ख्वाबों, ख्यालों, ख्वाहिशों को चेहरा मिला
मेरे होने का मतलब मिला
कोई मिल गया, कोई मिल गया
हाँ कौन मिल गया, कोई मिल गया
यूँ तो हम तुम मिलने को मिलते रहे
पर क्यों आज ऐसा लगा
कोई मिल गया, कोई मिल गया
हाँ कौन मिल गया, कोई मिल गया
Song Name- Koi Mil Gaya (from Koi Mil Gaya)
So here is the first chapter of this book. Give it a try and do give your reviews.
Like, share with your friends and add it in your reading list.. I hope you will enjoy reading this chapter.
______________________________________________________________________________
●__________________________________________________________●
Shaarv woke up to the faint buzz of the alarm stirring. At 4 AM— a quiet room filled with soft breaths. The streets below his window were wet from last night's humidity. He rubbed his eyes adjusting to the faint darkness mixed with the bright light coming through the window.
He sat up, turning off the alarm and switching on the dim light. He looked beside him. Ivaan was still fast asleep. He groaned, "kya subah-subah pi.. pi.. karne lagte ho..",his voice groggy with heavy sleep. He continued. "..so jao na konsa marathon karne jana hain.."
Shaarv, who was on his way to get out of the bed, looked down at his brother in amusement. He lightly exhaled, murmuring. "Marathon nahi boards hain, tereko bhi uth ke padhna chaiye.." his voice, slightly husky and hoarse.
He grumbled something against the pillow and pulled another pillow over his head. His voice muffled between it. "mummy papa ke do chirag hi kafi hain.. Abb pure khandhan mein saare paidaishi topper honge toh kese chalega.."
Shaarv inhaled, shaking his head. A small faint smile tugging at his lips. He got up from the bed towards his wardrobe as he pulled out a towel and his freshly folded clothes.
He turned back, the towel now resting on his shoulders turning off the lights. He pulled the extra pillow over his brother's face and muttered. "So jaa aaram se" Ivaan stirred slightly, mumbling in his sleep. "Tathastu!!"
Shaarv chuckled, "pagal.." he muttered under his breath before walking into the bathroom. He closed the door behind him, hung his towel, stripped his clothes before entering into the cold shower. The cold water shooting in his nerves letting the rest of sleep and tiredness sweep out from his body.
Minutes later, he emerged from the bathroom. The towel hung near his waist, water dripping from the loose strands on his damp and warmed up cheeks. He walked over to the chair, he wore his t-shirt, and pulled up his joggers. His fingers ruffled his wet hair, the water droplets flew around. He picked up his wet towel from the bed and placed it on the hanger to dry up.
He walked up to his desk, cleaning it, he pushed open his window nearby to let the fresh air touch his skin. His eyes laid on the pigeon nest over the thick branch. The little ones were chirping, probably out of hunger.
A small smile tugged at his lips, he crouched down slightly to open his drawer where he keeps seeds for them. Opening the lid, he took a fist full of it and stood up after keeping it back over the drawer.
He looked back at the window, walking slowly towards it. He leaned slightly— enough so his hands could reach out to their nest. Slowly and calmly placing the seeds he pulled back without making them frightened of him.
Their voices became low as they started to eat the seeds that were given to them.
It was still slightly dark but not much, the darkness was slowly fading away as the light sunlight was peeping through it. It was still early for everyone to wake up— it was peaceful.
A low exhale escaped his lungs, he adjusted the Rudraksh bracelet on his wrist. With a last look at the birds he turned and walked out of the room, gently closing the door behind— without breaking the silence that was cocooning the house.
Turning on the dim light of the corridor he walked towards the stairs.
Suddenly the silence was broken by the low bark that escaped from downstairs from Chiku's mouth. Chiku. Their golden retriever.
Shaarv heard it. His steps rushed as he walked down the stairs, only to notice that Chiku was already walking up the stairs. His tail wiggled. He jumped in excitement.
Shaarv chuckled, reaching on the ground floor, he crouched down on both of his knees and pulled Chiku into a playful hug, ruffling his fur.
He woofed, pulling back slightly to playfully lick Shaarv's cheek.
"Bas bas, Chiku..." Shaarv chuckled, pulling back as he ruffled Chiku's hair, earning a low and playful growl from him.
He stood up walking towards the kitchen. "Come...."
Chiku excitedly followed him, leaping behind him, playfully barking.
Shaarv pulled out his bowl. Chiku's name is engraved on it. He poured water in one partition and kept the dog food on the other side.
Chiku jumped over him, Shaarv chuckled, shaking his head, his demeanor— calm. Walking out of the kitchen, he kept it inside his playhouse. Where he usually prefers to eat.
Chiku woofed, jumping over him. His tongue out. Nails gripping his t-shirt enough to make a grip, but not enough to rip it. Tail wiggling.
Shaarv wrapped his arms around him, laughing. "I promise shaam ko walk pe le jaunga", his voice warm, he ruffled Chiku's head before putting him down.
Chiku barked— warm and understanding, before focusing on his food.
A low and warm laugh escaped Shaarv's chest, with a final ruffle he walked towards the mandir.
Standing in front of Shiva's idol, he joined his hands, eyes closed, head slightly bowed.
His voice low as he started chanting the Shiv Tandav Strotam.
"Jatatavigalajjala pravahapavitasthale
Galeavalambya lambitam bhujangatungamalikam
Damad damad damaddama ninadavadamarvayam
Chakara chandtandavam tanotu nah shivah shivam"
A pause. His voice is calm like a tranquil lake. Expression— soft and warm.
"Jata kata hasambhrama bhramanilimpanirjhari
Vilolavichivalarai virajamanamurdhani
Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake
Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama"
He continued, his voice piercing through the peaceful and quiet environment of the house.
After chanting the Strotam, he slowly opened his eyes and moved to light up the diya, followed by the incense sticks. The lightly and flowery smell filling up the house.
He stepped back with a final join of his hands, by the time Shaarv was done, his gaze followed down to notice Chiku was sitting on the ground, head bowed at the idol.
A warmness spread over Shaarv's chest, smiling. As he was about to crouch down. He heard the faint ring of his phone.
His eyes narrowed as it moved to the clock's direction. It was still 4:50 AM. 'itni subah kon call kar raha hain..', he thought. With a last glance at Chiku, he walked upstairs towards his room, Chiku followed him instantly.
He pushed open the door only to notice Ivaan was still asleep like a log. Barely caring about the ring.
It rang again, his gaze fell on the caller ID. 'Niharika Di'. his face instantly scrunched.
"Pass vale room se kyun call kar rahi hain.." he muttered in confusion before picking up the call.
Without even the slightest pause, her hurried voice came into his ears. "Tu jaga hain kya?!.. Are haan ofcourse jaga hua hain isiliye call pick kiya!!.." a pause but before Shaarv could inquire anything. She asked, panting. "Mummy papa uth gye kya?"
He sighed before replying calmly. "Nahi abhi koi nahi utha.." he asked. "Aur app paas vale room se kyun call kar rahe ho?"
She laughed roughly catching her breath. "Paas vale room mein kon hain pagal...gate pe hoon darwaza khol jaldi!! Papa utne vale honge!!"
His eyes widened, he suddenly loaded her with tons of questions at once. Worried and tense. "Wait.. aap bahar kya kar rahe ho? Aur raat ko— kya hua koi emergency thi.. Kaha the aap? Kisi ko bataya kyun nahi—"
Niharika groaned, through the phone. Muttering, "baan gya papa".
"Di—"
"Chup!! Darwaza khol pehele!!", she spoke— cutting him off, her voice irritated.
He clicked his tongue, replied before cutting down the phone. "Acha aata hoon..ruko", voice— calm and slightly worried.
Keeping down the phone, he rushed to the main door. Chiku followed him growling behind him. Reaching the door. He pulled it open.
There stood Niharika, scrolling through her phone as she looked up. She smiled like nothing happened and walked inside the house. Chiku barked in excitement. Shaarv closed the door behind, his gaze following her elder sister's movements.
"Kahan gaye the aap didi?" his voice, concerned.
She looked up at him before crouching down at Chiku's level. "Bahar thi dost ke sath, window se gayi thi raat ko.." her voice, completely casual.
Shaarv's eyes widened, his protective brother instincts flared up inside him. He spoke, voice— calm yet steady. "Bata dete atleast kisiko, ese raat ko akele kon bahar jata hain. Aapko kuch ho jata toh, atleast mujhe bata dete nikalne se pehele.. Koi note chood dete, aur kaha se gaye the aap.."
Her hand movements stopped over Chiku's back. She looked up, expression turning into slightly guilty as Shaarv's concerned tone.
"Shaarv—"
"Aap toh bade ho mujhse, atleast bata diya hota.. Agar emergency thi toh main chood aata aapko.. Le bhi aata ghar aap bolte toh. Kyun karte ho ese? I know you are older than me and can take care of yourself but you could have atleast told me.." he exhaled, his voice worried and hurried.
Silence as she just stared at him with wide and amused eyes.
He spoke again, quietly this time. "Once."
Her eyes softened, she straightened herself, rubbing his arms— gently. To calm him down. "Sorry. Agli baar pakka bata ke jaungi.." her voice soft, filled with guilt, now.
No reply.
He just stared at her, his eyes begging for confirmation.
"promise, chote papa ji" she teased.
A sheepish, small smile broke through his lips. Ears turning red, looking away, he murmured— shy. "Kya aap bhi..."
"Aww my baby is shy" she teased, pulling his cheek earning a groan from him. Chiku barked— agreeing.
He pushed her hands away— gently. Scratching the back of his neck to hide the blush creeping over his face. Eyes bowing down. He groaned, lowly. "Didi mat bola karo, ajeeb lagta hain....sharam aati hain."
"Awwwwww ruk abhi Shivi ko bhejti hu!!!" She grinned, teasing him more as she pulled out her phone to click his picture.
"Didi!!" Shaarv exclaimed, hiding himself from the camera with his palm and walking away towards the stairs.
She giggled, following him behind. "Chal aaja.." she playfully spoke to Chiku.
"Areeee nahi li Mrs Sharmili!!" She exclaimed from behind. Looking at Shaarv in amusement, he was practically running for his life. His face was completely red, just by a bit of teasing.
"Aap jhooth bolte ho, last time apne meri Chiku ke sath vali picture bhi status pe daal di thi!! Aur woh!! Woh mirror vali bhi jab main apke baal bandh raha tha!!" Shaarv complained, his voice echoed as he finally reached the first floor walking towards his room, hastily.
"Woh toh kitni cute si thi, aarv!!..bilkul Teri tarah..cutie patotie" she exclaimed, voice teasing as she rushed behind him.
He was about to open his room door, but stopped his tracks. Turning back to her, who was now standing in front of him. Grinning with a teasing smile.
Shaarv passed her an annoyed look, flatly asking. "cutie patotie?"
Niharika proudly nodded, pulling his cheeks again. "aur nahi toh kya, chote papa!!" Pulling his leg more.
"Aap bure ho bohut" he complained, pulling away his cheek from her grip and rubbing it.
She smiled, admitting. "Yet you love me, babyboy—"
"Didi!!" Shaarv groaned.
"Acha acha sorry sorry.." she playfully said, Shaarv's expression softened slightly, still shy and annoyed from the teasing. He sighed.
She smiled, ruffling his hair. "Pyara toh hain tu bilkul husband material!"
"Didi— what— I —app ye kya bol rahe ho...." Shaarv's face red, eyes widened. He stumbled over his own words.
Niharika snorted, and passed him a 'what! I only spoke the truth' look. Shaarv spoke again, voice trembling slightly as he tried to sound firm but it came out more like a plea. "aap– esi gandi aur behki-behki baate mat kiya karo..."
"Gandi baat? I just spoke the truth, ek din toh karni padegi" She scoffed.
"Nahi karni, aap Jake so jao kaisi behki-behki baate karne lagte ho kabhi kabhi..." Shaarv spoke in a low voice, soft.
She rolled her eyes, pulled out her tongue. "Fact hain ye toh, meri hone ke baad teri hi Hain next.." voice— serious yet playful.
Shaarv looked away, flushed face. Suddenly regretting his whole existence. He looked back at his sister in amusement. "Toh aapki hone ke baad dekhenge...abhi todhi kuch ho raha hain.." his tone annoyed yet calm.
Niharika rolled her eyes, then spoke in a miserable tone. Lips turning into a pout. "Kaash.."
She continued wiping her imaginary tears. "Kaash koi hota, main toh kabse ready hoon bas ek sundar garam mard type koi, kya mast life hogi.. ek ameer baap ka ameer beta. Bilkul joru ka gulam types!! Amazon ka jungle. Main toh Mahadev se roz mangti hoon ek aadmi esa bhej de mere liye.." her voice dreamy, hopeful mixed with slight disappointment but with a hint of drama.
Shaarv blinked. Twice. Processing Niharika's every word.
'Garam mard? Didi ko garam masala jaisa aadmi kyun chahiye..' he thought, completely confused. For Shaarv love was the most complicated thing— more than Irodov.
He asked in confusion, scratching his head. "baki sab theek hai par aapko garam masala type husband kyun chahiye, aap khaoge todhi unhe. Cannibalism is illegal due to laws against murder, desecration of a corpse, or other related offenses." His voice turned serious making Niharika regretting her decision of speaking out on this topic.
She sighed, half annoyed, half amused. Blinked before replying. "Aap Jake pogo mein chota bheem dekho..suits you" voice more than calm.
His eyes narrowed in confusion, he asked. "Abhi main woh kyun dekhunga...I think you—" he cuts himself off, as realization hits, his ears turning red, Shaarv looks away fumbling over his words slightly, "aap toda toh hesitate kiya karo...bhai hoon aapka main.."
"Awww you look too cute, blushing for no reason" she teased more.
He cleared his throat, calmly saying, cheeks burning at his sister's teasing. "I think you should get some sleep.... You seem tired, baate bhi todhi si ajeeb type kar rahe ho.."
Shaarv continued, suggesting softly. "You should get a cup of chamomile tea, it will help improve your sleep cycle. Bana du apke liye?"
Niharika's eyes softened at his confused yet understanding nature. She shook her head in amusement. "Jaa padh le faltu ka time kharab ho gaya tera.."
He smiled, shaking his head. "It's alright, still you should get some sleep and..." his voice turned into a concerned one. "next time, ask me I will drop you and pick you up, dobara mat karna... please"
She rolled her eyes, but a smile broke through her expression. "jaa padh le, Mr Irodov.."
He chuckled before entering his room watching his sister walk away towards her.
Without much sound, Shaarv walked over to his desk, pulling out his chair. He wore his glasses before he sat down revising his notes and solving physics questions, murmuring formulas under his breath, while effortlessly solving them with ease.
Across the other house, Shivika woke up, around five. Rubbing her eyes she got off from her bed before entering the washroom.
She came out after brushing and washing her face, and went directly towards her desk near the window. She pushed open it, letting the fresh air skim through her soft skin.
She wasn't really a morning person until class first. She used to hate waking up early but she does from a specific day of her class first. She wasn't even a teenager, unknown of the specific words 'love'.
Shivika woke up early just to get a glimpse of Shaarv in the clan morning, through her window she could only see half of his head. Not to specify but she has begged for her study desk to be set up at that window just for a glimpse of him.
It started with that unknown feeling she had in her heart, his soft words, helpful nature towards everyone. It was still fresh in her mind how she used to feel butterflies in her stomach, calling it a "mussy-mussy" thing as a child until it turned out to be completely different as she grew up.
She would wake up early to get a glimpse of him, because she liked doing it— a habit developing upon years.
Would unknowingly draw him, give him random paper planes with notes on them, imagine him in her dreams, describe him like he is the only thing she could see in a room full of people.
And Shaarv? He knows it, everyone does. Even their families. She always was loud about her feelings but he never played with them, respectfully and gently explained to her not to follow him like this, but it only made her fall more towards him.
He was an angel for her.
Shivika takes a deep breath, letting the air get into her lungs. Her hands moved towards her phone on the table. She yawned before unlocking her phone to play songs. Her usual habit, to keep the sleep away.
"Khwaabon khayaalon
khwaahishon ko
chehra mila"
The song played in the background, Kaaya— her elder sister who was still sleeping, stirred, groaned and threw a pillow at Shivika's head— almost aggressively.
"Khwaabon khayaalon
khwaahishon ko
chehra mila"
Shivika's head stumbled slightly as she turned around. Grabbing the pillow, she frowned, her eyes found that Kaaya was not sitting on the bed— disheveled. Her irritated voice tearing through the sound of the song as she threw another pillow at Shivika's face tightly.
Kaaya yelled. "Subah subah shuru ho gya iska pyaar mohobaat, matlab tereko koi mil gaya toh tu meri neend kharab todhi karegi!!!" her voice is slightly heavy with sleep. Her voice echoing in the silent and peaceful morning.
"Mere hone ka
matlab mila
Koi mil gaya
koi mil gaya"
Shivika snapped, throwing the pillow back at Kaaya's face. "Abb kya kiya mene khud chid ke mere pe complain daal rahi ho!!"
"Tu subah se apna music system shuru mat kiya kar" Kaaya shot back, frustrated, roughly fixing her hair in irritation.
Shivika's jaw dropped at her words, she roughly threw the other pillow at Kaaya, which she smoothly dodged. "Aap bhi raat tak jo light jala ke rakhti ho!!" her voice frustrated.
Kaaya roughly got off the bed, walked towards and grabbed Shivika's phone, pausing the song and keeping it away. She gritted. "Main raat ko padhti hu!!"
"Haan toh main subah padhti hoon.. Vapis karo abb woh!!" Shivika protested, as she stood up trying to get her phone back that Kaaya was holding behind her back firmly.
"Nahi milega." Kaaya strictly declared stepping back, her heels turning towards the bed again.
"Hawww!!! Kitne bure ho aap" Shivika complained, her cheeks puffing up as she watched her sister roughly throwing it under her pillow. "Didi—"
"Padhna hain toh ese padh, golu.. meri neend kharab mat kar bina baat ka!!" Kaaya dismissed— annoyed, getting under the sheets.
"Aree do naa concentration se padhai hoti hain.. Aap so jao naa jake" Shivika pleaded, walking towards Kaaya who had already prepared herself to sleep again after pulling the sheets over her.
"Padhai mein concentration ke liye bas soft music chalaya jata hain.. 'Koi mil gaya' nahi.. Isse pehle tereko tere peeche kuch aur mile dafa ho aur mujhe 6:30 pe utha dena" Kaaya's voice now calm, distant— completely unbothered as she pulled the sheets over her face, trying to drifting off back to sleep.
Shivika watched it silently, her expression pleading. She shook Kaaya's shoulder gently. "Dedo na, didi.. Sach mein concentration hota hain padhai mein—"
Kaaya frustratedly pulled down the cover, her voice half frustrated, half teasing. "Padhai mein yaa Shaarv pe"
"Didi!!" Shivika exclaimed, her ears burning.
Kaaya rolled her eyes, 'abb sone todhi hi degi mereko ye' she thought. She finally sat up— suddenly calm, steady. Her expression teasing, voice holding up a challenge. "Tu chup-chap padhne baithegi ya fir main usko call karu"
Shivika snorted, her heels turned around to move back on the desk. Proudly speaking, her hands dramatically flying in the air. "Chalo chalo esi khokholi dhamki kisi aur ko dena.." she flipped her hair before flopping onto her chair. "Aaye bade mereko—"
"Hello.. Kaaya itni subah kyun call kiya, something important?" Shaarv's calm voice echoed in the room through the speaker, making Shivika's body rush with thousands of emotions, a whole zoo tingling near her stomach.
Eyes widened.
Ears warmed up.
Cheeks flushed.
Her head instantly snapped at Kaaya's direction, eyes widened— shock, pleading. Kaaya passed her a teasing and innocent grin, she spoke. "Yeah todha sa hi kam tha.. Bas ek baar todha lean hoke window se 'hi' bol de.. Teri premika subah-subah meri neend kharab kar rahi thi.. Khair abb mujhe neend toh nahi but atleast usse chain mile.."
"What!?" Shaarv's voice echoed— stunned.
From the other side, Shaarv. Who was completely engrossed in his physics numericals was snapped by the call. Picking up, he frowned. Confused.
He did as he was asked to do. The chair scraping back a little, Shaarv leaned back enough he could look out of the window at the direction of their house which was apparently separated just by a large old mango tree.
He sat stunned to witness the scene there. Shivika was trying to get Kaaya's phone, just to end the call, while Kaaya was completely unbothered, taking her revenge for the sleep she couldn't get because of Shivika.
He just stared at the scene— disbelief written over his face, a smile tug at his lips to witness the chaos happening there. Shivika was now running after Kaaya all around the room, just to grab the phone. Kaaya spoke again. Voice slightly hurried yet teasing. "Bhai bol de teri iss premika ko jaan mein jaan aayegi!!"
"Didi!! Kya kar rahe ho!!" Shivika exclaimed from the background— embarrassed.
Ivaan, who was still sleeping, stirred at the voice coming from the speaker. He groaned, muttering under her breath. "Saare mere beauty sleep ke against hain.. Bekar log" continuously slapping his head over the pillow before finally getting up.
His eyes drifted to Shaarv, annoyed. He spoke completely irritated. His voice, hoarse. "Bhaiya bol do na usse varna pura din meri jaan kha jayegi school mein!!"
"IVAAN TU SCHOOL AA ABB!!" Shivika yelled from the speaker— breathing heavily.
Shaarv chuckled— warm, taking a deep breath, he spoke. "You know how childish this is, Kaaya. You are literally harassing her."
Kaaya stopped her tracks, stood in front of the window so that she could see Shaarv now. Muttering under her breath. "Aa gaye hamare gyaani baba" she then spoke in amusement, rolling her eyes. "Tu NEET chod politician baan jana vaha dena free ka gyaan.. Aya bada" he slowly chuckled in amusement.
Shivika finally grabbed the phone— her movements hurried, breaths ragged. She spoke, breaths heavy with all the chaos. "Kaju... aap inki baat mat suno, ye toh hain hi... pagal si—"
"Shivika calm down first, esa lag raha hain you were already running a marathon" his voice— calm and steady. Eyes fixed on the window.
She calmed down but still her breaths were ragged, cheeks flushed. Shivika who was fierce, was now suddenly shy, eyes bowed. Trying to hide the blushes.
Kaaya, who was looking at her with an annoyed expression, murmured. "Nibbi kahin ki.."
Ivaan rolled his eyes, now standing behind Shaarv, he spoke to Shaarv, a bit loud so that Shivika could hear properly. "Aap ek, do sec ka 'hi' bolke toh dekho, do hafte tak mujhe pakaegi, pagal kahin ki"
"Maar dalungi kutte tujhe main!!" Shivika warned through the call, voice— low, dangerous, frustrated.
Shaarv stared at his phone before glancing up at the window, Kaaya completely annoyed, witnessing her sister's lovey-dovey mood again.
Ivaan, who was equally on the same track, yawned, earning a stern glare from Shaarv.
Shivika on the other hand, tried to control her heart which was pounding hard in her ribs, busy doing somersaults. She composed her a bit, her voice barely firm. It was shy and shaky. "Aap rakho, ye toh hain hi hamare dushmaan.. It was nothing, she just called you for no reason."
Kaaya rolled her eyes, yawning in boredom to witness her sister's regular shapeshifting from a fierce and bold girl into a completely soft and shy lover girl. All thanks to Shaarv Mathur, our Mr Irodov.
A low chuckled escaped Shaarv mouth before he could reply Ivaan interjected in an irritated voice, almost sarcastic. "Haan dekho isko merese toh nahi kari itni pyaar aur respect se.."
"Sakal dekhi hain apni", Shivika shot in an instance, her voice suddenly hard and irritated.
"Terese achi hain, smart hu main bandariya—" Ivaan was about to snap when Shaarv pulled his ear, not rough but firm enough to make him winch slightly.
"Ese baat karte hain" Shaarv scolded, voice light yet it held weight.
"Ahhhh bhaiya" Ivaan groaned, he pulled back rubbing his ear he murmured— irritated. "Mazak kar raha tha—"
"Haan toh nahi karna, ladkiya laxmi hoti hain" Shaarv spoke, voice calm yet firm enough to make his words clear.
Ivaan glared at him lightly before stepping back, muttering. "Jalte hain merese saare.."
Shaarv rolled his eyes. Meanwhile, both Kaaya and Shivika sniffled their laughs.
A pause. Before Shaarv spoke in a quiet and gentle voice on the call. "Shivika, you can just cut the call. It's okay..." his voice turned slightly firm. "Aur ye ghada pareshan kare toh aap mereko batana.. Aur sorry ye dono aapko pareshan kar rahe the bina reason."
Shivika's flushed deepened. 'Haye!! Ek aur baar itne pyaar se bola toh maar hi jaye ham' her mind screamed.
She tried to sound stable but it came out extremely shy and low. "Thank you.. Aur aap sorry mat bolo.. Acha todhi lagta hain ese"
"NIBBI!!" both Kaaya and Ivaan exclaimed.
Shivika glared at Kaaya, she spoke in a low voice. "Aap rakh do.. Sorry aapko disturb kiya.."
"You sure?" Shaarv confirmed.
"Yes"
"As you say." Shaarv murmured. A beat of silence before he hung up the call, keeping his phone on the table.
"Kya aap sirf mereko marte ho" Ivaan complained. Sulking.
Shaarv raised a brow, "kya hua?"
Ivaan scoffed, glaring. "Usse itna pyaar se baat kate ho.. Uske favour main bhi bol diya aur mere kaan kheech diye..bas mazak hi kar raha tha, dost hain meri."
A beat.
Shaarv exhaled, explaining, voice steady. "I know she is your friend, mine too but you have to understand it. She likes me.."
Ivaan cuts him off and corrected casually. "Love you.."
Shaarv smiles— almost faintly, nodding. Continuing, "...you might have ended up joking about something that might have hurt her feelings, Ivaan. Just because she is your friend doesn't mean you have that right. One wrong word, she might have misunderstood, so don't ever do that. Sometimes words can work like daggers, your one joke might hurt her. I am not saying she is weak, girls are stronger than boys."
A pause.
"Jokes are okay at one place but make sure they never cross any line that makes someone hurt. I am strictly warning, neither her nor any other girl, you are going to hurt like that. Not only me but everyone knows about this, they tease her, sometimes they make fun of it, thinking it as a joke, but it takes guts to express yourself and if she is happy with that let her be. Don't contribute like others do." His voice, firm enough to make it sound strict but gentle enough to make him understood.
Ivaan shifted slightly, understanding, lips pressed together. "Sorry... but I was just pulling her leg.." His voice, low.
Shaarv sighed, "I know, but you sounded like you were just about to mock her about something.. That's why all this. I am not scolding you, but just making you understand it."
Ivaan nodded. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure.."
"If you know all this, still why do you never reciprocate it? Don't you think she gets hurt by that too? Hurt by the fact that she knows you know and sometimes you explain to her too when she ends up saying something reckless." Ivaan's voice, low and curious.
Shaarv leaned back, expression calm. His voice, gentle now. "A clear rejection is better than fake promises. It's really easy to lash out on someone without thinking twice. I explained about some things she ended up saying, bluntly but I never asked her to stop feeling all that. They are her feelings, it takes time. I know it hurts her when I don't reciprocate it but it will kill her alive if I forcefully try to get involved with those feelings of her and leave her with empty promises."
Understanding drew in Ivaan's eyes. He nodded— almost calm but ofcourse it didn't stay for long.
His lips curled up into a teasing smile, he saw Shaarv was about to get back into his work.
"Vese... itna sab jab pata hain, I feel like you too feel something for her too.." Ivaan's voice teasing, earning a glare from Shaarv.
"You irritate me a lot." Shaarv spoke in annoyance though it had no bite.
Ivaan grinned, rubbing his hair. "So karte ho..??"
Shaarv passed him a stern look, "nahi karta, dost hain bas. Now just go and get ready.."
"Jaldi karna varna wait nahi karunga." he warned casually packing his bag.
"Chalo chalo" Ivaan shrugged casually.
..
After the call ended Shivika still was glaring at Kaaya. "Kon karta hain esa!!" She spoke in an irritated voice.
"Main" Kaaya playfully spoke ruffling Shivika's hair.
Shivika's lips turning into a pout, she swatted her sister's hand away, gritting. "Aap bohut bure ho, kitna ajeeb lag raha hoga unko"
Kaaya chuckled, pulling her already flushed cheeks. "Aree baba nahi kuch nahi hua, mazak tha, golu"
Shivika glared at Kaaya, still flustered, but it softened as she whined like a child, her chubby cheeks fuffing up. "Aap bure ho bas hame embarrass karwate ho.."
"Aww, golu.." Kaaya teased pulling her cheeks again
"Papa ko bataungi.." Shivika's voice— a complaint, annoyed as she scrunched her face.
"Papa ko bataungi." Kaaya mimicked.
"Aap didi na hote na, toh pakka kuch bol deti main aapko" Shivika huffed, lightly pushing her sister away.
Kaaya chuckled in amusement crawling back into the bed, she mimicked again. " 'Aap didi naa hote to ye karti'..." She laughed. "Jaa naha le Shaarv ki pujaran aur mujhe utha dena nikalne ke baad"
Shivika glared, throwing a pillow that was on the edge of the bed at Kaaya. "Dhust!!" She shouted before storming off into the washroom like a petulant child murmuring something related to how bad it was being the youngest child.
Meanwhile, Kaaya just grinned under the sheet after seeing Shivika sulk.
..
Raahi stood in front of the mirror wearing her school uniform, her expression— nervous. She was too silent since she woke up.
It was her first day of 11th.
Same school but a new class, same students with the same mockings.
Her eyes were scared, body stiffed. She just watched Ashwin— her elder brother, braid her ponies, calmly with perfect ease. His eyes found her through the mirror, he smiled at her, tying the rubber band around her perfectly done braid.
"Scared?" He gently asked her, tying the ribbon.
She bit her lips, shaking her head, eyes more nervous now as she looked down fidgeting her toes.
Ashwin sighed lightly, softly calling her. "Raahi.. Baacha look at me"
"Kuch nahi hua main theek hoon.." her voice broke, palms fisting her skirt. She sniffed.
"Chal jhoothi.." he slightly teased, pulling her gently by her shoulders to look at him. "Kya hua bacha?" his voice, calm and gentle.
"Kuch nahi..." she sniffed.
"Idhar dekhna, Raah" his voice, pleading.
She stubbornly shook her head, looking down. "Aap bhi toh sochte honge kabhi na kabhi.. Kya pata aap bhi mazak banate ho.. Aap jao akele.. main baad mein aa jaungi. I don't want to embarrass you like I did last year.."
Ashwin narrowed his eyes, "Raahi, what are you saying? You could never embarrass me. Who is putting all that in your head?"
Raahi finally looked up, eyes glistening with unsheared tears. Ashwin exhaled. "Bacha.."
She vigorously shook her head, breaking into light sobs. "I don't want to go to school. Everyone will bully me again for my skin" she complained, continuing. "I won't go... no.. they bully me.. And there will be new students too this year, I hate going into that class.. They will call me names like zebra, cow, badsurat kanji aakhon vali billi.... Kaale dag vali..or simply jaali sakal ki bandariya—"
Ashwin's jaw tightened, he just wanted to punch every other person mocking his sister for just having a skin condition— Viltiligo. Wasn't it natural?
He looked at Raahi, who was now sobbing and complaining. His chest physically hurts seeing his sister like this. Taking a deep breath, he gently made her sit on the edge of the bed, crouched down on the ground.
"Look at me, Raah.." his voice, gently as he gently took her soft and small hands in his, rubbing the back of it.
Raahi looked up, her wet eyes meeting her brother's soft gaze. He smiled, wiped her tears and spoke. "Now listen.. This.." he gently traced the back side of her hand with his thumb before meeting her gaze. "Is beautiful. I promise. You are more pretty than you think you are, and let them call that. You know, why?"
She sniffed, shaking her head. He continued. "They are just jealous, trust me they are. You get all the attention they don't.. Unki baato pe focus mat karna. See, tu topper bhi hain, extra curricular mein bhi part leti hain, you are simply so talented, they aren't. Ab log kuch toh bolenge hi, bolne de unko tu bas mujhe aake batana I will handle them.."
"But bhaiya—"
"Shh.. trust me it's the truth."
A pause.
"Answer me this.. They call you kaale dag vali, kanji aaken, right?" his voice, tender. Eyes finding hers. She wiped her eyes with the back of her palm, new tears flowing but she held his gaze. Nodding weakly.
"Kanji aakhen.. You know cats have it.. Aren't they beautiful... Moreover, they are always free, they aren't someone who will listen. They never consider themselves as weak.." his voice turned a bit playful, earning a weak chuckle through her sobs. "Jab unko koi as a pet rakhta hain and khilata hain, they never consider that, 'ohh!! They must be god they feed me'.. They simply consider that, 'ohh!! I must be God..."
"Pagal ho app.." she accused, chuckling through her tears.
Ashwin smiled. He continued, "they call you kalle dag vali because of your skin colour, half fair like the milk and the other half in a wheatish shade.. Do you know how magnificent it is... it's not dark, baccha and even if it is... dark skin? Doesn't maa kali have dark skin... dekha hain kitni powerful hain woh, considered the greatest warrior of all time.. Unko toh koi nahi bolta... so listen now.. You are beautiful the way you are aur ye tereko sab se different banata hain. Ye tujhe weak nahi banata, ye tujhe sabse alag banata hain because you are not a part of this stupid crowd but the one leading them. Proudly."
"Aap toh bologe hi.. Bhai ho mere.." she sniffed pushing him away.
Ashwin looked at her with a hurtful expression, he dramatically said trying to get a small smile from her crying sister. "Itna acha monolouge bola yaar, atleast appreciate, baccha"
She chuckled lightly, wiping her eyes. Pushing herself up to get up from there. "Congratulations, Ashwin bhaiya prize jeet liya aapne.."
He smiled, shaking his head. "Your smile is better than any prize" he muttered under his breath before calling her gently. "Raahi I was serious... you are different and I am proud of it, and never. I mean never say that I will ever make fun of it.. I am always proud of you.. Aur koi kuch bole toh mujhe bolna aake, this is a strict warning. I will break—"
"I am strong, I don't need you.. Firse warna bolna shuru kar denge aapke paas aayi toh.. Bacchi todi hu" she spoke, quietly packing her bag.
He faintly smiled, walking towards her. "Just because you are strong doesn't mean you have to handle it. Main hoon na sab sambhal lunga.."
She smiled, lifting up her gaze to meet his. She walked and wrapped her arms around him. "Aap best ho... sorry aapko doubt kiya.."
He wrapped his arms around her, murmuring. "Shh kuch nahi tha woh chalta hain itna toh.." she snifflied, lightly shaking her head against his chest.
Ashwin sighed, pulled back enough he could see her face. Gently wiping her tears, he cheered. "Roo mat tu smile karte hue best lagti hain..."
Raahi chuckled through her tears, accusing— playfully. "Aap bohut manipulative lagte ho mujhe.."
His smile widened, "main? Huh? Awaz nahi aayi.."
She smacked his arm, pulling back. "Pagal ho aap.."
"Aur tu iss pagal ki behen" he shot back.
Raahi passed him an annoyed look, still smiling. "Vese mummy kab aayegi?"
His grin turned into a calm expression as he spoke. "Kal tak.."
She nodded, grabbing her bag, she turned to look at him. "Chalo"
Ashwin smiled, grabbing his bag. He walked over to the dining table, grabbing their lunch boxes. He came to Raahi, handing her. He gently spoke. "Tera favorite pasta diya hain, pura finish karna.."
Raahi took the lunch box, her eyes instantly lit up. "You are the best!!" she exclaimed.
He shrugged, adjusting his collar and proudly admitting. "Woh toh hain.."
Raahi rolled her eyes, playfully mocking. "Ji bhratashree.." joining her hands in front of him, she leaned— dramatically. "Charan kaha hain prabhu"
Ashwin snorted, trying to hide the grin as he tried to sound firm. "Haad hain matlab.. Mazak bana rakha hain mera bilkul."
She pulled back, sticking her tongue out. She spoke. "Kaavish bhaiya se sath kam raha karo, kitna drama karne lage ho"
Ashwin's jaw dropped at the audacity, he murmured. "Badla lunga.."
She laughed walking towards the main door, mimicking him. "'Badla lunga'..aaye bade!!"
"Tu ruk" he playfully warned, rushing behind him. She laughed and ran out of the house.
..
"Hamari chocolate thi woh kha li aapne!!" Shivika yelled as she saw Revaan calmly enjoying the chocolate he stole from his sister.
"Any problem, Shivi?" he asked in a mocking tone earning a deadly glare from her.
"Suwar!!!!" Shivika exclaimed, throwing the cushion from the couch at him.
Revaan grinned, dodging it off smoothly, shamelessly finishing the last bite of the chocolate, teasing Shivika more. "Kya hua, golu!!" —voice innocent laced with mischief.
Shivika opened her mouth in exasperation. She saw her brother casually throw the wrapper in the dustbin, wiping the rest of the chocolate over his lips.
Revaan's eyes found Kaaya who was laughing at the banter while putting on her shoes. He glanced at Shivika before calling out Kaaya— mocking and teasing Shivika more. "Kaaya kya tasty chocolate thi yaar.."
Kaaya looked up, meeting Shivika's angry glare, before turning to Revaan, nodding. "henaa vahi kya mast thi..." she raised her voice more— almost mocking and innocent. "Upar se woh aadhi rakhi hui thi pata kiski thi.. Acha hain kha lii, kya pata expire ho jati kal tak.."
Shivika's eyes darted between both her siblings. She huffed in frustration, a sulky expression playing over her face. She sniffed under her breath, "aap dono bohut pareshan karte ho hame..."
Both Kaaya and Revaan froze. They knew this expression and this sudden shift of her tone wasn't misery but danger for them. "Shivika don't you dare do it!!" Kaaya warned.
"Shivi!!" Revaan exclaimed, almost pleading.
Shivika grinned looking at them before pulling out the stunt she always did. She rubbed her eyes a bit roughly, then blinked those stared at a random surface for a minute before calling. "Papa!!!"
Shivika's eyes now glistening but mischief in them, as she pretended to cry but grinning. She whined, immediately hiding the playful smile. "Papa!!!! —"
"Oyee chup reh!!" Kaaya whisper-yelled immediately, walked over and palmed Shivika's mouth. Reevan walked closer, his voice pleading. "Please chup reh na, shivi.. Tu—" his tone hurried. "..tu mere se paise le lena.. Leave that school ke baad chocolate dila dunga.. Papa ko mat bula. Kaaya ko toh chod denge mujhe last time ke tarah maar padegi..."
Kaaya nodded, eyes pleading. She joined, requesting. "Please golu.. Tu papa ko bulayegi woh fir apni jaan ko bulayenge aur woh meri jaan nikal degi.."
Shivika clearly enjoys seeing them pleading, muffled into Kaaya's palm. "Ice-cream bhi??" voice, excited and teasing.
Both Kaaya and Revaan exchanged resigned gazes, her palm on Shivika's face loosened, hands dropping back on sides. Both signed, resigned. "Fine. you win."
Shivika's grin widened, eyes squinting. "Khauf acha laga!!" she proudly exclaimed, flipping her braid back.
"Jaise pata nahi kitne options the hamare paas.." Revaan whispered, leaning towards Kaaya. "Exactly!!" she whispered back, nodding.
"Papa!!!!" Shivika called out, this time loudly.
"Chup nah, moti!!" Revaan exclaimed, palming his face.
Aditya who was in his room getting ready for the day, was buttoning his shirt when he heard Shivika. He quickly finished it, walking out the room in the hall where all three were standing.
Shivika was completely calm, glancing at Kaaya and Revaan trying to sniff her laugh. While, Kaaya and Revaan pressed their lips together in annoyance. "Gaye.." Revaan muttered under his breath.
"Poore.." Kaaya agreed.
"What happened, beta?" Aditya asked in curiosity, his eyes darting between all three of them.
Shivika cleared her throat, trying to act normal and hide her smile from Aditya. Both Kaaya and Revaan shifted uncomfortably, glaring at Shivika, a silent plea in their gaze.
Shivika's eyes twinkled more in mischief. Her face turned to Aditya, clearing her throat she spoke— almost calm. Eyes continuously darting between both of her siblings. "Papa.. woh naa.." her voice having a slight teasing edge, earning a sharp glare from Kaaya and a pleading look from Revaan.
"Haan beta.." Aditya softly replied adjusting his watch before looking at Shivika.
"Woh naa.." her voice was more teasing, now. But she bit back a laugh and spoke cheerfully. "Test hain aaj toh bas aap all the best bol do!!"
Aditya laughed, patting her head gently. "All the best, golu" his voice filled with warmth in it.
Kaaya and Revaan sighed in relief but their eyes widened at the scene. "Mujhe toh aaj tak itni pyaar se nahi bola" Revaan complained under his breath.
"Mujhe bhi.." Kaaya nodded, her lips forming into a pout.
Aditya suddenly turned to them, calmly asking, brows raised. "Tum dono ko kya hua?"
They both stiffed, exchanged glances, before clearing their throats. "Kya hame.. Kuch nahi" Revaan pointed at themselves, he weakly chuckled.
Kaaya joined, awkwardly laughing. "Vahi hame kya hoga.. Sab badiya hain.."
Aditya was about to reply something when Preeti appeared from the kitchen holding their lunch boxes. Her face was calm, a sweet smile on her face as she handed it to all three kids. But as she turned to Aditya, she sharply glared and kept two different lunch boxes on the table— one for her and the other for Aditya. He awkwardly shifted on his feet, watching her as she spoke, calmly. "Mathurs will be coming for dinner tonight.."
Kaaya and revaan nodded, packing their lunch boxes, when Shivika chimed, her hands almost froze, eyes sparkling. "Kaju bhii?!!"
Everyone's eyes raised at her excitement. Preeti laughed, nodding. "Haan.. aur bas kar. Kitna pareshan karti hain bechare ko."
"Hamse pucho.. Koi" Revaan sighed, rolling her eyes.
Kaaya joined. "Aur kya!!"
Aditya laughed, Shivika glared at them, rolling her eyes. She snapped, flustered. "Aap log nahi samjhoge.."
Preeti rolled her eyes in amusement, blunting out under her breath. "Haan tum teeno toh ese hi paida ho gaye na.."
Everyone choked on their air. The trio looked away immediately planning to rush out of there. Aditya scratched his neck in embarrassment, murmuring. "Jaan.. bacche hain.."
Preeti glared at him, shifting away. Her voice, sharp. "chup!! Baat mat kijiye app.. aaye bade"
All three siblings exchanged amused glances while Aditya pleaded, "jaan please—"
Preeti exclaimed in frustration. "Bola na chup!!"
Aditya froze, Shivika, Kaaya and Revaan straightened themselves at their mother's sharp tone.
"Papa kya hua?" Shivika asked in a low voice leaning towards Aditya.
"Woh—"
The bell suddenly rang, with a last glare Preeti walked to open the door. Shaarv and Ivaan were standing there to call their friends.
"Good morning aunty" Shaarv greeted warmly. Ivaan joined, his voice chimed in joy. "Namaste aunty!!"
Preeti laughed, greeting them back. " Good morning aur namaste dono ko"
Shivika leaned back slightly to peek out at the door. As always her eyes sparkled, voice, excited to see Shaarv. "Good morning, kaju!!"
Shaarv gaze met her, he pinched his nose, almost a shy act. "Good.. morning, Shivika.."
Ivaan rolled his eyes, he voiced out. "Main bhi khada hoon yaha, mujhe toh kabhi nahi bola"
Shivika passed him an unimpressed look, her voice irritated. "chal nah"
Revaan rolled his eyes, he grabbed his bag walking towards the door to Shaarv. Kaaya followed him. Shivika was about to go to the trio when Ivaan pinched her arm. "Oye tu kaha!!"
"Ohh Haan!! Kuch nahi" Shivika fumbled, looking away being flustered.
Preeti laughed, "chalo bye sabko.." her eyes found Shivika, voice slightly firm yet calm. "pareshan mat karne lagna bechare ko abb.. chup chap school Jana.."
Everyone laughed, except Shaarv who looked at her in amusement and resigned, shaking his head. Ivaan interrupted, "impossible hain ye toh"
"Exactly"
"Ye aur chup"
Kaaya and Revaan joined. Shivika looked at everyone in amusement, her expression turning hard. She crossed her arms. Her cheeks flushed and fluffed in anger. "bohut bure ho saare!!!"
Everyone looked at her in amusement, as she started walking towards the road, grumbling something under her breath. The group exchange knowing glances before following her.
..
Ashwin sighed, half impatient, half desperate. His gaze fixed on the classroom door just waiting for her to enter from there. Hands shaking, legs tapping impatiently.
"Uska wait kar raha hain" Kaavish teased, earning a glare from Ashwin.
He shrugged, rolling his eyes. " Obviously not, Shaarv aur Revaan ka wait kar raha tha.... Kuch bhi matlab.."
Lie.
A clear lie, that he didn't just speak to his friend but more to himself. It was now everyday, how desperately his heart would pound hard inside his chest— desperate to just get a glimpse of her, staring at the classroom door like a toddler getting excited for his favourite chocolate.
"Kuch bhi matlab", Kaavish mimicked, laughing. "Mast joke mara" he playfully tapped his shoulder.
"Shut up, yaar... kuch bhi assume mat kar!!!" He scolded, almost embarrassed and desperate to prove his lie.
Kaavish chuckled, he passed him a teasing smile. "Pagal lagta hoon main tujhe, tu pagalo ki tarah peeche 15 minutes se darwaze ko dekh raha— I mean tad raha hain jaise Anusha vahi se bahar aa jayegi"
Ashwin glared at him, slapping Kaavish's head. Defending himself, ears burning. "I said na I am not waiting for her.."
Kaavish rubbed his head, his eyes flickering to the project file in Ashwin's hand. His grin widened, he playfully slapped him back, a bit harder to make him realise how dumb he was being right now. "Saale, toh tu uska project leke mujra kar raha hain"
Ashwin's eyes widened in shock. His eyes looked away, hands hastily hiding the file. "None of your business!!!" He exclaimed— almost embarrassed.
"Seriously!! You still can't admit that you love Anusha" Kaavish asked in amusement.
Ashwin sighed heavily, snapping back. "Kaaya ke baare mein kuch bola kya mene!!"
His voice came out a bit loud, earning a few curious glances from everyone in the class. He looked away, Kaavish grinned, he looked at them shamelessly, blunting out— proudly. "kya bhai dekho I know ham handsome dikhte hain par iska matlab ye nahi hain ki tum saare hame ese dekhoge"
Some rolled their eyes, others looked away— awkwardly. Ashwin, clearly embarrassed, he palmed his face before apologising to everyone. "Iska woh matlab nahi tha.."
Kaavish admitted. "Mera vahi matlab tha, saal—"
Ashwin immediately palmed his mouth— embarrassed. Pleading. "Bhai please chup ho jaa befaltu ki embarrassment ho rahi hain..."
"Kya hua—"
Before Kaavish could further say anything, Kaaya's voice pierced through the classroom. She entered exclaiming in frustration. "Haan toh main karu!!! Papa ne tujhe bola tha.."
Revaan entered, arguing back sharply. "tujhe bola tha!!!"
"Esa jhaapad padega naa din main taare nazar aayenge!!" Kaaya yelled walking over to her seat behind followed by Revaan, who didn't back off. Keeping his back he went to her desk, his voice half disbelief, half frustrated. "Bada hoon main Terese, tameez se baat kar na!!!"
"Ek minute bada hain tu kutte merese!!" Kaaya shot back, glaring at him.
Kaavish and Ashwin both looked at them in amusement. Ashwin's palm on Kaavish's mouth loosened. "Inka kyu temperature high hain subah se hi" he murmured.
Kaavish straightened himself slightly, replying back in a low voice. His eyes darted between Kaaya and Revaan. "ghar pe todi rehta hoon inke jo pata ho mujhe"
"Jaise tujhe rakhege ye dono" Ashwin shot back, rolling his eyes.
"Hamari cutie rakh lega!!" Kaavish grinned, looking at Revaan.
"Haan toh tu fir bhi choti hain na baat mana kar na!!" Revaan snapped, jaw tightening.
Kaaya pushed him away slightly, she shot back. "Toh tune bada hoke kya ukhad liya, kutte"
Revaan frowned. "Tameez se baat nahi kar sakti—"
Shaarv, who just entered the class. Anusha beside him casually talking. The attendance register in his hand, witnessed it. He exhaled, immediately kept his bag near Kaavish's before stopping both the twins.
Revaan and Kaaya, both frowned watching Shaarv in between them. He pleaded. "Please dono chup ho jao ab bahar corridor tak awaz aa rahi hain... pura rasta tum teeno bhai-behen ladte hue aaye ho"
Revaan scoffed trying to get Shaarv away from there. "Meri koi galti nahi ki hain.. ye dono behene meri jaan nikal rahi hain.."
"Aur tu—" Kaaya started, when Anusha interrupted pulling her away from there. "Tum dono sahi mein twin ho yaa kisi ko kachre se uthaya hain.." her voice, amused.
Kaaya rolled her eyes, slightly pushing Anusha away before sitting on her desk, she shot back pointing at Revaan. "Isse kutte ko uthaya hoga.. ek minute pehele kya aa gya isi baat ka ghamand hain isko"
Revaan's eyes narrowed in amusement, he started. "Tujhe hi uthaya hoga tu—"
Shaarv sighed, cutting him off and pulling him down beside Kaavish and Ashwin. "Behen hain teri terrorist nahi" he lightly scolded, earning a glare from Revaan.
Kaaya, still fuming, looked around at the students who were looking at them in curiosity and amusement. "Kya!! Kam nahi hain kya kisi ko!!" everyone coughed, looked away in embarrassment and amusement.
Anusha rubbed her shoulder, trying to calm her down. "Shaant ko jaa, yaar.."
Shaarv who was now calming Revaan down— calmly explaining him, Kaavish clearly unbothered looking at both the siblings then at Shaarv, casually commenting. "maa ki mamta toh dekho, sahi hain bhai"
Shaarv's head snapped at him, before he could reply Kaaya snapped. "Atleast koi toh sensible hain, sab tumhari tarah todhi hote hain"
Kaavish looked at her in amusement, "haan special hoon hain main.. tumhari tarah todi hoon main.. nakchadi kahi ki" he proudly admitted, rubbing his head.
"aur tu!! Bhagwan Jane kaise head boy ban gya!!" Kaaya shot back.
Revaan, sighed heavily looking at them fighting, Anusha palmed her face. Shaarv sighed. Ashwin rolled his eyes at them. His eyes found Anusha, it instantly softened.
He grabbed her project, which he had prepared himself because she had to go out and was complaining how she would ever complete it on time. Ashwin noticed, he never needed to be told twice when it came to her. He remembered— even the minor things Anusha randomly blunts out.
Ashwin ignored their fight, he held the project up to Anusha. His voice— calm and soft. "Anu, ye tera project.."
Kaaya and Kaavish stopped their fight instantly. Shaarv looked at Ashwin in amusement, his eyebrows raised. Revaan grinned. Everyone looked at each other in knowing glances, their expressions turning into teasing smiles.
"Ashu, did you make it!?" Anusha asked in amusement, flipping through the file. Her eyes widened in awe.
Ashwin scratched his neck— almost a shy act. "Haan woh, you said naa.. tu nahi rahegi ghar aur project kon complete karega so.."
Anusha looked up at him, a bright smile on her face. Her grip around the file tightened. "Yaar mene ese hi bola tha... but thank you so much.."
Everyone coughed dramatically, their eyes darting between Anusha and Ashwin. They all passed Ashwin a teasing smile. He shifted under his friends teasing glances. His ears, warming up.
Anusha who was still admiring the project in awe, looked at them. She asked in amusement. "Kya hua tum sabko?"
Kaaya, Revaan and Shaarv shook their heads in an ordered manner, trying to hide their teasing smiles. The trio innocently spoke in chorus. "Kuch nahi.."
Kaavish grinned, a teasing smile on his lips. He wrapped an arm over Ashwin's shoulder, earning a tight glare from him, he tried pushing him away. But Kaavish was too stubborn, he looked at Anusha. "It's clear, Anu.." his voice— teasing.
Anusha frowned in confusion. "What's clear?"
Ashwin interrupted, trying to hide his shyness. "Yaar chalo assembly ka time ho raha hain.. ye dono head boy aur discipline incharge bekar hain" his voice hurried, trying to dismiss this topic.
Anusha scratched her head still confused while others still grinning and passing Ashwin teasing looks.
"Badtameez log!!" Ashwin muttered under his breath walking away from there.
..
On the other hand, in class 10th where everyone was casually busy on their talk, some were trying to complete their homeworks before assembly.
"Why do you always have to use contradictory statements against me?" Aina snapped at Ivaan who was arguing with her over a random solution.
Ivaan looked at her in annoyance. He was about to reply but his brows raised, voice, quiet now. "Contradictory?" He asked in half amusement, half confusion.
Aina rolled her eyes, she spoke in annoyance. "Opposite, gawar!!!!"
Ivaan nodded, he then looked back at her— irritated. He snapped. "Haan toh opposite bol na tiramisu ki aulad!!! Ye 'contradictory' kya hota hain!!"
Aina scoffed, "anpadh hain kya!!! Gawar kahi kaa!!"
"Tu hogi anpadh, chuhiya si aayi badi!!" Ivaan snapped, taking a step towards her.
"Highest hote hain mere english mein!!" Aina shot back, proudly.
"Achar daal ke kha le na fir!!!" Ivaan exclaimed.
"Aur tu iska—"
"Iss gao ki anpadh mitti nahi padh sakti teri chitthi" suddenly Shivika interrupted singing in between them.
Both Ivaan and Aina snapped their heads at her, who was now calmly sitting on the desk enjoying their fight.
"Laado!!" She encouraged them.
Aina scoffed, rolling her eyes. Ivaan looked at her in amusement before speaking in frustration. "abbe tu iss angrez ko samjha le.. kitna pakati hain!!!"
Aina's head snapped at Ivaan, she slapped his arm. "Aur tu gawar hain na!!"
Ivaan was about to reply something, when Shaarv's voice cut through the chaotic environment of the class. Everyone's head snapped at him in attention.
"Class 10th, leave your classrooms now, it's assembly time. Make a proper line before walking down to the ground" his voice— calm and formal. His eyes darted between everyone.
Shivika's eyes looked at him, almost in admiration. "Kaju.." she murmured.
Aina and Ivaan rolled their heads before she pulled Shivika up from her place who was completely blank looking at Shaarv. "Sharam kar school hain kya!!" She scolded her in a low voice before pulling her towards the line.
..
When the corridor was buzzing with students going down for assembly, somewhere in between them Tritha walked into the corridor trying to find her class on the first day of her new school.
She was rushing out in the corridor, adjusting her bag. Completely frustrated. "Itna bada school hain fir bhi kisi corner main 11th class hain.. bhak!!" She muttered under her breath.
On the other side of the corridor, Arsh walked out with his friend— Vedansh. His one arm draped over him casually walking without any tension or stress.
"..toh fir uske lag gayi mere ball se" Arsh's voice— casual, demeanor— cool.
Vedansh shrugged, rolling his eyes. He playfully hit Arsh's stomach with his elbow. "Saale lag jati uske zor se.. akal hain"
Arsh scoffed, head falling back in amusement, he met Vedansh's gaze. "Aree bola toh mene apologise kiya tha par—"
Before he could continue, someone almost hurriedly crashed into him. It was Tritha.
Arsh stumbled back, Vedansh caught him before he could touch the ground. Tritha was now on the ground. She stood up, brushing the dirt off her uniform.
Her voice, more frustrated. "Andhe ho kya!!!..." She looked up to see the guy's face, continuing in annoyance. "..dikhayi nahi deta—" her words dried in her throat as soon as their eyes met.
Arsh was completely still— blank. His gaze memorized her face. Their eyes met. Longing in them that hid behind disbelief. He didn't even blink, his gaze fixed in her eyes. Everything went still— especially for Arsh. Even after all these years, his eyes still remembered those honey-brown eyes. Tritha.
He gulped, his throat dry. He blunted out. "Tri—Tritha–" his voice, trying to hide the longing it held but somewhere it stayed almost like a habit.
Vedansh caught off guard, his eyes darting between both of them. Completely confused. He tried to shake Arsh off, whose face suddenly was drained. He wasn't even blinking and this girl, who seemed new to him, held the same expressions over his face.
"A—Arsh—" her voice almost whispered, a lump forming in her throat.
He was still— blank to even react, in that chaotic corridor, his world stood still. Blank face, portraying no emotions in them.
Just a hidden longing only they both knew that was buried beneath all these years.
________________________________________________________________________________
How was the chapter?😭😭 I hope you all liked it, do vote if you did... and share with your friends..
Follow my instagram for spoilers- [username dare mein mila tha.. no comments on that]
with love
~scribblings
Write a comment ...