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The sudden change in the exam schedule always gives me a terrible headache. Even though it’s just the mid-term exams and half the syllabus is done, I still have so much to cover, and one week feels like too little time for all the subjects.
I haven’t finished my Maths and Physics yet, there are still a few chapters left.
It seems like I’ll have to stay up all night to complete them.
And the biggest problem is I am not a night person. I can only study in the morning.
And to top it all off, the strict attendance rule is stressing me out, like literally they’re tracking attendance, and the teacher mentioned that once we reach 75%, we can skip classes.
I honestly don’t want to attend classes anymore. The teachers are rushing through the syllabus with the speed of light.
And once the mid-term exams are over, we’ll have pre-boards, practical exams, board exams, and then entrance exams for college.
Everything feels frustrating right now.
Sometimes I just wish I could escape to the mountains, with only me, a cup of chai, and especially him.
I packed my school bag and went downstairs for breakfast. I placed my bag on the couch and walked into the kitchen, where I saw my Bhai cooking.
Somethings wrong with my bhai. He is actually humming a song while cooking- Shock no. 1, cooking-No, Humming a song-Yes.
The grumpy man who never smiles when it’s even a joke he is actually smiling and humming a song.
I hope my bhai is not possessed.
Coming to the main point- which is Food.
The smell was nice, so let’s just hope it’s edible.
He was making poha, and surprisingly, it actually looks good.
It just looks good.
Bhai rarely cooks because he’s always busy with his studies and hospital work.
“Are you sure this is edible?” I asked, looking at him as he stirred the poha and put it on a plate.
Bhai raised his eyebrows and smirked, “You’re doubting your own brother’s cooking skills?”
“I just hope it’s edible,” I said, picking up a spoon and tasting it.
Hmm, not bad, actually
“How’s the taste?” Bhai asked, his eyes filled with curiosity.
“Poha jaise hi taste kr rha hai,” I replied, taking a few more bites, trying to figure out the flavor.
(Just tastes like Poha)
“Wow, thanks for the information, I didn’t know poha tastes like poha,” he said sarcastically, clapping his hands and narrowing his eyes at me.
“I mean, it’s good, but you don’t cook better than Dad,” I said, sitting down at the table.
Bhai nodded in agreement.
Mumma also sat down, reminding me to eat fruit first.
As Bhai and I discussed some movies, Dad came in, drinking some water which have few seeds in it.
A quiet silence fell over the breakfast table.
And before i indulge in any conversation with Dad, I quickly finished my breakfast and grabbed my school bag.
It’s not that I don’t want to talk to him, it’s just that I know the conversation will always end up with him talking about my studies, my grades, and giving his usual lecture on how I should be perfect. I took a deep breath, trying to push away the nervousness.
I opened the gate, I saw Vihaan also opening his main gate.
Our gaze met, and I suddenly felt shy.
“Hi,” I said, keeping my voice low, avoiding his gaze.
“Hi,” he whispered back, scratching the back of his head, clearly a little but shy too.
It had only been four days since we started dating, but everything still felt so beautiful. We kept stealing little glances at each other, finding every other excuse to be near one another. It felt so unreal having him by my side, like I couldn’t believe it was actually happening. Everything about it felt so new, and I couldn’t help but smile every time he was around.
I noticed Vihaan yawning frequently, and I couldn’t resist asking, “Did you not sleep well?”
He looked at me, and his eyes were looking tired yet his gaze was soft and full of love which made my heart skip a beat.
“I was studying last night for the sudden exams. I’m not a morning person, but I had to wake up till 5 a.m. I studied until 3, then tried to pass time by reading something. I fell asleep at 5:30 a.m., but my alarm rang an hour later,” he explained, rubbing his eyes.
“Aree, you stupid? If you were done studying by 3, why didn’t you just go to sleep? You should’ve rested instead. Sleep is so important!” I said, feeling a little worried.
He just smiled, took my hand gently, and led me across the road.
“I didn’t want to miss the amazing sight,” he said with a teasing smile, and I couldn’t help but smile back.
“It’s actually a beautiful sight.”
“Really? Can you tell me more about this beautiful sight?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
He looked at me with that intense, loving gaze again, and I felt a bunch of butterflies in my stomach.
“Actually, I stay awake or in case woke up early just to see the most beautiful sight. It’s you. The way you sit on the swing in your balcony with your most favourite obsession-a cup of chai, how you open the balcony door while tying your hair into a bun. You look so ethereal, I couldn’t miss it.”
I froze for a moment.
I could feel my cheeks getting warmer by the second. How was it possible that his words could make my brain lose all ability to function?
“Wait, you were stalking on me?” I asked, trying to sound serious, though my heart was racing.
“Stalking? No, I was completely captivated by you that I was just trying to find possible chances to admire you,” he replied with a playful grin.
“Are you for real?” I asked, still shocked, but I could feel my heart fluttering a little.
“Does it look like I’m joking?” he said, his tone is all confident.
I blushed slightly, trying to hide my smile, “You actually woke up early just to get a glance of me?”
“Trust me, I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he said, leaning in a little, but still keeping his distance.
“You’re unbelievable,” I teased, rolling my eyes, even though my heart was pounding from his words.
He grinned mischievously, “Sometimes I even tried to see you form my balcony, but I thought I might get caught, so I just watched you from my window instead. And when you went inside, I went back to my bed driving to my beautiful dreams…..dreams of you.”
“What kind of dreams?” I asked.
He suddenly stopped walking and started coughing. I quickly reached out, rubbing his back.
“Are you okay?” I asked, my teasing forgotten as concern took over.
He took a sip of water from my bottle and nodded.
“I’m fine. Just a little cough. But Ruh, we should head to class now. The first class is Physics, and we don’t want to be late, right?” he said with a nervous smile, and I couldn’t help but nodded.
He acts weird sometimes.
β’β’β’β’β’
I saw Vani and Tanya already sitting at the table, with Tanya having her lunch way earlier than usual. I sat between them, and both of them immediately turned to look at me.
“What?” I asked, feeling my shoulders tense as they both stared.
“Don’t you think you’re blushing a little too much from a while?” Vani teased, raising her eyebrows with a playful smirk.
“No, I’m not blushing. Actually, according to science, blushing happens due to vasodilation of blood vessels in the face. When the body experiences certain stimuli, the autonomic nervous system triggers adrenaline, which makes the blood vessels, especially those near the skin’s surface, expand. This increased blood flow causes a temporary reddening of the skin, especially in the cheeks. It’s a natural response, and can happen for various reasons,” I said in one breath, trying to sound like I knew what I was talking about.
Vani and Tanya looked at me with slightly puzzled expressions.
Tanya raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the moment, “Oh, wow, Ruhii, thanks for the revision.”
“Samajh kuch nahi aaya, par sun kr accha laga,” Vani said, giving a tight smile with a confused look.
Tanya smirked, leaning back in her chair like she was giving a speech, “if you want to know everything about blushing, contact Ruhanika Oberoi. She’s got the full course on ‘Blushing 101’ book, she’s the expert!”
“I wasn’t blushing, guys” i tried to say sternly but failed miserably.
Vani giggled, “Yeah, sure, you’re not blushing. It’s just your ‘autonomic nervous system’ acting up, right? No big deal.”
Tanya snickered, “Totally. And I’m sure your ‘increased blood flow’ has nothing to do with the fact that Vihaan’s sitting right there. Nope, not at all.”
I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my embarrassment but I could feel my cheeks getting flushed.
Vani smirked as she spoke, “We both know it’s the Vihaan Raichand’s effect on you.”
I rolled my eyes and continued to focus on my book, trying my best to not glance at Vihaan. I didn’t want Tanya and Vani to start their investigation session. But they both started laughing. It’s embarrassing.
After our physics lecture, we had a free period. I decided to do some revision, but honestly, with all the noise in the room, studying was the last thing on my mind.
“I’m getting so bored,” Tanya whined, glancing at us with a pout.
I closed my book and asked, “What do you want to do?”
“I already have so much work to do,” she groaned, dropping her head onto the desk in defeat.
“Hmmm, being part of the discipline committee is definitely hectic, I get it,” Vani said, patting Tanya on the back like a mom comforting a child.
I suddenly remembered how Ragini Ma’am had asked me to try out for the cabinet team selection. Initially I didn’t want to join it but maam asked me, so I just gave my name.I thought it was going to be tough, but surprisingly, after submitting our forms, we were selected by votes. We all had to give speeches, and the nervousness inside me was on peak. But somehow, I managed to get through it.
The school held an online poll for the students to vote, and by some miracle, I got selected as a cultural committee member-by just one vote. That was the closest I had ever come to winning something by pure luck.
But now, being part of this committee felt like I was drowning in responsibilities. I never wanted to be part of this, but now I had to handle the tag which I got.
“Bhook lagi hai yaar,” Tanya whined again, resting her head on the desk.
(I’m hungry, man)
“Aur mujhe neend aa rahi hai, but wait, didn’t you just have lunch half an hour ago?” Vani asked, raising an eyebrow.
(And here I am feeling sleepy)
“Jaise hi physics ki book kholti hoon, mujhe stress ki wajah se bhook lagne lagti hai,” Tanya pouted, making the most dramatic face.
(As soon as I open my physics book, stress makes me hungry)
Vani and I exchanged an amused glance.
“Yeah, I don’t want to study but I have to study anyway because I want to get into a good college,” Tanya replied, putting her elbow on the desk like she was trying to look extra serious.
Vani nodded, “one hundred percent True.”
Tanya sat up straighter, flipping her hair, “I’m only studying for three things.”
“Three things?” Vani and I asked together, our curiosity dropping by our tone.
“1. Paisa, 2. Gaadi, 3. Mehnga Ghar,” Tanya said dramatically, counting off her motivations with a flourish.
(1. Money, 2. Car, 3. Expensive house)
Vani and I couldn’t help but burst into applause.
“The perfect motivation to study,” I clapped enthusiastically.
“Thank you, thank you,” Tanya said with a dramatic bow, as if she had just given the greatest performance of her life.
We all three burst into laughter, and suddenly, the whole class turned to look at us. I quickly glanced down at the desk, trying to stop laughing, but it was impossible. The more we tried to keep it in, the more we couldn’t. We muffled our giggles, but the whole class was now looking at us like we were the entertainment for the day.
β’β’β’β’β’
As I walked into the canteen, I was already a bit late. I had to go to Miss Ragini to submit my practical file, so I was in a rush. I had asked Vani to grab my lunch for me, so I headed straight to the table where they all were sitting.
I spotted Yash, who waved at me. As I walked over, I noticed the corner seat was empty. Vihaan caught my eye and gave me a small nod, signaling me to sit beside him. Without hesitation, I quickly made my way to the empty spot next to him.
Vihaan glanced around the table, then leaned in closer, his voice soft but teasing, “I missed you,” he whispered, catching me off guard.
I raised an eyebrow, trying to stay calm, and whispered back, “I was in the same class.”
He chuckled softly, his lips brushing against my ear as he leaned in even closer, “But not with me, right?”
I shot him a playful look, trying to act unaffected, “But I didn’t miss you that much.”
His eyes lit up with mischief, and he smirked, “Oh, I saw you. Do you really think I didn’t catch you trying to sneak a glance at me the entire time?”
He shifted closer, his voice smooth and confident, making it impossible for my butterflies in my stomach to stay calm because they started salsa dancing.
“It’s not like that. You’re just thinking too highly of yourself,” I said, trying to stay calm, even though my heart was racing.
He chuckled softly.
“Come on, Ruh, good girls don’t lie. Just admit it-you can’t get enough of me,” His voice is heavy as his grin grew as he rolled up his sleeves, his veins popping out. The watch I gave him caught the light, resting on his wrist.
I had to stop staring at him before I completely lost my control.
“Your boyfriend is hot, right? I know, you just canβt resist this ridiculously irresistible, handsome face,” he whispered in my ear, sending a rush of heat through my body. I nearly choked on my water and quickly set the bottle down, trying to steady myself. As he rubbed my back gently.
I looked around, noticing the concerned glances from everyone at the table. My breath caught in my throat.
“I’m fine, guys,” I said, waving them off, but my chest felt tight.
He smirked, clearly enjoying my embarrassment, “You really don’t have shame, do you? We’re in school. What will everyone think?”
I whispered back, my voice low with worry, “What if Yash and Vani heard us? They’re sitting close, and-“
He leaned in even closer, but there was just enough space between us to make it look like a casual conversation.
His breath brushed against my neck, and I couldn’t help but shiver, “Whenever you’re near me, I become blind to the place we’re in because my eyes are only on you, Ruh, and I forget about all the rules and all the shame…..”
The moment his words reached my ears. I felt a strange fluttering in my chest, but I quickly forced myself to smile and focus on my lunch, hoping it would help calm my uncontrollable fluttering.
Shameless.
‘But deep down, you actually like this shameless side of him,’ my mind teased, and even though I tried to ignore it, I couldn’t-because, somehow, it is true.
I took a few bites, trying to pretend nothing had happened.
But then, I felt someone’s fingers gently wrap around my hand under the table. I glanced at Vihaan.
He was still eating, but his hand was firmly holding mine, like it was no big deal. He wasn’t even looking at me, yet somehow I could feel the weight of his touch, making my heart beat faster.
I tried to pull my hand back, but Vihaan only tightened his grip, holding my hand securely. I sighed softly, feeling my face heat up. It was like he knew how to make me feel flustered without even trying. I gave up and let him hold my hand, focusing on my food, trying to act like everything was normal.
“Ruhii, can you pass me the water bottle?” Yash’s voice interrupted my thoughts.
I turned my head and saw that the water bottle was placed behind me to the side of the wall. I could easily reach it if I turned slightly to the right, but my right hand was still being held by Vihaan. The problem was, I needed my right hand to grab the bottle, but this chimpanzee wouldn’t let go.
I shot him a frustrated glance, but he just looked back at me, pretending nothing was going on, his eyes full of mischief.
I sighed, using my left hand to pass the bottle to Yash, hoping no one would notice how awkward this was.
“What happened to your right hand, Ruhii?” Yash asked, his voice laced with confusion.
As soon as the words left his mouth, I felt the eyes of everyone at the table on me. I quickly glanced around-Vani was watching me with a smirk, and Tanya was staring at me with a questioning look. They were all noticing the awkwardness.
“Hnn, what happened to your right hand….Ruh?” Vihaan said, his tone was full of teasing, as he said my name in a lowered voice.
His voice was almost a whisper, but his words felt loud in my ears.
Vihaan’s fingers gently brushed against my skin, sending a shiver through my body. His touch lingered, almost like he was caressing my hand, and I had to take a deep breath to steady myself. It was like his touch was making it harder for me to focus on anything else.
Focus Ruhanika.
I glanced quickly at Vani, whose gaze was full of mischief, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. Tanya, too, had raised her eyebrows, giving me a look that made it clear she was enjoying the entertainment.
Feeling the heat rise in my face, I kicked Vihaan under the table, hoping it would make him stop.
He yelled, “Ouch!” and finally let go of my hand. I pulled it back quickly, feeling a small sense of relief.
“My hand is fine, see?” I held up my hand, acting as though nothing had happened, trying to convince everyone that everything was normal.
Everyone nodded, but I could see the sly smiles on their faces. I sighed deeply, feeling a little lighter.
But then, I shot Vihaan a glare, annoyed by how much fun he seemed to be having with this. He just smiled at me, his eyes full of amusement, clearly enjoying the effect he was having on me.
I was lost in thought when a group of girls approached our table.
“Hi,” one of them said shyly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Before she could continue, another girl stepped in, trying to sound confident.
“Hi, we are your juniors from 11th grade. We want to join the sports club, and our teacher said you’re the sports captain. So…could you explain us?”
The first girl fidgeted with her fingers nervously but kept glancing at Vihaan.
And that look… it wasn’t just a normal student-to-senior look.
Relax, Ruhii. She’s just here for club information. I told myself, though my grip on the fork tightened.
Vihaan nodded and started explaining the process with Yash.
But the girl didn’t seem interested in the explanation-she was too busy watching Vihaan with dreamy eyes.
“You’re so good at this,” she said softly, interrupting him mid-sentence putting her hands on his arms to which he glared.
How dare she?
“I mean, you make everything sound so easy. You must be really passionate about sports,” she said stuttering a little bit, as she pulled her hands back.
Vihaan blinked, his expression unchanged, “It’s just I like to do my work with passion whether it’s study or sports.”
The explanation dragged on, and the girl pulled a chair to sit right next to him.
Excuse me? Is she planning to build a tent here?
I tried to focus on my food, stabbing a piece of fruit aggressively, but my whole focus on them.
“Ruhii, you’ve murdered my poor samosa!”, Sid said looking at me dramatically.
I blinked and looked down. I didn’t realise I had stabbed poor samosa. Sure enough, I’d stabbed his samosa to death. The masala aaloo filling had spilled out everywhere like a tiny crime scene.
Little samosa I am sorry.
“Sorry,” I muttered sheepishly, as I feel a little bit bad for his samosa, how genuinely heartbroken Sid looked.
He sighed dramatically, poured chutney over the mess, and started eating it anyway.
And they say love doesn’t exist anymore. Look at Sid and his samosa-a true love story.
I turned my focus on Vihaan and that girl but her next words made me pause.
“By the way, you must work out a lot, right? I mean, look at your arms-they’re so fit,” she said, her tone overly sweet.
Vihaan, unfazed, replied, “Miss I would really like if you will focus on explanation rather than my arms.”
Correct. Focus on your work, not his arms.
Although I know My Boyfriend is so irresistible and about his arms I have a strange fantasy of trailing my fingers over his arms……Stop Ruhanika. My thoughts are becoming shameless day by day.
Huh sanghati ka asar.
I saw Vihaan remained focused on explaining ignoring her useless questions.
Meanwhile, I’m over here turning into a volcano.
She laughed lightly, twirling a strand of her hair, as she said something again which I won’t be able to hear. To which Yash laughed.
Thud.
Tanya slammed her bottle onto the table in the canteen, making the lunch box jangle. She pulled out her water bottle and dropped it with a loud thud, earning a few curious glances from nearby tables. Her movements were sharp. I didn’t need to ask what was wrong, the way she was glaring at Yash, who was chatting with another girl, said it all.
Yash raised an eyebrow at her, clearly amused by her growing irritation.
But my focus was on someone. I stabbed another piece of fruit, pretending not to listen.
Vihaan glanced at her briefly, then continued, “Make sure to get your forms signed before submitting them.”
She pouted slightly, “Oh, thank you so much. Um… could I get your phone number? You know, just in case I have any more questions.”
My fork froze mid-air. She handed him a notebook and pen, smiling way too sweetly.
My thoughts are getting dangerous right now.
Before Vihaan could write anything, I slid my hand under the table and held his left hand.
He glanced at me, puzzled, as I stared intently at my lunch. Being left-handed, I knew he wouldn’t manage writing with his right hand.
He tried to pull his hand away, but I tightened my grip. He attempted to write with his right hand, and it was an absolute disaster.
“Tere left hand mein mehndi lagi hai kya? Jab pata hai right hand se nahi likh paayega, toh kyu Tees maar khan banne ki koshish kar raha hai?” Yash teased, laughing as he stuffed a samosa into his mouth.
(Is there mehndi on your left hand? If you know you can’t write with your right hand, then why are you trying to act like a tees maar khan?)
Vihaan looked at me then at her as he spoke, “Ruh, I’m not giving her my number,” he muttered under his breath, loud enough for only me to hear.
I loosened my grip slightly but still held his hand, as he started to caress my hands softly with his thumb.
“I don’t give my number to anyone,” Vihaan said aloud, his voice polite but firm. “If you have any questions, you can contact Abha Ma’am or Prashant Sir. They’ll help you better than I can.”
The girl looked a bit disappointed but nodded, “Oh, okay…thank you so much, I will meet you tomorrow at the sports room.”
No need to meet him.
I let out a silent sigh of relief as Vihaan leaned closer to me, his thumb gently stroking the back of my hand under the table.
“I’m all yours, Ruh,” he whispered, his voice low enough to make my heart flutter.
All mine? My face grew warm, but I quickly covered it by pretending to eat.
“Finish your lunch,” he added, giving my hand a light squeeze.
I watched as the girl walked away with her friends.
Good. I thought, but a part of me was still sulking.
Since when did I become this much jealous?
————————————
Finally Chapter 46….!!!
So how was the chapter??
Your favourite scene?
I know it was a little bit boring like I literally wrote this chapter something about 4-5 times after deleting many scenes, don’t know they were not fitting and I got confused so I just write this. Aur phir ab likh liya toh post krne ka sochaπ
I actually want to add some other scenes but the chapter length will get increase too much and then I don’t want to give cliffhanger so yeah. But pakka upcoming chapters will be intresting.
And one more thing…i realised many of you were having pre boards or practical exams…..so All The Best…my wishes are with you all..
Acche se exam dena aur jisko academic comeback krne ki zarurat hai (including me alsoπ€§π€π») acche se Krna…All the bestπβ¨
Thoda sa zyada votes and comments kr dena motivation milegi (no spam comments π)
Agr suggestions hai toh woh bhi bata do π
Enjoy Reading β₯οΈ
Stay Tuned for further updates.
Bye Cutiepies…!!!π
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