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बालों का तेरे मैं हाये क्लिप हो गया
चांद से भी ज्यादा सोहना मुखड़ा तेरा
हाये देखते हाय दिल ये स्लिप हो गया
ओ मर गये यार दीवाने,
ओ तेरे आशिक पुराने
ओ डाई हार्ड फैन तेरे हैं
तुही कदर ना जाने
ओ मर गये यार दीवाने
ओ तेरे आशिक पुराने
ओ डाई हार्ड फैन तेरे हैं
तुही कदर ना जाने
_______________________
9k+ words
VOTE: 380+
(this time i’m serious guys please complete the votes target, there are 1.5K+ reads on chapter but barely 300 votes….i’m also giving my time yrr aisa to mat karo please )
COMMENTS: 400+
_______________________
It was a comforting, warm evening at Aditi’s house the kind that made stress feel lighter despite the looming pressure of preboards and exams. The hall was filled with books, notebooks, scattered pens, and half-drunk cups of coffee. Everyone was present for group studies, sitting on the floor or leaning against cushions, each lost in their own academic battles.
Aditi sat near the center, calmly explaining biology concepts to Priya, pointing at diagrams and breaking things down patiently. Priya listened with full concentration, occasionally nodding or frowning when something didn’t make sense.
On the other side, Shagun and Vivaan were hunched over their chemistry notebooks, clearly struggling with numericals. Prateek was quietly solving maths problems, completely focused, while Ansh helped Ruhaan cover the syllabus he had missed during his match days.
“yrrr ye nahi ho rha mujhse,” Vivaan sulked, dropping his pen dramatically.
“mujhe bhi nhii aa rha,…. bhaiya se poochee?” Shagun whispered, and Vivaan nodded instantly, desperate.
She looked up at the boys. “aap dono main se khali kon hai?”
Ruhaan instantly brightened, overly excited. “haa bolo main free hu” Ansh was done with him. Completely.
“pehle tum apna syllabus poora karo vrna latke reh jaoge,” Shagun said firmly, making Ruhaan sulk while the others chuckled.
“kya hua?” Prateek asked, looking up from his maths.
“ye wala question samajh nhi aya,” Vivaan said, showing him the book.
Before Ansh could even react, Ruhaan’s attention drifted again.
“tu udhar kya dekh rha hai…idhar dhyaan de,” Ansh smacked Ruhaan lightly, making everyone laugh as Ruhaan straightened up guiltily.
As Prateek started explaining the concept to Shagun and Vivaan, the doorbell rang.
“main dekhta hu,” Vivaan said, standing up lazily and opening the door – only to find Riva standing there.
“are waah phoolan devi bhi aagyi meri,” Vivaan said brightly.
Riva’s expression darkened instantly. “muh tod dungi tumhara side hato”
“hata skti ho to hata lo,” he challenged, blocking the door.
Without warning, Riva shoved her ice-cold hands inside his collar. Vivaan jolted, his warm neck reacting instantly, and she slipped inside smoothly.
“aaah mammmyyy…..itte thade hathh,” Vivaan screamed.
“pair aur bhi thande hai maaru?” Riva threatened.
He shook his head furiously. “maaf kariye chudail maate,” Vivaan said, joining his hands and stepping aside as everyone burst out laughing.
As Riva walked in, Aditi immediately asked, “tu to renuka di ke ghar jaane wali thi na?….gyi nahi?”
“nhii diii….pohchne wale the tabhi pta chala unke ghar pe hi guest aagye to ham jake kya karte isliye nahi gyi,” Riva replied.
“ooo achha,” Aditi said, making an exaggerated face.
“aja tu bhi padh le hamlog ke sath,” Priya invited.
“vo to main padh lungi pehle mujhe aplogo ki help chahiye,” Riva said seriously.
“kaisi help,” Vivaan asked.
“tumhari nhi chahiye,” Riva snapped.
“are maine to bss poocha,” Vivaan muttered.
“isse chod riva, tu bta kya hogya?” Prateek asked, sensing the seriousness.
“vo aaplogo ko shivank yaad hai na,” Riva said.
“kon shivank?” Ruhaan asked.
“whi chachundar ka chacha,” Vivaan muttered.
“hein?” Aditi asked.
“are iska dost bol rha tha,” Vivaan corrected quickly.
“maine to kuch aur suna,” Priya added suspiciously.
“tere to kaan viase bhi bajte hi hain,” Vivaan said smugly.
“tum log baad main lad lena,” Ansh scolded them, then turned to Riva, “tum bolo riva what happend with him?”
Riva took a breath. “haa to main kya bol rhi thi ki we’re like good friends theek hai….matlb more than good friends”
“more than good friends?” Vivaan asked in pure shock.
“are bolne to de bhai usse,” Shagun intervened.
“like ham na insta pe na boht baate karte hain and like baato baaton main hi na kya hua abhi ki he asked if i like someone ya kisi pe crush wagera to nhi hai mujhe,” Riva continued, “to i said no phir usne bola ki he has crush on someone, so i asked ki kisme?”
The room went silent.
“phir,” Aditi urged.
“to usne na ye likhe ke bhj diya,” Riva said, showing them her phone.
The last message read:
i like a girl and it’s you….please don’t get me wrong but i really like you would you mind being with me foreever
Everyone gasped except Vivaan, who visibly boiled.
“iska jyada nhi ho rha?” Vivaan snapped.
“tum chup raho,” Riva shut him up instantly.
“to tune seen pe chod diya….koi answer nhi diya,” Shagun asked softly.
“main kya answer do mujhe samjh nhi aa rha didi,” Riva said, clearly worried.
“sochna kya hai…sedha man karo yrr,” Vivaan said immediately.
“vivaan ik sec,” Ansh shut him down.
“to what you wanna do with him tell me,” Prateek asked seriously.
“mujhe samajh nhi aa rha bhaiya….like he’s good and like hamari vibe bhi match hoti hai….but ye relationship wala thing….i guess…..i should try maybe,” Riva said hesitantly.
“so you don’t hate him, you don’t feelings for him or anything but you just wanna try dating him,” Ruhaan clarified.
“nhi nhi nhi aisa nhi h that i don’t have feeling for him i do have feelings for him like he treats me better and with care to i don’t wanna make him upset,” Riva said honestly.
“oh so you are unsure about how you feel for him but you do have feelings for him,” Aditi said gently. Riva nodded.
“ye kya baat hui…aise thodi hota hai, main bta rha hu ye sahi ladhka nhi hai iske liye,” Vivaan interrupted again.
“let me handle it,” Ruhaan stepped in.
“to tu bol rhi hai you wanna give him chance and date him, final yhi chahti hai tu?” Ruhaan asked. Riva nodded again.
“tu janta hai iss ladhke ko?….is he decent?” Ruhaan asked Prateek.
“pta nahi yrr main bss match main hi mila tha tab to he looked nice,” Prateek replied.
“tum sab batao?” Ruhaan asked.
“ham sab bhi to stadium mai hi mile the,” Priya said.
“are boht bekaar ladhka hai bhaiya yrr maano meri baat main janta hu sec A ke ladhko ko,” Vivaan insisted.
“but he’s not like them,” Riva defended.
“tumhe kaise pta, and how are you so sure?” Vivaan asked.
“enough,” Ansh stopped them.
“riva let’s just do one thing….call him to meet us in luch tomorrow ok we’ll ask him few things and if he looked decent you can do whatever with him,” Ansh said calmly.
“ha ye best rahega….” Shagun agreed.
“hmmm….theek rahega yhii baaki main tgdam lgwata hu school main pta karvata hu iske baare main,” Ruhaan added.
“lekin abhi iska kya?” Riva asked, showing her phone again.
“mujhe dikha,” Aditi said, taking the phone and typing quickly.
“kya kar rhi hai tu?” Vivaan leaned over curiously, making Ansh instantly annoyed.
“vivaan behave,” Ansh scolded, pulling him back.
“kya hai yrr bhaiya, nhi kar rha aditi ko kuch bss phone dekh rha tha,” Vivaan snapped.
“to door reh usse thoda,” Ansh said firmly.
“ha ha theek hai….majnu kahi ke,” Vivaan muttered, earning a glare while everyone suppressed their laughter.
“ye le,” Aditi handed the phone back.
“kya kiya apne?” Riva asked.
“read reciept off kar dii…vo kitne bhi mssg karega usse pta nhi chalega tune padhe uske mggs ya nahi to kal tak chill kar,” Aditi explained.
“ohh achhaa,” Riva relaxed visibly.
“chalo abhi padho sab kal dekhenge isko,” Ansh commanded.
_______________
The school canteen was louder than usual during lunch break trays clattering, laughter echoing, students crowding tables.
In the middle of it all, one table stood out. Shivank sat there, stiff and nervous, his back straight, hands folded awkwardly on his lap. He looked completely out of place sitting between Vivaan and Prateek, with Ruhaan leaning casually across the table and Ansh looking at him with serious expression and Shagun and Aditi seated opposite him along with Priya.
And then there was Vivaan.
Vivaan sat uncomfortably close to Shivank,way closer than necessary one arm resting on the back of Shivank’s chair, his presence loud even in silence. His eyes kept shooting sharp glares, like he was daring Shivank to mess up.
“So,” Ruhaan started lightly, breaking the tension, “tell us about yourself.”
Shivank swallowed and nodded. “I’m Shivank. Section A. I play basketball sometimes. Academics are… decent.”
“Sometimes?” Vivaan leaned in. “Matlab half-hearted player ho? Commitment issue hai kya?”
Shivank blinked, then answered calmly, “No. I play when I can. I don’t quit things halfway.”
Ansh observed quietly, eyes sharp. “What do you want to do after school?”
“I want to study engineering,” Shivank replied. “My family’s big on education.”
“And relationships?” Priya asked suddenly, tilting her head. “What do they mean to you?” Aditi continued the question.
Shivank hesitated, then spoke honestly. “Respect. Effort. And patience. I don’t believe in forcing anything.”
Vivaan scoffed. “Patience? Tumhe lagta hai tum usse handle kar paoge?”
Shivank turned to him, still calm. “I’m not here to handle anyone. Riva isn’t a problem to manage. She’s a person.”
Aditi exchanged a quick glance with Shagun. That answer landed well.
“She’s tough,” Vivaan continued, eyes narrowing. “She doesn’t tolerate nonsense. She snaps back. She won’t adjust for you.”
“I’m not asking her to adjust,” Shivank replied evenly. “I’ll adjust too.”
Ruhaan raised his brows, impressed. “Not bad.”
Prateek leaned forward. “If she says no tomorrow, what will you do?”
Shivank answered without delay. “I’ll respect it. I won’t push.”
Vivaan laughed dryly. “Badi badi baatein karna sabko aata hai.”
Shivank met his eyes this time. “I’m not here to impress you. I’m here because I like her.”
The table went quiet for a moment.
Shagun smiled softly. “That’s… reassuring.”
Ansh finally spoke, voice firm. “One last thing. If someone hurts her intentionally or not you’ll be answerable. Not just to her.”
Shivank nodded seriously. “I understand.”
Ruhaan leaned back, satisfied. “I think we’ve heard enough.”
Prateek nodded. “Yeah. He seems decent.”
Shagun and Aditi exchanged approving smiles.
“Approved,” Ruhaan declared.
Vivaan opened his mouth immediately. “I don’t approve.”
No one even looked at him.
“Opinion rejected,” Aditi said dryly, sipping her juice.
Vivaan frowned. “Why is no one listening to me?”
Priya turned toward him slowly, eyes narrowing with suspicion. “Tujhe kyu itni padi hai?”
He stiffened. “I’m not.”
“You’ve been sitting this close, asking the most questions, getting angry for no reason,” she continued. “You sure you’re not interested in Riva?”
Vivaan snapped, “What nonsense. I don’t like her.”
But as everyone returned to their food, laughing and chatting again, Vivaan fell silent.
Inside his head, a question echoed uninvited, uncomfortable.
Then why does it bother me so much?
___________________
It was a normal, almost lazy day in class where nothing dramatic was supposed to happen.
Ansh sat at his desk near the window, brows slightly furrowed as he revised something seriously, completely immersed in his notes. At his front desk, Prateek and Ruhaan were leaning toward each other, talking animatedly, clearly more interested in gossip than academics.
“Aaj soch rha hu yrr shagun ke sath date pe chala jau… boht time hogya,” Ruhaan said casually, stretching his arms.
Ansh’s pen paused mid-air.
“Chala ja phir… har dusre din to yhi karta hai tu,” Prateek replied, rolling his eyes without even looking up.
Ruhaan scoffed. “Bol to aise raha hai jaise ki tu kabhi jata hi nhi date pe.”
“Haa to teri tarah har dusre din nahi jata,” Prateek shot back.
“Chal chal aya bada hatt,” Ruhaan laughed, shoving him lightly.
Before the argument could escalate, a teacher called out Prateek’s name from the doorway. Prateek groaned, stood up, and walked out, leaving Ruhaan slouched in his seat and Ansh unusually quiet beside him.
“Sunn,” Ansh whispered suddenly, leaning slightly toward Ruhaan.
“Haa bol,” Ruhaan replied lazily.
“Ye date pe jana kya hota hai?” Ansh asked seriously.
Ruhaan froze. He blinked once. Then twice.
“Tujhe date nahi pata kya hoti hai?” he asked in pure disbelief.
Ansh shook his head slowly. “Nahi.”
“Bhaii… matlab tu abhi tak Aditi ke sath date pe nahi gaya?” Ruhaan asked again, louder this time.
“Mujhe pata hi nahi iske baare mein… aur nahi Aditi ne bataya,” Ansh said honestly.
“Abe gadhe, vo kyu batayegi tujhe, mental budhii,” Ruhaan muttered, half-annoyed, half-amused.
“Par maine kya kiya?” Ansh asked, genuinely hurt.
“Kuch nahi kiya tune… aur kar bhi nahi payega jis hisaab ke lakshan hai tere… gawaar kahi ka,” Ruhaan said dramatically.
Ansh frowned, still trying to understand. “Par date karna to… relationship mein aata hota hai na bas?”
“Aditi ko shakti dena bhagwaan iss rulebook ko jhelne ki,” Ruhaan whispered, looking up at the ceiling and joining his hands briefly.
“Bata naa,” Ansh nudged him again, impatient now.
Ruhaan sighed and finally leaned in. “Dekh ab… date karna is like when you are with the person you love with full commitment, theek?”
Ansh nodded attentively, like a student listening to the most important lecture of his life.
“And date pe jana is like jab tum dono saath mein akele time spend karte ho… simple bhasha mein tu aur Aditi kahi bahar ghoomne jao aur apas mein time spend karo,” Ruhaan explained seriously.
“Achha… to matlab mujhe bhi Aditi ke sath kahi bahar jana hoga time spend karne?” Ansh asked, eyes lighting up.
“Haa, aur time spend matlab padhai ki baatein kar ke bore nahi karna usse,” Ruhaan warned. “Pyaar bhari baatein karni hoti hain… samjha?”
Ansh’s face softened in realization. “Ooo achhaaa.”
Ruhaan squinted. “Ye Aditi wali harkat kyu kar raha hai be?”
Ansh instantly realized his expression. “Nahi nahi… aise hi bas ho gaya.”
Before Ruhaan could tease him further, the teacher entered the class with Prateek and scanned the room. Her eyes landed on Ansh.
“Ansh beta, come here.”
Ansh stood up and walked to her desk.
“I’m giving you these, give these in 11th C, okay?” the teacher said, scribbling something on a paper.
“Ji ma’am,” Ansh nodded.
As the teacher continued writing, Ansh’s mind wasn’t there at all. Ruhaan’s words kept echoing “date… Aditi… time spend… pyaar bhari baatein.”
“What’s the date beta?” the teacher asked suddenly, without looking up.
“When two people, basically lovers, go out to spend some quality time, it’s called date,” Ansh blurted out confidently.
The pen stopped scratching. The entire class froze.
The teacher slowly looked up at Ansh, eyes wide. Students turned around in shock. Ruhaan slapped his forehead hard.
“Marvayega ye,” he muttered.
“I’m asking today’s date Anah. What happened to you?!” the teacher asked, horrified.
Ansh’s ears turned bright red as reality hit him. “Oh- sorry ma’am… it’s 3rd December today,” he corrected himself, scratching his neck in embarrassment.
“I’m telling you beta, stop listening to Ruhaan all the time,” the teacher sighed, handing him the paper. “Khud to pagal hai, tumko bhi kar dega.”
“Par maine kya kiya ma’am?” Ruhaan protested, offended.
“Shut up, I know you very well,” the teacher replied, giving him a knowing look.
Ansh quickly escaped the classroom, head down.
“Ye hua kya isko?” Prateek whispered, watching him leave.
“Jo bhi hua ho… toda to mujhe gaya,” Ruhaan sulked, resting his head on the desk
_______________________
It was lunchtime, and the canteen buzzed with noise. The group sat around their usual spot, food spread out between them, completely at ease.
“Physical wali teacher to bas mere hi peeche padi rehti hai,” Vivaan announced confidently, taking a dramatic bite of his food. “I’m sure she has a crush on me.”
Aditi didn’t even look up from her paratha. “Bachhe hain unke tere jitne gawaar,” she said flatly. “Jahilpane ki bhi hadd hoti hai.”
Ruhaan snorted. “Ab chuha hai ye, dimaag to usi hisaab se hoga na iska.”
“Are nahi, sach main,” Vivaan insisted, clearly offended. “Har din meri hi seat pe aake baith jaati hai vo.”
“Vo tumhe idhar-udhar phudakne se rokti hongi,” Riva said dryly.
“Main kyu phudku bhala?” Vivaan frowned. “Aur class mein phudakne layak hai hi kya?”
Laughter rippled through the group, but amidst all the chatter, Ansh sat unusually quiet. He ate slowly, barely tasting his food, his gaze drifting toward Aditi again and again. Every time she laughed or spoke, his ears turned a deeper shade of red, and he quickly looked away.
The bell rang, sharp and sudden, marking the end of recess. Groans erupted as everyone packed their lunchboxes and stood up, heading toward their respective classes. The corridors filled instantly.
Ansh walked slowly, deliberately falling into step beside Aditi. She noticed at once the silence, the nervous energy radiating off him.
“Kya baat hai,” she teased softly, glancing at him. “Laal tamatar kyu bane pade hain aap?”
His throat went dry. “Vo… kuch poochna tha,” he whispered.
“Poochiye,” she replied gently, curiosity lacing her voice.
He took a breath, still walking beside her, eyes fixed straight ahead. “Sunday free ho to… date pe chale?”
Aditi stopped walking for half a second. Her eyes widened, then softened, a warm blush spreading across her cheeks.
“This Sunday?” she asked quietly.
Ansh nodded, hopeful, nervous, completely exposed.
“Okay,” she said, smiling.
The change in him was instant his face lit up, eyes shining as if he had just won something priceless.
“Kya mil gaya tum dono ko ab?” Prateek’s voice cut in from behind.
“Boht kuch,” Ansh replied happily, moving ahead with an unmistakable bounce in his step.
Aditi let out a small chuckle, still blushing.
“Pagal ho gaya hai kya ye aaj?” Prateek muttered, confused.
“Kya bole bhaiya, bata na?” Shagun leaned in, with Priya doing the same.
“Mujhe bhi batao,” Riva added, craning her neck.
“Kuch nahi, hato,” Aditi said quickly, cheeks flushed as she ran toward her class. “Class hai!”
The girls exchanged looks while Ansh walked ahead, smiling to himself the nervousness gone, replaced by quiet excitement that lingered.
________________
It was a relaxed Sunday morning at Ansh’s house or at least, it was supposed to be. The living room echoed with lazy chatter and the occasional sound of the TV, but inside Ansh’s room, chaos reigned supreme.
Ansh paced back and forth in pure panic, his bed completely buried under piles of clothes. Shirts, t-shirts, jackets everything from his wardrobe lay scattered as if a mini storm had passed through. His brows were furrowed, heart racing, mind overthinking every possible option.
Ruhaan sat on the edge of the bed like a self-appointed fashion police officer, arms crossed, judging every piece of clothing with ruthless honesty. On the other side, Vivaan lounged comfortably, crunching chips and enjoying every second of Ansh’s misery like free entertainment.
“Ye wala dekh?” Ansh asked anxiously, holding up a blue shirt.
“School ja raha hai kya? Blue pehen raha hai?” Ruhaan snapped instantly.
Vivaan leaned forward and tossed him a white t-shirt. “Ye wala try karo bhaiya.”
“Nahi, ye nahi,” Ruhaan rejected it just as quickly.
“Phir kya pehnu?” Ansh groaned. “Sab to mana kar raha hai tu.”
“Ha to kapde hi itne boring hain tere paas,” Ruhaan scolded him. “Sabme school vibes aa rahi hai. Date pe ja raha hai tu, gawaar.”
Vivaan’s eyes lit up. “Aman bhaiya ko phone lagao. Unko Samaira didi mast shopping karati hai. Unke paas pakka hoga.”
“Ha ye sahi hai,” Ruhaan nodded. “Laga phone.”
Ansh immediately dialed Aman’s number.
“Haan Ansh, kya hua?” Aman picked up.
“Vo bhaiya… aapke paas koi achhi si shirt ya sweatshirt hai jo main pehen lu?” Ansh asked hesitantly.
“Hogi cupboard mein, dekh le,” Aman replied casually, then paused. “Waise ja kahaan raha hai jo tujhe mere kapde chahiye?”
“Aditi ke saath date pe ja rahe hain bhaiya,” Vivaan chimed in from behind.
Ansh shot him a deadly glare.
“Ohooooo,” Aman teased from the other end.
“Main cupboard mein dekh leta hoon bhaiya, thank you,” Ansh said quickly.
“Achha sunn,” Aman added. “Neeche wale drawer mein black bottle hogi perfume ki. Vo bhi laga ke jaiyo. Aur paise kam pade to bata dena, bhej dunga.”
“Theek hai bhaiya,” Ansh replied, ears turning red. “Thank you.”
A few minutes later, Ansh returned with two-three shirts in one hand and a perfume bottle in the other. He held them up for Ruhaan’s inspection.
“Ye wala pehen, iske saath,” Ruhaan ordered, pointing at a navy blue shirt and white pants.
“Pakka?” Ansh confirmed nervously.
“Haan na, main bol raha hoon,” Ruhaan said firmly.
After some time, Ansh emerged from the bathroom wearing the navy blue shirt and white pants. He looked effortlessly handsome neat, confident, and surprisingly charming.
“Dekha,” Ruhaan smirked. “Mast lag raha hai ye tere upar.”
“Vo sab theek hai,” Ansh said, still unsure, “par kuch sahi sa nahi lag raha.”
“Ab kya reh gaya?” Vivaan asked. “Sab to perfect hai.”
Just then, the door flew open.
“Bhaiya yaar mujhe help chahiye thi aapki-” Priya barged in and froze instantly.
Her eyes widened as she took in the disaster of a room.
“Yahan pe kya ho raha hai?” she asked in shock. “Aur bhaiya ka room itna phaila kyu hai?”
“Gate band karo yaar pehle,” Ansh hissed.
Priya quickly shut the door.
“Bhaiya aaj date pe ja rahe hain Aditi ke saath,” Vivaan explained proudly.
“Ha to itna kya kar rahe ho?” Priya said casually. “First date thodi hongi?”
“Ji first date hi hai aapke iss phattu bhai ki,” Ruhaan mocked.
Priya stared at Ansh in disbelief. “Sach mein bhaiya?”
Ansh nodded shyly.
“Ruko,” Priya said firmly. “Aise nahi jaana.”
She rushed out and returned a few minutes later with skincare products in her hands.
“Ye kya hai?” Ruhaan asked suspiciously.
“Skincare,” Priya replied confidently.
She made Ansh sit on the chair and started applying products.
“Baalo mein kuch mat karna,” Ansh warned.
Priya handed him hair clips. “Ye lagao phir aap, baal face pe mat aane do.”
“Isse main gora ho jaunga kya?” Ansh asked seriously.
“Nahi,” Priya replied. “Isse glow aayega chehre pe.”
“Phir to bhaiya ko mat laga,” Vivaan jumped in. “Unke chehre pe glow bas Aditi la sakti hai. Mujhe laga de ye.”
“Chup chaap baith reh jahan baitha tha,” Ansh scolded him instantly.
________________
On the other hand, the chaos of a very different kind had taken over Aditi’s room. The usually neat space now looked like a battlefield of clothes, hangers, and half-open drawers. Her phone lay abandoned on the study table, its screen lit up with Samaira’s voice echoing through a video call, while Shagun sat cross-legged on the bed like a strict fashion jury. Aditi herself was buried inside her wardrobe, tossing out clothes with growing frustration.
“Ye pehen lu?” Aditi asked, holding up a sweater paired with cargo jeans, hope flickering in her eyes.
“Pagal hai kya?” Shagun scolded instantly. “Date pe ja rhi hai tu. Kuch achha nahi hai kya tere paas?”
“Are vo wali dress pehen le na jo Diwali pe pehna tha tune,” Samaira suggested from the phone.
“Nhi didi,” Shagun shook her head. “Vo to already bhaiya dekh chuke hain na. Kuch naya pehna hoga isse.”
“Mere paas to koi kapde hi nahi hai date pe pehne ke liye,” Aditi sulked, dramatically falling onto the bed in despair.
“Didi aapke paas nahi hai kya koi dresses?” Shagun asked hopefully.
“Mere paas jo thi vo sab bol rhi hai ye bold lag rhi hai,” Samaira sighed, “aur baaki main apne saath le aayi hu yaha.”
“Apne ghar se manga lu kya main dress?” Shagun suggested.
“Ha haa,” Aditi sprang up instantly. “Chal tere ghar chalte hain. Tere kapdo main se kuch to mil hi jayega. Chal jaldi chal.”
A few minutes later, they were at shagun’s home and now Aditi sat nervously on her bed while Shagun dug through her wardrobe with full dedication, pulling out dresses one by one.
“Ye wali?” Shagun asked, holding up a knee-length dress.
“Nhi ye nahi,” Aditi rejected it immediately. “Isme ye nishaan dikhega.” She said pointing at her scare on her thigh.
“Are concealer se chupa dungi main,” Shagun said casually.
“Nhi nhi, comfortable nahi hu main isme,” Aditi frowned. “Upar se iska back bhi to dekh.”
“Achha haan ye bhi hai,” Shagun agreed, keeping it aside.
Then suddenly her eyes lit up.
“Ye wali dekh,” she said excitedly. “Ye to ab best hi hai. Ekdum new, tag bhi nahi nikla hua, aur long bhi hai.”
It was a white dress with tiny blue floral patterns, soft and elegant.
“Isme slit hai,” Aditi complained immediately.
“Abe itna chalta hai,” Shagun ordered. “Chal pehen le isse chup chaap.”
“Lekin-“
“Chup chaap pehen isko,” Shagun threatened, “varna bol de bhaiya ko nahi jaa rhi tu date pe.”
That was enough.
Without another word, Aditi snatched the dress and rushed into the washroom.
A few minutes later, she stepped out, twirling slightly in front of the mirror, her nervousness melting into a shy smile.
“Achhi lag rhi hai yaar ye to,” she said softly, eyes sparkling.
“Dekha,” Shagun smiled proudly. “Bola tha na maine.”
“Ab baith chal idhar,” Shagun said, pulling her toward the dressing table.
“Ab kya?” Aditi asked.
“Touch ups,” Shagun replied, already picking up makeup.
“Sunn…” Aditi said hesitantly.
“Haa,” Shagun replied.
“Ye bhi chupa de,” Aditi whispered, pointing toward the scar on her thigh.
“Ha ruk,” Shagun said gently, carefully concealing it with practiced ease.
“Hogya,” she finally said, satisfied.
“Over to nahi lag rha na?” Aditi asked nervously, inspecting herself again.
“Are nahi,” Shagun said. “Ek sec ruk.”
She rushed back to the wardrobe and returned with a small white sling bag and a pair of delicate golden pearl earrings.
“Isse aur pehen le,” Shagun said, handing them to her. “Phir tu poori ready.”
The afternoon sun hung gently over the quiet main road, a little away from both their houses. The traffic moved lazily, the sound of distant horns mixing with the rustle of trees.
Ansh stood near a small tea stall, hands shoved into his pockets, checking the time on his phone for the fifth time in two minutes. His heartbeat refused to slow down. For someone who faced life with control and calm, this felt strangely terrifying.
His eyes kept drifting down the road.
“Is she coming? Am I late? Am I overdressed?”
His mind raced, and he adjusted his shirt nervously, running a hand through his hair before stopping himself Priya said don’t mess with it.
Then… he saw her.
Aditi walked toward him slowly, her steps hesitant, as if she might turn back any second. She wore a white dress scattered with tiny blue floral designs, the fabric flowing softly around her. A thin bow held part of her hair back, while the rest fell freely over her shoulders, catching the light with every step. Small, delicate earrings framed her face, and her makeup was barely there – just enough to highlight her soft features. Her lips shimmered faintly with pink gloss.
And Ansh forgot how to breathe.
Everything around him blurred, the road, the noise, the world. All he could see was her. Innocent. Beautiful. His.
He didn’t even realize he was staring until she stopped right in front of him.
“Hiiii,” Aditi said softly, waving a hand in front of his face. “Aap kaha kho gaye?”
He blinked, snapped back to reality, ears instantly turning red.
“Uh-” he cleared his throat. “I was just… thinking.”
“Thinking or staring?” she teased, raising an eyebrow, a shy smile tugging at her lips.
Ansh looked at her properly now, eyes warm, honest.
“How can I not stare,” he said smiling quietly, “when you look like this?”
Her cheeks flushed instantly.
she muttered, lightly hitting his arm. “Aise kaun bolta hai?”
He smiled nervously yet genuine.
“I mean it,” he added softly. “You look… really beautiful.”
She looked down, smiling despite herself. “Thank you.”
Then she glanced around. “So… where are we going?”
He straightened a little, trying to sound confident.
“First stop,” he said, pointing down the road, “a temple.”
She looked surprised then pleased. “Temple?”
“Haan,” he nodded. “I thought… starting our first date somewhere peaceful would be nice.”
Her smile softened. “thoughtful to hain aap.”
Just then, an auto slowed beside them. Ansh raised his hand, stopping it.
“uncle Mandir chalenge?” he asked.
As they got in, their hands brushed accidentally both froze for a second before quickly pulling away, hearts racing in sync.
The auto pulled into traffic, carrying two nervous souls, a quiet prayer in the air… and the beginning of something gentle, warm, and unforgettable.
The auto rattled softly as it moved through the road, the breeze brushing past them. Aditi sat with her hands folded in her lap, back straight, trying very hard to act normal. Ansh sat beside her, equally stiff, eyes fixed somewhere ahead that he wasn’t really seeing.
As the auto took a sharp turn, Aditi lost her balance for a second.
Her shoulder brushed against Ansh’s.
Both of them froze.
A tiny gasp escaped Aditi’s lips as she instinctively shifted away, her cheeks heating up instantly. Ansh swallowed hard, his ears turning red as he looked to the opposite side, pretending to be deeply interested in the traffic.
“Sorry,” she whispered.
“I-it’s okay,” he replied quickly, his voice lower than usual.
The silence that followed wasn’t awkward just loud. Their hearts thudded faster than the engine of the auto.
Another small bump on the road, and her shoulder brushed his again this time softer, lingering for half a second longer.
Ansh took a slow breath.
Before he could overthink it, his hand moved on its own. Gently… hesitantly… he reached for her hand resting beside her. His fingers barely touched her skin, warm against her cool palm.
She looked down in surprise.
Ansh glanced at her nervously. “Is this… okay?”
Her blush deepened, spreading all the way to her ears. She didn’t say anything just curled her fingers around his, softly.
That was all the answer he needed.
His grip tightened just a little, protective, careful. His thumb brushed lightly over the back of her hand, making her breath hitch. She turned her face toward the open side of the auto, smiling shyly, while Ansh stared straight ahead, trying to calm his racing heart.
________________
They stepped out of the auto and stood in front of the temple gates. The soft sound of bells echoed in the air, mixed with the faint smell of incense. Ansh folded his hands instinctively, while Aditi smiled softly, already feeling calm.
She bent down to remove her sandals and immediately froze.
“Why are these so complicated?” she muttered under her breath, struggling with the thin straps. She tugged once. Then again. Nothing.
Ansh noticed her frown. “What happened?”
She sighed in frustration. “I swear, Shagun is going to pay for this, aisi sandals kon pehnata hai jo nikle hi na?”
Before she could try again, Ansh crouched down in front of her.
“are aap kya kar rhe hai” she said quickly, startled.
“Stay still,” he said gently, his voice calm.
He carefully held the strap, fingers moving slowly, making sure not to hurt her. His touch was soft, almost reverent, as if even this small act mattered. In a few seconds, the sandal came off. Then the other.
“There,” he said, looking up at her with a small smile.
Aditi stared at him, her heart doing something strange and warm. How does he make such small things feel so… special? she wondered.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
They left their sandals aside and walked inside together.
It was a Radha Krishna temple, peaceful and glowing with quiet devotion. The idols stood beautifully adorned, flowers resting at their feet. As they moved closer, Aditi took out a light scarf from her bag-the one she had bought impulsively earlier-and covered her head.
Ansh noticed.
He watched her close her eyes, hands folded, lips moving silently in prayer. There was something about her devotion, pure, unfiltered-that made his chest tighten. He looked away only when he realized he was staring.
They stood side by side before the idols.
Aditi prayed silently, “Thank you Kanha ji, for bringing him into my life. For making him mine in ways I never imagined. please aise hi hamare rishte ko barkaraar rakhiyega.”
Beside her, Ansh bowed his head. “Thank you, Radha Ji… for making her mine. For trusting me with her heart. and letting her close to me without being scared….i promise i would never let her down or doubt herself.”
The priest approached them, applying a cool chandan teeka on their foreheads one by one. He placed prasad in their hands with a blessing, and both of them accepted it with quiet smiles.
As they walked out of the temple, the sunlight felt softer somehow.
Aditi glanced at him curiously. “What did you pray for?”
Ansh didn’t hesitate. “I just thanked them,” he said honestly.
“For what?” She asked.
“For making me yours.” He paused, then added gently, “I once asked for your love too. “
She looked at him in surprise. “When?”
“In Rishikesh,” he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “That day when all of us went to that small temple together. I didn’t say it out loud to anyone… but I wished for you.”
Aditi felt her eyes sting slightly. She looked down at the prasad in her hands, then back at him, smiling-soft, full, and a little overwhelmed.
“Seems like they listened,” she whispered.
Ansh nodded, his fingers brushing hers as they walked ahead together, hearts lighter than they had ever been.
________________
After taking blessings and thanking God at the temple they both decided to explore market nearby the temple itself.
The moment they stepped into the narrow market lanes near the temple, Aditi’s eyes lit up like a child set free.
“Oh my god, look at this place,” she said excitedly, already tugging Ansh toward a stall. “It’s so pretty, na? I love markets like these.”
Ansh smiled, watching her enthusiasm spill in every direction. “You get excited over everything,” he said softly.
“That’s because everything is exciting,” she replied instantly, grinning at him before turning back to the colourful displays.
She moved from one stall to another, touching bangles, examining little idols, pointing at random things she didn’t need but loved anyway. Ansh followed her closely, amusement clear on his face. Slowly, her excitement became his too-her laughter, her constant commentary, the way she forgot the world when she liked something.
They stopped at a food stall and bought bhelpuri, sharing one plate between them. ansh took it from the vendor and paid him happily and he forwarded it to aditi she took it and started eating happily.
“next time ham sabko lekar ayenge yaha pe priya to poori market khareed legi,” she said, scooping some bhel. “And Shagun would go crazy here, or Samaira didi to, she will love the fashion-“
She was still speaking when Ansh gently took the spoon from her.
“Open your mouth,” he said. She blinked.
“say aaa” ansh demonstrated now as well.
Still mid-sentence, she did exactly that. “Aaaaa,”
Ansh fed her the bhelpuri smoothly.
She froze for a second, then chewed, eyes widening slightly before she looked away, embarrassed. Ansh chuckled quietly, clearly enjoying this far too much.
“You don’t stop talking even for food,” he teased.
“Excuse me, I can multitask aap nhi samjhenge,” she defended, then immediately pointed ahead. “Oh look-sweatshirts!”
Before Ansh could say anything, she was already there, picking one up. It was simple but warm, something that would suit him perfectly.
“This would look so good on you,” she said, holding it up against him for reference. “You’ll look… nice.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Nice?”
She smiled. “Very nice.”
“I’ll pay for it,” he said, reaching for his wallet.
She shot him a look. “No.”
“What do you mean no?” ansh blinked.
“aap pay nhi karenge,” she repeated firmly. “I’m buying this.”
“Isha let me pay na” ansh pressed firmly.
“shhhhh” she cut him off gently, “behas mat kariye….mujhse jeet nhi payenge aap”
He looked at her for a moment, then nodded, giving in. She happily paid for the sweatshirt, holding the bag like it meant something far more than just clothing.
When he tried to pay for her little purchases later, she shook her head again. “Not happening.”
He laughed softly. “You’re so stubborn.”
She smiled back winking at him. “that’s your Isha’s speciality.” And Ansh Just chuckled at her statement.
_________________
Ansh was still walking beside her when his eyes suddenly caught an accessories stall glowing with tiny lights and colorful trinkets. Without a word, his fingers tightened around Aditi’s hand, and he gently tugged her toward it-never once letting go.
“aree?” she asked, amused. “Where are you dragging me now?”
“Here,” he said softly, almost shy. “Just… come.”
The stall was filled with keychains-cute, quirky, shiny little things hanging everywhere. Aditi’s eyes lit up instantly, while Ansh pretended to browse casually, though he was clearly nervous. After a moment, he reached out and picked up a small teddy keychain. It was soft, simple, with innocent button eyes.
He held it up in front of her. “This one.”
Aditi leaned closer, inspecting it. “It’s cute.”
“It looks like you,” he said before he could stop himself.
She froze. “hein?”
He panicked a little. “I mean-innocent. Sweet. Soft.” He cleared his throat. “And… cute.”
Her lips curved into a slow smile. “So I’m a teddy now? “
He nodded, blushing hard. “My teddy.”
She laughed, her cheeks turning pink. “kuch nhi hoga apka.”
While he was still flustered, Aditi spotted another keychain and picked it up-a tiny soldier with a cap and uniform. She held it up proudly in front of his face.
“Aur yee,” she said, “aap.”
Ansh blinked. “Mai?”
“Yes,” she said confidently. “When you go to NDA. Army. you’ll be like this” Then she tilted her head and teased, ” it’s looking exactly like my Fauji ji.”
His ears turned red instantly at her words. “fauji ji!”
“jii….Fauji ji,” she repeated, enjoying this way too much.
He looked away, smiling helplessly. “Say it again.”
She raised an eyebrow. “kyuuuuuu?”
“Because,” he admitted softly, “it sounds really good when you say it.”
Her teasing expression melted into something warm. She stepped closer, lowering her voice just for him and asking him to bend a little she whispered into his ears. “jaisa aap kahain,….Fauji ji.”
He swallowed, completely flustered, and tightened his hold on her hand.
“You’re doing this on purpose,” he muttered.
She smiled up at him. “Maybe.”
They bought both keychains Ansh paid without argument this time. He carefully clipped the teddy onto his pocket, his fingers brushing hers, lingering for just a heartbeat longer.
Aditi clipped the soldier keychain into her bags chain and looked at him. “I’ll keep this safe.”
He met her eyes, shy but sincere. “So will I.”
________________
The evening had begun to settle in, the sky slowly shifting into softer shades as the market buzzed with tired chatter and warm lights. They were just about to head back when Aditi suddenly stopped, her eyes landing on a golgappa stall. Her face lit up instantly.
“let’s eat golgappe. Please.” she said, tugging his hand.
He looked at the stall, then at her. The excitement in her eyes made resistance pointless he said calmly. “sure”.
The vendor smiled. ” teekha ya meetha?”
“uncle mere liye teekha,” Aditi said without hesitation. Then she glanced at Ansh with a teasing smile. “And sweet for him. He can’t handle spice.”
Ansh straightened slightly. “I’ll eat spicy too” he said, composed, as if making a rational decision. “uncle same banana.”
Aditi raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure? aap kha lenge teekha?”
“ha ha kha lunga” he nodded while internally already questioning his life choices. and the vendor started making their golgappe and giving them.
The first golgappa went fine. So did the second. By the third, Ansh felt it. This was a mistake. A very bad mistake.
His expression stayed controlled, but his eyes slowly started watering. He fanned his mouth subtly, trying not to look dramatic.
Aditi noticed immediately. “aap theek to hain na?”
“haa haa,” he said, then paused and turned to the vendor, voice strained, “uncle kaha se mirchi laate ho aap itni teekhi?”
The vendor laughed. “It’s normal beta.”
“Normal?” Ansh muttered, fanning his mouth faster now. “isse normal kehte hai to teekha kisse bolenge?!.”
He took a step back, then another, eyes watering properly now. “It’s burning everywhere,” he said, half to himself. All this to look impressive. Genius.
Aditi panicked. “maine bola tha teekha mat khao aap!”
“I just wanted to look… capable,” he admitted, clearly suffering. He was jumping in panicked situation feeling the heat in his throat.
“wait here” aditi said in full panic.
She didn’t waste another second. Spotting an ice cream cart nearby, she rushed over. “One chocolate ice cream. Quickly.”
She shoved it into his hand. “isko khaiye jaldii”
Ansh took a big bite, the cold instantly calming the fire. His shoulders relaxed, and he let out a breath. “.ab thoda theek lag rha hai.”
Aditi sighed but crossed her arms. “jab apko pta hai you have less spice tolerance phir bhi zidd karte hain aap”
He looked at her, embarrassed but smiling softly. “i thought i could eat it…tum bhi to kha rhi thi.”
“Next time,” she scolded him firmly, “listen to me instead of trying to be impressive. aur kaha gaya apka rule which said, “as my isha says””
He nodded, taking another bite of the ice cream like a guilty child. “sorry, abse bss as my isha says will be my mantra.”
She shook her head, but a small smile curved on her lips. looking how obedient he gets around her.
_____________
As the sun dipped lower, the warmth of the day slowly gave way to a quiet, creeping cold.
The sky softened into shades of orange and grey, and the road grew calmer as evening settled in fully.
Aditi and Ansh walked side by side, their fingers naturally intertwined, neither of them in a hurry to break the moment.
A sudden breeze passed by-sharper than before.
Aditi flinched, just a little. It was instinctive, barely noticeable. But Ansh noticed.
He slowed his steps immediately, his eyes dropping to her outfit, the thin fabric of her dress no match for the cold evening air. Without a second thought, he shrugged off his jacket.
That made Aditi frown. “Kya hua?” she asked, confused.
“Here, isse pehen lo,” Ansh said, already lifting the jacket to drape it over her shoulders.
“Nhi nhi, aap peheniye… I’m fine,” Aditi protested softly, instinctively trying to push it back toward him.
“Isha, just wear it. You’ll catch cold otherwise,” he said gently, nodding toward her dress. “Look at this-it’s not warm enough.”
She hesitated. “But aapne bhi-“
“Shhh… pehno chup chaap,” he cut her off quietly, not stern, just certain.
He stepped closer, carefully settling the jacket around her, making sure it covered her properly. The jacket was big on her-too big. The sleeves swallowed her arms entirely, only her tiny fingertips peeking out. It hung loose around her frame, almost cocooning her.
And it smelled like him. Clean. Familiar. Comforting.
Wrapped in it, Aditi felt as if Ansh himself was holding her close, shielding her from the cold. The thought made her chest feel warm in a way the jacket never could.
As he adjusted the collar gently, she kept staring at him-really looking at him. The quiet concern on his face, the way his brows creased just a little, the ease with which he put her comfort before his own. There was something deeply grounding about him in that moment. No show, no drama-just care.
Her heart softened.
“Aapke gaal bohot soft lag rahe hain…” she said suddenly, her voice almost shy. “Can I touch them?”
The question caught him off guard-not because it was bold, but because it was so innocent. So her.
He looked at her, eyes softening instantly, and leaned down just a little to match her height.
“Sab kuch to tumhara hi hai,” he said gently. “Main bhi… aur mere gaal bhi. No need to ask.”
A small smile curved her lips.
She slowly lifted her hands, hesitating for a second before resting them against his cheeks. The moment her fingers touched him, Ansh froze.
Her touch was warm, soft, almost feather-light. He could feel her fingers brushing his skin, slow and careful, as if she was afraid of breaking something fragile. He found himself lost in her sparkling eyes, the way they reflected the streetlights, the way her lips curved unconsciously as she focused on him.
Aditi, meanwhile, felt the warmth beneath her fingers-his cheeks warm despite the cold, soft in a way she hadn’t expected. She smiled wider, gently squeezing his cheeks between her fingers.
“Aapke gaal to sach mein bohot zyada soft hain,” she said fondly.
“Soft nahi…” he replied, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. “Gulu gulu hain.”
She laughed softly, cheeks heating up instantly. She didn’t notice-but his ears had turned red too.
For a moment, neither of them moved. The cold evening, the quiet street, the fading light-everything blurred into the background. There was only this closeness, this unspoken affection, this gentle warmth they found in each other.
And when they finally started walking again, her hand slipped back into his jacket sleeve-covered palm, holding on just a little tighter
________________
By the time they reached Aditi’s house, the street was quiet, wrapped in the soft hush of evening. The world felt slower here, calmer-like it was giving them a moment before they had to let go.
Aditi stopped near the gate and slowly slipped Ansh’s jacket off her shoulders. The sudden absence of warmth made her shiver a little, but she didn’t say anything. Instead, she stepped closer and carefully helped him wear it back, adjusting the collar the same way he had done for her earlier.
“Done,” Aditi said softly, looking up at him.
Ansh smiled. “Thank you.”
“Kisliye?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.
“Date pe chalne ke liye,” he replied simply, his smile widening.
The words made her blush instantly. And as he looked at her properly now, without the jacket hiding her face, he noticed it-her nose had turned slightly pink from the cold, delicate and unmistakably her.
“Waise ek baat bataun?” he said, leaning in just a little.
She hummed in response, her breath hitching as the distance between them shrank.
“Your nose is looking like a cherry, poori red ho chuki hai” he murmured, leaning even closer.
For a second, Aditi forgot how to breathe. His voice was soft, teasing, and far too close. Her cheeks warmed despite the cold, and she quickly gathered herself before he could notice how flustered she felt.
Without thinking too much, she lifted her hands and cupped his cheeks, squeezing them gently.
“Aur aap poore laal tamatar,” she said, eyes shining with mischief.
Ansh froze-completely caught off guard by her sudden boldness. His brain short-circuited for a moment, and then he let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief.
“So this is how we’ll end our date?” he asked, genuinely content, his voice relaxed and satisfied.
Aditi shook her head immediately. “Nahi… abhi ek cheez baaki hai.”
“Kya?” he asked, brows knitting in confusion.
Instead of answering, she stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a hug.
Ansh stiffened for half a second-surprised, breath knocked out of him-but instinct took over. He wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her securely, carefully, like the moment might shatter if he held her too tight.
The hug was warm. Quiet. Safe.
Then she pulled back.
“Now it’s over,” Aditi said softly, a small, satisfied smile on her face.
“Bohot maza aaya aaj… thank you, Fauji ji,” she added teasingly.
Before he could respond-before his brain could even catch up-she turned around and ran inside the house, her laughter echoing faintly as the door closed behind her.
Ansh stood there for a moment, completely still. His ears burned. His lips curved into a helpless smile.
“Fauji ji…” he muttered to himself, shaking his head, heart pounding, cheeks warm despite the cold.
He turned back toward the road, still smiling like an idiot.
Ansh walked back home with a spring in his step that he didn’t even try to hide. His mind was still stuck outside Aditi’s gate-her smile, her hug, her voice teasing him with Fauji ji. He unlocked the door and stepped inside, shutting it softly behind him.
The moment he was alone in the hallway, he stopped.
A slow, stupid grin spread across his face.
“She will call me fauji ji,” he muttered to himself, shaking his head, but the smile refused to leave.
He shrugged off his jacket and held it in his hands for a second. Without thinking, he lifted it slightly and breathed in.
It smelled like her.
Not strong, not overpowering-just a faint mix of her perfume, warmth, and something undeniably Aditi. His chest tightened in a way that felt new and terrifying and beautiful all at once. His ears turned red, and he pressed the jacket closer like a secret he wasn’t ready to share with the world.
“It was just a date…main to pagal ho ho jaunga “he cursed his own state silently, half embarrassed, half ridiculously happy.
“Ansh?” his father’s voice came from the living room.
Ansh jolted as if caught committing a crime. He immediately dropped the jacket like it had burned him and cleared his throat, trying to act normal.
“Ji, papa?” he replied, way too quickly.
His father stepped out, giving him a puzzled look. “Theek hai na tu? Aaj kuch zyada hi khush lag raha hai.”
Ansh froze.
“N-nahi… matlab… normal hi toh hoon,” he said, scratching the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact. His face was still warm, his smile barely under control.
His father raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but didn’t push. “Dinner kar le. Aur haan-apni jacket sambhaal ke rakhna, kahi phenk mat dena.”
Ansh nodded immediately. “Ji.”
As his father walked away, Ansh picked the jacket up again, this time more carefully. He glanced around, making sure no one was watching, then smiled to himself-soft, shy, completely gone.
“Fauji ji,” Aditi’s voice echoed in his head.
And once again, Ansh found himself grinning like an absolute idiot.
________________
Time moved faster than anyone had expected, and before they could even process it, exams were right at their doorstep. Preboards had begun for the board classes, and for the 11th graders, final exams followed closely behind. The usual chatter-filled corridors now carried a strange silence-students walking with notebooks clutched to their chests, whispered formulas on their lips, anxious faces everywhere. Even the air inside the school felt heavier, serious, almost intimidating.
Vivaan sat on one of the corridor benches after his exam, a rough sheet in his hand and a pen tapping nervously against it. His brows were furrowed as he added and subtracted numbers again and again, lips moving silently.
“Okay… if this answer is correct, then here I lose two marks… but I’ll gain three there…” he muttered, recalculating for the third time.
Barely a minute had passed when his eyes, without his permission, drifted away from the paper.
Across the corridor, near the notice board, Riva stood talking to Shivank. She was smiling faintly, her posture relaxed, completely unaware of the storm she was creating in someone else’s chest. Shivank leaned slightly towards her, saying something that made her nod in response.
Vivaan’s grip on the pen tightened.
An unfamiliar uneasiness settled in his stomach.
He told himself it was irritation. Annoyance. Nothing more.
“Tch… what does she even see in him?” he thought, jaw clenching. “And why do I even care? Hai to ye chachundar ka chacha hi”
But his eyes refused to move away.
Seeing her with another guy-laughing, talking comfortably-made something twist inside him. He hated the feeling. It was sharp and confusing, scratching at his chest in a way he didn’t know how to deal with.
He had always convinced himself that he hated her-her attitude, her comebacks, her ability to get under his skin so effortlessly.
And yet… If he hated her so much, then why did this bother him?
“Why am I feeling like this… vo bhi iske liye?” he questioned himself, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
He looked back down at his paper, but the numbers blurred.
“What if…” his thoughts hesitated, scared to complete the sentence.
What if… I also like her?
His heart skipped.
“No. No no no no no,” he whispered sharply, almost scolding himself. “Impossible.”
He had said this to himself a thousand times already. And every time, his mind screamed no-but his heart… his heart was doing something else entirely.
It stayed silent.
And that silence scared him more than any exam ever could.
Vivaan glanced up once more, just in time to see Riva turn slightly, her expression soft as she spoke to Shivank.
His chest tightened again.
He looked away abruptly, folding the paper in his hand.
“Focus, Vivaan,” he muttered.
But deep inside, somewhere he didn’t want to look, a small voice whispered yes.
And no matter how hard he tried, He couldn’t silence it.
_______________
The physics exam hall was unusually tense, the ticking wall clock sounding louder than it ever had. Pens scratched furiously against answer sheets, pages turned in haste, and nervous sighs filled the air. The seriousness of exams weighed heavily on everyone.
Aditi was completely absorbed in her paper, her head bent low, hair falling forward as she wrote at lightning speed. Her fingers ached, but she didn’t slow down-not when time was slipping through her hands so mercilessly. She flipped the page, eyes scanning the questions in panic.
Beside her, Ansh sat calmly, his answer sheet already completed and neatly placed on the corner of his desk. He leaned back slightly, watching her with quiet concern. This had become a pattern-Aditi rushing against time, and him silently worrying.
“Five minutes left… wind up your paper, students,” the invigilator announced, her voice echoing through the classroom.
Aditi’s heart skipped.
“Hey bhagwan,” she muttered under her breath, tightening her grip on the pen and writing even faster.
Ansh leaned a little closer, his voice low and gentle. “Araam se likho, galti ho jayegi.”
“Chup rahiye aap,” Aditi snapped without looking at him.
Ansh immediately shut up, lips pressing into a thin line. He leaned back again, deciding it was safer to stay quiet than make her angrier.
From the bench behind them, Vivaan’s whisper reached her ears. “Aditi… First and last wala MCQ bata de.”
Aditi clenched her jaw. “Tujhe bhi abhi hi yaad aaya poochne ka?” she hissed, not even turning around.
Before Vivaan could say anything else, Ansh spoke softly, almost casually. “First ka C, last ka A.”
Vivaan froze, eyes widening in disbelief as he stared at Ansh’s back. “Waah Aditi, tune to bhaiya ko bhi apni team mein le liya,” he whispered in excitement.
Aditi finally looked at Ansh, shocked. The same Ansh who hated cheating, who believed in rules more than anything-had just helped Vivaan.
Ansh didn’t meet her gaze. Instead, he gently nudged her elbow. “Paper karo tum. Abhi bhi ek answer baaki hai.”
Before she could respond, the bell rang sharply, slicing through the room and making several students jump. The invigilator immediately began collecting answer sheets.
Aditi’s pen flew across the paper now, her writing speed doubling.
Ansh calmly stood up and handed over his sheet to the teacher.
“Time up beta, give me your sheet,” the teacher said, stopping at Aditi’s desk.
“Just two minutes, ma’am,” Aditi pleaded, eyes wide with desperation.
“Beta, it’s over,” the teacher said firmly.
Before Aditi could argue further, Ansh stepped in. “Ma’am, just give her two minutes. She knows the answer, let her write that only.”
The teacher looked at him, slightly surprised.
“You collect the others meanwhile, she’ll be done,” Ansh added confidently.
The teacher hesitated for a moment, then sighed. “Okay, fine. Do it fast.”
As soon as she walked away, Ansh sprang into action. He quietly gathered all the extra sheets Aditi had used, aligned them with her main sheet, and kept them ready. The moment Aditi finished scribbling the last line, he swiftly arranged the pages, stapled them neatly, and handed them to the teacher before she could say another word.
“Finally,” Aditi exhaled, slumping back against her chair, exhaustion washing over her.
Ansh smiled softly. “Was it too lengthy?”
“Lengthy?!” Aditi burst out. “Itna lengthy ki Poora amazon forest aa jaye usme aur Poora ka poora wahiyaat paper tha. Pakka Sudhanshu sir ne banaya hoga. Itne kabadi questions… chiiiii.”
Ansh chuckled quietly, watching her animated expressions. “Koi nahi… ab toh ho gaya paper.”
“Haan, hogaya,” she said, then suddenly brightened, clinging to his arm without thinking. “Ab ghoomi karenge shaam ko.”
Ansh stiffened instantly. “We are in school, Isha.”
“So what?” she said, tilting her head with a teasing smile.
He raised an eyebrow. “Achha ji… theek hai. Let me hug you properly then.”
He moved his hands slightly forward, openly teasing her.
Aditi gasped and immediately dodged him. “Pagal ho gaye hain aap? Main toh mazaak kar rahi thi.”
“But I’m not joking,” Ansh said seriously, his tone calm but stubborn.
“Areeee,” Aditi stared at him in disbelief.
“You scolded me. Ab main gussa hoon. I need a hug,” he said, crossing his arms slightly, sulking.
“Maine kab daanta aapko?” she asked, genuinely confused.
“Abhi abhi,” he replied instantly. “You said, ‘chup rahiye aap.'”
Realization hit her, and her expression softened. “Arey par woh toh aise hi bol diya tha… aap toh bade nautanki nikle.”
“Achha matlab main nautanki kar raha hoon?” he asked. “You literally scolded me.”
“Okay okay, sorry sorry. Galti se daant diya. Maaf kar dijiye,” she said quickly, not wanting this to escalate.
“Nahi,” he said calmly. “Hug me first.”
“We’re in school, aise kaise?” she protested.
“Theek hai,” he replied casually, picking up his bag. “Phir school ke bahar kar lena.”
And with that, he walked out of the classroom, leaving Aditi staring after him, stunned.
“Kya hua, aise kyun dekh rahi hai bhaiya ko?” Vivaan asked from behind, grinning.
“Tere bhaiya pehle se hi nautanki the ya abhi ho gaye hain?” Aditi asked, still processing everything.
Vivaan laughed. “Woh toh pehle se hi hain. Jiske saath comfortable hote hain, uske saath saare drame karte hain. Ab jhel tu bhi.”
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That’s all for this chapter…. hope you enjoyed it.🎀
Kaisi lagi first date??👀✨
Also don’t forget to vote and comment down your thoughts.🫶
Lots of love ♥️
~Prachi💌
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