पहले मैं समझा, कुछ और वजह इन बातों की
लेकिन अब जाना, कहाँ नींद गई मेरी रातों की
जागता रहता हूँ मैं भी, चाँद निकलता नहीं
दिल तेरे बिन कहीं लगता नहीं,
वक्त गुज़रता नहीं।।
क्या यही प्यार है?
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As night fell, the Rajvansh family returned home, settling onto the sofa as they entered, the air thick with a sense of shared experiences and the comfort of familiar surroundings.
"Shashwat beta, chai bana doge kya?" Kirti asked, and he nodded.
[Shashwat beta, will you prepare tea for us?]
While he prepared tea, the elders delved into wedding discussions.
"Aur hamare bacchon ne bhi to kitni help ki hai," Ishika interjected.
[Our children also helped a lot.]
"Kanak ne bhi bahut help ki, sach me bahot acchi bacchi hai," Kriti added.
[Kanak also helped a lot, she is really a good girl.]
"Han mummy, bahot acchi bacchi hai. Aapko pata hai usne kya kiya?" Arushi asked, causing concern.
[Yes, Mom, she is a very good girl. Do you know what she did?]
"What are you saying?" Kirti questioned.
"Ma'am, she locked Ritika Didi in a room with her cousins on the wedding day, knowing she's claustrophobic," Darsh disclosed, leaving everyone in disbelief.
"What?" Piyush exclaimed.
"He's right, chote papa! Ritika didi was in a terrible state. Thankfully, Arav bhaiya arrived in time; otherwise, who knows what could have happened," Arushi revealed.
"I can't believe this! She's not so young that she wouldn't understand how serious it could be," Kirti expressed her disbelief.
"Exactly, bhabhi! I never thought she could do something like this. If something had happened to that girl!" Ishika exclaimed.
"I will talk to her parents about this," Naman decided.
After some time, they dispersed to their respective rooms, contemplating the unexpected turn of events.
******************************************
Shashwat lay on his bed, exhaustion from the day weighing on him. Closing his eyes, the vivid memories of Siya flooded his mind, playing like a reel of cherished moments. Her face, radiant and etched with laughter, captivated him. A strange yet pleasant sensation stirred in his stomach, a mysterious warmth that made a smile dance on his lips.
Opening his eyes, he found himself lost in recollections of every nuance of Siya's presence. Blushing, he buried his face in the pillow, grappling with the unfamiliar surge of emotions.
"What is happening with me?" he pondered, sitting on the bed, hands covering his face, the persistent smile refusing to fade.
"I should study something," Shashwat muttered, hoping the pages of his physics book would offer a respite from the swirling emotions Siya had ignited within him. Settling into his study chair, he traced the lines of the text with his fingertips, a futile attempt to distance himself from the enchanting memories.
He reminisced about Siya's captivating smile and infectious laughter, disregarding the comparison to witches that others made. To him, it was the most melodious song he had ever heard. Her endearing antics, the depth of her love for him. Her playful antics, a kaleidoscope of gestures that danced in his mind, made him appreciate the intricacies of her character. The depth of her love for him, expressed in myriad ways, left an indelible mark on his heart.
Recollections of Siya's anger, a fiery display that seemed to mirror the passionate intensity of her love, played out like a tempest in his thoughts. He found himself smiling at the memory of her embarrassed face during awkward moments, a vulnerability that only endeared her to him further.
He couldn't help but chuckle as he recalled her embarrassing moments weren't one of mockery but of genuine affection. What others perceived as awkwardness, Shashwat saw as a testament to her authenticity, a quality that drew him closer. Her shyness, a delicate veil that only he had the privilege of lifting, unveiled a side of Siya that was reserved exclusively for him.
In the canvas of his mind, he noticed the subtle nuances of her nervousness - the gentle caress of her fingers when confronted with shyness or anxiety, a silent communication that spoke volumes in their intimate moments.
Closing the physics book, Shashwat felt a weight settle on his chest, the world of equations now replaced by the intricate web of Siya's thoughts. He kept his head down, a silent surrender to the flood of emotions that flowed within him.
In the cocoon of his solitude, Shashwat's heart danced to the rhythm of his love-struck thoughts. The shyness, a gentle flutter in his chest, betrayed the depth of his emotions. He traced invisible patterns on the table, a reflection of the intricate dance Siya's presence had orchestrated in his soul. It had been just a day, but the absence of her laughter, her gestures, and the warmth of her presence left a void that seemed overwhelming. He missed her so profoundly that each passing moment felt like an eternity.
Confusion etched his features, a perplexed expression that mirrored the tumultuous whirlwind of emotions within.
"What are you doing to me Siya?" he whispered to the quiet room, as if expecting an answer from the walls that bore witness to his silent turmoil. The uncertainty gnawed at him, an uncharted territory where the familiar contours of his emotions blurred into the unknown.
As he wrestled with the thoughts that lingered like a haunting melody, Shashwat acknowledged,
"I can't shake off her thoughts. Ye kya ho raha hai mujhe?" The realisation hit him like a gentle breeze, a whisper of understanding that traversed the labyrinth of his heart.
"Maybe it's just missing her," he mused, attempting to rationalise the uncharted territories of his feelings.
But as he delved deeper into his introspection, a profound truth emerged.
"No, it's more than that, why am I missing her?" he confessed to the silent room and expressed his confusion.
The realization blossomed within him, a quiet acceptance that unfurled like a delicate flower.
"Is this... love? Did I fall in love with Siya? " he questioned aloud, the uncertainty lingering in his voice. A moment passed, and then he uttered with growing conviction,
"Maybe, yes."
"What maybe? Definitely yess!" he affirmed, a soft smile gracing his lips.
"Finally I have fallen in love with you Siya," he declared, each word resonating with the certainty that only the heart could decipher. The weight of this revelation lifted, replaced by a euphoria that surged through his veins, making his heart race with a newfound excitement.
Shashwat moved towards his balcony and stood alone under the moonlit sky, a gentle breeze carrying whispers of realization. The stars above seemed to twinkle knowingly as he grappled with the newfound truth within his heart.
In a hushed tone, he muttered to himself,
"I used to wonder why my heart raced in her presence, why every touch of hers sent shivers down my spine. Now, I understand-it's love." His words lingered in the quiet night, as if confessing a secret to the universe.
With a soft smile, he continued, "Her laughter, it's like music I never knew I needed. And her gaze, it's as if she sees the depths of my soul. I never thought I'd feel this way, but now I can't imagine not feeling it."
As he spoke, Shashwat traced the contours of his own emotions, trying to articulate the profound connection he'd discovered.
"Love is not just a word; it's a symphony of emotions that resonates within. It's the subtle brush of fingertips that ignites a fire within, a fire I never knew was dormant."
The realization washed over him like a gentle tide, and he whispered, almost to himself,
"This is why her absence leaves a void, and her presence fills it with an inexplicable warmth. Love is the missing piece I never knew was missing."
With a mixture of trepidation and joy, he reached for his phone, fingers unlocking the device to reveal a treasure trove of memories. The photo, capturing Siya in a moment of shared laughter with Arushi and Richa, became a portal into the emotions swirling within him. Zooming in on her image, he couldn't help but mutter with a smile,
"Akhir tumne mujhe bhi apna deewana bana hi liya, Siya."
[Finally, you've also made me your admirer, Siya.]
The words carried a blend of disbelief and happiness, a whisper of acknowledgment to the universe that their destinies were now intricately woven together. His smile, a canvas painted with shy ecstasy, spoke volumes about the lightness he felt after finally accepting these feelings that had danced in his heart for so long.
In an almost spontaneous gesture, he threw himself off the bed, a physical manifestation of the emotional weight that had been lifted. His movements were both shy and elated, like a delicate dance with the newfound truth.
"Ye subah kab hogi!" he muttered, his gaze fixed on the watch as if time itself could hasten the arrival of the eagerly awaited morning. The anticipation in his voice carried a poetic hope, a yearning to see Siya and experience the dawning of a new day where their hearts would beat in unison.
[When will this morning come?]
Attempting to find solace in slumber, Shashwat lay there, but the torrent of emotions still surged within him. Sleep remained elusive, yet the night was no longer a realm of confusion. Instead, it became a quiet sanctuary where his heart revealed in the realisation that love, with all its complexities, had found its way into his life.
*****************************************
Richa sat in her room, the quietude of the night providing the perfect backdrop for the whirlwind of thoughts racing through her mind. The name "Akash" echoed like a melodic refrain, a persistent rhythm that she could no longer ignore. The realization hit her - she couldn't deny the feelings that had silently taken root within her.
"Kya karun!! I should talk to Siya and Arushi," she mumbled, her fingers hovering over her phone as she contemplated seeking advice from her friends. However, a sudden hesitancy gripped her.
"Wo dono khud bewkuf hain..unse advice lena matlab bhais ke aage been bajana. I should talk to Ritika Didi," she concluded, deciding to confide in Ritika, her trusted confidante. Dialing her number, she anxiously waited for Ritika to answer.
"Heyy Richa, itni raat ko call kiya?" Ritika's voice greeted her, a note of confusion evident.
"Didi, I am so confused aapse puchna tha kuch, aap so to nahi rahe the?" Richa asked, her tone carrying the weight of her conflicted emotions. She hesitated for a moment before pouring out her feelings to Ritika.
"Nahi, I was just arranging my assignment properly. Tell me ,what happened?" She asked as she walked towards her balcony.
"It's about Akash." She said and Ritika frowned,
"Kya hua? Say clearly Richa." Ritika said and she sighed.
"Didi, the way Akash loves me is so pure, and I've felt it for a while now. He's been waiting patiently for me, and I took so long to realise the genuineness of his feelings. Now, I want to think about us, but I'm afraid. What if I can't reciprocate his feelings?" Richa's voice trembled as she laid bare her heart to Ritika
"Richa, love is a journey, not a destination. Take your time to understand your feelings. If you're unsure, it's okay. You don't have to pressurise yourself. Just because he loves you doesn't mean you have to love him back. Only take steps when you're clear that you're not doing anything out of pressure."Ritika replied, her voice response carrying a wisdom that resonated through the phone.
"Didi, I'm not thinking about this out of pressure. I genuinely want to give 'us' a try, but I'm scared of the unknown."Richa confessed, grappling with her emotions.
" Sometimes, you need to trust the rhythm of your heart. If you genuinely want to explore this connection, then go ahead. But remember, it's okay to be uncertain. Take your time, communicate openly, and only venture into this journey when you're certain." Ritika assured her, her soothing words flowed like a balm.
Encouraged by Ritika's guidance, Richa nodded on the other end of the line.
"Didi, you're right. I will talk to Akash about this, openly and honestly. And about falling in love, I'm not sure if it's possible." She said.
Ritika's laughter, gentle yet full of assurance, resonated through the conversation,
"Richa, trust me. With a boy like Akash, who possesses a heart so pure, he has the potential to make anyone fall for him. Give it a chance, and who knows, you might discover a beautiful love story waiting to unfold."
Richa, feeling a renewed sense of clarity, expressed her gratitude,
"Thank you, Didi. Your words mean a lot. Mai kal hi Akash se baar baat karungi. Accha good night." She said and Ritika smiled and wished her back,
"Good night."
*******************************************
The next morning unfolded with a sense of anticipation for Shashwat, the echo of his newfound love still resonating in his heart. After getting ready for school, he descended the stairs to find Kirti engrossed in making Arushi's ponytails, and Darsh calmly indulging in his breakfast.
"Aru, you're not ready yet? Jaldi chal yaar, late ho jayega," Shashwat gently reminded his sister, his voice betraying a hint of eagerness that he tried to conceal.
"Bhaiya, abhi we have 20 minutes. Why are you in so much hurry today?" Arushi questioned, her curiosity evident in her expression.
"Beta, breakfast toh kar le. Itni kya jaldi hai?" Ishika, chimed in, a playful smile playing on her lips as she observed Shashwat's unusual haste.
[ Have your breakfast. What's the rush?]
"I... Nothing choti maa, there is no hurry," he replied, attempting to mask the underlying excitement with a nervous smile. He took a seat at the breakfast table, but the anticipation to see Siya lingered in his every movement.
His thoughts danced with the memories of the previous night, the shy smile that had played on his lips returning as he sat down. The night had been a tapestry woven with the threads of realization and acceptance, and Shashwat couldn't help but revel in the newfound lightness that accompanied his confession of love.
"What happened? Itna smile kyun kar rahe ho khud me?" Naman, his father, questioned, raising his eyebrows as he noticed Shashwat's beaming expression.
[Why are you smiling so much to yourself?]
Trying to control his overflowing joy, Shashwat rubbed his nose and, with a straight face that he crafted with difficulty, replied,
"Kuch nhi papa."
[Nothing Dad.]
Shashwat, despite his efforts to appear composed, couldn't fully hide the giddy excitement bubbling within. Each bite seemed to carry the flavour of anticipation, and as he savoured the moments leading up to the school day, he couldn't shake off the lingering happiness that whispered of a love blooming in his heart.
******************************************
On the other side of the narrative, Akash, in the midst of tying his shoelaces, felt a gentle vibration in his pocket. Retrieving his phone, he discovered a notification that sent a surge of excitement through him. Richa's message adorned the screen, and his expression transformed into a radiant smile. It was a moment of sheer joy as she initiated the conversation for the first time.
His fingers tapped on the screen, unveiling Richa's message:
"Hey, school ke peeche vale garden me milna chutti ke baad, I want to talk to you." Akash's breath caught in his throat, and he couldn't help but jump on his bed in excitement.
[Meet me at the backyard of school.]
"Hey bhagwan!! Aaj kuch to accha kiya hoga maine hai na?? My Richa asked to meet me... This is the best day of my life," he exclaimed, his exuberance evident as he hugged his pillow, the sheer happiness radiating from him.
[Oh God! Have I done something good today?]
In a moment of self-realisation, he scolded himself,
"Reply to kar bewkuf!" Gathering his composure, he swiftly typed a response, his heart pounding with anticipation.
"Aapke liye to jaan bhi hazir hai, to ham bhi hazir ho jayenge."
[If I'm ready to give my life for you, then I'm ready for anything.]
Richa, on the receiving end, couldn't suppress a chuckle at his cheesy yet endearing reply. She responded with emojis,
"😑😑"
As Akash descended the stairs, the atmosphere in his home seemed to thicken with animosity.
"Akash baba, breakfast laga dun aapke liye?" The servant asked, making him frustrated as he never have breakfast from this house and these servants always keep asking him for breakfast every single day.
"No." He replied and began to walk.
"You never appreciate anything in this house, Tum layak hi nahi ho in sab ke. It was my mistake that I brought you here from your grandmother's house," his father sneered, disdain etched across his face. Defiant but composed, Akash responded,
"You brought me; I never asked you to bring me here. I live in this house because it was my grandmother's wish, and she wanted me to be with my so-called father." His words carried the weight of unspoken resentment, a testament to the strained relationship.
The verbal barrage continued as his stepmother, Reema Mittal, joined in, questioning his manners.
"We are doing so much for him, wasting money on an ungrateful person like you," she taunted. Unfazed, Akash retorted,
"No one asked you to do anything for me. Watch your own son's manners, and I'm well aware of how much money you think you're wasting on me." Akash's words pierced through the accusations, revealing a deeper truth.
"It's my grandmother's and grandfather's money that sustains me," he declared, a subtle defiance in his voice.
"Don't say anything about my son. He's far better than you. At Least he is not a bad luck like you. You killed your own mother and my dear wife after taking birth." Dinesh Mittal, Akash's father, interjected defensively. His words, a weapon aimed at Akash's wounded heart, pierced the air.
"Of course, your wife was so dear to you that just after one week of her death, you married another woman already pregnant with your child. Stop this drama; I know very well how much you loved my mother.You can blame me all you want, but the truth is, I'm not the one who betrayed our family. I'm not the one who chose another woman over my own blood." He retorted, carrying a mix of bitterness and raw truth, a verbal duel exposing the painful scars of the past.
"Yes, I accept that I had an affair, but I loved her. You were just a mistake by us, and as expected, you were born with bad luck. You can be a danger to your loved ones. You don't deserve any love. No one could love bad luck like you." He declared with a harsh edge, casting a shadow over Akash's existence. The words, like a relentless storm, battered against Akash's already wounded heart.
As the weight of his father's words pressed down on him, Akash felt his heart shatter. The acknowledgment of being considered a mistake, coupled with the declaration of inherent bad luck, was a dagger to his soul. Yet, he stood there, a stoic façade masking the turmoil within, unable to show the depth of his emotional wounds.
Beneath the composed exterior, Akash grappled with a torrent of emotions - the anguish of rejection, the ache of not being deemed worthy of love. Each word from his father cut deeper, leaving scars that couldn't be easily concealed. The storm within him raged, but the tempest remained hidden behind a veneer of composure. Unable to bear the emotional turmoil any longer, Akash, with a heavy heart and silent tears, made a decision. Without uttering a word, he stormed out of the house.
*******************************************
After some time, Shashwat and Arushi arrived at the school corridor. Shashwat, carrying his bag, swiftly placed it on his seat and then moved towards the corridor. His eyes were set on Siya's classroom, a glimmer of anticipation in his gaze.
Peering inside, he sighed in disappointment - Siya wasn't present. A subtle hint of longing lingered in his expression, momentarily overshadowing the excitement that had marked his morning. Shashwat, unable to conceal his eagerness, began tapping his feet rhythmically on the floor, a nervous yet endearing habit that surfaced when anticipation gripped him.
"Kab aayegi yaar!" He muttered still looking at the stairs.
*******************************************
As Akash reached the stairs, he was pleasantly surprised to find Richa arriving at the same time. Their eyes met, and in that moment, all the frustration and pain that had clung to him seemed to dissipate. A genuine smile adorned his face as he greeted her.
"Good morning. Kya baat karni hai tumhe?" he inquired, a sense of eagerness in his voice as they began ascending the stairs.
[What do you want to talk about?]
"Baad me bataungi," she replied with a smile that sent a flutter through his heart. Richa's smiles were rare, and each one had the power to illuminate his entire world.
[I will tell you later.]
Reaching the classroom area, Akash noticed Shashwat, who seemed captivated by the stairs. Moving towards him, Akash stood beside his friend.
"Aise lagatar dekhne se Siya prakat nahi ho jayegi," Akash teased, and Shashwat looked at him, momentarily breaking free from his Siya-induced trance.
[Constantly staring won't make Siya appear.]
"When did you come?" Shashwat inquired.
"Jab tu apni Siya ke intezaar me palke bichaye huye khada tha," Akash remarked with a playful smile, earning a shy glance and a smile from Shashwat.
[When you were standing with your eyes fixed in anticipation of your Siya.]
"Akash, wo I want to say something," Shashwat hesitated.
"Bol na," Akash encouraged.
"Wo... actually... I..." Shashwat stammered, his face reddening with the weight of the confession.
"Why are you acting like tu mujhe propose karne vala hai?" Akash asked with a frown, earning a playful smack from Shashwat.
"Shut up!! I was saying that... I love Siya," Shashwat confessed, and a blush spread across his face at the admission.
"Ok......Whattttttttt!!!!! Are you serious Shashwat?????? I can't believe it!!" Akash exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement, and he enveloped Shashwat in a tight hug, causing them to stumble.
"Why are you shouting? And leave me, everyone is looking at us," Shashwat protested, trying to extricate himself from the enthusiastic embrace.
"But seriously Shashwat!! Tere muh se love word sun ke mujhe yakeen nahi ho raha!! I am so happy!! Chal aaj mere taraf se treat," Akash grinned, his excitement contagious and making Shashwat chuckle.
"Kis baat pe itna khush hai?" Reyansh's voice cut through the corridor, causing Akash and Shashwat to stand straight with blank expressions.
[Why are you so happy?]
"Wo... Today, Richa said that she wants to talk to me, isliye meri taraf se treat," Akash replied, a note of excitement in his voice.
"Tu akela aaya hai? Siya nahi aayi tere sath?" Akash asked, keenly observing Shashwat's eyes that were subtly searching for Siya. Akash, considering her as a sister, felt at ease in inquiring about her.
[Did you come alone? Siya didn't come with you?]
"She is coming with Ritika Di. Bahot late karti hai wo ladki! Upar se chillayegi wo alag chudail jaise," he added, making faces.
[That girl is always so late! On top of that, she yells like a different kind of witch.]
"Chalo mujhe physics ke notes dikha do thode..mera ek chapter reh gaya hai," Reyansh suggested, already taking charge and leading them inside the class.
[ Please show me the physics notes you have. I'll help with the remaining chapter.]
******************************************
After some time, as always, Shashwat found himself entrusted with the responsibility of leading everyone to the assembly in a proper line. As Richa and Arushi exited the class, Shashwat couldn't help but notice the absence of Siya.
Arushi exchanged a glance with Reyansh, who was already looking at her. Although the only relationship binding them was the facade of being lovers in the ongoing drama, there existed a nuanced connection that left an unexpected impact on their hearts. The lines blurred, and an unspoken understanding prevailed, leaving an undeniable emptiness in their hearts.
Akash, the astute observer, noted the brief eye lock between Arushi and Reyansh and he muttered,
"Ye dono ek dusre ki behen par line kyun mar rahe hain,"
[Why are these two passing lines on each other's sisters?]
Tapping on Reyansh's shoulder, Akash brought him back to the present.
"Let's go," he suggested, taking the lead as they began walking beside Arushi's line.
As they descended from the stairs, a sudden rush of energy interrupted Shashwat's thoughts. Siya came running in front of him, and both of them instinctively stopped in their tracks. Their eyes met, and a subtle wave of emotions passed between them.
His face couldn't contain the glow that erupted within as he controlled a big smile threatening to escape. Siya, however, looked down, and he too averted his gaze.
"Siya, you are coming now? Chal jaldi bag rakh kar aa," Arushi's voice broke the moment, and Shashwat subtly shifted to the other side, giving Siya the space to pass. She moved towards her class, surrounded by her friends.
In those fleeting seconds, he experienced a whirlwind of emotions. Seeing Siya after acknowledging his feelings was like seeing her for the first time, yet everything felt different. The denial that once shrouded his emotions had given way to acceptance. The glow on his face wasn't just a reflection of a passing emotion; it was a testament to the newfound clarity in his heart.
******************************************
As Siya, Arushi, and Richa entered the classroom, Siya took her usual seat but quickly noticed that her chair's leg was broken. Suspicion crept into her expression as she glared at her friends.
"Tum dono ne hame girane ke liye jaal bichaya tha na?" she asked, and they frowned in confusion.
[You both set a trap to make me fall down, didn't you?]
"Hein?" they replied, genuinely perplexed.
"This seat is damaged. Ham ispe baith jate to thode der me neeche pade rehte," Siya explained, her scepticism evident.
[If we had sat on it, I would have fallen down after a while.]
"Arre, we didn't know that," Richa defended herself.
"Acha, hurry up yaar! Let's change this seat. Peeche ki kuch khali chairs hain, unse exchange kar lete hain," Arushi suggested, and Siya nodded. However, an impish idea crossed Siya's mind, and she couldn't resist smirking.
"Where is Kalank's chair?" she asked mischievously.
"That one," Richa pointed at the first seat, and Siya exchanged her seat with Kanak's.
"Badi aayi hamari behen ko room me band karne vali! She don't know me yet! If she will go low, I will go lowest." Siya declared with a smirk.
"Sach mein! Ab sabke samne giregi tab maza ayega," Arushi added.
[Really! It will be fun when she falls in front of everyone.]
"Haan... khud ko ITV ki vamp samajhti hai, usse kya pata ham isse jada harami hain. Usne jo kiya iske liye to usse yahi pe joota utar ke marna chahiye," Richa chimed in, and they all shared a smirk.
[Yes... she considers herself the ITV villain, little does she know we are more cunning. For what she did, she deserves to be publicly exposed and criticized.]
"Let's go," Siya declared, and with a sense of mischievous camaraderie and they followed her.
******************************************
Meanwhile, on the other side, Arav was engrossed in writing when his eyes fell on the seat next to him, which was slightly muddy. Anticipating Ritika's arrival, he took out his handkerchief and diligently cleaned the seat. He refocused on his book, preparing for the day ahead.
"Good morning, Pran Nath," Ritika greeted as she approached his seat, and he frowned at the unexpected nickname.
"What?" he questioned, curious about the new moniker.
"Pran Nath. Ab mai apko aapke naam se kaise bula sakti hun, Swami," she replied, acting shy and playing with her dupatta. He looked at her with a bemused expression.
[Now, how can I address you by your name, Swami?]
"Ho gaya?" he asked, and she grinned, nodding her head before settling down beside him.
"What are you writing?" she inquired, peeping inside his copy.
"Notes, jo ki tumne do janam se nahi likhe," he retorted with a tight-lipped smile.
[ Notes, Which you haven't written for two lifetimes.]
"Sara din padhte rehte ho dono bhai! Kabhi ham dono behno ke bare me bhi soch liya karo," she sighed dramatically, to which he offered no response.
[You both keep studying all day, brothers! Sometimes think about us sisters too.]
"Vaise ye sab to mujhe yun aa jayega... mujhe notes ki zarurat nahi hai," she declared, flipping her hair, and he raised his eyebrows.
[Well, all this will come to me naturally... I don't need notes.]
"Ok then , Explain the difference between inertial and non-inertial reference systems." He asked. Ritika, caught off guard, scratched her head in confusion.
"Kya hua, madam? Dimag ho to bataiye?" he teased with a mocking smile.
[What happened, madam? If you have a mind, tell me.]
"Ji, hamare paas to dil hai, chahiye?" she responded, leaving him momentarily speechless. He facepalmed himself, muttering,
[Yes, I have a heart, do you need it?]
"God, Ritika! Kabhi to serious ho jaya karo." Unbeknownst to him, his ears turned a shade of red.
[Sometimes be serious, too]
"Abhi se itna sharma rahe ho tum to! Hamare suhagrat me kya..." Before she could finish her sentence, he interrupted in disbelief,
[Getting shy already! What about our wedding night?]
"Ritikaaa!! What are you saying?" He kept his head on the bench, embarrassed, while she controlled her laughter.
Just then, the door swung open, and a group of seniors entered the class, radiating energy and enthusiasm. Greetings echoed through the room as they engaged with the excited students.
"Hey, everyone! We're here to talk about the fresher's event," announced one of the seniors, capturing the attention of the room.
"Get ready for an exciting evening filled with fun, laughter, and memories," added another, creating a ripple of excitement among the students.
"The theme for this year's fresher's event is 'Dynamic Duos.' Yes, that's right - you need to come with a partner!" exclaimed a senior, emphasising the collaborative spirit of the occasion.
Anticipation hung in the air as the students absorbed the theme, realising that choosing a partner would be an essential aspect of the event. Whispers and excited chatter filled the room as students began contemplating their potential partners.
"So, think about who you want to team up with and make this event memorable. You've got time until the deadline to submit your names and, of course, some money for the entry fees,"
"Tum chaloge?" Ritika's eyes sparkled with excitement as she asked Aarav.
[Will you go?]
"No, I am not interested," Arav's response was met with an eye roll from Ritika.
"Tum na apne bhai jaise Dada ji bante jaa rahe ho," she teased, provoking a playful defense from Arav.
[You're becoming a grandpa, just like your brother.]
"Mere bhai ko kuch mat kaho," Arav defended his brother, attempting to maintain a serious demeanor.
[Don't say anything about my brother.]
"Haan, he is better than you. At least wo Siya ko dekh ke pighal to jata hai," she playfully teased, a mischievous pout on her lips. Arav shook his head, resisting the banter.
[At least, he melts seeing Siya.]
Just then, a boy approached Ritika, and his attention shifted towards the boy from his notebook.
"Ritika, are you coming to the freshers?" he inquired.
"Yes," she replied with enthusiasm.
"So, actually, everyone chooses their partners, and I didn't have any partner as my friends aren't coming. So, we are also friends, right? Will you be my partner for the freshers?" he asked, hopeful anticipation in his eyes.
Ritika was about to decline, holding out for Aarav, but before she could speak, Aarav stepped in, his protective instincts surfacing.
"No! She is coming with me as my partner," Aarav declared with a smile, surprising Ritika.
"Oh, okay... I will ask someone else then," the boy gracefully accepted the situation with a smile, making his exit. Ritika couldn't help but smirk at Aarav's unexpected possessiveness.
"Ohho, possessive?" she teased, nudging his shoulders knowingly.
"Chup raho! I... I just wanted to come, and tumhare alawa yahan kisi aur ladki ko mai janta bhi nahi hun," Aarav explained, his attempt at nonchalance accompanied by a subtle undertone of jealousy, evident in the way he shrugged his shoulders.
[Just wanted to come, and besides you, I don't know any other girl here.]
"Isliye to mai marti hun tumpe," Ritika playfully winked at him, adding a touch of teasing to the conversation.
[That's why I am dying for you.]
A genuine smile curved on Aarav's lips as he facepalmed himself, attempting to hide his smile from Ritika.
******************************************
As Siya, with her tails, entered the school, an unusual buzz filled the air.
"Thak gaye bhai! Inn logon ko PT karane me kya maza aata hai yaar!" Siya said drinking water.
[ I am so tired! What fun do they find in making us do PT?]
"Vaise did you notice, shashwat bhaiya was looking at you continuously during assembly." Richa said with a teasing smile and Siya covered her face smiling shyly.
Just then , the class teacher, with a concerned expression, addressed the students,
"Due to unexpected maintenance issues in 12th A1 class they are temporarily shifting in our classroom for today.Their classroom is currently undergoing repairs, and it's essential for their safety. As an alternative, we'll be using this spacious classroom to accommodate both classes. Regular classes will resume in your assigned rooms once the issues are resolved."
As Siya's eyes sparkled with excitement, Arushi couldn't help but tease,
"Teri to lottery nikal gayi."
Just then, the students of the 12th class entered the room, bringing a new energy to the atmosphere.
"Where is your bhaiya yaar?" Siya asked, scanning the crowd for Shashwat.
"Arre, he is busy with some volunteer duties, and I think his friends will also come with him," Arushi explained, and Siya nodded, eagerly anticipating the arrival of Shashwat .
After some time, Shashwat entered the class with his friends, and his eyes instinctively sought out Siya. As their gazes locked, he quickly looked away, pretending to search for an available seat. Spotting an empty seat beside the row where Siya was sitting at the last seat, and another vacant seat at the front, Shashwat's friends, Akash and Reyansh, moved toward the front, expecting Shashwat to follow.
In an unexpected turn of events, Shashwat surprised everyone by choosing the last seat, a departure from his usual preference for the front. Akash and Reyansh, wearing expressions of disbelief, made their way towards the back. Shashwat took the seat beside Siya, and as he settled, he couldn't help stealing glances at her, noticing that she, too, was stealing glances at him.
"Tune last seat choose ki? I can't believe!" Akash exclaimed in disbelief.
"Wo... Aaj classes hi nahi hongi to aage baith ke disturb honge. That's why I took this seat," Shashwat calmly explained, taking out his math book and notebook from his bag.
[Well... If there are no classes today, they'll just disturb us that's why I am sitting in the back.]
As Shashwat settled into the last seat, a wave of excitement swept through Siya's class. Almost every girl was grinning in anticipation while some were discreetly ogling at Shashwat's friends. The classroom became a canvas of emotions with subtle glances, excited whispers, and a mix of admiration and drooling over various crushes.
Amidst the hum of chatter, Siya's attention shifted as the girl behind her sought affirmation,
"Yaar, Shashwat is here, I am looking fine na?" Curiosity sparked in Siya's eyes, and she subtly tuned into their conversation.
"Haan, bahot pyari lag rahi hai. Bas washroom me chal kar thoda blusher and lipstick laga lo. He will be flat!" her friend suggested, a playful glint in her eyes. The duo gracefully glided towards the washroom
Despite the suggestion, Siya didn't feel insecure. She held a quiet confidence, knowing that the guy who had every girl vying for his attention in the classroom would cast his gaze solely upon her. The allure of that one glance seemed to overshadow any need for additional embellishments.
As the teacher exited the class, leaving it momentarily unattended, Kanak entered with an air of nonchalance.
"Dekh kalank aa gayi! Abhi baithegi." Arushi said as kanak entered inside the class.
However, her attempt to take a seat met with an unexpected twist as the chair beneath her gave way, causing her to tumble to the ground. Laughter erupted, with Siya and her friend's guffaws standing out among the uproar. Even Akash couldn't resist joining in the cacophony and Reyansh laughed silently as he was also enjoying this because she was the one because of who did so wrong with his sister.
Amidst the amusement, Shashwat remained unfazed, engrossed in solving problems in his notebook. While the others reveled in the mishap, his focus remained undeterred.
Kanak's friend rushed to her aid, helping her back onto her feet
As the classroom erupted in laughter at Kanak's unexpected chair collapse, Shashwat's attention veered away from the commotion. Siya's laughter, described by some as witch-like, resonated uniquely in his ears. To others, it might have been discordant, but to Shashwat, it held an unparalleled charm.
While the rest of the class focused on Kanak's embarrassing predicament, Shashwat's gaze remained fixed on Siya. In that moment, her laughter seemed like a melody, each note weaving a spell that captured his senses.
For Shashwat, this wasn't just admiration; it was an unveiling of his heart's desires. The constraints that once confined his feelings were now lifted, allowing him to openly revel in the beauty of her laughter. His eyes, previously guarded, now traced every nuance of her expression, imprinting the memory of that laughter deeply within his heart. In this brief moment of vulnerability, Shashwat discovered that sometimes, unconventional and unique could be the most enchanting.
"Dekha aapne , laparwahi ka nateeza!" Siya commented while everyone again burst out laughing.
"You can't laugh at her like this. Tum sab ko manners nahi hain kya? " Kanak's friend said
"Nahi!" Arushi said and they again burst out laughing.
*****************************************
After sometime the teacher was sitting in class asking them to do their work silently.
As the classroom settled into a rhythm of individual tasks, Siya took out her bottle to drink water but it was empty.
"Pani khatam ho gaya hamare bottle me. Bhar ke aate hain," she declared, grabbing her bottle and stepping out of the class.
Shashwat, attuned to every move she made, didn't let this opportunity slip by. The realisation of his burgeoning feelings had fueled a desire to spend time alone with her, and now, fate seemed to be on his side.
"Mai bottle bhar ke aata hun," Shashwat informed his friends, a subtle excitement underlying his words, and he headed outside with his bottle in hand.
[I'll come after filling the water bottle.]
"Par iski bottle to already bhari hui thi," Reyansh interjected with a puzzled expression wearing a frown. Meanwhile, Akash couldn't help but smirk inwardly.
[But his bottle was already filled.]
At the water tap, Siya struggled with the stubborn faucet, her frustration evident in a playful whine,
"Khul jaa bhai!!" Applying more pressure, she felt a sudden intervention - Shashwat's hand on the tap. Startled, she withdrew her hand as he effortlessly turned the tap, allowing her to fill her bottle.
In the midst of the flowing water, both Shashwat and Siya grappled with their own nerves. Shyness enveloped them, and the unspoken desire to prolong this moment lingered in the air.
He broke the silence, choosing a casual topic,
"Wo chair tumne rakhi thi na Kanak ke seat pe?" Siya's eyes widened in surprise.
[You placed that chair on Kanak's seat, right?]
"H..how did you know?" she asked, caught off guard.
"By your facial expressions," Shashwat replied, shrugging his shoulders. Before she could explain, he interjected,
"No need to justify that. I know you did this because of the prank she pulled on Ritika Di. And to be honest, I didn't feel that it was wrong."
Her eyes met his, astonished. "Ye aap keh rahe hain? I mean...aapko to ye sab prank pasand nahi hai. So I thought you will think bad about me," she murmured the last line.
[Are you saying this? I mean... you don't like these pranks.]
"I can never think anything bad about you." Shashwat asserted. Siya's happiness soared, fueled by his unwavering belief in her.
A minute of serene silence enveloped them, the water bottle already filled but the desire to share more time with each other keeping them rooted in that moment.
"Vaise, aaj to hamare class ki ladkiyo ki lottery nikal gayi. Sab ke sab mari jaa rahi hain. Unki Nazrein to aapse hat hi nahi rahi hai," Siya remarked, amused by the delusional fantasies circulating among the girls in their class. Her laughter echoed, a melodic response to the exaggerated notions.
[By the way, today the girls in our class hit the jackpot. They are all head over heels for you. Their eyes are not moving away from you at all.]
"Usse kya fark padta hai! Mujhpar chahe jitni ladkiyon ki nazar ho, Meri Nazrein to sirf ek hi ladki par hi atki hui hain," Shashwat replied, injecting a touch of sincerity that sent hundreds of butterflies fluttering in Siya's stomach.
[What does it matter to him! No matter how many girls have their eyes on me, my eyes are stuck on only one girl.]
She couldn't hold back her shy smile, and in that moment, she hastily rushed inside her class, the joyous anticipation lingering.
Leaning against the wall, Shashwat wore a shy smile, his thoughts swirling with a cascade of unfamiliar feelings and emotions. The realization that his gaze was the anchor of her attention filled him with a sense of warmth and vulnerability. Amidst the bustling school corridors, he couldn't escape the enchantment that Siya cast upon him.
"Mar hi na jaun mai kisi din!" he muttered, his voice barely audible as he rubbed his neck shyly. In that solitary moment, the intensity of his emotions became palpable. Shashwat, usually composed and reserved, found himself navigating the uncharted territories of infatuation, leaving him both exhilarated and introspective.
[I might as well die one day.]
***************************************
After the school day concluded, Siya and her friends gathered around Daksh, treating him like a brother. Siya, attempting to ease his nerves, suggested,
"Why are you tensed, yaar? Everything will be fine. Just go and tell her directly, 'I love you.'"
Daksh, visibly nervous, admitted, "But Siya, I'm feeling so nervous."
"Daksh bhai, we trust you. You can do it. Don't stress." Richa reassured him.
"Alright, let's do a rehearsal. Come, let's go to the backside of the school." Arushi chimed in.
As they moved towards the backside of the school, Siya directed,
"Assume Richa is that girl, Ritu. Now, say the lines you've prepared." Richa stood in front of Daksh.
Taking a deep breath, Daksh knelt down and began recalling his lines. Meanwhile, Akash, excited to meet Richa at the backside of the garden, arrived to witness a surprising scene: Daksh professing his love to Richa. Akash clenched his fists, contemplating a confrontation.
"The day I saw you, I felt like my world stopped at that moment. And now I can't imagine my life without you. I love you, I love you so much. I promise I will love you always," Daksh passionately proposed.
Akash, feeling a mixture of anger and heartbreak, was about to intervene when Richa held his arm, stopping him.
She smiled and reciprocated, "I love you too."
As Akash's feet involuntarily moved backward, he felt as if his entire world had crashed before him. Unable to bear the weight of the unfolding scene, he turned away from the garden and briskly moved towards his parked bike.
The revelation of Richa's reciprocated love for Daksh sent shockwaves through his entire being. It was as if the pillars of strength and resilience he had built over the years crumbled in an instant. His fists clenched tighter, not just in frustration but in an attempt to hold onto the remnants of his shattered world. The unexpected twist in this tale of emotions left him breathless. For so long, he had carried the weight of his life's challenges with a stoic demeanour, finding solace in the camaraderie of his friends and the warmth he felt around Richa. However, seeing her in love with another boy shattered the illusion of security he had carefully constructed.
He never anticipated love from anyone but his close-knit circle of friends, and especially not from Richa, who had become the anchor of his happiness. The betrayal he felt at that moment was visceral, and a dull ache settled in his chest. The haunting echoes of his father's cruel words started to reverberate in his mind, their impact magnified by the vulnerability he now faced.
The rumble of the bike engine faded into the quiet streets as Akash pulled up in front of an old, small home. This was his grandmother's haven, a place where he sought solace in moments of heartache. The creaking door opened with a familiar sound, revealing the memories embedded in the worn walls.
Upon entering, he found himself enveloped in the comforting embrace of his grandmother's home. His gaze fell on a table adorned with a picture of his beloved grandmother, a source of strength and warmth. Beside her photo, in a shared frame, rested a picture of Richa. These two women, pillars of his life, were immortalised together in a frame.
Holding Richa's photograph, he traced the contours of her smiling face with trembling fingers. The tears that he had suppressed for so long finally broke free, streaming down his face. Akash covered his face with trembling hands, succumbing to the weight of the emotions that had been held back.
Looking at Richa's photo, he spoke amidst sobs,
"Your love was my only hope in a world full of rejections, but today you broke me like nothing else could ever." His words were a testament to the shattered dreams and the profound hurt he felt.
The tears continued to stream down his face, each drop a testament to the depth of his emotions.
Akash, overcome by the emotional turbulence, collapsed onto a worn-out couch. The soft fabric absorbed the weight of his weary body as he clutched the photograph close to his chest. In the shadows, his grandmother's picture bore witness to his anguish, a silent guardian to the storms that raged within him.
Exhausted from the emotional turmoil, Akash didn't realise when he drifted into a restless sleep, still cradling the photograph of Richa in his hands.
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How was the chapter guys??
Well, I am not satisfied with this chapter 😭 I know I didn't write Shashwat's feelings properly 🙂.
Please do votes and comments ❤️✨.
Lot's of Love
~Deewanixwriters