𝗧𝘂𝗺 𝗛𝗶 𝗧𝘂𝗺 – [𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞] - 𝐂𝐇 - 𝟒𝟑 ༊˚

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हो सोचू की मिलने ते बोलेंगे की

 तेरी तां गल्लां च शायरी 

वेखेगी मैनु ते सोचेगी क्या तू

 मिट्टी दा बंदा मैं तू तां परी 

इश्क़े दी गलियों च खोया ऐ दिल वे 

आस लगाइए के जाये तू मिल वे

 कोल तेरे मैनु आन दे सोनी 

करां मैं कितने जतन ओ सोनी

_______________________________

VOTE: 280+ (votes to kabhi complete hi nahi hone lagta hai)

COMMENTS: 300+

we are again on #2 in India guyssss….thankyou so muchh….love you allll🫶

________________________________

The corridors outside buzzed with the chaos of students rushing off for their annual-function practices, but inside the classroom it was unusually quiet. Only a handful of students sat scattered in their seats, and right in the middle of them-Vivaan, who for the first time hadn’t volunteered for a single competition.

The teacher’s voice echoed through the half-empty room, “So students, there are only ten of you left here. A-section also has only twelve, so the incharge has decided to merge the classes. You both have similar subjects except for Maths and Bio, so pack your stuff.”

Groans filled the classroom-everyone hated shifting to the Maths section. Everyone… except Vivaan.

A weird spark lit up his face as if someone had handed him a treasure map. He didn’t even wait for the teacher to finish. He grabbed his bag in one swift motion and bolted out of the room like he had been waiting for this moment all his life.

He walked into A-section with that typical swagger of his, eyes roaming for just one person there.

Riva, sitting alone, head bowed, scribbling something in her notebook. Completely unaware of the storm about to sit next to her. Without hesitation, he slid into the seat beside her.

Her head whipped up in shock. “What the hell-“

“Hell nahi, Vivaan… Vivaan Singhaniya,” he corrected with a proud, filmy hero expression, chin tilted up as if lights and wind machines were blowing around him.

She squinted at him. “Ha toh why are you here?”

“Class merge ho rhi h ham dono ki,” he said casually, leaning back like he owned the bench.

“Toh kisi aur seat pe baitho na,” she snapped.

But at that very moment, the rest of Vivaan’s class entered the room and instantly occupied all the empty benches. Within seconds, there were no seats left.

Vivaan smirked. “Seats full ho gayi hain.”

Riva glared at him, lips pressed thin. “Tumhe maza aata h kya mujhe pareshan karne main?”

Vivaan tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Sach bolu ya jhoot?” She rolled her eyes. 

“sach bolun……Toh bohot,” he said with a satisfied grin. “Jab tum kilasti ho na… toh dill ko sukoon milta hai.”

Before he could even blink-

THUD!

Riva stomped on his foot, hard.

“Ahhhhh!” Vivaan yelped, the sound echoing through the entire classroom. Several students turned, including the teacher.

“Is everything fine, Vivaan?” the teacher asked, eyebrows raised.

He straightened instantly, sitting like a disciplined child. “Yess ma’am, everything is fine,” he said with a tight smile, while whisper-shooting daggers at Riva from the side of his eye.

As the teacher turned away, Vivaan muttered under his breath, “Bhalai ka to zamana hi nahi raha…”

Riva didn’t miss a beat. “Tum jaise banrakas rahenge toh bhalai bhi nahi rahegi.”

“Haan haan, tum jaisi chudail toh bada bhalai laati hai na,” he shot back.

Riva simply stuck her tongue out at him-a tiny, victorious smirk on her face.

Vivaan slumped back in his seat, muttering something inaudible, but the corners of his lips twitched anyway.

_________________

Shagun stepped onto the football ground. The air was thick with the sharp scent of mud and sweat, and loud whistles echoed as the players practiced. 

Her eyes instinctively drifted to Ruhaan-drenched in sweat, hair wet and sticking to his forehead, jersey clinging to his body as he sprinted across the field with effortless agility. He looked every bit the state-level player he was.

Shagun shook her head, snapping out of the trance, and walked straight toward Vishal sir, the football coach, who was monitoring the team.

“Umm… excuse me sir,” Shagun said softly.

“Yes?” he responded, glancing at her.

“Umm actually sir…. I want some information about different sports strategies for the debate competition of annual day so can you please help me,” she asked politely, clutching her notebook.

From afar, Ruhaan had noticed the familiar figure approaching the ground-and instantly stopped mid-practice, panting lightly. His brows furrowed.

“What’s she doing here? ” he muttered to himself just as one of his teammates yelled his name.

Meanwhile, Vishal sir had begun explaining key tactical points, and Shagun quickly started noting down every detail with focused determination. She looked so serious, her brows knitted and lips pressed together, that Ruhaan couldn’t help but stare for a second longer than necessary.

Suddenly, Vishal sir’s phone rang.

He sighed. “One second-have to take this.”

Turning away, he called out, “Ruhaan… come here!”

Ruhaan jogged over, still heaving from practice, sweat dripping down his neck. “Yes sir?”

“Take a 15-minute break now, have some rest. Also help her with some details as I got something urgent…. hope you’ll handle.” Vishal sir said.

Ruhaan nodded sincerely. “Yess sir… sure.”

As Vishal sir walked away, Shagun turned to Ruhaan with the biggest puppy eyes-blinking rapidly, dramatic enough to belong in a cartoon. Ruhaan immediately flushed.

“Common Shagun…. don’t do that,” he muttered, turning a little red.

“Why….. are you getting shyy?” Shagun teased, making him snap his head away.

“Noo…” he argued, though even his ears betrayed him by burning pink.

“Chal jhutha,” she said, lightly hitting his shoulder while laughing.

Before he could retort, one of his teammates shouted, “Oyeee…. captain…. kya bola sir ne?”

Ruhaan yelled back, “He said to take rest for 15 minutes!” signalling the boys to leave the field and hydrate.

Shagun nudged him again, voice dipped in mischief, “Captain… haan?”

Ruhaan straightened proudly. “Told you… I was born talented.”

She rolled her eyes. “Chalo abhi mujhe kaam hai help karo meri,” she demanded, grabbing his wrist and pulling him toward the nearby bench.

They sat together-closer than either of them realized. Ruhaan explained strategies, movements, defensive patterns, and Shagun wrote enthusiastically, occasionally arguing, occasionally teasing-and often blushing when his fingers brushed hers while flipping notebook pages.

After finishing football and other sports information, Shagun stretched her back. “Yarr…. football and other sports are done…. basketball bhi mil jata to kaam ho jata?”

Ruhaan pouted dramatically. “Basketball nhi khelta yrr main vrna vo bhi bata deta.”

“Koi baat nhi khair mostly to ho hi gaya hai…. Vishal sir se hi pooch lungi,” she said.

“Hmm he’ll help you with that.”

Just then Vishal sir returned, blowing his whistle loudly. “Chalo common guys…. back to the field!”

Ruhaan made a face like a punished toddler. “Thodi der baad aate na sir,” he mumbled under his breath.

“Kyu… usse kya hota?” Shagun asked, amused.

“Thoda aur time mil jata hame,” he admitted honestly.

Her cheeks warmed, but she masked it with confidence. “Koi baat nhii chutti time sath main walk karke ghar jayenge ok.”

Ruhaan’s eyes widened. “Aur tumhare kaka nhi ayenge tumhe lene?”

“Nhii… chutti pe hai vo.” she mentioned.

His entire face lit up like Diwali diyas. “Okeiiii,” he said, the excitement slipping out in his voice.

And with that, he jogged back onto the field-energy renewed, smile unhidden-because now he had something far better to look forward to than football practice.

 Vishaal sir walked up to her with his usual purposeful stride.

“Done beta with your informations?” he asked, hands behind his back.

“Yeah… almost done, sir. Just needed some information about basketball as well,” Shagun replied, flipping a page.

“Ohh wait,” he said, scanning the field before calling out, “Sahil, come here!”

Across the court, Sahil-busy chatting with his friends-jerked his head up. He jogged toward them, wiping sweat from his forehead.

“Yes sir?” he asked.

“Beta, help her with some basketball informations… you know well being a captain,” Vishaal sir instructed. Sahil nodded obediently and offered Shagun a warm smile. 

From the field, Ruhaan-mid-practice-froze for a whole second, his eyes narrowing dangerously. Seeing Sahil standing so close to Shagun, talking to her, that too with a smile, made his blood simmer. He didn’t say anything, but the anger settled in his jaw, tightening it.

“Hi… I’m Sahil… nice to meet you,” Sahil introduced himself sweetly.

“Hello… I’m Shagun,” she replied politely.

“Actually, I just need some informations about basketball for debate,” she explained.

“Oh okay, totally fine. Let’s go,” he said, taking a half-step forward as if to lead the way.

“Kya hum yahi pe discuss kar lein… actually I’ve to leave with Ruhaan for lunch after this,” she mentioned casually.

“Ohh, I see,” Sahil said, shooting a quick glance toward Ruhaan who was already glaring like he was trying to set the bench on fire with his eyes.

They sat on the nearest bench, papers spread out. Sahil leaned a little too close for Ruhaan’s liking. From across the court, Ruhaan’s grip on the ball tightened, fury carved deep into his expression.

“Sir ko bhi yahi namoona mila tha…” he muttered to himself.

“Ruhaan, focus on the shot!” Vishaal sir snapped, snapping Ruhaan out of his jealous rage.

But his concentration was gone. Every time he looked up, he saw Sahil explaining something to Shagun, leaning forward, pointing at her notes, smiling.

And every single time, Ruhaan’s shot went wrong.

“I think Ruhaan, you’re exhausted… that’s not how you usually play,” Vishaal sir scolded, annoyance creeping into his tone. Shagun instinctively looked toward Ruhaan, concern softening her expression.

“Sorry sir,” Ruhaan mumbled.

“Out of the field for 5 minutes. Advik, handle the command for now,” the coach ordered.

Ruhaan stormed out of the field, huffing-half with anger, half with frustration-dropping onto a bench with his head lowered, elbows on his knees.

Shagun glanced once at Sahil, then at Ruhaan, immediately sensing something wrong. “Umm… excuse me, give me five minutes please,” she said to Sahil. He nodded, and she jogged toward Ruhaan.

She stopped in front of him, bending a little. “Everything’s fine?” she asked softly.

“Yeah… I’m fine,” he whispered.

“Lag to nahi raha,” she said, sitting beside him.

“No, I’m fine,” he repeated, avoiding her eyes.

“See Ruhaan… I can see something is bothering you,” she said gently, placing her hand on his shoulder.

His head snapped up. “It’s you, Shagun,” he finally said.

“Me?” she blinked, confused.

“I can’t see you with that gobar si shakal ka langoor,” he blurted.

“Kon gobar si shakal ka langoor?” she asked, genuinely curious.

“That… Sahil,” he said through gritted teeth.

“Oh come on Ruhaan, he’s just helping me,” Shagun explained patiently.

“But usse tumse itna chipakne ki kya jaroorat hai? Vo door se bhi to bol sakta hai na,” Ruhaan snapped, jealousy dripping through every word.

“Ha to mujhpe kyu gussa nikal rahe ho… hum door hi to baithe hain,” she protested.

“Mujhe nahi pasand vo gadha tumhare aas paas bhi bhatke,” Ruhaan muttered.

“We are doing some work  Ruhaan,” Shagun said, her tone turning exasperated.

“Haa to kaam karo na, vo itna chipak kyu raha hai?” he shot back, frustration escalating.

“For god’s sake Ruhaan… stop being so jaleous,” Shagun said.

“Jaleous… vo bhi main… aur uss gadhe se,” Ruhaan scoffed loudly, running a hand through his hair.

Then he stood up abruptly, still fuming. “Tum usse thoda door raho… and finish this all your work fast,” he demanded and walked back onto the field, leaving Shagun staring at his retreating figure

Shagun, equally frustrated and confused, turned on her heel and marched back toward Sahil. Her breath was uneven, her jaw tight, but she forced her expression into something neutral as she knelt down beside him again. Sahil looked at her.

“Everything’s fine?” he asked gently, noticing the tension in her eyes.

“Yeah,” Shagun muttered, her voice short as she focused back on the notes in front of her, refusing to let her irritation spill further.

A few quiet minutes passed. Shagun was trying to understand a complicated rule Sahil had just explained, head bent low over her notebook. In concentrating, she hadn’t realised Sahil had also crouched down closely beside her, leaning in to point at a specific line. Shagun didn’t notice it.

But Ruhaan did from the field, his chest tightened, and a heated surge ran through him. His grip on the football hardened. And before anyone could sense his intention, he swung his leg back and kicked the ball-sharp, fast, and furious. The ball shot across the field and smacked straight into Sahil’s forehead with a loud thwack.

Shagun jolted upright, eyes widening in horror, while the students nearby gasped and rushed to Sahil.

“Oh my god… are you okay?” Shagun blurted, panic rushing through her as she knelt beside him.

“Yeah… it’s fine. But hurting a little,” Sahil winced, holding his forehead where the ball had struck.

“Sorry, galti se lag gaya,” one of Ruhaan’s teammates quickly stepped forward as Sahil nodded weakly.

But Shagun’s eyes slid past him, directly to Ruhaan-only to find him standing there with anger burning in his gaze and, worse, a small, unmistakably satisfied smirk tugging at his lips.

Her stomach twisted. Without a word, Ruhaan turned and strode off the field toward the changing rooms, jaw clenched, shoulders stiff.

“I’ll be back,” Shagun assured Sahil quickly before rising to her feet, her own anger sparking to life as she marched after Ruhaan.

Inside the changing room, Ruhaan pushed the door open and walked in, his breaths still ragged with jealousy and frustration. He was alone for barely two seconds before Shagun entered too, the door slamming shut behind her.

“What the hell was that  Ruhaan?” she demanded, fury vibrating in every syllable.

“What the hell was what?” Ruhaan shot back sarcastically, lifting his brows as if he truly had no idea what she was talking about.

“Why did you hit Sahil?” Shagun stepped forward, eyes blazing.

“I didn’t hit him… galti se lag gayi,” Ruhaan said casually, unapologetically, as though he hadn’t just sent the ball flying at someone’s face.

“Tumne use intentionally maara hai, Ruhaan. I saw that.” Shagun’s voice shook-not with fear, but with disbelief.

“Oh really? Achha theek hai-agar intentionally bhi maara hai to tumhe itni fikar kyu ho rhi hai?” he snapped, stepping closer, challenging her.

“Because uski koi galti nahi thi, and you just hit him because of your insecure behaviour!” Shagun spat out, frustration boiling over.

“What… insecure? Vo bhi main? Ussse?” Ruhaan scoffed loudly, the disbelief almost dramatic.

“Yes!” Shagun insisted. “Tumhe issi baat ki insecurity ho rhi thi na-ki vo mujhse baat kyu kar raha tha.”

“He was not just talking to you, Shagun-he was clearly trying to come close to you,” Ruhaan argued, jaw tightening with every word.

“Oh common Ruhaan! Har koi aisa nahi hota,” Shagun tried to reason, voice cracking slightly.

“Par vo ladka aisa hai,” Ruhaan said, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

“Nahi hai!” Shagun shot back.

Ruhaan exhaled sharply. “Mujhe nahi pata but ab tum usse baat nahi karogi. And that’s final.”

Shagun’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Oh acha? Mujhe nahi pata tha maine tumhe ye haq diya hai ki tum mujhe bata sako ki mujhe kya karna chahiye aur kya nahi.”

“Shagun, for god’s sake-please don’t take this in another direction. I’m just asking you to stay away from him,” Ruhaan said, softer but still stubborn.

“And please Ruhaan, for god’s sake stop being so controlling of me.” Her voice rose, trembling with anger and hurt.

“I’m not controlling you,” Ruhaan shot back.

“Yes, you are!” she yelled. “Kabhi bolte ho yaha mat jao, waha mat jao, isse mat milo, usse mat baat karo-ye karo, vo mat karo. What the hell is that then?”

“It’s for your own good!” Ruhaan argued, stepping forward.

“Then just stop it! Nahi chahiye mujhe good!” Shagun shouted, her eyes bright with frustration.

Ruhaan froze for a moment-then something snapped inside him.

“FINE!” he roared, the sound echoing off the empty lockers as he slammed one shut with a loud metal clang, making Shagun flinch. “Just do whatever you want.”

And without another word, he stormed out of the changing room, leaving Shagun standing there-shaken, furious, and hurting.

_________________

The auditorium throbbed with noise as different groups practised on their own corners of the stage-dancers running through formations, drama students rehearsing lines, singers warming up their voices. Amidst all the chaos, Ansh and Prateek sat cross-legged on the floor with papers scattered around them, trying to finalise the anchoring script.

“Yrr ye thoda sahi nahi baithega iss act ke liye,” Prateek said, scratching out a line.

“Mujhe bhi lag raha hai,” Ansh nodded, rubbing his forehead.

“Shalini ma’am ko bula lete hai… she’ll help,” Prateek suggested.

“Ha theek hai, bula le. Main green room se aata hu,” Ansh said, rising quickly before disappearing into the room.

After a few minutes, he returned to find Shalini ma’am standing with Prateek, both discussing something deeply.

“Oh achha hua tum aa gaye beta,” Shalini ma’am beamed at him.

“Yes ma’am, bas vo thoda sa Supriya ma’am ne bula liya tha,” Ansh explained.

“Oh beta… you’re so busy I must say,” she said proudly.

“Tabhi to head boy hai ma’am,” Prateek grinned, puffing out his chest. Shalini ma’am nodded with an impressed smile.

“Acha Ansh, what I was thinking… ki why not we take a girl as well in the anchoring? Like one boy and one girl. It will make a difference,” she suggested.

“Yeah, we can do…” Ansh agreed without hesitation.

“Okay so ask Kiara if she’s ready to do it,” she said.

“Actually ma’am, she has taken part in cultural dance, so she wouldn’t be able to do it,” Prateek informed.

“Ohh… to we have to find someone,” she said in slight worry.

Just then Priya entered. “Excuse me ma’am… Dipti ma’am is calling you.”

“Ohh Priya… sahi time pe aayi ho!” Shalini ma’am lit up instantly, making Priya blink in confusion.

“I want you to do the anchoring with any of them… I know you can do very well, after all Ansh ki hi to behen ho,” she said warmly.

“Okay ma’am… I’ll try,” Priya replied, still unsure but willing.

“Okay, so Priya will accompany you… tum dono mein se kaun karega? Tell me,” she asked, looking between Ansh and Prateek.

In an instant Prateek straightened. “I’ll do ma’am, Ansh bechara bohot busy hai.”

Priya bit her lip, trying not to laugh, eyebrows raised knowingly at him.

“No ma’am, I’ll do it,” Ansh cut in sharply, glaring at Prateek.

“Nhi yrr… tu bohot busy hai… main karta hu na,” Prateek said in the sweetest, fakest tone imaginable.

“Nhi, main kar lunga. Tu chinta mat kar,” Ansh replied, his teeth clenched.

Priya had to press a hand over her mouth to hide her laughter-her brother and her boyfriend fighting over anchoring of all things.

“Common boys, decide fast,” Shalini ma’am warned.

“I’ll do it ma’am, it’s final,” Ansh declared.

“No ma’am, main karta hu na… bechare ko aur bhi kitne saare kaam hai… kya-kya karega bichara head boy,” Prateek insisted dramatically.

“Okay fine,” Shalini ma’am sighed. “Prateek, you’ll do the anchoring with Priya. And Ansh, manage all the things like you always do… also don’t overwork yourself.”

She left, and Ansh immediately glared at Prateek, who just grinned like an idiot.

“Chill bro… kha nahi jaunga Priya ko,” Prateek joked nervously, but Ansh’s glare sharpened enough to make him gulp. He quickly motioned Priya to come along.

Once they were out of Ansh’s sight, Prateek sighed dramatically.

“Jab se pata chala hai isse ye aise kyu dekhta hai mujhe? Jaise main kha jaunga tumko,” he complained.

“Kya pata aap sach mein kha jao toh? Ikloti choti behen hoon na unki,” Priya teased.

“Achha ji… tum bhi uski side le rahi ho ab?” Prateek pretended to act offended, and Priya nodded, enjoying his reactions.

“Kha hi leta phir toh aaj,” Prateek muttered playfully.

Priya’s eyes widened and she bolted, laughing, as Prateek chased after her across the green room.

_________________

The room was painfully silent, the kind of silence that presses against a person’s chest. Aman sat on his chair, shoulders slumped, his laptop glowing dimly in the quiet space. A long email was open on the screen-formal, crisp, carrying the weight of a decision that could change everything. 

His phone lay beside the laptop, screen lit up with Samaira’s contact. He had called her. Messaged her. Tried everything. But she hadn’t replied-not after the conversation in the cafe, She was avoiding him, and somehow, that stung more than the fear of leaving.

Aman leaned forward, elbows on the table, and dropped his head into his hands. His eyes slipped shut as his thoughts spiraled-messy, painful, restless.

He didn’t want to go. Not even a bit. Not when this house had finally started feeling like a home again. Chacha and Chachi’s warmth, Vivaan’s chaos, Priya’s care, Ansh’s annoying-but-loving leadership. And then there were the memories he had carved with the others-Aditi’s laughter, Shagun’s bubbly energy, Ruhaan’s sarcasm, Prateek’s support, Riva’s innocence.

But above all… Samaira.

The one person who had unknowingly revived the real Aman-the boy he had buried the day he lost his parents. She had become the soft glow in his darkest nights, the steady warmth he clung to without admitting it out loud. Losing her… drifting away from her… the thought itself burned.

His voice cracked in the quiet as he whispered to himself, “Will I be leaving all of them together?”

His gaze moved back to the laptop screen, the acceptance email staring right back at him like a verdict. His hands trembled slightly as he exhaled-long, exhausted, defeated.

“I can’t, I guess,” he whispered, the words barely audible.

With a tired sigh, he softly shut the laptop as if closing the lid would somehow silence the chaos in his mind. He pushed himself up from the chair and walked toward his bed, each step heavy, slow. As soon as he hit the mattress, he sank into it, eyes closing again-not for sleep, but to escape the ache he didn’t know how to deal with.

___________________

The canteen buzzed with the usual chaos of lunchbreak, but at their long shared table, a different kind of storm was brewing. Everyone had settled into their seats with their lunchboxes open, talking over each other like any other day-yet an odd heaviness lingered in the air.

“Yrr aaj ka samosa achha nhi hai,” Vivaan complained, even though his mouth was stuffed with the same samosa he was criticizing.

“Haa lag raha hai,” Ruhaan agreed, barely looking up from his plate.

“Oye tu fried rice layi hai… mujhe bhi de,” Aditi said, eyeing Shagun’s tiffin with sparkling hunger.

“Mujhe bhi de,” Priya chimed in a second later.

“Lelo bhai… mana thodi kiya hai,” Shagun replied in a tired, flat tone, sliding her tiffin toward them without her usual sass.

“Tujhe kya hua… muh kyu latka hai?” Prateek asked, immediately catching the sadness on her face.

“Kuch nhi bhaiya… bas kuch log kaam nahi karne dete,” Shagun muttered, clearly aiming the taunt at Ruhaan.

The group paused, eyes bouncing between the two like spectators at a match.

“Haan because log kaam karte karte bhool jaate hain that they should have some boundaries,” Ruhaan fired back casually, chewing like he’d done absolutely nothing wrong.

“Ye hua kya hai dono ko?” Riva whispered to Vivaan and Aditi, leaning in.

“Kya pata… bhidd gaye honge,” Vivaan shrugged, still focused on his food.

“Sab theek to hai tum dono ke beech?” Ansh finally asked, confused.

“Haan bhaiya… sab theek hai… bas kuch logo ko gussa control nahi karna aata,” Shagun snapped, glaring at Ruhaan.

“Aur kuch logo ko basic cheezo main difference,” Ruhaan muttered sharply.

“Excuse me… what kind of difference you are talking about?” Shagun asked, turning fully toward him now.

“Difference between what’s wrong and what’s right,” Ruhaan stated plainly, meeting her eyes.

“And maine kya galat kiya… will you please elaborate?” Shagun demanded.

“Achha bhi kya hi kiya?” he scoffed.

“At least tumhari tarah ball to nahi maari kisi ke sar pe,” Shagun shot back.

“Vo deserve karta tha maar khana,” Ruhaan replied without blinking.

“Dekha bhaiya… dekha kaise ye apni galti bhi nahi maan raha,” Shagun turned to Prateek and Ansh in frustration.

“Jab maine kuch galat hi nahi kiya to main kyun maanun,” Ruhaan defended, folding his arms.

“Calm down guys… khana kha rahe hain hum,” Ansh tried reasoning, though he already knew this battle was unstoppable.

“Isko bol na… baat baat pe taunt maar rahi hai mujhe,” Ruhaan complained.

“Maine kya taunt maara?” Shagun shot up, voice rising.

“Chup hoja behen meri,” Priya whispered, gently pulling Shagun’s hand.

“Tu chup reh,” Shagun snapped back at Aditi, who had also tried to calm her.

Vivaan leaned toward Riva with a mischievous grin, whispering, “Kya lagta hai kon jeetega?”

“Shagun didi pakka… fire lag rhi hai,” Riva whispered back, both of them watching like they were enjoying live entertainment.

“Galat hi kya kiya maine… chipak raha tha vo langoor, to hata diya. Simple,” Ruhaan said defensively.

“Hatana nahi kehte use… ball se bakaida maara hai tumne usse,” Shagun corrected sharply.

“Ek hi baat hai,” Ruhaan muttered, making Shagun’s jaw drop in disbelief.

“Aur tumhe uski itni kyun padi hai… boyfriend to main hoon na tumhara,” Ruhaan said, irritation slipping into his voice.

“Haa to kya… galat to kiya na tumne,” Shagun shot back.

“Bolna hi bekaar hai yrr tumse… main ja raha hoon,” Ruhaan pushed back his chair and stood up, frustration rolling off him.

“Haa bhaad mein jao,” Shagun snapped instantly.

“Pagal hai kya,” Aditi scolded Shagun under her breath.

“Tu chup reh,” Shagun shut Aditi up again without even looking at her.

Everyone at the table fell silent, staring between the fuming Shagun and the retreating Ruhaan, trying to understand what on earth had escalated so quickly.

“Matter serious lagta hai,” Prateek whispered to Ansh.

Ansh just nodded, eyes fixed on the empty spot where Ruhaan had been sitting moments ago

_________________

The library felt warmer than the chilly breeze outside, its soft yellow lights glowing against the quiet silence that hugged every corner. 

Aditi stepped inside, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she adjusted the sling bag on her shoulder. She wore simple jeans and a bright yellow T-shirt something sweet and effortless that somehow made her look like a little sunbeam walking into the calm, dusty-book scented place.

She walked up to the counter with her usual politeness and asked, “Excuse me ma’am… could you please tell me where is the novel section?” 

The elderly lady behind the counter looked up through her spectacles and smiled warmly before pointing, “Take left from here and you’ll see the novels board. There they are.” Aditi thanked her softly, the polite smile never leaving her face, and turned toward the aisle.

The rows of novels were tall and quiet, like patient guardians of stories waiting to be chosen. “Yhi honi chahiye…” she whispered, scanning the colorful spines. Her face lit up as soon as her fingers brushed the book she was searching for. 

“Got it,” she whispered triumphantly. Hugging the book lightly, she let her eyes wander around the library, searching for an empty table to sit and read a little.

That’s when her eyes froze. Across the room, sitting at a table near the corner, was Ansh. 

His head bent slightly, brows drawn in focus as he read the book opened in front of him. Every few seconds he scribbled something in a notebook beside him, his handwriting neat and purposeful. 

His bag lay casually on the table, like he had been here for quite some time. The soft light above him highlighted his face gently, making the entire picture look like a scene straight out of a calm, cozy movie.

Aditi blinked. Once. Twice. Her heartbeat stuttered, and the book almost slipped from her hands.

“What is he doing here? “she panicked internally. She took a tiny step backward, her mind immediately spinning into chaos.

“Should I go?…No no no,” she told herself instantly, clutching the book closer to her chest like a shield. But then another voice whispered inside her head her braver side, the one Shagun always tried to activate.

Nhii Adu… you should go. Kab tak tu chupti rahegi? Aaj mauka hai. Chali ja.

She puffed out a silent breath, staring at Ansh again who was still unaware that she had just walked into the same world as him. Her cheeks warmed. Her heart fluttered.

she gathered every ounce of courage bubbling inside her and finally walked up to the table where Ansh sat in serious, focused, completely absorbed in his world, as if the library was created just for him. 

She quietly pulled the chair opposite him and sat down, expecting him to glance up… but nothing. Not even a flicker. He didn’t look at her. Didn’t blink. Didn’t even acknowledge the sound of the chair moving.

“Did he… ignore me? “her heart whispered, offended.

Determined to grab his attention, she cleared her throat softly. No reaction. He just poked his pen into his cheek a habit she had memorized without ever meaning to. She tried again, this time adding a small dramatic cough.

That finally worked. Ansh looked up, his face freezing mid-expression the moment he saw her sitting there, chin resting on her hand, staring at him with a tiny smirk. His pen slipped from his fingers and hit the table with a soft clatter.

“Hiii,” Aditi whispered, leaning slightly forward.

“Hii,” Ansh replied, awkward smile breaking over his face, cheeks tinting faintly pink.

“Please maintain silence,” the librarian snapped, glaring at both of them. They instantly straightened like guilty children.

A few seconds later, Aditi quietly slid a small folded note onto his book.

“Books ke alava aapko kuch nhj dikhta kya?”

Ansh’s lips twitched. He wrote something back and pushed the note towards her.

“Dikhta hai na… but it depends where’s my interest.”

Aditi’s face warmed. She bit her lip to hide the smile threatening to escape and scribbled again.

“And what are your interests?”

When the note returned, her breath hitched.

“Books, articles, sketches… you.”

Her fingers froze. The word you stared at her like a tiny spark ready to burst into fireworks. Her cheeks flamed instantly. She, without wasting a second, changed the topic.

“Aap padh kya rhe hai?”

Ansh silently lifted the book so she could see the cover. NDA Question Bank.

“Abhi se…? It still has time,” she whispered before remembering she needed to stay quiet.

He scribbled again.

“Exam has time, but technically… I won’t get time. Annual function, Diwali holidays, preboards, boards… then the exam. Better to start now.”

Aditi rolled her eyes. Classic Ansh.

“Itna kon padhta hai? “ she wrote.

He leaned forward and whispered, “Head boy,” flashing a smug smile.

Aditi’s laugh escaped before she could stop it.

“Please don’t make a sound,” the librarian barked again, now specifically looking at them like a hawk.

“Sorry,” they whispered in unison, before giggling silently behind their hands.

For the next hour, they sat there stealing glances, sliding notes, pretending to read while actually watching each other more than any book. The warmth of the moment settled between them like a shy little secret neither wanted to break.

When the clock struck closing time, Ansh began packing up. Aditi pretended to read her book, but she was definitely watching him. He easily caught her.

“Tum kab se bas content wala page khol ke kya padh rhi ho?” he whispered teasingly.

She shut the book abruptly. “Ohh… actually overview le rhi thi book ka,” she mumbled, completely flustered.

“Aap ja rhe hain?” she asked softly.

He nodded. But then, after a small pause, he looked at her again. “Chalo tum bhi… sath main chalte hai,” he offered, slightly hesitant.

“Okiee.” Her answer was instant.

She rushed to place the novel back on the shelf and returned only to find her sling bag already in Ansh’s hand, along with his own bag, waiting for her like he always had.

She stepped closer and took her bag back, brushing his fingers lightly.
“Aap book nhi rakhenge?” she asked, glancing at the book.

“Nhi… I’ll be issuing it for a week,” he answered casually.

 Now Ansh was getting his book issued. Aditi had spot something lying near his seat so she went there again. It was his school ID card, it must have fallen from his bag.

She picked it up carefully, her fingers brushing the laminated surface. His picture stared back at her slightly serious, hair perfectly in place, collar a little crooked just the way it always was. She couldn’t hold back the tiny smile tugging at her lips.

“Handsome to hain…” she whispered under her breath, unable to resist the small compliment.

As she flipped the card, her eyes landed on the date of birth printed neatly under his details.

“26 October…” she murmured softly. The realization clicked in her head instantly. “Annual day k din inka birthday bhi hai…”

Her eyes widened a little. The thought of his birthday being on the same day as their annual function felt oddly special like the universe had tucked a tiny surprise into her evening.

Holding the card with both hands, she walked towards the counter where Ansh stood. He was talking to the librarian, waiting for his book to be scanned. The moment he turned, his eyes landed on her and then on the familiar blue lanyard she was holding out toward him.

She extended her hand slightly, her voice soft but clear. “Aapka ID card waha pe gir gaya tha.”

For a second, Ansh blinked first at the card, then at her, as if processing how close he came to losing it. Then his face softened, the corners of his mouth lifting into a gentle smile.

“thank you so much,” he said, taking the card from her carefully, his fingers brushing hers for a moment longer than necessary. He slid the card safely inside his bag, patting the pocket as if securing something precious.

Aditi just nodded, lowering her gaze for a second to hide the shy smile creeping onto her face before standing beside him, ready to walk out together.

(for the further part before reading I want you all to please play ” dooron dooron” song as I’ve listened to it while writing and it just felt like~~~…..I can’t describe that feeling… so please just try it once….attached song hi hai play that)

Aditi followed him out of the quiet library, the soft winter breeze brushing against her skin as they stepped into the dimly lit parking area. 

She watched Ansh pull out a small bunch of keys from his pocket, the metal lightly jingling. Without saying anything, he looked back at her and gestured with a small nod, silently telling her to come along. 

Aditi, without questioning, simply followed, her steps light, almost timid, yet full of anticipation she couldn’t explain.

When he stopped beside his bike, she blinked at the sight of it before looking up at him, her eyes round with innocent confusion.

“Ham bike se jayenge?” she asked softly, voice almost childlike. Ansh smiled, that calm, teasing smile he often gave only her.

“Ja toh hum paidal bhi ja sakte hai… par bike yahin chhod doonga toh papa gussa karenge.” He said it so casually while inserting the key and starting the engine that Aditi couldn’t help the tiny smile forming on her lips.

“Baitho.”He patted the back seat lightly.

Aditi hesitated for two whole seconds before climbing onto the seat behind him. Her movements were shy almost too careful like she was scared of accidentally touching him. For support, she placed her small hands very gently on his shoulders, barely there, as if afraid even her touch might bother him. The moment she realised what she had done, she snatched her hands back in pure embarrassment, her cheeks warming up instantly.

“Chaliye,” she said hurriedly, now gripping the back handle awkwardly.

Ansh glanced at her through the rear-view mirror, his eyes softening. “You can hold me for safety… warna gir jaogi.” His tone was gentle, patient almost fond.

“Nhi girungi… aap chaliye.”Aditi immediately shook her head, flustered.

He let out a tiny chuckle, the kind that came from pure amusement. “You know… tumse pehle bas Priya baithi hai iss bike pe mere peeche…. and she holds me very tightly… so I want you to hold me as well. Warna gir gayi toh Prateek maar daalega mujhe.”

Aditi’s eyes widened, her heart flipping at the thought. Then, with the kind of hesitant cuteness only she could pull off, she leaned forward just a little and held the hem of his loose shirt two tiny pinches of cloth between her fingers, barely gripping him. As if touching more than that would set her entire soul on fire.

“Ab theek hai?” she whispered, eyes lowered, voice as soft as a feather.

Ansh’s smile deepened. “Hmm… perfect.”

He started the bike and the ride settled into a sweet silence broken only by the wind brushing past them. Aditi sat behind him, her grip on his shirt still delicate and shy, her head occasionally dipping forward whenever he slowed down, as if she couldn’t balance properly but refused to hold him properly too. Each time she pulled back instantly, her tiny gasp barely audible but Ansh caught every single one through the mirror, his eyes softening every time.

After a few minutes, he tilted his head slightly.”Tumhe kuch kehna hai?” He could sense her thoughts running.

“Nhi… kuch nahi.”Aditi quickly shook her head. Her fingers tightened on his shirt for half a secondti ny, nervous, adorable.

Then after a moment she asked, “Aapka birthday aane wala hai?” Her voice was hesitant, like she wasn’t sure she should be asking.

“Tumhe kisne bataya?”Ansh frowned slightly, confused.

“Vo… aapke ID card mein dekha,” she admitted, cheeks warming again.

“Ohh… haan, aane wala hai.”He nodded with a small smile.

“tumne kyu poocha” he asked

Aditi played with his shirt hem again, twisting it shyly between her fingers. “Nhi… aise hi poocha. vaise aapko kya gift chahiye?”

“Tum dogi?”He let out a soft laugh.

“Haan… main pooch rahi hoon toh main hi dungi,” she said with a tiny huff, trying to sound confident but looking extremely cute instead. Ansh didn’t answer. He just smiled one of those rare, tender smiles he couldn’t control around her

 Ansh slowed his bike in front of Aditi’s gate. The cold breeze brushed against them, but neither felt it both too wrapped in the strange, sweet warmth that had settled between them ever since the library.

He switched off the engine and glanced at her, his voice calm and low. “Lo… aa gaya tumhara ghar.”

Aditi stepped down carefully, her fingers brushing the seat as if delaying the moment of getting off. She stood in front of him, shifting the sling bag on her shoulder, her eyes blinking softly.

“Apne bataya nhi… aapko gift mein kya chahiye?” she asked again this time not teasing, not playful, just sincerely curious.

Ansh looked at her, really looked, before he lowered his gaze nervously. “Vaise toh I don’t want anything from anyone…” He paused, swallowing as though the next words were heavy. “But this time… I want something from you Aditi…”

The way he said her name soft, almost fragile made her heart flutter. Her fingers played with the strap of her bag, a small shy habit she always did when nervous. “Kya?” she whispered, almost afraid to break the moment.

Instead of answering, Ansh reached into his bag and pulled out a small wooden box. It looked old, polished, handled with care almost like he had kept it safe for a long time. He held it out to her, his fingers brushing hers for a second, sending a soft jolt up her arm.

Aditi, wide-eyed and hesitant, opened the box slowly. Inside lay a delicate red ruby bracelet simple, pretty, shining softly even in the dim light. Her lips parted with a small breath, the kind she took when something touched her heart more than she expected. (the same he had bought at Rishikesh)

“you know what?…I am a kind of person who can wait forever but this time after all this…my heart is getting restlesss because of you but….I’ll still be waiting for your answer…” he said quietly, his voice barely above the breeze. “Aur… yeh,” he nodded towards the bracelet, “yeh mujhe mere answers de dega.”

“Vo kaise?” she asked, her voice unintentionally breathy as she kept staring at the bracelet, her thumb gently stroking the ruby like it was something precious.

Ansh gave a small, knowing smile the kind that held both hope and fear. “you know how.”

Understanding washed over her, slow and warm, and her cheeks heated up instantly. She looked away for a second, hiding the shy smile that curled on her lips.

Then Ansh asked, in the softest, most hesitant tone she had ever heard from him, “Can I… can I call you ISHA?”

Her head snapped up, eyes widening. The name hit her like a soft gust, unexpected, warm, deeply personal. She didn’t speak she couldn’t. But she nodded slowly, shyly, her fingers clenching the box a little tighter as her heart thudded loud enough for her to feel it in her throat.

A tiny, relieved smile tugged at Ansh’s lips. “Thank you,” he whispered, and it was so full of sincerity that her chest tightened.

“Achha… tum jao ab. Late ho raha hai,” he said gently, though his eyes lingered on her like he didn’t really want her to go.

Aditi finally turned toward the gate, clutching the little wooden box close to her chest. But just before stepping inside, something tugged at her heart so she turned back.

He was still there. Standing balancing his bike, waiting… watching her with that soft smile that felt unspokenly hers.

She lifted her hand and waved, her smile small and shy but real. Ansh’s smile brightened instantly wide, genuine, almost boyish. He raised his hand and waved back, as if that small gesture from her meant the world.

And only after she disappeared behind the gate did he finally turn away, his heart full, his steps light carrying the sweet weight of the moment, and the sweeter hope she had just given him.

The moment Aditi stepped inside the house, a different kind of glow followed her in soft, dreamy, almost floating. Her cheeks were flushed pink, her eyes sparkling like she was carrying a galaxy in them. She held the little wooden box close to her chest, her heart still drumming to the rhythm of his voice.

“Isha…” she whispered to herself, the word suddenly feeling sacred, precious hers. And yet his.

Just saying it sent a warm flutter through her stomach, and before she could stop herself, she twirled lightly in the middle of the hall, hugging the air as a huge smile spread across her face. She even did a tiny jump completely forgetting she wasn’t alone.

The sound of a light cough brought her crashing back to earth.

She froze mid-smile, eyes widening, staring directly at her entire family sitting on the sofa watching her like she had just performed a full Bollywood dance sequence for no reason.

“Tu theek hai?” Shweta asked, eyebrows raised, clearly trying to understand her daughter’s sudden rebirth.

“Kya pata daura pad gaya ho,” Prateek muttered, earning himself a smack on the shoulder from Samira.

Amit leaned forward, concern in his eyes. “Theek hai beta tu?”

Aditi gulped, plastering the most normal, socially acceptable smile she could possibly manage. “U… haan papa, theek hoon main.”

“To itna kyu naach rahi hai?” Shweta asked, suspicious but amused.

“K-kuch nahi, vo toh… bas aise hi mann hua,” Aditi stammered, clutching the wooden box behind her, praying no one asked what was inside.

Prateek scoffed dramatically. “Haan, kabhi mental hospital jaane ka bhi mann bana le… shanti hogi ghar mein phir.”

“Papa!!! Dekho bhaiya pareshan kar raha hai!” Aditi shrieked, stomping her foot like a flustered toddler.

“Prateek,” Amit scolded instantly.

“Sorry papa,” Prateek said with a fake sincere face only to stick his tongue out at Aditi the moment Amit looked away.

Aditi responded with even more sass, sticking her tongue out longer.

“Chalo, bakwaas band karo dono,” Samaira finally declared like the queen she was. “Khana khao. Abhi.”

Both siblings straightened immediately, nodding like obedient schoolchildren.

__________________

Night had settled softly over the city, and Ansh’s room glowed in the warm yellow light of his study lamp. He sat on his chair, dressed in his most comfortable clothes loose grey joggers and a soft white T-shirt, hair slightly messy from running his fingers through it again and again. His books were open in front of him, notes spread across the table, but not a single line was registering in his mind.

His eyes drifted toward the shirt hanging on the back of his chair the same shirt he had worn to the library. A quiet, helpless smile curved on his lips as he reached for it. 

He lifted it closer, fingers brushing over the fabric, and brought it near his face. The faintest trace of a familiar scent lingered on it Aditi’s soft, sweet, almost floral fragrance. It wasn’t very strong, but just enough to make his chest tighten with a warmth he had been trying so hard to hide.

He closed his eyes, inhaling gently, and instantly her face flashed before him how she sat opposite him with that shy smile, how she blushed reading his notes, how she held his shirt’s hem during the ride, tiny trembling fingers gripping like she was holding onto courage itself.

 “God…” he whispered to himself, leaning back in the chair, “she is so adorable.” He didn’t realize when he started smiling like an idiot.

His gaze then shifted toward the moon shining bright out in sky. His heart thumped softly, a slow, deep tug of longing.

“Will she wear it?” he wondered aloud, voice barely above a whisper.

His fingers tapped restlessly on the table as he imagined the bracelet around her delicate wrist. How it would look against her skin. How shy she would get if he noticed it. How she would probably hide her hand behind her back, cheeks red, eyes refusing to meet his.

And somewhere inside, a nervous ache grew.

“Will she… say yes?” he whispered, swallowing hard.

He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, palms pressed together. His mind replayed her wide eyes when he asked if he could call her Isha, replayed the tiny nod she gave him soft, hesitant, but so precious that it made him feel protective in ways he never understood before.

A tiny smile stretched across his face again, helpless but full of hope.

“Please… wear it,” he murmured under his breath, looking at the moon again.

“Please let your answer be yes.”

For a long while, he just sat there, lost in her scent on his shirt.

___________________

After dinner, Aditi slipped quietly into her room, letting the soft click of the door melt into the silence. She changed into her comfy clothes a loose T-shirt and shorts and sat on the edge of her bed for a moment. 

Her body was here, in this familiar room filled with warm lights and soft breezes from the half-open window… but her mind? It was still wrapped around the memory of a certain boy, his bike ride, and the way her heart had refused to behave the entire way home.

She sighed, pulling her chair towards the study table. Her fingers trembled just a little as she opened the small box Ansh had given her earlier. Inside lay the bracelet, delicate and simple yet somehow beautiful in a way that reminded her too much of him.

Her fingertips traced the cool metal, and instantly the echo of his voice brushed against her ears.

“Can I call you… ISHA?”

Her cheeks warmed so quickly she had to hide her face behind her hands. “Kya hi ho raha hai mujhe…” she muttered, giggling at her own goofy smile like some hopeless, lovesick girl. 

She peeked at the bracelet again, and all she could see was his expression from earlier those amber-brown eyes filled with hesitation, respect, and a softness he never allowed anyone else to see.

Aditi slipped the bracelet onto her wrist just to check.

“Hmmm… choice to kaafi achhi hai,” she said proudly to herself, tilting her wrist so the light caught the charm. “Mujhe hi dekh lo,” she added, unable to stop the smug smile.

But then a thought sharp and sudden crossed her mind. Her smile softened. Her heart tripped.

With a tiny gasp, she quickly slid it off, placed it gently back into the box, and tucked the box into her cupboard as if it were something fragile, sacred. Something that needed protecting.

She was about to crawl onto her bed, already fighting a blush that refused to leave her, when the door creaked open.

Samaira peeked inside. “Sogyi kya?”

“Nahi, ja rhi hu bas… kyu? Kuch kaam hai aapko?” Aditi asked, pushing her hair behind her ear.

“Nahi kaam to nahi… bas mann kar raha tha tere paas sone ka.” Samaira said.

Aditi’s face lit up. “Aajao phir.”

Within minutes, both sisters settled onto Aditi’s bed. As usual, Aditi curled herself around Samaira’s arm like a tiny human koala, her warmth and affection wrapping around her sister effortlessly.

“Achha Adu… sunn,” Samaira whispered. Aditi hummed, eyes closed, already halfway to sleep.

“What if… tu aur Ansh saath mein ho and he has to leave? Toh tu kya karegi?” Samaira asked

Aditi’s eyes flew open, shock shooting through her entire body. “Kya matlab? Main kuch samjhi nahi…” she said, trying and failing to hide her flustered face.

“I know tum dono ek-doosre ko pasand karte ho. Abhi saath nahi ho, but you’ll date each other for sure,” Samaira said gently.

Aditi’s face turned tomato red. “Kuch bhi mat bolo yaar di…”

“Achha chal, just imagine,” Samaira continued, refusing to let her escape. “Tu aur Ansh saath ho… and you know he wants to join the army. Toh use training ke liye dusre state jana padega. What will you feel?”

Aditi exhaled slowly. “Army join karna unka dream hai… toh obviously I’ll feel happy for him.”

“Par tujhe bura nahi lagega? Ki vo tujhe… ham sabko chhod ke chala jayega? Postings hongi… kab chhutti milegi, kab nahi… won’t you feel hurt or upset?”

Aditi thought for a second really thought. Then she gently untangled herself and sat upright on the bed, pulling Samaira up with her.

“Thoda bura lagega… gussa bhi aayega,” she admitted softly. “But…”

“But?” Samaira pressed.

Aditi’s voice grew warm, sure, honest.

“But iss baat ki khushi bhi hogi ki he’s living the life he imagined. Ki vo apne dreams poore karenge. Aur unhe kabhi guilt nahi hoga ki unhone koi chance miss kar diya. Aur rahi baat meri…” She smiled, so softly it almost hurt. “Vo wapas bhi toh mere liye hi aayenge na. And I know he loves me a lot… toh har chhutti mein sabse pehle mujhse hi milne aayenge.”

Samaira blinked tunned by the simplicity and depth of that answer.

“Vaise bhi, di,” Aditi added, tucking her knees to her chest, “sabke apne dreams hote hain. Opportunities bhi hoti hain. Par bohot kismat wale log hote hain jo un opportunities ko catch karke apne dreams poore karte hain.”

Samaira stared at her, processing every word. “Hmm… tu sahi keh rahi hai.”

Aditi tilted her head. “Ab aapko kya hua? Itne serious kyun ho gaye?”

“Huh? Nahi… kuch nahi…” Samaira shook her head, coming back to reality only to narrow her eyes suddenly. “Par tujhe kaise pata Ansh loves you? Matlab like karta hai vo toh hum sabko pata hai… par love? Ye kab hua?”

Aditi froze.

“Hua hi nahi!” she blurted instantly. “Maine toh bas imagine kiya tha! Aapne hi toh bola tha imagine karne ko!”

“Achhaaa…” Samaira stretched the word, still suspicious.

Aditi dove under her blanket. “Jaa rhi hu main sone, neend aa rhi hai,” she declared quickly, shutting her eyes tightly very obviously pretending to sleep.

Samaira stared at her for a full five seconds.

Aditi didn’t move.Finally, Samaira laughed softly, shook her head, and turned off the light.

The moment Samaira’s breathing steadied, Aditi slowly loosened her hold around her sister and rolled onto her back, staring at the ceiling. 

“Army join karna unka dream hai…” She replayed her own words, the ones she’d said so confidently a few minutes ago. At that time, she had sounded strong… supportive… mature.

But now, alone with her thoughts, the truth slipped out quiet, raw, unfiltered. A tiny ache bloomed in her heart.

She imagined Ansh in those olive-green uniforms he often stared at on his phone. She imagined him leaving after 12th… stepping on a train for training… looking back only once before everything changed.

Her throat tightened. “He’ll go so far away… away from me, from all of us…” 

She imagined weeks of no calls, months of no meetings… him surrounded by new people, new responsibilities, new pressures. 

“And what if… what if he doesn’t? What if he gets too busy? Too tired? Too distant?”

Aditi turned slightly, clutching the blanket near her chest, her lashes fluttering as she blinked rapidly. She wasn’t crying not really but her eyes had turned glassy with the weight of the thought.

She tried to laugh at herself.

“Hadh hoti hai Aditi… abhi kuch hua bhi nahi and you’re already missing him…”

But the ache didn’t disappear. It settled deep. She thought of him sitting somewhere miles away… smiling at some memory… maybe at her… maybe not.

That thought alone stung more than it should have. She pulled the blanket up to her chin, curling like a small bundle. She imagined him calling her someday after training tired voice, rough breathing, saying softly,”Aditi, I missed you.”

Her heart clenched painfully. She pressed her face into the pillow, letting out the quietest sigh.

Because deep down, beneath all her maturity and understanding, there was a small girl…
one who didn’t want to be left behind, one who didn’t want him to forget her, one who wanted him close… maybe more than she should.

She shut her eyes tight, trying to push the thoughts away.

“If he’s chasing his dreams, I’ll be happy… I’ll be proud… I will.
But… I’ll miss him. Too much.”

A tiny pout formed on her lips as she whispered into her pillow, almost childishly, “Bohot bura lagega…”

And with that quiet confession, Aditi finally drifted into sleep her heart holding onto him just a little tighter than before.

_________________

That’s all for this chapter….hope you liked it🎀

Koi ye nhi bolega faltu main ladai karayi Ruhaan and Shagun ki…. topic nhi mil raha tha to bhida diya aise hi😤🫠

Btw bike ride kaisi lagi??🫣

Don’t forget to vote and leave comments🫶

Milte hain next chapter main….💕

Lots of love ❣️

~Prachi💌

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