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After staying up until 4 a.m.
Our crazy family finally decided to sleep.
I swear to myself that Sunday would be dedicated to my sleep only.
Today was just too much-physically, mentally, emotionally-just too much.
First, it was my first-ever date, and guess what? My father made an uninvited guest appearance. As if that wasn’t shocking enough, I also stumbled upon something about my brother that I absolutely did not need to know. Let’s just say, I am still recovering from the trauma.
I always thought my brother was the shy, slightly grumpy type-but oh man, did today prove me wrong. Nevermind, let’s not go there again.
But even though I am the sister of my brother, I thought I was shy, but apparently, when I’m around Vihaan, I become an entirely different person. It’s both exciting and terrifying.
Dad seemed okay after all the chaos, but Yuvraaj uncle, still looked like he was processing today’s event.
How much drama can one person handle in a single day? Learn from our family.
Anyway I am happy for my brother, and on top of that Prisha di is becoming my bhabhi, i really enjoy her company.
One thing, however, was finally settled-my brother’s engagement would take place after our college entrance exams.
No way was I going to balance exam stress with wedding celebrations. I mean, seriously?
Like definitely Mere eklote bhai ki shaadi hai, aur main exams me lagi rahungi? No, thank you.
(Like, my only brother’s wedding is happening, and I will be stuck with my exams?)
After this exhausting day, Vihaan’s family stood up to go but still they are talking for the last twenty minutes, typical desi family things.
I huffed and made my way to my room to at least change my clothes.
But just as I reached for my room door, someone grabbed my hand and pulled me back.
Before I could scream, a hand clamped over my mouth.
“Shh, it’s me.”
“You scared the hell out of me!” I whisper-shouted, glaring at Vihaan. He just grinned like he has achieved something big.
“What are you even doing here? Do you want my dad or my brother to catch you and do surgery on you without giving anesthesia-” Before I could finish, he leaned in and pressed a quick kiss on my cheek.
My brain is completely short-circuited.
I instinctively clutched his collar, my chest rising and falling as I felt warmth spread through me.
He looked into my eyes and whispered, “Good night, Ruh…Have sweet dreams of me.”
I couldn’t even form a proper response, my breathing uneven as I barely managed to whisper, “Good night.”
Meanwhile, my traitorous mind was busy overthinking. What if someone saw us?
As if reading my thoughts, Vihaan smirked, “Don’t worry, everyone’s outside. No one saw us. I can’t afford to give our family another trauma.” He chuckled, then winked at me before turning to leave.
I stood there frozen for a good few seconds before my body finally functioned again, leading me straight to my bed, where I collapsed.
Gosh he is so Hot.
Just as I was finally setting everything, I heard my brother’s voice, “Ruhii.”
I sighed internally before dragging myself to the door.
“What?” I mumbled, barely keeping my eyes open.
He crossed his arms, giving me the look, “A question?”
“Not now. I am very sleepy,” I yawned dramatically.
“You told us you were going out with Vani and Tanya, along with Vihaan and the others,” he started, his tone stern. “So may I ask why you were alone with Vihaan?”
I internally panicked but then rolled my eyes at him.
“Definitely not, what you were doing with Prisha di in the freaking parking lot, seriously bhai- parking lot?” I smirked.
He immediately coughed, eyes widening in shock.
“Oh, um…..can we not discuss this?” he said, closing his eyes like he wanted the ground to swallow him whole.
“So you were with Prisha Di, huh?” I grinned.
“I was about to tell you guys!” he defended himself.
I gasped dramatically. “Wait, wait, wait. Did you propose to her? Please tell me you did, or meri naak toh nhi katwaayi na”
(You didn’t embarrass me right?)
He nodded hesitantly.
I squealed in excitement, yanked him into my room, and sat him down.
“Now, tell me everything! I need details!”
And just like that, I successfully dodged any further questioning about Vihaan while also discovering my brother’s secret romantic side.
โขโขโขโขโข
As the result date approached, my nervousness started creeping in. I knew these marks wouldn’t be counted on my final grade sheet, but still, the overthinker in me refused to calm down. My anxiety was not cooperating.
Normally, I would read a book to distract myself, but lately, I haven’t even had time for that.
“What is that pretty little brain of yours thinking so deeply about?”
I jumped at the voice behind me.
“Damn it Vihaan! Will you ever stop scaring me?” I snapped, turning to find him standing there, looking effortlessly charming as always.
His stupid, stupid smile somehow made my heart race.
“Hi,” he mumbled and grabbed my hand casually.
“Hi.”
“So, were you thinking about me so deeply?” he teased, a mischievous grin plastered on his face.
I narrowed my eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
“Don’t break this poor heart of mine,” he added dramatically.
This man.
I sighed, rubbing my temple, “Nothing, I was just stressed about results.”
Vihaan immediately stopped walking, reaching into his pocket.
“Here,” he said, handing me a chocolate.
I blinked at him and grinned.
“One chocolate is all you need to calm down your stress.”
I tore the chocolate in half and held one piece up to his mouth as he took a bite.
The sweet taste made me feel a little better too. It was like the tension melted inside, and I couldn’t help but smile even wider.
We kept walking, and he started telling me all the gossip about the sports teams. I laughed at the funny stories he shared, forgetting about all my worries for a while. It felt nice to just enjoy the moment with him, listening to him talk like we had no cares in the world.
โขโขโขโขโข
Vani sat beside me, anxiously biting her nails.
“I am scared,” she muttered, her face pale.
“Don’t worry, it’ll be fine,” Tanya reassured her, munching on her lunch like she had zero worries in the world.
Mind you, it was just the first lecture, and Tanya was already stuffing her face. But in her defense, stress-eating is a real thing, and we were all anxious about the results.
As we walked towards the notice board, we saw that the results were finally out. Thankfully, our school had a system where they only displayed ranks and student IDs instead of names. Honestly, this was one of the few things I actually liked about our school- only you are able to see your marks.
Since it was arranged in order of ranks, I wouldn’t know my exact marks or rank immediately, but I could at least see which subjects I did well in and which ones I barely survived.
I scanned the list, and to my relief, I did pretty well in all my subjects. Phew. My nerves settled a little.
Vihaan, Yash, and Siddharth were standing nearby. Vihaan glanced at me, silently asking if everything was okay. I nodded.
“Ruhii, mera bhi check kar do,” Vani suddenly asked, looking even more anxious.
(Ruhi, check mine too, please)
I hesitated. Should I?
“Do you really want me to check? I mean….it’s your result. It’s personal,” I hesitated a little bit. People usually don’t share their marks so openly, fearing judgment.
But Vani just patted my shoulder reassuringly, as if she understood my hesitation.
“I trust you more than myself, Ruhii. Just check it for me.”
“Tanya, you check my other subjects, and Ruhii check if I passed maths. Here’s my student ID,” Vani continued, her tone laced with nervousness.
I sighed and started scanning the top of the list.
“Ahh Ruhii, neeche se check karo,” Vani sheepishly said.
(No, Ruhi, check from the bottom.)
I gave her a look.
“Hehe, sirf me janti hu ki kya halwa puri banaya hai mene answer sheet me bina cheeni ke, isliye neeche se hi list check kro,” she admitted, grinning.
(Hehe, I know I wrote complete nonsense in my paper, so check the list from the bottom)
I did as she asked and…well, she had actually passed in every subject except maths.
Tanya and I exchanged nervous glances. Now how do we break the news?
I bit my lip. What if I sound rude? What if she gets upset? What if she ends our friendship over this?!
Oh stop your overthinking Ruhanika.
“Ruhanika!” Vani snapped me out of my overthinking.
I took a deep breath.
“You passed all subjects…but…” I hesitated.
I don’t want her to be sad.
“I knew it! Yeh mathematics hi mujhe leke doobega!” she groaned dramatically.
(I knew it! Mathematics would be the death of me!)
Then she suddenly realized what I meant.
“Wait…you mean to say…?”
“I failed!” Vani and Yash yelled at the same time, before looking at each other.
After a second of silence, they both realised.
Vani dramatically flipped her hair and said, “Huh, koi nahi. Fail hone bhi ek talent hai, har kisi ke andar nahi hota.”
(Huh, no worries. Failing is also a talent, not everyone has it)
“Sahi bola, sahi bola,” Yash nodded in agreement.
(Well said, well said)
It looked like they had instantly bonded over their mutual academic trauma.
Vani turned to Yash and whispered, “Which subject?”
“Physics. And you?”
“Mathematics.”
They both sighed in unison.
“Never mind, it’s just midterms. I’ll work hard for finals. Plus, these marks won’t be counted anyway,” Vani reassured herself, taking a deep breath.
“Bilkul sahi,” Yash nodded.
(Absolutely right)
Meanwhile, the rest of the class just stared at them as if they had lost their minds.
The teacher entered and greeted us, “Good morning, class!”
She started distributing our answer sheets.
“Check your papers carefully,” she instructed.
As the class flipped through their sheets, the teacher continued, “This time, physics was tough. Many of you didn’t score as well as you expected. But don’t be discouraged. I checked your papers-most of you were really close. The approach was correct, even if the final answer wasn’t. So don’t lose hope. Just remember-honesty in studying, consistency, and practice are the keys to success.”
That’s why she is my favorite teacher. No matter how we perform in exams she always tries to motivate us.
From the back, Vani muttered under her breath, “Just because of one mark, I failed. Kya chala jaata uss khadus teacher ka agar ek aur number de dete?”
(What would it have cost that strict teacher to give me one more mark?!)
I patted her back.
“Don’t worry, I’ll help you study so that next time, sir won’t even get a chance to cut your marks,” I promised.
“Yess, and I’ll help you with other subjects,” Tanya added, giving a thumbs up.
Vani’s eyes suddenly filled with fake tears.
“Aww, Ruhi and Tanya, why are you both so adorable?” she said, pinching my cheeks before laying her head on Tanya’s shoulder.
Suddenly, we heard a loud thud of a notebook.
Yash was glaring at Vani.
“Vani, her shoulders will get hurt if you keep leaning on her like that. Sit straight,” he scolded, making Vani roll her eyes.
As the lecture ended, I noticed Siddharth walking towards us. He sat down at the front, looking straight at Vani.
Vani grabbed my hand, nervous for the first time in her life.
“Ruhi, why is he looking at me like that?” she whispered.
Tanya and I exchanged amused glances.
“I’m sorry, Vani,” Siddharth adjusted his glasses as he said those words.
Vani blinked in confusion.
“But…sorry for what?” she stammered.
“I must have failed tutoring you. That’s why you didn’t get the marks you deserved. You did well in the assignments I gave, but in the test, maybe my teaching wasn’t good enough. I’m really sorry, Vani.”
Vani looked at him with wide eyes, then whispered to me, “Now who’s gonna tell him that I misread the date sheet, thought I had a different exam that day, and completely blanked out because I didn’t revise?”
We stared at her in disbelief.
Meanwhile, Siddharth continued, “That’s why I want to personally tutor you for finals. I promise I’ll make it as easy as possible for you. We’ll study for three hours every day after school in the library, and on weekends, we’ll do six hours straight.”
Vani’s soul left her body.
“What the actual heck- freaking six hours, itna to me saal bhar me nhi padhti hu ” she started, then stopped herself when she saw how serious Siddharth looked.
(I don’t study this much in an entire year)
“Isn’t six hours a bit… too much?” she added softly.
“No, I don’t think so. We need to work hard so you can score your best,” he said with pure determination.
Tanya and I, the ultimate betrayers, started cheering, “Yes, Vani, you can do it!”
Vani gave us a death glare but sighed.
Tanya nudged her. “Let it go, Vani. Don’t tell him about your date sheet blunder. He genuinely wants to help you.”
“Plus….you’ll get to spend more time with him,” Tanya winked at her.
Vani’s eyes lit up at that thought.
With a heavy heart- but a slightly excited one, she nodded.
“Okay” she agreed and he smiled before turned to his seat.
Then she muttered, “He seems more affected by my marks than I am.”
“Because he takes his work seriously and feels responsible for your results,” Tanya explained.
Vani, still unsure, just shrugged.
And that’s how she unknowingly signed up for six hours of intense tutoring.
I’ll pray Vani got all the strength to study for six hours straight.
โขโขโขโขโข
It was finally match day!
And, obviously, I wasn’t doing anything important-except casually stalking my boyfriend.
My boyfriend- sounds so good!
Just thinking about it made me all giddy inside. I giggled to myself but quickly straightened my expression, reminding myself that I was not alone and people were watching.
Vihaan’s match was in full swing, and I sat on the bench as I was watching him- I mean the match.
‘Oh yes, I am the witness, she is totally watching the match and not just him,’ my brain chimed in with heavy sarcasm.
I mentally scoffed.
Shut up, brain.
No one asked you.
I scanned the crowd for a good seat, but the front row was already full.
Meanwhile, Siddharth and Vihaan were playing, and Yash will be sitting with us.
“Ruhii, come here. I had already saved a seat for you,” Yash called, pointing to an empty spot in the middle of the first row.
“You know, I had to wake up early just to come here and reserve this seat for us-especially for you,” he yawned, moving his belongings from the chair so I could sit.
“Thanks, Yash,” I smiled sweetly.
He nodded, pulling his jacket over his face like he was about to nap. But just before dozing off, he smirked and said,
“Tell your boyfriend that he has to complete my assignments as payment.”
I rolled my eyes, about to argue, when realisation hits me. What did he say?
“Chalo, kisi kaam ka toh hai tumhara boyfriend,” Vani teased with a grin.
(At least your boyfriend is useful for something)
I choked on my own spit.
“He’s not my boyfriend, we are not dating!” I nervously chuckled.
Three heads immediately turned toward me, their eyes narrowing in disbelief.
“Oh? If he’s not your boyfriend, then I am Queen Elizabeth,” Tanya declared dramatically, placing an imaginary crown on her head.
“Ruhii, please. We all know you two are dating. Not just us even the whole school knows,” Vani casually announced, munching on her chocolate.
I blinked. Wait, what?!
The whole school knows?
“How?” My voice almost cracked from panic.
Vani shrugged, “It was obvious. You, the most focused student in class, started getting distracted. Your eyes always find him, no matter where he is. It’s easy to tell.”
Tanya nodded in agreement.
“I’ve known since his birthday,” Yash added, dropping yet another bomb.
I whipped my head toward him, “Since his birthday?how?!”
“Ruhii, he’s my best friend. I’ve known him since childhood. He sucks at keeping secrets. Even when he tries, he makes it so obvious that even a blind man could tell. Exception- Siddharth, I had to explain this idiot for two hours.”
“How obvious are we talking?” I braced myself for the answer.
Vani smirked.
“He admires you like you are the only person existing in this world.”
A warm feeling spread through my chest, and I felt a little flutter in my stomach. It was such a simple thing to say, but it hit me harder than I expected.
I turned to look at Vihaan, who was talking to his coach. Even from this distance, his gaze flickered toward me, his expression softening.
My heart skipped a beat.
His affectionate smile made my heart skip a beat. It felt like he was always focused on me, like I was the only thing that mattered to him, no matter what was going on.
Tanya sighed dramatically, “I wish someone would admire me like that.”
Suddenly, I heard Yash muttering something under his breath, “Then maybe you should look around. Someone already admires you.”
I heard it clearly, but Tanya didn’t.
“What did you say?” Tanya asked, frowning.
Yash immediately pulled his jacket back over his face, “I’m sleeping.”
She rolled her eyes. “Ugh, Ruhii, I’m going to take a round. This is so exhausting. Being part of the discipline committee is such a pain-I can’t even enjoy the match properly.”
I nodded as she left.
Just then, the match started, and I was finally getting comfortable when-
Someone sat beside me.
I turned, about to say, “Excuse me, this seat is taken-“
But then I froze.
It was Meera.
Oh great. Why, out of all the people in the universe, did it have to be her?!
“That person isn’t here right now, so no problem,” Meera said smoothly as she sat in Tanya’s seat. “Besides, Vice Principal Ma’am sent me here.”
I glanced at our Vice Principal, who was watching us, silently signaling us to let Meera sit.
Vani, sitting beside me, signalled me a look and subtly pointed to the empty seat next to her.
Yash, who had just woken up, saw Meera sitting beside me and immediately sighed, rubbing his face.
“Oh no, not this again,” he muttered under his breath.
Meanwhile, I mentally screamed.
I just wanted to enjoy the match. Why is the universe punishing me?
“So,” Meera started, flipping her hair like she had all the time in the world, “you’ve been coming to every match lately, huh?”
I blinked, not sure where this was going, “yeah?”
She smirked, glancing at Vihaan, “I mean, it makes sense. You’ve got your reasons, right?”
What does she mean by that?
“What do you mean?” I asked, trying to sound casual.
“It’s just…a little weird,” She says it almost sweetly, but it’s obvious how fake her tone sounds.
“I mean, you’re smart, intelligent like a nerd and all, Ruhanika, but Vihaan? He is, well, he is different. You two are like…totally different. Don’t you think maybe you’re not really his type?”
Not his type? Her words hit me harder than I expected. Suddenly, I felt this wave of doubt rush over me. Maybe I was too boring for someone like Vihaan. Was I not the type of person he would want to be with?
Before I could overthink any further, Vani stepped in between me and Meera with the protective tone as she spoke, “Maybe you should focus on your own life, Meera, and stop poking your nose into others.”
Meera didn’t back off though. She tilted her head, “I was just saying that they are like North and South. Total opposites. Are you sure they both are a good match?”
I know I am too different from him. I could feel all these insecurities building up inside me.
Wait a minute.
Shut your brain off from overthinking Ruhanika Oberoi.
Why am I letting her mess with my head?
I straightened up, my voice steady as I looked Meera in the eye, “And what makes you think I am not a good match for him? “
Meera looked a bit surprised, but she wasn’t giving up, “it’s just my opinion. He’s got all these friends, he’s outgoing, and you? You don’t really fit in with his crowd.”
That was it.
I couldn’t hold it anymore, “Then please-take your opinions and throw them into trash can because your opinions are useless like you.”
Yash and Vani burst into laughing.
Yash, who had been quietly watching, finally spoke up with a smirk, “Ruhanika, ignore people who always think they know what’s best for you. Focus on your boyfriend, alright? I mean, look at him, he is looking hot while scoring that basket!”
That’s exactly what I’m doing. Right now, he’s the one who matters most to me, not the person sitting next to me who’s just throwing out unnecessary opinions.
For a second, everything stopped, and I couldn’t help but notice how good Vihaan looked on the court.
I didn’t need to listen to anyone else’s opinions.
I was watching the basketball match-or at least, that’s what I told myself. In reality, my eyes had been glued to one person the entire time.
And as soon as the match ended, he walked off toward the water tank.
Without thinking, I stood up and followed him. His gaze landed on me, and just like that, he gave me his most heartwarming smile-the kind that made my heart flutter inside my chest.
“Just a minute,” he said, before walking to the water tank to fill his bottle.
As he drank, I found myself completely mesmerized. His Adam’s apple bobbed with each gulp, and for some weird reason, I sucked in a deep breath. Why was this sight so unfairly attractive? Was this normal?
Should I look away?
Naah why will I miss this sight.
“Like the view?” His sudden words made my heart jump straight into my throat.
His intense gaze locked onto mine, completely throwing me off balance.
I quickly cleared my throat, feeling my cheeks heat up, “I-I wasn’t looking!”
He chuckled, clearly amused, while I pretended to examine the surroundings. That’s when I noticed her. Meera. Still watching him like a hawk, eyes filled with interest.
Something in me snapped. Before I could even think it through, I stepped closer and grabbed his hand. He looked confused-because I had never done anything like this in school before-but he didn’t question me.
I didn’t like it. I really didn’t like it when someone else looked at him with that kind of affection.
“What’s wrong?” he asked gently, guiding me to sit on the bench beside him.
“Nothing,” I muttered, crossing my arms.
“I was just thinking…maybe I should hide you somewhere so no one else can look at you.”
He frowned slightly, clearly amused but also confused. “Hmm.”
I narrowed my eyes, “What hmm?”
His lips twitched as he asked, “Tell me why your mood is off?”
I shrugged, trying to play it cool, “I’m fine.”
“Ruh.” His voice took on a slightly stern edge as he took my hands in his, his thumb brushing lightly over my skin. “Tell me.”
I sighed, finally giving in. And tell him about the incident with Meera.
He let out a small chuckle before tucking a loose strand of my hair behind my ear, “You know what you need to do with people like that?”
“What?”
“Follow my golden rule for dealing with negative people.”
I blinked at him, waiting for some wise philosophical words.
Instead, he grinned and quoted, “Life is too short to argue just say ‘Bhaad me jaao’ and move on.”
(To hell with them)
I burst into laughter at his casual rule, but deep down, I knew he was right. Some people just weren’t worth the attention.
Before I could say anything else, he suddenly leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek.
I froze.
For a moment, my brain completely stopped functioning. The warmth of his lips lingered for no more than three seconds, but that was three seconds too long for a place like school.
I turned my head around, heart racing. Did anyone see?
“Vihaan” I hissed and slightly hit his arms. “We’re in school! What if someone saw?”
He gave me that mischievous grin, the one that always meant trouble. “No one saw.” Then, with a smirk, he added, “Well, except the right person.”
My eyes widened as I followed the direction of his gaze. There she was-Meera. Turning away, clearly looking in slight anger, as she hurried back to her class.
A victorious smirk curled at my lips.
Vihaan stood up, grabbing his bag, “I’m heading to the locker room. Ruh Do you want juice? I can buy it on the way.”
I shook my head, “No, I’m good.”
“Where are Sid and Yash?” I asked.
“Still at the ground,” he replied, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
Before leaving, he briefly squeezed my hand and signaled toward the ground where our friends were.
As I walked toward them, Siddharth’s innocent puppy-dog eyes locked onto me. I already knew what was coming.
“What do you want?” I asked, arms crossed.
“Ruhi, can you please take Vihaan’s bag to him? That idiot forgot it in all his excitement. Sir is calling me, and Yash is…..well, I have no idea where the hell Yash is!” He blurted everything out in one breath.
I sighed, glancing around. No sign of Tanya. Which meant Yash had probably gone to help her. Managing the crowd on game days wasn’t easy.
“Fine,” I muttered, taking the bag and heading toward the locker room.
As I got there, I saw Vihaan talking to some juniors. Once he finished, he opened his locker. Just as I was about to walk up to him-
Thud!
I crashed straight into someone.
“Ouch-!” I stumbled, nearly dropping the bag.
“I’m sorry,” I muttered, looking up.
The guy-whoever he was-gave me a quick, polite nod before dashing off to his class.
Meanwhile, I stood there, stunned.
Great. Just great. I hadn’t tripped in months-and of course, my streak had to break today. My knee stung slightly from the impact.
I sighed and i know falling and I have some loyal relationship with each other.
As I opened the door, my hand froze on the handle.
Wait. Wait.
This is men’s locker room.
But then I remembered-Vihaan had the key. Which meant…he was the only one inside.
A small creak echoed as the door swung open, and the sight before me was not something I was prepared for.
SHIRTLESS. VIHAAN. RAICHAND-is a treat to my Eyes.
Hot. Sizzling hot.
My eyes shamelessly roamed over his body. As a sportsperson, he had a lean but toned physique-just the right amount of muscle to make my brain short-circuit.
My gaze lingered on the small mole near his collarbone, the one that had always fascinated me. I had this weird urge to trace it with my fingers.
And then there was the faint scar on his waist, a reminder of a match from four years ago. I remembered him telling me.
I took a deep breath as all i could focus on was how good he looked.
Unfortunately, my treat was short-lived.
Vihaan quickly grabbed his t-shirt, yanking it over himself like he was shielding himself from a predator.
“Where is your sharam, Ruh?” he huffed, covering every inch of exposed skin.
I still didn’t look away.
Instead, I smirked, tilting my head playfully. Lowering my voice just enough to tease him, I whispered, “Ab apne personal boyfriend ko bina kapdon ke dekhne mein kaisi sharam?”
(What’s the shame in looking at my own boyfriend without clothes?)
His eyes widened in absolute horror.
“Ruh!” he gasped, looking at me like I’d just committed a crime, “Ashleel hoti Jaa rhi ho din par din!”
(You’re becoming shameless day by day!)
I took a slow step forward, my lips curling into a mischievous smile. “Abhi toh aapne mera ashleel pana dekha hi kaha hai?”
(You haven’t even seen my shamelessness yet)
And then-fate decided to bless me.
His t-shirt slipped from his hands, falling to the ground.
Barrier? Gone.
The sunlight filtering in from the tiny window casts a golden glow on his skin, making him look like a Captivating sight.
Damn.
My mind screamed at me, ‘Ruhanika, control yourself. You are being utterly shameless.’
But it’s not my fault that my boyfriend looks deliciously hot?
‘Ruhii, what is wrong with your vocabulary?! Where are your manners?’ My brain scolded me like an overprotective guardian.
I ignored it.
This was entirely Vani’s fault. The book she had recommended to me last time had definitely corrupted my mind. Actually that book was- nevermind. Let’s not go down there.
But you know what? No regrets.
I took another step forward. He immediately stepped back.
I walked toward him, and he instinctively stepped back.
“Ruh…what are you doing?” Vihaan asked, clearing his throat.
His nervousness was written all over his face.
Honestly? Even I didn’t know what I was doing. But whatever it was, I liked it.
I took another step forward, feeling oddly bold. My fingers lifted on their own, tracing his neck down to his collarbone. That tiny mole there? Absolutely mesmerizing.
Vihaan sucked in a sharp breath, and I felt him shiver under my touch.
I swallowed hard, staring at him. His intense gaze made my stomach do weird flips. I felt a rush of emotions I couldn’t even name.
“This version of you will be the death of me someday, Ruh,” he leaned in to whisper.
Okay.
Calm down Ruhanika.
His hair fell over on his forehead, making him look even more unfairly attractive.
We were so close that our breaths mingled, the air between us heavy with something unspoken.
Then-creak!
The door.
Vihaan moved in a flash, spinning us around so my back was against the locker and his body shielded me completely.
A voice interrupted, “Vihaan, come fast! Sir is calling….Oops, I didn’t know you were busy.”
Busy? Yeah very busy.
Vihaan shot the guy a look, “Tu jaa, main aa raha hoon.”
(You go, I’ll be there soon)
The guy giggled, “Okay, I’ll stand outside so no one else barges in.”
Okay, random guy, I don’t know who you are, but thank you.
As soon as the door clicked shut, Vihaan and I burst into laughter.
I sighed, still feeling the warmth inside me as I can feel my cheeks getting flushed.
But i managed to compose myself as I asked him, “Serious question.”
Vihaan nodded, “Go on.”
“How is your skin so smooth? Do you use baby cream or something?”
Vihaan blinked.
Then, he raised an eyebrow, “Seriously, Ruh?”
I crossed my arms, “Come on, it’s an important question! Tell me your skincare routine.”
Instead of answering, he flicked my forehead with his finger, “Why are you so adorable?”
I pouted, rubbing my forehead.
He chuckled, “Nothing special. Prisha Di has too many body washes, so I just picked the one with the best bottle design.”
Wait. What?
“So, you judge body washes by their cover design? No research? No scent testing?”
Vihaan shrugged, “Yup. Works for me.”
I stared at him, “Unbelievable.”
He just smirked and pulled on another T-shirt, covering up my delightful view.
Focus, Ruhanika.
“Did you eat?” he asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I shook my head.,”Nope. Thought we could eat together.”
I held up the bag Siddharth gave me.
Vihaan nodded, “Then let’s go.”
Before I could react, he grabbed my hand and signaled to the guy outside.
Meanwhile, I carefully positioned myself behind him like a ninja, using his taller frame as cover. Because the last thing I wanted was extra attention.
And just like that, I escaped.
Mission successful.
One thing I realised about me today is that I am becoming shameless day by day.
————————————
Finally Chapter 49…!!!
So how was the chapter?
Your favourite scene?
Mine was definitely the locker room๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ฆ
Damn is ladke ne meri masoom si Ruh ko bigad dia ๐คง
(Nevermind he secretly enjoys this version of his Ruh๐ซ )
Okay so Wattpad is glitching too much nowadays so make sure to add a book in your Library and follow the author’s Id as it is not showing any notification also because Wattpad saste nashe kr rha hai ๐ฎโ๐จ
Baki toh muje bahut saare comments cahiye aur votes cahiye acche se kar dena. Kanjoosi mat krna. I am waiting for your comments ๐ญ๐
Enjoy Reading โฅ๏ธ
Stay Tuned for further updates…!!
Bye Cutiepies…!!!๐
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