook her head and her teasing smile returned, enjoying this moment.

“make me, atharv!” she winked playfully at him, he picked his notebook before smacking her head 

“aren’t you getting very shameless these days?” he said glaring at her, 

She rubbed her head before grinning at him, “ha mera quota tum jo poora kar dete ho dinbhar sharma kr!” she rolled her eyes dramatically, atharv gave her a offended glare and opened his mouth to give perfect comeback when a professor called them 

[Yeah, you fulfill my quota for me by blushing all day long!]

“atharv and eshita come to dean office right now” he announced and went from there 

Eshita groaned being interrupted, atharv motioned her to walked ahead. She walked infront of him rolling her eyes. 

They knocked on the door, reaching the office. After getting permission they walked inside, 

The office was very clean with aesthetic designs, there was a table and a large chair in between. She was admiring the wallpapers when the dean cleared his throat

“good afternoon sir!” they greeted politely, the dean, vijay sir nodded his head gesturing them to sit. 

They took their seat infront of him, waiting him to clear the motive behind calling them here 

“do you both know why I called you here?” he asked putting his hands on table, 

They shook their head in unison, he sighed before looking them into eyes. 

“what is going on between you two?” he asked bluntly making atharv’s eyes widened in shock as he looked towards eshita 

“kya chal rha hai tum dono ke beech?” he asked them again, not getting an answer. 

[What exactly is going on between you two?]

“afsos hi issi baat ka hai ki kuch chal nahi rha hai!” eshita mumbled earning a confused glare from the dean, atharv’s eyes widened hearing her clearly as he was sitting right beside her. He coughed loudly, diverting the dean's attention. 

[The sad part is exactly that nothing is going on]

“here take this” he offered a glass of water to atharv, who take it gladly. 

“listen both of you, I’m not saying that you should not talk to each other or have any kind of relationship” he began sternly 

“but that relationship should not disturb your studies nor your class!!” he added making atharv lowered his head 

“i saw what happened in class and this should not happen again……orelse I have to suspend you both” he said making atharv’s shook his head frantically. 

“no sir, there’s nothing like that between us. We’re just friends and what happened today was also my fault, I’m sorry!” atharv said making him nod his head 

“i’ll not let it slide next time, keep that in mind!”  he said keeping his specs on the table. 

“i’m sorry sir, it’ll not happen again!” they said in unison and turned to leave, 

“eshita wait outside, I have something to discuss with atharv” vijay said stopping atharv. 

Eshita nodded and waited outside the cabin, meanwhile inside the cabin. 

“atharv I know you’re eshita’s best friend but doing all this isn’t good for our college nor for your reputation” vijay began with cautious tone

“i was also at your age once and thinking about these trivial things in this age is quite normal but you both have your whole life ahead of you” he added putting his hand on athrav’s 

“you know eshita is going to enter the state level competition this year again and if she lose this time because of these kind of distraction……you’re understanding na what I’m trying to say…?” he said in a lower note 

Atharv listened to his words quietly, “she’s facing the backlash of losing last year’s competition till now, we’ve let her enter this time because last time she was facing health problems but If she loses this year then even I won’t be able to help her either!” he continued with a serious face 

“this competition is very important for our college so I don’t want you to be an obstacle in this, I hope you’re understanding. The competition is next week so please don’t distract her!” he concluded looking at him

Atharv nodded with a tight liped smile, “yes sir, I completely understand sir. Don’t worry, eshita will not lose her focus because of me, you can rest assure!” he said walking out of cabin. 

Eshita was leaning on the wall outside the cabin, her face bloomed in a smile when atharv came out. 

“aisi kya jaruri baat karni thi sir ko tumse?” she asked teasingly holding his arm, 

[What was it that was so urgent that Sir wanted to talk to you about?]

He looked at her hand and removed it gently, “nothing special!” he said walking towards the class

“arre btao na!!” she ran behind him to catch up with his speed 

[Tell me na!!!]

“kuch nahi kaha eshita!” he said dismissing her, 

[He said nothing, Eshita!]

She came in front of her, grinning teasingly “did he said ki you can date her but outside the college or like secret dating..” she wiggled her eyebrows mischievously, 

Her words reminded him the words said by the dean, he looked at her and decided to push her a little till her competition. 

“bolo na atharv!” she asked impatiently, 

“just shut up eshita!” he snapped irritatingly, she flinched a little at his loud, irritating tone. 

His eyes were only showing annoyance, eshita’s smile dropped instantly. 

“atharv what happened? Why are you talking like this? Was it because of what sir said?” she asked looking at him. 

“no eshita, you just don’t understand. We’re here to study not to do this!” he said and went inside the classroom leaving her alone in the corridor. 

“did I make him uncomfortable?” she questioned looking in the direction he went, her eyes glistened slightly at the thought of making her love a burden for him.  

_________________________________________________________________________

It was the second last period in school, and aradhya was yawning from tiredness all day. She watched her friends and saw them already in the way of getting raided by sleep. 

Raising her hand she gained teacher attention, “mam, can I go to washroom?” she asked controlling another yawn, 

“tum yaha padhne aati ho ya dinbhar washroom jaane?” teacher said irritatingly, 

[Do you come here to study or just to go to the washroom all day?]

“aap yaha padhane aati hai ya dinbhar canteen me beth kr chai ki chuskiya lene?” she mumbled clearing her ear lazily, 

[Do you come here to teach, or to sit in the canteen all day sipping tea?]

“mam, agr aapki aagya ho toh kya me laghushanka ke liye jaa sakti hu?” she said bluntly, making some of the students look at her in disgust at her choice of words while some stifled their laughter seeing the teacher's expression. 

[Ma'am, if I have your permission, may I go to the washroom?]

Sharavani, vanya and vivaan were among those who were controlling their laugh. 

Teacher reluctantly gave permission to her, aradhya walked towards washroom and after doing her business she was washing her hand when ashvik noticed her. He walked to her leisurely like he have all the time of world. 

“bunking class again? I seriously pity your future patients aradhya!” ashvik said teasingly earning a eye roll from her 

“worry about yourself!” she said washing her hands, 

“like seriously, kahi aisa na ho heart ki jagah brain ka operation kr do!” He laughed, irritating her.

[Seriously, make sure you don't end up operating on the brain instead of the heart!]

“sabse phle toh tumhara hi operaton karungi me!” she said splashing water on his face. 

[Well, then I'll be starting with your operation first!]

“Really? I would love that!” ashvik leaned on the watercooler, winking at her playfully. 

“let’s meet in the evening!” he said after a beat of silence. 

“what’s new in this? Roj hi toh milte hai!” she scoffed crossing her arms, 

“I mean…..” Ashvik smirked, leaning closer to her, “akele me, mhari chidkoli!” he teased flickering her forehead, 

[I mean…alone, mhari chidkoli!]

Aradhya’s heart skipped a beat hearing his low tone, she looked away to hide the rising color of her cheeks, “w….why would I do that?” she closed her eyes as her voice came trembling. 

“Remember the promise…….you’ll do one thing I say!” he grinned, she glared at him, probably cursing him in her mind. 

He went from there with a victorious grin leaving an annoyed aradhya behind.

“lomda kahi ka!” she groaned and went from there stomping her feet. 

___________________________________________________________________________

It was already the last period, sharavani was searching something on her bag. A loud whiny sound escaped her lips not finding the desired thing.

“yaar, ye book mene yahi toh rakhi thi kaha chali gayi?” she groaned, turning to vivaan who was looking at vanya.

[Yaar, I kept this book right here, where did it go?]

“mujhe kya pta?” he said with a dreamy smile as his eyes refused to leave vanya’s face while she make faces at him

[How would I know?]

“tu library gayi thi wah atoh nahi chod aayi?” aradhya said, packing her bag already.

[Did you go to the library? Did you leave it there by any chance?]

“chal mere saath!” she held her arm, but aradhya snatched it from her

[Come with me!]

“abhi tu kya khud yamraj bhi mujhe yaha se nhi hila sakte!” she said resting her head on the table, already ready to leave the instant bell rang.

[Even Yamraj himself couldn't move me from here right now!]

Sharavani glared at vivaan who was glancing at vanya with exaggerated shyness, “maro tum sab yahi, me jaa rahi hu!” she stomped her feet and marched from there, cursing them on the whole way.

She walked to the table she sat few hours ago in the library, approaching it she saw a figure already siting there.

“excu…..” she walked infront of him only to find it was arnav, he was smiling helplessly twirling the same pen she had given him this morning, his eyes fixed on the pen as he shook his head, burying it in his book shyly.

Sharavani put her hand on her palm to stop the giggle bubbling inside her, she looked around the library and it was almost empty.

She sat infront of him and snatched the pen from his hand with a mischievous smile, “what the…..” he looked infront of him irritatingly but his irritation melted away in a heartbeat when he saw sharavani’s smiling face.

“Vani tum?” He asked surprised as the library is not the kind of place she prefers in the first place.

“Hmm kuch bhool gayi thi wahi lene aayi hu!” she said tracing a pattern on the pen, a teasing smile tugging at her lips.

[Hmm, I forgot something, that's why I've come back to get it!]

She took her book and turned to leave but stopped feeling a tug on her wrist,

“Pen toh wapas karo!” He said holding her wrist.

[Give the pen back!]

“Kyu? Ye toh mera hai, me aapko kyu du?” She said turning towards him, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

[Why? This is mine, why would I give it to you?]

“But you gave it to me na toh ab ye mera hua!” He said with a helpless smile,

[But you gave it to me, so now it's mine!]

“Accha iske badle me mujhe kya milega?” she said raising her eyebrows

[Alright, so what am I going to get in return for it?]

“Kya chahiye tumhe?” He asked in a gentle tone,

[What do you want?]

She thought for a while when her eyes landed on his pouch, her lips curved upwards as she pointed towards it.

“Can I see this?” She asked nervously

He nodded forwarding the pouch towards her, she took it and took a look inside.

“I'll take this!” She said taking out a black belt pick with golden shade.

He looked towards the pick then at her, “your taste it good!” He chuckled leaning on his seat, she looked at him confusingly.

“This is my favourite pick!” he clarified making her eyes wide,

“Sorry, I'll take something else” she said and about to put it inside when Arnav shook his head

“Keep it!” he said with a soft smile,

She grinned tugging the pick in her pocket, and turned to go when arnav stopped her

“Ab toh de do pen” he said teasingly,

[Give me the pen now]

Her cheeks started turning the faintest shade of pink at his teasing tone, she nodded and took out a small smile page from her book and slid the pen along with a small chit and ran from there.

Arnav unfolded the chit excitedly,

‘Don't worry, I'll keep your precious pick always with me, and thank you for the morning. Aap nhi bachate toh aaj bhaiya mera sar kha jaate or daant padti vo alag’

[If you hadn't saved me, bhaiya would have eaten my head off today, and that's not even counting the scolding I would have gotten!]

He shook his head at her words and kept the chit inside his pouch before walking away with his books.

__________________________________________________

The college burst with energy as all the classes me finally ended marking their freedom for the day,

Atharv walked to his bike and waited for Eshita when he spotted her going towards the college gate.

He frowned, running towards her, “eshita where are you going? Aren't you coming with me?” he asked, stopping her.

Eshita forced a smile before turning towards him, “nahi atharv, today I'm going with my friends on the bus!” She said with a small smile,

She turned to go when atharv sensed something was off about her today, he was looking at her back when his eyes widened remembering his behaviour..

“Shit” he mumbled running to behind her,

“Eshita listen” he called for her but she had already stepped inside the bus,

He didn't give a second thought and hoped in the bus himself,

He stood at the other door of bus while eshita was standing with her friends,

On the whole way atharv was looking towards eshita, hoping she would look at him but she immersed herself with her friends.

Soon her friends stepped out of the bus on reaching their stop, leaving her all alone.

Eshita looked out of the window, a smile made its way to her lips feeling the gentle winds on her face.

At the next stop more people stepped inside the bus making it crowded, Atharv discreetly approached her and stood on the door side so she'll not get bumped by any stranger.

Eshita leaned on the side when she noticed atharv, suddenly she started feeling nervous so she turned her head to the window side.

She adjusted her bag as it was slipping through her shoulder again and again, atharv noticed her struggle and took her bag in his hand.

“Atharv, it's okay. Please give it back” she tried to take her bag but he held her hand

“I'm sorry” he said meeting her gaze

“I know you are angry about the morning incident right…. actually me na thoda sir ki baaton me aa gya tha.” his voice trailed off at last

“Atharv, do I make you uncomfortable?” she asked, suddenly making him confused.

“What are you saying eshita? You could never!” he said earnestly, eager to solve any misunderstanding before it could take root in their friendship.

“”Atharv, answer honestly. I don't need sugarcoated words, I need truth. Don't worry about me, I'm not that weak that I can't handle rejection” she said looking into his eyes.

Atharv sighed, stepping closer to her to shield her from the overgrowing crowd in the bus, “eshita, you don't make me uncomfortable. If that's the case I would have pointed that out earlier!!” he said sincerely, cornering her.

“Then do you like it?” She asked, crossing her arms..

“What?” his burrows knitted together in confusion.

“When I flirt with you?” she asked bluntly, his words died in his throat as he started coughing loudly.

Eshita retrieved her bottle and handed it to him before opening the lid, he took that gladly gulping it in large chunks while his eyes roamed around the bus, avoiding her eyes.

The bus stopped reaching their destination, “chalo stop aa gya” he said changing the topic with a sigh of relief, she rolled her eyes walking out while atharv followed her closely.

[Alright, the stop is here]

“I'll not ask next time atharv” she turned to look at him, “and I'll not give chance to explain either” she said, snatching her bag and walking inside her house.

Atharv looked at her back with a sigh, “don’t worry eshita, I'll not take much time!!” he mumbled with a soft smile watching her walk angrily.

__________________________________________________

The school has already ended, aradhya was sitting peacefully in her room, reading a book when she looked at the time.

“There's still much time left, vani se milkar aati hu” she decided and hopped out of her bed making her way towards Sharavani's house.

She walked inside her house when she saw vindhya working in the living room,

“Namaste aunty” she greeted politely, joining her hand.

“Namste, beta tum betho me tumhare liye kuch khane ko laati hu” Vindhya offered, keeping her laptop aside.

[Namaste, beta. You sit down, I'll go bring you something to eat]

“Nahi aunty, actually me vani se milne aayi thi” aradhya declined with a smile.

[No, Aunty, actually I came to meet Vani]

“She's in her room” vindhya informed her and aradhya went from there, humming lightly.

She was going towards Sharavani's room when she noticed Ashvik's room was opened as ajar, a mischievous smile adorned her lips walking inside.

Her eyes went on his opened laptop placed on his bed, she tip toed and peeked inside and at the same time Ashvik came out of his bathroom,

His eyes widened as he saw her getting closer to his laptop, “oye dur hatt mere laptop se” he shrieked walking towards her in long steps, he still hasn't forgotten the last time she used his phone to send absurd messages to yuvaan.

Aaradhya grinned plopping beside the laptop, Ashvik hurriedly closed his laptop.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhh” she yelled dramatically trying to open his laptop,

Ashvik looked at her in disbelief before reciprocating her actions, “ahhhhhhhhhh” he shrieked dramatically, even louder than her putting his palm on her mouth.

She stopped and looked at him, “I already saw what's inside” she said, removing his palm from her.

“You're making a game?” She jumped excitedly on his bed while Ashvik pulled her down to make her sit beside him.

“I'm just learning” he said with a sigh, "I don't know whether I'll be able to make one yet”

“Aree toh tum kar loge” she grinned earning a teasing glance from him, “I mean itne bhi bewkuf nhi ho!” she looked away making him chuckle.

[You can do it, don't worry……I mean you're not that foolish!]

“accha me chlti hu me vani se milne aayi thi” she stood up and turned to go when ashvik stopped her holding her hand.

[Alright, I'll be going now. I only came here to meet Vani]

“Yaad hai na that we're meeting in the evening” he smirked looking at her.

[You remember, right, that we're meeting in the evening?]

She nodded and tried to free her hand when she felt ashvik came infront of her, “toh milte hai….shaam ko” he whispered releasing her hand,

[See you then... in the evening]

She nodded as her words died in her throat, her heart beating wildly. She patted her warm cheeks as she walked away from there leaving a grinning  Ashvik behind.

__________________________________________________

Aradhya came to her house after meeting with Sharavani, there was still two hours left to meet so she decided to make something,

“Should I make something for him?” she wondered tracing some patterns on her phone cover.

After thinking for a while she decided to make Ashvik's favourite sandwiches, a better option for a light evening meetup.

She walked inside the kitchen and started preparing a delicious treat.

On the other hand, Ashvik searched up for the recipes of chocolate pastries, despite his shortcomings he decided to make something for her. So after thinking for a while he came up with the idea to make her favourite chocolate pastries.

He walked in the kitchen and started searching for the materials, but it was challenging for him as he couldn't differentiate between two similar ingredients.

He thought to take atharv's help but then hesitated because he'll ask various questions and if get to know the change of dynamics between him and aradhya, then atharv is surely gonna tease him to death just like he did.

So he decided to take the charge in his own hands, after collecting ingredients he started making batter for the pastry.

He kept it in oven and started preparing the cream for icing, a smile was adoring his face as he mix the chocolate in the cream.

After a while, the first set was ready but he was contemplating whether he should taste it or not, and right on the cue Sharavani entered the kitchen to take something.

“Oye chutki, idhar aa!” he motioned her to come towards him

She walked to him confusingly, “kya hai?” She asked suspiciously

“Pastery khayegi?” He asked, she nodded eagerly while he grinned finding a perfect rat for his experiment.

He served a piece on a plate before forwarding it to her, she took it with a grin, licking her lips “from where did you buy this?” She asked taking the plate

“Tu aam kha na ped kyu gin rahi hai” he said, waiting eagerly for the review.

She shrugged and took a bite, Ashvik looked at her expression closely without blinking.

When

“Chiiiiiiiiiiiiii” she exclaimed running to the washbasin to clean her mouth.

“Ye gobar kisne bnaya hai?” She said glaring at him.

“Kya hua? Accha nhi bna hai?” He asked giving her a glass of water.

“Accha? Iss se accha aap mujhe zeher khila dete vo bhi iss se jyada tasty hota” she glared at him, Ashvik smiled sheepishly  looking away.

“aap thode se vo ho kya? Aapko namak or cheeni ke beech ka difference nhi pta?” She pointed at his head indicating it's empty.

He glared at her but smiled cheekily remembering only she could be the judge of his talent show,

“Accha koi baat nhi me dubaara bnata hu, taste karke btana. Ok?” He spoke like a sweet brother but Sharavani shook her head immediately, well aware of his cooking skills.

“Nahi re baba bhari Jawani me marna hai kya?” she declined almost immediately, “abhi toh arnav ne mujhe propose bhi nhi kiya hai!” She mumbled earning a suspicious glance from Ashvik

“Arnav kya?” He asked only able hear arnav's name, but shook his head focusing on the task ahead, sharavani smiled nervously, finding any appropriate answer if he ask any questions but he shrugged his shoulders looking at her pleadingly

“aisa karegi ab? Behen nahi hai? Bhai ki madad nhi karegi?” he said wiping his invisible tears  making her scoff

“Jyada na drama karne ki jarurat nhi hai!” she said putting her hand on her waist, ashvik looked at her with a sad expression like his name is revoked from family legacy.

“Theek hai” she sighed, already giving up, “pr sirf ek baar!!” She stated, holding her one finger out, Ashvik grinned and started his work again.

He finally made an edible pastry after two failed attempts and tons of sarcastic remarks from sharavani..

Sharavani ate two pieces and reached for the third one when ashvik held her hand, “bss kr sab akeli kha jaayegi kya?” He glared at her before closing the lid of the tiffin.

“Ek aur bhaiya” she tried to snatch the tiffin from his hand but he held it high before declining firmly.

“Ab aana koi kaam karvane, thenga milega thenga!” Sharavani said and went from there making faces at him.

Ashvik ignored her and looked at the tiffin with a satisfied smile, his eyes went on the clock as it was already time so he went to his room door excitedly to get ready.

__________________________________________________

He waited in the park for aradhya, his eyes eagerly going towards the direction of the entry gate when he finally saw her entering.

She was wearing a navy blue short kurti with wide legged jeans matching Ashvik's navy blue shirt and jeans.

Her eyes widened when she saw the coincidence and looked away and momentarily as a red hue started creeping on her cheeks.

Clearing her throat she approached him, he scooted to the side giving her space to sit..

They sat in silence for a second, and it is very unlikely for them because they always have topics to quarrel on, to pull each other's leg but today is like they're meeting for the first time and ashvik who can't withstand silence even for a second was finding his euphoria in this silence.

Aradhya cleared her throat before taking out a tiffin from her bag, she placed it in between them. Ashvik grinned  before opening it and broke into a cheerful smile, finding his favourite sandwich.

“Mere liye banaya hai?” He asked teasingly,

“Sakal dekhi hai apni?” Aradhya said with the hint of mock sarcasm, “vo toh mujhe bhookh lag rahi thi toh mene bna liya!” She added looking away.

Ashvik looked at her flustered expression before leaning closer to her, “are you sure?” he whispered with a smirk intensifying the rising color of her cheeks.

He chuckled before taking out the box of pastries and keeping it on her lap.

“Pr mene ye sirf tumhare liye bnaya ha!!i” he said with a soft smile.

Aradhya looked at him before opening the tiffin, her eyes widened looking at the fresh treat.

“You made it?” She asked surprisingly, Ashvik nodded his head with a sincere smile.

She looked the other side, biting her lower lips to stop the threatening smile, her heart fluttering as she looked at the pastry.

“Ab dekhti rahegi ya taste bhi karegi?” He nudged her, urging her to take a bite

She nodded and tasted it, “kaisa hai?” He asked curiously,

“Bahut bekaar!” She said pretending to make faces but the smile on her face gave it away what her lips were stubbornly refusing to say.

He shook his head with a chuckle before taking a bite of his sandwich.

“Kaisa hai?” Aradhya asked, looking at him with the same curiosity.

“Sabse Jyada bekaar!” He said teasingly,

They looked at each other before bursting into laughter.

“Chal yaha pr na ek new cafe hai khula hai waha kuch try karte hai!” he said standing up,

“Aree abhi toh khaya hai ab mujhe or kuch nhi khana hai!” she said, shaking her head.

“toh waha bss bethe rahenge! Tab tak bhookh lag jaayegi” he said, holding her hand, already leading her out.

She shook her head at his logic and followed his lead, talking about her day.

__________________________________________________.

On the other side, arnav was walking down the lane, his hand dialing a number as his other hand rested on his pocket.

The call rang for a second before it beeped,

“Ye Ashvik mera call kyu kaat rha hai?” He wondered, entering a cafe, it is a newly opened cafe in this area.

He wanted to come here with his friends but yuvaan was busy with something and Ashvik was not reachable so he decided to explore himself.

“If it's good then I'll come here with Sharavani, pr kya keh kr bulaunga usse?” He pondered, finding an empty seat when he noticed Ashvik's back.

“Is it ashvik?” He mumbled walking towards him,

Meanwhile, aradhya ordered tea for her.

She took a sip and kept the cup on table, checking something on her phone.

“Ye vani mujhe kyu call kr rahi hai?” She sighed irritably before putting her phone on silent mode.

She lifted her hand to take the cup when she saw ashvik was taking sips from her cup,

“Tumhe toh chai pasand nhi thi?” She asked teasingly, raising her eyebrows.

“Ab pasand badal rahi hai!” He said looking at her, sipping deliberately slowly, she rolled her eyes and looked around when her eyes catched the glimpse of her brother entering inside the cafe.

Her eyes widened in panic as she jumped on her seat, not finding any escape she hid below the table.

“Aradhya tu…..” he began but cut off by arnav's voice

“Ashvik?” Arnav called him walking towards his seat,

Ashvik's eyes plopped out of its socket in horror, he turned his head frantically hearing his voice.

“Tu yaha kya kr rha hai?” He asked jumping on his seat

Arnav looked at him confusingly, “jo tu kr rha hai!!” He scoffed sitting beside him.

Ashvik laughed nervously before taking his seat,

“Why were you not picking my calls?” Arnav asked, checking the menu.

Meanwhile, aradhya was sitting below the table, waiting for her brother to leave but he indulged in a conversation with ashvik, she was getting irritated when an idea struck her mind.

She pinched his leg, but to her fated luck of tragedy, it was Arnav's foot.

“Aahh” arnav winced rubbing his leg

“Neeche koi hai kya?” He said and bent to look down when Ashvik put his hand on arnav's shoulder, stopping him.

“n…mtlb ha coco hai!” Ashvik said nervously, trying to find any reason to send him away before they got caught.

“Coco hai? Phir vo neeche kya kr rahi hai?” Arnav asked confusingly

“Arre ek billa isse ched rha tha toh vo neeche chup gayi” Ashvik made up any excuse coming to his mind.

“Coco ‘hi’ bolo Arnav bhaiya ko!” he glanced at the table nervously

Aradhya groaned irritability, her lips sealed in embarrassment as she tried to make sound, ready to raid her dignity.

“Meow” she gritted her teeth before making a cat's sound.

“Ye coco ki awaaz ko kya hua?” Arnav asked giving an order, 

“Cold ho gya hai usse, or tujhe itni kya panchaat hai!” Ashvik said irritatingly but smiled, feeling arnav's suspicious glare.

He opened his phone to call his soul protector, excusing himself as he went to a corner.

Yuvaan picked his call in the 3rd ring, “hello” he said casually from the other side.

“Yuvaan jldi se velora cafe me aa or arnav ko yaha se lekr jaa” he said without any greeting.

“kya hua?” yuvaan asked,

“Arre yaar me or aradhya iss cafe me aaye thae pr arnav aa gya..…..” Arnav told him everything from the start.

“Baccha le bhai, agr arnav ko pta chla toh aaj meri maut paaki hai!” he cried dramatically glancing at Arnav who was talking to assumed coco.

Yuvaan sighed before answering, “theek hai, me issi area me hu 5 minute me aata hu” he said, cutting the call.

After some minutes, Yuvaan opened the cafe door with the dramatic effect of a grave emergency.

He walked straight towards their seat before, “tum dono mere bina yaha kaise aa sakte ho?” He said with an exaggerated expression, glancing towards reassuringly.

“Ask him” arnav pointed towards Ashvik who smiled nervously, pleading yuvaan to take Arnav away.

Yuvaan sat with them for a second before standing up abruptly,

“Arnav chal!” He said holding his arm

“Ha arnav tu jaa!” Ashvik said supporting yuvaan without knowing the reason,

Arnav looked at them suspiciously, “tum dono mujhe yaha se bhagane me kyu lage ho?” He asked, his tone dripping with suspicion

Aradhya shook her head at their stupidity, adjusting on her seat below.

“n…nahi toh, tu beth araam se beth” Ashvik said laughing nervously but yelled in pain when aradhya pinched his leg in frustration.

“Nahi tu jaa!” He turned his side quickly, feeling aradhya's anger.

He glanced at yuvaan for support, yuvaan closed his eyes, preparing himself for the humiliation of his dignity for his friend's sake.

“Arnav” yuvaan said coming to his side

“Me tujhe bahut din se dekh rha hu, tu mujhpr dhyaan hi nhi deta hai jab dekho iss Ashvik se chipka rehta hai” he pointed accusing finger at ashvik who looked at him in disbelief.

The people looked at their direction, entertained by the drama going on.

“Kyu aisa kya hai isme jo mujhme nahi hai?” Yuvaan said in an overly sweet tone, tracing a pattern on his arm. He smiled despite cringing hard inside,

Arnav immediately distanced himself from Yuvaan like his touch had burned him.

He looted at ashvik who was laughing silently at his expressions,

“Yuvaan aisa nhi hai jaisa tu samajh rha hai” Ashvik said dramatically adding more to arnav's misery, he looked around only to find people were looking at them weirdly while some girls were throwing teasing glances towards them, whispering something among themselves.

“Arnav tu jaa iske saath or dur karde iski galatfehmi!” Ashvik said, turning to Arnav who was dumbfounded.

Aradhya slapped her head beneath the table at their overly dramatic performance.

“Dil pr pathar rakh kr me tujhe share kr lunga iss jlakukde ke saat!” Ashvik said secretly winking at yuvaan,

“Afterall, sharing is caring!” He added sitting on his place

Arnav glared at both of them before snapping, “kya bakwaas kiye jaa rahe hai ho dono? Bhaang phook kr aaye ho kya?” He said irritatingly as his patience wearing thin

“Pr bhai bhaang toh peete hai na, phooktte toh gaanja hai!” Ashvik corrected him

“Sorry!!” Arnav said absentmindedly when he realised gravity of situation,

“Kya sorry!!!! Tujhe inn sab me bss yahi sunai diya?” Arnav snapped and shook his head

“Mujhe tum logo se baat hi nhi karni hai, me coco ko lekr jaa raha hu!!!” He sighed irritatingly

Ashvik's and aradhya's eyes widened hearing him, Ashvik gestured frantically towards  yuvaan to do something.

Suddenly a loud scream echoed in the cafe startling everyone as yuvaan clutched his stomach looking at Arnav

“Mera…” yuvaan cried dramatically looking at ashvik for making accuse

“Baccha! Arnav dekh kahi iske bacche ko kuch ho na jaaye!” Ashvik said like the world is about to collapse.

Yuvaan and ashvik glared at ashvik for talking absolute nonsense,

“Yuvaan tune btaya nhi tu maa banne wala hai!” ashvik exclaimed just to distract arnav while looking at yuvaan with an apologetic expression.

“Ha aur tu iska baap hai saale!!!” yuvaan scoffed, forgetting his mission for a second.

Aradhya banged her head on the foot of the table, regretting coming here with ashvik.

“Arnav sach me mere pet me bahut tej dard ho rha hai” he groaned dramatically, clutching his stomach tightly.

“Toh me kya karu? Washroom jaa” Arnav scoffed, crossing his arm.

“Tu mere saath washroom chal na….tere bina mujhe mja nahi aata hai!” yuvaan said the last part with a sultry expression.

Everyone looked at them shockingly, judging their relationship in their mind.

Arnav stood there, frozen in his place hearing yuvaan, he looked around in an attempt to clarify but Ashvik cut him off.

“arnav jaa na, nahi toh bechaare ka nal yahi khul jaayega!” He said giving yuvaan a sympathetic look.

“Arnav meri nahi toh kam se kam apne saal….” Yuvaan began, knowing very well what to say to make Arnav come with him.

Arnav walked towards him hastily before he could complete his sentence,

“Chal” he grabbed yuvaan's arm, dragging him outside the cafe.

___________________________________________________.

Aradhya and ashvik sighed in relief as she took her seat, her eyes darting around to confirm her brother had gone away.

“Tere bhai ne aakr humari acchi khasi date kharab kr di!” Ashvik huffed in annoyance, crossing his arm.

“Date?” She raised her eyebrows in question,

“Hmm date!” He smiled teasingly

“You like me, I like you. We're here alone isn't it what date looks like” he smirked looking at her, she looked away clearing her throat, a smile breaking on her lips discreetly.

Ashvik shook his head at her reaction, his smirk turned into a soft smile watching her twinkling eye.

On the other side, Yuvaan and Arnav were walking opposite the cafe when Yuvaan's eyes fell on the same girl he saw this morning, she was working in the cafe opposite to this one.

He was looking at her when he felt his legs wobble as Arnav kicked his leg.

“Dur reh mujhse!” He said walking away cursing yuvaan and ashvik.

Yuvaan ignored him walking towards the cafe, he sat on an empty table. His hands went inside his pocket to find her bracelet which she lost this morning.

He attempted to call her but stopped not knowing her name, he waited for her to approach his table. She turned towards him when a little girl around 5 years old came running towards her,

She smiled bending at her level, her smile feels like finding a soft, wool blanket on a chilly day. There is an instant, unspoken promise of safety and warmth that lets shoulders drop and allows hearts to finally stop racing.

He watched the way she gently caressed her hair, his ears desperately wanted to hear her voice but to his surprise she held her fingers out and made some signs with a smile.

He didn't understand what she said to the girl but she hugged her and ran from there with a packet.

The girl turned to take remaining orders when she saw Yuvaan sitting there, waving his hand with a smile.

She frowned looking at him, but made faces recognising him and sent another girl to take his order.

Yuvaan looked at her confusingly before keeping the bracelet in his pocket safely, waiting for another chance to return it.
______________________________________________________

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