Dark strings and Delicate chords [Completed]

Chapter 11: Truth, Dares, and Something More

Chapter 11: Truth, Dares, and Something More

The soft morning sun filtered through the cabin curtains, highlighting the aftermath of last night's prank war. Glitter sparkled from the floorboards like a reminder of Fab 5's wild spirit. Navya groaned as she woke up, finding a small glitter star stuck to her cheek.

"Yeh kya tha?" she muttered, brushing it off and sitting up.

Aliya was still curled under her blanket, hugging her pillow. Mukti was the first to rise, stretching her arms with a wicked grin. "War was fun."

Navya yawned. "They wrapped my hairbrush in foil. Who does that?"

"They're idiots with too much time," Mukti said, heading toward the bathroom.

Meanwhile, across the resort, the boys weren't faring any better. Cabir was tangled in bedsheets and confetti, and Manik stood shirtless near the window, sipping black coffee — his eyes lost in thoughts of her.

Nandini.

The way her eyes lit up when she smiled. The softness of her voice when she spoke his name. The way she looked at him last night when he hugged her — like he was her entire world.

Manik smiled to himself.

Dhruv entered the room, rubbing his neck. "Aliya's going to kill me today. I forgot to text her good night."

Cabir smirked, still half-asleep. "RIP, bro."

By noon, everyone gathered near the pool. The resort had planned a mini relaxation event — bean bags, mocktails, and slow music set the vibe.

Navya dipped her toes in the water. "This place is like a dream."

Abhimanyu sat beside Mukti, feeding her tiny pieces of fruit. She pretended to be annoyed but secretly loved it.

"Stop pampering me in public," she murmured.

"You like it."

"Shut up."

"I will, after this," he said and kissed her cheek.

Aliya leaned on Dhruv's shoulder as he ran his fingers through her hair. They looked perfect — peaceful, in sync.

Cabir approached the girls with a grin. "How about a game?"

Mukti raised a brow. "Another prank?"

"Nope. This one's called Truth, Dare, Twist."

Nandini blinked. "What's... twist?"

Cabir smirked. "You'll find out."

The circle formed around the pool. Everyone sat — Manik beside Nandini, Cabir in between Mukti and Navya (bad idea), and the rest scattered comfortably.

Cabir spun the bottle. It landed on Nandini.

"Truth, dare, or twist?" he asked with exaggerated drama.

Nandini's eyes widened. "Umm... dare?"

Cabir grinned evilly. "Dare you to make Manik blush."

Manik scoffed. "I don't blush."

Nandini turned toward him, her heart racing. Everyone watched quietly.

She leaned closer and whispered in his ear, slowly, softly — "You looked really hot last night. Especially when you said I'm yours."

Manik's breath hitched. A slight red crept into his ears.