महफ़िल में कैसे कह दें किसी से,
दिल बंध रहा है किस अजनबी से
हाय करे अब क्या जतन,
सुलग सुलग जाए मन
भीगे आज इस मौसम में,
लगी कैसी ये अगन❤️✨
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As Shashwat and Reyansh emerged from the school gates, Shashwat's brow furrowed in search of their friend.
"Where is Akash?" he inquired.
"I don't know. Class me dikha hi nahi." Reyansh replied, shrugging his shoulders.
[He wasn't in the class.]
Concern etched Shashwat's face as he dialled Akash's number. The ringtone broke the silence, and Akash, who was apparently napping, answered.
"What happened?" Akash questioned.
"Where are you, Akash? We're waiting for you," Shashwat urgently asked.
"Actually..Mujhe ghar aana pada... I was not feeling well," Akash explained, stirring from his slumber.
"Why? What happened? Why didn't you tell me before? Doctor ko dikhaya?" Shashwat bombarded him with queries, drawing the attention of the Reyansh.
"Arre bhai, don't worry. I had a headache, nothing serious," Akash reassured, rubbing his temples.
"Okay, rest kar. Medicine le lena," Shashwat instructed before ending the call. He turned to the waiting friend, explaining,
"He had a headache, so he left early."
"Is it getting worse?" Reyansh inquired, his concern palpable.
"Shayad," Shashwat replied, his thoughts lingering on Akash's well-being.
******************************************
After some time, Akash wearily returned home, entering his room and collapsing onto the bed after a quick change of clothes. As he lay there, his phone buzzed, and he glanced at the caller ID- "Richu ❤️."
Choosing to disconnect the call, he closed his eyes, seeking a moment of solace. However, Richa's message popped up on his screen,
"Tum aaye kyun nahi?? Sab thik hai na?"
[Why didn't you came? Is everything alright?]
A heavy sigh escaped him as he placed the phone beside him.
*****************************************
In the quiet of the night, Shashwat found himself immersed in solving chemistry numericals, following his online NDA coaching. However, his thoughts veered towards Siya, prompting him to rest his head on the table.
"Kal to Sunday hai... I won't be able to meet her," he muttered, tapping his pen on the table in frustration. His desire to see her every day lingered in his mind, creating a sense of longing. Suddenly, a bright idea illuminated his thoughts, prompting him to grab his phone and initiate a conference call with Reyansh and Akash.
"Hello!" greeted Akash.
"Kya hua?" Reyansh inquired.
"Umm... Reyansh, kal Sunday hai, aur Monday ko class test hai. So, I'll come to your place for a group study. Akash, tu bhi aa jana," Shashwat proposed.
[Umm... Reyansh, tomorrow is Sunday, and we have a class test on Monday. So, I'll come to your place for a group study. Akash, you come too.]
"Vaise bulao to sir ka time waste hota hai. Aaj kya ho gaya?" Akash raised an eyebrow, clearly aware of the real reason behind the sudden study session.
[By the way, if we invite him, it's a waste of time. What happened today?]
"K...kya kuch bhi to nahi, bas test tha isliye," Shashwat mumbled, rubbing his eyebrows in an attempt to downplay his true intentions.
[Uh... nothing, just had a test, that's why.]
"Ohh yeah, I know," Akash replied with a hint of sarcasm.
"Ok then. Will see you tomorrow," Reyansh confirmed.
With a satisfied grin, Shashwat disconnected the call, his plan to see Siya cleverly masked under the guise of a study session.
Shashwat was solving maths problems Seated at his desk, Shashwat opened his notebook, ready to tackle the numericals before him when a notification illuminated his phone screen.
"Ye kaisa group hai," he muttered, intrigued, as he navigated to the WhatsApp application.
[What kind of group this is!]
"Hello everyone, Ritika here. This group is for us ...I mean Shashwat, Siya, Akash, Reyansh, Richa, Arushi, Darsh, Divya, Mai aur mere Swami," the message read.
"Swami!" Shashwat chuckled, bemused by the unexpected term.
"Who is this Swami didi?" Arushi queried.
"Tumhare sabse bade bhaiya aur kon pagli🙈," Ritika clarified adding blushing emoji.
[Your elder brother.]
"Ohh God, Ritika yaha bhi start ho gyi," Arav expressed his exasperation, lightly hitting his head on the table.
"Shut up Ritika," he messaged, trying to diffuse the situation.
"Arre Swami aap aa gaye. Aapke charno me mera pranam sweekar kijiye."Ritika messaged, injecting a touch of humour.
[Oh Swami, you're here. Accept my humble greetings at your feet.]
"Byy🙄," Arav replied.
"Arre wait wait wait! Haan Arav please send those photographs which we clicked from your phone. Sabne bhej diye hain except you." Ritika requested.
[Oh, wait wait wait! Yes, Arav, please send those photographs we clicked from your phone. Everyone has sent them except you.]
"Kal karta hun," Arav replied, attempting to buy some time.
[I will send those tomorrow.]
"Abhi karo abhi abhi abhi. Tomorrow never comes. Otherwise mai tumhare chemistry ke notes phad dungi." Ritika playfully threatened, adding a sense of urgency to her message.
[Do it now, right now, right now. Tomorrow never comes. Otherwise, I'll tear up your chemistry notes.]
Arav rolled his eyes and promptly sent all the photographs to the group.
Shashwat, scrolling through the images, stumbled upon one where Siya was looking at him with a smile. He couldn't resist zooming in on that photo and taking a screenshot.
"Ohh God, kahin Reyansh ye photo na dekh le. I should ask Arav to delete this one," Shashwat muttered to himself.
[Ohh God, what if Reyansh sees those photos?]
"Arav ko kahunga to pata nahi kya sochega! Mujhe hi uske phone se delete kar dena chahiye," he decided, standing up from his study table and heading to Arav's room.
[If I tell Arav, I don't know what he'll think! I should delete them from his phone myself.]
"What happened? Tu yahan kya kar raha hai?" Arav asked,Confused.
[What are you doing here?]
"Wo. I need your phone. Tu ek photo send karna bhool gaya," Shashwat said, scolding himself for making such a lame excuse.
[You forgot to send one photo.]
"Tu pagal hai kya? Itni raat me yaha mere room me tu photos send karne aaya hai?" Arav rolled his eyes.
[Are you crazy? You've come to my room at this late hour just to send photos.]
"W...wo Ritika Didi ne mujhe personally message me bola abhi ke abhi bheje ko. Unhone bola aap gussa ho jayenge agar wo aapse direct bolengi to," Shashwat explained, trying to justify his unexpected visit.
[Ritika Didi personally messaged me to send them right away. She said you'd get angry if she told you directly.]
"Pata nahi usse mere gussa hone ka khayal kab se aane laga!" Arav muttered and handed his phone to Shashwat, saying,
[I don't know when she started worrying about me getting angry!]
"Do it fast."
Quickly deleting the photo for everyone, Shashwat sent a random picture to Arav, returned the phone, and retreated to his room.
"Ye Mai kya pagal jaise behave kar raha hun, itna dar kyun Raha hun...ek photo hi to hai koi galti se bhi kisi ke taraf dekh leta hai to picture click ho jati hai isme kya bada matter tha," Shashwat questioned himself, lying on his bed and opening that photo.
[Why am I behaving like a madman, why am I so scared... it's just a photo, anyone can accidentally look at it, and a picture is taken. What's the big deal in this?]
"Jabse tumse pyar hua hai, mai sach me pagal ho raha hun," he chuckled, a smile playing on his lips.
[Since I fell in love with you, I am truly going crazy.]
*****************************************
On a serene Sunday morning, Shashwat prepared himself for the visit to Reyansh's house, the anticipation evident in his every move.
Just then, Darsh strolled into the room. "Bhaiya, please drop me at my friend's house," he requested, taking a seat on the bed.
"Hmm," Shashwat replied, nonchalantly combing his hair.
"Bhaiya, aap Reyansh bhaiya ke ghar jaane ke liye itna ready kyun ho rahe ho, aisa lag raha aapki girlfriend hai udhar," Darsh playfully teased.
[Brother, why are you getting so ready to go to Reyansh's house? It seems like your girlfriend lives there.]
"Tu pit jayega abhi," Shashwat retorted, masking his smile with a casual remark.
"Ok ok, sorry. Aapki saaj shringar ho gaya ho to chalen?" Darsh inquired.
[If your makeup and grooming are done, shall we go?]
"Shut up!!" Shashwat dismissed the banter, grabbing his bag, and both left the room.
******************************************
After dropping Darsh, Shashwat arrived at Siya's home and rang the bell.
"Doodh vale uncle aa gaye... Divya jaa ke lekar aa," Siya, engrossed in samosas and Doraemon, called out.
[The milkman has arrived... Divya, go and bring it.]
"Didi, I am washing dishes. Khud bhi kuch kar liya karo," Divya retorted.
Siya sighed, stuffing a full samosa into her mouth, and ambled to the entrance, holding a milk pot.
Shashwat frowned, about to speak, but Siya intercepted him, attempting to communicate with her mouth full,
"Bhaiybbhhhaaklabha." She tried to speak. Confused, Shashwat furrowed his eyebrows, asking,
"Kya keh rahi ho?" Her eyes widened as she removed the pot from her face, revealing puffed cheeks due to the samosa.
[What are you trying to say?]
Suppressing his laughter, Shashwat shook his head in amusement as she darted inside without saying anything.
Entering the house, he found her attempting to drink water while struggling with the samosa.
"Aram se! Atak jayega," he warned, and she managed to gulp down the samosa, smiling awkwardly at him before heading back to the kitchen.
He couldn't help but smile at the adorable sight, appreciating the unique charm Siya brought to even the simplest moments.
"Namaste Aunty," Shashwat greeted Siya's mother as she approached.
"Namaste beta. Please have a seat; I will bring something for you," Tara said with a warm smile.
"It's okay aunty, Aap please pareshan mat hoiye," Shashwat reassured with a smile.
"Arre pareshan kya hona isme? Mai aati hun," Tara responded and headed into the kitchen, leaving Shashwat to sit on the sofa, his eyes subtly searching for Siya.
"Tu aa gaya? Let's go to my room," Reyansh suggested, approaching Shashwat.
"Roo...room me kyun? I...I mean, we can study here only. I mean, mujhe thoda bike se chot lag gayi to upar chalne me problem hogi," Shashwat offered an excuse.
"Kahan chot lagi? Mai first aid lekar aaun?" Siya interjected, her concerned face visible. Shashwat looked at her for a second before responding,
[Where did you get hurt? Should I bring first aid?]
"Wo... No, it's ok. Thodi si hai, thik ho jayegi." Siya nodded, and they settled on the sofa.
[It will be fine.]
Siya came with a glass of water. As she passed him the glass of water, their fingers intertwined briefly, sending a jolt of warmth cascading through their bodies.
His breath caught in his throat at the unexpected touch, a rush of sensation coursing through him as he met her gaze with a mixture of surprise and delight. His lips curved into a gentle smile, revealing the subtle flicker of emotions swirling within him - anticipation, longing, and a burgeoning sense of connection that stirred his soul.
As Siya cleared her throat, His attention shifted abruptly, breaking the spell of their intense eye contact.
Shashwat sat with a pencil in hand, furrowing his brow as he attempted to solve the problem in front of him. However, his gaze kept drifting away from the textbook, drawn irresistibly to Siya, who was sitting across from him. With a faint smile playing on his lips, he stole glances at her, his concentration waning with each passing moment as he found himself captivated by her presence. Despite his best efforts to focus, his thoughts kept wandering back to her, making it difficult to concentrate on the task at hand.
As Shashwat's gaze wandered towards Siya once more, he found her looking back at him. Their eyes locked in a moment of silent connection, a spark of recognition and understanding passing between them. In that fleeting instant, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them caught in each other's gaze. Time stood still as they shared a wordless exchange, their hearts beating in unison, before reluctantly returning their attention to the task at hand, each carrying the memory of that shared moment with them.
"See, I got this solution," Reyansh exclaimed to Shashwat.
"Huh! Kya?" Shashwat snapped out of his reverie.
"Kya kya? Solution ho gaya. Tu dikha apna solution," Reyansh urged, glancing at Shashwat's still-blank copy.
[The problem is solved. Show me your solution.]
"Tujhe kya hua? 10 min se tu ek solution nahi nikal pa raha. Vaise to tough se tough questions tu 2-3 minute me solve kar deta hai," Reyansh pointed out.
[What happened to you? You haven't been able to come up with a solution for the past 10 minutes. Usually, you solve even the toughest questions in 2-3 minutes.]
"Sorry, wo mera dhyan kahin aur tha. Mai tujhe 2 minute me solve kar ke deta hun," Shashwat apologised, attempting to focus on the task at hand.
[Sorry, my mind was somewhere else. I'll solve it for you in 2 minutes.]
After some time, Reyansh finally called it quits,
"Bas yaar, aaj ke liye kafi ho gaya. Mai thak gaya hun aur aaj tera dhyan padhai me lag nahi raha hai jabse dekh raha hun."
[That's enough for today, buddy. I'm tired, and I can see you're not focusing on your studies today since I started watching.]
Shashwat, smiling, glanced at Siya, adding,
"Yeah, seems like my focus has wandered somewhere else today."
Siya's cheeks flushed with a blush as she caught Shashwat's gaze, her heart racing with a mixture of embarrassment and delight.
******************************************
"I am getting late for my extra coaching classes, mujhe chalna chahiye," Shashwat announced as he stood from his place.
"Akash ko pata nahi kya kaam aa gaya achanak. Aaya hi nahi," Reyansh remarked.
[I don't know what suddenly came up for Akash. He didn't come at all.]
"Sach me," Shashwat agreed.
"Kal school me milte hain," Reyansh suggested, and he glanced at Siya.
[Let's meet in school tomorrow.]
"Haan, kal milte hain," Shashwat responded, causing Siya's stomach to do a flip. She looked down with a smile as Shashwat moved towards the entrance.
[Yes, let's meet tomorrow.]
Just then, the bell rang, and Siya hurried towards the door, swinging it open to welcome Arushi.
"Where is Richa?" she inquired, scanning the room.
"Usse function me jana tha," Arushi replied.
[She has to go for a function.]
"She attends a lot of functions, doesn't she?" Siya remarked, leading them inside, where Shashwat looked at Arushi in surprise.
"If you wanted to come, you should have told me. You could have come with me.," Shashwat expressed.
"Bhaiya, you haven't told me that you are coming here," Arushi responded, shrugging her shoulders. Shashwat headed outside, catching Arushi off guard. She then glanced at Reyansh, who had been observing her but swiftly averted his gaze.
Arushi stepped into the house, finding solace on the sofa, while Reyansh retreated to his room.
"Mummy ne kheer banai thi. Last bowl bachi hai, I will bring it for you," Siya offered, to which Arushi nodded appreciatively.
"You know ye kheer Shashwat Bhaiya ki favourite hai. He always asks mummy to prepare this kheer," Arushi shared, and Siya, intrigued, looked at her.
"Is it?" Siya inquired, and Arushi simply nodded.
*******************************************
As the day began to fade into dusk, a subtle shift in the atmosphere hinted at the approaching night. Arushi and Siya made their way to the entrance, where the dimming light cast long shadows on the floor. Siya, ever considerate, turned to her brother, who was engrossed in the television.
"Wait! Bhaiya, isko ghar drop kar do, andhera hone laga hai na," Siya suggested.
[Wait! Brother, drop her home; it's getting dark.]
Reyansh, reluctantly tearing his eyes away from the TV, looked at Arushi.
"Nahi, it's ok. Mai chali jaungi," Arushi declined politely.
But Siya, determined to ensure her friend's safety, persisted,
"Mai drop kar dunga," as she urged Reyansh to take the responsible step.
[I will drop you.]
Reyansh, with a nod, decided to accompany Arushi. He retrieved his bike keys, a subtle jingle breaking the quiet of the room. As they stepped outside, the fading sunlight painted the surroundings with hues of orange and pink.
The soft hum of Reyansh's motorcycle engine filled the air as he gestured for Arushi to join him. She hesitated for a moment before settling behind him.
Reyansh, breaking the silence, shifted the gears smoothly.
"Arushi, how is everything? Vihan abhi bhi pareshan karta hai?" He asked.
[Does Vihan still troubles you?]
"Nahi ab pareshan nahi karta. He actually believed that we are..." She stopped in between with an awkward smile and he nodded his head.
Reyansh fell silent, the sound of the engine and the distant hum of traffic creating a tranquil backdrop. As they continued their ride, dark clouds gathered overhead, and raindrops began to splatter on their faces. With a sudden downpour, Reyansh skillfully manoeuvred the bike to a stop near a small stall.
Taking shelter under the makeshift roof, Reyansh and Arushi watched the rain cascade around them. Arushi's smile widened as she enjoyed the unexpected rain shower. Reyansh, captivated by her joy, couldn't help but steal glances at her.
After a few minutes, Arushi's gaze shifted from the rain to find a delightful surprise - a plate of piping hot pakodas and two cups of chai placed in front of her. Reyansh, with a grin, extended a plate of pakoras and held a cup of tea.
"Chai pakoda!" Arushi exclaimed, her excitement evident as she eagerly accepted the offerings. Placing the plates between them, they both indulged in the warmth of the chai and the crispy delight of the pakoras, savouring the moment amidst the rain-soaked ambiance.
The distant melody of "Rimjhim gire saavan" softly echoed through the rain-kissed air as Reyansh and Arushi sat under the makeshift shelter, immersed in the magic of the moment. The haunting notes of the song seemed to synchronise with the falling raindrops, creating a poetic symphony.
Rim-jhim gire saavan,
sulag sulag jaaye mann
As the raindrops continued to fall, the atmosphere around them felt charged with a serene energy. Reyansh's eyes met Arushi's, and a silent understanding passed between them, their hearts echoing the rhythm of the rain.
Bhige aaj is mausam mein,
lagi kaisi ye agan
The rain intensified, enveloping them in a gentle mist. Arushi, her hair drenched, turned towards Reyansh. There was an undeniable warmth in her eyes, a flame of connection ignited by the rain-soaked ambiance. Reyansh, captivated by her gaze, felt the subtle yet undeniable heat of the moment.
Jab ghunghru see bajatee hain bunde,
Armaan hamare palke na munde..
The soft glow of the stall illuminated their faces as they enjoyed the warmth of chai and pakoda. In a subtle twist of fate, Arushi, lost in the melody, inadvertently placed her hand beside Reyansh on the table. Their eyes met, a shared recognition of a connection that transcended the unspoken.
Kaise dekhe sapne nayan,
Sulag sulag jaaye mann..
As the lyrics continued, Arushi, realising the unexpected proximity, felt a flutter in her stomach. Reyansh, equally affected, sensed the delicate dance of emotions in the air. Their gazes lingered, creating a palpable tension that mirrored the sulag sulag jaaye mann described in the song.
Bhige aaj iss mausam me,
Lagi kaisi yeh agan
The rain intensified outside, matching the surge of emotions within. Arushi, about to withdraw her hand, hesitated as Reyansh, captivated by the unforeseen connection, gently placed his hand above hers. The unexpected gesture caught Arushi off guard, her cheeks flushing with a delicate shade of red as the warmth of the moment enveloped them beneath the shelter.
Rimjhim gire sawan..
As the lyrics merged seamlessly with the unfolding scene, Reyansh and Arushi, their hands delicately intertwined, continued to gaze at the rain.
Mehfil me kaise keh de kisi se...
As the lyrics unfolded, Reyansh and Arushi found themselves in a metaphorical gathering of emotions, the invisible threads of connection weaving through the air. The dim light cast shadows, mirroring the complexity of the unspoken feelings lingering between them.
Dil bandh raha hai kis ajnabee se,
The acknowledgment of a restrained heart resonated in the air. Reyansh and Arushi, caught in a delicate dance of glances, shared a silent understanding that their hearts were tethered to the unfamiliar yet enticing pull of each other's presence.
Haye kare abb kya jatan,
sulag sulag jaye mann.
As the rain intensified, the sulag sulag jaye mann echoed the rising heat of emotions within them. Reyansh and Arushi, felt the magnetic pull of unexplored territories, a shared yearning that was palpable in the charged atmosphere.
Bhige aaj iss mausam me,
lagee kaisee yeh agan.
The rain, now a steady downpour, symbolized the intensity of their unspoken connection. Arushi, feeling the agan of the moment, sensed the emotional storm within her.
Under the hushed pattering of the retreating raindrops, the melody shifted, creating a moment of subtle tension.
"We should leave now; otherwise, dobara start ho jayegi," Reyansh suggested, prompting a nod from his companion as they rose from their seats. Their eyes met, realising their hands had inadvertently intertwined. Hastily, they withdrew, both choosing to gaze in opposite directions, allowing a silent understanding to linger as the ride continued its quiet journey.
*****************************************
In the silent embrace of midnight, Siya found herself in the kitchen, a culinary mission in mind. Ritika stood guard at the door, eyes fixed on the outside world. The objective: preparing kheer for Shashwat, who slept peacefully, unaware of the late-night culinary escapade. Meanwhile, Divya lay in bed, having declined any involvement.
"Didi, koi aa to nahi raha?" Siya inquired, seeking assurance from Ritika, who stood vigilant.
[Sister, is someone coming?]
"Nahi, tu bana na, I am watching," Ritika reassured, keeping a lookout as Siya consulted her phone for the recipe.
"Step 1: Wash rice and pressure cook it in milk for 10 minutes," Siya mumbled, following the instructions diligently. The sound of rushing water filled the air as she washed the rice, soon submerging it in milk to simmer in the pressure cooker.
"Add some dry fruits." Ritika said, and Siya, momentarily forgetting, slapped her forehead.
"Abhi dalte hain," Siya chuckled, swiftly adding a handful of uncut kaju, badam, and kishmish. The elaichis followed suit, unpeeled, as Siya continued the culinary endeavour.
"Ho gaya," she declared, a sense of accomplishment in her voice as the aromatic essence of kheer wafted through the kitchen, marking the successful completion of their covert mission.
[Done.]
Ritika approached the simmering kheer, her expression morphing into a frown as she assessed the modest quantity.
"Itna thoda sa banaya?" she remarked, a hint of disappointment in her tone.
[Made only this much?]
"Haan bas Shashwat ke liye banana tha na," Siya replied, nonchalantly shrugging her shoulders, focused on the task at hand.
[Yes, just made it for Shashwat.]
"Accha, ab isse tiffin me daal ke pot ko dhul do jaldi se. And then keep the tiffin inside our room otherwise mummy will see it," Ritika instructed with urgency and Siya nodded in agreement.
[Okay, now put it in the lunchbox and quickly wash the pot.]
******************************************
Under the soft glow of the morning sun, Shashwat stood alone in the school corridor, discreetly peering into Siya's classroom. His eyes, filled with admiration, traced every movement she made as she sat among her friends, immersed in lively conversation.
Siya's laughter echoed through the corridor, a melody that captivated Shashwat's attention. The gentle breeze tousled her hair, and the sunlight illuminated the contours of her face, highlighting a captivating radiance that seemed to envelop her.
As he observed from a distance, Shashwat noticed the way she animatedly gestured while sharing stories, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. The subtle nuances of her expressions became a canvas for his silent admiration, each detail etching itself into his memory.
He marvelled at the way she interacted with her friends, the genuine warmth in her smile, and the effortless grace with which she moved.
As Shashwat stood entranced by the sight of Siya and her friends, a tap on his shoulders jolted him back to reality. Akash, the voice of reason, couldn't resist a teasing remark.
"Bhai, you are the head boy of the school. Kuch to lihaj kar apne post ka! Aise ek ladki ko taad raha hai," Akash playfully advised, shaking his head dramatically. Shashwat responded with a good-natured smack on Akash's head, a shared moment of camaraderie.
[Brother, you are the head boy of the school. Behave according to your position! Don't stare at a girl like that.]
"Why were you behaving weirdly yesterday? Aur headache kaisa hai?" Shashwat inquired, genuine concern evident in his eyes. Akash took a moment to respond.
"Arre bas thoda mausam change hone ke wajah se shayad. Don't worry, ab thik hun," Akash reassured, offering a smile that aimed to dispel any lingering worries.
[Oh, maybe it's just because of the weather change. Don't worry, I'm fine now.]
The arrival of Siya and her friends interrupted the conversation. Shashwat and Siya exchanged glances, a silent acknowledgement passing between them. Richa observed Akash, noticing the complexity of his emotions. Today his gaze felt so strange, carrying a multitude of questions and hurt. Akash, sensing the scrutiny, quickly averted his gaze, focusing on Shashwat.
"I should keep my bag inside," he announced, breaking the brief tension, and moved towards the school building. Richa's gaze lingered on him.
Amidst the gathering at the assembly ground, Richa extended a warm smile towards Akash, anticipating a reciprocal response. However, to her surprise, he remained unresponsive. The unfamiliarity of his indifference struck her, creating a disconcerting feeling as she approached him, noting the isolation in which he stood while Shashwat prepared for the morning assembly and Reyansh engaged in conversation with a teacher.
"Akash, why didn't you reply to my text? Aur kya hua hai tumhe? Uss din aaye bhi nahi," Richa inquired, her concern evident in her voice. Akash sighed, grappling with the internal struggle of dealing with his own emotions.
[What else happened to you? You didn't even come that day.]
"Kuch nahi hua," he replied, his tone carrying a distant coldness as he averted his gaze. Yet, as his eyes met hers, a softness seemed to linger, revealing the internal conflict beneath the surface. He knew he shouldn't be behaving this way, but the complexity of his feelings held him captive.
[Nothing.]
Richa persisted, her gaze searching for answers in his eyes.
"Akash, please. I can sense something is wrong. Why are you shutting me out?"
He sighed again, torn between his desire to be honest and the reluctance to reveal his inner turmoil.
"Kuch nahi hua hai baba! Sab thik hai. Accha, my friend is calling me," he said with a forced calmness, offering a strained smile before briskly moving toward a friend, leaving Richa in a state of confusion and lingering concern.
*******************************************
As the final period unfolded, Siya sat at her desk, contemplating the best way to present the kheer to Shashwat. Her friends, sensing her dilemma, eagerly offered suggestions.
"I will tell bhaiya that you are calling him," Arushi suggested with enthusiasm.
"Hatt! Kya sochenge wo? Ham jaise hukum chala rahe hain unpar," Siya retorted, prompting collective forehead slaps from her friends.
[Move! What will they think? Seems like I am ordering him around.]
"Yaar, isme kya hai? Accha aise keh denge ki you want to talk to him," Richa proposed, trying to find a balance between directness and subtlety.
[What's the big deal? Just tell them you want to talk to him.
"No, it's weird," Siya dismissed the idea, contemplating the best approach to maintain a sense of normalcy.
"Accha, give the tiffin box to me. Mai de dungi isse bhaiya ko," Arushi offered a practical solution.
[I'll give this to him]
"No way! I wanted to give it to myself. Aur tera bharosa nahi hai ki kab Teri niyat badal jaye aur tu khud kha jaye isse," Siya responded and Arushi gasped.
[And I can't trust that your intentions won't change, and you won't eat it yourself.]
"So?" Richa inquired, seeking an alternative plan.
"I will manage," Siya sighed, a determined resolve in her voice as she prepared to navigate the delicate task of presenting the kheer to Shashwat.
As the school bell resonated through the corridors, signalling the end of the day, students swiftly packed their bags and streamed out of classrooms into the open spaces.
"I am going to the ground; tere bhaiya udhar hi honge na?" Siya inquired, seeking confirmation from Arushi, who nodded in agreement.
[Your brother must be there.]
"And I have to talk to Akash. Pata nahi kya problem hai usse! Jab main baat nahi karti thi tab peeche pada rehta tha... and now when I want to talk to him, he is avoiding me," Richa confided in frustration.
[Don't know what his problem is! When I didn't talk to him, he used to follow me... and now when I want to talk to him, he is avoiding me.]
"Haan, toh kyun ignore karti thi pehle? Ab pata chala kaisa lagta hai?" Siya teased, prompting a pout from Richa.
[Yes, so why did you ignore him earlier? Now you know how it feels?]
"Ab, where should I go now?" Arushi questioned, unsure of her next destination, and they collectively shrugged their shoulders.
"Wait for us," Siya and Richa suggested in unison before parting ways, each heading in opposite directions to address their individual quests and mysteries.
******************************************
At the school ground, Shashwat efficiently directed students into proper lines, focused on maintaining order. Meanwhile, Kanak stood beside him, attempting to engage in conversation, only to face his apparent indifference.
"What should I do!" she muttered, nervously biting her nails as she sought a way to capture Shashwat's attention.
As the students moved into formation, Shashwat turned to leave, catching sight of Siya standing a little distance away, deep in thought and nervously biting her nails. A warm smile crept onto his face as he approached her. He snapped his fingers in front of her face.
"Kya kar rahi ho yahan?" he inquired, his voice carrying a playful tone. Siya looked up, momentarily flustered.
[What are you doing here?]
"Wo.. I..Ham.." she stammered, her nervousness palpable.
"Kya baat hai?" he prodded, curious about her sudden appearance. Siya, gathering her courage, retrieved a tiffin box and a small chit from her bag, presenting them to Shashwat with a shy smile.
[What's the matter?]
"Ye kya hai?" he asked, accepting the offerings. He was about to open the chit when Siya intervened.
[What is this?]
"Wait!! Isse ghar jaa ke dekhiyega," she insisted, a twinkle of anticipation in her eyes, before darting away. Shashwat watched her retreating figure, a fond smile lingering on his lips as he tucked the tiffin box and the chit into his bag.
[Please check this after reaching home.]
********************************************
As Akash strolled towards the school ground, his pace interrupted by an unexpected grasp on his wrist, his eyes widened in surprise.
"Richa! What are you doing? Leave my hand. Someone will see," he exclaimed, shocked, as she pulled him along.
"Aise to tum aate nahi. Isliye ye karna pada," Richa explained, her determination evident as they reached the secluded backside of the school.
[You don't come otherwise. That's why I had to do this.]
"What is this, Richa?" Akash questioned, perplexed by her actions.
"Now tell me, kya problem hai?" Richa demanded, folding her arms across her chest, her eyes searching his.
[What is the problem?]
"Kya problem?" Akash asked, genuinely confused.
[Which problem?]
"Don't try to act smart, Akash! You know what I am talking about. Why are you avoiding me? Parson subah tak to sab thik tha... phir achanak se kya hua? Na Milne aaye tum na baat kar rahe ho. Hua kya hai?" Richa inquired, her frustration and concern bubbling to the surface.
[Everything was fine until the day before yesterday morning... then suddenly what happened? You're not coming to meet, nor are you talking. What happened?]
"Why does it matter to you?" Akash retorted, looking into her eyes defiantly.
"It does matter," she insisted, maintaining eye contact. He quickly averted his gaze.
"There is nothing like this. You only wanted na that mujhe tumhara peecha chhor dena chahiye. Now what is the problem?" Akash responded, a hint of hurt in his voice.
[You only wanted me to stop following you, right?]
"Maine aisa kaha kabhi?" Richa questioned, her tone softening.
[Have I said this?]
"Leave it! Koi problem nahi hai," he replied dismissively.
[There is no problem at all.]
"To phir uss din aaye kyun nahi? Mujhe kuch important baat karni thi," Richa pressed on.
[So why didn't you come that day then? I had something important to talk about.]
"I know what you wanted to say," he said, his words laced with pain.
"You know? How? Ohhh Ritika didi ne bataya kya?" Richa asked, puzzled.
[Ohhh, did Ritika Di tell you?]
"Ritika Didi? Wo kyun batayengi?" he asked, equally perplexed.
[Why would she?]
"Because maine bas unko hi bataya tha. Unhone hi kaha tha mujhe ye karne ke liye," Richa admitted.
[Because I had only told her. She was the one who suggested that I should do this.]
"Unhone kaha tha? Ohh but she didn't tell me anything," Akash replied, realization dawning.
"To kahan se pata chala tumhe?" Richa probed further.
[So, how did you find out?]
"Maine sab apni ankhon se dekha," Akash responded, his gaze sincere.
[I saw everything with my own eyes.]
"Hein? Kya?? What are you talking about? Kya dekha tumne?" Richa asked, her confusion growing.
[What did you saw?]
"Yahi jab Daksh was proposing you and you accepted his proposal. I know you wanted to say that I should stop trying on you.. but mai ye sab tumhare muh se nahi sun sakta tha.. that's why I left without saying anything. And I know it's not your fault. You can like anyone. Mai hi pagal tha," Akash revealed, laying bare the turmoil within him.
"What?? Akash...what are you saying? Mai aur Daksh?? " Richa asked, utterly shocked.
"Please don't say anything Richa. I know how I am controlling myself to break down in front of you. I should leave now," he said, preparing to distance himself from the overwhelming emotions.
Just as he turned to leave, Richa started hitting his chest lightly.
"What the hell are you saying, Akash? Mai aur Daksh!! Aisa kuch nahi hai... usse apni crush ko propose karna tha, isliye wo bas practice kar raha tha aur mai usse bhai manti hun. I know misunderstanding ho gayi thi but tum baat to karte at least!" she exclaimed angrily, frustration evident in her words.
[Akash? Me and Daksh!! There's nothing like that... he was just practicing to propose to his crush, and I consider him like a brother. I know there was a misunderstanding, but at least you could have talked to me!]
"Mai... kya? I thought... So, you mean there is nothing between you two?" Akash exclaimed, happiness radiating through his eyes.
"Nahi buddhu!" she replied, hitting his head lightly, a mix of relief and irritation.
[No stupid!]
The heavy stone of misunderstanding lifted from Akash's heart, and a genuine smile replaced the earlier torment.
"I...I thought..." he stammered, overwhelmed by the revelation.
The weight of misinterpretation dissolved, leaving room for relief and clarity. Akash, grateful for the truth, couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of connection with Richa.
"Accha, what you wanted to talk about?" Akash asked, his curiosity evident.
"Wo.. Actually I was saying that... I think we should give us a try.. I mean ham apne relationship ko ek chance de sakta hain. To be honest, I am not sure about my feelings that's why we should.. You know..." Richa confessed, nervously playing with her fingers. His eyes widened in a mix of shock, surprise, and happiness.
[I mean, we can give our relationship a chance.]
"You mean we should date each other?" He asked, seeking confirmation, and she nodded her head, looking down. His heart soared with joy, feeling like he had won everything in his life.
He couldn't contain his happiness and held Richa's hand, swirling her in delight.
"Richa, I can't tell you how much happy I am today!! Finally, my Richa agreed," he exclaimed, his joy overflowing. Richa giggled at his exuberance.
"Aree, what are you doing, Akash?" she teased, and he stopped, looking a bit embarrassed.
"Wo, out of happiness!" he explained, rubbing his neck.
"Jada khush mat ho! Abhi tak pyar nahi hua hai mujhe tumse," she teased.
[Don't be too happy! I haven't fallen in love with you yet.]
"Wo to ho hi jayega," he confidently replied, bending a little and winking at her, earning a playful hit on his chest.
[That will happen soon.]
"Accha, I should leave now. Siya and Arushi must be waiting for you. I will message you, ok?" She said, and he nodded with a grin.
As she left, he couldn't contain his excitement and started dancing around, singing, "Aaj mai upar, aasma neeche. Aaj mai aage, zamana hai peeche."
Moving towards his friends, he hugged them tightly, making them stumble.
"What happened?" Reyansh asked as he broke the hug.
"Yaar!! I can't tell you, mai kitna khush hun!! Richa maan gayi," Akash exclaimed with a huge grin.
"Kisliye?" Shashwat asked.
"Arre, she wants to give us a chance," Akash revealed.
"Congratulations, mere bhai!" They both hugged him, genuinely happy for their friend, acknowledging that he deserved every happiness in the world.
"Let's go to the canteen. Mere taraf se tum dono ko treat," Akash suggested, joyfully dragging his friends along, ready to celebrate this newfound happiness with those who mattered most to him.
[A treat from my side.]
*******************************************
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Ritika anxiously stood by the roadside, scanning for someone.
"Ritika beta, plan kaam nahi kiya to paidal jana ghar," she muttered, nervously biting her nails.
[Ritika, dear, if the plan doesn't work, you have to walk home.]
"Ye kanji ankh kahan reh gaya yaar! Agar wo dusre raste se chala gaya to? Mera to plan flop ho jayega. Aaj scooty ghar par chhor kar aayi hun!" she fretted, her thoughts racing. Spotting Arav approaching on his bike, she quickly lay down by the roadside and closed her eyes.
[Where did this Kanji eye go, buddy! What if he took another route? My plan will fail. Today, I brought the scooty home and left it.]
Arav's concerned gaze fell upon her seemingly unconscious figure. He halted his bike abruptly, muttering,
"Ritika!" Rushing towards her, he held her head, patting her cheeks gently.
"Ritika! What happened? Open your eyes!" he urged, genuine worry etched on his face.
"Accident to nahi lag raha hai! She is not injured, weakness ho gayi hogi," he reassured himself. Supporting her, he lifted her and placed her at the back of his bike, securing her hands around his stomach. Ritika's eyes widened as she gulped nervously.
Arav kick-started the bike, and Ritika cautiously opened one eye. Observing her antics in the mirror, Arav understood the ruse and sighed. As he started riding the bike with a burst of speed, weaving through the traffic, Ritika couldn't help but voice her discomfort.
"Arav, Arav!! What are you doing! Dheere chalao yaar mujhe marna nahi hai," she yelled, but Arav paid no heed, stopping only when her dramatic act became apparent.
"Ye sab kya drama tha?" Arav questioned, folding his arms across his chest, and Ritika nervously smiled.
[What was this drama?]
"Wo... I just wanted a bike ride with you," she admitted, avoiding eye contact.
"To bata dena chahiye tha! Faltu me pareshan karne ka kya matlab tha?" he chided.
[You could have tell me. I was worried for no reason.]
"To tum mante kahan ho!" she retorted, defending her whimsical plan.
[You don't agree.]
"Ohh to tumhe kabse zarurat padh gayi mere man ne na man ne se... Accha baitho ab," he said, shaking his head at her antics. Ritika settled behind him on the bike, maintaining a comical distance, and he smiled at her playful silliness.
[As if you need my agreement.]
"We will eat ice cream, okay?" Ritika asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and Arav nodded in agreement as he had no other option.
*******************************************
In the evening, as Shashwat opened his bag to retrieve his book, his eyes fell upon the tiffin box and the accompanying chit. He quickly took them out, a realization dawning on him.
"How can I forget this!" he muttered to himself, slapping his forehead. His curiosity piqued, he eagerly opened the box, revealing his favorite rice kheer.
"Kheer!" he exclaimed with delight. His eyes then shifted to the handwritten note enclosed in the chit.
"Arushi told me that it is your favourite. To hamne bhi try kiya. I know it is not perfect... Pehli baar hamne chai ke alawa kuch banaya hai na," he read aloud, a smile playing on his lips. The sincerity in her words and the effort she put into making something for him filled him with warmth.
[So, I tried too. I know it's not perfect... It's the first time we've made something other than tea.]
Chuckling at her modesty, he looked at the tiffin box with admiration. Siya had prepared this dish simply because she heard it was his favourite. The gesture touched him deeply, and he couldn't help but marvel at how she consistently found ways to make him feel special and loved. Each small act of kindness reinforced the depth of her affection.
He contemplated the fact that Siya's love was unparalleled. Her gestures, however simple, spoke volumes about the depth of her feelings for him. In that moment, he realised that he could never truly match the intensity with which she loved him, leaving him with a profound sense of gratitude and affection for the incredible woman in his life.
He took one spoonful of the kheer, and a burst of flavours greeted his taste buds. It may not have been a culinary masterpiece, but for Shashwat, it transcended the boundaries of perfection. As he savoured each bite, the warmth of Siya's love mingled with the sweetness of the desert.However, the unexpected crunch of elaichi startled him.
"Ye kya hai!" he muttered, furrowing his brows. Retrieving the whole cardamom pod from his mouth, he sighed with a chuckle. Siya's unfiltered enthusiasm had led her to include dry fruits without cutting or peeling, introducing a delightful quirk to the dish.
[What is this!]
Despite these imperfections, what truly mattered was the distinct taste of her love, which rendered the kheer much more delicious than any flawlessly executed recipe ever could. It carried the essence of her efforts, her willingness to step out of her comfort zone, and the genuine desire to bring joy to his palate.
"It is better than perfect!" he penned down on a chit after relishing the last spoonful. The sentiment encapsulated more than just a culinary judgement; it reflected his profound appreciation for the unique and authentic nature of Siya's affection. Each bite had become a journey through her care and devotion, leaving him with a satisfied heart and a grateful smile.
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~Deewanixwriters