Intertwined

Chapter 12 : The Silent Banter and Ready To Be Ruined

Chattering and laughter around her was what woke Sneha up from her sleep. She groaned, changing side on the berth she was sleeping on and pulled the sheet above her head. Giggles again, along with hushed tones.

“Let her sleep, we all can go.” - a girl's voice said which Sneha's half awake mind recognized as Shreya's.

“Bhabhi we are headed to the kitchen!” - Disha called out before the sound of several footsteps faded away and the compartment door slid close.

Sneha groaned again and came out of the sheets, full awake now. She had been having such a lovely dream. She and Mahir were in a cozy hut in the snow, seated on the couch beside the chimney with hot chocolate in hands.

“Damn you Disha for waking me up!” - she grumbled, getting down the berth and made her way towards the bathroom to freshen up. She washed her face, changed from her night clothes into blue jeans and red chiffon kurti over it that was stylishly longer than usual and ended at her knees. Stepping out, she combed her hair and was spraying dry shampoo over it when the compartment door opened.

“Bhabhi you are awake...” - Disha chirped as the girls stepped inside, carrying trays of food in hands which they placed on a berth.

“All thanks to you.” - Sneha replied dryly, refraining from pouting like a child.

Disha smiled sheepish and ducked her head. Right behind her, the boys entered the compartment as well.

“And here's tea, coffee as per everyone's liking.” - Kabir announced talking about the thermoses he and Rithik were holding. Drish had the disposable cups in hands while Mahir was, as expected, empty handed.

“Morning Sneha.” - Kabir greeted while sitting on the opposite berth. “Looking good.”

It was a casual comment but still, she didn't like it. And it was not Kabir's fault. Lately, she was not liking attention from any guy except for Mahir. She just wanted him to look at her, compliment her, do anything with her as he pleased. Just him. No one else.

Her eyes jumped to Mahir who had his jaws clenched and instead of taking the vacant spot beside Kabir, he took a seat on the other end of the berth she was seated on. Between them, Drish and Divya.

She bit her lip. “I'm feeling suffocated between this window and you guys.” - she addressed Drish and Divya, pouting. “Com'on, switch.” - she got up, not giving them time to have a say. They scooted towards the window and she took a seat...

right beside Mahir.

Ah, her heart fluttered in satisfaction. It felt like he had taken a shower because he smelled fresh plus his hair looked damp.

“What will you take Sneha ?” - Shreya asked, making plates for everyone.

“Umm... croissant is okay.” - she replied, half-focused.

Shreya tched suddenly, garnering attention. “Dishu, I asked you to check plates. We are running less on the numbers.” - she groaned.

Sneha's mind suddenly turned mischievous. “Oh that's such a minor thing Shreya. We can share, no ?”

They all voiced their agreement.

“Kabir and Rithik share. You and Disha. Drish and Divya are seated together, serve them in one plate. And Mahir and I will share.” - she advised and turned to Mahir who was looking ahead, avoiding her.

She was unfazed and smiled sweetly at him. As everyone got busy in managing the serving, she discreetly leaned closer to Mahir and whispered : “They say, eating in one plate increases love.”