Falling For The Nerd (Slow Updates)

02| Nerd and Nostalgia

“Oye, Kunj bhaiya ke chamche, chup kar!” Avi mumbled, pouting slightly at the teasing.

“To bad, Mr. Avinash Sarna! Even the children are making fun of you,” Kunj chimed in, unable to hide his laughter.

“Shut up, Kunj! Yeh sab toh waise hi teray chamche hain, samjha? Zyada bhao mat kha aur bhai haina mera, toh saath de, mazak mat ura!” Avi shot back, giving Kunj a mock glare that was more endearing than intimidating.

“And what if I don’t, Avinash Sarna?” Kunj replied, his tone dripping with playful sarcasm.

“Teri toh, ruk beta!” shouted Avi, but before he could reach him, Kunj was already off, sprinting down the lane. The children giggled at the spectacle, enjoying the friendly banter.

“Tum log toh ruko, bacchu! Tum logon ko shaam ko dekhunga!” Avi called after them, determination in his voice as he took off in pursuit of Kunj.

Kunj ran with ease, his athletic build allowing him to glide effortlessly over the pavement. His energy was infectious, and the lightness in his step seemed to mirror the vibrant atmosphere around them. The sun danced in the leaves above, casting playful shadows on the ground as he moved.

Avi struggled to keep up, but the challenge only spurred him on. The two friends raced down the lane, laughter echoing through the air, until they reached a charming house where an old lady sat outside on a porch chair, engrossed in her newspaper. Her silver hair framed her kind face, and she looked up with a gentle smile, momentarily pausing her reading to watch the boys.

Kunj ran quickly while Avinash struggled to catch up with him. Soon, they reached a charming vintage cottage, its weathered stone exterior adorned with creeping vines and colorful flowers. The cottage was surrounded by lush greenery, a small garden bursting with blooms creating a vibrant contrast against the earthy tones of the house. A beautifully designed porch, complete with intricately carved wooden railings and potted plants, invited visitors to relax in its shade.

Sitting on the porch was an old lady, her silver hair tied up in a neat bun. She wore a faded floral saree that hinted at a time when fashion was more elegant, and her kind eyes sparkled with wisdom as she focused intently on her newspaper, oblivious to the world around her.

Just then, another lady in her mid-fifties emerged from the cottage, carrying a tray of breakfast. Sneha wore a graceful saree that complemented her nurturing nature, the soft fabric draping elegantly around her. Her shoulder-length hair fell softly around her face, framing her warm smile as she approached the old lady. “Beeji, apka nashta,” she said gently.

The old lady put down the newspaper and replied sternly, “Le ja isse yahan se, Sneha. Mujhe nahi khana.”

“Areh, par phir aap apne dawaiyan kaise khaoge?” Sneha questioned, her tone laced with concern. That’s when she noticed Kunj and Avi. She was about to call them out but stopped, seeing Kunj gesture for her not to say anything in front of the old lady just yet.

“Maine kaha na, mujhe nahi khana,” the old lady repeated, frowning.

“Aur woh kyun?” Kunj's deep voice resonated from where he stood near the fence alongside Avi, who was silently giggling, fully aware of what was about to unfold.

The old lady looked up and smiled for just a moment, but then quickly averted her gaze, feigning annoyance. “Ja yahan se, mujhe nahi baat karni tujhse,” she said, trying to maintain her stern demeanor.

Undeterred, Kunj stepped closer, crossing the threshold into the yard. He knelt in front of her, looking up with a playful smile. “Aur woh kyun?” he asked.

"Woh kyun, woh kyun? Kya laga rakha hai, haan? Main abhi bhi tujhse naraaz hun," replied the old lady, glaring at Kunj. He chuckled and softly pinched her cheek, muttering cutely, "Areh meri pyaari Dadi, kab tak naraaz rahogi mujhse? Ab toh maaf kardo."