𝗧𝘂𝗺 𝗛𝗶 𝗧𝘂𝗺 – [𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞] - 𝐂𝐇 - 𝟓𝟑 ༊˚

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तेरे लिए हम बने हैं,
तेरे लिए बदल रहे हैं।
क्या मोहब्बत हो गई है,
तेरी ही तेरी बातें करें।

तेरे लिए घर बनाऊँ,
दीवारें नीले रंग से सजाऊँ।
पसंद है तुम्हें, मालूम है,
तुमने बताया था एक दफ़े।

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VOTES: 420+

COMMENTS: 440+

iss baari poora nahi hoga target then i’ll not upload the next chapter

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The room felt unusually suffocating this evening, not because of the weather, but because of the tension hanging thick in the air. Every breath felt louder, every small movement amplified.

Prateek occupied Ansh’s study chair, spinning it slightly back and forth in impatience. Ruhaan leaned against the study table beside him, arms folded, trying to look calm but constantly tapping his fingers against the wood. 

Priya and Shagun stood near the window, pretending to whisper casually, though their eyes flicked toward Ansh every few seconds. In the far corner, Vivaan and Riva were bickering over something absolutely pointless, their hushed argument doing little to mask their own nervousness.

And in the center of it all Ansh sat on the edge of his bed, laptop placed right in front of him. His jaw was tight, fingers slightly trembling as they hovered over the keyboard. Beside him sat Aditi, closer than usual, her shoulder almost brushing his arm. Her eyes were glued to the screen, more anxious than she was willing to admit.

Today was the day. The result of Ansh’s NDA written exam.

The room fell silent as Ansh entered his details into the portal. The click of the enter button sounded louder than it should have.

The loading circle appeared. Aditi unconsciously leaned even closer to the screen, her hand gripping the edge of the bed. Ansh’s heart pounded so loudly he wondered if everyone else could hear it too.

The page loaded. His details appeared. And beneath them, one word written “Cleared.”

For a split second, Ansh didn’t reacted. It was like his brain needed time to register what his eyes had just read. But Aditi didn’t.

“hogya….i knew itt…” she shouted happily and hugged ansh instantly basically launched over him as he almost lost his balance but held her steady as she was way to happy and excieted.

She practically flew at him, her arms wrapping tightly around his shoulders. The sudden force made him sway backward, his hand instinctively gripping her waist to steady both of them. She was laughing with pure, unfiltered happiness only for him.

“sach main hogya” prateek also asked.

“congratulations bhaiyaaa…..” priya and shagun screamed as well.

The room exploded into noise cheers, claps, laughter but Ansh could barely hear any of it. Because Aditi was still holding him.

Before he could process anything, she pulled back just slightly, her face glowing with pride and excitement and kissed his cheek.

Right there. In front of everyone. For a second, time froze. He felt the soft warmth of her lips against his skin. His mind went completely blank. His grip on her tightened unconsciously as if grounding himself in reality.

“mujhe to pehle se hi pta that you’ll clear it” she said happily and hugged him again.

She hugged him once more, squeezing him tightly, her happiness louder than anyone else’s in the room.

And then it followed the silence. The entire gang collectively gasped. Aditi slowly pulled away, still smiling until she noticed every single person staring at her.vWide eyes. Open mouths. She turned her head slowly toward Ansh. He was stunned. Completely frozen.

His fingers instinctively lifted to touch the cheek she had just kissed, as if confirming it had actually happened.

That’s when realization hit her. Her smile faltered. Her face turned red, not just any red but bright red.

“my god….ye to mere bhaiya ko chummiyo se hi bhar degi” vivaan said shaking his head only to make aditi more embarrased.

“thodi sharm kar leti…tera bhai bhi yahi hai” prateek said.

Aditi wished the ground would open up and swallow her whole. She avoided everyone’s gaze, her hands nervously fixing imaginary creases on her kurti.

Ansh, meanwhile, was still sitting there blinking his heart racing, Not because of the result anymore but because of her.

Before the teasing could escalate further…

“kya ho gya…itna kyu chilaaye saare ?” kiran’s voice came as she ran towards the room listening to thier voices.

Like a sudden reality check, everyone straightened.

“kuch nhi aunty….ansh ka result aya na to whii thoda excieted ho gaye the ” ruhaan said handling the situation. He shot a warning look at Vivaan to keep quiet.

“sach main…kaisa raha result?” kiran also asked excietedly.

“clear hogya mammy” priya said happily.

For a second, Kiran just stared at Ansh. And then her eyes filled with pride.

“sach main….haye mera bachha…so proude of you” kiran said comming closer to ansh and cupping his face as she kissed his forehead.

Ansh finally stood up, bending slightly as his mother kissed his forehead. Her hands trembled slightly as she held his face years of silent prayers answered in one moment.

“congratulations…tere mama ko bata ke ayi main” kiran said.

“aur tum sab bhi nahi jaoge aaj dinner hamare yaha hi hoga” kiran said hapily.

The room instantly lightened.

“aunty shahi paneer banana boht tasty banati ho aap” shagun said.

“pulao bhi badi maa” vivaan said.

“sab kuch banega aaj” kiran said happily and left the room.

“Aaj to party hogi main to chala neeche” ruhaan said and left the room.

“main bhi aunty ki help kara ke ati hu” aditi said and ran outside the room to avoide everyones gaze. She practically fled.

“aunty ki to help ho jayegi bichare bhaiya ka kya hoga” shagun said as everyone looked at ansh who was still blinking in as he touched his cheeks where she had kissed him.

He was still standing in the same spot still Processing.

“nautanki sala” prateek said and left as well.

“dhyaan se bhaiya heart attak na aajaye apko” vivaan teased him more and left with riva as well.

And just like that the room emptiedl eaving Ansh alone. He slowly sat back down on the bed. His eyes dropped to the laptop screen again.

Cleared.

This was supposed to be the biggest moment of his life so far. The first real step toward his dream. And yet all he could think about was the warmth of her hug. The softness of her lips on his cheek. The way she had looked at him like he had already won the world. He touched his cheek again, a faint smile breaking through despite himself.

The house soon had shifted into celebration mode. Laughter floated in from the kitchen, utensils clinked, the aroma of shahi paneer and freshly fried jeera filled the air. 

Kiran was giving instructions, Priya and Shagun were pretending to help but mostly gossiping, and Aditi was not looking at Ansh. Not once after what she had done in his room.

She kept her head down, moving from counter to stove to fridge with unnecessary urgency. Every time his shadow appeared near the doorway, she conveniently found something extremely important to do in the opposite direction. Her ears were still faintly red, and Shagun noticed it immediately.

“hmm hmm…tu to badi tez nikli direct kiss vo bhi sbke samne” shagun teased her, nudging her shoulder.

“chup kar” aditi hissed her, trying to sound irritated but failing miserably.

“bichare bhaiya….abhi tak sadme main hi honge” priya laughed as well.

“muh band karo dono” aditi said and left the kitchen, unable to tolerate the teasing anymore.

Her heart was still racing from earlier. Every time she remembered what she had done, how she had kissed him in front of everyone, her stomach flipped. 

She stepped into the hall, trying to act normal. Ansh was sitting on the sofa. As soon as he spotted her, his gaze lifted towards her.

She felt it before she saw it. And when their eyes almost met, she immediately looked away, pretending to adjust her top. Her ears burned again. She quickly turned and walked toward Priya’s room to grab her phone, telling herself she was being ridiculous.

Calm down, Aditi. It was just a kiss. On the cheek.” she muttered under her breath.

She picked up the phone and stepped out but suddenly, Someone grabbed her wrist and pulled her.

“areee” aditi gasped as she stumbled forward, landing straight onto a firm chest. it was Ansh’s chest.

Before she could process it, his arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her. He had clearly been waiting for this moment when no one was watching.

“aree what ishaaa?” ansh teased her, his voice low, amused.

Her breath hitched. She tried to push herself away but his hold was firm not forceful, but confident.

“chodiye…aap ye…kya kar rhe hai….koi dekh lega” aditi said, looking left and right in panic.

The corridor was empty. Still. The fear of being seen made her heart pound harder.

“chuda sakti ho to chuda lo” ansh said, not moving an inch.

His eyes were playful, but there was something else too something deeper. Something he hadn’t allowed himself to show earlier.

“dekhiye-” aditi pointed her finger at him tried to sound firm, but her voice wavered.

“dikhaiye” ansh said, leaning closer, his fingers brushing against hers. Her entire body reacted to the proximity. Her cheeks flushed, her breathing quickened.

“chodiye naa” she pressed again. He didn’t let go.

“first give me my gift properly” ansh said teasingly.

She frowned slightly, confused. “konsa gift”

“jo sabke samne diya tha achha se do phir se i wanna feel it again” ansh said.

The words made her freeze. Her heartbeat stumbled.

“v..vo ..vo to aise hi ho gaya tha chodiye” she said quickly, finally managing to slip from his grip.

She turned to run but he caught her wrist again. This time, he didn’t pull her playfully. He turned her and gently but firmly backed her against the wall.

His arms caged her on either side. Aditi’s eyes widened. The teasing energy shifted. It wasn’t loud or dramatic but it changed.

“ansh aap” aditi whispered, her cheeks fully red.

“ha bolo isha…main” he said softly.

His voice had lost the teasing edge. It was deeper now. Slower.

He lifted his hand and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers brushed the sensitive skin just behind her earlobe.

And that’s when it happened. Her body stiffened. Her breath stuttered. Her eyes shut tightly. Her fingers trembled against the wall.

Ansh felt it instantly. The change was subtle but real. The warmth that had filled her face a second ago drained into something else. Something fragile. His fingers, still near her ear, felt the sudden tremor that ran through her.

“no…please leave me” Her voice wasn’t flustered anymore. It was shaking.

Her breathing turned uneven, shallow, almost panicked. Ansh immediately stepped back as if burned. The playful expression vanished from his face in a second.

“Isha… isha… kya hua… are you ok?!” he said urgently.

She slowly opened her eyes. They were glossy. Not with embarrassment. With something else. Something that didn’t belong to this moment. Something inside Ansh broke.

“are you ok?….i’m not doing anything….i’m sorry isha…i didn’t meant to-” he rushed to explain, his words tripping over each other.

Her breathing only worsened. She pushed past him and ran away.

“Isha wait” he said, following her immediately.

She rushed into Priya’s room and locked herself inside the bathroom before he could stop her. The sound of the latch clicking shut felt like a slap to his chest.

He stood outside the door, his hand hovering over it but not knocking too hard.

“are you ok….please say something isha….i’m really sorry please mujhe maaf kar do…” his voice cracked slightly.there was silence for a few seconds.

“i’m fine… aap please thodi der bahar chale jaiye” Her voice was faint. Controlled. But distant.

Ansh’s hand slowly dropped from the door. He stood there for a moment, staring at the wood as if it might answer him.

What just happened? One second she was blushing. The next she looked like she had been pulled into a nightmare. He replayed everything in his head.

Did I hold her too tightly? Did I scare her? Was I too close?

His chest tightened. He dragged a hand through his hair, frustration rising inside him.

“kya kar diya maine… shitt… how can i be so much careless” he muttered under his breath.

He had only wanted to tease her. To steal a moment. To feel that warmth again. Instead he had made her tremble. The image of her glossy eyes refused to leave his mind.

He stepped away from the door slowly, guilt settling heavy in his chest. He felt scared. Scared that he had crossed a line he didn’t even know existed.

Meanwhile, inside the bathroom, Aditi gripped the edges of the sink as if it were the only stable thing in the world. She turned the tap on and splashed cold water on her face repeatedly, her breath coming out uneven and shallow. Droplets slid down her cheeks, mixing with tears she hadn’t realized had fallen.

Her reflection stared back at her wide eyes, pale face, trembling lips.

“Calm down Aditi… it’s just a memory,” she whispered to herself, pressing her wet palms against her cheeks. “It’s over… it’s over…”

But her body didn’t believe her.

The moment Ansh’s fingers had brushed behind her ear, her mind had not seen him. It had seen hands grabbing, nails digging, laughter echoing in corridors, the smell of dust and sweat and anger. It had heard Varun’s mocking voice. It had felt the burning sting of nails scratching her skin when she had tried to push them away.

She shut her eyes tightly, forcing the images away.

Outside, Ansh stood near the entrance of Priya’s room, his entire body tense. His hands were cold despite the warmth in the house. He kept replaying the moment in his head the way she had stiffened, the fear that had flashed across her face.

“Kya hua bhaiya… aap yaha kya kar rhe ho? aur aditi kaha hai?” Priya asked casually as she and Shagun approached.

“Vo… she is in washroom,” he replied, his voice low.

“to aap kya kar rhe ho yaha uska wait kar rhe ho kya?” Shagun teased lightly.

But Ansh didn’t smile. “Vo… I think… I made a huge mistake.”

Both girls stopped smiling. “Ladai kar li?” Priya asked.

“Nahi… worse than that… I think I made her feel uncomfortable… pata nahi… we were just… just…” His voice trembled slightly, unable to explain properly.

Priya and Shagun exchanged a quick look. They understood enough.

“Hum dekhte hai,” Shagun said gently as they entered the room.

“adu… adu tu theek hai…?” Priya knocked softly.

“Haa I’m fine,” Aditi answered from inside, her voice controlled but faint.

“Pakka?” Shagun asked again.

“Haa.”

When Aditi opened the door, her face looked normal too normal. But her eyes were slightly red. Priya immediately noticed. Shagun inspected her closely.

“Dikha,” Shagun said.

“Le aja… ghuss ja muh main mere,” Aditi replied sarcastically, forcing a small smile.

“Theek to hai,” Priya said, glancing at Ansh.

Ansh stood at the entrance, guilt written across his face as if he had committed a crime. Aditi looked at him for a brief second just one look but in that look she tried to tell him she was fine now.

“Kya bhaiya aap bhi dara dete ho,” Shagun laughed lightly before both girls left to give them space.

Silence filled the room. Ansh hesitated for a second before walking toward her. His steps were slow, unsure.

“I…I’m really sorry… I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable… I’m really sorry…” he said softly. The guilt in his eyes wasn’t shallow. It was raw.

“It’s okay… you didn’t do anything… it was just… just a memory,” she replied, trying to sound steady.

But the word memory lingered heavily between them.

“Still I’m really sorry… I won’t do it again… I’m so sorry. I got scared seeing you like that… I thought I triggered your panic attacks again… you ran away and were crying… I thought I did something terribly wrong with you… I’m sorry. Please mujhe maaf kar do. I won’t tease you again. I’m really sorry. I won’t touch you at all… even if you say… you can even hit me i you are angry… I deserve that… I made you uncomfortable.”

The words poured out of him in one breath. Tears streamed down his cheeks without him realizing. He wasn’t crying loudly. It was worse. Silent tears. Heavy guilt.

He looked down, unable to meet her eyes. Aditi’s heart clenched. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him.

“Shhh… don’t cry… I said na it was not your fault… stop saying rubbish,” she murmured, gently stroking his hair.

The moment she touched him, he held her back tightly, not possessively, but like someone seeking reassurance that she was still there.

“I’m sorry Isha… I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable,” he whispered into her hair.

“Shhhh… shant ho jaiye… chup ho jaiye,” she said softly, her voice calmer now as she tried to steady him. She pulled back slightly and wiped his tears with her thumb.

“Chup ho jaiye… rote hue achhe nahi lagte aap… haste hue achhe lagte hai,” she said gently.

“But I made you cry,” he said, his voice breaking again. She paused for a second.

“That wasn’t because of you,” she whispered, looking down.

He didn’t speak immediately.  He just stood there, giving her space to choose whether to trust him. After a few seconds, she took a shaky breath.

“Actually… when I returned to school after that incident… then…” Her voice trembled. Ansh’s jaw tightened instantly at the word incident.

“Then what happened?” he asked softly, but there was a controlled anger beneath his calm tone.

“Then there… Varun and his friends again tried to do the same thing… but this time it was out of anger because I complained about them.”

Her eyes filled with tears. Ansh’s fists clenched. He stayed silent so she could continue.

“And in that fight… I don’t know whose… but someone’s nails scratched this area,” she said, lifting her hand and pointing behind her ear.

He leaned slightly closer. There was a faint scar there. Barely visible. But now he saw it.

“And from then onwards… if somebody touches it… it feels like their hands are doing the same again and again.” Her voice cracked.

“And when you put strands of hair behind the ear… it triggered that thing only.” Tears finally spilled down her cheeks.

Ansh felt something inside him shatter. Not because she was crying. But because she had carried this alone.

“Does anyone know this?” he asked quietly.

She shook her head. “Bas bhaiya and didi know about it… and now you.”

She looked up at him. There was fear in her eyes. But more than that There was trust. She had chosen to tell him.

Ansh cupped her face gently careful, so careful not to touch near her ear. His thumbs wiped her tears slowly.

“Isha…don’t cry,” he said, his voice steady but emotional. “First of all… what happened to you was not your fault. Not even one percent. You were brave enough to complain. You were brave enough to go back to school. You were brave enough to fight them again.”

His forehead touched hers gently.

“And I’m so, so proud of you for that.” She blinked at him, surprised.

“You survived something ugly… and you still smile the way you do… you still care for everyone… you still love loudly… that is strength. Do you understand? You are not weak because you get triggered. Your body is just protecting you from something that hurt you.” His voice softened even more.

“And I will never… ever… be angry at your body for trying to protect you.” Her breathing steadied slowly.

“If that place hurts… then nobody touches it. Not even by mistake. I will remember that. I will protect that. I will protect you. And if someday you feel scared again… you don’t run alone to the bathroom. You hold my hand and say ‘Ansh stop.’ And I will stop. Immediately. No questions asked.”  Tears streamed down her face silently.

“I promise you,” he continued, his voice firm now, “you will never feel unsafe with me. Never. Even in your worst memories… I will stand between you and them. Even if they are not here anymore.” His jaw clenched slightly.

“Those monsters will never get away after doing this whole sin… I won’t leave them ever.” But then he looked back at her, softening instantly. “But more than revenge… what matters to me is you healing. Slowly. At your pace. Not mine.”

He pulled her into his chest again, this time gently, giving her space to step away if she wanted but she didn’t. She buried her face into him. He rested his chin on her head.

“You are safe,” he whispered. “With me, you are safe.”

since the new session of class 12th has started and younger gang has been promoted to to seniormost class, class 12…their usual careless behaviour changed a bit.

The corridors felt different this year lighter, louder, charged with a strange mix of responsibility and rebellion. The juniors moved aside a little faster when they passed. Teachers looked at them with that “last year, behave maturely” expression. 

It was the last period of the day. Most classrooms were half-empty, students wandering toward the water coolers, some already mentally outside the school gates.

Near the water cooler, Riva stood filling her bottle, her hair tied in a neat ponytail, her new “Discipline Incharge” badge pinned proudly to her uniform. She looked composed, focused like she belonged in that position.

Vivaan spotted her from a distance and grinned mischievously, as it was a perfect timing for him.

He walked toward her casually, hands in pockets, pretending to inspect the notice board before nudging her shoulder lightly.

“Aur phoolan devi… discipline incharge kaisa lag rha hai senior bann ke?” he teased.

Riva rolled her eyes dramatically, but there was a faint smirk on her lips. “Tumhari shakal dekh leti hu to kharab lagne lagta hai but I’ll manage chuhe.”

“Ouch,” Vivaan placed a hand over his chest in mock hurt. “senior ho gya hu yrr don’t call me chuha now”

“harkatein chodo phir chuho wali tum” she shot back coolly, tightening the cap of her bottle.

They started walking toward their class together, their usual bickering rhythm falling naturally into place.

“Aur insta boyfriend ke sath koi progress?” Vivaan asked casually, though his tone carried something sharper beneath it.

Riva sighed. “I think tumhe koi misunderstanding hui hai… he’s not like that… and I guess he was just being friendly over chats which you showed me.”

Vivaan scoffed. “Areeyy… to itna kon friendly hota hai jo date pe chalne ko bole… vo bhi just ek din main?”

“Haa vo to theek hai but he’s like that only… uska nature hi aisa hai,” she defended weakly, though her voice didn’t sound fully convinced.

Vivaan was about to argue again when he suddenly froze. From the corner of his eye, he spotted Shivank walking toward the corridor area with one of his teammates.

Without thinking, Vivaan grabbed Riva’s wrist and pulled her sharply behind a nearby pillar.

“Vivaan!” Riva gasped, nearly dropping her bottle.

“Shhh… just stay still… aaj you’ll pakka see his real face,” Vivaan whispered urgently.

“Hein?!” she frowned, confused.

“Just stay still yaar,” he pressed, placing a finger on his lips.

They stood hidden behind the pillar, barely breathing. Shivank walked towards them, completely unaware, laughing with his friend and frantically stoped infront of pillar to discuss something.

“That Rishika is such a smoosh yrr,” his friend said.

“Haa bhaii… approachable bhi lagti hai… baat karu kya?” Shivank replied casually.

Riva’s frowned her fingers tightened around her bottle.

“Ha kar ke dekh le… date ke liye pooch, tujhe to baav bhi degi vo,” his friend laughed.

“Haina… aur vo uske bagal main kon thi?” Shivank asked.

“Are vo… vo Neha hai… boht attitude hai usme… teri uss class wali bandi se bhi jyada attitude hai usme.” his friend said.

“Aisa kya… uspe bhi try maar ke dekhunga chal… attitude wali ladhkiyo ko ullu banane main bada maza ata hai.” shivank said and laughed maniacly

The words hit like acid. Vivaan felt Riva stiffen beside him. Her breathing changed. Her jaw clenched. But Shivank wasn’t done.

“Par bhaii mujhe samajh nahi aya… vo teri khadoos si bandi… usse shak nahi hota tere pe?” his friend asked.

“Shakk… aur usse… chance hi nahi hai,” Shivank scoffed. “Itni dumb hai na vo… chaar shabd pyaar ke bol deta hu main ussi main khush ho jati hai… she’s such a bechaari padhaku ladhki yrrr… but I think usse bhi side karna padega.”

“Kyu kya hua… maza nahi aa rha kya tujhe uske sath?”

“Haa whi samajh…. wo maza nahi aa rha ab uske sath she too behenji types.” shivank said

Riva’s vision blurred for a second. The world went silent except for those words echoing. Tears welled up in her eyes instantly but they weren’t weak tears. They were furious. She stepped forward.

Vivaan immediately grabbed her wrist again. “Abhi nahi… thoda sa wait aur.”

She looked at him. Her eyes were glossy.

But when Shivank laughed again and said” she was just for timepass achha time pass kiya vaise uske sath bhi maine”

That was it. Riva stepped out from behind the pillar.

“boht hi achha time pass kar lete ho tum shivank…yhi seekha hai tumne apne ghar main?”

Her voice was steady but filled with agony. Shivank froze mid-step. He turned slowly.

“Riva… tu… tum yaha…” His face drained of color.

“Haa… kyu? nhi hona chahiye tha? Rishika ko bulaun ya phir Neha? Ohh nahi… tumhare liye to main Jhanvi ko bulati hu, wait,” she said sarcastically, folding her arms.

“K-kon Jhanvi?” he asked, trying to act clueless.

“Hiii Shivii… mujhe kaise bhool gaye tum… Sunday ko to hum date pe jaane wale the na… bhool gaye kyaa?” Vivaan said in an exaggerated feminine tone, flipping his imaginary hair.

Shivank’s friend burst into shocked silence.

“Tu… tum dono ko kaise—”

“Vo hum boring hai na… sath main attitude wale bhi to hume sab pata chal jata hai,” Vivaan said coldly, dropping the playful tone completely.

“Bhaii isne sab kuch sunn liya kya…” his friend muttered.

“Riva yrr… jaisa tum soch rhi ho waisa kuch nahi hai… we were just talking randomly, I only love you—” Shivank stepped closer, trying to grab her hand.

Before he could finish riva slapped him across his face. The sound echoed in the corridor. His face snapped to the side. Students nearby turned to look.

“Bhaad main jao tum… aur tumhara do kaudi ka bika hua pyaar,” Riva spat, her hand still trembling from the slap.

Shivank stared at her in disbelief, holding his cheek.

“Dekho—” he began angrily.

Vivaan stepped in front of Riva immediately.

“Haa dikha na… sab dekhenge aaj yhi pe issi spot pe,” he said, rolling up his sleeves.

“I’m not talking to you, ye hamara mamla hai, tum beech mein mat pado,” Shivank warned.

“Ab to pad gaya,” Vivaan replied sharply. “Pehle hi pad jana chahiye tha. Boht dekh liya tera. Tujh jaiso ko na muh bhi nahi lagati hai ye… vo to tujhpe taras kha liya tha isne to hawa mein udne laga tu.”

Riva grabbed Vivaan’s arm. “Leave him Vivaan… he’s not worth our time and words… besharm logo ke muh lagna hi bekaar hai.” She pulled him back firmly and turned away.

Vivaan glared at Shivank one last time. “Saale school na hota na to batata tujhe achhe se… suar si shakal ka,” he muttered before walking off beside her.

Behind them, Shivank stood burning in humiliation while his friend awkwardly avoided eye contact.

As they walked down the corridor, Riva’s steps were fast too fast. Her breathing was uneven. Vivaan slowed slightly, walking beside her quietly now.

After a few seconds, she wiped her eyes angrily.

“do i look dumb?” she muttered bitterly. Vivaan stopped walking.

She took two more steps before realizing he wasn’t beside her anymore. She turned. He was looking at her not with pity. With fierce loyalty.

“thodi si to dumb ho hi tum,” he said quietly, “agar pehle hi meri baat maan leti to ye din nhi dekhna padhta.” she felt guilty for not trusting him earlier.

“i should have listened to you earlier”Her lips trembled slightly.

He stepped closer but maintained a respectful distance.

“listen riva….Usne jo bola na… vo uska level hai. tumhara nahi. Tum padhaku ho? Achha hai. Tum sincere ho? Aur achha hai. Tum trust karti ho? That’s rare to find.”

Riva looked at him silently.

“and waise bhi vo hota kon hai tumhari worth decide karne wala….gandi naali ka sada hua keeda kahinka,” he added softly, “kisi ko tere baare mein aise bolne ka haq nahi hai. Not him. Not anyone.”

do i look like behenji…seriously” she asked smal tears on a verge to fall.

nhi…you look like chudail” he mutterres with a grin wiping her tears as she let out a small chuckle 

She inhaled deeply. For the first time since hearing those words She didn’t feel small. She felt angry And strong.

“Chal,” Vivaan said finally, nudging her lightly. “Discipline incharge roti hui pakdi gayi to image kharab ho jayegi.”

They started walking toward class again, this time at a normal pace.

“I guess… mujhe in sab mein padna hi nahi chahiye tha,” Riva muttered after a few steps. “I wasted my time.”

“Kisne bola you wasted your time?” Vivaan replied immediately. She looked at him, confused.

“You learned a very important lesson in life through this.” he said sincerely.

“Kaunsa lesson?” she asked, genuinely curious now.

“Yahi ki jab mujh jaise samajhdaar kisi cheez ke liye mana kare, to baat maan leni chahiye,” he said, puffing up his chest proudly, adjusting his collar like some self-declared hero.

Riva stared at him for two seconds. Then she burst out laughing.The sound wasn’t loud but it was real.

“Tum nahi sudhroge,” she chuckled, shaking her head.

“Sudhar ke konsa kisi ka kalyan hua hai?” Vivaan grinned, walking slightly ahead now but making sure she was still beside him.

___________________________

Ansh’s phone buzzed just as he stepped out onto the balcony. The evening sky was dissolving into a deep shade of blue, the last streaks of orange fading behind distant buildings. A cool breeze brushed past him, but it did nothing to calm the restlessness sitting heavy in his chest.

He didn’t need to check the screen. He already knew who it would be. His lips curved slightly before he even answered. He pressed the phone to his ear immediately.

“Hello?” he said, trying to sound normal, but the slight breathlessness in his voice gave him away.

On the other side, her voice burst through bright, warm, almost glowing. “Congratulations, soon to be captain sir…..letter bhi aa gaya ab to interview ka!”

The heaviness inside him softened just a little at the sound of her excitement. He leaned one arm on the railing, looking at the city lights flickering on below. “Haan… aa gaya.”

“Bas haan?” she protested lightly. “Itne upset kyu hain aap…. apko to khush hona chahiye, you’re going closer to your dreams.”

He exhaled slowly, eyes tracing the horizon as if the answer was written there. “I’m happy Isha… but.”

There was a tiny pause. Even through the phone, she sensed the shift in his tone.

“But whatt?” she asked softly now.

He swallowed. “The whole interview process will take at least 9 to 10 days and my center is Prayagraj… so I’ll not be present here in this time frame and I might miss your birthday as well.”

The words came out heavy. Guilt clung to every syllable. For a second, there was silence.

Then she gave a soft, almost amused laugh. “Toh?”

He straightened slightly, frowning at her reaction. “Toh matlab…” He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “It’s your birthday… I’ve planned so much for it. How can I miss it… I want to celebrate it with you.”

He had imagined it so many times. A simple evening. Maybe her favorite cake. Being the first one to wish her at midnight. Watching her smile when she realized he remembered every tiny detail she loved.

Now the thought of not being there felt like failure. She could almost see him pacing on that balcony.

“Agar aap mera ek birthday miss bhi kar denge to bhi chalega but this interview you can’t mess up. Interview is more important. Birthdays to har saal aate hain.” she said in softer tone.

His jaw tightened instantly. “Don’t say that.”

“Areyyy,” she continued gently, her voice soft but steady. “Aapko kya lagta hai that I’ll be sitting counting hours if you’re not there? ….bilkul nhi…instead, I’ll be praying that your interview goes amazing. That you give your best. That you clear it.”

He closed his eyes for a moment. The breeze lifted his hair slightly, but his mind was far away already imagining train schedules, interview panels, and a calendar date circled in red.

“But it’s your birthday,” he said again, quieter this time.

“And this is your career,” she replied softly. “Ek din ka celebration aur ek brighter future ka mauka… compare mat kijiye.”

Her words were simple. Practical. But they carried a depth that made his chest ache. He went quiet.

She smiled faintly, picturing him lost in thought. “If you come back on time, I’ll be happy. If you don’t, I’ll still be happy. Because that means you were busy chasing your dream.”

He leaned both hands on the railing now, gripping it lightly. “You won’t be upset?” he asked quietly.

“Main tab upset hoongi jab aap interview room mein mere birthday ke baare mein sochoge instead of focusing,” she teased lightly.

A small laugh escaped him finally, the tension easing just a bit. “You’re seriously an impossible girl.”

“And you love this impossible girl.” aditi grinned.

He tilted his head back, looking up at the darkening sky where the first few stars were appearing. His voice dropped, steady and sure. “yes…I do.”

There was no hesitation in it. On the other end, her breath stilled for half a second.

“And I want you to go there and answer every question like you belong there, don’t stress out and don’t you dare to overthink a bit,” she replied in steady voice.

He smiled to himself. “As my Isha says.”

“And no stressing about me,” she added firmly.

He pushed himself off the railing and began pacing slowly across the balcony tiles, unable to stand still. Then his voice softened again. “You know na… I don’t want to miss moments with you.”

The vulnerability in that sentence wasn’t loud but it was raw. Her heart softened instantly.

“You’re not missing anything,” she said gently. “We’re not going anywhere. One birthday doesn’t define us. But this interview? It might define your future.”

He stood still again.The city below continued buzzing. Somewhere a dog barked. A car horn echoed faintly. But all he could hear was her voice grounding him.

He let out a slow breath he didn’t realize he had been holding. “Thank you,” he murmured.

“For what?” she frowned.

“For always being the stronger one when I start spiraling.” he said with a small smile

She smiled to herself, curling slightly into her pillow as she lay on her bed. “That’s because you overthink too much.”

He chuckled softly. “Only when it’s about you.”

The evening sky was painted in soft shades of orange and pink as the sun slowly dipped behind the buildings. The road wasn’t too crowded just a few vehicles passing by, the distant sound of vendors calling out, and the faint rustle of leaves as a gentle breeze moved through the trees.

Priya and Prateek walked side by side on the pavement, their hands intertwined naturally, fingers fitting together like they had always belonged that way. There was something calm about their pace.

Priya swung their joined hands slightly as she looked up at him.

“Aap ki classes kab se start hai?” she asked softly.

Prateek glanced down at her, “Dekho kab se start hoti hai… admission and hostel wagera to done hogya hai… just maybe 1 or 2 month main classes bhi start ho jayengi.”

The word hostel lingered in the air longer than either of them expected. Priya’s fingers tightened around his.

“Hmmm… phir aap mujhe chod ke chale jayenge Bangalore,” she said, leaning slightly into him, resting her head briefly against his arm.

There was no drama in her tone. Just a quiet sadness she didn’t bother hiding.

Prateek smiled faintly. “Priyaa… tum bhi na.”

But he didn’t pull his arm away. Instead, he squeezed her hand reassuringly. They walked a few more steps in silence.

“Koi baat nahi,” Priya continued, her tone suddenly turning mock-serious. “Agar mere alava kisi aur ladhki ko apne waha bhaav bhi diya na phir dekhna aap.”

Prateek laughed under his breath. “Nahi dekhunga baba… kisi ko nahi dekhunga. Tumhare alawa kisi ko bhaav bhi nahi dunga.”

She narrowed her eyes playfully. “Pakka?”

“Pakka,” he replied, raising their joined hands slightly as if sealing a promise.

A group of school kids ran past them laughing loudly, breaking the softness of the moment for a second. Priya watched them, then looked back at Prateek.

“Vaise tumhe kya karna hai future main?” he asked, his tone shifting from playful to thoughtful.

She blinked. “Mujhe… pata nahi. Kuch decided nahi hai.” He slowed his steps slightly.

“Then decide it Priya… it’s high time now.” There was no teasing in his voice now. Only seriousness.

She frowned slightly. “Haan haan dekh lungi main… ab aap bhi bhaiya ki tarah chalu mat ho jaiye.”

He stopped walking completely this time, gently pulling her to a halt as well.

“Priya, listen to me,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “You have to choose your future very wisely… and it’s the prime time. You need to look for it. What you wanna be.”

The evening breeze lifted a few strands of her hair across her face. She looked at him properly now. His eyes weren’t scolding. They were concerned.

She suddenly realized this wasn’t just about career advice. He was preparing her. For a future where they wouldn’t always be walking side by side like this.

“Okay… I’ll see it and tell you,” she said after a moment, her voice softer now. “Ab please mera mood na kharab kariye… vaise hi boards hai iss saal, usse bhi niptana hai.”

He watched her for a second longer, then the seriousness melted.

“Theek hai… theek hai… jaisa aap kahein,” he said dramatically, bowing slightly in mischief.

Priya couldn’t help but laugh. He straightened and resumed walking, this time placing his free hand lightly on her head for a second, ruffling her hair.

“Bas mazaak alag… but I mean it,” he added gently. “Tum mein potential hai. Don’t waste it.”

She looked at him sideways. “Aap mujhe motivate kar rahe ho ya pressure de rahe ho?”

“Healthy pressure,” he grinned.

They resumed their rhythm, hands still intertwined. The streetlights flickered on one by one as dusk settled in. Their shadows stretched long on the pavement, walking together for now.

The school buzzed with its usual mid-morning chaos footsteps echoing in corridors, teachers’ voices drifting from nearby classrooms, the occasional burst of laughter rising from somewhere down the hall. But inside Class 12-F, the energy felt slightly different this year.

It was a free period, yet instead of chaos, four desks had been pulled together near the window. Books lay open especially Physics. And Physics looked like a battlefield.

“Yrr…..ye physics nahi samajh aa rhi mujheee,” Priya groaned dramatically, her head falling forward onto her open notebook with a soft thud. A few loose strands of hair slipped across her face as she stared hopelessly at the complicated numericals.

“Tujhe kya kisi ko nahi aa rhi,” Shagun joined immediately, flipping her pen in frustration. “Ye numericals dekh ke hi dimag ghoom jaata hai.”

Vivaan leaned back in his chair, balancing dangerously on two legs as he stared at the ceiling like it personally betrayed him. “Tuition wagera lagana padega lagta hai. Bohot try kar liyaa khud se.”

“Ha… aise to nahi hone wala kuch samajh…” Aditi sighed, tapping her pen against the page. “Ye sir pata nahi hawa mein diwaaro ko padha ke chale jaate hai. Saara bouncer jata hai.”

Priya sat up again, rubbing her forehead. “Konsa tuition join kare phir… koi achha sa hona chahiye na?”

The question hung in the air seriously now.

“Bhaiya to online lete the classes physics ki, pata nahi kaise samajh ata tha unko. Mujhe to YouTube ke lectures dekhne mein bhi neend aa jaati hai,” Priya groaned again, dragging her notebook closer as if proximity would magically create understanding.

“Nahi yrr online classes sahi hoti hai… maine li thi 4-5 classes 11th ke finals mein,” Aditi said, sitting a little straighter. Her tone was practical, thoughtful.

Vivaan immediately turned toward her, folding his hands dramatically. “Bhaii tu rehne de… tu hai topper… tu kahi bhi padh legi. Hamare baare mein soch.”

Shagun snorted softly, trying not to laugh.

Aditi rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. “Are nahi… ek baar try to kar ke dekho. Demo classes lo. Samajh ata hai to join it, warna offline dekhenge.”

“Ha ye sahi lag rha hai,” Shagun nodded, finally looking slightly hopeful.

“Theek hai chal dekhte hai but iss week finalise kar lenge coaching ka. Half yearly bhi ane wale hai,” Priya said, suddenly serious. The reality of exams was hitting all of them at once.

“Ha bhaii serious hona padega warna kima pulao bnn jayega ghar mein hamara,” Vivaan said dramatically, placing a hand over his heart in fake fear.

“Kiska?” Aditi frowned, confused.

“Mera aur iska,” Vivaan replied instantly, pointing at Priya, who nodded helplessly as if she could already imagine the lecture waiting at home.

“Ohh achha achha,” Aditi nodded, understanding now.

The bell from another class rang faintly in the corridor, but their discussion continued.

“Chal dekhenge phir, aaj se hi start karenge,” Shagun declared with sudden determination. Everyone nodded.

The train had already left the platform, its rhythmic clatter echoing through the night as it cut through the darkness toward Prayagraj. 

The compartment lights were dim, most passengers settling into their berths. Outside the window, the city lights had long faded, replaced by occasional distant lamps flickering past like fleeting thoughts.

Ansh sat by the window, his bag tucked safely near his feet, interview documents carefully placed inside. The cool night air slipped in faintly through the small gap near the glass. But his mind wasn’t on the journey.

It was on her. His phone was pressed to his ear, her name glowing softly on the screen.

“Aapne khana khaya?” Aditi asked, her voice softer than usual, almost careful.

“Haa kha liya. Tumne?” he asked, adjusting slightly against the seat.

“Ha maine bhi kha liye,” Aditi said, though she had barely tasted her food. Her focus was entirely on this call.

There was a brief pause filled with the sound of train wheels against tracks.

“Kal reporting time kya hai apka?” she asked.

“7 am… kyu?” he replied, glancing at his watch instinctively.

“Kuch nahi bss usse pehle apko phir se best of luck bolna tha na isliye,” she said lightly.

A small smile appeared on his face despite everything. “Okay, I’ll check it before submitting the phone there,” Ansh said with a chuckle.

“Kyaa… phone bhi submit honge?” Aditi asked in disbelief, sitting up straight on her bed.

“Haa… it’s a rule. Candidates can’t use their phones during this time,” Ansh explained calmly. There was a second of silence.

“Matlb main apse baat bhi nahi kar paungi in 10 dino main?” Aditi asked in sudden shock, her voice rising without her realizing.

Ansh’s gaze shifted toward the dark window, his reflection staring back at him. “Haa… aisa hi kuch hoga,” he said, voice low. The reality of it sank between them.

“Matlb I won’t be able to hear my birthday wish from you?” she said, her voice dropping into a softer, sadder tone.

His jaw tightened slightly.

“Tabhi to I was upset at that time when the interview letter came,” Ansh mentioned quietly.

On the other end, she let out a frustrated sigh. “Aghhhhhh……… inko bhi mera birthday hi mila tha,” Aditi cursed dramatically, trying to lighten the heaviness.

He let out a soft laugh at that.

“Don’t worry Isha…… you’ll get your birthday surprise,” Ansh said, his tone carrying a quiet confidence.

“Kaise… aap to yaha rahoge hi nahi?” Aditi asked, genuinely confused.

He leaned his head back against the berth, staring at the ceiling fan rotating slowly above.

“Main nahi rahunga to kya hua… mera dill to tumhare paas hi rahega na,” Ansh said. There was no teasing in his voice. It was soft. Honest.

Aditi fell silent for a second, her heart warming at his words. She hugged her pillow closer unconsciously.

“Hm… theek hai koi baat nahi… aap achhe se jana and ache se perform karna. I’ll pray for you,” Aditi said, her tone serious now filled with admiration and belief in him. He closed his eyes briefly. Her faith in him always felt stronger than his own doubts.

“Don’t be upset or miss me on your birthday… enjoy it fully. I promise when I’ll return we’ll celebrate you post birthday with you pakka,” Ansh reassured her.

He meant every word. Even if it meant planning something bigger, better just to make up for those ten silent days.

“Okayyy… I’ll wait for you,” Aditi said, and this time there was a small, genuine happiness in her voice.

The college campus was already alive with movement when Ruhaan stepped through the main gate. Groups of students stood scattered across the lawn, some laughing loudly, some buried in orientation schedules, others nervously adjusting their bags as if the weight on their shoulders symbolized the beginning of something bigger.

Ruhaan walked in with a steady, confident stride.

His bag hung loosely over one shoulder, his sports file tucked securely under his arm. There was an ease in the way he carried himself the kind that came from years on the field, from tournaments, from pressure situations where nerves had long ago learned to obey discipline.

He glanced around once, taking in the building tall, structured, slightly intimidating.

“Not bad,” he muttered under his breath.

After asking a peon for directions, he made his way toward the professors’ administrative wing. The corridor was quieter there, lined with framed photographs of past achievers athletes, scholars, gold medalists.

His eyes paused briefly on the sports achievers’ board.He adjusted his shoulders and knocked on the cabin door.

“May I come in, Sir?” he said

“Yes, come in.” the voice said.

Ruhaan stepped inside.

The professor sat behind a large wooden desk, spectacles resting low on his nose as he went through a stack of files. The room smelled faintly of old books and polished wood.

Ruhaan stood straight.

“Good morning sir…. myself Ruhaan Malhotra…. new student from sports quota,” he said, greeting the professor.

The professor looked up, studying him for a second assessing posture, confidence, presence.

“Ohh good morning beta…. sit,” the professor gestured toward the chair in front of him and took the form from his hand.

Ruhaan sat down respectfully, back straight, hands resting calmly on his knees. There was excitement inside him, but he didn’t let it show too much.

The professor flipped through the admission form, scanning certificates attached behind it.

“National level… state level… good,” he murmured, nodding to himself. “Which sport?”

“Football, Sir.” he answered

“Hm. We need strong players this year.” the proffesor said.

After verifying a few more details, documents, identity proofs, signatures the professor finally stamped the form. That sound the solid thud of approval felt like the official beginning.

“Your admission is confirmed. classes will start from next to next week”

A genuine smile broke across Ruhaan’s face.

“Thankyou so much sir,” Ruhaan thanked him with sincerity.

“Mention not beta…. hope you’ll do good here…. don’t let your skills fade away here in this institute. I want gold medals from your side,” the professor said, leaning back slightly but speaking with clear expectation.

Ruhaan’s eyes lit up not with arrogance, but determination. “Sure sir I’ll do my best,” Ruhaan said confidently.

There was no hesitation in his voice. Just promise.

He stood up, collected his documents carefully, and gave a respectful nod before stepping out of the cabin.

He walked down the hallway, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips. The sunlight streaming through the tall windows fell across his face as he stepped outside the administrative block.

He paused for a second, adjusting the strap of his bag, and looked around the campus again this time not as a visitor, but as a student.

“Meri gungun hamesha hi right hoti hai,” Ruhaan said to himself with a grinning smile.

There was mischief in his eyes. But beneath that mischief was ambition.

The evening at Aditi’s house carried its usual mixture of noise, warmth, and controlled chaos. The living room had practically turned into a temporary classroom. 

Books were scattered across the center table, notebooks open, pens uncapped, and a whiteboard propped against the wall where Prateek had written a list of Chemistry questions for all of them to solve.

Prateek had given strict instructions “Solve these and show me once done.”

But discipline and this group rarely went hand in hand. While notebooks were technically open, the real activity was happening in hushed whispers.

Shagun leaned slightly toward Aditi, lowering her voice dramatically. “Bta na kal kya pehnegi?”

Aditi, pretending to be focused on balancing a chemical equation, whispered back without looking up, “Abhi decided nahi hai.”

Priya immediately leaned in from the other side. “Jhoot mat bol…. kal birthday hai tera aur tune dress bhi decide nahi kari abhi tak?”

Aditi rolled her eyes but kept her voice low. “Aree nahi decide hua abhi… didi decide karvayengi.”

Across from them, Vivaan was trying very hard not to grin at their seriousness about outfits while half the periodic table remained untouched.

Before the gossip could grow louder, Prateek’s voice cut through the air. “Baate kam karo and solve it fast.”

All four straightened instantly.

But the moment he turned back to his phone, Aditi exaggeratedly imitated his tone under her breath “Baate kam karo and solve it fast.”

Vivaan burst into laughter, the sound escaping before he could stop it. He quickly covered his mouth, shoulders shaking, especially when Prateek shot him a sharp glare.

“Sorry bhaiya,” Vivaan muttered, pretending to focus intensely on his notebook.

A few minutes later, Prateek’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen. it was Ruhaan. He stepped out to take the call, leaving the room temporarily unsupervised.

The second the door closed, the energy shifted.

“Yrr main bore ho gaya chemistry padh ke, kuch aur karte hai na,” Vivaan groaned dramatically, stretching his arms behind his head.

“Chup chaap se jo karva rhe hai bhaiya kar lo…. vrna physics padhane lagenge. Vaise hi boht khali hai iss time vo,” Riva warned practically.

Everyone visibly stiffened at the word physics.

“Bss 15 din aur kaat le maze ye phir dafa ho jayega ye bhi yaha se,” Aditi said casually, referring to Prateek’s eventual departure.

Then she leaned back against the sofa with full pride. “Phir gharr main bass mera hi raaj hoga.”

Vivaan raised an eyebrow. “Haan haan, dekh lenge.”

Priya’s expression shifted slightly though. “Hmm…. sab ke sab chale jayenge….. Ansh bhaiya bhi nahi hai abhi ghar pe. Vo bhi parso ayenge ya phir aur late ho jaye. Prateek will also leave for Bangalore,” she said sulkingly, clearly upset at the thought.

The room softened for a second.

“Mujhe to koi tension nahi hai…. Ruhaan kahi nahi ja rha Delhi main hi rahega. Meri balle balle,” Shagun said happily, hugging a cushion dramatically.

“Didi aise kisi ke long distance relationship se khush nahi hote. Kya pata apke sath bhi yhi ho jaye,” Riva said seriously, always the practical one.

Shagun straightened immediately. “Mera kaise hoga?… Ruhaan to Delhi main hi rahega aur main bhi same university main chali jaungi. Mera to sorted hai,” she said confidently, leaning over the sofa like she had life fully planned.

“Mujhe kya… mujhe to bhai tum sabko dekh ke hi cringe wali feel aati hai ewwww…. achha hai meri koi bandi nahi hai. Single admi sabse best,” Vivaan declared proudly.

“Ha ha dekhenge ham bhi tera…. kabhi na kabhi to teri bhi banegi,” Aditi shot back instantly.

“Iski nahi banne wali…. koi bhaav bhi nahi dega isko,” Riva laughed.

Vivaan jumped up dramatically. “Ohh hellloo…. excuse mee…. mujh jaisa handsome, charming aur cheerful ladhka na dhoondhne par bhi nahi milega ayi badi.”

His exaggerated confidence made everyone burst into laughter.

“Bss bss boht hogya chalo questions karo saare,” Aditi tried to regain control, though she herself was smiling.

Vivaan suddenly leaned toward her again. “Vaise kal birthday party to degi hi na tu?”

“Ha choda sa get together hoga, cake cutting hogi, dinner hoga bss jyada nahi…. ye bhi abhi confirm nahi hai,” Aditi said nonchalantly, pretending it didn’t matter much.

Shagun’s voice softened unexpectedly. “Tujhe achha nahi lag rha hoga na bhaiya nahi honge kal tere birthday pe.”

For a brief second, Aditi’s fingers paused over her pen.

“Ha thoda off to lagega…. but…. chalega,” she said with a small smile one that didn’t fully hide the tiny ache behind it.

Priya suddenly smirked mischievously. “Vo to kal hi pata chalega.”

Aditi narrowed her eyes immediately. “Kyu… kya pata lagega?”

“Tu dekhio bss kal,” Priya winked, clearly enjoying the suspense.

Aditi sat up straight. “Bta na… aise kyu bol rhi hai tu?”

“Are bola na kal bataungi chal…. side hatt,” Priya shoved her playfully, making Aditi stumble slightly on the sofa.

it was the day of ansh’s interview at ssb center. he was called up by officers for one to one interview.

The orderly knocked once and opened the door slightly.

“Chest No. 27, Sir.”

Ansh took one steady breath and stepped inside.

The room was simple but authoritative a large wooden desk, neatly arranged files, a small national flag placed on one corner, and behind it sat the Interviewing Officer. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were sharp. Observant.

Ansh walked forward confidently, halted at the marked spot, and gave a crisp salute. “Good afternoon, Sir.”

“Good afternoon. Please sit down, Chest No. 27.” one of the officer said.

“Thank you, Sir.”

He sat upright not stiff, not casual. His hands rested naturally on his thighs. His back straight. His expression calm. The officer scanned his PIQ form briefly before looking up.

“So, Ansh… why do you want to join the armed forces?”

There it was. The question. Ansh didn’t rush into memorized lines. His voice remained composed.

“Sir I want a life that demands responsibility from me every single day. I don’t want comfort to make me complacent. The armed forces offer structure, discipline, and a clear sense of purpose. I believe I function best in environments where accountability and leadership are valued.”

The officer tilted his head slightly. “And what does ‘purpose’ mean to you?”

“Sir purpose means knowing that your actions contribute to something larger than yourself. It means your effort directly impacts people’s safety, morale, and trust. I want my work to matter.”

The officer nodded slowly. “You understand that this career involves risk?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“What if you are posted in a high-risk area? Close to the border. Active threat.”

Ansh held eye contact.

“Sir when we choose this path, we accept its realities. Risk is not something separate from the profession, it is part of it. If I am entrusted with responsibility in such an area, I will focus on preparation, teamwork, and execution. Fear is natural Sir, but training and duty must be stronger than fear.”

The officer observed the steadiness in his tone.

“Have you ever been afraid?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Of what?”

“Of letting people down,” Ansh replied honestly.

The officer leaned forward slightly. “Explain.”

“Sir I come from a family where expectations are not forced but inspired. My elder brother has always led by example. I’ve grown up watching him handle responsibility without complaint. I fear disappointing that faith not because of pressure, but because their belief in me matters.”

The officer’s expression softened almost imperceptibly.

“Tell me about a failure.”

Ansh thought briefly not searching, just selecting.

“In class 11 Sir, I became overconfident before a mathematics exam. I relied on surface-level revision and assumed I could manage under pressure. I scored lower than expected. That result taught me consistency matters more than confidence alone. Since then, I schedule revision cycles and test myself honestly instead of assuming preparedness.”

“So you corrected your mistake?”

“Yes, Sir. I believe failure is feedback. Ignoring it would be immaturity.”

The officer scribbled something down.

“What are your strengths?”

“Sir I remain composed during tense situations. I don’t react impulsively. I prefer assessing the situation first and then responding. I also take ownership, if something goes wrong in a group task, I do not look for excuses.”

“And weaknesses?”

Ansh’s expression grew thoughtful.

“Sir, I sometimes internalize stress instead of sharing it immediately. Especially when it concerns people close to me.”

“Why do you internalize?”

He answered without hesitation.

“Because I feel responsible for maintaining stability around me Sir. But I understand that leadership also means sharing burden appropriately.”

The officer’s pen paused for a second.

“Do you lose your temper?”

“Rarely, Sir.”

The officer shifted gears.

“If you are not recommended this time, what will you do?”

Ansh’s back remained straight.

“Sir I will request feedback if possible, analyze my performance honestly, and improve specific areas. If eligible, I will attempt again. If not, I will pursue higher education while continuing to develop qualities aligned with service discipline, fitness, leadership.”

No frustration. No desperation. Just clarity.

“Who inspires you?”

“My mama, Sir.”

The officer looked up with interest. “Oh? What does he do?”

“He is in the armed forces, Sir.”

“And why does he inspire you?”

Ansh’s posture straightened slightly, but his tone remained calm.

“Sir growing up, I have watched him live the values that many people only speak about discipline, integrity, and patriotism. He never glorifies his work, but the way he respects the uniform and the nation has always stayed with me. From him, I learned that patriotism is not about loud words, it is about consistent action and silent commitment.”

The officer nodded, listening closely. Ansh continued, steady and sincere.

“I have seen how he prioritizes duty without complaining about hardship. Even during festivals or family occasions, if he was called, he would leave without hesitation. That sense of responsibility toward the country influenced me deeply. It made me understand that serving the nation is not just a job it is a way of life.”

“And what exactly did you learn from him?” the officer asked.

“That discipline builds character Sir. And that love for the country should reflect in your actions, not just emotions. He taught me that wearing the uniform is an honor that must be earned every single day.”

There was no exaggeration in his voice. Just respect. The officer made a small note, observing the conviction in his eyes

“What does leadership mean to you?”

Ansh answered calmly.

“Sir leadership means being the last to eat and the first to stand up during difficulty. It means making decisions under uncertainty and accepting consequences without shifting blame. It also means protecting your team’s morale.”

“Do you believe you are ready to lead?”

“I am ready to learn how to lead better Sir,” he replied firmly.

The officer smiled faintly at the humility embedded in the answer.

“Alright, Ansh.”

There was a brief pause as the officer closed the file.

“One last question. What matters more to you… success or integrity?”

Ansh’s eyes did not waver.

“Integrity Sir. Success without integrity is temporary. Integrity ensures long-term trust,  and in uniform, trust is everything.”

Silence filled the room for a second. Then the officer nodded.

“Thank you, Chest No. 27.”

Ansh stood up smoothly.

“Thank you, Sir.”

He saluted sharply and walked out with measured steps.

It was early evening, and the golden light of sunset slipped through Aditi’s bedroom curtains, Her room was slightly messy, dresses spread across the bed, bangles scattered near the mirror, fairy lights blinking lazily along the wall. 

Since morning, her phone had not stopped buzzing. Friends. Cousins. Relatives. Schoolmates. Even people she barely talked to had sent long paragraphs, voice notes, aesthetic stories, and endless wishes.

She had replied to every single one Politely. But somewhere, in between all the notifications, there was one name she hadn’t seen.

Ansh.

And yet, she wasn’t upset.

She knew his phone had been submitted because of his interview process. She knew he couldn’t call or text for a few days. She had told herself that at least twenty times throughout the day. So even though a tiny corner of her heart waited for his name to flash on her screen, she pushed the thought aside and focused on getting ready.

Standing in front of the mirror, she slowly combed her hair, adjusting the soft curls at the ends. She leaned closer, fixing a small clip near her ear. Her phone lay on the dressing table beside her  silent for a rare moment.

Then suddenly, it rang again. She sighed instinctively. “ab kiska phone hai?,” she murmured under her breath.

But when her eyes casually dropped to the screen, Her breath stopped. it was Ansh calling.

Her heart jumped so hard it almost hurt. Without wasting a second, she immediately grabbed the phone and picked it up, her voice already betraying her excitement.

“hello”

On the other side, Ansh stood near the train compartment door, evening wind brushing against his face as the train slowly moved. A small genuine smile rested on his lips the kind he didn’t show to everyone.

“happy birthday isha….may god bless you with lots of happiness” The moment she heard his voice, something inside her settled. The entire exhausting day suddenly felt lighter.

“thankyou” she said softly 

“hope i’m on time” he said in a little teasing tone.

She glanced at the clock instinctively, as if checking seriously. “perfectly on time”

A faint admiration laced her tone not just for the timing, but for him.

Before he could say anything further, her questions rushed out in one breath, words tumbling over each other.

“interview kaisa gaya apka…did you cleared it….aur apko phone kaise mila…apne to bola tha phone submit hote hai”

Ansh chuckled softly at her urgency. He could almost picture her eyes wide, brows pulled together in concern.

“relax….relax….the interview went well and result will be declared later also process thoda jaldi khatam hogya tha so i got the phone back as i’m coming to delhi today only”

For a second, there was silence.

“sachiii….aap wapas aa rhe hai….” Her happiness was so sudden and pure that he had to pull the phone slightly away from his ear. He smiled wider.

“haan and hope i’ll reach there till you cut the cake i’ve boared the train and agar sab theek raha to i’ll reach delhi by 8pm”

“okk done, i’ll wait for you aram se aiyega aap” There was warmth in her voice now. A promise.

He leaned against the train door, watching the fields blur past. “aur batao how’s your birthday going?”

She let out a dramatic sigh and flopped onto her bed, staring at the ceiling. “itna bhi kuch special nahi ja raha bss sabko subha se thankyou hi bole ja rhi hu main…huff…it’s so awkward “

Ansh laughed softly not loudly, but enough for her to hear the amusement.

“aap hass kyu rahe hain…apko pta bhi hai fake smile karte karte gaal kitne dukhne lagte hai”

He shook his head slightly, his voice turning teasing.

“to fake smile mat karo genuine wali smile kara karo jisme your dimples get visible” Her eyes widened.

She quickly sat up. “dimple wali smile bss special logo ko milti hai sabko nahii”

He raised a brow even though she couldn’t see him. “achha ji…mujhe milegi phir?”

A playful silence lingered between them. She bit her lip, then replied smoothly “apko to poori main hi mil gayi smile lekr kya karoge aap”

He let out a low chuckle, the kind that came from deep in his chest. “tum bhi na isha”

There was something softer in his whisper something unspoken, something he didn’t dare stretch further. Downstairs, the doorbell rang loudly. Children’s chaotic voices followed immediately.

“achha main call cut kar rhi hu guests aa rhe hai aur unke nalayak bache bhi….aap araam se aiyega i’ll wait for you” she said. He smiled at her irritated tone.

“ok…bye..enjoy your day….love you isha” There was no hesitation in his voice.

She didn’t think twice either. “love you tooo byee….” And she hung up.

As evening slowly melted into night, the house that had been glowing with laughter and chatter began settling into a softer rhythm. Relatives moved between the living room and dining area with plates in their hands.

But Aditi wasn’t present in any of it. Not really. Her eyes kept drifting toward the wall clock.

8:57 PM.

8:59 PM.

And then

9:00 PM.

Her heart began pacing faster than the ticking seconds.

“Did he reach or not?” she thought, fingers unconsciously tightening around her phone that she had hidden in the folds of her dupatta.

“beta cake cut kar time ho raha hai…phir dinner bhi to karna hai” Shweta called gently from across the room.

Aditi blinked, forcing herself back into the moment. “Haan Maa,” she nodded softly and walked toward the cake table.

Everyone gathered again. Vivaan dimmed the lights dramatically as if it were a grand concert. Shagun restarted recording. Riva stood on a chair for a better angle. The elders smiled warmly.

“Happy Birthday to you…” everyone sang in unison.

Aditi smiled. But it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

She cut the cake, fed her parents first, then her friends. One by one, everyone wished her again, smearing tiny bits of frosting on her cheeks despite her protests. She accepted each bite of cake politely, laughing at jokes, responding to wishes.

Yet in between every smile, her mind whispered the same question”when will he come?”

After cake cutting, everyone slowly moved toward the dining table. Plates clinked. Chairs scraped against the floor. Conversations overlapped.

The moment no one was looking, Aditi slipped her phone out and quickly typed.

“did you reached…aap kab aayenge….i’ve even cutted the cake without you”

Even through text, her disappointment showed. She stared at the screen. A few seconds later, her phone buzzed. Her heart dropped before she even opened it.

“i’m so sorry isha….the train got late and i think i’ll not make it there on time”

For a moment, everything around her blurred. The laughter felt distant. The lights too bright. She swallowed the lump forming in her throat.

Still, she typed back.

“it’s ok, koi baat nhi…message me when you reach”

She added a small smile emoji… then deleted it. It felt fake.

She placed the phone face down on the table and tried to focus on her plate.

Priya, sitting beside her, noticed instantly. She gently nudged her elbow.

“kya hua…upset kyu hai?” she whispered.

“kuch nhi bss aise hi” Aditi shrugged it off, avoiding eye contact.

But Samaira, ever observant, tilted her head slightly.

“uncle, ansh nhi aya abhi tak.” she asked rajveer

The table quieted for a second.

“unki train late hogyi hai” Aditi replied without thinking.

The moment the words left her mouth, she froze.

Shweta looked up immediately. “tujhe kaise pta?”

Aditi’s heart skipped. “vo..vo priya ne bataya”

Priya didn’t miss a beat. “ha haa aunty unhone call kiya tha mujhe he said his train got late”

Shweta nodded slowly, accepting the explanation.

“ohooo….aaj kal trains bhi boht late hoti hai” Vivaan commented dramatically while serving himself more rice.

“hmm…2 gahte late hogyi…10bje dikha rha hai arrival” Rajveer said, glancing at his phone for live updates.

“prayagraj se ati hui trains hamesha late hi kar deti hai” Ruhaan muttered knowingly.

“hmm…unneccesaary chain pulling bhi to karte hai log” prateek added, shaking his head.

“zero civic sense” Riva muttered under her breath.

“bola tha maine usko ki kal early morning ki train pakad le…par nhi….jaise hi chuta vaise hi train pakad li…ik nhi sunta meri ye” Kiran scolded, though her voice carried more concern than anger.

“koi baat nhi ab pakad hi li h to aa hi jane do” Rajveer tried to calm her.

Amit, who had been quiet till now, spoke thoughtfully. “someone has to go pick him up from the station…delhi safe nhi hai raat main upar se he was travelling alone thak gaya hoga boht”

“hmm i’ll go and pick him” Rajveer nodded firmly.

“aur bhabhi ji aap khana le jaiyega uske liye yahi se…..main pack kar dungi” Shweta offered warmly.

“are nhi nhi nhi bhabhi jii…kya aap bhi” Kiran protested politely.

“are kya aap bhi bhabhi ji….agar ansh ki train late na hoti to vo dinner yhi karta na…upar se aditi ka birthday bhi hai…cake to sath bhejna h hai sath main khana bhi bhijwa dungi pta nhi kuch khaya bhi hoga usne ki nahi” sweta explained warmly.

“upar se bhaiya ke to favorite hain rajma chawal” Vivaan chimed proudly.

“tab to jaroor pack karungi main” Shweta declared with a satisfied nod.

The conversation shifted again into lighter teasing and casual talk. But Aditi barely heard any of it.

Her fingers traced invisible patterns on the tablecloth. Her mind kept replaying his message.

She imagined him sitting alone in a dimly lit train compartment, tired after the interview, staring outside into the dark night.

Had he eaten? Was he safe? Was he standing near the door like he usually did?

Her chest tightened. She tried to eat but the food felt tasteless. Every few minutes, she glanced at her phone screen, though no new message had arrived.

_____________________________

that’s all for this chapter…hope you enjoyed it.🫶

also please forgive me if koi galti kar di ho maine interview wale scene main….and correct me if you find any mistakes.🥲

do vote and leave your comments.👀

lots of love ♥️

~Prachi💌

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